Disclaimer: I do not own Natsume or Harvest Moon!

Chapter 7 The Truth

The next day I went shopping for supplies and a new coffee machine because mine had broke down earlier. My hands where full as I walked onto the gravel street out side of Rick's. as I walked toward the ally I heard a street fight going on. Wondering who the fight was between I softly peered around the corner. I found the gangsters beating up on Jack again but this time Jack fought back. I gently set down my bags and walked towards the fight.

"Hey freaks three against one isn't that fair!" I hollered.

"Ah yes the hotty, let's get er'," John said releasing Jack.

I sprinted past them and got out of their sight I hid behind the trash can closest to me. After they ran past I ran back to the ally to find Jack brushing himself off. I walked in front of him. Slowly he looked up with a smile.

"You sure have the knack of getting in trouble," he said with grin.

"Funny I was just going to say the same thing about you.... Why are you here anyway?" I asked.

"I was going to Rick's and they pulled me in!" Jack growled.

I frowned and shook my head. "Ok but still run don't fight you don't know them." Then I told him what happened to my hands.

"They don't seem so tough to you." Jack smiled.

I glared at Jack then shoved him down. Quietly I picked up my bags and walked away. As I turned the corner I heard Jack running behind me.

"Karen, hold up!"

Slowly she stopped and turned around.

When he finally caught up he was panting like a dog.

"Uh.. Karen would you like to... to... hang out sometime," Jack panted.

Karen realized it was a date. Though no matter how hard she tried she couldn't say yes. Fear overwhelmed her, what would Kai think! She turned around and while running she screamed, "I can't! I can't"

She ran to Ann's house panting. Ann let her in and let Karen tell the story.

"Why didn't you say yes since you really want to?," Ann asked.

Karen flinched and looked Ann in the eye. Tears flooded from her eyes.

"The truth is though Kai is a jerk... I love him!"

Ann gasped and hesitated to speak.

"I thought you loved, Jack," Ann finally replied.

Karen dug her face into arms as she lay on the bed.

"I do love him I do but I'm so confused!," I yelled into the pillow.

Ann never found another word to say so she got up and rubbed Karen's back soothingly. Slowly but surely Karen calmed down. Rubbing her eyes she sat up.

"Karen, go talk to Jack tell him what you told me," Ann said.

Though I was scared I nodded. It was true it would be better if I told him. Slow I got to my feet and walked out, headed straight to Jack's house.