The Worst Day of My Life
Author's Note: Ok, here goes!! Thank you so much for y'all's kind reviews!! Without them, I probably would have quit this story a long time ago. Thank you!! =]
~oOoOoOo~
Before the end of that Spring, my cousin met Pappy, and before long, they discovered something big. Both of them were Christians! Cliff made sure to stop by Pappy's farm at least three times a week. Together they had their little "Bible studies" and "discussions." The two of them pleaded with Ann, Gray, and I to come, to learn about "God" and "Jesus" and "salvation." Of course, Ann and Gray immediately declined, being part of such a religious, goddess-worshipping household. I contemplated for weeks whether I should go or not. That is, until one day, Dad caught me talking with Cliff about attending. He prohibitted me from going. . .ever.
I was sure that Spring 23 would be the best day of my life, and it was for a very long time. Gray ended up asking me to go with him, and we went steady after that. I was certain that Gray and I were meant to be. I began to obsess over bridal magazines, marriage talk shows, and learning how to cook. After all, I was nearing the average age of marriage in my village: 17. Only a couple more years, and my father would be pressuring me into dates and dances, festivals and parties. I decided to beat him to the punch and go out with Gray until he gave me the blue feather.
Before I knew it, it was summer, my favorite time of year. The season passed way too quickly for my liking, but I couldn't deny all the fun I had with Cliff and Ann and Gray. In fact, at the Firefly Festival, Gray did something I'd been waiting for for weeks. . .
~oOo~
*Summer 17, 8:00 PM*
A light breeze made my soft brown hair sway to the side and brush against Gray's shoulder blades. The sky was dark, dark blue, starless and void. Tiny lights slowly made their way out to sea, riding the gentle waves gracefully in the night.
The village people started to flock silently away from the beach, back to the cool of their home. But Gray and I didn't move from our place, sitting almost motionlessly on the edge of the dock. The humid summer air enveloped our bodies like a big, soft blanket. I was snuggled up close to Gray, my head on his shoulder, our fingers entwined.
I looked up at him, moving my head ever so slowly, until the both of us were lost in each other's eyes. Before I knew it, my lips were millimeters from his. Gray moved even nearer, until his lips pressed gently against mine. The kiss lasted a few more seconds, until we parted, smiling softly at each other. And without a word, for it would break the perfect, pure silence, he walked me home with his hand around mine.
~oOo~
After that, everything was perfect.
Gray and Cliff both entered the Sea Festival on the 24th. Even though neither of them brought home the Invincible Katori (heaven knows what that is), the two of them had a blast finishing in second and third place.
Then suddenly, it was Autumn. All the grass in the village slowly died, browning dully without Summer's gratifying sunlight. The trees gradually lost their magnificent green, as their leaves turned red, orange, and yellow, tinting the village golden brown. All of the sudden, everything was dull and boring again, as school started back up, and I found myself in tenth grade.
I attended the Cow Festival to see Ann's very own cow take first and Pappy's take second. The Harvest Festival came, much to my delight, and this year, I had a date! Gray escorted me to the square, where we danced and ate and laughed heartily. Then something wonderful happened just before they announced the King. To Ann's surprise, her long-time crush and almost boyfriend Kai asked her to go steady! Now everything was even more perfect.
~oOo~
"Woo-hoo!! Way to go, Pappy!!" I shouted with all the other villagers as my favorite farmer took the 500 Piece prize at the Egg Festival. Ann stood laughing and cheering on my left, with Kai at her side, Gray applauding loudly on my right. Cliff was slightly behind me, clapping cheerily.
"He needed that wood," Ann explained to Kai and me. "Almost all his fenceposts are broken!! All the cows and sheep kept getting loose and eating his crops!!"
I grinned; it was just like Ann to get excited about Pappy's animals. "Well, Kai and Cliff and I better go," I said, throwing a quick glance at the boys. "Dad wants us to help barrel up the grapes."
Kai sighed disappointedly. "Don't worry about it," Ann said reassuringly. "I think our Dad wants us home to put the cows away. You know Dad: every Egg Festival he 'hurts his back!'"
We laughed. Kai and Ann pecked each other on the cheek, and I gave Gray a quick kiss goodbye. Before we left, I heard Duke (the bartender) inviting Pappy to the bar for a big celebration party. I rolled my eyes; since when was the Egg Festival such a big deal?
After exiting the village, I spotted Bear, Pappy's dog, running around the crossroads. "Hey, Bear!" I called. The old dog wagged his tail excitedly and began to waddle in my direction. The pup was so chubby, he could barely run! I laughed, "Whatcha doin' out here, boy?"
Bear was doing his best to jump up and down in excitement. "Yeah, shouldn't you be back at the farm?" Kai added, kneeling down beside me to rub the little dog's ears.
I looked at Kai. "Well, Pappy is going to the bar tonight for a party, and probably won't be home 'til late. We'll take Bear home."
Kai smiled and nodded, snapping his fingers as a signal for Bear to follow. Cliff suddenly said he wanted to head out to the mountain for a walk. "Okay," we said, and away Cliff went.
As we walked, Kai asked me, "So, you and Gray are pretty serious, huh?"
I smiled. "Yeah. And not a minute too soon. I'll be seventeen in less than two years."
Kai nodded. "Less than one year for me. But I guess I would have to wait another year for Ann."
"Yup," I said. "Doug'll wait until the very last second to marry his children off."
"Gray is already seventeen, isn't he?"
"Will be in a couple of weeks." We were now at the entrance to the vineyard. I quickly put Bear away in the wine cellar and gave him some water and food.
With that done, Kai and I headed out to the vineyard's tree grove, grabbed a couple of barrels and started picking. "So what about you and Ann?" I asked. When Kai looked at me quizzically, I continued. "Is she 'the one?'"
My working partner blushed and fought a bashful smile.
"Ooooh!" I teased when he didn't answer.
