What Have I Done?
Amaya: Hey there! I know it's been forever, but, as I've explained to some of you already, my computer wouldn't let me log in to FF.net for like 3 months, so I couldn't do anything at all. But I'm back now!
I'm going to be using this chapter as a tool for a bit more character/relationship developing, and also to get myself back into the swing of things. I hope you enjoy, even though it's probably going to surprise you a bit.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harvest Moon.
~oOoOoOo~
That night I cried until my cushy feather pillow was stained with black blobs from my running mascara. After changing the pillowcases, I lay down and cried some more until I fell asleep.
The next morning I awoke feeling nasty because I hadn't washed my hair yet, and the gloomy weather outside only made me feel nastier. My window was splattered with light raindrops, and I could still hear a soft pattering noise indicating that rain was still falling on the rooftop.
I wiped the drool from my face and peeled off the clothes I hadn't bothered to change out of last night. After a long, hot shower, I pulled my hair into a damp messy-bun and changed into a fresh pair of form-fitting bootcut jeans and a long-sleeved white tee shirt underneath a black short-sleeved one. I took my time brushing my teeth and applying my make-up, then slid into a comfy pair of shoes and moseyed downstairs.
Looking around worriedly, I was rather glad to see that Kai was not about. He was probably in the cellar, and it was likely that he would appear at any second, so I grabbed my purse from the coffee table and darted out the door.
Hugging my own arms, I made my way to Upper Flowerbud Village. The clouds hovered over the town like a big, thick, soggy gray blanket. Indeed, it was very soggy outside. My shoes and jeans were dampened by the moist grass as I walked through the garden beside the bakery.
It was almost nine o'clock, so I figured it would be alright if I stopped by. Without knocking I opened the door to find the bakery empty, except for a faint clinking of silverware coming from the doors behind the counter. The jingling of the bell above the doorway signalled my entrance, however, and Jeff soon scurried out of the kitchen with a friendly smile and a, "Hey, there, stranger."
"Hey," I said, mustering up a weary smile. Jeff held up his left wrist to check his ancient watch. "Sorry," I said before he could say anything. "I'm a bit early."
"It's alright," he replied, taking his usual place behind the cash register. "How can I help you?"
"Mmm," I murmured, eyeing the lovely treats in the display case. But I looked up at the wall menu and said, "I'll just start with a mug of Granny Ellen's Coffee for now, I guess."
"Alright then," he said, briskly walking back through the swinging kitchen doors.
I took a seat at a table for two near the center of the seating area. Within a couple of minutes, Jeff was placing a beautiful mug of steaming coffee on the tabletop before me. With a quiet thank you, I planted a pair of gold coins in his hand, and he was off.
I sipped my coffee silently. The hot steam rose from the liquid and made my eyes water, but I still enjoyed the warmth.
Noiselessly I pondered. I pondered Kai. I pondered the kiss. [Amaya: Lol! Has anyone seen Alex & Emma? Ha, ha, ha! Sorry to ruin the moment! Okay, here's what it's really supposed to say...]
Noiselessly I thought. I thought about Kai. I thought about the kiss. I asked myself what I was going to do now. For a split second I thought of leaning on Ann, but immediately delivered myself a mental slap across the face. I didn't think it wise to tell her anything about our trip to the beach last night.
Oh, what was I going to do? How would I ever get out of this mess? Were my feelings for Kai even that strong? As strong as the emotional high that had occured the second his lips touched mine? As strong as my feelings for. . .
Jack?
Ugh, what was I thinking? I didn't feel anything for Jack! For goddess' sake, the guy was too persistent and pushy. He was. . .cocky almost to the point of arrogance. Besides, the man was practically a stranger. It had only been - what? - a week since I met him.
With another sip of coffee, I found myself trying my hardest to think of all the flaws and imperfections in Jack's personality. Of course the results were plentiful, but I thought oddly of myself for being so. . .
STUPID!
