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Post by Butterscotch on Sept 30, 2005 18:29:02 GMT -5
Dream About Me: An HM 64 Fanfiction
Chapter Eight:
The sky was still a soft, deep black when Gray's alarm went off. He reached over to shut it off as quickly as he could, but once it was of, he lay in bed, unable to rouse himself. He lay there for several minutes, not fully awake. But he couldn't fall back asleep either, and he slowly got out of bed.
The passing of night had done nothing to take the edge off Gray's pain. If anything, he was actually in more pain than he had been the previous night, because now his arms and shoulders were sore as well. This new pain didn't trouble him; it was the ordinary pain that anyone would feel after a long day's work of hammering and lifting. Cliff's arms were probably sore too.
It took Gray a long time to get dressed. Each movement he made sent a fresh wave of pain spiraling up his back. Pulling his pants on was sheer agony; even buttoning his shirt was difficult. Gray didn't look in the mirror until he was fully dressed, and then it was just a brief glance. He didn't bother combing his hair, he just jammed his hat on and headed out.
The air was cool and damp, and even in his haze of pain, Gray could appreciate the beauty of the dawn. The world is so different in the very early hours of the day, so still and pure. He stopped for a moment, and closed his eyes, just feeling the dawn. But even standing still caused him pain, and he had a job to do.
Gray limped into the barn. The little bull calf, Serena, ran up to him. Even though he was only a few weeks old, he already knew Gray's face, voice and scent. All the animals did. Gray might have been awkward around people, but the nice thing about animals is that you don't have to make small talk with them. Gray enjoyed working with the animals, and they responded to his kindness. Gray rubbed Serena's head. Normally he had a carrot for the calf, but today he was empty handed.
Slowly, slowly, Gray did his chores. He stopped every few minutes to rest, often clutching the edge of the stalls, wincing in pain, gritting his teeth. It took a long time, far longer than he expected, but he finally finished. He staggered outside, wondering in the very back of his mind how he was going to finish the rest of his work, when he dimly realized that someone was standing in front of him. It was Popuri, and she had her hands on her hips and a stern expression on her pretty face.
"You skipped breakfast, didn't you?" she said. Caught off guard, Gray nodded slowly.
"Don't you know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day?" she scolded, and shook her finger at him. Then she pointed at a nearby tree. "Go sit over there, and I'll get you something to eat, ok?"
Gray nodded and staggered over to the tree. He slowly lowered himself to the ground, and leaned his head back against the tree. Gray closed his eyes, but though he was utterly exhausted, he couldn't sleep. Popuri returned a few moments later carrying a tray. She set it on the ground, and told Gray to eat. He didn't have much appetite, but ate anyway. Popuri watched him eat, and when he was about half-way through, she pulled her knees up to her chest. She opened her mouth, closed it, and then opened it again.
"Gray...?"
He glanced in her direction, but said nothing.
"Well, um...Well...I was thinking," she said "and well, maybe you should, you know, take better care of yourself."
"I do take care of myself," Gray replied.
Popuri hesitated for a moment, then said "You know what I mean, Gray," There was a short silence between them, then Popuri continued. "Gray, we all know that you really hurt yourself yesterday, and I don't know why you're pretending that you're ok. I mean, by forcing yourself to work in your condition, you could actually do serious harm to yourself!"
Gray said nothing. He stared at his hands.
"None of us want you to hurt yourself, Gray, so please, please, just take things easy for the next few days, until you feel well again."
"...All right..." Gray mumbled.
Popuri beamed. "Good!" she said. "You know what?"
Gray shook his head.
"You should stay outside today!" Popuri smiled at him. "The fresh air and sunshine will be good for you!"
Gray shrugged. He wasn't sure how fresh air and sunshine could help his back, but he had finally gotten into an almost comfortable position, and thought it might be best to stay that way. The air was warm, and the breeze was cool, a perfect summer day. Gradually, Gray drifted off to sleep. Popuri let him nap, sitting quietly, gazing up at the fluffy clouds drifting overhead. From where she was seated, Popuri saw Mr. Green leave the house. He did not see her however.
Popuri's stomach growled, and she decided it was lunchtime. She leaned over Gray, to rouse him, and stopped. In his sleep, he looked much younger. Maybe it was the relaxed expression, as opposed to the usual scowl he wore. Whatever the reason, he looked young, and handsome. The thought startled her a bit. This was Gray she was looking at, Ann's older brother. It felt so strange to think of him like that. Her face grew pink, and felt hot.
Gray's eyes flickered open. Popuri jumped back, startled.
"You okay?" Gray asked.
"Me? I'm fine...Just um, the heat!" Popuri fanned herself with her hand. "Sure is hot! Let's go get some lunch!" She jumped to her feet.
Gray got up slowly, bracing his hands against the tree to help himself stand. The pair headed indoors together, Popuri carefully keeping pace with Gray's halting walk. Mr. Green had made sandwiches for everyone, and the family all sat down to eat together.
"Gray..." Mr Green said slowly. "Well, this isn't easy for me to say, or for you to hear...But we both know you really injured yourself yesterday."
Gray nodded. Mr. Green continued, "Well, until you've healed, I've hired Cliff to help out around the ranch."
Gray began to protest, but he was drowned out by Ann and Popuri.
"Great idea!" Popuri chirped.
"Dad, NO!" Ann whined. "Not that creep, Cliff."
"Cliff is a very nice young man," Mr. Green said.
"Yeah, right," Ann mumbled.
Gray was silent. He knew his father was right, and he had promised Popuri to take things easy. He wondered briefly if she knew of his father's plans, but it didn't matter. "Whatever you think is best," he said.
Mr. Green smiled. "Good! I'm glad you see things my way! Cliff will be starting here tomorrow,and he'll stay until you are well enough to resume your chores."
To Be Continued!
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