RuRu: HOWDEE! I just backspaced the last chappie! WHEE! Yeah, I forgot to check something....oh well! Sorry I am a HORRIBLE updater! But summer is my relaxation time. Because well I have a whee bit of bad news. When I start school again I'm going to this school where I probably won't have a lot of free time. I'll try to update though, which will happen so DON'T WORRY!

Chichiri: Okay, get to the chapter! No da!

Disclaimer: No I do NOT own this game, and after over a hundred hours of playing it you kinda start to not want to own it....0.o

Behind the Counter

By: RuRu

Chapter 4

It's been a few more days since I received the letter. Jack said that he meant what he wrote, but I couldn't understand it. There were so many meanings to that, which could he have meant? I look down at the book I was trying to read, well not to read, but to pass the time. I didn't understand any of what was happening to me.

The more I was away from Jack the more depressed I became, but when I was around him it was like....no, it's an indescribable feeling. One you have to experience to know, the best way I can put it is the popular phrase, "A constant longing."

Nina made me lunch a few minutes ago, and after I finish here I was thinking of taking a walk. I needed to see how Celia was anyway; I haven't talked to her in so long. I finished my food and placed the dishes in the sink; letting them soak.

I grabbed my keys Galen made me and I walked outside, locking the door behind me. Its kind of a gloomy feeling seeing the Blue Bar the minute you walk out. It brings back to many painful memories, but from what I heard Nina was trying to get a lawyer. So I guess he'll be going to jail....

I shook my head and began walking towards Vesta's farm, where Marlin, Vesta, and Celia lived. Vesta was a nice, independent woman, Marlin was quiet, and confusing, and Celia was a sweetie. She always put everyone before her, and that's something that seems to be quite rare these days.

When I reached the bridge I noticed Celia had a dreamy look on her face and had just finished putting something up. I though nothing of it, it was her business after all. I walked over to the side of their old, wooden fence and smiled at Celia. She had no idea what had happened too me in the past, and I guessed that was for the best right now.

"Hi Celia! What's up?" I asked, looking around a little.

"Hmm? Nothing much really." She replied, almost giggling.

"Why so happy?" I asked, my smile widening a bit.

"No reason, it's just a beautiful day out here!" She exclaimed, leaning on the fence.

"Okay." I said, half-laughing.

She smiled brightly at me and handed me an envelope. I looked at it in confusion for a moment until she gave me an answer.

"It's a birthday card silly, remember? It's your birthday today!" Celia replied, unable to control her giggling any longer.

That's right! Today WAS my birthday! I had forgotten about it with all the events that had happened these past few weeks. I carefully opened the envelope and pulled out the light purple card.

To My Good Friend,

On today, the day that celebrates your birth, I hope you have wonderful day that's filled with smiles. Happy Birthday!

To My Wonderful Friend Muffy, Happy Birthday!

From Your Friend,

Celia

I smiled; the card had a huge sun on the cover that had an equally huge smile on his face. It was surrounded by flowers and hearts that all had party hats on. It was exactly the kind of card Celia would give someone.

She gave me a hug, and I paused for a moment....but I hugged her back. I was amazed how much better I had gotten, usually I sort of pushed away from someone....but now I didn't. That, to me, was a great accomplishment.

"Well tonight you can come over here, we'll have cake and stuff....if that's okay with you. It is okay right?" She asked, a hopeful look in her eyes.

"....Yeah, that'd be great Celia." I replied.

"Okay, see you tonight then! Bye!" She said, waving and rushing in the house.

I stood there for a few moments holding the card. It's a shame I had forgotten my own birthday, but I'm happy other people remembered. I placed the card back in the envelope and began walking back towards Nina's to put it up.

When I arrived I unlocked Nina's door and went in, placed the card on my nightstand, and went back out; again locking the door behind me. I decided to go see Jack; I hadn't talked to him since yesterday. That may not seem like a long time to some people, but for me that was an eternity.

I walked to the edge of the farm to see if he was outside. He was, but that came as no surprise to me. I waved to him and when he saw me he waved back. I walked over to the field that he was at. He was brushing out his animals and washing them.

"Hey, I'll be with you in a minute, okay?" He said, giving me a small smile.

"Oh! No! Take your time; I'm not in a hurry at all. In fact if you want I can come back." I said, putting my hands behind my back.