He threw a bunch of grapes at me playfully, and I put them in my barrel. "I like her a lot," Kai finally said. "A whole lot."
"Good." I reached up to pick another bunch of the purple grapes. "I'm glad."
~oOo~
That was the night I got attached to Bear. I sat in the wine cellar with Kai, playing with the chubby little ball of brown fur. His ears were still a little too long for his short, fat body, his paws a little too small for his round, stubby legs. It was hard not to giggle at his comical appearance and behavior. But I loved that dog to death.
After a while, Kai and I decided to leave a note on Pappy's door explaining where Bear was. However, when we got there, we found him already at home. "Pappy!" I said, in mid-hug. "We weren't expecting you to be here. Thought you were at that big party."
"Oh, I went, but things got a little out of hand. Little bit of a bar fight." Pappy's face grew unusually solumn.
I winced. "Who was it?" Kai asked.
"Don't worry, kids. It wasn't Gotz, or Mr. Green."
Both of us let out a sigh of relief. Thankfully, Pappy changed the subject. "Well, thank you, kids, for grabbin' Bear off the crossroads. He must've squeezed right through the fenceposts! Another reason I need all that lumber."
We laughed. "No problem, Pappy," I said. "We had fun with him."
"Well, that's good," Pappy responded.
"Good-bye!"
"Bye, bye!"
~oOo~
A week later, it was the day of the local horse race. I sprinted hurriedly with Kai to the Green Ranch. Cliff had gone ahead to the square with my mom to help set up.
"Gray!" I shouted, my voice echoing through the property. My boyfriend was standing outside his house with Ann beside him. I ran into his arms. "Gray, are you ready?" I asked, my voice loud and excited.
"A bit nervous," he admitted. He returned my embrace, however, and pecked my cheek. "Let's go!" he said, and we all began to trot towards the village and into the square.
When we neared the betting table, I squeezed Gray's hand reassuringly. "You can do it," I said, pressing my lips gently against his. "Good luck!" And I pushed him in the direction of the door.
Kai looked at me and raised his eyebrows. "You love him, don't you?" he said aloud.
I blushed dark pink, embaressed that he'd asked so loudly. "Yes, as a matter of fact, I do."
Ann giggled cheerily. "Can I be the maid of honor?" she teased.
"Shut up, Ann!" I hit her arm playfully.
"I didn't know you two were that serious." Cliff's voice startled me from behind.
I turned around to face him. "Well, now you do." I decided to change the subject; it felt odd getting so much attention. "Hey, Mrs. Anna!" I called to the mayor's wife. "I'd like to bet 100G on Cliffguard!"
"That's a very smart choice, Miss Mundell!" said Anna cheerfully. "I'll mark it down. Thank you!"
I smiled. Everyone was always so happy at the horse or dog races. That was part of the reason I even attended. But this year. . .This year I was going for Gray.
Ann, Cliff, and Kai also placed bets on Cliffguard, and the four of us hurriedly followed the crowd into the "stadium." Pushing past multiple villagers, we scurried down to the very bottom of the bleachers and stood leaning against the metal railing. That was as close as anyone was allowed to get to the racetrack, except of course the racers and people who organized this type of festival.
Within minutes, it seemed the entire village had found a spot on the bleachers or along the railing. Suddenly, the mayor's voice erupted from the speakers very loudly. "Greetings, everyone! Welcome to Flower Bud Village's Biannual Horse Race!" Everyone cheered and applauded noisily. "In our first race, the competitors are: . . ." The mayor proceeded to list off the first five racers, and then: ". . .and last, but not least: Gray Green riding Cliffguard from the Green Ranch!"
The four of us screamed and shouted and cheered boisterously with many of the other villagers.
"Take your places, racers!" the mayor commanded excitedly. "On your marks!"
My heart skipped a beat, then pounded three times too many.
"Get set!"
I felt Ann's breath almost halt as we squeezed each other tight. My stomach did a flip, but my eyes never left the track. I said a quick mental prayer to the goddess just as a loud whistle resounded throughout the stadium.
I saw Cliffguard bolt foward with all the other horses. Gray looked so powerful and majestic on the horse's back, with his black helmet gleaming in light of the sun, his white jockey's pants reflecting the brilliant rays.
"Oh, my goddess!" someone screamed, drawing my attention to the pony next to Cliffguard. It had spooked or something, and was now bucking and rearing madly. Cliffguard freaked out, rearing back. To our horror, Gray was thrown off Cliff's back.
"GRAY!" Ann and I screeched together.
"Oh, God!" Cliff murmured, not in vain, as he dropped to his knees.
But I was too concerned with Gray to notice much of Cliff's action. "GRAY!" I screamed again.
Suddenly, the horse to the right of Cliffguard bucked its own rider off, afterwards losing its balance. As it teetered, I shrieked in terror. I swear Ann's heartbeat ceased completely. Tears stung my eyes and burned all the way down my face. In a split second, the horse collapsed right down on Gray's legs.
"GRAY! GRAY! GRAY!" I screamed, over and over. "Oh, goddess, someone help him!" I felt Ann go completely limp in my arms. She had passed out. "Oh, goddess. . ." I repeated. My head felt light, like a helium balloon about to float away. I saw black blobs everywhere.
Then everything went deathly dark. "G r a y. . ." I murmured slowly. I felt my body hit the ground, and I lost all consciousness.
~oOo~
I awoke with a jolt. "GRAY!" I shrieked. I was lying on a bleacher. I saw Cliff's face above mine. "Oh, goddess, Cliff, where is GRAY?!"
"Oh, Karen, thank God you're awake!" Cliff nudged something white behind him. Focusing my eyes, I realized it was Kai in his sparkling white shirt.
"Cliff, answer my question! Where is GRAY?!" I screeched. My legs felt like Jell-O. My whole body felt like Jell-O.
"They took him away on a stretcher," Cliff said, smoothing out my hair, rubbing a hand against my face. "It's going to be okay, Karen."