Now that I thought about it, I found it excessively silly to ponder such things! Jack was not an object of interest now. Or EVER.
I decided that my feelings for Kai were strong, but not strong enough to support the emotions I had experienced last night. Maybe a slower-paced relationship would be alright?
I slurped up the remainder of my coffee and politely asked Jeff for a re- fill. "And, um. . .how about a few of Little Elli's Powdered Delights?" Jeff laughed at my exact knowledge of the name of the donut treat and bustled back behind the kitchen doors.
I didn't know. I concluded that I would probably just have to wait until Kai said something to me about it. And knowing Kai, he wouldn't be able to keep quiet much longer. He'd never been one to contain his emotions.
I smiled when Elli came out of the kitchen carrying my order on a glossy black tray. She grinned brightly at me as she set down the four small white donuts, all laid on a perfect square of wax paper, on the table in front of me. She sat down across from me and slid my mug of coffee across the table, keeping another one for herself. "Why no donuts for you?" I asked as she took the first sip of her steaming coffee.
"Ugh," she mumbled. "Don't remind me."
"What?"
"Kind of a diet thing. Granny is supposed to be doing it with me, but yesterday I found her in the kitchen scooping frosting out of the mixer with her fingers." She smiled.
Laughing, I said, "Must be sort of hard when you live in a bakery."
"Well, yeah, that. And the fact that this week just so happens to be 50% Off Cake Week doesn't help much either."
"Are you serious? Fifty percent off cake? I'm in!"
I was just about to call for Jeff so I could order a nice humongous slice of white cake when Elli said, "Don't you dare! Wait until lunch at least, Karen!" She laughed sing-songily.
I sat back in my chair with a mock pouty-face. Except for the slurping of our beverages, silence surrounded us.
Finally, a shrill "bring-a-ling-a-ding," signalled the entrance of a customer. I suppressed a sigh when I recognized the handsome face.
"Jack!"
Elli practically lept out of her chair to give him a friendly hug. I wanted to bury my face in my hands and shrink out of sight, though I was clueless as to why.
"Hey," Jack said, returning her bubbly embrace. "How are you?"
"I'm doin' good, how 'bout yourself?" she answered when they stepped back for a moment.
Jack glanced at me, still seated lazily at the table, coffee mug gripped in between my hands, before replying, "Great, thanks. How are you, Karen?"
"Fine," I said rudely.
"Care to join us?" Elli asked Jack politely.
"Actually," I interrupted. "I should go," I said, though I still had two scrumptious donuts left. I stuffed one into my mouth, where it filled up my right cheek, and crumpled up the other in the wax paper.
I could see Jack's upset expression as I hugged Elli good-bye and thanked her for the food and for talking with me. I pitched my trash into the tall garbage can by the door and left.
~oOo~
I was crossing the pathway when the rain started pouring down like a waterfall. I shrieked and, not knowing what else to do, ran under the roofed porch of Florist Lillia. I was a bit slow, though, and I almost shrieked again when I looked down at my drenched self. My tee shirts clung to me no matter how many times I tried to peel them off. My jeans were not so bad, and for that I was thankful, but my hair, once in a stylish messy- bun, was now a soggy lump on the back of my head.
I sighed and plopped down at the top of the short wooden stairs to remain out of the rain until it let up a little bit.
When I heard the opening of the screen door behind me, I remembered I was at somebody's house and turned around with an apologetic look on my face.
Popuri was standing in front of the door with a smile and a big, inviting towel. "I saw you through the window," she said in a friendly tone as she stepped forward, unfolding the towel.
As she wrapped it around my shoulders, I thanked her and said, "Sorry. I didn't know what else to do."
She giggled like a child and answered, "It's no big deal. Come on in." The screen door made that swishing sound again as she opened it for me.
I left my shoes on the doormat and stepped forward into the shoppe/home. Immediately enveloped in warmth and a flowery fragrance, I inhaled deeply and didn't want to exhale out the wondrous scent. I smiled at Lillia standing behind the counter and followed Popuri to the left, and into her bedroom.
