Note: Ack! It's been a while since I've seen this story. Stupid procrastination! Well I know it's been a long long long long long time since I've really paid attention to this fic, but I hope this chapter makes up for it. Enjoy!

Chapter Two

Goddess Smile

I didn't really think that Mary could be such a...well I don't know. Such a mean person? Well, what she did wasn't really that mean. It was just a bit shocking, seeing her act like that. I had never seen her like that. I had been to the library, where she worked, and she hadn't acted how she was a few hours ago. I know Mary never really liked me because of Gray, but I never thought she would try to take him from me. What if she succeeds? Then I won't have the love of my life anymore.

Ooh. What am I talking about? I don't even know if she was serious or not. I needed to talk to Gray, he'd tell me what was going on. Where's that list she gave me? I started searching around for it. Wait- I don't need a stupid list. I know when everyone in Mineral Town is off. Geez, I'm losing it. Alright, so Gray isn't working on Thursdays. We'd always go to the springs on his days off. Now that I'm here in Forget-Me-Not Valley, he'll come and visit me...

I hope.

Ugh. I needed to get my mind off of Gray. I didn't want to think of him right now. Of where he is...is he with Mary? No! Ugh. Let's see how I can relieve my stress.

I'm in a new town, with new people. I should meet some of them. I left my house and headed toward the town. Or village. Whatever you would call this place. The air was sweet. I liked it a lot. I didn't really know where to go. I could see a lot from where I was standing. To my left was a bridge, and across the bridge was the farm I had been to last night. I could see Vesta's large body bending over teh fields. I made a note to stay away from there. In front of me was a colorful hut. Wonder who lives there? I saw the beach now. Why couldn't I see it yesterday? It was like, right in front of me! There was also a large building that resembled a small hotel. There were a few other buildings scattered around, but only one of those buildings really caught my eye.

It was far away, next to that little hotel. It was pretty small, and it had a well right next to it. A bule sign lit up and read 'Blue Bar'. Hey it looks a bit run down, but it's a bar right? It's five o'clock and they might have Happy Hour, so I power walked to the little building. I didn't want to seem too excited about seeing a bar in a little village like this. I mean, they don't have a place to sell cows or chickens, but oh, they have a bar. I was really starting to like Forget-Me-Not Valley.

I walked inside the place, surprised to see few people sitting at the bar, but then I remembered that there weren't many people in Forget-Me-Not Valley anyways, so this could be a lot of people. I found a stool and sat down. The barteneder was a male, with long brown hair that was pulled back into a ponytail. He might've been at least thirty five, and he was definatly worn out. The bags under his tired eyes gave it away.

He smiled at me. "Haven't seen your face around here. I'm Griffin." He didn't put his hand out for me to shake it since he was cleaning a glass.

"I'm Claire."

He nodded. "Pretty name. Can I get you something to drink?"

"Hmm. Do you have Goddess Smile?"

"Sure do." Griffin turned to get my drink.

"Yes! It's my favorite." I grinned happily. I haven't had a Goddess Smile in ages.

"It's your favorite drink too, huh?" I heard a grumpy voice next to me. Oh no. It can't be- "Didn't think you'd have a good taste in drinks." The curly haired man from last night took a big gulp of his Goddess Smile. Butthead.

"I didn't think you'd be starting a conversation. Thought you weren't a 'people person.'" I mocked him. "Why are you even talking to me anyways? I thought we couldn't be friends, or aquantinces. I'm the enemy, remember?"

"Just tryin' to be friendly. I got a load of crap from Vesta last night. She's been naggin at my about my manners. But, hey, if you don't want to talk, that's fine with me." He turned in his seat, facing away from me. I hadn't realized that he was sitting in the stool right next to me. How could I miss the hair? It's all big and curly.

Griffin handed me my drink, and I happily gulped it down. The tangy flavor tickled my tounge. Aah. That was delicious. I looked aroudn at the other people that were in the bar. I saw a man with a green hat with a flower sticking out of it, and elderly twins who were completely drunk.

"So, Claire." Griffin grabbed my attention. "Where were you living before Forget-Me-Not Valley?"

