BiddyAuthor: Don't worry about it! I'm just happy to hear from you when you get the chance! Thanks for reviewing so often!
MagicalSquaresOfDarkness: You should've seen my face when I thought you were gonna troll me! I was like "OH NOES!". For real, I'm not even joking. But it's still funny as H-E Double Cheese Sticks! XDDDD. I have a Dylan liker? YUSH! Score! That, weirdly enough, just made my day. Not foreshadowing that Dylan is a good guy or a bad guy but just the fact that my character has controversial views about him...*sniff*...I'm so proud! Lol. Thanks for your BOOTIFUL reviews...even if you did become a troll for like...2 seconds. ;D
NumberSixteen: In love? With moi? Oh stop you're making me blush lol! Oh, and I just read your whole "I Swear It to You" fanfic. Awesomely done! I think I may be in love with you because I'm a total Hikaru supporter myself and you write wonderfully well! Ignore what is in the parenthesis if you have never read the manga because it is a total spoiler. (Though I didn't mind when Haruhi and Tamaki ended up in the actual manga it broke my heart that Hikaru changed so much just for her). Anyway, thank you for expressing great interest in my story! I'm honored ^-^!
Hidden by the sun: It means a lot to hear that my story doesn't sound so far-fetched or mary-sueish for the main girl. I'm completely ecstatic about how this story has played out and the fact that it all seems probable just makes it even better for me. Yes, well, I might let Chase get a piece o' eye candy...then again he's urking my nerves with his obliviousness so maybe not. (The author turns on her own characters. How tragic XD). Nice touch of the P.S. there. The reactions I'm all ready getting for Dylan are completely surprising since he hasn't gotten to talk yet. It really just makes my day! Thanks so much for reviewing!
HorseGirl784: Do you need an icy hot patch for your side? lol! You shall see her problem soon ;)! Chase's allusions to the last arc we're pretty clever hm? Thanks for finding the humor! OH and I'm happy that you like Maya's character. To tell you truthfully, it's hard for me to picture Maya as a horrible, mean girl. I don't like her that much cuz she always talks about food, but she's really sweet. She was my bestest friend in the game as well! Thanks for the review! It was awesome to hear from you!
Hmszelda: Isn't it though? XD. What a night the newly weds must have ;). Thanks for the quirky review ^-^!
s0phi: I'm sure the two stubborn people will make up soon so I hope you can hold on for a bit more. Thank you very much and I'm glad you loved the last chapter ^-^. Again, thanks so much for the review!
GreenLilyz: When I saw the review you gave me I had MANY reactions. First I was like 'awww thanks' cuz it means a lot to me to get so many compliments. Second, I gave myself a highfive (no one else available at the time) cuz I made the characters seems real! My aim is always to make characters seem real. And I'd tell you the rest but it might take up a good part of this document XD. Just know that I absolutely love reading all the comments and reviews you and everyone else leaves for me and I love to write out my appreciation to you guys. Oh, and when you told me that I was a talented person who is loved I almost cried because the day I read that my WHOLE day was terrible! I'll spare you the details ;) but it made me feel so much better and forget about everything the next morning. Thanks a lot for that! Your reviews are always so nice, and humorous too!
MidnightXMusic: Have I ever told you how much I love your reviews? I love them a lot actually! They're always like mini-stories and they're so entertaining that I read them twice in a row! Lol. To begin, I'm just happy you review as often as you do! You are definitely not a FF failure! Then, yes, I know Chase is a horrible person thus far for not realizing what he did until last chapter. LOL poor Anissa having to deal with Jin XD. I'm glad I'm changing your mind about Angela (she still gets a lot of page time though XD). Gill is so cute sometimes (cept for the one in our story...he's just an ass lol). Kevin is a pretty mellowed out character in this story, so I like him quite a lot. Oh yeah, didn't you know love advice from strangers is like the most accurate :3? Yes, a very interesting hotel! It's gonna get a whole bunch more interesting too! Again, thanks for all the reviews you leave me cuz no matter what they manage to make me crack a smile and laugh!
CheyenneANan: That song is super addicting isn't it? I'm gonna have to do something with it again cuz it's just sooooo...ADDICTING! OH, and I am honored to be your new best friend XD. And I'm ecstatic that you finally caught up to the story. Sorry, but as you might have guessed, I update slowly XP. Oh yeah, and you did scare me. I was thinking "Holy Coke Zero what have I done!" and then you said that sweet 'why must the chapter edn' line and I was like awwww she likes it that much? lol. But I really want to thank you for taking the time out of your days to read my story through, it means a bunch and I love that you reviewed! Thanks again! :D
AznRinny: My ninja friend, we meet again! (LOL that rhymed XD). Don't worry, you know I update slow so you made it in time :). Yush! I did a happy dance after I read your review cuz my story satiates your reading desires (which doesn't sound wrong at all XD). Surprises are what makes life FUN! Sorry, I feel your pain on the school work ish...its a great amount of the reason why I haven't updated as fast as possible! I'm tear stricken because you want to leave a longer review *tear* this story is so loved lol. And I certainly will keep on keeping on Tony the Tiger XDD. Thanks for all the reviews you leave, each one is always encouraging and ninjaawesome BBQ (cuz sauce just doesn't cut it anymore)!