She immediately walked over to a spotless white bureau and began to rummage around in one of the drawers. "I'll find you a top to borrow, but I don't think I have any pants that will fit you. You're quite a bit taller than me," she said with a laugh.
"That's okay, my jeans are fine." But I was relieved when she handed me a fashionable tee shirt with a popular brand name printed on the front. Of course it was pink, but I actually thought it was pretty cute. I changed, and Popuri took my former two shirts and skipped out of the room for a moment or two, her curly pink half-pigtails bouncing behind her. I noticed she wasn't dressed in her usual long princess dress, but instead in a pair of baby blue knit shorts and a white tee shirt.
After quickly wringing out my hair in her bathroom sink and re-messy- bunning it, I sat down in a wooden chair in front of a beautiful writing desk so I wouldn't get the sofa or the bed wet with my damp jeans. I tucked my golden bangs behind my ears, and my feet moved back and forth over the soft pink carpet.
When Popuri returned shortly, she sat facing me on her bed. "So," she said, "it looked like you and Kai were having a pretty fun time at the festival yesterday."
I nodded slowly, my eyes kind of distant. "Yeah. Fun."
She arched her eyebrows a bit and leaned her head forward. "What? What's the matter?"
"I don't know," I answered. "We went to the beach afterwards and - " I hesitated. " - and we might have had a little too much fun."
Popuri gasped and grinned. "You bad girl!"
"I know!" I wailed, then burst into tears.
Surprised, Popuri darted forward and knelt beside me, rubbing my back with her hand. "Shh," she soothed. "I was just playing, Karen! It's okay!"
"No. . .no. . ." I moaned. "It was bad. . .bad. . .bad. . ."
I knew she was trying not to laugh, and I can't blame her. "Karen, it's alright. Just tell me what happened. Maybe I can help."
"Okay, I will," I gushed. "We went to the beach - "
"Wait," Popuri said, blowing a wispy ringlet of pink hair out of her eyes. "First you need to stop crying."
I sniffled and shivered. "Okay." Breathing deeply, I scooped the tears out from under my eyes, and Popuri grabbed a few tissues from a convenient dispenser and handed them to me. "Well, it was still kind of early after the festival, so we went to the beach and just stood there. And oh, the sky was so pretty, and ocean was wonderful, and the moment just seemed right. Especially after he was all," - and here I deepened my voice - , "'I had a really nice time with you, Karen.' And so we were all close all the sudden and then he kissed me!" I held back a sob.
"Did you kiss him back?"
I nodded my head sadly, wiping more tears away. "And it was like, a BIG kiss! Like, a REALLY big one."
"What happened then?"
"I realized what was happening and pulled away and used Ann as an excuse to go home."
"Oh. And you haven't talked to him since?"
"Nope." I sniffled some more. "Swear not to tell anyone?"
"I swear." She held out her right pinky finger, which I grasped in my own. We shared a temporary smile, and then I realized the rain had ceased outside.
Popuri caught my gaze out the window and jumped off the floor. "I'll go get your clothes out of the dryer. Be right back." She disappeared from the room, and then returned with my almost completely dry shirts. I changed again, gave Popuri a hug and a thank-you, and left the shoppe.
~oOoOoOo~
Amaya: I know, I know: it was really short. But I figured it'd been so long since I updated, and this will last y'all until I figure out what happens next. =) Just playing, I know what's going to happen; it'll just take me a while to get it down in writing. Hope y'all enjoyed this chapter!
Oh, and GUESS WHAT!? I'm gonna write a FUN-FIC! It's gonna be a Harvest Moon romance! And it's gonna be based on A Wonderful Life, which I bought and have fallen in love with. It's going to be such a FUN FIC! Yaaay! But it'll probably take me a while to get it up and stuff. Homework. . .yeah. . .Please review!