"Oh, my goddess," I repeated for about the millionth time. Cliff's comforting hand helped to calm me down. "Where's Ann?" I asked, lowering my voice. I looked around to see that none of the villagers had really left the stadium yet.
"She right here, Karen," I heard Kai's voice say.
"Is she alright?" I inquired, sitting up.
"Hold on," Kai said. "I think she's waking up." There was a brief silence. "Ann," he said. "Ann."
"Kai," Ann's voice muttered. "Oh, Kai! Is Gray okay? Oh, goddess, Kai! That horse fell right on top of him! Is Gray okay? Kai!"
"Ann, slow down," Kai said, his voice unexpectedly calm and reassuring. "It's okay. Cliff and I saw him being taken away on a stretcher."
I spoke to Cliff, my voice low and soft. "My legs are like Jell-O, Cliff. But I need to see Gray. Help me up."
"Karen, you really shouldn't get u-"
"Cliff, help me up!" I said in a more commanding voice.
He sighed and wrapped his thick arm around my shoulders, lifting me to my feet. I took a step and felt much better. Suddenly, I was sprinting out of the stadium. I heard Cliff hollering after me, and then his footsteps following me. I ran as fast as I could through the square, down the steps, and to the Potion Shop Dealer.
I burst through the door, only to have the mayor's wife shove me back out. But not before I saw the potion shop dealer and the midwife standing over Gray's pale body. "Goddess, Anna! Let me in! He needs me!"
I heard a muffled voice inside say, "Let her in." It was the midwife. "That's his girlfriend."
I thanked the goddess for the midwife and threw the door open. I rushed to Gray's side. "Oh, Gray!" I whispered, grasping his hand with mine. His pale face was wrinkled up in what must have been unbearable pain. "Oh, goddess, is he paralyzed?" I asked the potion shop dealer.
"No, thank the goddess," he said.
I let out a breath of relief, literally thanking the goddess.
"However, both the legs are broken, and his hip is cracked pretty badly," he continued as he quickly, carefully wrapped Gray's legs with cloth.
I was silent, never taking my eyes away from Gray's.
The midwife piped up. "He'll be bedridden for a couple seasons, then in a wheelchair for a long while. I've seen worse," she said. "The legs will heal quicker than you think, Hector," she added, talking to the potion shop dealer. "It's the hip that will take a while."
"Whatever you say, Anella," Hector said. "This is such a miracle!" he added, to my surprise.
"A miracle?" I spoke up finally. "How can you say that?"
"Well, the way he fell, the neck could've easily broken, killing him instantly. But, miraculously, there's no breakage anywhere above his waist. He didn't even get a concussion."
"Oh," I said.
It was then that Ann and her father burst through the door, nearly breaking it off its hinges. I saw Kai and Cliff through the doorway, knowing they wouldn't be allowed to come in.
Anna explained everything to Doug and Ann while Hector and Anella continued to wrap Gray's legs.
In the midst of the explaining, there was a rapping noise on the door. "Karen," a voice said. I immediately recognized it as Pappy. "Come on out, Karen, I'll take you home."
I reluctantly gave Gray's hand one last squeeze before walking out the door. I didn't want to leave, but I knew that it would be easier for everybody. I felt sorry for Ann; it had to be a lot worse for her and Doug.
I wiped hot tears off my cheeks, to no avail. I couldn't calm the stream; all I could do was bury my face in Pappy's shirt when he embraced me. "It'll be alright, sweetheart," he said consolingly. "I'm sure Gray will be fine."
Cliff and Kai also came along to Pappy's house. I thought everything would be all right when we got there, but I couldn't have been more wrong.
When we walked into the house, I had every intention of collapsing onto the couch and letting the leftover tears run into a big pillow. However, I found Bear sleeping soundly on the cushion. This was even better than my prior intention. I reached my hand out to stroke his soft brown fur, but when I made contact, his skin was not warm or comforting like it had been before. It was cold. . .cold and limp. I put my hand on his stomach and felt no heaving breaths.
"Oh, goddess!" I cried out. "Bear died!" I let myself fall back onto the hardwood floor and burst into tears. "Oh, goddess, why is this happening?" I muttered.
Pappy rushed to my side and felt Bear's cold skin. I saw tears in his eyes when he looked at me again. "Oh, Karen. The goddess controls nothing."
"But Bear died, Pappy! Bear died!" I repeated, more tears appearing all over my face with each word. I spread my arms out on the wood floor and just let my chest heave up and down as I sobbed uncontrollably. In between bursts of air from my lungs, I heard Cliff and Kai sniffling, probably holding back their own tears.
I rolled over so that my forehead pressed hard against the wood. But Pappy lifted me off the ground and took me in his arms. I sobbed into his shoulder, my cries muffled by his shirt. "Oh, goddess. . ."
~oOo~
I stayed at Pappy's house with Cliff and Kai for hours. We buried Bear out by the well and had a little funeral. All of us said a little something about Bear and tossed five pink rose petals onto his grave. It seems kind of silly, but it was uncanny how much we all loved that little dog. It made me feel better to think that Bear had just been old, and that he'd had a much longer life than most dogs of his kind were supposed to. Bear had lived for almost ten years.
After the funeral, Kai, Cliff, and I went inside to watch TV, and Pappy stayed outside making some kind of gravestone. Television didn't help much to make me feel better, but at least it distracted me for a little while. Cliff and Kai did a good job of keeping me from crying again, too.
Hours passed, and after what seemed like forever, Ann came by the farm. We had decided not to tell her about Bear's death, yet. She didn't need that then. She came by to tell me that Gray wanted to see me. I walked slowly to the Green Ranch with Ann. I had a horrible headache from passing out and crying so much, but I wanted more than anything right then to see Gray.
Ann opened the door to Gray's room for me. I stepped inside, terrified of what Gray might look like.
He was lying on his bed with the TV on. He turned it off when he saw me come in. He had two bulky blue casts on his legs and a puffy pillow under his left hip. His eyes were puffy and red from crying, his hair messy and undone. I felt horrible for him.
