Here's the original ending in Claire's point of view. It picks off from the start of spring in the second year. This ending is not as happy as the one in chapter 1, in case you haven't read 'She' yet.
Enjoy.
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Springtime rolled around, and I was feeling braver. I was planning on telling the Doctor about crushing on him before the season ended. It was my New Years resolution. However, I was also busy with clearing my field, tilling the earth planting crops, watering them, tending to my animals… so I was pretty busy the fist week or so of Spring.
The Blue Feather had gone on sale, and I wanted to check it out, just to look. I wasn't planning on buying it or anything. When I searched the store, I found no Blue Feather. Jeff told me that it had sold out. I was feeling a little disappointed, but I tried to shrug it off. Maybe the Doctor had bought it for me? I laughed at this thought.
Still, when I visited him to tell him my feelings, Elli called me to her desk. She told me that Doctor was acting distant, and she couldn't get him to tell her anything. Of course, I said I'd go over there and get it out of him.
He was covering his face with his hands when I got over there. He was shaking, almost as if he was crying. I reached out and ran my fingers through his hair, feeling sympathetic. He looked up with a slight smile and apologized for making me and Elli worry. He told me that he was having trouble expressing himself. He said he couldn't do his job as a doctor with this hanging on him all the time. It was almost as if he was trying to tell me something… I told him to open his heart, hoping maybe he'd get the hint and admit to something. Maybe liking me. He didn't. he just sat there and thanked me, almost shooing me away after a while.
I tried to avoid Doctor the next few days. I stayed at the lake and cried a lot. I knew that I loved Doctor. I also knew he'd never return my feelings. I stayed inside for a while, only coming out to feed my animals and such. I decided to come out of my shell and went to church on the 11th. I sat in the back, only to be joined by Cliff.
We sat there and talked quietly for an hour or so when Cliff asked me if I wanted to go get something to eat. We arrived at the inn and Cliff walked away. Ann approached me and glared right at me. I tried not to look at her as she stormed off.
Cliff returned with a pasta and bottle of wine. We laughed and talked the night away. I told him about thinking of moving, and about my love for Doctor. I told him that Doctor would never love me back. Cliff sympathized with me, and told me that he didn't want me to move. He reminded me of what I told him a year ago. We were both in this together, and if there were troubles, we'd handle them together. It brought a smile to my face.
Cliff walked me home after a couple of hours. Just as I was about to go inside, Cliff grabbed me and kissed me roughly. After several seconds of shock, I started to kiss him back. I don't know why I did it. I didn't have any kind of feelings for him… Maybe I knew he was all I'd ever have. It felt almost wrong to be kissing him and not the doctor.
Spring Thanksgiving came quickly. I opened my door at about 6 am. Doctor stood there with delicious looking chocolate cookies. I took the cookies and took a bite. They were about the most delicious cookies ever! I couldn't help myself. I stepped forward and hugged him tightly. He tensed, but returned it. I looked up at him and lightly kissed his cheek. I could feel him tense, as if he was uncomfortable. He didn't love me. I knew it for sure. The cookies tasted like mud now.
Cliff came by shortly after, holding his own plate of cookies. I tasted them, amazed at how amazing they were. They were soft and warm and buttery. Like Heaven, almost. Cliff stepped forward and kissed my cheek when he saw the smile on my face. I sighed when he left. I loved Doctor, yet he hated me, and Cliff seemed interested in me… What to do?
After tending to my farm the next day, I decided to take a walk. I was stopped by Cliff somewhere down the road. I asked him if he wanted to go with me on a walk, but he said he had other things on his mind. I cocked my head, confused. He pulled something small and blue from his pocket. I gasped when I realized.
A blue feather.
Cliff said that I had always been there for him when he needed a friend, job or shoulder. He asked me to marry him.
I jumped for joy. I wouldn't be alone after all! I answered 'yes' without thinking. Now I was engaged to Cliff. I felt happy, knowing I'd have the family I had always wanted. I jumped in his arms and cuddled him tightly.