Mishaay: I posted and as soon as I did I realized I had a new review! So sorry! I just want to say thanks for the review and I'm happy that you're so excited for this! Oh, and how she can talk to Kevin so easily? You'll see in this chapter. Sorry if it confused you a little. The explanation won't be long and drawn out but it'll be like "oooooooh I see". Anyway, thanks again!
Again, thanks you guys! All of your reviews are so great that I couldn't stop typing for you guys! I think I had too much to say though XD.
Well, anyways, lets get on with this crazy story!
~Chase's POV~
"Chase! C'mon and move faster!" Maya's voice rang through my sleepy demeanor. We stayed up making the menu for this high school reunion and that includes Maya!
"How are you so energetic?" I groaned and she gave me a wink.
"I've stayed up for longer plenty of times working on my cooking skills."
She then gave a smile and scratched her cheek thoughtfully.
"Though...it doesn't necessarily help."
"I think I may be seeing you in a new light." I said as I carried some bags onto the ship (Yolanda is old and Maya's a girl...you do the math).
"Really!" Maya asked with glee.
"Note my sarcasm..."
"You're so mean!" She said with a stomp and a pout before she melted into a smile and skipped ahead of me on the ship.
Maybe I was seeing Maya in a new light. She wasn't that much of an annoying person. It's actually pretty hard to see her as a love interest.
"Chase!" Maya called.
I looked up to see Maya waving at me with a lot of zeal.
'I can't put my finger on it...but Maya feels more like a-'
"Chase." I heard Yolanda's voice from behind me. I turned around as best as I could and dipped my head in a groggy greeting. Yolanda looked just as tired as me but she still gave me that warm look. The look she gave me so many years ago when I first came to her, alone, wanting to be her apprentice.
"You're thinking about her, aren't you?" Yolanda said.
I knew exactly who she was talking about and looked away immediately. I felt horrible for using Maya as a scapegoat for my feelings, and the fact that Yolanda knew made the guilt even worse.
"Look at me Chase." Yolanda's voice was stern sounding, I turned back to her, ready to receive a glare and a lecture, but Yolanda was still smiling warmly.
"I want to let you know, that whatever choices you make...I want you to be happy with them."
Before I could open my mouth to respond to her, Maya called out to us again, causing us to turn toward her.
"Hurry and get on the boat you two!" Her energetic voice called.
I looked back at Yolanda and she smiled.
"All of them."
She then walked aboard the ship and I watch her shout to Maya with much gusto about how she was getting on in her years. I was swiftly patted on my back then, which almost caused me to topple over.
"Getting soft, chef?" I heard the unnaturally gleeful voice of my perverted friend sound from behind me.
"Not even in your dreams Mr. Ph.D." I scoffed as Jin took a few of the bags off my shoulders.
"Oh, he's back. We've missed your sarcastically moody self."
"I'm resisting the urge to slam these bags into your body right now..." I warned him and he laughed it off as usual.
We ascended the boat ramp and Jin helped me take the luggage to the required boat cabins that Maya, Yolanda, and I would be staying in (I would be in a separate cabin of course).
As soon as Jin stepped off the ship I was ready to go.
"All right, Pascal. I think we're all set to go." I called to the old man.
"Not yet Chase. We still have some passengers to load up. I recommend you head to your cabin and get some rest though. You look like you could use a wink or two." Pascal relayed to me.
I nodded and headed toward my cabin.
"Chase!" I turned to see Maya running my way, right before she gripped me around the waist in a light hug.
"Whoa...what's with the sudden PDA?" I asked her, more surprised than annoyed.
"Oh, I'm just happy, that's all." Maya said.
"Oh...that's nice." I mumbled.
Maya frowned up at me and let go of my waist. I expected her to ask a question, but she just continued to stare at me. It was a little concerning.
"Ummm...is there something wrong?" I asked her. She suddenly covered her mouth with her hands.
"Oh, I'm sorry! You must be tired!" She exclaimed.
"You wanna cookie?" I said and rolled my eyes.
"You have one?" She asked excitedly and I bugged my eyes out at her.
"Oops! You're right you're right! Sorry! To bed with you! Now! Shoo!" She said and started pushing me towards my cabin.
"Hey! I can walk!" I shouted but she continued to push me until we reached my cabin.
"Go on!" She said as she pushed me right in front of the door.
"I am. Don't get your stockings in a bunch." I growled and she smiled before walking to her cabin that she shared with Yolanda.
"What a handful." I sighed. Again, she didn't annoy me...I just didn't feel romantic towards her.
I don't think at least.
I stepped into my cabin, being sure to lock the door behind me, and stumbled toward my bed. I couldn't go to sleep for some odd reason but I continued to lay there like a lifeless lump.
