Confused Doesn't Even Begin To Describe It

By: Musical Enigma

Disclaimer: I don't own Harvest Moon or any of it's creators

Chapter Two: Kool-Aide?

Note: I don't see the huge difference between It's a Wonderful Life and Another Wonderful Life, so, since it has been questioned, it's the Another Wonderful Life, does that make everyone happy now? )

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"Rock! This is the last time I'm calling you, so you had better get you little tush down here within ten minutes or I'm sending Nami up there!"

I jumped out of bed in a hurry, not wanting the hotel-sharing anti-social redhead to come barging into my unkempt room, screaming that I woke her up. That usually wasn't a pleasant way to start the day… I stared at my alarm clock watching for a full three minutes as the second hand ticked around the perimeter. Something was wrong. I double checked the clock just to make sure that it wasn't off time or anything, and then punched myself in the arm.

"Ow!"

"Dear, are you okay?"

"…yeah…"

I stared in disbelief, rubbing my poor upper arm. Things were just way too creepy, and I wasn't in a dream after all. I ran downstairs to pursue the mystery with my mother.

"Finally! God, you'd need your own chicken to wake you up on time!"

My mom was smiling as usual, peppy and totally unaware of any negative energy. I frowned.

"Am I missing something? Why am I up?"

"Oh, it's not that early!"

"Mom, its six a.m.!"

"And?"

"…Why am I up!"

"Well, you need a bath!"

I stared at my mother, my blurry eyes making it hard for me to keep balance on both feet. I opened my mouth to argue how I didn't need a bath at 6:00 a.m. and how I needed sleep, being a lazy person, but my mom gave me the death stare and, next thing you know, I was in the tub scrubbing away in the freezing water like mad. My brain wouldn't allow me to think properly as I went through a daze, washing, scrubbing, eating, dressing, being thrown back into the tub to wash once more, forgetting that I ate, eating again, spilling again, and taking a third bath all by 7:00. Finally, I went back into focus as I realized that for the past five minutes I had been staring at my shoe in the middle of the entrance hall. I yawned, and then turned to look at Tim, who had just gotten out of his morning bath. Nami was still in a state of shock in her new, neon bright clean clothing. She had never really gotten used to morning showers…

"What's so important today?"

"That girl is coming and you better be good because you're mother already thinks I screwed your life up. Doesn't she know that you're just damn lazy?"

Tim continued to mumble to himself as I frowned. The new girl…what was her name again? It started with a 'K' I'm sure…Karen…Kerry…Kool-Aide…Diane…maybe Eve?

"Oh Rock dear, mommy's little boy is growing up!"

My mom ran down the stairs, the distinct smell of perfume emitted from her as she attacked me into a forceful hug. I held in the coughs of suffocation with all my might, wondering what I would need to do to be treated like a human being instead of a stuffed animal. Ruby finally let go as I sighed a deep breath in relief.

"Now Rock, I want you to be in your best behavior! No milk drinking contests, no playing sick, and most defiantly NO CONFETTI!"

"Awww, common mom, I gave up the confetti years ago. I'm on to bigger and better things, like popcorn and grass"

My mom stared at me as I smiled confidently. Sure, not everyone understood what I say, but that's their problem. Only educated and sophisticated minds like my own could really comprehend the relationship between popcorn and grass. My mom's head whipped upwards fast as lightning as she looked out the window.

"Oh gosh! Takura is here! Everyone, on your best behavior! Here she comes- what an interesting child…"

My mom cut herself off as she hurried me, Tim and Nami out the front doors like poster children. Nami simply stared off into space, wondering why we had to greet every new person that moved into this place. I once wondered that too, before I got too tired of thinking that is. Tim kept looking at his watch for any change in time. Ruby just stood there, smiling with forced effort, which was visible by anyone who knew her. It was obvious that, with mom's super vision, Ruby wasn't that pleased by the child. Takura and the lady came closer into view as I saw Nami's facial expression hint at amusement. Ruby nudged me to smile, and I did so, but not just because of mom. Takura and she stopped in front of us as I felt paralyzed.

"Hey, this is the Inner Inn. That's the owners, Ruby and Tim, and their son, Rock. Nami also stays here. This is Tarin"

"Hello."

In those five seconds of meeting Tarin, I suddenly wished that our inn had a more fabulous name, that I was taller, and that everything around was perfect. I felt my jaw drop slightly as I continued to stare at her. She was looking back at me, and when our eyes met, I could only wonder what force of nature could possibly make those eyes shine and glitter like nothing else could ever compare. Then Ruby shoved me again to smile politely, but instead of obeying, I tripped, and fell right at her shoes.