"Those kids are pretty good at snowball fights," Tina gave a light chuckle as she, Rod, and I watched the children run home, each of them covered deep in snow, but happy.
"Well maybe we would have done better if you two would have helped me instead of making out in a snow fort," I joked, "Honestly, you two let me get ambushed. Can't you guys get a room before doing something like that?"
"I couldn't help it," Rod went red, "Tina's just so adorable and when we kiss. . ."
"It's like heaven," the journalist laughed, "And Rod's just like a puppy, you know? You just want to run your hands through his hair and call him a good boy. I'm sure that you know how that feels."
"Not really," I shrugged, "Never had a date."
"You're kidding. There's no way a cute thing like you has never had a boyfriend."
"It's true Tina."
"Well, I'm sure you'll find someone. There are some cute guys in town. But not as cute as Rod though."
"You flatter me Tina," He scratched the back of his head in embarrassment, "But I think Neil's still single."
"Yeah," I replied, "I realize that."
"It's such a shame really," Tina frowned, "That he and Alex had gone through such an awkward relationship. I hear that she chose Allen over him, so he left town for a while."
"That's true," the pet seller patted her on the back, "He did come back though. But I feel sorry for him. He was really crushed by her decision. He ended up coming over to my house to mope. And he never does that."
I frowned at their words, letting them sink into my mind. Maybe that's why Neil was so grumpy all the time. He wasn't just good with people, he had his heart broken. I flinched. That must have been horrible for him to go through that. Considering he isn't friends with that many people, that must have been very serious for him. I wanted to comfort him at the moment.
"This is such a beautiful day," Alex leaned back against the chair. We had decided to eat lunch at her place, since Allen would be busy with work. I decided not to question her about the rumors. Couldn't give her more stress than she already has. Someone special is coming to town to judge the Gardening Tour so she wanted to impress them. She's been up all night working on it, despite her husband and I telling her to get more rest. She needs to relax while she can.
"I agree. How is the Gardening tour coming along?"
"Pretty good. I have just a few more things to create and then it should be done. I just have to wait for Rebecca to open so that I can buy the materials."
"That's good. I'm sure that you will wow the crowd."
"Thanks Hazuki. That's good to hear."
"There's something that's been bothering me," I bit my lip, "I'm sure that you have heard the rumors. About how you and Allen might have had a shotgun wedding."
"What?" She got to her feet, "Who the hell has been saying that? I love my husband. I accepted his proposal out of love. Not, well, that. The fact that people have been spending lies about me is bullshit. I'm the reason this damn town is still alive."
"Alex-"
"It's not your fault," she sat down, "That's not important. All that matters is that I'm a good mother to my child. Hopefully I didn't wake her up."
"You didn't," I reassured her, "Maybe I should go so that you can cool down."
"I'm fine now. I think I might go shift for a bit."
"I thought that Allen told the pack that they should shift as little as possible."
"I'm his wife," she winked at me, "He doesn't have to know anyways. Keep this a friendly secret between us girls."
"Have fun. I'll watch the kid while you're out."
"Thank you," she gave a wave before running out of the house. I sat back with a smile. It was good to see her happy. She was my best friend, so her happiness was very important to me. More important than my problems.
"Hello?" a voice called from outside, "Is Hazuki there?"
I went to get the door, surprised to find Soseki standing out there. He looked a bit flustered from the snow and possibly from walking all the way from his house. But his face lit up when he saw me.
"Soseki? Why do you need me?"
"I wanted to ask you a question. Can you follow me to the mountain?"
"Sure. Can you make it quick? I have to watch over Alison."
"So I that our ages are very far apart, but I've been thinking about you nonstop lately," Soseki gave me a serious look and pulled out a ring, "Will you be my girlfriend?"
"I didn't realize that you felt this way," I smiled, "Sure, I'll go out with you. I guess this makes us boyfriend and girlfriend?"
"Sounds about right. Any cute nicknames, honey?"
"Zuki?" I asked.
"Sounds good. Is there something you want to call me?"
"Just your name."
"Alright Zuki," he gave me a hug and slipped the ring onto my finger, "Can't wait to see how we work out."