Amaya: Hey there! I know it's been forever, but, as I've explained to some of you already, my computer wouldn't let me log in to FF.net for like 3 months, so I couldn't do anything at all. But I'm back now!
I'm going to be using this chapter as a tool for a bit more character/relationship developing, and also to get myself back into the swing of things. I hope you enjoy, even though it's probably going to surprise you a bit.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harvest Moon.
~oOoOoOo~
That night I cried until my cushy feather pillow was stained with black blobs from my running mascara. After changing the pillowcases, I lay down and cried some more until I fell asleep.
The next morning I awoke feeling nasty because I hadn't washed my hair yet, and the gloomy weather outside only made me feel nastier. My window was splattered with light raindrops, and I could still hear a soft pattering noise indicating that rain was still falling on the rooftop.
I wiped the drool from my face and peeled off the clothes I hadn't bothered to change out of last night. After a long, hot shower, I pulled my hair into a damp messy-bun and changed into a fresh pair of form-fitting bootcut jeans and a long-sleeved white tee shirt underneath a black short-sleeved one. I took my time brushing my teeth and applying my make-up, then slid into a comfy pair of shoes and moseyed downstairs.
Looking around worriedly, I was rather glad to see that Kai was not about. He was probably in the cellar, and it was likely that he would appear at any second, so I grabbed my purse from the coffee table and darted out the door.
Hugging my own arms, I made my way to Upper Flowerbud Village. The clouds hovered over the town like a big, thick, soggy gray blanket. Indeed, it was very soggy outside. My shoes and jeans were dampened by the moist grass as I walked through the garden beside the bakery.
It was almost nine o'clock, so I figured it would be alright if I stopped by. Without knocking I opened the door to find the bakery empty, except for a faint clinking of silverware coming from the doors behind the counter. The jingling of the bell above the doorway signalled my entrance, however, and Jeff soon scurried out of the kitchen with a friendly smile and a, "Hey, there, stranger."
"Hey," I said, mustering up a weary smile. Jeff held up his left wrist to check his ancient watch. "Sorry," I said before he could say anything. "I'm a bit early."
"It's alright," he replied, taking his usual place behind the cash register. "How can I help you?"
"Mmm," I murmured, eyeing the lovely treats in the display case. But I looked up at the wall menu and said, "I'll just start with a mug of Granny Ellen's Coffee for now, I guess."
"Alright then," he said, briskly walking back through the swinging kitchen doors.
I took a seat at a table for two near the center of the seating area. Within a couple of minutes, Jeff was placing a beautiful mug of steaming coffee on the tabletop before me. With a quiet thank you, I planted a pair of gold coins in his hand, and he was off.
I sipped my coffee silently. The hot steam rose from the liquid and made my eyes water, but I still enjoyed the warmth.
Noiselessly I pondered. I pondered Kai. I pondered the kiss. [Amaya: Lol! Has anyone seen Alex & Emma? Ha, ha, ha! Sorry to ruin the moment! Okay, here's what it's really supposed to say...]
Noiselessly I thought. I thought about Kai. I thought about the kiss. I asked myself what I was going to do now. For a split second I thought of leaning on Ann, but immediately delivered myself a mental slap across the face. I didn't think it wise to tell her anything about our trip to the beach last night.
Oh, what was I going to do? How would I ever get out of this mess? Were my feelings for Kai even that strong? As strong as the emotional high that had occured the second his lips touched mine? As strong as my feelings for. . .
Jack?
Ugh, what was I thinking? I didn't feel anything for Jack! For goddess' sake, the guy was too persistent and pushy. He was. . .cocky almost to the point of arrogance. Besides, the man was practically a stranger. It had only been - what? - a week since I met him.
With another sip of coffee, I found myself trying my hardest to think of all the flaws and imperfections in Jack's personality. Of course the results were plentiful, but I thought oddly of myself for being so. . .
STUPID!