He chuckled, "Calm down, I'm finishing up anyway."

I could feel my cheeks burning slightly and I turned towards some of his other animals. I walked over to one, and leaned over the fence to pet it. I couldn't quite reach them though, it's a little sad that I'm this short.

"Need some help?" He said, still chuckling and walking over to me.

"A bit." I replied.

He took his gloves off and put them in his pocket.

"So I don't get your dress dirty." He said, placing his hands firmly on my waist.

I blushed furiously at this action, but he gently pulled me up over the fence and set me down carefully. I had held onto his shoulders though, but I released them once I felt the ground. I thanked him and walked over to one of his cows. I was pretty sure it was a female, but I couldn't really tell.

I petted her gently on the back, and she let out some sort of noise. She twisted her head and let out the noise again. I stumbled away from her, unaware of what she was going to do. Jack laughed at my nervous reaction and smiled.

"She's just thanking you." He said, still laughing a little.

I loved his laugh....I could never get tired of hearing it....

"You okay now?" He asked, putting his gloves back on.

"Yeah, I'm fine." I replied, in a slightly dreamy voice.

He finished with his animals and chickens, than invited me inside for lunch. Since I had already had lunch I sadly declined, but went with him anyway. He fixed himself a sandwich and soup, while I sat on his bed waiting for him to finish.

Him and I talked about the city and how things were. We never seemed to get bored with our conversations, or tired of talking with each other. He washed his dishes and put them away, while I looked at around. He didn't have much really, a record player that was turned off, a bed, a table, a SMALL kitchen, a calendar, and a bookshelf. More then I had at the moment, but that was okay....

"So, you seem happier then usual." He said, sitting on his bed.

"Me? Well Celia reminded me it was my birthday." I said, a little embarrassed.

"You forgot your own birthday?" He asked, a little confused.

I bowed my head, "Can you blame me?"

He was silent for a few minutes'....as usual. I turned away from him, facing the wall where his calendar hung. I closed my eyes and tried to control my tears. Then I felt to arms wrap around me tightly.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that." Jack said in my ear.

I was a little confused as to why he held me for a while. Was he guilty or something? What was there to be guilty about anyway? He made an honest mistake, nothing more....or did this hug mean more then that?

He released me during my moments of deep and thought; then turned me to face him. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a shell.

A shell?

"It's probably a crappy present, but this was from the day we met," He said placing it in my hands; then covering my hands with his own, "and....every time I see this I think about you, and that can't happen."

What? What did he mean? Did he not want to think about me....was I that bad of a friend...?

He sighed and stood up, scratching the back of his head.

"Look I have to get ready, so I'll see you tonight okay?" He said, uneasily.

I bowed my head sadly and then after a few moments got up and walked towards the door. I could sense he was stressed, it was written all over his face. I could feel my heart beat slowing down.

"Okay, tonight then." I replied sadly, opening the old wooden door.

With that I walked through the doorway and securely shut it behind me. I could tell he was sorry for what he had said, but I still didn't understand what he meant. Was I that bad to be around....maybe I should just forget about it and move on....maybe....

I shook my head, this was no time to be depressed; I had a party to go too tonight, and this wasn't going to ruin my day. For all I know he could have meant something else, and I wasn't going to take a chance and mess everything up.

A few hours had passed since I had paid a visit too Jack, and I had come "Home" and gotten ready. I fixed my curly hair to be even curlier and I changed out of my dress into a longer, baby blue dress that was short sleeved. It was a little low cut, but just above where you would normally see cleavage. (I know it surprises me too! And I wrote it!)

I pulled my hair up into a ponytail and let it hang down to a little past my shoulders. Nina said I looked beautiful and Galen just gave me a "humph", his way of showing approval. I was just about to make my way towards Celia's when a knock was heard at the door.

I cautiously opened the door to see Jack standing there. He had a depressed face and looked like he had lost his best friend.

"Hi Jack....are you okay?" I asked him, confused by his expressions.

He took a deep breath and started saying stuff about the letter and what he meant. I finally just flat out told him to tell me what he was trying to tell me.

"What I meant to say in the letter was...."

What WAS he trying to say?

"Not only will I be there for you....but I want to stay by your side."