"Mineral Town. I lived there for two years before coming here. I didn't really like it." I noticed the guy next to me...what's his name? Ack. I don't remember. The one who has bad manners, her was listening in. I smirked. "So I came in last night. I had a bit of trouble trying to find my house though. I thought Vesta's place was mine, but I figured I was wrong when Vesta answered the door."

Griffin chuckled and grabbed me another Goddess Smile. He was a good bartender. I thanked him and continued. "So Vesta was pretty kind about showing me the way to my house, but this grump over here," I elbowed the cranky butt from last night."

"Hey!"

"He was all cranky about losing beauty sleep or something." Griffin laughed and I smiled.

"My name is Marlin, not 'this grump.'" He glared at me.

"Fine. 'Marlin' was afraid he was losing some beauty sleep." I turned to him. "But I think he does need some more, cause this is not pretty." I pinched his cheeks. Marlin swatted my hand away.

"Yeah, 'cause I have annoying little blonde kids waking me up in the middle of the freaking night needing me to show them where there house is."

"Hey, it's not my fault." I pouted. "I've never been there before. I wouldn't have known. Plus it was dark!"

Marlin and I bickered for a while. We argued about a lot of different things. I guess those Goddess Smiles really got us hyped up, because Griffin wanted us out. "So, Claire," He said. "You don't really know anyone in the village, right? Since you just moved here?"

I nodded. "Yup. All I know is you, Vesta, and this thing." I pointed to Marlin, who scowled at me.

"Well, then 'that thing' can show you around. He can introduce you to everyone. I mean it's only seven o'clock. Everyone will still be awake." I pretended to puke. "With him? Blech!"

Marlin scoffed. "Well, I don't want to be with you for another hour and a half either!"

"You would've been here for another hour and a half with her either way. I'll pay for your drinks." Griffin really must have been sick of us because we had about six drinks altogether.

I shrugged. "Hey, if it saves me money."

Marlin rolled his eyes. "Your selfish."

"What did you just call me?!" I asked angrily. I am not selfish. I mean, sure I'm saving like twenty five bucks, but Griffin will be happy too! He'll be getting me and Marlin outta there. Psh. Selfish my butt.

"Get on out. I have to close up anyways." Griffin raised his voice a bit. Everyone else in the bar was gone.

"Sheesh, alright." Marlin said and he got up and left.

I left twenty gold pieces on the table as a tip, thanked Griffin and ran out the door. I looked around for Marlin and saw him heading for his house. "Hey! Marlin!" I yelled. I caught up with him quickly. He didn't even try to run. "You owe me a tour, buddy." I poked his chest.

"I don't owe you anything. Now, move, before you piss me off."

"First of all, it's too late for that." I laughed. "Second, Griffin just spent a whole bunch of money for you to give me a tour, so your-"

"He spent the money to get us out of there becasue you wouldn't shut your trap. I'm not giving you a stupid tour."

I glared at Marlin. "Yes. You. Are." I said through clenched teeth, and I grabbed Marlin by his wrist and pulled him away from his place.

"Hey, let go!" Marlin squirmed to get away from my grasp, but I was too strong for him. He was a little weakling. I laughed as we stopped in front of a metal building. It had these strange sculptures in front of the building. "Who lives here?" I asked curiously.

"Let me go and I'll tell you." I could tell he was lying. He would try to run away.

"Fine. But don't bother running." His face stiffined. Busted! "I can catch up with you easily." Marlin pondered for a moment and his expression told me that I was right.

"Fine." He mumbled. I let go. "A guy named Cody lives here. He's an artist. He's really quiet, so I don't think you should bug him. He thinks a lot."

"Alright."

"Wish you'd leave me alone like that." He mumbled.

"Shut up!" I smacked him across the back of his head.

"Ow!" He rubbed the spot where I hit him.

"Just introduce me to everyone so I can go home and get away from you. I have to wash my hand now. You got your germs all over it!" I was acting like a little girl.

"God, your freaking annoying." Marlin stated, but he started introducing me to some of the people around here, so I let him get away with that.

It was eight thirty. I had met every single person in the village. They all seemed extremely nice. Well, except for Kassey. He was kind of in a bad mood. Marlin had walked me back to my house. He claimed that I might not be able to find it. Jerk. It was one night I couldn't find my house, and I had never even seen it before that! Ugh, he was so annoying.

