Chapter 3 – Preparations for a Party, An Unexpected Visit

Nobody's POV

Three days passed since that day, and Aikou got back into her regular routine of farming, mining, fishing and most importantly, talking and flirting. Narumi had no other friends in the town, and on occasion went to the church for a confessional or accompanied Aikou to the library, store or beach. Everyone started to try and talk with her again, especially Manna, but every time she tried Narumi found someone for Manna to talk to so she wouldn't get stuck in an hour long conversation. Narumi was never much of a talker, even in her little chit-chats with Aikou; she hardly spoke letting Aikou lead the conversation. Aikou often compared her with Gray and sometimes Cliff because she hardly spoke, but Narumi would always shrug it off. Aikou swore Narumi was related to Gray sometimes because of similar looks; even so she just ignored it not wanting to believe that she had family here.

It was Summer 4, Aikou was preparing a cake recipe for Cliff's birthday, and Narumi thought of gift ideas for Aikou's birthday which was on the 8th. Cliff and Aikou were on speaking terms yet again and Cliff never mentioned that he heard her say how she felt for him. Even though she spent a lot of time with Cliff again she spent more time with the girls, just trying to be happy. So often you would find her in the library speaking to Mary, on Poultry Farm speaking with Popuri, at the Clinic to talk with Elli, and then head to the Inn to speak with Ann. Before it got to late she would go to the store and talk with Karen, by the end of the day she would have spoken with all the bachelorettes in the town, had a brief talk with Gray and Rick, a long talk with Kai and Cliff and a somewhat medical chat with , which did annoy her because every time she wanted to change the subject he would change it back after a few words on her subject. She was happy that's for sure, she even forgot her birthday in all the commotion of Cliff's birthday and the Chicken festival, and everything from before, but everyone else remembered but didn't bother telling her. And Narumi never did mention what has happened so far between her and Skye…

Mary's POV

I can't wait until Aikou's birthday; she loves to read so I hope she likes this book I'm giving her. I heard something about Ann, Karen, Popuri and Elli throwing a birthday party for her at the Inn, I'm suppose to help out once I lock up. Were planning what foods and everything, so Narumi is stopping by with a list of things Aikou loves and hates. I'm so excited to see Narumi; I think she's a really good person, just a bit shy. When is Narumi's birthday? I guess I'll have to ask her or Aikou to find out; she hasn't been to the library much but she was here a few times with Aikou. She read a few books whenever she accompanied Aikou, so I guess she would like a book for her birthday, maybe. I just hope it didn't already pass.

I looked up at the door to the library open, when I looked up expecting Gray or Doctor, since it's Wednesday, I was surprised. "N-N-N-Narumi … what a-are you doing h-here?" I asked in shock from seeing the blonde in the doorway. "… I don't think I'm that intimidating …" she briefly said as she looked around the room. "… I got some news … about Aikou." She shut the door behind her and walked in front of my counter. "She forgot about her birthday … so it makes everything a bit more risky but rather safe. Since she doesn't remember she could just walk in the Inn at any moment, so I think we should have the meeting here … after the library closes." She continued softly. She sounds so calm but she looks a bit anxious to stop talking. I nodded and after a moments silence I finally said. "But what if she gets suspicious of the library lights on? Wouldn't we need someone to distract her?" "We could get one of the guys to … talk to her until one of us gives him some sort … of sign that were done. But we'll need to make sure she's far away from the library." Narumi concluded. I nodded again and said. "Who?" She shrugged and walked over to one of the shelves, grabbed a book after a moment and sat down to read.

I sighed at her not answering, and continued to write down ideas of a book for Aikou, small talk with Narumi was almost impossible anyway so there's no point in trying to talk. I heard the door again and looked up to see in the doorway, with a brief nod he went upstairs. I glanced back at Narumi who was closing the book and putting it back, I watched her stand and head up stairs. I wonder why she's always so quiet; I mean nothing rude or anything. I'm quiet but she doesn't talk with anyone unless she has a meaning to. Did something happen to her that she's like this, I'm kind of scared to ask.

Before she left with trailing behind her she turned to me and said "Make sure to tell everyone who comes here about this, except Aikou of course. 's going to inform Carter and tell him to tell Cliff to tell Manna and Duke, I don't want Aikou to get too suspicious of me walking around and talking to everyone. I'm headed to the Inn to tell Ann and Doug if you need me, I don't know which one of us will see Gray first so ask if he knows when he gets here." went ahead of her and left. I nodded to him as he went out and said "Ok, Narumi I'll make sure I remember." She nodded and left. This is such a big mission.

