Dream About Me: An HM64 Fanfic
Chapter Six: Summer Days
The early summer days slipped by, each day fading effortlessly into the next. It was the sort of lazy, golden summer that everyone dreams of having, but so few actually obtain. Popuri and Ann spent most of their time together, hiking in the mountains, swinning at the beach, just sitting and looking at the clouds. Sometimes Karen joined them, but more often than not, they had only each other for company.
Soon the perfect summer weather gave way to unsually hot weather, with temperatures soaring into the upper 90's. Ann attacked her clothes with a pair of scissors, hacking the sleeves off some of her old blouses and turning a pair of old overalls into cut-offs. The end result was far from pretty. Ann didn't bother to hem her clothing, leaving strings trailing down her arms and the right leg of her overall cut-offs was a good two inches shorter than the left leg.
Popuri was inspired by Ann's tailoring job, and made some adjustments to her own clothing. Unlike Ann, Popuri neatly hemmed her skirts, which were now just above the knee in length, and even embroidered dainty flowers on one dress.
There was one thing that bothered Popuri. It seemed that Gray was still mad at her over the firecracker incident: he had avoided her ever since. Popuri wanted very much to apologize and try and renew the seed of friendship they had sown on the night of Serena's birth, but she never had a chance. The only time she saw him was at meals, and she wanted to apologize in private.
One afternoon, Popuri perched on the fence and gazed up at the drifting clouds. Ann had gone off with Karen, and Popuri didn't know quite what to do. It was so hot, she didn't feel like doing much. She felt a little lonely too. It was the first time all summer that she had been all alone. Out of the corner of her eye, Popuri saw someone coming up the path. It was Gray. Popuri took a deep breath. Apologizing wasn't going to be easy, but she couldn't let her oppurtunity pass. Gray stopped in front of her, but before she could say a word, Gray shoved something towards her.
"Here," he said in a gruff voice.
Popuri blinked. Just inches from her nose was a pretty bouquet.
"...huh?" she said.
"Take it!" Gray snapped. His head was turned a little away from her, but Popuri could see that his face was flushed. Mystfied by his actions, Popuri took the bouquet.
"...thank you," she said.
"Yeah," Gray muttered. He shoved his hands in his pockets and headed towards the barn. Once inside he slammed his fist, hard, against the wall. The pain shot up his arm, but it seemed to clear his head somehow. He slammed his fist against the wall, once, twice, three more times.
"Stupid, stupid, STUPID!" he said with each thump of his fist. For a long moment Gray stood there, rubbing his hand. He'd admired Popuri from afar for a long time, but the thought of trying to win her scared him. He was certain that she would reject any romantic advances he made. But when he learned that she woud be staying at the Green Ranch, Gray knew that he had to act. Even if he was turned down, at least he could find some comfort, however small, in knowing that he had at least tried. But what now? It hadn't gone well, but was it entirely hopeless? Did he dare try again?
Popuri admired her bouquet. It was a lovely arrangement. "Did Gray do this himslef?" she thought. But he must have...the florist was closed...Popuri was snapped out of her thoughts by the sound of approaching footsteps.
"Hey, kid," Cliff said, "Is your dad around?"
"No, he's away for the summer," Popuri replied.
Cliff frowned. "Really?"
"Yes, he and my mom are trying to stregthen their marraige" Popuri said with a sunny smile.
"What?" Cliff gasped. "But...isn't your mom...dead?"
Popuri stared at Cliff. Huge tears welled up in her eyes. "Where did you hear that?" she cried.
"Well...everyone knows..."Cliff said slowly. Popuri began to sob loudly. "Maybe...maybe I was mistaken?"
Popuri brightened. "Yes. It was a mistake! My mom is fine! I would know!"
Luckily for Cliff, Mr. Green came outside just then.
"Hello, there Cliff. How can I help you, m'boy?"
"I was wondering if you any odd-jobs that I could do?" Cliff replied.
Doug rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Well, the south fence needs to be repaired. Its a big job, and Gray can't do it alone."
"Great! When can I start?"
"How is tomorrow for you?"
Cliff's eyes shone. "That would be perfect! Thank you so much sir!"
"No problem m'boy," Doug smiled. He turned to Popuri. "You should put those in water, darlin'"
"OKay, Mr. Green!" Popuri chirped.
"WHAT?" Ann shrieked. "You hired that...that hobo!"
The Greens and Popuri were gathered at the dinner table. Unfortunatly, it was Ann's night to cook, so there wasn't much to eat. Popuri's stomach growled as she picked at her lumps of charcoal. Tomorrow morning, and breakfast, couldn't come soon enough.
"The southe fence needs repairing," Doug said calmly.
"Gray can do it!" Ann argued.
"Its to much of a job for one man," Doug replied. Ann opened her mouth to protest again, but Doug cut her off. "Young lady, you can go right up to your room without any dinner!"
Ann stormed off, clomping up the stairs and slamming doors. Doug sighed deeply, and picked up his fork.
"Sending her off without dinner wasn't much of a punishment," Gray mumbled.
Till next time!
