Why me?

[CookieTin]

Chapter 1

Ann sighed, forcing the tears not to come. She held back, trying not to think about what had happened. But, she eventually gave in. She sobbed into her pillow, shoulders heaving up and down. Why had all this happened? And to her? Her life had seemed so perfect...

"Ann, tomarrow I might not see you." Jack had told her.
"...Why?" Ann had asked, confused.
"The Wine Harvest is tomarrow!" he'd answered.
"Oooh! Please invite Cliff!"
He looked annoyed. "So he can steal you from me? No way! I'll work by my self..."
Ann had reluctantly agreed. Besides, Jack loved her, and nothing else mattered.

When the time for Cliff to leave took place, Ann was devistated. She loved Jack but... part of her wanted Cliff.
"Goodbye, Ann." He'd whispered. "I'll never forget you."
Those were the last words she heard him speak before he had left.

A few days later, Ann's (almost) perfect life had totally collapsed.
"Good evening, Karen! Here for a drink, I suppose?"
"Yeah, of course!"
Ann had served her best friend when she heard the news.
"I'm really sorry about... you know. Jack." Karen had stated sadly.
"What...?" Ann had asked, taken by surprise. It was Karen's turn to be surprised.
"Did you know? He's been going out with Elli for a while."
***
Author's note~ Yes, it IS another fanfic from me! xD Thanks for everyone's support!

[CookieTin]

Chapter 2

Ann wiped the tears from her blue eyes, only to have more come. How stupid she had been, completely oblivious to Jack and Elli's romance. She should have been suspicious after she heard about the fight between the Docter and Elli. Elli had screamed that he hadn't paid her any attention. Then, she had confessed her feelings, but added she no longer felt them. Ann should also have noticed the way Elli blushed whenever Jack was around, and that Jack went to the Clinic very often...
Ann's thoughts were interrupted by a knock on her door.
"Dad..." she had started to say, but then Popuri came in.
"Oh, Ann... I'm so sorry!" Popuri told her. She then burst into tears. "I should have told you ealier! I should have! I knew that he was cheating, and yet I did nothing about it! It's OK if you hate me! I deserve it!"
Ann was surprised by Popuri's breakdown, but she was kind. "No, no, Popuri, don't feel bad." she coaxed. "It was my fault. Not yours. Anyway, I'd never be mad at one of my very best friends, right?"
Popuri nodded, wiping away her tears. "I never liked Elli!" she said, scowling. "She always acts so perfect and proper! I mean, come ON, she never goes outside, other than walking to and from Ellen's!"
Ann grinned, agreeing silently.
"But, I still feel like it's all my fault. Soooo..." Popuri's eyes sparkled with a secret, "I'm taking you overseas!"
"Overseas?" Ann asked, confused.
Popuri rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on, Ann! We're visiting Cliff!"
***

[Butterscotch]

A new story already? ^^
So far its really good. ;D

[CookieTin]

Butterscotch said:

A new story already? ^^
So far its really good. ;D

Thanks!

[CookieTin]

Chapter 3

"Bye, Dad!" Ann called to Doug.
"Good-bye, Ann. I'm so proud of you." he answered, a few tears in his eyes.
"Thanks, Dad. I'll see you in a few days!"

"So, Popuri, how DID you know where Cliff is living?" Ann asked suspiciously as they got on the boat.
"Weeelllll... I did a little research-"
Ann was surprised, and it must have showed.
"I know a lot of people think I'm an airhead, and, I'll admit, I usually am, but I hate seeing a friend down! Anndd... I knew how you liked Cliff. He really did care for you." She stated kindly. "SO, I thought, what better present than to visit him!" She finished, motioning towards the small strip of land they were getting closer to.
"Oh, Popuri, I know I've told you a thousand times, but Thank you." Ann truthfully said, hugging her friend.
"It was the least I could do. Besides, I'm getting SO bored of Mineral Town!"
They were quiet, untill a bell rung.
"Aiie!" Ann shouted, jumping. Popuri's hair looked on end, so Ann guesed she had been startled, too.
"LAND, HO!" shouted the Captain.
"Could've have told us that without the bell, don'tcha think?" Ann mumbled.
***

[Kayla]

Good job!

[CookieTin]

xOcrazikutieOx said:

Good job!

Thanks

[Butterscotch]

Great story, Cookie Tin!

[CookieTin]

Chapter 4

"Well, here we are!" Popuri stated cheerily. "Manhatten Island, New York!"
"Wow." Was all Ann could manage. Compared to Mineral Town, Manhatten was HUGE! All the towering buildings and people hustling around was making Ann dizzy.
"There's our travel guide!" Popuri squealed. As the girls got near, they saw that their travel guide was none other than...
"KAI!" Popuri screeched, rushing up and hugging him.
"I see there was a teensy other reason that you forgot to mention," Ann laughed.
Popuri blushed. "Well, I had to do something her, right?"
Ann nodded, still laughing.

An hour later, Ann was searching houses for the right address. Popuri was out with Kai (big surprise) so she was on her own. Which didn't bother her at all. Ann looked down at the slip of paper, mouthing the words once more.
"5037, 22nd Street." she mumbled. She looked up. The address on the apartment read 5033. She was getting closer!
"5034, 5035, 5036... 5037!" Ann shouted, rushing up to the door. She smoothed her red hair, and took a deep breath. Then, she reached out tentitavely and knocked on the door.
***

[CookieTin]

Butterscotch said:

Great story, Cookie Tin!