"Well, here you are. This is your house. You remember where it is now?"

"Shut up, before you get smacked across your head again."

Marlin sighed. "Well, I'm outta here." He turned and started leaving.

I opened my door and yelled, "Night, you grump!"

"Shut up!" I heard a faint yell. I didn't think Marlin would be very good at yelling. He was actually pretty quiet. His voice at least. He may say he's not a people person, but he sure likes to argue. I got into my nightgown and flopped onto my bed. I hadn't thought about Gray all night. At first I was sad that I hadn't thought about him, but then I thought of Mary. I wondered if she was with him right now. I hope not. God I hope not. If she thinks she's gonna get away with that she so has another thing coming.

Ugh! I keep doing that! I don't even know if she was telling the truth or not! Why do I always make a big scene out of nothing? I just need to go to sleep. I turned out my light and closed my eyes, with little visions of Gray in my head.

Marlin's POV

I heard that annoying little twit yell from her door, "Night, you grump!"

"Shut up!" I tried to yell back. I never could speak very loud. I didn't know if it had to do with that little illness I had or not. But ever since I healed, I couldn't yell. Not that I really like yelling. It's too loud. Loud is not good. I hate noise.

Walking back to the hosue, I was wondering why I talked so much today. I never talk. Not much. I may argue with Vesta once every day, but that's about it. I don't even talk to Celia that much, and...I love her. Celia is the most wonderful thing that ever happened to the planet. I don't know why I can't talk to her. It's rather annoying, loving someone as much as I do and not speaking to her at least twice a day. Whats' wrong with me?

And why do I talk with Claire so much?

Claire isn't anything special. She's just a little nitwit that likes to bring up arguments. I sighed. I confuse myself too much.

I walked inside the house to find Vesta and Celia talking in the kitchen. They looked up at me when I walked in. I stared at Celia, her eyes twinkling in the light. I had butterflies. Men don't get butterflies! Ugh! Why did Vesta get all the guy genes?

"Where have you been?" Vesta asked me. Celia stayed quiet in her seat. She just stared at me.

"I was introducing Claire to everyone in town." I scratched the back of my head. I winced when I felt the spot where Claire had smacked me.

"Ooh." Vesta made kissy noises. "You and Claire, huh? I never would have guessed. She's so nice, and your so, gross." Vesta laughed, making Celia giggle. I threw Vesta a harsh glare.

"Me and Claire? Gross! No way would I ever date that twit! God, Vesta don't make me puke."

"Sure, Marlin, you say that now. But just wait, you'll be around her more and you'll start falling in love."

"What do you know about love?" I asked. "The only love you've ever had was chocolate cake, and look what it's done to you."

"Shut up"

Celia yawned. "Well, I'm off to bed. See you guys in the morning." I sighed. Her voice was silky smooth.

"I'm goin' to bed too." I announced. "I have to get up early."

"Not tomorrow. You can sleep in a bit." Vesta said, while washing some dishes.

"What?" I was surprised. Vesta was letting me sleep in on my birthday? What's she been drinking?

"Yeah. I picked the vegetables today. I figured we could give some to Claire as a 'Welcome' gift. I don't want you deliverin' 'em too early, you might wake her up. So get them there around eight o'clock alright?"

WHAT?!

"I'm not gonna be your stupid delivery boy on my birthday! Especially not to Claire! No freakin' way! Tomorrow is my special day!"

"Oh that's right...tomorrow's your birthday...hmm. Well you can spend your birthday with Claire. I know you want to." She chuckled.

"NO!" I'd much rather be spending it with Celia.

"Yup. Now go to bed, you've got stuff to do tomorrow." Vesta finished up the dishes and got in her bed. I cleaned up and then went to bed. I knew that even on my birthday, I would have to deal with Claire. Vesta knew how to irk me in ways to where I'd do anything for her.

This was going to SUCK.

End Note: Okay, so this didn't really turn out how I expected. When I wrote the first chapter, I had no intention of having Marlin and Claire seeing eachother again. But I got the idea and I just had to do it. I HAD to. So...yeah. Please Review! :D