Chapter 9: Lost In Space
That's what I did I focused on farming for the next few days and it became easier to forget about Cliff. I realised that my tools were starting to take a beating and decided to go to the Blacksmith's. While I was there the man at the front desk named Gray told me that they were perfectly fine and just needed to be upgraded. Gray then offered to help me mine for the ores needed for the upgrades. I gladly accepted and we set out to mine some ores. The time it took to mine the ores and to upgrade the tools Gray and I had started spending time together and often I would stop by to talk to him even if my tool wasn't ready. I don't feel the way I do about Cliff with Gray, I probably never will. Gray's just a really good friend to me and maybe that's what I need right now a friend. One day I was at home when I heard a knock on my door.
*Flashback*
I had just put away the letter I received from the mayor stating that I have been officially living in Mineral Town for a year now. I then hear a knock at my door. Slightly surprised that someone was actually visiting me I make my way to the door. I open the door and see Gray standing outside looking slightly tired. I stepped outside and closed the door behind me.
"Good morning Claire" Gray said.
"Hi Gray, what brings you here this morning?" I asked
"I'm here to deliver the watering can you wanted upgraded" he replied.
"Oh ya, I had that upgraded for spring… and it is spring now, but wasn't I supposed to come pick it up" I questioned.
His cheeks starting turning red and he pulled his hat down a little to hide it.
"W-well I thought I would deliver it to you to be a good friend." He stammered.
That was thoughtful of him but I still think there's something he's not telling me.
"Uh huh, well that was nice of you." I said cheerfully.
He then trapped me in a big bear hug.
"Gray….Gray… I can't… breathe" I chocked out.
"Ha ha, sorry Claire" he laughed
We were both laughing; he then placed me down but kept his arms around my waist. His faced suddenly turned serious.
"Wow Claire, I wish my grandpa would appreciate me and my work like you do" he sulked.
"It's okay Gray, people just don't realise that you're really a fun person to be around under your tough shell." I said cheerfully.
He leaned in closer before he said.
"You're right Claire; you never fail to make me feel better. You're so amazing Claire."
His grip around my waist tightened and he leaned in even closer.
"Gray what are you-"
Before I could finish what I was saying he crushed his lips to mine. It felt so weird; I definitely don't feel this way about Gray. I tried to fight him off but he's too strong and my resistance is futile. Thankfully he pulls away quicker than I expected. I'm about to speak when I see Cliff standing right beside us. Cliff is tall but Gray towers over him and everyone else for that fact.
"What the hell do you want Cliff" Gray sneered.
"I want to know why the hell you were kissing Claire" he yelled.
Gray stepped closer and poked Cliff in the chest.
"Why should that matter to you, and you're unusually talkative today, I don't think I like that." Gray growled.
This was not good I have to stop this before it becomes something worse. I step in between and put a hand to both of their chests.
"Cliff, Gray, lets settle down, now tell me what's wrong." I said calmly.
Gray grabbed my roughly by the wrist and said.
"Why should I have to tell him?"
"Wow, wow, wow, what are you talking about? We were talking and you kissed me out of the blue, how is that anything to tell Cliff about!"
"Wait so you're not-"Cliff asked.
"Shut up Cliff, I'm dealing with something here." I said.
I turned to Gray, grabbed both his wrists and looked him straight in the eyes.
"Gray, I'm so very sorry if I misled you into thinking I liked you, you're one of my closet's friends and I just don't feel that way about you. "I said apologetically.
He broke free of my grip effortlessly and I was in slight shock because I was holding him with all my strength.
"It's okay, I understand. You don't feel that way about me because you still feel that way about Cliff.
I turned red from head to toe.
"Hey, shut up I never said that. I stammered.
"Ha ha, okay well see you around" Gray said before he departed.
I just stood there for a moment before I realised I wasn't alone. I turned and faced Cliff but before I could say anything he said.
"So about what Gray said…. Is it true?"
"I don't know, how about you tell me the truth and I'll tell you the truth" I muttered.
"How about we go somewhere a little more private." he offered.
I nodded and we head into my little house. Once we were inside we sat he on my couch and I went to make us some tea. As soon we were both comfortable I decided to ask the first question.
I took I deep breath before I spoke.
"S-so when we were in the church I asked you I you wanted to be with me and you said you did… what made you change your mind?" I asked
He sighed as if he was expecting this.
"Claire you never let me finish that day. Yes I said I did but I have a reason." He said.
He paused before he spoke again.
"I didn't want to pull you into my sorrow. The day after Starry Night I received this in the mail" he explained as he pulled a letter out of his pocket. What did it say?