Another thanks! ;D

[CookieTin]

Chapter 5

Ann held her breath waiting. As the doorknob turned, she thought she would burst. Would Cliff be happy to see her? Or, would he scorn her and hate that she came?
"...Ann?" asked a surprised, yet familiar, voice.
"Cliff!" Ann cried happily, wanting to hug him. She resisted the impulse.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, sounding slightly annoyed.
"Well... you see..." Then the whole story of what had happened poured out of her mouth, the whole thing. When she had finished, she looked up at Cliff.
"I can't beleive you went through all that." he told her quietly. His voice changed. "I can't beleive that jerk was cheating on you! If I had been there... I should never have moved! I wish I had known about that day Jack worked at the Winery! I could have gotten a job..."
Ann suddenly felt guilty. "This whole mess is my fault. I knew about the job, but I really thought Jack..." she choked, but continued, "...cared for me."
He looked down, and realized she was standing outside.
"Come in! You must be freezing!"
Ann nodded, and only then did she notice how cold she really had been. The goosebumps on her pale arms were large, and she was shivering fiercely.

When she was inside, Ann noticed how small the apartment really was. But, despite the size, it was cozy, and lovingly cared for. It was also spotless.
"You can sit down," Cliff offered, motioning toward a chair. She did, and just stared down. She felt like kicking herself. She didn't come all this way to say hi to Cliff! She had to be brave.
"Cliff... I want you to come back to Mineral Town."
***

[CookieTin]

Chapter 6

Cliff looked stunned and taken aback- he wasn't expecting that. As he opened his mouth to answer, the doorbell rang. Cliff blushed and ran to the door. Who came in made Ann's mouth drop, and her stomach churn woth anger and jealousy.
The girl who walked in had long, platinum-blonde hair that reached her thighs. Her eyes were brown and sparkley, and she had very tanned skin. She wore a pink lacy shirt over another darker pink shirt. On her legs were white jeans, and she wore pink stiletto boots that clicked as she walked. To Ann's dismay, this girl and Cliff kissed passionetly when she came in.
"Vanessa, I'm so happy to see you," Cliff told her, blushing.
"I'm sooo happy, too, Cliffie." she crooned. Then, seeing Ann, she wrinkled her nose. "Who's that country-girl?"
"Oh, she's an old friend, from Mineral Town."
"Yes." Ann said icily, "And, who's this city-slicker, Cliff?"
He looked embarrased. "This is Vanessa, my girlfriend. I met her right when I moved here. We're going on a date tonight."
Ann tried not to look as shocked and hurt as she felt. Then, cold jealousy built up inside her.
"Well, then, I guess there's no need for me to stay." she coldy said, and got up to leave. "It was nice meeting you, Vanessa." Vanessa just stared at her, unblinkingly. Her tan face mocked her, and a smirk was forming on her lips.
"Yes. A pleasure indeed. Come one, Cliffie. We don't want to be late." Cliff smiled sapplily to his girlfriend, and, without further regard to Ann, left his former friend there, shocked,
***

[Butterscotch]

Oh no! Poor Ann. *sniffle*

[CookieTin]

Chapter 7

Ann stood there, anger building up. She wanted to punch Vanessa in the face. She stormed out of his apartment and slammed the door. She then stomped past a surprised "Cliffie" and Vanessa who merely smirked at her and kissed her boyfriend on the nose.
Ann rushed away, the tears coming uninvited on her face. This trip, which was meant to be fun, had turned into a living nightmare. She had hoped that Cliff still loved her, and he'd forgive her. Then, he'd come back home, and they'd be in love untill they got married, never to be separated untill death. So much for that plan. As she wiped away her tears, she decided to go home. She didn't want to spoil Popuri's fun, and she'd call her once she got home.

The boat was much larger than the one she and Popuri had ridden here. There were many more people, as well. Ann didn't feel too comfortable sitting (mostly standing) with these rich city people. But, she managed, since the boat trip was only 3 hours long.

When she arrived home, everyone looked surprised. Especially Karen. They hadn't expected her home this early. Ann didn't talk to anyone, and, they didn't talk to her, either. Except Karen.
"Heya, Ann!" Karen had told her, slapping her back. "Is Cliff here, too? Did ya guys get married already?"
Ann glared at her friend. "No. He's got..." she took a deep breath, and continued, "Cliff has a girlfriend."
Karen's smile faded, and she looked worried. "Oh, no! That's awful!" She checked the time and waved. "Gotta go. See ya!"
Ann waved weakly back. She sadly walked home, thinking hard. She wasn't paying attention, and she ran into Elli.
"Watch it, player." Ann growled. Elli looked hurt, then confused.
"Player? Who did I play?"
"JACK!" Ann screeched, face reddining. "You STOLE him from me!"
Elli was so confused, and close to tears. "I didn't do anything! With Jack? I'm with the Docter!"
"No you liar!" Ann screamed. "You had a fight with the Docter, and you stole my Jack! I hate you!"
Elli burst into tears. "I didn't do anything!" she sobbed. "Fight? Who told you that?"
"Karen! She also informed me that you took Jack from me!"
"What? Ann, are you feeling OK? There was no fight. I'm not with Jack."
***

[Butterscotch]

The plot thickens! Poor Ann.