Why me?

[Firefly]

Chapter 25

Ann rolled over in her sleep, and her hand slammed against something hard. She winced but didn't open her eyes. It must be the family cat. Stupid cat. She was trying to sleep. As Ann was drifting off to sleep again, she heard a noise. It sounded like slow, deep breathing. Too slow for her cat. What could it possibly be? Ann's eyes opened, still blurry from sleep. There was a figure on her bed!
"AHHH!" She screamed, jumping up. She grabbed the lamp, brandishing it like a weapon. The figure was startled awake.
"Woah, Ann! Its only me!"
As Ann's sleepy eyes began to focus, she saw that the figure was Jack. "Jack? What were you doing," she blushed, "sleeping with me?"
It was Jack's turn to blush. "It wasn't my intention, seriously. After I cooled down a little I went home, where I saw Cliff. When I saw him out cold like that, I knew you didn't plan that. I'm sorry for not believing you. Anyway, I rushed to the Inn, thinking you'd be here. I was right. I saw you sleeping and didn't want to wake you up. So I sat down by your bed and talked to you." He grinned sheepishly. "I apologized. You actually said it was okay. After I while I got really, really tired, and I must have fallen asleep..." His voice trailed off.
Ann said nothing, still slightly embarrased. She suddenly remembered something. Her hand flew to her hair, searching for the feel of the Blue Feather. Jack saw this motion, and reached into his pocket. There was the Blue Feather, neat as before.
"I found it on the ground," Ann explained. "You must have dropped it. That's why I had it."
Jack was nodding. "Yeah. I noticed I had lost it." He looked like he was going to say something else, but Ann interrupted him.
"I just remembered something else. What time is it?"
Jack checked his watch. "8:50 AM. Why?"
Ann jumped up. "No time to explain. Come on." She grabbed his hand and ran out of her room.
"Ann!" Doug exclaimed. His eyes grew narrow when he saw Jack. "Why were you too coming out of Ann's room?"
Ann giggled nervously. "Nothing, Dad. I just gave him a present."
Doug still looked suspicious, but let them go.
"That was close," Jack mumbled. Ann nodded. They were nearing the Clinic. Time to see if Ann was right.
***

[Butterscotch]

Great story.

[Firefly]

Author's Note~ This chapter is going to be told in Elli's PoV
Chapter 26

**Earlier that Morning**
"Elli, time to wake up." A soft voice greeted me, a very familiar one. I didn't open my eyes. I knew it was the Doctor. Finally, I opened one eye. I was so tired today!
"Ah, good. You're awake." The Doctor looked relieved. Then he was back to his brisk work voice. "Okay, Elli, time to get dressed. Its Sunday, and Lillia's coming to pick up her medicine."
I nodded. I hadn't tried speaking for a while now. It was hopeless. I'd never speak again. The Doctor had said it himself. I didn't let it bother me anymore. It had happened, and there was no going back.
"Elli, its opening time in half an hour. You really slept in today!"
I gasped. I'd never slept in! I just wasn't that kind of person. I hurriedly got up and got dressed. For some reason I felt utterly serene. I wondered why.
After brushing my short, brown hair, I ran downstairs for a healthy breakfast of fruit and milk (yum!)
"Uh... Elli, did you like your breakfast?"
The Doctor sure is acting odd today. I nodded. He seemed happy.
"Good. I picked the strawberries myself." He blushed. Wow. He looks really cute! I felt mself turning red also.
"Elli... could you please come to Mineral Beach tomarrow at 7 PM?" he asked. I was confused, but nodded eagerly. He seemed exited then, too.
"Great!" He blushed again. What a cute face.
After we had finshed our breakfast and cleaned up, the Doctor and I did our daily routine. He set up his equipment, and I unlocked the doors and turned on all the lights. Then, I took out Lillia's medicine.
I was ready for a new day.
Suddenly, Ann and Jack burst in the door, both gasping for breath. I gave them a quizzical look. Ann ran up to me.
"Elli... Y-you c-can... t-talk now-" she got out after a moment. I, obviously, was speechless. I shook my head sadly.
"N-no, you d-don't understand. I s-saw the Harvest Goddess and-"
"You did?" I clapped a hand over my mouth. Did I hear right? Did words really come out of my mouth?
***

[Butterscotch]

Elli can talk! Hooray!

[Kayla]

Great chapters!

[Firefly]

Thanks ^^ I was planning for Elli to get back her voice somehow, but with the whole Cliff thing, it was more difficult than I thought.

[Firefly]

Author's note~ This chapter will also be told in Elli's PoV. Instead of writing that, I'll just put a ** up before the Chapter number from now on.

Chapter 26

"I knew it!" Ann was giggling and jumping around. Jack, too, looked very happy.
I could talk. Words came out of my mouth. My hand, which had been over my mouth, flew to my throat. The scab was gone, but I still felt a scar. I'd be scarred for life. Oh well. I grinned happily. At least I could talk!
"Thank you Ann!" I told her, smiling at the sound of my voice. I hadn't heard it in... forever.
Ann beamed. "You're welcome." She turned to Jack. "I was right! Finally, after so many mistakes, I'm right!"
Mistakes? Huh? What does she mean? It didn't matter. Everything was fine again!
"Oh, Ann!" I had just remembered something. "Manna went home earlier today. Duke apologized, and Manna's hiding all thier wine behind locked doors. She's the only one who has the key."
Ann looked slightly surprised, but she smiled. "Great! Now she won't have to live at Jack's!"
Jack looked at her in confusion, but Ann and I both burst into giggles.
"Long story," I informed him.
He nodded, but looked at Ann. I think those two are truly in love. They'll get married soon. My happy mood dwindled. I had nobody to love. I really, really like the Doctor, but he barely notices me. Well, except for the time when I couldn't speak. He was always by my side, ready to help me if I needed it. What if, now, because I had my voice, he'd ignore me like before? I wished I still didn't have my voice.
Jack interrupted my thoughts. "Ann, come on, lets go get lunch."
She smiled happily and the two walked out, hand-in-hand.
I was saddened by this. I wanted them to be happy, but... why couldn't it be me someone loved?
***

[Butterscotch]

Aw, poor Elli!