I wanted to tell Doctor all about it. I rushed through the clinic, bursting through the doors and ran straight to him. I told him excitedly that I had to tell him something. He looked very nervous and told me he wanted to go first. I could hardly wait to tell him my news, but I nodded for him to continue. I watched as he dug in his pocket, obviously searching for something. My eyes practically popped from my head when I realized what it was… He had a blue feather out, and was talking to me so openly… He was pouring out his emotions for the first time ever. I couldn't believe it. He was telling me about loving me for some time, and that he wanted to spend the rest of his days with me. I was just about to tackle him and shout "Hell yea!" when I remembered.
Cliff.
I couldn't accept the Doctor's proposal. I would be marrying Cliff! It wouldn't be fair to either of them if I did. Tears fell from my eyes and the doctor tried to comfort me. It broke my heart to utter the next few words. I told him about Cliff, and how I was marrying him, and that we (Doctor and I) couldn't be together, ever. He looked devastated and heart broken. He tried to say I love you, but it only made things worse. It took all my will not to grab him, and kiss him, tell him I'd marry him. I had to walk right out of there, torn between the two.
Wedding preparations were being made. Manna had loaned me her wedding dress for the big day. It was a beautiful dress with finely designed arms reaching my elbows., It was a princess like dress that sparkled and flowed. I felt like royalty when I tried it on with the tiara and veil. The catering was to be done by Kai, and the colors were picked by Cliff and I together. We agreed on lavender and pink. Kind of girly, I know.
I had invited everyone in the village, including Elli and Doctor. When I went to invite them, I could hardly took into his eyes.
Before I knew it, the wedding bells were chiming and Cliff stood waiting for me at the altar. Zach took my arm and led me down that long hall, heading for the altar. My heart was pounding in my chest. I wasn't sure if I was ready for this, but I had to do it.
Cliff took my hands when I stood across from him. My veil was in front of my face, and his eyes were smiling into mine. I couldn't help but smile a little back. Maybe things wouldn't be so bad. I could learn to love him. Carter began the famous wedding speech then. My nerves were starting to disappear, being replaced by a bit of happiness. I couldn't believe it when Carter came to the 'I do's'
"Do you Cliff Falcon take Claire Davis to be your wife in sickness and in health till death do you part?
Cliff answered, "I do."
"And do you Claire Davis take Cliff Falcon to be your husband in sickness and in health till death do you part?
I glanced around the room at all of the bright smiling faces. Even Doctor was smiling. I could tell he was faking though. I tried to shake this off. He would find love else ware.
"I do." I answered, feeling my heart flip in a strange way.
Carter announced us man and wife, and Cliff kissed my lips softly. The church erupted into cheers. People were crying everywhere, and Cliff and I were asked to pose for pictures. I searched for Doctor after the congratulations were done, but he was gone from the church.
Married life was more amazing then I'd pictured. Although I still pictured Cliff as a friend, more then a partner, I couldn't get over what a great team we were. I woke up every morning at six a.m. to find Cliff smiling at me, right next to me. He worked hard, and always rose the same time I did to prepare for the working day. I made breakfast and dinner every morning and night. Before this, I never really cared about what I ate, but I felt I had to make it good now. Cliff treated me right, but sometimes I felt like he didn't love me. I was almost certain I still loved the Doctor, and that was why I never went to see him. I didn't want anything funny happening while I was alone with him.
Cliff and I started discussing having a child. Cliff was the one who brought it up, and I practically chocked on my curry when he did. He told me he'd always wanted a baby, and he wanted to start this family with me. He looked at me with caring eyes, and I practically melted. I told him that I wanted a child also.
We tried for a while, with nothing. After about a month, I was sure there was something wrong with me. Why couldn't I have a stinkin kid?! I apologized to Cliff, but he told me it wasn't my fault. We guessed we'd never have children.
I woke up one morning after being married for two months, feeling sick. My stomach hurt, and Cliff demanded to take me to the clinic. I smiled that he wanted to take care of me, but I wasn't ready to see the Doctor yet… Cliff insisted.
At the clinic, Cliff and I waited anxiously, hand in hand. I had to admit… it felt a little… wrong? Doctor was looking through papers, and back at me. I stared up at him longingly. He stared at the page, I could see sadness in his eyes. He looked absolutely horrified. My eyes widened. What was wrong? Did I have some kind of terminal disease? Cliff seemed to sense that I was tense, because his grip on my tightened. Doctor's expression changed.
"You're pregnant." he said simply.
