CHAPTER THREE

     Today was Kyo's big day. He woke up and ran to the bathroom, feeling very nauseous. He couldn't handle stress well. Asking Mary to marry him gave him a lot of stress.

*~* My View *~*

     I couldn't eat breakfast that morning. I could hardly stand that morning. I had never been this nervous. I got dressed in some nice clothes, grabbed the feather, gathered my thoughts, and headed to Mary's house.

     I stood in front of her house and took a deep breath. Then I checked the time and noticed that it was about ten minutes after ten. She would probably be in the library. I went to open the library door, when I noticed a note posted there.

     "Sorry, the library is closed at the moment. I'll probably only be gone for a couple of minutes. Hope no one minds! ~ Mary."

     Great, I was all prepared. This is just gonna throw me off…Now, where could she be.

     I checked the house. Mary's parents told me they didn't know where she was. They had thought she was still at the library. So I walked all around town checking Elli's house, the Mayor's house, the supermarket, and so on. I just could find her. Finally I walked into the Town Square, and just stopped to think. That's when I spotted her. She was standing on the beach by the water, next to Gray. I approached them with caution, but stopped at a good distance. I can remember what took place next clear as day. Gray took Mary's hands in his and looked her in the eyes…

     Wait…

     Gray pulled out a blue feather and held it in front of Mary.

     But I…

     Mary looked him right back. I couldn't hear if she said anything, but I saw her nod.

     No…

     Mary finally saw me. She watched me as I dropped the feather I was holding, and realized why I was there. That's when I began to walk away.

     I started heading from the Square toward Mother's Hill. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't even think. I couldn't even figure out how I felt. I was just confused. As I passed by my farm, Galahad saw me and caught up to me. He followed me up to the top of the hill. It was nice to have the dog with me.

     I must have been sitting on that hill for over an hour. I just sat looking at the view, thinking as I pet Galahad. I heard footsteps approach me from behind. Please, oh please, don't let it be Mary was my only thought then. I couldn't see her again so soon. I turned around to find Ann.

     "Kyo, what're you doing up here. When I didn't find you at the farm, I looked all over the town. I got kinda worried." She said to me with a concerned look on her face.

     I chuckled a little. I tended to do that in tough situations. "Sorry to worry you, Ann. I came up here to relax. Um…Mary and Gray…they're getting…they're getting married."

     Ann winced and sat down next to me. "Geez, I'm sorry." She paused. "I don't know what to say. I'm really sorry." She finished as she started to pet Galahad.

     We sat in silence for a while just looking at the view. I didn't mind the silence though. I needed to just think, and it was nice to have Ann by my side. Finally, Ann spoke again.

     "Well, don't let it get to you Kyo. I know you really liked her, but you're a great guy. You'll find someone else, no problem. Anyway, I'd better go back home. Dad's going to be wondering where I am. If you ever need someone to talk to, you know I'll be here for you." She reassured me as she got up to leave.

     "Thanks Ann. I'll see you later. I probably won't be at the bar tonight though." I replied as I glanced up at her to see her leaving. After another few minutes I had another visitor. Gray sat next to me.

     "Hey Kyo, I know that at this point you probably hate me. I can't blame you. But you have to understand, Mary wasn't yours to begin with. Anyway, I know you probably don't want to even see me right now, so I'll be going. I just hope you don't hold grudges. If you ever decide to forgive me, please talk to me. I'd like to know whether I have enemies or not. Well, see you around." he said, and with that he left.

     I hated Gray. Not because he stole Mary. I really wanted to be angry at him right now, but it was really hard when what he said made so much sense. That's why I hated him. I'd get over it though.

     Eventually, I came down from Mother's Hill. I went back home, took care of some chores, and went inside to rest. It was time for some music. Music was my way of escaping the cruelty of reality. I turned on some Queensryche, my favorite band, and sat back. With the music blasting as loud as it was, I hardly heard the knock at the door. It was, you guessed it, Mary.

     She came in and we talked for a while. As much as I had dreaded having to talk to Mary after the incident earlier today, it really helped me out. Apparently, Mary hadn't thought of me as a hopeful husband. So even if Gray hadn't proposed, she would have turned me down.

     It had been a long day, and I was left lying in bed. I went to bed happy that night. That's right, I was happy. I hadn't had a chance with Mary to begin with, so who cared if Gray had her now. They'd make a good couple. Besides, the days events had brought Ann and me closer. Heck, maybe there was possibility there. Maybe whoever it is that's in charge of this crazy world had planned all this out. I'll just ride it out and see where it goes…