DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harvest Moon or any of it's characters.

Third Times the Charm
Chapter 2

"THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS WEEK WHAT TO DO YOU EXPECT ME TO DO?" Doug was yelling in an uproar which rather bitterly I must admit was starting to become a more than daily thing. If he kept this up I wouldn't be surprised if he turned permanently purple from rage. He would be like a little troll doll, with flaming red hair and purple skin...

Today I'd burnt as he said -yet again- another customer's food. This time is was Manna's lunch and even I know a storm when I see one. So my father's rage wasn't exactly unnecessary at the moment, but I was tired at being yelled at. Tired of getting looks of disapproval and tired of cleaning because I could no longer be trusted in the kitchen! So this time unlike taking my punishment like a good girl I yelled back…

It didn't go over to well to say the least, and ended in what I knew would be a strong talking to tonight as I stormed out of the front doors of the Inn. I stood in the cool spring air that was slowly turning muggier as summer approached, tension coursed through me.

"I can't believe you did that," said an oncoming voice.

I looked up to see Gray approaching soaking wet and angry looking, but something told me he was amused as well. Behind him walked Kai, also wet but in unlike Gray was in bathing suit trunks.

"Oh come on you know it was funny," Kai was laughing.

"You pushed me off the pier-"Gray's eyes looked up meeting mine immediately silencing his voice. Kai looked up as well at his friend's silence, only his eyes brightening a little.

"Oh hi Ann, oo you look angr-"

"I hope you aren't planning to go trekking through the Inn all wet!" I exclaimed in no mood for casual conversation.

"Well I-"

"I'm the one who has to clean up after you two you know. If you decide to start tracking water everywhere it's on my butt! And I just finished cleaning-"

"Take it easy Ann," Kai said holding up his hands an Inn towel in them, making me cringe even more. "Look we'll dry off, okay?"

I glared at him but said no more as I watched them dry themselves off. Once they finished I continued on my way still fuming as I walked down the path. I only vaguely heard Kai say, "she's like our mother or something isn't she?"

The stride to the Goddess Pond took a less time than I'd originally thought, especially since I avoided Jack's farm like the plaque and had taken the long way. Maybe it was because I was still storming away in a mad sprint... yeah that could be it.

Now sitting at the pond I was happy to see that neither Popuri nor May -the only others that would normally occupy this spot- weren't present.

I sat at the foot of the pond staring into the waters depths. Rolling up the cuffs of my overalls and removing my socks and shoes. I dipped my feet deep into the pond. Cliff didn't love me he probably never did… Jack never loved me and that was a fact. The thoughts kept running through my mind like a never ending wheel. A picture of Cliff's face with smiling Elli's, just like Jacks was currently... Maybe she would work her way into stealing another man from me...

With all my thoughts it probably wasn't surprising I didn't hear anyone enter the clearing nor realize the pass of time, until there was a loud crack of a twig sounded behind me.

Quickly turning around I saw a red faced Gray looking at me, now completely dry. "What do you want?" I demanded.

"D-Doug said to get you; he wants you home before dark."

"Dark, I only just-"I looked up at the sky that was now lit in a red maroon color the sun setting. He was right I must have been here longer than I thought. "Why'd he send you?" I asked pulling my feet from the water.

"I-I volunteered, he tried making Karen come but…"

"Held beer over her didn't he?" I asked now abandoning my attempt to keep my overalls dry. I could see it now, Dad telling her he wouldn't give her a drip of beer unless she came and found me, hah. Balling up my socks and placing them in my shoes I stood up carrying them in my hands.

"Y-yeah," he nodded. I never really paid much attention to Gray; he was the apprentice blacksmith. And we didn't have much in common expect for the fact we both lived the same building. But even so I knew how anti-social he tended to be; though normally angry as he was I wasn't going to complain. It was wonders to me why Mary seemed to like him…

What I didn't expect from him was what he said next, "you know Ann everyone has bad days but it's not helping to say like this… Cliff's an idiot to have let yo-"He stopped fidgeting and pulling his hat of his eyes, my mouth agape.

"Like you're one to talk! "I retorted.