After a while, I heard the footsteps of what I assumed were the other passengers we were waiting for, and I soon felt the ship start to depart from the dock.
"Finally..." I grumbled.
As we sailed across the ocean, I was still unable to close my eyes for some sleep. I didn't even feel like switching the bedside lamp on.
X
X
X
It had probably been an hour since we set sail and I still hadn't gotten any rest.
*Ring ring, ring ring*
"I don't remember asking for the room with the phone..." I moaned and reached over to the bedside table and picked up the phone.
"Hello?"
"Make sure you get some sleep before you get there." Jin warned me.
"Oh, look. The pervert has been replaced by a professional doctor. And I was trying to."
"Chase..." His voice darkened.
"All right, don't give me that tone..." I grumbled.
"I have a feeling you're not going to listen to me." He murmured. I couldn't help but chuckle tiredly.
"In fact...I think you might come back even more tired than you are right now." Jin half-laughed.
"You may be right...let's hope you aren't foreshadowing anything." I said. Jin became quiet and I could tell he was a little worried.
"I'll be all right. Sleep is the least of my problems, believe you me."
"About that, Chase..."
"What?" I asked my friend who seemed to be a little more serious than usual.
"Well...just don't be mislead by anything."
"That wasn't a random warning at all, Jin..." I yawned.
"I'm serious. I just have this feeling...call it a doctor's intuition."
"Isn't it usually a woma-"
"Say it and I won't hesitate to come across the sea and perform unnecessary surgery on you."
I blinked rapidly and looked at the phone.
"The hell! That was really violent!" I said horrified.
"So you know I'm not joking now?" Jin said.
"Yeah...just don't kill me." I said and I heard him laugh on the other end.
"Anyway, get some sleep. I called just to say that." He said.
"Right, I'll try. Talk to you later, Jin."
"Bye."
I hung up and I laid on my back. I didn't bother changing clothes or anything, which was pretty weird for a clean guy like myself (I'm a chef, cleanliness is top priority).
My mind started to drift and I could feel myself slipping into a dreamy state. I started seeing a vision flicker before my eyes, and when I shut my lids, the pictures played against the dark background like a movie projector. I was all ready having a dream.
Which is weird...I thought Jin told me that dreams don't happen until a certain period of time during a sleep cycle...or something along those lines.
Dream~
I was standing outside the church grounds. Looking out at the vast ocean view as sunset arrived.
"It doesn't look as dazzling as usual..." I thought.
The water that usually sparkled with such majesty when sunset was upon us, was vapid, and murky like it was back in Castanet's dark days.
...Before Molly...
Without my consent...a sigh had escaped my lips.
"Finn! You bumped into me again! WAHH!"
Molly's voice came from behind me and i turned around to come face to face with her. The face she made was really familiar to the shyness she had when she first met me. I realized I must be having a dream about the first time we met.
I noticed now what I couldn't before that Molly was trying to keep her bearings and put on a brave face.
...I also noticed it was a really cute face...
"Oh...u...um...Hi?" She said with much unneeded stuttering. I wanted to pull her to me and embrace her but I couldn't exactly control myself in this dream. It was almost as though I was just looking through someone's eyes as they carried on their life. I also took notice of the ball of light floating near her shoulder. Finn was with her from the very beginning.
I smiled at that.
"Um, I don't think we've met. You must be the new rancher everyone is talking about." I heard my past voice say with little caring.
I could punch my past self right now.
Molly gave a bit of a surprised look and seem to glance at her shoulder at Finn who I'm sure was looking back at her with surprise as well. She gave a quick nod.
"Ye...yeah...that would be me..." She said.
Past me scratched my neck with nonchalance and I think I remember not really listening to Molly as she talked. I was really depressed at this time since there wasn't a fire to cook with. It's a little upsetting seeing how I was moping so much in front of her.
"I-I'm Molly...Molly Withard...I'm the new rancher...oh...well you all ready knew that so there was really no point in restating that since you all ready knew and now I'm just standing her saying things...heh heh heh..." She said and gave a nervous expression.
I had just stared at her without really paying attention while I had crossed my arms. As soon as she was finished I cleared my voice a little and I remember thinking about what she had said so I could give her a good enough answer so she wouldn't think I wasn't listening.
"Running a ranch on your own...that sounds tough. Good luck." I responded. Molly gave a nervous laugh and tugged on her hair a bit.
"Yeah...thanks." She said.
"I'm the bar's cook, but we can't get ingredients...or customers for that matter." I continued to talk...I think I just said that to get it off my chest since it had been bothering me.
"Without a good cooking fire, I couldn't cook anything decent anyway. What a joke."
"I-I'm sorry to hear that..." She said and I then threw my hands in the air and shrugged with resignation while Molly seemed to get even more nervous by the second. I could now tell she was trying not to bite her lip as she usually did around me.
I clapped my hands together which caught Molly's attention and made her jump and bite her lip fully.