"Karen," he said plainly.
"Gray, I'm so sorry!" I blurted. "If there's anything I can do. . ."
"Karen," he repeated. I walked to his side and knelt down by the bed. "Thanks for being here for me."
"Oh, Gray, don't worry about that. I don't need thanks," I said. "Gray. I love you."
I thought I saw I tear rush down his cheek. He wiped at it quickly. "Karen, I can't love you."
The words hit me like a ton of bricks. "W-wh-wha-"
"I can't do anything. I can't ever love anyone. I can't ever get married. I hate to do this to you, but, this has to end. It's over." Gray rubbed his forehead.
"No, Gray, you can!" I said, unintentionally raising my voice. "You can! We can get through this!"
"No, Karen, YOU can get through this. I can't. You have a wonderful life ahead of you, Karen. You can dance PROFESSIONALLY. You are so beautiful. . .you can find yourself a husband worthy of you. You can make a name for yourself. You can't with me as your love. I would cripple you. Karen, it's over."
"But, Gray, I love you!" Tears burned in my eyes for the gazillionth time today. "I love you!"
"No you don't, Karen," Gray murmured. "I'm not. . .I'm not. . .I'm not worthy of your love."
"But, Gray - "
"I'm sorry, Karen. It's over."
Tears poured like rain from my face. I stood up and walked out of there, with dead silence poisoning the air. I began to run when I got outside. Ann yelled after me, asking what was wrong. I felt bad for not answering, but I couldn't muster up enough voice to reply.
As I ran to my house, I realized it was late. Really late. Almost ten o'clock. How had the time passed so quickly? I wondered to myself, but brushed the thought aside as I approched the vineyard. I knew Kai and Cliff were already back, and probably asleep. I shut the front door quietly behind me and tried not to sob for fear I might wake someone up. I started to tip-toe toward the stairs.
Suddenly, I heard the front door open and slam shut. I turned around to see my very drunk father standing there. He flicked the light on, took one look at my face and loudly said, "Whatchu crying about, girl?!"
"Daddy," I said in a low, quiet voice. "You. . .you broke your promise!"
"What?" he asked obnoxiously.
"You broke your promise!!" Just then, all my sadness turned to anger, and I lashed out at my father. "You promised you would never get drunk ever again! You broke your promise!"
My father growled angrily. "RAAAH!!" he roared. I heard my mom's bedroom door open just before my dad struck me down with a strong fist.
"NOOO!" Mother yelled.
Dad's fist had made contact with basically the whole left side of my face. Blood poured from my nose and lip, and I felt a trickle from the corner of my eye, as I fell down onto the worn thin carpet. I shut my eyes quickly, pretending he'd knocked me out. Once again, tears stung my eyes relentlessly.
My father didn't seem to notice Mother's frantic scream as he hollered at me again. "I lost 1,000G on that race! Don't I get to drink over that?!"
"Don't you touch her, Gotz!" Mother shouted, her voice almost choked back by tears.
"HUH!" Dad turned around, and I took this opportunity to protect my courageous mother.
I swung my legs around until they hit the back of my father's ankles. He tumbled backwards onto the floor, hitting his head on the coffee table on the way down. Blood flowed from the back of his head and onto the ground. Thankfully, he was now unconscious.
By now, Cliff and Kai had emerged from their room, armed with Kai's bedposts. I ran into my mother's arms and held onto her tight. "Let's get out of here before he wakes up," Mother said.
I nodded and motioned for Kai and Cliff to follow us. I felt sorry for them. Kai hadn't seen anything like this for years, and Cliff hadn't known anything like this had ever happened. Both of them were obviously horrified.
The four of us walked in silence to the Green Ranch. Cliff handed me a handkerchief to hold against my nose to stop the bleeding. I nodded thank you.
When we arrived, Mother hesitantly knocked on the door to their house. When Mr. Green opened the door, he was obviously shocked. "Heavens, Sasha, what happened?"
"Gotz," she said sadly. "That's what happened. He actually hit her this time."
"Oh, my goddess," Doug said, letting us in. "Well, you boys can stay with Gray in his room. Go ahead. Sasha and Karen, you can stay with Ann."
Suddenly, my best friend's bedroom door opened. "Oh, goddess, Karen!" She ran forward, without another word, and embraced me tightly. I held back more tears as I returned her hug. "Goddess curse your father!" she declared. "Sasha, you can sleep on the fouton. Dad and I will get Karen fixed up. You go right to bed."
Mother smiled gratefully and opened the door again to Ann's room. "Thank you so much, Doug. You, too, Ann."
The both of them smiled.
Ann led me to the bathroom. I looked in the mirror and saw a huge blue bruise on the corner of my left eye. By now, the bleeding in my nose had stopped, and I felt hardly any pain there. My lip still bled, and Ann gave me a Kleenex to hold onto. She put some ointment on my eye and bandaged it up. "Thank goddess for you, Ann," I said.
She gave a small smile. "It's no problem, Karen. Now let's go to bed."
~oOo~
Cliff left Flower Bud the next day. There were tearful good-byes and sorrowful hugs. I didn't know what I'd do without him.
~oOo~
After that horrible, wretched day. . .that very worst day of my entire life. . .I hardened. I became grumpy and crabby at all times of the day. I snapped at people and spoke cold words of hate to everyone, excluding Mother, Ann, Doug, Gray, Kai, Pappy, and the Midwife (I liked her).
I was cold and sometimes even cruel. A lot of people didn't even like me anymore. Of course, people like Elli cut me some slack and were still very kind to me.
But I was a monster. A mean, cold, spiteful monster.
~oOoOoOo~
Author's Note: I wrote almost all of this in one sitting!! It was so tiring!! Anyway, this was obviously a really sad chapter. But I still hope you kind of, maybe, sort of, halfway-or-more liked it. Please review and share your opinions!!