"Let's go," he muttered and instead of anger which I expected in his voice, what I heard was hurt. Immediately I wanted to turn around and go drown myself in the Goddess Pond. We were just passing Yodel Ranch when I'd gotten up the courage to speak again.

"Listen Gray I didn't mean, I-I'm sorry, I shouldn't've-"I stopped walking looking at my bare feet on the bricks.

There was a long pause before he muttered a reply, "its okay you're right I-"

"But I should have-"

"Listen," I looked up he was standing a few feet away just looking out from under his cap. "You're right I'm not one to talk, h-how about we make a deal?"

"What type of deal?" I asked taken back. I had to stop myself short of mentally counting Gray's words. This must about the longest sentence he ever uttered to me.

"You stop biting customer's heads off, and be more active again. And I-I'll try my best at well-"

"Not losing your temper? Being social?" I tried.

He looked taken back, but nodded. "Y-yeah sure that…"

"Fine we'll shake on it!" I said pulling out my right hand in front of me spitting into it.

"W-Whoa wait," Gray stepped back.

"Scared of a little salvia?" I asked.

"No but-"

"Then come on then!" Rather reluctantly he spit into his own hand and we shook. "See not that bad, now is it?" I asked

"S-sure," he replied adjusting his hat.

.~*~*~*~*~*~*~.

I must say -whether because of the deal with Gray or because I took what he said to heart- my attitude did improve over the next few days. With summer just around the corner this was probably a rather big plus, as customers and visitors from the valley poured in. I hadn't burnt any more dishes and the laundry was catching up. Things were looking good.

The only thing that didn't seem to be perking up was Mary, who was less enthusiastic than I thought she'd be at my improving attitude.

"You made a spit-shake!" she exclaimed.

"Well yeah…" we were both sitting in the library I was perched on top of her desk while she sat in her chair behind it. I didn't fully understand what the big deal was; sure spit-shakes were a little younger than us… okay a lot younger than us but still…

"Ann! You can't do that…" her worried voice trailed off. I knew her sentence was being finished silently in her head as she many times did.

"I honestly don't see what the big deal is."

"Ann he isn't your best buddy from the playground or anything else. He's really sensitive and-"

"Sensitive!" I cracked, "Mary you can't be serious he-"

"But I am, listen Ann you don't' know him like I do and-"

"And the fact that you have a huge crush on the blacksmith has no point in this at all?" I challenged.

"What! Of course not how can you be so-"as calm and collected as Mary was she was no actress. Her face flushed and she looked sick as if I'd just told her to go perform in front of millions.

"If you say so…" I mused playing with a pen on her desk.

.~*~*~*~*~*~*~.

The first day of summer had arrived, for most this meant a most wondrous occasion. For Stu and May it meant a full two months until they would be starting school, for others like many of the youth in Mineral Town is meant the annual Beach Festival; filled with dog races, volley ball and a cook-out.

I suppose it didn't take a surgeon to figure out why everyone was so excited, everyone that is except for me. Although I was keeping my end of my bargain fairly well, I don't think I could take a festival and still come out at the cheery end. This was just yet another marker to prove Cliff was gone…

Last year we blew everyone away at volleyball, scoring twenty points over the other teams. Back then I thought it was a sign that we were meant for each other, that we worked well together… how wrong I was looking at things now. As it turns out it had been a one sided team…

I busied myself at the counter washing it off until each corner was sparkling clean, then moving to the tables I didn't think anyone was going to stop me from my quiet evening of humming and cleaning until… Kai. Who else?

"Hey Ann, whoa… you gonna' be able to finish that before the festival?" he asked dashing over from where he had been perched on the steps.

"I hope not," I replied barley looking up from my wash rag that was now vigorously rubbing at a non-existent stain.

"What? Don't tell me you're planning on not coming today."

"Not planning. Am." I stated.

"Oh no your not."

"Oh yes I am."

"What if I said it was my birthday?" he pouted his lip.

"You'd be a liar."

"So I would… Hmm well I guess there's no way of convincing you…"

"Darn right."