"Anyway..." I continued.
"I guess I should introduce myself." Molly nodded a little and covered her mouth which I had thought to be insecurity at first but it was actually her hiding her bad habit.
Past me had given a smirk because I thought she was insecure around me due to my cocky thinking that I was good-looking.
"I'm Chase. I'm a cook at the Brass Bar."
"Oh...it seemed like a nice place..." Molly murmured and I gave a gesture with my hand that ,without words, said we weren't doing too good right now.
"The bar's open, but we're not serving any food right now."
I knew that that was the moment that I decided to pull in customers while I could.
"Once we start serving food again, you should come by."
I'll give myself credit for that...if i had never said that, I don't think Molly would have stopped by the bar after the fire got better again. Then she and Kathy wouldn't have arranged bar night with Luke and Calvin and then I would never have gotten to know her better.
Molly nodded her head with a little shyness and gave a slight bow to me as I waved goodbye to her and walked on my way.
I was suddenly brought to another point that I guess was a memory as well.
"YOU CLUTZ!"
"I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry!"
I was now looking at the scene in a third person perspective. I (or rather the past me) was glaring a Molly who looked terrified and sorry all in one glance. We were in the bar and Kathy was actually sober at this point and gawking at the accident along with Calvin and Luke. It was their second month of Bar Night and Molly had proven to be quite the clutz already.
"Sorry? SORRY? You just ruined one of the best dishes of my career and all you can say is SORRY?"
"I-I-I-I'm-I mean-please stop y-y-yelling...?"
"WHAT WAS THAT?"
"I-I*sniff* I *hic* I'll cl-clee-*sniff*"
Yeah...I remember this night. It had already been stressful on me that day and Molly's constant clumsiness didn't help. She always angered me with her screw-ups and this day in particular she really screwed up. Or rather...I screwed up by yelling at her the way I did.
"Whoa, Chase bud. Go easy on her, she's scared to death of you." Luke said.
Past me looked at Molly and I remembered feeling a little bad for yelling at her, she looked really broken. Never would I have guessed that this was probably how she was treated so long ago and she was traumatized from it. I continued to look at her and she winced under my gaze.
"I'll...clean it up..." She murmured while wiping away some tears and she headed to the back room. I sighed and followed her.
"Chase! Don't hurt her!" Kathy shouted in horror and I blew her off.
I went to where Molly was rummaging in the broom closet.
"He probably hates me now...I guess I should suspect that...I've never had many good encounters with guys after all..." I heard her murmur.
"What are you doing?"
"AHH!" Molly nearly tripped on one of the fallen mops and I caught her.
I can honestly say that my heart skipped a beat that day. Though back then I would never admit it.
"Be more careful you clutz." I sighed.
"Sorry..." She had murmured and picked up a broom and dust pan.
Without thinking, I had taken the dust pan from her hand.
"I'll help. It would be bad if one of our customers got stabbed by glass." I had said, not looking at her. I knew my face was a little red.
I had helped Molly sweep up the shattered glass and spoiled food with ease and after that, Calvin had ordered her a drink to cheer her up.
I saw myself walk next beside Hayden as he was making the drink.
"Hayden, do you still have sippy cups from when Kathy was little?" I had asked.
"Sure I do."
"Where?"
"The top cabinet in the far corner. Why?"
Without answering Hayden I had gone over to the top cabinet and gotten out the cutesiest sippy cup I could find which was a light purple one with cupcakes and butterflies on it. The bottom of it read "kiddie proof". Then I went back to Hayden before he put the drink in a glass.
"Put her drink in this." I told him. He gave it a quick look and chuckled a little.
"Isn't that a bit harsh, Chase?" He asked.
"No...I don't think it is."
Hayden, nevertheless, complied with my wishes and filled the sippy cup with the drink.
I took it to Molly and she gave me a thank you until she saw her cup.
"A...sippy...cup?" She said inquisitively.
"Yeah, read the bottom..." I said.
She flipped it upside down just as I had predicted and covered her mouth in shock at her actions.
"Oh no!" She gasped, readying for the liquid to spill all over the floor.
"No worries. It says "kiddie proof" right there." I said and pointed at the label. Molly's face darkened to something redder than a tomato in embarrassment as the whole bar started to laugh at her goof. She turned it upright again and looked at it, then at me.
"B-but...how do I drink out of it...?" She asked.
"You suck on it." I said.
"That's what he said!" Luke called out and Calvin slapped him on the back of the head.
"Go without the jokes for one time, Luke. That's all I ask." He sighed.
"Like this?" Molly asked and turned back to me with the cup's sipping part in her mouth.
I immediately turned around as everyone else laughed.
"Chase is laughing so hard he can't look at her!" Someone called and I had hurried back to the kitchen.
"Th-that's really mean." Molly's voice floated through my ears.
Yup. That's the day. I was witnessing the day that I became interested in Molly.
Little had I known that I would grow to love her.