Author's Note: Ok, here goes!! Thank you so much for y'all's kind reviews!! Without them, I probably would have quit this story a long time ago. Thank you!! =]
~oOoOoOo~
Before the end of that Spring, my cousin met Pappy, and before long, they discovered something big. Both of them were Christians! Cliff made sure to stop by Pappy's farm at least three times a week. Together they had their little "Bible studies" and "discussions." The two of them pleaded with Ann, Gray, and I to come, to learn about "God" and "Jesus" and "salvation." Of course, Ann and Gray immediately declined, being part of such a religious, goddess-worshipping household. I contemplated for weeks whether I should go or not. That is, until one day, Dad caught me talking with Cliff about attending. He prohibitted me from going. . .ever.
I was sure that Spring 23 would be the best day of my life, and it was for a very long time. Gray ended up asking me to go with him, and we went steady after that. I was certain that Gray and I were meant to be. I began to obsess over bridal magazines, marriage talk shows, and learning how to cook. After all, I was nearing the average age of marriage in my village: 17. Only a couple more years, and my father would be pressuring me into dates and dances, festivals and parties. I decided to beat him to the punch and go out with Gray until he gave me the blue feather.
Before I knew it, it was summer, my favorite time of year. The season passed way too quickly for my liking, but I couldn't deny all the fun I had with Cliff and Ann and Gray. In fact, at the Firefly Festival, Gray did something I'd been waiting for for weeks. . .
~oOo~
*Summer 17, 8:00 PM*
A light breeze made my soft brown hair sway to the side and brush against Gray's shoulder blades. The sky was dark, dark blue, starless and void. Tiny lights slowly made their way out to sea, riding the gentle waves gracefully in the night.
The village people started to flock silently away from the beach, back to the cool of their home. But Gray and I didn't move from our place, sitting almost motionlessly on the edge of the dock. The humid summer air enveloped our bodies like a big, soft blanket. I was snuggled up close to Gray, my head on his shoulder, our fingers entwined.
I looked up at him, moving my head ever so slowly, until the both of us were lost in each other's eyes. Before I knew it, my lips were millimeters from his. Gray moved even nearer, until his lips pressed gently against mine. The kiss lasted a few more seconds, until we parted, smiling softly at each other. And without a word, for it would break the perfect, pure silence, he walked me home with his hand around mine.
~oOo~
After that, everything was perfect.
Gray and Cliff both entered the Sea Festival on the 24th. Even though neither of them brought home the Invincible Katori (heaven knows what that is), the two of them had a blast finishing in second and third place.
Then suddenly, it was Autumn. All the grass in the village slowly died, browning dully without Summer's gratifying sunlight. The trees gradually lost their magnificent green, as their leaves turned red, orange, and yellow, tinting the village golden brown. All of the sudden, everything was dull and boring again, as school started back up, and I found myself in tenth grade.
I attended the Cow Festival to see Ann's very own cow take first and Pappy's take second. The Harvest Festival came, much to my delight, and this year, I had a date! Gray escorted me to the square, where we danced and ate and laughed heartily. Then something wonderful happened just before they announced the King. To Ann's surprise, her long-time crush and almost boyfriend Kai asked her to go steady! Now everything was even more perfect.
~oOo~
"Woo-hoo!! Way to go, Pappy!!" I shouted with all the other villagers as my favorite farmer took the 500 Piece prize at the Egg Festival. Ann stood laughing and cheering on my left, with Kai at her side, Gray applauding loudly on my right. Cliff was slightly behind me, clapping cheerily.
"He needed that wood," Ann explained to Kai and me. "Almost all his fenceposts are broken!! All the cows and sheep kept getting loose and eating his crops!!"
I grinned; it was just like Ann to get excited about Pappy's animals. "Well, Kai and Cliff and I better go," I said, throwing a quick glance at the boys. "Dad wants us to help barrel up the grapes."
Kai sighed disappointedly. "Don't worry about it," Ann said reassuringly. "I think our Dad wants us home to put the cows away. You know Dad: every Egg Festival he 'hurts his back!'"
We laughed. Kai and Ann pecked each other on the cheek, and I gave Gray a quick kiss goodbye. Before we left, I heard Duke (the bartender) inviting Pappy to the bar for a big celebration party. I rolled my eyes; since when was the Egg Festival such a big deal?
After exiting the village, I spotted Bear, Pappy's dog, running around the crossroads. "Hey, Bear!" I called. The old dog wagged his tail excitedly and began to waddle in my direction. The pup was so chubby, he could barely run! I laughed, "Whatcha doin' out here, boy?"
Bear was doing his best to jump up and down in excitement. "Yeah, shouldn't you be back at the farm?" Kai added, kneeling down beside me to rub the little dog's ears.
I looked at Kai. "Well, Pappy is going to the bar tonight for a party, and probably won't be home 'til late. We'll take Bear home."
Kai smiled and nodded, snapping his fingers as a signal for Bear to follow. Cliff suddenly said he wanted to head out to the mountain for a walk. "Okay," we said, and away Cliff went.
As we walked, Kai asked me, "So, you and Gray are pretty serious, huh?"
I smiled. "Yeah. And not a minute too soon. I'll be seventeen in less than two years."
Kai nodded. "Less than one year for me. But I guess I would have to wait another year for Ann."
"Yup," I said. "Doug'll wait until the very last second to marry his children off."
"Gray is already seventeen, isn't he?"
"Will be in a couple of weeks." We were now at the entrance to the vineyard. I quickly put Bear away in the wine cellar and gave him some water and food.
With that done, Kai and I headed out to the vineyard's tree grove, grabbed a couple of barrels and started picking. "So what about you and Ann?" I asked. When Kai looked at me quizzically, I continued. "Is she 'the one?'"
My working partner blushed and fought a bashful smile.
"Ooooh!" I teased when he didn't answer.
He threw a bunch of grapes at me playfully, and I put them in my barrel. "I like her a lot," Kai finally said. "A whole lot."