Now that I thought about it, I found it excessively silly to ponder such things! Jack was not an object of interest now. Or EVER.
I decided that my feelings for Kai were strong, but not strong enough to support the emotions I had experienced last night. Maybe a slower-paced relationship would be alright?
I slurped up the remainder of my coffee and politely asked Jeff for a re- fill. "And, um. . .how about a few of Little Elli's Powdered Delights?" Jeff laughed at my exact knowledge of the name of the donut treat and bustled back behind the kitchen doors.
I didn't know. I concluded that I would probably just have to wait until Kai said something to me about it. And knowing Kai, he wouldn't be able to keep quiet much longer. He'd never been one to contain his emotions.
I smiled when Elli came out of the kitchen carrying my order on a glossy black tray. She grinned brightly at me as she set down the four small white donuts, all laid on a perfect square of wax paper, on the table in front of me. She sat down across from me and slid my mug of coffee across the table, keeping another one for herself. "Why no donuts for you?" I asked as she took the first sip of her steaming coffee.
"Ugh," she mumbled. "Don't remind me."
"What?"
"Kind of a diet thing. Granny is supposed to be doing it with me, but yesterday I found her in the kitchen scooping frosting out of the mixer with her fingers." She smiled.
Laughing, I said, "Must be sort of hard when you live in a bakery."
"Well, yeah, that. And the fact that this week just so happens to be 50% Off Cake Week doesn't help much either."
"Are you serious? Fifty percent off cake? I'm in!"
I was just about to call for Jeff so I could order a nice humongous slice of white cake when Elli said, "Don't you dare! Wait until lunch at least, Karen!" She laughed sing-songily.
I sat back in my chair with a mock pouty-face. Except for the slurping of our beverages, silence surrounded us.
Finally, a shrill "bring-a-ling-a-ding," signalled the entrance of a customer. I suppressed a sigh when I recognized the handsome face.
"Jack!"
Elli practically lept out of her chair to give him a friendly hug. I wanted to bury my face in my hands and shrink out of sight, though I was clueless as to why.
"Hey," Jack said, returning her bubbly embrace. "How are you?"
"I'm doin' good, how 'bout yourself?" she answered when they stepped back for a moment.
Jack glanced at me, still seated lazily at the table, coffee mug gripped in between my hands, before replying, "Great, thanks. How are you, Karen?"
"Fine," I said rudely.
"Care to join us?" Elli asked Jack politely.
"Actually," I interrupted. "I should go," I said, though I still had two scrumptious donuts left. I stuffed one into my mouth, where it filled up my right cheek, and crumpled up the other in the wax paper.
I could see Jack's upset expression as I hugged Elli good-bye and thanked her for the food and for talking with me. I pitched my trash into the tall garbage can by the door and left.
~oOo~
I was crossing the pathway when the rain started pouring down like a waterfall. I shrieked and, not knowing what else to do, ran under the roofed porch of Florist Lillia. I was a bit slow, though, and I almost shrieked again when I looked down at my drenched self. My tee shirts clung to me no matter how many times I tried to peel them off. My jeans were not so bad, and for that I was thankful, but my hair, once in a stylish messy- bun, was now a soggy lump on the back of my head.
I sighed and plopped down at the top of the short wooden stairs to remain out of the rain until it let up a little bit.
When I heard the opening of the screen door behind me, I remembered I was at somebody's house and turned around with an apologetic look on my face.
Popuri was standing in front of the door with a smile and a big, inviting towel. "I saw you through the window," she said in a friendly tone as she stepped forward, unfolding the towel.
As she wrapped it around my shoulders, I thanked her and said, "Sorry. I didn't know what else to do."
She giggled like a child and answered, "It's no big deal. Come on in." The screen door made that swishing sound again as she opened it for me.
I left my shoes on the doormat and stepped forward into the shoppe/home. Immediately enveloped in warmth and a flowery fragrance, I inhaled deeply and didn't want to exhale out the wondrous scent. I smiled at Lillia standing behind the counter and followed Popuri to the left, and into her bedroom.