End Dream~
"I do love her...don't I?" I mumbled as my eyes flitted open.
I scratched my head a little and gave a yawn.
I did love Molly. Through everything we've been through, my feelings have never changed towards her.
They would only grow stronger, no doubt about that.
"Chaaaaase! Wake up! The other passengers have all ready left the boat! Let's go!" Maya's voice flitted through my ears.
"Right, right." I murmured and got up.
And if my feelings toward Molly would only grow stronger...I had to find a way to let Maya down gently.
~Angela's POV~
"This hotel room is amazing!" I exclaimed as I took in the large room.
"It is a suite." Kasey pointed out and I stuck my tongue out at him. He returned the gesture.
"Okay, so what's our sleeping arrangements?" Winry asked.
"Well...there are two rooms in this suite which makes the arrangements really simple." Kasey said.
"Really? What are they?"
"You and I sleep in one room, Wizard and Angela sleep in the other."
"NO!" Winry refused.
"Why not? Don't we have to practice for the real deal?" Kasey asked.
Winry simply bonked him on the head and he snickered.
"Guys in one room, girls in the other. All who are opposed except for Kasey, speak now or forever hold your peace. Times up! It's decided!" Winry said in one breath and headed to the room of her choosing that I would be staying in with her.
"Angela...does this look...fitting...?" I heard the thoughtful voice of Wizard come from behind me and turned to see him step out of the rest room, causing my eyes to widen. I had told him it would be better to dress in more modern looking clothes in the city and Winry had conjured up some clothes for him, but I never expected the clothes to look so...amazing on him!
At the moment, Wizard wore more of a modern and inverted style of his usual clothing. His jacket wasn't as long a his cloak and was black with gold trimmings. He wore a dark purple, tightly fitting turtle neck and white pants along with black shoes.
"Oh..." I breathed and he gave me an inquisitive look.
"Is it not...suitable...?"
Before I could answer him, Kasey came and gave him a swift pat on the back.
"Looking sharp my friend! The ladies are sure to be all over you!"
"Kasey..." I warned my blood brother who looked at me with a nervous expression.
"I-I mean...Angela will be all over you."
"KASEY!" I shouted and my face and Wizard's face turned red.
"Well...what the hell do you want me to say!"
"She wants for you to shut up! Now lets go look at some of these wedding boutiques. Shall we?" Winry said, coming out of the back room.
"Sounds like a plan." Kasey said and he and Winry lead the way out of the hotel room we were staying in. We were in a really expensive, 4-star hotel. The hotel I wanted to stay in was booked by a high school reunion party and the one next bedside that one was booked all the way up last night so we had to find one a little more in the shopping district of the city but it was really nice so I wasn't that upset.
We walked out of the hotel and Kasey had called a taxi for us. We all climbed in and as Kasey and Winry talked about random plans for their wedding, Wizard and I sat beside each other in an uncomfortable silence.
It didn't take long for Kasey to take notice.
"Why are the two of you-or should I say why is Angela so silent?" Kasey asked.
I glared at Kasey. It was obviously because of his latest perverted comment he made back at the hotel room.
"It is...very strange..." Wizard agreed.
"EH?" I turned and looked at Wizard who seemed to be observing me very closely.
"I-it's not strange...not at all!" I exclaimed.
"Hm...Angela, your face is all red." Winry said and Kasey pinched my cheek.
"Oh, that's just precious. Is my little sister all embarrassed?" He said and I smacked at his hand.
"Now hold on, who made youthe older brother?" I exclaimed and he laughed.
"Don't I just seem much more mature than you and Molly?" He asked.
"That's a joke! If anything, Molly is much more mature. And Angela is at least a little more mature than you!" Winry said.
"That didn't really help me though." I murmured.
"Aww, that's so harsh Princess." Kasey said with a pouty face.
"P-PRINCESS? Why I should-"
Wizard plugged my ears as soon as Winry began in her rant.
"Uh..."
"There are some things...even inappropriate for...adults..." He explained in a whisper towards my ears, probably so I could hear. His soft breath still sent a shiver down my spine.
"Hey you lovebirds...we've reached your destination." I heard the muffled voice of the taxi driver and I blushed at his assumption.
"Thank you..." Wizard said to the driver as he unplugged my ears and Kasey paid him the fee (I'm pretty sure Winry had something to do with the amount of expenses they had).
"Lovebirds he says...bah!" Winry complained and rushed out of the vehicle and away from Kasey. Kasey followed after her and Wizard climbed out. I was struggling to get out of the vehicle and Wizard helped me out with ease.
"Th-thanks...but I was fine..." I said and walked past Wizard with impressive speed.
"This is bad, this is definitely bad. I've gotten too conscious of him!" I exclaimed in my head. A picture of what happened the last time I was at his house (see chapter 25) popped into my head.
"I haven't attacked him for that yet." I muttered as I wandered into the wedding boutique that Winry had picked out in the brochure Renee had given to Kasey.
One look at the place and I felt like I was in a wedding wonderland.