"Soo I guess I'm staying here!" He declared. And to my shock sat down on the chair beside the table I was washing.

"What?" I asked stunned.

"You heard me I'm staying right here with you."

"W-what, b-but you can't. Really. I mean you open up your shack today, a-and it's one of the only festivals you're here for…"

"Oh all so true… I guess I'll just not open it this year and leave early… Though there's no where else I can go really that's not already booked for the summer. And Inn prices… let me tell you I-"

"You can't," I interrupted.

"Come with me then," he challenged.

I glared at him, "no."

"Alright," he settled himself into the chair almost putting his feet on the table before I shot him an angry glare.

"You're bluffing," I stated.

"Try me," he countered.

We glowered at each other for what seemed like hours until I caved, "fine."

"What? Sorry didn't catch that."

"I SAID FINE. DON'T PUSH YOUR LUCK!" And with that I hurried back behind the counter into the kitchen and to where my father and I called home. By-passing the living room I headed back to my own bedroom pulled on the first bikini I saw with a long T-shit over it and headed out to meet Kai who was wearing a big funny looking grin on his face.

He whistled both annoyingly and obnoxiously and together we headed out to the beach. We were late in his antics to convince me but didn't seem to mind.

When we entered the beach I was almost overwhelmed by the cheer that illuminated everyone. Dogs were towards the right being mused over by May and Stu. The few adults that chose to come were huddled near by. The volley ball nets were set up high to the left side where Gray, Mary, Popuri and the others were all gathered around looking as if something had just interrupted their game.

Running over to join them we soon found out it was non-other than Trent hunched on the ground in the center of everyone. "I'm fine really, everyone" he was saying.

"What happened?" Kai asked for me.

"There you two are," Karen said stepping forward looking a little annoyed at everyone's behavior. "Looks like Trent's sprained his ankle."

"Are you okay?" I asked quickly looking over him.

"I'm sure he's fine," Karen replied, "Can we get back our game now?"

The others look hesitant but nodded and allowed Kai and I to cart Trent off to sit on the side of the Snack Shack. Where we could sit in full view of the game. Kai barely said good-bye before rushing inside his shack looking eager to catch up on the time he missed preparing the food.

When I sat down beside Trent, he looked confused. "You know you don't have to stay, I'm perfectly fine to sit here by mys-"

"No-no," I replied shaking my head. "It's okay; I was looking for an excuse not to play." I didn't want to have to play and be forced to remember all the more of Cliff and I's success last year.

"Are you feeling alright?" he asked looking a little scared for a second.

"Yes, I'm fine. I just don't really want to play, you know?"

But from the look on his ace he didn't know, no not at all. And I couldn't help but think that he was analyzing everything that could be wrong to make me not what to play volleyball. But in truth whatever disease he was thinking off, was probably the farthest thing from the real reason.

After getting over the fact I was sitting next to a doctor who was trying to diagnose me I started to watch the game in front of us. It looked like Jack, Elli, Gray and Popuri were on one team while Mary Karen and Rick were on the other; I guessed that was the team Trent was on before his accident.

Though the score I didn't know it looked like Popuri's team was winning even with her constant trips and slip-ups. The other two and Gray seemed to be picking up her slack quiet well. While Karen's team on the other hand… Well Mary is as unathletic as she was doing a whole lot worse than she could be doing. With every glance she stole at Gray she would slip up and loose track of the ball. Causing Karen a lot of grief as she slammed each ball angrily with her fists, this is turn left Rick feeling nervous at Karen's sportsmanship, making him worse with every rude remark Karen flew at him.

I thought I was doing fairly well being invisible; I didn't do it often. And actually any day but today I might have killed anyone who suggested I'd be. But today was different I- oh no I spoke to soon.

Popuri's eyes caught mine, her eyes growing big. Oh no, please no just let poor me stay invisible… I pleaded silently.

"Hey Ann!" she called and all my hopes sank. The game slowed at the sound of her voice and finally Jack caught the ball to Karen's dislike putting the game to a pause. "Ann why aren't you playing?" Popuri asked.