[Future Trunks]

I know the feeling!

[Firefly]

Chapter 27

Ann giggled as she walked out of the Clinic.
"I can't believe I was right! Finally, after so many mistakes-"
"-And knocking Cliff out," Jack interrupted jokingly.
Ann ignored him. "-after so many mistakes, Elli can talk again! Well, I guess this whole thing wouldn't have happened if I hadn't believed what Karen said..." Ann's exited grin turned into a scowl. Karen. They had been friends forever! Why was Karen so cruel? Karen had been the lucky one. She had both her parents, and she was gorgeous. Everyone loved Karen. Well, used to love Karen.
"Are you okay, Ann?" Jack seemed to have sensed her troubled mood.
Ann smiled again. "Yeah. Great! Lets go eat. I'm starving!"
They both laughed at that. Ann was always hungry.

At the Inn, Doug greeted his daughter as a normal coustomer.
"Hello, Ann, Jack! Welcome to Doug's Inn! Our special today is-"
"Cheese Omelette with tomatoes, I know, Dad." Ann interrupted. Doug pretended to look annoyed.
"Fine, fine, you win." He cleared his throat, ready to speak again. Ann spoke first.
"We'll have some Pumpkin Pudding, Chocolate Cake, and Milk."
Doug sighed. "One Pumpkin Pudding, Cake and Milks for the two lovebirds!" he sang out, his eyes teasing.
"DAD!" Ann complained. "Just get our food! We're paying you!"
Doug mockingly sulked away without looking back. Ann rolled her eyes.
"Dads. They are so annoying." She paused. "Come to think of it, I've never met your dad. Or mom, for that matter."
Jack looked unconfortable. "Well... my mom and dad are divorced. I visit them both often, but..." His brown eyes turned glassy. "...Dad is suffering severe cancer. I... don't think he'll... live much longer."
Ann was quiet. "I'm really sorry, Jack."
Jack grinned. "Don't be. Its not like its you're fault, anyway."
He was quiet now, too. He seemed to be thinking. He looked her straight in the eye and was about to say something, but Ann interrupted him.
"Jack, lets go to your house. We can talk privately there. I'll have Dad deliver the food."
Jack nodded slowly. "Okay. Come on."

At the house, Ann felt an overwhelming sense of comfort. His house was so cozy.
"So, Jack. What were you about to say?"
Jack looked down, and stuck his hands into his pockets. Uh-oh. Not a good sign.
"Jack, you know nothing's going on with me and Cliff," Ann reminded him. He nodded.
"Yeah. I know."
Ann was puzzled. "What is it then?"
Jack took a deep breath and took his hands out of his pockets. A flash of blue caught her eye.
Jack held a Blue Feather in his hands.
***

[Kayla]

Great job!

[Firefly]

xOcrazikutieOx said:

Great job!

Thank you The next chapter is on its way!

[Butterscotch]

I'm really enjoying this story! ^-^

[Firefly]

Chapter 28

Ann's eyes grew wide.
"Oh, Jack... Of course I'll marry you! This is the best day of my life!" She giggled in exitement. "I can't wait to tell my dad! And my mom, too, in Heaven!"
With that, Ann rushed out out of Jack's house, leaving him with a satisfied grin on his face.

"Dad! DAD!" Ann bellowed, rushing over to Doug.
"Hey, don't knock me over!" he chuckled.
"Dad, you'll never believe what happened!" Ann shrieked, ignoring the fact that he was only one foot away from her.
"...What?" Doug asked, pulling his ear.
"JACK PROPOSED TO ME!" Ann screamed, unaware of all Doug's customers staring at her.
Doug beamed. "Thats great, honey! I knew he was the one!"
Ann rolled her eyes. "Dad, you think EVERY guy that comes by me is 'the one.'"
Doug pretended to look annoyed. "Do you want me to exept this or not?"
Ann nodded and said in an angelic voice, "I'm sorry, Daddy."
Doug beamed again. "Thats my girl!" His face became serious. "Next time, honey, can you not yell so loud? I'm not sure if I'll be able to hear ever again."
"Oh NO you don't!" Ann yelled, playfully punching her father on the arm. "I've had enough people become disabled because of me!"
"Okay, get out! You're disturbing my customers!" Doug growled, marching his daughter outside.
"BYE, DAD!" Ann bellowed, making sure to be loud. Doug shook his head and closed the door. Before it shut her told her to "Be home by nine".
"How old does he think I am?" Ann mumbled. "I'm getting married, for Pete's sake!"

"Hello, Daddy-kins!" Ann called as she entered the Inn at exactly nine PM."
"Where have you BEEN, young lady? Its a minute after nine!"
Ann ignored the comment and kissed his cheek.
"'Night, Dad."
***

[Firefly]

~Butterscotch~ said:

I'm really enjoying this story! ^-^

Really? Really really? Really really really? Cool beans ^^;;