She immediately walked over to a spotless white bureau and began to rummage around in one of the drawers. "I'll find you a top to borrow, but I don't think I have any pants that will fit you. You're quite a bit taller than me," she said with a laugh.
"That's okay, my jeans are fine." But I was relieved when she handed me a fashionable tee shirt with a popular brand name printed on the front. Of course it was pink, but I actually thought it was pretty cute. I changed, and Popuri took my former two shirts and skipped out of the room for a moment or two, her curly pink half-pigtails bouncing behind her. I noticed she wasn't dressed in her usual long princess dress, but instead in a pair of baby blue knit shorts and a white tee shirt.
After quickly wringing out my hair in her bathroom sink and re-messy- bunning it, I sat down in a wooden chair in front of a beautiful writing desk so I wouldn't get the sofa or the bed wet with my damp jeans. I tucked my golden bangs behind my ears, and my feet moved back and forth over the soft pink carpet.
When Popuri returned shortly, she sat facing me on her bed. "So," she said, "it looked like you and Kai were having a pretty fun time at the festival yesterday."
I nodded slowly, my eyes kind of distant. "Yeah. Fun."
She arched her eyebrows a bit and leaned her head forward. "What? What's the matter?"
"I don't know," I answered. "We went to the beach afterwards and - " I hesitated. " - and we might have had a little too much fun."
Popuri gasped and grinned. "You bad girl!"
"I know!" I wailed, then burst into tears.
Surprised, Popuri darted forward and knelt beside me, rubbing my back with her hand. "Shh," she soothed. "I was just playing, Karen! It's okay!"
"No. . .no. . ." I moaned. "It was bad. . .bad. . .bad. . ."
I knew she was trying not to laugh, and I can't blame her. "Karen, it's alright. Just tell me what happened. Maybe I can help."
"Okay, I will," I gushed. "We went to the beach - "
"Wait," Popuri said, blowing a wispy ringlet of pink hair out of her eyes. "First you need to stop crying."
I sniffled and shivered. "Okay." Breathing deeply, I scooped the tears out from under my eyes, and Popuri grabbed a few tissues from a convenient dispenser and handed them to me. "Well, it was still kind of early after the festival, so we went to the beach and just stood there. And oh, the sky was so pretty, and ocean was wonderful, and the moment just seemed right. Especially after he was all," - and here I deepened my voice - , "'I had a really nice time with you, Karen.' And so we were all close all the sudden and then he kissed me!" I held back a sob.
"Did you kiss him back?"
I nodded my head sadly, wiping more tears away. "And it was like, a BIG kiss! Like, a REALLY big one."
"What happened then?"
"I realized what was happening and pulled away and used Ann as an excuse to go home."
"Oh. And you haven't talked to him since?"
"Nope." I sniffled some more. "Swear not to tell anyone?"
"I swear." She held out her right pinky finger, which I grasped in my own. We shared a temporary smile, and then I realized the rain had ceased outside.
Popuri caught my gaze out the window and jumped off the floor. "I'll go get your clothes out of the dryer. Be right back." She disappeared from the room, and then returned with my almost completely dry shirts. I changed again, gave Popuri a hug and a thank-you, and left the shoppe.
~oOoOoOo~
Amaya: I know, I know: it was really short. But I figured it'd been so long since I updated, and this will last y'all until I figure out what happens next. =) Just playing, I know what's going to happen; it'll just take me a while to get it down in writing. Hope y'all enjoyed this chapter!
Oh, and GUESS WHAT!? I'm gonna write a FUN-FIC! It's gonna be a Harvest Moon romance! And it's gonna be based on A Wonderful Life, which I bought and have fallen in love with. It's going to be such a FUN FIC! Yaaay! But it'll probably take me a while to get it up and stuff. Homework. . .yeah. . .Please review!