"Good." I reached up to pick another bunch of the purple grapes. "I'm glad."
~oOo~
That was the night I got attached to Bear. I sat in the wine cellar with Kai, playing with the chubby little ball of brown fur. His ears were still a little too long for his short, fat body, his paws a little too small for his round, stubby legs. It was hard not to giggle at his comical appearance and behavior. But I loved that dog to death.
After a while, Kai and I decided to leave a note on Pappy's door explaining where Bear was. However, when we got there, we found him already at home. "Pappy!" I said, in mid-hug. "We weren't expecting you to be here. Thought you were at that big party."
"Oh, I went, but things got a little out of hand. Little bit of a bar fight." Pappy's face grew unusually solumn.
I winced. "Who was it?" Kai asked.
"Don't worry, kids. It wasn't Gotz, or Mr. Green."
Both of us let out a sigh of relief. Thankfully, Pappy changed the subject. "Well, thank you, kids, for grabbin' Bear off the crossroads. He must've squeezed right through the fenceposts! Another reason I need all that lumber."
We laughed. "No problem, Pappy," I said. "We had fun with him."
"Well, that's good," Pappy responded.
"Good-bye!"
"Bye, bye!"
~oOo~
A week later, it was the day of the local horse race. I sprinted hurriedly with Kai to the Green Ranch. Cliff had gone ahead to the square with my mom to help set up.
"Gray!" I shouted, my voice echoing through the property. My boyfriend was standing outside his house with Ann beside him. I ran into his arms. "Gray, are you ready?" I asked, my voice loud and excited.
"A bit nervous," he admitted. He returned my embrace, however, and pecked my cheek. "Let's go!" he said, and we all began to trot towards the village and into the square.
When we neared the betting table, I squeezed Gray's hand reassuringly. "You can do it," I said, pressing my lips gently against his. "Good luck!" And I pushed him in the direction of the door.
Kai looked at me and raised his eyebrows. "You love him, don't you?" he said aloud.
I blushed dark pink, embaressed that he'd asked so loudly. "Yes, as a matter of fact, I do."
Ann giggled cheerily. "Can I be the maid of honor?" she teased.
"Shut up, Ann!" I hit her arm playfully.
"I didn't know you two were that serious." Cliff's voice startled me from behind.
I turned around to face him. "Well, now you do." I decided to change the subject; it felt odd getting so much attention. "Hey, Mrs. Anna!" I called to the mayor's wife. "I'd like to bet 100G on Cliffguard!"
"That's a very smart choice, Miss Mundell!" said Anna cheerfully. "I'll mark it down. Thank you!"
I smiled. Everyone was always so happy at the horse or dog races. That was part of the reason I even attended. But this year. . .This year I was going for Gray.
Ann, Cliff, and Kai also placed bets on Cliffguard, and the four of us hurriedly followed the crowd into the "stadium." Pushing past multiple villagers, we scurried down to the very bottom of the bleachers and stood leaning against the metal railing. That was as close as anyone was allowed to get to the racetrack, except of course the racers and people who organized this type of festival.
Within minutes, it seemed the entire village had found a spot on the bleachers or along the railing. Suddenly, the mayor's voice erupted from the speakers very loudly. "Greetings, everyone! Welcome to Flower Bud Village's Biannual Horse Race!" Everyone cheered and applauded noisily. "In our first race, the competitors are: . . ." The mayor proceeded to list off the first five racers, and then: ". . .and last, but not least: Gray Green riding Cliffguard from the Green Ranch!"
The four of us screamed and shouted and cheered boisterously with many of the other villagers.
"Take your places, racers!" the mayor commanded excitedly. "On your marks!"
My heart skipped a beat, then pounded three times too many.
"Get set!"
I felt Ann's breath almost halt as we squeezed each other tight. My stomach did a flip, but my eyes never left the track. I said a quick mental prayer to the goddess just as a loud whistle resounded throughout the stadium.
I saw Cliffguard bolt foward with all the other horses. Gray looked so powerful and majestic on the horse's back, with his black helmet gleaming in light of the sun, his white jockey's pants reflecting the brilliant rays.
"Oh, my goddess!" someone screamed, drawing my attention to the pony next to Cliffguard. It had spooked or something, and was now bucking and rearing madly. Cliffguard freaked out, rearing back. To our horror, Gray was thrown off Cliff's back.
"GRAY!" Ann and I screeched together.
"Oh, God!" Cliff murmured, not in vain, as he dropped to his knees.
But I was too concerned with Gray to notice much of Cliff's action. "GRAY!" I screamed again.
Suddenly, the horse to the right of Cliffguard bucked its own rider off, afterwards losing its balance. As it teetered, I shrieked in terror. I swear Ann's heartbeat ceased completely. Tears stung my eyes and burned all the way down my face. In a split second, the horse collapsed right down on Gray's legs.
"GRAY! GRAY! GRAY!" I screamed, over and over. "Oh, goddess, someone help him!" I felt Ann go completely limp in my arms. She had passed out. "Oh, goddess. . ." I repeated. My head felt light, like a helium balloon about to float away. I saw black blobs everywhere.
Then everything went deathly dark. "G r a y. . ." I murmured slowly. I felt my body hit the ground, and I lost all consciousness.
~oOo~
I awoke with a jolt. "GRAY!" I shrieked. I was lying on a bleacher. I saw Cliff's face above mine. "Oh, goddess, Cliff, where is GRAY?!"
"Oh, Karen, thank God you're awake!" Cliff nudged something white behind him. Focusing my eyes, I realized it was Kai in his sparkling white shirt.
"Cliff, answer my question! Where is GRAY?!" I screeched. My legs felt like Jell-O. My whole body felt like Jell-O.
"They took him away on a stretcher," Cliff said, smoothing out my hair, rubbing a hand against my face. "It's going to be okay, Karen."