Ann's POV

It's hard to think of what to make for the surprise birthday party while cleaning the Inn. And of what to give her as a present, Mary said she was giving her a book but I want to give her something really special, but what? I don't completely know everything that she likes so I guess I'll have to wait until the meeting so I can ask for ideas of a good gift for her; I want to give her something that will be useful but also something that she would like. Aikou isn't girly so I don't think a dress would be a good idea, but then again I've seen her in skirts before. But her clothing is really expensive from the city and I don't have that kind of money, maybe a necklace or a bracelet or … earrings. That's it she has pierced ears so I guess she does wear them, I've even seen her with them on, on some occasions. She likes hearts so heart earrings will do, man this sounds so girly and that's something she isn't so they can't be too big.

I looked up to see the door to the room open and Narumi standing there. She seems a bit uneasy. "Hello … Narumi." I said as I walked over to her. "What brings you here at this time?" "I'm stopping by to tell everyone who's involved in this plan that Aikou forgot about her birthday and the meeting place is changed to the library after hours, then we need to pick someone to keep her busy so she won't get suspicious." Narumi stated in a casual tone. Wow how can she just come and say that and leave people so speechless. Did she decide this herself? I watched her walk towards the stairs to leave. "Ok. Hey can I ask you something." I said as she turned back around to face me with a brief nod. "Would Aikou small heart-shaped earrings for her birthday?" "…Yeah…why…?" she briefly said. "Because that was what I was going to give her as a present, I just wanted to check to see if it was something good or not. Sorry if I bugged you or anything, I can see that you don't like talking a lot." I said shyly. Silence followed the moment and the air became very awkward, I never would have noticed how awkward it was to try and talk to Narumi. But she's so cool, she's not afraid to be herself, it's amazing. "Your blushing … am I really intimidating?" I heard her break the silence with those words. I felt my face get hot from embarrassment; I guess I was blushing now that I think of it. I looked up at her and said "I-I'm sorry." She nodded and said "its fine, anyway tell your Dad and anyone else besides Aikou that comes here. It will make this easier if we pass it on; just make sure Aikou doesn't hear when you're speaking." After saying this she left, but she left the awkward feeling, and the question of why is she such a loner?

Karen's POV

I sat at my table at the back of the store, thinking of something good to give Aikou. Everyone is running around thinking and preparing for her surprise party, even Narumi is hanging around. Her and her black boots and corsets and skirts and blouses everyday once she leaves the farm, her hair shining and free from all holdings. I wonder if she likes anyone, and does she like wine. She seems like the solo type, but who knows what she's really like under everything. I want to get to know her better, but first I have the Aikou's-birthday-present problem to deal with, so the-I–want-to-know-more-about-Narumi problem has to wait until later. I heard my father, Jeff, call me from the store so I got up and headed to the door that lead to the hallway that separated the store and my home.

When I got there I saw a familiar blonde standing by the counter, staring at the door I came out of, her eyes piercing from the light of the ceiling. I shivered when I looked and noticed her expression change to a questioning one; I shrugged and walked over to her. "Yes?" I said to her. "…There's been a change …" she started then briefly glanced behind her to look at the door then she looked back at me with a sigh. "… in the plan, Aikou doesn't remember her birthday so we're going to have the meeting at the library after hours…we all need to pick a guy to keep her busy for that time that way she won't get suspicious." "Well everyone in town knows except for her so this should be pretty easy, some other can keep guard too, but yeah she might get curious as to why everyone is standing around so late in the evening." I said feeling as if I was on Narumi's same level, of what I don't really know, she just always seems to be on some higher level than everyone. She nodded and said "Tell your Mom and Jeff already heard when I came in. Tell others who come here today also, make sure you tell them to tell others. Everything will be easy this way. Anyway I'm headed to Ellen's house to tell Elli, see you later."

She turned around and left the store, I was so amazed with how quick this conversation ended. I wanted to talk with her about other things, but I guess this has her busy. I know when this is all over, she'll go back to not talking anymore so I want to make the most of this and try and make a friend out of her. It's actually pretty hard to see her alone like this so much, I wonder if she'll accept me as a friend.

