Thank you to all my readers for sticking in there. I do apologize for not having posted an update for quite some time. I had major writer's block. But I will try to keep these going as often as I can! ^_^

So without further ado...

Harvest Moon: High School Parade

Chapter 8: Peace, Love, and an Invite

I clutched the covers to my chest, rolling on my side. I stared at the blue glow of the alarm clock slowly switch to the next minute. The light shown 1:45am; taunting me as each minute passed. My eyes were hurting and heavy, but I still couldn't fall asleep; all of the day's events were flashing in my mind, pounding in my brain, keeping me awake. My body ached from lack of sleep. I gave an aggravated huff and got up. I sat in my desk chair, looking down at my diary, and began to flip through the pages, reliving each moment as I read them.

I need to get out for a bit.

It was past curfew, but I really needed to get some air. A nice walk will help me to fall asleep. I debated the risks for a bit, and decidedly grabbed some sweat pants and a sweatshirt, slipped on my shoes, and headed out the door as quietly and stealthily as I could.

I was never one to sneak out of places or get into trouble, so during this escape I was inwardly panicking, afraid that a dean or resident director would pop out at any moment. But once I was outside I sighed. Looking around, I noticed that the dorms and the school looked very different at this time of night.

It was too quiet. The lamp-lights were dim, leaving behind eerie shadows causing me to mistake them for strange creatures of the dark when really they were so innocent and meaningless during the day.

Maybe this was a bad idea.

I was just about to go back to my room, when I noticed a hill just beyond the dorms in the distance. For some reason, I felt drawn to it. I decided to go up and after a few minutes there, I would come back. As I was climbing the hill, I started to see the moon peeking behind it until finally I was at the top of the hill. I sat down and marveled at the view. The moon was full and bright, and because it was lower in the horizon it seemed much larger than usual. It glowed with a tint of orange and red…a Harvest Moon.

I shivered slightly from the cool breeze and damp grass beneath me. Turning around, I had a good view of the school, shimmering from the moon's rays. The years of history could be seen in the architecture of the buildings, but it wasn't worn out or old looking. For the first time, I felt lucky and proud to be attending here. I felt happy and at peace in this spot, so I decided to name my hill: Moon Hill. I chuckled softly to myself at how happy I finally felt.

I really did need this.

Suddenly I heard a strange noise near me. My face turned completely pale, and I started to shake with fear.

What could be out this late? Nothing good.

I sat absolutely still; afraid my breath would give me away. I then heard the sound again.

I looked around me, and saw a young man nearby, sitting under a tree with his head in his hands. He sat there sobbing. I stared in disbelief, a flood of 'whys' filling my head. After a few moments, once my fears had subsided, I started to become sad, and my heart felt for him. My curiosity got the better of me and I walked toward him. He was too engulfed in his crying to even notice me. I knelt down next to him, "Excuse me. Are you okay?" He jumped at the sound of another person's voice. He looked up at me as if he wanted to say something, but the tears wouldn't let him. He let out a loud wail, and continued to cry in his hands. His eyes were red from crying, and his face was young, he couldn't be more than 19 years old. He wore a dark collared shirt, and black pants, which surprised me considering it was so late at night. The only thing I could do was place a gentle hand on his shoulder, reassuring him, "It's okay. You'll be okay." I kept patting his back until his sobs quieted a little. "What's wrong? Is there anything I can do for you? Did you get hurt? Are you lost?" He just shook his head, wiped his nose with his purple tie, and sat up to look at me. "You don't understand. It's just so sad…." He wailed again and continued to cry. I rolled my eyes a little because he was acting childish for his age.

"Why don't you tell me what's wrong? I might understand. What's your name?"

He said in between sobs, "M…my…my…name is…is…Edge."

"Well Edge, it is very nice to meet you. I'm Hikari. What happened? I'm sure I can do something for you."

He stopped crying, and sniffled, "H-Hikari? The President told me about you. You're that new girl. I didn't believe you'd come find me. Nobody ever cares about me. I'm not like th-the…the other school board members. Th-they think it's possible that th-the people here can change." He wailed even louder and cried more.

Huh? School Board Member? He's a board member?

I was a bit shocked. "Wait, you're on the school board? But you're ah…" a baby? A pessimist? A non-stop crier who creepily sits out in the middle of the night to cry about meaningless things? "You're…young." I did feel bad for him though, I also really wanted him to stop crying. "It's okay, it's okay. That's why I'm here: to prove to you and to the rest of the board members that this school is alright, and it will continue to be alright. I am willing to help out. What can I do for you to help you see that?"

He stopped crying and peered off into the distance, "Oh it's no use. The students here just don't get it. High school is a time of friendship, happiness, and young love. They have forgotten about that. No one goes to the dances anymore, no one goes on dates anymore. This hill is known for romantic picnics and star-gazing, and I always like to come here to enjoy the view of the school, hoping that there would be people here enjoying the scenery as well, but they are too overly concerned with their individual lives to care anymore."

He took in a deep breath, as if saying all these things took a large weight off his chest. "It just makes me so…sad." A tear began to fall from his eye, and I sat there a bit speechless, not sure how to respond. He continued, "Do you really think that a school where people are socially inept should stay open? How far are you willing to go for this school?"

I wasn't sure if I understood him. The students seemed to be okay with friendships, but I guess I haven't had much time to understand the hearts of others here. I didn't know how deep some of the relationships were.

