Slipping Away
A/N: I'm back to writing fanficts for Harvest Moon. It will have somewhat a twist at the end. Alternate endings in fact. I hope you enjoy this. And yes, in this story, Harris is not too old, only a few years older than Ann and the others. Hope i get at least 5 reviews... so please review
(Sorry if the prologue is so short.. didn't want to bore anyone)
Prologue, A Happy Beginning
"Come on Harris, at this rate, we'll never make it to the top of Mother's Hill in time to see the sun rise!" The girl with orange hair tied back into pigtails who wore overalls shouted at her boyfriend."Ann, we will make it in time. It's not even four o'clock yet!" The dark haired man in a blue shirt and jeans replied, panting and whipping the dripping sweat off his face, "Will you please wait up." He watched her quickly skipped up the trail.
The two followed a dirt path that led to a wooden bridge. It was built over a river that flowed from the ocean, across the three farms, and eventually, to Mother Hill's Lake.
The couple walked past a field full of pink wild flowers and some more trees. After about twenty minutes or so of a hike, they were right at the top of the mountain.
From the top looking north, you could see a forest so green and alive. On the east side, you could see the whole town beneath you very feet. There was the church, town square, the three farms, the Inn, and the wonderful attraction of the summer, Mineral Beach. West of the mountain laid another forest, and then the ocean. South of the mountain was Mother's Hill. It was so warming just to look at the beautiful island of Mineral Town.
"The sun is going to rise soon. I guess we made it here on time!" The sixteen year old teenager held her boyfriends hand and said. Even though they were five years apart, they liked each other a lot. Actually, they dated up till that point for two years already.
"We sure did. Look how stunning this is. The sunrise is almost as stunning as you... actually less stunning than you Ann. To me, you are the best thing that ever happened to this island. I love you Ann," he held her tight and gave her a kiss on her forehead.
"Oh Harris, you are such a sweetheart. I love you dearly too." Ann replied and gave him a peck on the cheek, "The sunrise is so beautiful...makes me think of the times when I was a kid. I used to ride on cows and play at Old Jake's farm with this boy! We would play hide and seek on Mother's Hill. Once, Jake took us up to Mother's Hill to watch the sunset with him."
"I don't think that was me. Probably some dork like Rick or Gray. Damn it Ann, it doesn't matter now does it? It's about you and me now. Not you and some lingering memories of the past with a small boy who you don't recall."
The couple continued to watch the sunrise together. The two were quite the perfect couple. They visited each other everyday and showered each other with gifts. Young love, so sweet and innocent, yet bitter at times.- (Four Years Later) -"Dad, I brought back some flowers to put in the vases. I think they're called Toy Flower or something. Elli picked it out for me on Mother's Hill." Ann smiled as she dropped the basket of flowers onto the counter of the Inn, "Do you think the new guy will like the meal we make for him?"
"I hope so, and want him to!" Doug replied warmly, "Besides, he should at least be gracious about the whole idea of a free meal."
"Yes father, I know what you mean. I'll put these flowers in the vases and start cooking!" The young adult picked up a few flowers and put them in each of the vases on the tables, "They do look wonderful and smell wonderful. I personally don't really like flowers but I think they add flavor to the Inn. Do you think so dad?"
"I think it looks lovely. Jack better like it or else I'll have to slip poison in his food," Doug joked and poked his daughter, "Let's poison his wine."
"Father, that's not funny. It sounds mean too. I better start cooking!" Ann lifted the basket and entered the kitchen located at the back of the first floor of the Inn.--"So that's Mineral Town captain?" A young man, about the age of 22 asked, "It sure looks like what it did ten years ago."
"Indeed it is. I hope you'll get used to the life of farming. You are a city boy you know. Your parents must be very proud of you." The sea captain answered as he continued to steer.
"Not really... I don't think they want me to spend my life on a farm but it's the only way. I dropped out of college because I lost interest in school. It's a good brand new start for me."
"I hope it will be. The people there are really friendly. I stopped by at the island for their Horse Race. It was quite fun because I earned a fortune there. Not to mention a new necklace for my wife back home." "I hope the villagers like me. If they don't, I'll have a miserable life for sure. I am not going to back out like I did with college."
"That's the spirit; I think the mayor is at the docks to greet you." The sea captain parked the boat and tied the rope connected to the rope to a ledge on the beach. Then he lifted Jack's luggage and descend the steps to greet the mayor.
"Hello Mayor Thomas, long time no see!" The captain shook his hand, dropping the luggage beside him, "Jack is right over there."
"Hello John and welcome back to Mineral Town Jack. I will be taking you to your farm right now. So let's get going, before dark now!"
"See you Captain," Jack shook John's hand.
"I'll visit you some time to see how you're doing."
"Thank you for everything."
"Don't mention it." The captain untied the rope and sailed away back to the main coasts.
"Well this is my new beginning... let's hope nothing goes wrong."
Phew that was the end of the first chapter.... prologue rather. Tell me what you think. Ideas are needed. And Thanks much for reading this.