I stepped back after hearing this, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Was he trying to say he wanted to stay with me? I shook my head and smiled, and he gave me a faint smile as well in return for mine.

"Thank you." Was all I could say.

"May I walk you there?" He asked, smiling faintly still.

I blushed slightly and nodded, then shut the door and took my place beside him. We didn't talk much on the way there, but I could tell that the silence meant us no harm.

When we arrived Celia threw her arms around me and started talking 40 MPH about everyone who had shown up and what we were to do at the party. I was surprised how many people showed up, but one person showed up that I hadn't bet on.

Griffin.

I hid behind Jack and Celia looked at me with a confused look. Jack just glared at Griffin and took me out from behind him. He put me beside Celia who stood beside Jack confused. I didn't know why Jack had placed me there, but I didn't complain; just stood my distance from Griffin.

All he did was have an evil smile on his face for most of the time. Celia kept coming up with all these things for the guests to do, and all the guests seemed happy with it.

Guest List:

The two firework brothers

Lumina

Romania

Jack

Celia

Nami was supposed to show, but didn't have time

Rock of course

Tim and Ruby

Finally Flora and the archeologist

Jack and Celia disappeared in the kitchen for a moment to get the cake and said they'd be back momentarily.

"So Muffy, how old are you today?" Tim asked me.

"19." I replied, giggling.

I made sure to keep my distance from Griffin, but he always seemed to be right beside me with Jack out of the room. I decided to go help them in the kitchen AND escape Griffin at the same time. I entered the house and my jaw dropped.

Celia and Jack where leaned up against the wall making out right in front of me.

There I felt my whole world begin to shatter, the fragile line between happiness and pure misery had officially been crossed again. I don't even think they knew I was there, and for what I felt right now I could care less. I exited the house; I could tell I was crying. Then I ran past all the guests and continued running into town.

HOW COULD SHE DO THAT TO ME?! HOW COULD JACK LIE LIKE THAT!? I thought that they were two people who truly cared about me! But again I was proven wrong. Why can't I just forget about friends and love, because I was right from the start! Love isn't real, it's just a figment of people's wild imaginations. They think that that's what their feeling when it's just all lies meant to hurt you.

I could barely see through my tears, and the fact that it was pitch black outside didn't help. I couldn't run to Nina's; my tears would cause too much of a commotion, so I just ran towards the beach. When I reached it I fell to my knees and continued to cry.

That was it, no more caring or love. I was tired of the pain, and I know what pain is. It's not the 99% made up in human's minds. (which is true! 99% of pain is our imagination!)

No, this was true pain, the kind of pain that surpasses hurt. It goes straight into your soul and breaks it, not cracks, but it just shatters it beyond repair. The kind of pain that hurts more then anything else, but at the same time you feel nothing at all.

True and utter heartbreak.

It doesn't effect your heart, it effects you as a whole. Many girls think they cry a few tears and they know how it feels to lose someone. That's not heartbreak, that's just a mild case of sadness.

This is what heartbreak is, losing someone you know you can't live without and knowing that the emotion they shared wasn't true. The fact that you want to hate them and can't.

That's what heartbreak is.

I had my head in my hands and I was bent over almost touching my knees. I couldn't stop crying, the tears wouldn't stop; I couldn't make them.

"Hello Muffy, long time no see, aye?" A familiar voice hissed from behind me.

My eyes went huge, I thought he was still at the party. He came over to sit down beside me and I tried my best to scoot away, but he grabbed my arm.

"Now, now Muffy. We wouldn't want people to worry about you would we?" He said, snickering evilly.

"Griffin let me go!" I ordered, tears still streaming down my face.

"Now why would I do that?" He asked, making me stand up and dragging me away from the beach.

I tried my very hardest to scream and struggle free, but he covered my mouth and his strength surpassed mine greatly. I knew what was about happen I tried to bite his hand, but he had positioned it in a way to where I couldn't.

I was dragged towards the bar yet again and the whole time I was praying to be spotted, or that Jack would keep his promise and protect me.

I knew that was in vain I all I could do was try and fight the inevitable yet again.

END CHAPTER 4
RuRu: Yesh we all know what about to happen. : (

Chichiri: Poor Muffy again! No da!

RuRu: I know, but this time there will be no preview. I hope to see you in the next chappie!

Cheers to the fans of Harvest Moon. PEACE!