"Whoa!" I exclaimed and immediately set my eyes on the decor part of the store. Eating ware, dining tables, decoration that includes customization, everything!
"Oh wow! This place is perfect! It kind of makes me excited for whenever I get married!" I gushed aloud before my eyes set on some pure, crystal plates.
"They're so elegant!" I looked at how high up they were.
"I could probably reach..." Without hesitating, I went over to their shelf and reached for the beautiful object. It was just out of reach. I really hate when that happens...
"Here..." A soft voice came from behind me and the person got the plate down and handed it to me.
"Ah! Thank you very much sir!" I said and looked up to see Wizard. It shocked me so much that I dropped the plate and it shattered from the impact.
I gasped and Wizard immediately used his magic to fix the plate and place it back on its shelf.
"Please...be more careful..." He said to me.
"Heh...sorry..." I murmured and turned to look at some fine china as if I was really interested in it.
"Angela..."
I turned to look at Wizard who was giving me a worried expression.
"What is...troubling you...?" He asked and I looked away from him.
"It's nothing really. I'll be fine in a little." I said.
"Have I...done something...?"
"No. It's fine."
"Then why...can you not look at me...?"
I felt this tingling feeling reach my face and my body started to feel warm. The sensation startled me so I began to turn to make my escape.
Except...Wizard's hand stopped me in my tracks when he touched my face in a type of caress. I looked at him apprehensively and saw a hurt look on his face as he looked away from me now. His hand was firm, yet soft all the same.
"What is it, Wizard?"
"I cannot understand my feelings...that your actions bring..." He started and looked me in the eye. His bi-colored hues a mysterious blend of hurt and caring.
"But...it is a...painful feeling in my chest..." He said and I brought my hand up to enclose around his bigger one that encircled my face.
I was hurting him.
"I'm sorry. I'm just...confused...about..." I sighed.
"...Continue..." He seemed to plead with me.
"About me and...you."
Wizard seemed to immediately understand what I was saying because he gave a soft smile.
"It also...confuses me..." He now gave me a thoughtful look.
"My rhythm of life...is erratic with you around...Very difficult..." I puffed my cheeks out angrily at his words.
"D-difficult! well I nev-"
Wizard bent down and placed a chaste kiss on my forehead. I completely forgot what I was saying.
"That is...the same spot...correct...?" Wizard said. To others his face would seem stoic and hidden, but I could tell he was teasing me. Before I could say something he started to speak again.
"I also meant...that you make life...very exciting..." He said, causing me to smirk and raise an eyebrow.
"You make life interesting too." I said and he made the widest smile I had ever seen from him.
"Oh, anotha luvley couple I prezume! And, what interests ze luvbirdz today, hm?" An obviously French man came toward us.
"Huh? Oh, no no! My brother and his fiance are your costumers for today." I said hurriedly.
"Oh. Excuze my prezumption. You two just...how to put it...ah, fit! Like ze puzzle piece." He said. Wizard and I looked at each other with red faces.
"Ah. Maybe I am looking at future conzumers though, no?" The man laughed right before Kasey and Winry appeared with a catalog in Winry's hand. Both of their heads were leaned close together while they looked at the packet's contents.
"I think I like this style for the tables." Winry pointed out and Kasey sighed.
"If I have to go through with this stuff, can't I at least pick something that I like?"
"Fine! But if I don't like it then it's not going to go."
"Well, how about this?"
The boutique salesman was now leaning over the two's shoulders to observe what they were bickering over.
"F-FROGS?" Winry said appalled.
"Why frogs?"
Kasey looked at her with an "no-duh" look.
"Because of that story yo told me about when you first met Molly." He noticed the salesman and quickly gave Winry a sly smile that would be seen as charming to anyone else.
"You're my little, pink, frog princess." He said and Winry gave him a dangerous look.
"What the hell! Don't go around saying weird things like that!"
"Ze chemistry between you two iz magnificent! Tough luv! Beautiful!"
I hid my face as I nearly giggled to death and Wizard lifted the hood of his jacket to hide the hilarious face I'm sure he was making.
But the most peculiar thing then happened.
"Frogs sound...nice..." Winry said and looked closely at the catalog, avoiding the shocked expression on Kasey's face.
"Hmm...I think we can think up of some interesting decor optionz for ze luvley theme." The salesman said before whisking Winry and Kasey over to a different section of the boutique.
I looked at Wizard for a second before busting out laughing.
"I think she's softening up to him." I said between laughs.
"It's hard to believe...that she-devil would soften up to anything..." Wizard said with a confused look.
I just laughed harder.
~Molly's POV~
"I guess this is all right for today..." I murmured as I looked at myself in the mirror. I was wearing a a casual, light purple dress with a black jacket and black open toed heels that weren't too high, 1 inch at least. My toes weren't painted, they were just filed, smoothed, and shined. Same for my finger nails. The dress met mid-knee length and if I were to take of the jacket you would be able to see that it was a halter top. Did I mention that Kathy, Winry, and Angela packed my bags? The final touches were some plain lip gloss to make my lips shine (which I would throw in my purse) and Chase's hair clips.