My jaw dropped. Cliff cheered and he hugged me tightly. I could see tears starting to form in his eyes. My heart raced in excitement, and I hugged him back. I glanced back at Doctor, who was looking heartbroken. It looked as though he might cry. He cleared his throat however, and told us the baby would arrive in two seasons.
I tried to avoid the doctor as much as possible to next two months. I saw the looks he had given me in the clinic, I knew he loved me. I knew I loved him. But I couldn't act on it. Cliff did everything he could for me during my pregnancy. I daresay he may have gone overboard. I'd be working on the farm, watering crops, and sigh, when he'd instantly rush out and ask if I was okay. He'd tell me to take it easy, now that I was living for two. My belly swelled, and I had cravings people talked about. Cliff did all the weird cooking I demanded, and I was thankful he never lost it.
The night the baby was to be born, Elli and Doctor came by to deliver it. I could hardly concentrate on the Doctor, who was busy trying to deliver my child, as well as Elli. It hurt so much… and I screamed that I never wanted to do this again. My pain ceased however, when Elli showed me my beautiful son. Doctor looked slightly happy. I was surprised to be honest. Cliff stepped forward and kissed me, and our newborn crying child. It was one of the happiest moments of my life. Doctor immediately looked solemn again. I named the child Tim. I don't really know why, it just seemed to pop into my head. At the mention of this name, Doctor looked up, looking confused and something else I couldn't pinpoint. I wondered why.
Life with the child was difficult. I could hardly concentrate on farm work, but with Cliff on my side, things seemed to get better. I couldn't believe what an amazing family man he was. He took care of the baby, and told me he loved me every day. I was a little surprised to see that, I was starting to fall for him at last.
A couple of years passed before I saw the Doctor again. I wasn't surprised to see my feelings still stood, however weakly. I was now positive that I was in love with Cliff. I loved the little family we had raised together. We had brought Tim to the clinic to be examined. He had taken his first steps, and we wanted to show him. Tim walked wobbly across the waiting room as I lay in Cliff's arms, trying not to look at Doctor. I stole a glance, and found him looking struck. He tried to put on a smile though.
My feelings for the Doctor disappeared as the years went on, due to the fact that I never saw him. I was sure he'd moved on to. Who could love someone this long without seeing them? It was for the best we didn't see each other anyway. Sometimes, we'd see each other by chance at festivals, or passing through the town. I remember one day, Cliff and I had decided to have a picnic at the lake. Our 7 year old son accompanied us. He had large blue eyes like me, and had Cliff's kind hard working spirit. He also had his scraggly hair, but still.
Doctor had appeared while our son was skipping rocks into the lake. He looked awkward, and tried to make up some reason to leave. Cliff and I sat close together, arms around each other. I was proud to say I could look up at Doctor and not feel a thing. When Cliff bushed a small kiss against my temple, I giggled. Doctor barrowed his eyes and left. I sighed. I was feeling a little guilty. How could he still love me?
When Tim was a teenager, I noticed that Cliff was starting to act a bit strange. He would disappear for a while on his days off, and stay much much longer then he should after work. He never usually returned until 11 at the earliest. When I tried to ask him what was going on, he would yell at me. I left our 15 year old home one day to do some farm work. I was going to find out what was going on.
I entered the inn, ready to take a break after searching for hours. Part of me thought he'd be in here with Manna and Duke. Well, I did find Cliff in here, alone that is. He was sitting at the counter, ordering beer after beer. I could see he was plenty drunk, and fury boiled up inside of me. How could he just run off and start drinking? He had a family to support! I ran up to him, hands on my hips. He looked me over, and greeted me in a slurred voice. I slapped him and told him he had to come home right then, but he only said that I wasn't the boss of him.
I told him to stop acting like a child, and I grabbed him by the ear to drag him home. I tried to talk to him about it back at the house, but when I turned around, he was passed out asleep on the bed. Tim looked up at us and burst out laughing.
As the weeks passed, Cliff continued to sneak out and drink behind my back. I was so furious with him! One day, I decided to have a chat with Ann about it. Although we hadn't talked in a while, I was sure my former bestie would come to my side and help me out. I entered the inn to find Ann wasn't serving food or washing tables like she normally did. When I asked Doug, he told me Ann was upstairs on her break.
