I have trouble sleeping that night. Luke's words echo through my mind all night. Not only was I surprised by his sudden confession, he even announced in front of everyone. "What am I to do," I mutter into the pillow. Luke is such an idiot. I groan into the pillow and a second later I hear a light knock on my door.

"Who is it?" I say into my pillow loudly. I hear the door open and someone walks in without saying anything. I feel a heavy body lower the mattress and I turn my head slightly to look up and see Kathy. "I don't know why you're shut up in your room."

"You saw what happened last night, Kathy. I can't show my face right now," I press my face into my pillow again but Kathy pulls it out from underneath. "I think you should be happy. Someone confessed to you and stood up for you."

"Yeah but you saw who it was. I don't know what to do," I moan as I force myself to sit up. "Talk to him," Kathy chirps. "I think things will work out. Luke's a great guy."

I roll my eyes. "What if I don't feel the same way about him?"

"Well, then you have to let him know. He expressed his feelings in front of a crowd of people, Akari. He should at least get some type of response other than shunning him and the world."

"I guess you're right," I say.

"Get dressed and we'll figure out what to do," Kathy leaves the room and I change into a t-shirt and shorts. I don't mess much with my hair and exit my room and into the main part of the bar. Kathy is resting at a table but she's not alone. Owen sits next to her and they're both writing on a piece of paper.

I sit down and Kathy speaks first. "I know you're confused, but I think Owen knows Luke the best so he'll be able to help us out." She places her hand on his and he turns red. I roll my eyes at their gesture.

Kathy gives Owen a nod to say something. "Um, well, Luke's a bit upset right now." He looks at me then back at Kathy. She waits for him to continue. "Well what else?" She urges.

"Well, I'm not sure I'm the one to say this to you. I think you should just talk to him and get the facts from him. I don't feel comfortable doing this," he says and places his hands in his lap. Kathy sighs. "I guess that's it. Just go talk to him." She looks at me and I groan. "I don't want to. Stupid Luke making a scene like that." I rest my face into my arms.

Kathy grabs me and forces me out of my chair. "Just get it over with. No use sulking about it. Go!" she shoves me towards the front door. I stumble as I exit the building and almost fall to the ground. Kathy slams the door shut behind me. I don't know why she's so upset. I'm the one who was involved last night, not her!

I make my way to the plaza, kicking my feet as I force them to move. "Akari?" I look up to see Gill exiting the Town Hall and walking straight for me. He's the reason this all happened. Angrily, I look away from him and continue walking down the path out of town, this time a bit faster.

"I'm talking to you!" He says behind me. His voice is louder indicating he's close. "I don't feel like talking to you right now," I say with a stern voice. I hear his footsteps getting closer and I break into a run. I know I'm being childish but I'd rather not deal with Gill right now. I reach the open field where the abandoned house rests in a pile of rubble. I turn around and sure enough Gill gave up the chase. I continue up the path but a grab of my arm startles me and I turn to see Gill taking hold of my arm.

"Let me go!" I say without thinking. I'm not in the best of moods so I just can't control myself. "I don't like you, Gill!"

He looks at me, his blue eyes like ice sending chills through my body. I turn to start back up the trail to the mountains but a tug on my hair pulls me back. Gills hand is tangled in my messy web of hair and I scream out in surprise by his actions. "You're a psycho, Gill!" I yell out and feel my body collide with the earth. Gill stands before me, his golden brows so close together. I try to get to my feet but I'm only knocked down again. "Get away from me!" I yell at him but he only lifts me up by my hair so our faces are even. "Don't you ever talk to me that way!" He yells at me.

I think back to all the times Kathy warned me about Gill and I being alone. Did Kathy ever go through this? I wouldn't want anyone to go through this. "Psycho!" I yell at him and he retaliates with the back of his hand. I feel something warm drip down my chin and I touch my lip to find that it's torn open and bleeding.

I force myself up but before I start running, a blur of bodies stop me. Gill lands on the ground, holding his face and someone stands before me. Luke walks over and grabs Gill by the shirt collar and raises his fist. "I told you to stay away from her!" Luke's face is nearly inches from Gill's. I stand there, flabbergasted at the display. Frozen solid, I watch the events unfold.

Gill glares at Luke. "You want that slut so bad she's yours!" he nearly spits at Luke who doesn't hesitate to plant his fist into the side of Gill's face, causing his nose to gush out blood. Gill covers his face and staggers to his feet. "You'll pay for this, carpenter!" He yells before running back into town. Luke shakes off his anger before looking at me. He closes the gap between us and looks at my lip.

"Are you okay?" He asks looking concerned. Unable to think of something to say I just respond with a small nod.

"Why are you out here anyways?" He says, letting go of my face.

I stare at the ground, not wanting to tell the truth. "I was just out for a walk."

"So you were out here walking by yourself and Gill just attacked you?"

It did sound stupid but I just nod my head anyways. "You have a knack for getting into dangerous situations. I think it's best if you head home. I'll go with you." He turns towards the town but I don't move.

"Why did you do that?" I ask. He rubs the back of his head. "I was nearby and heard yelling. When I saw Gill attacking you, I had to do something. I can't stand that rich bastard."

I chuckle quietly. "Thank you," I mutter. He looks at me with wide eyes. I know he wants to tease me but he knows it's not the best time. "Yeah," he says instead.

We both stand there awkwardly in the silence. Neither of us looks at each other. I don't want to go back home just yet. Kathy would be furious not only with Gill but with Luke being unanswered. I take in a deep breath and open my mouth. "Do you want to talk for a bit?" I start out strong but the last part comes out in mumbles.

Luke smiles at me and my heart skips a beat. Stupid Luke. I mutter under my breath. "We can talk at my place. It looks like it might rain soon." He gazes up at the clouded sky and I do the same. Sure enough a sprinkle hits my cheek and we both give each other a look. We both start walking up to the mining facility but the rain starts pouring down before we reach Luke's house.