Elli's POV

I was busy making lunch for Stu, ignoring him complaining. Grandma shushed him every now and then, I looked at the clock and say that it was almost time for him to go to the Church. I sighed in relief and put his sandwich on the table. I thought about gifts for Aikou, I didn't want to give her anything medical since she already has to take medicine. I thought about clothing that Grandma could sue, and her clothing style. There was a sudden knock on the door which made us all look up; it opened to reveal an anxious faced Narumi, her eyes continuously looking back towards Claire's old farm, even though it was at a pretty good distance. "Narumi, what a nice surprise." My grandmother said to the blonde haired girl. I motioned for her to enter and she did just so, cleaning her shoes outside first. "What brings you here today? Is something wrong?" I asked as I pulled out a chair for her. She sat very lady-like and nodded out of breathe. I got her water and watched her drink from the cup and glared at Stu who tried to get away from eating his sandwich, he just wanted to go to the Church at the moment.

"…Aikou forgot her birthday; I had to run around because she was following me… Since she forgot the meeting is going to be at the library after hours… I have to get back to the farm soon but I can't seem to find Popuri to tell her." She paused a moment to catch her breath then continued. "Everyone else in the town other than her Lillia and Rick know about this change in plan, and how they have to try and act very normal. So I need to find her, fast do you have any clues?" "She might be in the mountains or the forest since she's going to make flower decorations for the party, or she could be on Poultry Farm. Either of those I'm sure" I said as I took the finished water and started to clean it. "Are you still hiding from Aikou?" She nodded and sighed; I chuckled a bit and said. "You can wait here for a bit until you're sure she's back at the farm." She looked at me with thankful eyes and looked at Grandma who nodded. "Thank you Elli and Ellen." She said.

Aikou's POV

Where did Narumi go? She was acting weird this morning to I wanted to see if she was really ok. And then when I finally see her she runs like there's no tomorrow. She was the best athlete back in school, and she can run so fast I couldn't keep up. She's around here somewhere but where? She wouldn't hide in someone's house, and also she's been rather social lately, it's strange for Narumi. Maybe it's possible that she has … friends? I'll go back, even so I feel a bit lonely without her around. She's always been around me, I feel kind of selfish to think this though. I continued to think as I headed back to the farm, to finish my recipe for Cliff's cake and to check my chicken for the chicken festival in three days.

Popuri's POV

I know exactly what to give Aikou, this party is going to be amazing, I'm in charge of flowers and I have to help with the outfits as well, this is so exciting! I can't wait to get Aikou all dressed up, I just hope that she doesn't attract Kai's attention to much with it though, oh why am I getting so jealous when I'm supposed to be happy?! I walked around the forest picking some Pink Cat flowers to use for the decorations. Aikou loves Pink Cat flowers; she also loves apples, pineapples, strawberries and wild grapes. And most of all chocolate, I remember the last time we all met Narumi said something about that she was going to make a recipe that Aikou's dad used to make, Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cheese Cake, it sounds SO good! I can't wait to try it; my present for Aikou is a bracelet with a flower shaped gem on it. I stood with my bouquet of flowers and headed back home, I saw Narumi walking back to Claire's old farm on my way there, until she saw me and stopped.

"Popuri! There you are, Elli told me to look in the mountains or the forest for you, so I was going to go there!" she said as she walked over to me. "Well I was there but I just left to get the flowers for the decorations. Why were you looking for me?" I asked as I met her half way. She stopped to catch her breath, since it's obvious that she ran here. "… Aikou … forgot about … her birthday … so you can't … act unusual or she'll … get suspicious. … And the meeting … has been changed to … the library after … hours today …" she stuttered still heavily breathing. "Do you need water? You look like you're going to faint." I said as concerned as I could possibly sound, my mind isn't really on Narumi right now, it's on the cute gift I have for Aikou. "…I'm fine… just make sure you go today … and tell your mom and brother… to act normal…" she finished and headed back to her home, probably to get some rest or her list of items.

Narumi's POV

Finally done with that, I can rest for a bit while I make the lists. This is so demanding I looked at my watch to see that it was 3 o'clock; I have two hours left before the meeting starts, well before I go over there. I need a stress relieve break before anything else. I walked up to the door of the house and opened it to reveal a light painted room, the lights off and Aikou's shoes not here. 'She might be checking on the animals or something else.' I thought as I took of my boots and put them on the little rug next to the door. I went over to the kitchen for some water when I heard a small snoring come from a room. I looked around then peered into my slightly open bedroom door, putting down the glass and heading to see if the sound came from in there, which is pretty unlikely since no one goes into my room. I opened the door more so I could slip in, I inspected the room and noticed my bed wasn't made, in fact there was a lump under my covers, and I remember making my bed before leaving this morning.

I cautiously walked over to the bed and flipped part of the cover to unveil someone with silver hair. And not just anyone with silver hair, even though I only know one person with silver hair, the one and only thief around here, Skye