I headed upstairs and heard giggling coming from inside of Ann's room. I raised an eyebrow, but gently pushed the already ajar door open. My jaw dropped, and so did my heart. There, on Ann's bed lay Cliff and Ann, practically fused together. Their mouths were connected, and Cliff's hands were traveling all over her. If they hadn't seen me, I don't know what would have happened next, as Cliff had started to mess with the buttons on Ann's overalls. Ann's eyes had opened and she pulled her mouth off of Cliff's.
"Oh, hello, Claire." she said in a strangled voice. She looked uncomfortable, knowing she'd been caught. She started to pull from Cliff, who looked embarrassed. He was looking from me to Ann, trying to explain himself. I shook my head and slammed the door, running back down the stairs, tears blinding me.
I ran back to the place I hadn't been in years. The lake. I hadn't been here to think since I had been single. I cried at the banks, for hours on end. I screamed and sobbed, thinking of throwing myself into that lake, and never resurfacing. Of course, I couldn't. I had a son to take care of. I arrived home, and Cliff still hadn't returned. I sat quietly at the table, an empty shell. Tim didn't know what was wrong with me, and he didn't ask. He did however, make me a hot cup of herb tea. It felt delicious against my cold feelings.
Cliff came home hours later. He apologized over and over, but I didn't respond. He was only sorry he got caught. He slept in the barn that night. I believe.
Days passed, and Cliff was acting even more distant. One day, after working hard all day on the ranch, something washed over me. It may have been forgiveness. Whatever. The next thing I knew, I was running to the winery, and wrenching the wine cellar door open to apologize. I opened my mouth to shout out to him as I headed down the stairs, when I saw them. Cliff had Ann pinned up against a wall. He was kissing her neck as she giggled and played with his hair.
"What's going on here?!" I shouted. I knew he couldn't be drunk like he claimed he was last time. Cliff and Ann both jumped a foot in the air. He turned around, and Ann peered over his shoulder. With nerve, Cliff said
"What does it look like?"
I shook my head, asking how he could do this. I asked how long he had been doing this with her. Cliff glared at me and rolled his eyes, as if I was intruding on his life. I resisted the urge to slap him.
He said they'd been going out for a little more than a month now, and that Ann was a much better lover then I'd ever hope to be. He called me an ugly bitch for bursting in on them, and said I should just go. But I wanted answers! I tried not to cry as Cliff turned back to Ann and kissed her again.
After demanding some more, Cliff turned around.
"Look! Can't you see I never loved you? How could I? You were always complaining about the Doctor! I guess I didn't want you to die not knowing what a kiss felt like! Damn! You were always nagging me, and I decided it was time I got back with Ann. Best decision I ever made. I love her with all I have. You're nothing tome Claire. Forget about us."
I stood, genuinely crushed. The man I had finally learned to love was abandoning our family. Forever. I shook my head, mentioning Tim. Cliff only said he didn't care. Tears flooded down my face and I burst out the door, running. I didn't really know where my legs were taking me, until I stopped in front of the clinic. Why had I come here? I hadn't talked to Doctor in years. I opened the door however, and walked up to his desk. He seemed shocked to see me, then when he noticed I was crying, he stood up and hugged me tightly.
I cried onto his shoulder for hours, not saying a word. When I finally managed to stop sniffling for a few minutes, I told him everything. I told him about falling madly in love with Cliff, and how it was a mistake. I told him the whole marriage had been a mistake. Doctor rubbed my back in a consoling way, asking what happened. I told him that a few weeks ago, I had found Cliff and Ann together in her bed one day. Cliff seemed sorry then, but when I told him about finding them just now in the wine cellar, Doctor looked appalled. I told him how they had been seeing each other for a month. I told him what Cliff had called me, and about the fact that he never loved me. Doctor hushed me when I started crying, and pulled me to his chest, trying to comfort me.
We sat there for another few hours before I looked up at Doctor. His eyes were peering back into my bloodshot ones. He gently moved his hand to my face and brushed tears away with his thumb. His eyes still pleaded, deep down for me to love him… I could see this. When I stared into his eyes, I panicked when my feelings started to come flooding back. My heart pounded as it had years before. I couldn't stay, or I'd fall back in love. I don't know how it happened, but before I knew it, I was pushing my lips forward to meet his.
I was so happy when I felt him kiss me back, even if it was brief. He put his hands on my shoulder, and gently pulled me away after only a couple of seconds. I looked up at him with confusion and hurt.