"Oh, my goddess," I repeated for about the millionth time. Cliff's comforting hand helped to calm me down. "Where's Ann?" I asked, lowering my voice. I looked around to see that none of the villagers had really left the stadium yet.
"She right here, Karen," I heard Kai's voice say.
"Is she alright?" I inquired, sitting up.
"Hold on," Kai said. "I think she's waking up." There was a brief silence. "Ann," he said. "Ann."
"Kai," Ann's voice muttered. "Oh, Kai! Is Gray okay? Oh, goddess, Kai! That horse fell right on top of him! Is Gray okay? Kai!"
"Ann, slow down," Kai said, his voice unexpectedly calm and reassuring. "It's okay. Cliff and I saw him being taken away on a stretcher."
I spoke to Cliff, my voice low and soft. "My legs are like Jell-O, Cliff. But I need to see Gray. Help me up."
"Karen, you really shouldn't get u-"
"Cliff, help me up!" I said in a more commanding voice.
He sighed and wrapped his thick arm around my shoulders, lifting me to my feet. I took a step and felt much better. Suddenly, I was sprinting out of the stadium. I heard Cliff hollering after me, and then his footsteps following me. I ran as fast as I could through the square, down the steps, and to the Potion Shop Dealer.
I burst through the door, only to have the mayor's wife shove me back out. But not before I saw the potion shop dealer and the midwife standing over Gray's pale body. "Goddess, Anna! Let me in! He needs me!"
I heard a muffled voice inside say, "Let her in." It was the midwife. "That's his girlfriend."
I thanked the goddess for the midwife and threw the door open. I rushed to Gray's side. "Oh, Gray!" I whispered, grasping his hand with mine. His pale face was wrinkled up in what must have been unbearable pain. "Oh, goddess, is he paralyzed?" I asked the potion shop dealer.
"No, thank the goddess," he said.
I let out a breath of relief, literally thanking the goddess.
"However, both the legs are broken, and his hip is cracked pretty badly," he continued as he quickly, carefully wrapped Gray's legs with cloth.
I was silent, never taking my eyes away from Gray's.
The midwife piped up. "He'll be bedridden for a couple seasons, then in a wheelchair for a long while. I've seen worse," she said. "The legs will heal quicker than you think, Hector," she added, talking to the potion shop dealer. "It's the hip that will take a while."
"Whatever you say, Anella," Hector said. "This is such a miracle!" he added, to my surprise.
"A miracle?" I spoke up finally. "How can you say that?"
"Well, the way he fell, the neck could've easily broken, killing him instantly. But, miraculously, there's no breakage anywhere above his waist. He didn't even get a concussion."
"Oh," I said.
It was then that Ann and her father burst through the door, nearly breaking it off its hinges. I saw Kai and Cliff through the doorway, knowing they wouldn't be allowed to come in.
Anna explained everything to Doug and Ann while Hector and Anella continued to wrap Gray's legs.
In the midst of the explaining, there was a rapping noise on the door. "Karen," a voice said. I immediately recognized it as Pappy. "Come on out, Karen, I'll take you home."
I reluctantly gave Gray's hand one last squeeze before walking out the door. I didn't want to leave, but I knew that it would be easier for everybody. I felt sorry for Ann; it had to be a lot worse for her and Doug.
I wiped hot tears off my cheeks, to no avail. I couldn't calm the stream; all I could do was bury my face in Pappy's shirt when he embraced me. "It'll be alright, sweetheart," he said consolingly. "I'm sure Gray will be fine."
Cliff and Kai also came along to Pappy's house. I thought everything would be all right when we got there, but I couldn't have been more wrong.
When we walked into the house, I had every intention of collapsing onto the couch and letting the leftover tears run into a big pillow. However, I found Bear sleeping soundly on the cushion. This was even better than my prior intention. I reached my hand out to stroke his soft brown fur, but when I made contact, his skin was not warm or comforting like it had been before. It was cold. . .cold and limp. I put my hand on his stomach and felt no heaving breaths.
"Oh, goddess!" I cried out. "Bear died!" I let myself fall back onto the hardwood floor and burst into tears. "Oh, goddess, why is this happening?" I muttered.
Pappy rushed to my side and felt Bear's cold skin. I saw tears in his eyes when he looked at me again. "Oh, Karen. The goddess controls nothing."
"But Bear died, Pappy! Bear died!" I repeated, more tears appearing all over my face with each word. I spread my arms out on the wood floor and just let my chest heave up and down as I sobbed uncontrollably. In between bursts of air from my lungs, I heard Cliff and Kai sniffling, probably holding back their own tears.
I rolled over so that my forehead pressed hard against the wood. But Pappy lifted me off the ground and took me in his arms. I sobbed into his shoulder, my cries muffled by his shirt. "Oh, goddess. . ."
~oOo~
I stayed at Pappy's house with Cliff and Kai for hours. We buried Bear out by the well and had a little funeral. All of us said a little something about Bear and tossed five pink rose petals onto his grave. It seems kind of silly, but it was uncanny how much we all loved that little dog. It made me feel better to think that Bear had just been old, and that he'd had a much longer life than most dogs of his kind were supposed to. Bear had lived for almost ten years.
After the funeral, Kai, Cliff, and I went inside to watch TV, and Pappy stayed outside making some kind of gravestone. Television didn't help much to make me feel better, but at least it distracted me for a little while. Cliff and Kai did a good job of keeping me from crying again, too.
Hours passed, and after what seemed like forever, Ann came by the farm. We had decided not to tell her about Bear's death, yet. She didn't need that then. She came by to tell me that Gray wanted to see me. I walked slowly to the Green Ranch with Ann. I had a horrible headache from passing out and crying so much, but I wanted more than anything right then to see Gray.
Ann opened the door to Gray's room for me. I stepped inside, terrified of what Gray might look like.
He was lying on his bed with the TV on. He turned it off when he saw me come in. He had two bulky blue casts on his legs and a puffy pillow under his left hip. His eyes were puffy and red from crying, his hair messy and undone. I felt horrible for him.
