Hello everyone. Sorry it took a while to update, I had really, really bad writer's block and was unable to write anything. But I'm back. I understand that some of you don't like the CliffxMary pairing, but thankfully some of you do. I like it, so I apologise to those who hate it.

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Disclaimer: I do not, never have, and never will own Harvest Moon.

Chapter 9

Best Friends Forever

My dream that night was strange and confusing. It was really unclear. I remember seeing something that made me feel wonderful, and then seeing something else that made me feel the exact opposite. But I didn't even know if what I saw was a person, a place or a thing. There is one thing I do remember though. I remember a loud, high pitched screech. It woke me up, but it didn't stop. I covered my ears, but it didn't stop, nor did it even become quieter. I rolled around, moaning, trying to make it stop, but it wouldn't. I screamed, and my parents rushed in.

"Mary?"

The sound became quieter, and I sat up. "Did you hear that high pitched screech?"

My mother shook her head and put her hand on my forehead.

"You must have been dreaming," she said. "Oh Mary, you're burning up. Are you feeling OK?"

I rubbed my head. "I have a headache. And I have no energy."

"You're probably coming down with something. Why don't you stay in bed today?"

I was going to tell her that I was fine and I needed to look after the library, but my head throbbed as I tried to sit up, so I lay back down again and closed my eyes.

***

I must have fallen asleep, because it was a lot brighter when I opened my eyes. I heard voices downstairs. My head wasn't hurting so much so I climbed out of bed and walked downstairs for a glass of water. I felt a little bit dizzy, though.

Downstairs, my mum was talking to Claire.

"She's sleeping," I heard my mum say.

"No I'm not," I said.

"Mary, you're awake!" said my mum.

"Hey Mary!" said Claire.

I walked over to the sink, but I felt dizzy and had trouble walking straight. My mother rushed over to help me, but Claire, the energetic farm girl, got there first and placed one hand behind my back and the other on my elbow. My mother went to the sink and got me a glass of water.

"I'll help you upstairs," said Claire. She guided me upstairs and helped me into my bed. I snuggled down into the blankets, feeling really cold. Clearly it was just me, because Claire was in a short-sleeved shirt and wasn't shivering whatsoever.

Claire stared at me for a moment, opening her mouth a couple of times but then shutting again, as if she had decided not to say what she was about to say. After a couple of minutes, she finally spoke.

"Are you OK?"

I sighed. "Claire, I'm dizzy, I can't walk straight, I have a headache and a dry throat, I'm freezing…"

"No," said Claire. "I mean, you've been acting really weird since…umm…" she thought back for a moment and then said "since we had dinner at the inn the night I got you drunk. Sorry about that, by the way."

I shrugged. "I'm fine." Claire stared at me, unconvinced.

"We're best friends, Mary. I think I can tell when you are not fine."

I was surprised she had noticed. She had seemed so caught up with Gray and everything that she hadn't noticed that I was so depressed. How long had she known? Claire answered my unspoken question.

"I noticed the day after our dinner that you weren't exactly yourself. You seemed distant. I thought you were just going through a stage and figured if I said anything it would make you even more upset. But it's been going on for so long, and you've never been like this before. I'm really worried about you, Mary."

"I'm fine," I repeated.

"Mary," sighed Claire. "You are not fine. I know that. And you know that I know that. Please, tell me what's wrong. We're best friends, right?"

She wouldn't give up until I told her. I knew that. And I did miss telling her everything. So, after a minute's hesitation, I gave in.

"It…it was about…Gray." I realised only after I said it that I had used the word 'was', but I realised also that it was true. I didn't mind as much anymore.

"Oh Mary," said Claire. "I-I-I don't know what to say. I'm so sorry…. I didn't know… I-"

"Claire," I said. "I said 'was'. It's OK. I…I don't know…I thought I'd be broken-hearted forever but…I mean…It doesn't feel so bad anymore."

After a moment, Claire said, "What about Cliff?"

"Cliff? I- I don't actually know. I mean he's saved my life twice and I am so grateful…but…I didn't think I'd fall in love, but then, he took me to the moon festival, and…well," I blushed and looked down, "I wanted to kiss him." I was surprised at how easy it was to tell her this. It was like the Mary-before-she-discovered-that-Claire-was-with-Gray had returned, and Claire was still and always had been my best friend. And as I thought of this, I realised that this is how I wanted it to be. I wanted Claire to be my best friend. I wanted to tell her everything. I wanted it to be like old times.

"Really?" asked Claire. "Wow. Cliff and Mary. Hmm…You two make a cute couple."

"Claire," I said, rolling my eyes. "But I'm not even sure it's like love or anything. I mean, I only started talking to him about a week ago."

"Love at first sight," said Claire, giggling. "But seriously Mary, maybe you too just…clicked."

I sighed. "But I doubt he likes me more than a friend anyway."

Claire sighed. "Mary, have you seen the way he looks at you? As well as the fact that you are one of the only people in the ENTIRE valley that he actually talks too, not to mentions that he ASKED YOU TO THE MOON FESTIVAL! You're so clueless, Mary. He OBVIOUSLY likes you a lot more than a friend."

"You think so?"

"I'm sure."

After a moment, I said, "So what should I do?"

"Let him make the first move. Don't look too eager. But show that you like him a little bit. I mean, he's so shy, if you look like you don't like him he'll probably stop liking you, or if he doesn't stop, he'll probably hide it."

I laughed. Good old Claire always knew how to act around guys. We sat there for a few minutes. Claire broke the silence.

"So the past week, you haven't really liked me much, have you?"

I dropped my gaze. "I got jealous. I felt you had stolen Gray from me. I was stupid. Our friendship is worth more than a thousand boys. I'm sorry."

"You're forgiven," said Claire immediately. "Best friends again?"

"Best friends forever."

I think I will keep it as CliffxMary, so those who hate it have all right to stop reading this story now. But for those who do like it, I love reviews (hint, hint). Thanks for reading, everyone!