Everyone's faces turned to mine and I sunk where I sat, Gray in particularly was looking me as if repeating the bargain right into my mind.

"We are one short," Mary put in quietly.

Karen at once perked up, "yeah Ann why don't you come and join our team!" she smiled. "'Member last year you and Cliff, wow! We could really use you!"

"Uh um well I-"I staggered under everyone's eyes. "Well I think Trent needs company," I managed.

If they could all ever blink at once they did. They looked at me as if I'd just spoken another language completely. I didn't know what to do.

"I'm fine by myself," Trent finally spoke.

"And he's a doctor Ann," Kai's voice came from behind now emerging from the shack. "I'm sure he can care for himself, but I suppose if you still don't want to play… you could help me in the kitchen."

"Well I-"

"I OBJECT!" Karen yelled from her spot on the sand. "Ann hasn't played one single round and you want her to cook? She does that all day at the Inn!" She stared at him in disbelief and I knew this had more to do than me having a good time. "You're going to have her waste away a years worth of unused talent?"

"Well she doesn't exactly want too-"Kai started.

"Of course she wants too; she just doesn't know it yet." Karen smiled politely grabbing my hand and pulling me onto the court. "Now, now Kai go on and get back to cooking like a good boy," Karen smiled, "we'll send Ann in once she's played a few rounds. Right, now serve the ball Jack!"

And well it wasn't as painful as I'd originally thought, actually it was rather helpful. Everything I'd been holding in for the past days, or rather wasn't holding in at times… I let out with one angry swipe of my hand contacting with the ball. I was on fire, the only times I'd lost the serve was well when I purposely aimed the ball at Jack a few times… but that was all fair and accidental right? I playing well more than a few rounds up to about mid-afternoon. We only stopped when Mayor Thomas came over announcing they would start the dog races soon.

"That was great Ann!" Karen exclaimed high-fifing me. "You know I think that eighty to fifty-five is a new record! Come on Rick lets go check out these dogs."

Laughing a little much to my surprise I watched as they set off, "uh that was real good Ann."

I turned to see Gray scratching the back of his neck looking at me or well near me. I suspected his eyes were actually on the ground by my feet but I couldn't be sure with his hat.

"Thanks Gray, so were you." I replied bending over a little in an attempt to look under his camp at his eyes, but sure enough we were interrupted.

"Hi Ann," Mary's soft voice came and I immediately straightened up.

"Good game, eh?" I asked.

She nodded her eyes just past me at Gray. Oh I gave an inward smile; alright I was feeling up for some match maker playing. "Hey Gray," both of them seemed to jump at his name. "Why don't you and Mary go down and see the dogs."

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"Well I think it was implied I'd help Kai," I replied.

"Oh," he looked as if he might argue but Mary was already off and down the hill and he had no choice but to follow. I thought for a moment, did I really want to go and help Kai? In truth the answer was a little mixed but seeing as there was no way I could sneak away I opted to go and see him.

"Hello," I said entering the shack. Inside Kai was just finishing up some snow cones and setting them in the freezer.

"Oh so you do come?" he smiled.

"Well you seemed like you wanted me too…"

He laughed, "And it seems you did want to play volleyball. You're pretty good you know."

"Thanks," I replied grabbing an apron from the side wall.

"What no modesty?" he asked smiling as he turned to rummage though the cabinet.

"Nope so what are we making?"

"I think pizza would be a good choice Zack has the burgers and hot dogs going outside," he replied setting out the flour and already prepared dough. "Just flour your hand-"he stopped seeing as I'd already floured myself up and was grabbing a lump of dough.

"Are we doing personal pans or one full pie?" I asked already kneading the dough flat reaching over for the rolling pin. I glanced up at him to see a rather shocked expression on his face that soon composed it's self and replied, "Personal."

"Right-o," I smiled diving up my dough and starting to roll it.

"I forgot you cooked," he said after a few minutes.

"Yeah well I don't just clean up after you at the Inn," I replied and he smiled a little bit. "What Popuri doesn't cook with you?" I asked and his smile sunk into an almost frown.

"Popuri?"

"Well she is your girlfriend isn't she?" I asked.