Doctor wouldn't look me in the eye. "Claire. I still love you… With all of my heart, but we can't. You're married and you have a child."
I shook my head, reminding him that Cliff wanted nothing to do with me. Doctor sighed, and told me I was only using him as a rebound. He told me that I really did love Cliff still, and not him. He said I was just angry, and that Cliff and I would patch things up. He was still not looking int my eyes. I could see tears in his, as if it was taking all he had to do this.
"You'll thank me for this one day." he said and turned his back on me. I sobbed and told him I loved him, but he didn't respond. With tears flooding my eyes, I retreated from the clinic and headed for the kitchen in my house.
I grabbed the sharp knife from the counter, and held it to my arm. Just as I was about to do it, the door opened. Tim walked in, and shouted at me when he realized what I was doing. I dropped the knife and let tears fall. I couldn't do that… Tim needed me. Even if Cliff and Doctor no longer did.
Weeks passed, and I still saw Ann and Cliff on a regular basis. Together. They really didn't try to hide it from me, but the other villagers seemed to have no idea what was going on. Every time I saw them, I was tempted to run off to Doctor and cry, and I did on several occasions. He always said the same thing. He couldn't be with me, but that he loved me. I really couldn't understand what was going on with me. I had never felt so… used, hated, loved, and cherished at the same time.
I was planning on signing divorce papers, but I didn't know how to break it to Carter. I finally decided not to fill them out... But I had an idea
A few more weeks had passed, and Cliff had come home to get some of his things. I couldn't believe that I had enough courage to tell Cliff to get out. I waited for him at the table as he packed his things. When he stood, I saw some sort of gleam in his eye. Before I knew it, he was crying uncontrollably. I jumped back, alarmed when he got on his knees and cried into his hands, begging me for forgiveness. I stared down at him, surprised and disgusted.. He said he'd take it all back, that he was sorry. He told me he loved me, and couldn't believe what was wrong with him.
I shook my head and screamed at him. I yelled about that fact that he treated me like dirt, that he went behind my back, and when I found out, he made no move to stop it, or make it up to me. Cliff didn't deny it, but apologized over and over again. He begged me for a second chance, telling me he had broken up with Ann, because he wanted to be with me. I shook my head. I didn't want to give him another chance, but part of me still loved him. I decided I'd forgive him, but I wasn't ready for him to get back with me.
Cliff tried to make it up to me the next few weeks. He would complement me, and hug me every so often. He stayed at home, then came right back home right after work. He always told me where he was going, and brought me with him if he was ever going to wander. After a few months of this, I eventually forgave him completely . My love wasn't as strong as it was, but at least we were together again. My trust still wasn't strong though.
On the starry night festival, Cliff took me to the peak of Mother's Hill where a picnic was waiting for us. I smiled, trying to fight back tears that were threatening to fall. He had made curry, and my favorite, baked potato and stir fry. He poured two glasses of wine, and we talked the evening away. I could feel my heart mending slowly, maybe I could learn to love him again?
A few hours later, he stood on the edge of the cliff, staring up at the pretty night sky. I clutched his hand, and he kissed me softly. I sighed happily, feeling complete again. I shivered, feeling a little cold. Cliff moved away from me, saying he had a blanket for the two of us. I breathed in the night air and stood on my toes. I felt something crumble beneath me, and I slipped… the floor disappeared from under me.
I screamed when I fell, grabbing onto a small root protruding from the cliff. The root was beginning to peel away from the earth… I looked down in horror. It was a long way down…. The small root snapped and I felt myself fall.
I closed my eyes, ready for the impact, but before I could fall far enough, I felt somebody grab my wrist. I looked up to see Cliff holding me tightly, trying to pull me back up over the edge. I took deep breaths when I was safely on the mountain again. I cried into Cliff's shoulder. He held me tightly, saying he'd never let me go. I wrapped my arms around him, saying 'I love you' over and over again.