I had to be at the school at around 5 PM which would mean it would be dark and cold out. It was only 3 so I figured I would go out and try to get myself mentally prepared for reacquainting myself with my encounter with Dylan and the boy who scarred me for life. Sounds easy enough.
I made sure I had my black purse (that Luna insisted went with everything) along with my room card and I walked out of the suite.
"Oh, hello there miss!" A cleaning lady exclaimed to me in surprise. She was getting ready to pull into my room, no doubt.
"Ah. Hello. Did you need to get in?" I said and started to go into my bag.
"That's all right. I've got the master card you see. No need to let me in, I was just shocked is all since I was getting ready to knock on the door."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Well let me just get out of your way then." I said and she flashed me a smile.
"Right, I'm guessing your husband already stepped out?"
I immediately flushed red and frowned.
"Uh, no. I'm not married." I said and she gave me a curious look.
"Oh...excuse me but I just thought-"
"No. It's all right. This was the only room left you see. Hahaha." I gave a nervous laugh and the cleaning lady gave a chuckle.
"I understand. Well, have a nice day."
"You too." I said before turning for the elevator. I pressed the button to bring it up and watched the floor indicator as it lit up the floor the elevator was going through. It suddenly stopped on a floor, three floors down from mine. Then it came up to my floor. There was no one inside so I figured someone must have gotten off on its previous stop.
"What am I doing even caring about that? It's not like it matters to me who else is in this hotel." I said and shook my head before stepping into the elevator.
As soon as I reached the lobby, I was greeted zealously by Kevin.
"Molly! How are you this fine afternoon? Or, maybe I should be saying evening since the sun is going to be disappearing soon.
"Oh...uh...hello Kevin..." I said quietly as I walked toward the counter. I suspected this was one of the hotels that you had to let the front desk know when you were going out. (A/N: I don't know if there is actually a hotel like that so please forgive the inaccuracy XP.)
He suddenly pinched my nose and I gave a squeal.
"What's up with you and your timid tendencies?"
"I-isn't this harassment...I mean...not that I'm saying I feel h-harassed but...well you know."
Kevin only gave a hardy laugh.
"Your voice sounds so cute and nasally." He said.
"You're a very...eccentric person. Why are you so casual with me?" I asked him and he gave me a squinted, inquisitive look.
"U-uh n-not that I m-mind it!"
Kevin continued to stare at me before giving me a smile.
"Calm down, would ya?" He said and let go of my nose. I rubbed it, thankful to have it back in my possession.
Kevin leaned on the counter and gave a bored look.
"It's just boring being behind this counter all day and the only thing you say to new faces is. "Hello, are you here on reservation or would you like to occupy a free room?". It's dull. So when I have a guest that is pretty interesting, and responds to me well, I just have to get the most out of it that I can."
He gave a sigh.
"Don't get me wrong, I love being a manager at a great hotel, and the pay is great, but I want some interaction. Some personality. Co-workers who you can actually get to know better would be great too. It should be that when you see a new face in town that it's like a whole new adventure."
"Sounds like you're talking about a place like Ocarina Inn." I said and gave a giggle.
"Ocarina Inn? What's that place?"
"Oh, well. It's on Castanet Island."
"Is that where your from?" He asked and I felt this undeniable feeling of joy run through me. The feeling of belonging to somewhere like Castanet...
"Yeah, that's where I live. It's beautiful there. We get a lot of out of towners now that the island is back up and running. Ocarina Inn gets a lot of customers now. Come to think of it, so does the Brass Bar. A lot of interesting people come through but the most interesting people are the residents of the island. There's never a dull moment, even when it seems quiet there is always something going on somewhere on the island. There's a lot of life, and it's just enjoyable. Though there are a few residential rivals and dramas more than often, it's what makes the island so appealing."
"Wow...you didn't stutter that whole time!" Kevin said and I covered my mouth in embarrassment.
"Hm...I think I should give this place a look..." He said with a smile.
"D-definitely! You'd be pleasantly surprised a-and everyone would love to meet someone so n-n-nice!" I said excitedly.
Kevin gave me a curious look and I gave him a tiny smile. He gave off a Luke and Calvin vibe to me...a guy who was easy to talk to and gentle in all aspects.
"Well, then it's decided. After your visit here, I'll come down to Castanet." He said and held out his hand.
"Deal?"
I smiled, widely this time, and took his hand.
"Deal!"
"Besides. I wanna get a look at the fellow that has your heart in a bunch." He said with a wink and I blushed furiously.
"Uh-I-I should get going now. Busy busy busy!" I said and rushed towards the exit of the hotel. I heard Kevin's laugh follow me.
"See you later then, Molly!" Kevin called as I rushed out. I sighed when I got outside and pulled my jacket closer around me before looking up at the cold sky.