Are they as shallow as he says they are?

I didn't want this hurdle to stop me. I was determined to finish this year on a happy note, and wanted to do everything I could to keep this school open. I said to him, "Yes, I am willing to do what I can for this school, and I will prove to you that the people here still care, if you just give me a chance I will prove it." I really wasn't sure what I was getting myself into. How was I going to prove to him how the hearts of the people have changed? There must be something…

He looked at me with sad, hopeful eyes, "Really? Then you must get the students to build friendships. Get them to go to dances with the person they like. I want to see joy in their hearts and faces, and nothing says 'joy' more like the feeling of being in love. In fact, I want to see you at a dance with someone you've fallen in love with and who's fallen in love with you. Oh to see that would be so romantic! If you can do that by the night of Prom this spring, then I would be glad to let this school stay open. Oh the joy of young love!" He clasped his hands, sighed, and smiled for the first time. He shook my hand, and stood up. "Thank you Hikari. You've brightened my spirits! I am looking forward to see how good of a matchmaker you are!"

I couldn't move; I was in shock. How was he so giddy now when he was crying like a baby a few minutes ago? What an emotional roller coaster! He then waved goodbye, and trotted off. I continued to sit there in surprise.

I have to do what now?

I shook my head to snap me out of it, and remembering that I was outside in the middle of the night brought me back to my senses. I ran back to the dorms, and quietly went into my room. I slumped on my bed and buried my head in my pillow.

What did I just agree to do? I was so emotionally and physically exhausted that before I knew it, I was

fast asleep.

At School:

"Umm…Hikari. You there?" Kathy waved in front of my eyes to bring me back to life. My head shot up out of my daze. "Is everything alright Hikari? You look really tired."

I politely smiled, "Sorry, I just had a hard time falling asleep last night. I'll be okay." I unconsciously put on my P.E. clothes while my mind was still on events of early this morning. '

'You need to fall in love.' My cheeks blushed from just thinking about it.

What am I going to do with that one? Me? Fall in love? No, I can't think about that now. I must concentrate on class.

I gave my face a light slap to wake me up.

As we ran around the football field for class, I noticed that the grass was perfect, maybe a little bit too perfect. I turned to Kathy and Selena, "Hey, how often does the football team practice? When are the games here?"

I heard a chuckle from Selena, "Football team? Ha! They never practice. Our team is pretty terrible."

Kathy sighed, "Yeah, no one ever goes to the games because our team doesn't win too often. In fact, we haven't won any trophy medals since…I dunno…way before I came here."

Luke popped his head in, "Hey ladies! What are we talking about here?" He and Owen now joined our conversation.

"Just our lame football team," Selena answered.

Luke smacked his forehead despairingly, "Argh…the football team. I am surprised they still have a program. It's like the fire in our school spirit has sizzled. Hey Owen, didn't your try out for the team once?"

"I…did my first year, but I didn't get much of a challenge, and I found that lifting weights and wrestling was more my thing. But yeah…our team is pretty bad."
I was a bit shocked, "Is it really that bad? I mean, is there any way more people would go and watch the games?"

Luke responded, "Well, throughout the season, the team has a few chances to win some medals, but the biggest game is the Homecoming game against our school rivals. If they start winning some games, especially that one, then I'd go." They continued to debate on solutions while the wheels in my head began to turn.

That's it! That's how I can convince Alan! I need to get the Football team to win some games and medals! Then he'd definitely help!

I suddenly felt positive again.

I went about the rest of the day, chatting with new friends, and scheming up ways to get the team to practice.

After school, I walked with Finn, and talked to him about my plans for the football team. He seemed to approve and was happy that we were starting to accomplish our goals.

We were interrupted by Gill, who politely bowed and said, "Excuse me, Hikari, may I speak with you?"

I waved goodbye to Finn, and walked alongside the very dashing, Gill. I was nervous and intimidated to be near him.

He began, "First of all, I want to apologize for my behavior yesterday; it was quite uncalled for, and I really don't have an excuse."

"Oh. Uh…it's okay."

"I really do want to assist you. Or rather, please allow me to assist you."

I responded, "I would like that very much. Thank you. Are you this nice to every new person who comes to this school or just this time?"

His cheeks flushed and he seemed flustered, "I…ah…well…there haven't been many new people to…ah…help." He cleared his throat and quickly changed the subject, "Did you have any questions about the school?"

Hmm. I had to think of something. I wanted to continue talking to him for as long as I could.

"Ummm…Oh! Yes, what kind of clubs are there here?"

"Clubs?" He paused and shook his head, "I'm sorry, we don't have any clubs here anymore. Nobody was interested enough to keep the clubs running."

No clubs? That's very surprising.

"Umm…are there any other social-type things then?"

"Yes actually, there is one tonight at Fugue Forest Dorms. A lot of the students will be attending. Would you like to accompany me there?"

Is he really asking me to go with him? Is this a date?.!

I could feel my face getting warm from nervousness. "Um…sure. That would be…nice."

"Great! I will see you there then! Take care!"

We both exchanged farewells, and when he was out of sight, I clutched my books to my chest and beamingly smiled. My head was now filled with thoughts of tonight's party.

END Chapter 8

Chapter 9 will feature a party with all the characters, and will Hikari finally choose a love interest? Tune in to find out!