"Oh… well no. Not anymore she isn't."

"Not anymore?" I repeated looking up.

"Broke up at the end of last summer, I thought Manna told everyone."

"Manna?" I repeated again.

"You know 'that good for-nothing beach bum broke poor Popuri's heart'" he mimicked Manna's voice in a high pitched mockery. I laughed and he smiled, "Haven't heard you laugh since I arrived."

"And I haven't heard you mimic Manna," I replied.

"So you didn't know?" he asked.

"No," I replied. "Though it's not surprising I try my best not to listen to what Manna says. Though I am surprised I didn't hear about it form the other people who visit the Inn." And as I said it the small memory of Popuri coming in many times to the bar last fall did seem to start to make sense.

"Oh well, yeah we're over…" he replied.

"Well why?" I asked.

There was a pause as he thought this over,"well," he started. "Well I guess I moved on, I couldn't keep up with Rick and his constant nagging and I knew it wasn't possible for her to come with me… and well…" he voice trailed off.

"Well?" I prompted.

"Well I kind of moved on," he finished.

"Like you found another girl?" I questioned shocked.

He nodded, "a little bit, yeah."

"That makes no sense," I said.

"Well I do like someone else now, I just haven't told her yet."

"Oh, so you're kind of like a jerk?" I asked straight faced.

And he started to nod then looked startled and the realization of what I said. "Wh-what?"

"Gottcha," I smiled.

"Hey I was trying to be serious!"

"And I was trying my best to not let you be!" I replied flicking flour at him.

"HEY!" he shouted setting down the dough that was in his hand. Reaching into the flour bowl and throwing a big wad at me. It wasn't long until I was ducking behind tables and chairs flinging flour over my shoulders and getting myself pelted as well.

"Whoa what's going on?" Gray asked flinging his hands up over his face as he entered. Immediately the flour flinging stopped.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"I-I was going to use the bathroom…" he replied looking over at me his mouth twitching in what I thought could be a concealed smile.

"What?" I asked.

"Your hair," he replied chuckling a little.

I reached my hand up and shouldn't have been surprised I was caked with flour from head to toe. Gray was just looking over to Kai when I threw a big amount of flour I'd been saving to catch Kai off guard with at him. It hit Gray square in the face.

"Hey!" he uttered surprised and then Kai hit him with another amount of flour catching on quickly. Now grabbing some flour of his own it was a full blown war only to be stopped when the bowl of flour was found empty. I looked from Kai to Gray to my own hands all coated in flour and laughed collapsing into a near-by chair.

The boys joined in, "now we really have to clean this up before everyone eats," Kai said gesturing to the shack around us.

"I was just going to the bathroom-"Gray said standing up in an attempt to leave.

"Oh no you don't," I said standing up and grabbing his hat off the top of his head, reveling his flaming read hair. He looked shocked. "If you don't help us clean up you don't get your hat back," I told him.

"What that's not fai-"

"Yes it is," Kai smiled and I placed the cap on top of my own head. "Now get to work," he said throwing rags at each of us as he got to work on saving the flour covered pizzas. It didn't take long to mop up everything. Actually I was rather surprised at the time it took. No sooner had me and Gray been placing the rags into the sink, Kai was pulling out the near perfect pies.

"I'll call everyone in," Kai said heading out the front door to the beach below.

"So uh do I get my hat back now?" Gray asked and I smiled.

"How much does it mean to you?" I asked looking upward at the cap still on my head.

"A lot," he replied his mouth again twitching in a smile.

"Can't you just smile, is it that hard?" I asked.

Before he could reply Kai was back with everyone filing in behind him. Quickly placing Gray's hat back on his head before anyone could see especially Mary who would get the wrong idea; I headed back to the bathroom and wiped the remaining flour I hadn't gotten of my face and arms.

For starting out the day not wanting to do anything, the day turned out pretty well… actually I might dare-say it was fun… A wonderful way to spend the first day of summer…

Yay Ann's no longer completely depressed! I wish it could stay that way... Thanks so much for reading everyone, and thank you Awesome Rapidash for your review last chapter!