The sun still had a little more time before it got ready to set, but I should probably be on my way to the school since I spent so much time talking to Kevin. I started walking on the bustling street. With all these people out on the town I felt that I fit in rather well with my dress.
I could only vaguely remember where my old high school was located, and I refused to take a taxi while it was still light out because it would be a waste of money and I might not be so lucky to get a woman driver like I did last time.
"I think I'm getting better with guys though..." I thought aloud as I took a turn at a corner. I looked up and my breath caught in my throat.
"It...really has been a long time..." I said and continued to walk forward.
In front of me was the viewing point of the ocean that was near the high school. It was one of my favorite places to go to when I was feeling a little off beat or upset.
Until I couldn't really hang around the school for too long due to the constant boys who came to torture me.
I continued to look out at the ocean view as the sun began its descent when I heard the sound of some people talking and laughing. I turned slightly to see some people (obviously here for the reunion) nearing the entrance to the school. I sighed and looked back at the sunset. It would be nice to count it down like I used to.
"Five...Four...Three...Two...O-"
"Hello." I was caught off by someone talking behind me. The sun had set and the very few streetlights around the high school lit up, just barely illuminating the figure of the person I was facing now.
"You're here for the reunion, right?" The person asked. By the voice and the stature, I could tell it was a man. I sucked in my fear and looked at him with as much courage as I could.
"Yes, sir." I said and he chuckled.
"Ha. What's with that response?"
"Huh? Well I-"
"It's okay. C'mon, let's get in the school. It'll be in the auditorium. You remember how the school looks?"
"C-certainly!" I replied, my confidence dying down a bit.
"You sound like your shivering." He said and looked at me.
"Hell, I'd be shivering too if I were dressed like you. Open-toed shoes? Really?"
I pouted a little and urged myself not to bite my lip.
"Uh...I figured it would be a formal/casual event..." I murmured.
"Don't sweat it, you're dressed correctly...it's pretty too." He made a gesture with his head for me to follow him in and I complied. I urged the warmth from my cheeks at his compliment and then followed pretty far behind him. He seemed nice, but he probably couldn't see my face right in the dark. I'm a little more than hesitant to go in with the guy, he could very well be one of the guys who actually went so far as to follow me home.
"Hurry up before you catch a cold!" The guy waved me over to the door leading into the school and I hurried in. The cold air of the night mixing with the warmth of the school building caused me to pull my jacket close and over me.
The guy closed the door and we continued toward the auditorium. The nostalgia the hallways brought back was really amazing and I could help but gape at the condition the school was in. It still looked like it was in good condition. I was pretty lucky to be able to go to a good school like this. It wasn't the school that was bad, but rather some of the students that were in it. I began to hear a curious booming sound as we neared the auditorium.
"What's that noise?" I muttered.
"You'll see." The guy must have heard me since he responded yet never looked back at me. As soon as he opened the doors, music blared out to the point that I'm sure Finn would be blown back by it. And Finn is pretty sturdy for a small sprite.
Party Rock is in da house tonight!
Everybody's gonna have a good time!
I heard that along with shouts and laughter from random people. There were rave lights through the darkness of the auditorium and I was really hesitant to go in.
"What are you doing just standing there? The party's in here!" The guy called to me, so I walked into the auditorium and looked around.
"Wh-where's the name tag booth?" I asked and the guy laughed.
"We don't have one of those set up. Everyone knows everyone in this class."
"Uh...so you know exactly who I am right off the back?"
The guy paused, looked at me, blinked a little, and then slapped his head.
"Ah, sorry! There weren't many of them...but you must be one of the people who moved out of the city."
"Haha. That's me." I said with a nervousness setting about me.
"Well, if I can get a better look at your face then I'm pretty sure I'll remember you." He said and stepped toward me.
I finally got a good look at him. He had light brown hair, hazel eyes and...one ear piercing that was the pin of our schools emblem. My breath caught in my throat and I felt my knees shake a little. By now, I'm positive he realized who I was because his eyes were widened to a great extent.
"No way!" Dylan exclaimed.
"Dear Goddess, why?" I muttered.
AHHHHHHHHH! Finally, this chapter is finished! It passed 8000 words just so you know. this chapter leaves you guys with many questions I'm sure. What's Chase going to do now? Will Maya's heart be broken? Why does Angela and Wizard's relationship seem so perfect? Is this A and W's 'calm before the storm'? What's going on between Kasey and Winry? Are they actually getting along *gasp*? Is Kevin going to move to Castanet after all of this, and what's his role in the story? How is Molly going to hold up in her reunion? How will Dylan treat her? Will she run into Chase? Where's the guy that scarred her for life? Why is LatteCurlz listing all these questions! Lol sorry, but I just want to make sure all my readers are at least thinking of these questions (if you have any other questions along side these then no prob because there are a lot of other answers to unlisted questions coming up soon).
Thanks all for waiting so patiently, that is why I made such a long chapter this time around! I'm very excited to see how you guys will review!
I love you all!