Years passed, and my love for him was at it's fullest. I could no longer love the Doctor in the slightest. Things were as they should be. Cliff became the loving father and husband he had been when Tim was young. He was faithful, and loved me more each day. I couldn't repay him enough. I remembered what the Doctor had said years ago. I remember him telling me to forgive Cliff, and how I couldn't be with the Doctor, even though he loved me, and I thought I loved him. I had to thank him for it…
The day I went to visit the Doctor, some 17 years after I had married Cliff, I noticed Elli was crying hard at her desk. When I asked her what was wrong, she held out a crumbled blue feather. At first, I thought it may have been from Doctor, but then I remembered that new guy who had been staying for a year. She told me that he had proposed, but he also had to leave the village forever. She told me that he'd invited her to come along, and they could get married. I told Elli that that was great, but she didn't know. She didn't want to leave Doctor here to work alone, and that she loved this village to much to leave it. I told her to go for it, that if they loved each other, they deserved it.
Doctor seemed to agree with me. He also told Elli to go if she felt the need. He told her that he'd be fine on his own, he'd find another assistant. Elli hugged him tight. He patted her on the back and cleared his throat. He never was one of those huggers. I thought with a smile. Elli turned and hugged me next. She thanked me for everything, then turned to pack her things. It was a matter of days before the happy couple left the village, to start their life.
The doctor was looking for a new assistant as he said he would just weeks later. I was surprised to see that Tim was interested in becoming the assistant. He seemed exited by it, and he told me it was his life's ambition to save others. I was happy to let him go for it. Pride swelled in my chest as Doctor accepted him as his new assistant. I smiled when Tim rose early every morning, his brown hair combed neatly back. He wore a lab coat like Doctor did, and wore a button up shirt and tie everyday.
Later that year, Cliff woke up with a high fever. I gasped when I saw him that morning. His eyes were practically swollen shut, and he was shaking violently. When I took his temperature, I clapped a hand to my mouth. 104 degrees. He couldn't stand up, so I had to carry him to the clinic. My son looked shocked when I brought him in. He dropped the phone he was holding and rushed to his father's side.
Doctor put him in the bed and yelled for Tim to bring him certain supplies. Tim brought cool cloths and a syringe. Doctor wiped nervous sweat from his brow as he injected my husband with a kind of medicine. I cried in the corner, devastated, scared to see what was going to happen to my husband. After several hours of trying to save him, Doctor came into the waiting room and told me the news. Cliff was gone. I bit back tears and rushed into the room Cliff was in. I cried over him, telling him that I loved him, and that he couldn't leave me. Tears fell from my eyes onto the hospital blanket. Tim was looking over me and his father, with a look of depression etched on his face. Doctor put a hand on my shoulder and I flew into his arms, screaming that it wasn't fair.
Later that week, I went to sleep without a word to anyone, again. I hadn't eaten anything in days, and my farm was starting to go wild. I loved Cliff, and now he was gone. Things would never be the same. I'd lost him forever. I dreamed of him that night. And Doctor. My life was playing before my eyes. I was coming to the village by boat, and talking to Cliff as if I'd known him for years. I saw myself apologizing to the Doctor for being a burden. I saw myself trying to get to know Doctor, and trying to flirt with him to no avail. I saw Doctor ask me to all of the festivals. I saw Cliff propose to me, and ten Doctor do the same thing. I saw Cliff and I kissing at the altar, and then him carrying me home. I saw our son laughing in our arms, and then I saw myself yelling at Cliff for abandoning his family. Doctor appeared and comforted me, telling me to forgive Cliff. I saw Cliff saving my life, and begging for forgiveness… I saw him pass away at such a young age… and myself crying at his side.
I wanted to end all of the pain… I knew it was wrong but I had taken some of the medicine from the Doctor's cabinets. Everyone I ever loved was gone now. I took out a syringe and small bottle, as I read the label that said. 'Euthanasia' He must have used it on dying animals to put them out of their misery. I wondered if it would work on me? I filled the syringe with the liquid and poked the needle into my vein, and squeezed it, allowing the liquid to fill me up. I began to feel tired, and felt myself slipping away. It didn't hurt at all, in fact all of the pain I had been feeling was leaving me for good. My last thoughts on this earth were of them.
Doctor and Cliff.
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Okay. And that's the original ending told in Claire's point of view. I added some scenes as you can see, hope it was fine with everyone. I was also thinking of writing a sequel to this story. I was going to write about Anna and her move to Forget me not Valley. Let me know if anyone likes the sound of it!
I'd love to get some reviews by the way! :D
Disclaimer: I don't own Harvest Moon.