"Karen," he said plainly.
"Gray, I'm so sorry!" I blurted. "If there's anything I can do. . ."
"Karen," he repeated. I walked to his side and knelt down by the bed. "Thanks for being here for me."
"Oh, Gray, don't worry about that. I don't need thanks," I said. "Gray. I love you."
I thought I saw I tear rush down his cheek. He wiped at it quickly. "Karen, I can't love you."
The words hit me like a ton of bricks. "W-wh-wha-"
"I can't do anything. I can't ever love anyone. I can't ever get married. I hate to do this to you, but, this has to end. It's over." Gray rubbed his forehead.
"No, Gray, you can!" I said, unintentionally raising my voice. "You can! We can get through this!"
"No, Karen, YOU can get through this. I can't. You have a wonderful life ahead of you, Karen. You can dance PROFESSIONALLY. You are so beautiful. . .you can find yourself a husband worthy of you. You can make a name for yourself. You can't with me as your love. I would cripple you. Karen, it's over."
"But, Gray, I love you!" Tears burned in my eyes for the gazillionth time today. "I love you!"
"No you don't, Karen," Gray murmured. "I'm not. . .I'm not. . .I'm not worthy of your love."
"But, Gray - "
"I'm sorry, Karen. It's over."
Tears poured like rain from my face. I stood up and walked out of there, with dead silence poisoning the air. I began to run when I got outside. Ann yelled after me, asking what was wrong. I felt bad for not answering, but I couldn't muster up enough voice to reply.
As I ran to my house, I realized it was late. Really late. Almost ten o'clock. How had the time passed so quickly? I wondered to myself, but brushed the thought aside as I approched the vineyard. I knew Kai and Cliff were already back, and probably asleep. I shut the front door quietly behind me and tried not to sob for fear I might wake someone up. I started to tip-toe toward the stairs.
Suddenly, I heard the front door open and slam shut. I turned around to see my very drunk father standing there. He flicked the light on, took one look at my face and loudly said, "Whatchu crying about, girl?!"
"Daddy," I said in a low, quiet voice. "You. . .you broke your promise!"
"What?" he asked obnoxiously.
"You broke your promise!!" Just then, all my sadness turned to anger, and I lashed out at my father. "You promised you would never get drunk ever again! You broke your promise!"
My father growled angrily. "RAAAH!!" he roared. I heard my mom's bedroom door open just before my dad struck me down with a strong fist.
"NOOO!" Mother yelled.
Dad's fist had made contact with basically the whole left side of my face. Blood poured from my nose and lip, and I felt a trickle from the corner of my eye, as I fell down onto the worn thin carpet. I shut my eyes quickly, pretending he'd knocked me out. Once again, tears stung my eyes relentlessly.
My father didn't seem to notice Mother's frantic scream as he hollered at me again. "I lost 1,000G on that race! Don't I get to drink over that?!"
"Don't you touch her, Gotz!" Mother shouted, her voice almost choked back by tears.
"HUH!" Dad turned around, and I took this opportunity to protect my courageous mother.
I swung my legs around until they hit the back of my father's ankles. He tumbled backwards onto the floor, hitting his head on the coffee table on the way down. Blood flowed from the back of his head and onto the ground. Thankfully, he was now unconscious.
By now, Cliff and Kai had emerged from their room, armed with Kai's bedposts. I ran into my mother's arms and held onto her tight. "Let's get out of here before he wakes up," Mother said.
I nodded and motioned for Kai and Cliff to follow us. I felt sorry for them. Kai hadn't seen anything like this for years, and Cliff hadn't known anything like this had ever happened. Both of them were obviously horrified.
The four of us walked in silence to the Green Ranch. Cliff handed me a handkerchief to hold against my nose to stop the bleeding. I nodded thank you.
When we arrived, Mother hesitantly knocked on the door to their house. When Mr. Green opened the door, he was obviously shocked. "Heavens, Sasha, what happened?"
"Gotz," she said sadly. "That's what happened. He actually hit her this time."
"Oh, my goddess," Doug said, letting us in. "Well, you boys can stay with Gray in his room. Go ahead. Sasha and Karen, you can stay with Ann."
Suddenly, my best friend's bedroom door opened. "Oh, goddess, Karen!" She ran forward, without another word, and embraced me tightly. I held back more tears as I returned her hug. "Goddess curse your father!" she declared. "Sasha, you can sleep on the fouton. Dad and I will get Karen fixed up. You go right to bed."
Mother smiled gratefully and opened the door again to Ann's room. "Thank you so much, Doug. You, too, Ann."
The both of them smiled.
Ann led me to the bathroom. I looked in the mirror and saw a huge blue bruise on the corner of my left eye. By now, the bleeding in my nose had stopped, and I felt hardly any pain there. My lip still bled, and Ann gave me a Kleenex to hold onto. She put some ointment on my eye and bandaged it up. "Thank goddess for you, Ann," I said.
She gave a small smile. "It's no problem, Karen. Now let's go to bed."
~oOo~
Cliff left Flower Bud the next day. There were tearful good-byes and sorrowful hugs. I didn't know what I'd do without him.
~oOo~
After that horrible, wretched day. . .that very worst day of my entire life. . .I hardened. I became grumpy and crabby at all times of the day. I snapped at people and spoke cold words of hate to everyone, excluding Mother, Ann, Doug, Gray, Kai, Pappy, and the Midwife (I liked her).
I was cold and sometimes even cruel. A lot of people didn't even like me anymore. Of course, people like Elli cut me some slack and were still very kind to me.
But I was a monster. A mean, cold, spiteful monster.
~oOoOoOo~
Author's Note: I wrote almost all of this in one sitting!! It was so tiring!! Anyway, this was obviously a really sad chapter. But I still hope you kind of, maybe, sort of, halfway-or-more liked it. Please review and share your opinions!!