Chapter Five- A Certain Girl

Her smile caused his heart to beat wildly. He couldn't help but laugh as she ran around him, her hair flowing behind her. She stopped in front of him and placed her hands around his neck. Her small fingers were entwined as she held him closely. Her sweet perfume was sweet and strong and as he stood with her, he couldn't keep back a grin.

She looked up into his eyes, but he noticed something peculiar. They were not the eyes he expected.

They were large, sparkling.

And red.

Jack opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling. He didn't move. He stared at the bare, off-white ceiling for what seemed like an eternity. His mind was pleading and begging to say what it wanted to say.

Jack sighed. Fine. Say it.

Popuri! Why did you have a dream about her!? Just last night, you were lovesick over Samantha. What is this? Wheel of Fortune? Just spin the wheel and we'll see who we like today! Oh, sorry, bankrupt-

"Shut up!" Jack yelled aloud. Sam looked up at him questionably. Jack held his head with his hand and sat up. He got out of bed and walked slowly to the bathroom. He stared at his reflection in the mirror, his tired eyes looking back at him. His brown hair was messy from sleeping, so he brushed through it. He placed the brush down and couldn't help thinking. You're starting to really bug me, the voice said. This indecisive stuff is getting old.

Before he could attempt to think clearly, a soft knock sounded on the door.

He had opened it a crack when he saw a head of pink hair. "Oh, no..." Just what he needed after that surprising dream.

He opened it all the way and saw Popuri standing on the wooden porch. "Oh, if you don't want company right now..." she said awkwardly. Jack's stomach turned to ice. She had heard what he said. She was about to walk away when Jack stopped her with his hand.

"No, it's alright!" he said quickly. "I was about to do some chores, but if you want, we can talk while I'm doing them."

She nodded enthusiastically. "Sounds good, Jack!" Her red eyes shone brightly with her dazzling smile. Just like in my dream... With a small shake of the head, he walked with her to the barn. While walking, she said, "You know, I love chickens, but I've always wanted a cow. Or perhaps a sheep."

"You don't want this sheep," he replied, opening the barn door.

She giggled. "And, why not?"

"Because this sheep has a mind of its own." Cotton approached Jack slowly. She still had yesterday's event in mind. Jack tried to pet her, but with a bite, he could see that she did not want to be touched.

"Let me try," Popuri said. Kneeling down, she extended a hand. Cotton sniffed the hand, and seeing that she wasn't going to hurt her, placed its head under her hand for her to scratch.

"You know, animals know trustworthy people when they see them," Jack said, smiling.

Popuri smiled back at Jack, gave Cotton one last pet, and raised herself. "Jack, you don't know how wonderful it is to have a successful farm in the town. It keeps everyone in such good spirits. You have no idea how happy Mother was when you came." Her cheeks became rosy as she grinned. Jack stood there without speaking. He couldn't speak. "...Jack?" she asked.

"What? Oh, yeah." He looked away so she couldn't see his insecurity. But, she caught it.

"What's wrong?"

"There's only one person who isn't in good spirits."

"Who?"

"Me."