Don't forget

[Herfefiny]

Chapter eleven: Rick’s words

Dear Karen,

This might be shocking, but I’m leaving.

Was that too fast? Because, if it was I’m sorry. I just wasn’t sure how to tell you otherwise. I know it’s strange- maybe even stupid- that I’m telling you this in letter form, but I just couldn’t bear to see the look on your face when I told you... I don’t want to see you sad. You might think I’m crazy that I’m leaving at the time when Popuri is and my mom is so sick... but I really just have to. Right now I can tell that your mind isn’t made up about whom you love- Jack or Me- so I think we both need some time away from each other... to decide.

If you’re wondering where I’m going, I can’t tell you. I don’t even know. But I’ll go wherever the ferry takes me...And maybe I’ll look for the flower that’ll cure Mom’s sickness. Maybe I’ll get home when dad does... Maybe one day I’ll be able to have a family again.... but I can only hope. Please make sure you take care of Mom, Karen...

Well, I guess this is it. I love you Karen. I know right now you probably don’t love me, but if you can ever change your mind, I’ll be back, I promise so don’t worry.

Love,
Sincerely,
Your friend?
I'll miss you,
Rick
P.S. I’ll be leaving on fall 18th if you wanted to...say goodbye.


Karen’s face became red. Anger rose up inside her. What was this?! How could Rick believe that Karen would ever love him?! And after this? He was such a-

‘Don’t scream. You don’t wanna wake up mom and dad.’ Karen thought, trying to convince herself that Rick was just a poor, sad, idiot. Karen took a deep breath, but her anger didn’t fade. She stared at the letter. It was mocking her. Karen had a powerful urge to rip it up, to yell at it. Her hands became shaky, and she crumpled it up and threw it against the wall. ‘Damn letter...’ Karen thought angrily. But, even as she thought that, silent tears were falling down her cheeks.

‘Stupid Rick. What does he know?’

More tears.

‘I’ll never forgive him for this. I hope he knows I’ll never forgive him or leaving.’

A quiet sob.

‘And, I’ll never forgive him for giving me that awful letter. What does he take me for? And he’s leaving his mother! And she’s so sick. What will she do without her children? And what will I do without-‘

Karen had to stop her thoughts. She couldn’t miss Rick. She just couldn’t! As Karen sat down on her bed she realized that Rick had left, just this morning! Just like Popuri. It was dead silent as Karen said to herself, “He only had that one black jacket.”

[BorderWolf]

Ah ha! That guy that knocked Karen off the pier was RICK!

[Herfefiny]

LOL
How'd you know?

[BorderWolf]

Because of chapter 11, the letter. Now I have the feeling that Karen will put two and two together and get four.

The first two is Rick's letter.

The second two is the jerk who knocked her off the pier.

The four will be Karen's desire to drop kick Rick off the pier, and will continue to drop kick every time he swims ashore.

[Limegreen Queen]

Way to go Amy! Please continue! lol Border

[Herfefiny]

Lol

Thanks for the coments! I'm writing the next chapter! ^-^

[Herfefiny]

Chapter twelve: The changing seasons

For Karen, winters in Mineral Town were always boring. The first few had been lots fun, because Karen was a little girl, and all the children in Mineral Town loved playing in the snow. But now Karen was older, and got bored more easily. Karen thought this as she sat on her window seat string at the snow. It was getting dark, ending another cold day, and Karen was desperate for a drink. But all because of that stupid snowstorm warning, Karen couldn’t go outside.

When the end of winter was nearing, Karen picked up her coat. She was about to open the door when she heard foot steps, and her mother came running in.

“Karen? You aren’t actually going outside are you?!” Karen rolled her eyes. She was so sick of this happening. “Yes Mom, I’m going to the Inn. It’s only snowing outside, and I’m fully grown, I can take care of myself!” Karen said, boredly. “But sweetie, what if you trip and get buried in the snow? Then what?” Sasha continued worriedly. “Mom, I’ll be fine! The Inn is right down the road! And it’s getting warmer outside, since spring is coming! And I need a drink!” Karen placed her hand on the door knob and turned it. “Karen wait!” Sasha placed her hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “Honey, I’m just trying to help you.” she said gently. Karen took her hand off the door knob and screamed angrily. “I’m old enough to go outside in the snow, damnit!” she yelled at her mother as she stormed in to her room. Sasha shook her head sadly, and sighed. “Will that girl ever learn?” she asked herself quietly.

~#~#~

The very slow winter soon came to an end, and Karen got her drink. Several of them actually. But as the festivities wore down, the villagers of Mineral Town got back into their regular routines, and things got back to normal. The mother’s of the town soon got back into their gossiping, but the hole that Lilia was supposed to fill, now stood out more then ever.

“Do you think she’s all right? I mean I haven’t seen her for ages, I really should visit her. It’s just that I’ve had so much going on with the Winery and everything. And now that Rick and Popuri are gone, I really do want to visit her. I mean, it’s not just that, I miss her. And she must be so lonely with practically her whole family gone. Rick and Popuri were really the only things that kept her going after Rod left. He was so nice. He always helped her with everything, so unlike Duke...Rod barely ever got as drunk as-“

“Look at the time! It’s six o’clock! I better go help Jeff clean up the shop!” Sasha interrupted Manna in her long speech of how sorry she felt for Lillia. How many times did they have to hear that? Manna looked over at Sasha. “Oh yes...I suppose we should get going....” Anna nodded and they went their separate ways. As she left, Sasha couldn’t help thinking about Lillia. She was one of her best friends, and now she was sick and lonely... ‘I’ll visit her tomorrow. It’s Tuesday. I’m sure she’ll enjoy that.’ Sasha thought, even making herself feel a little better.

[Kikyou Saya Rin-Ren]

I like them!!!!!!!

[Limegreen Queen]

yesh me too!

[Herfefiny]

thanks! I'll make a new chapter soon!

[Herfefiny]

A/N~ It's been a while since I've writen any chapters. Heh heh sorry about that... Anyways, here's chapter 13!

Chapter thirteen: Back to the beach

The water was soaking Jack's feet. He sat down on the warm sand and looked out at the setting sun. It was a beautiful sight, the sunset from Mineral Town. It had been a while since Jack had seen it, and he thought that now was the perfect time...

It was a warm night when Jack decided to go swimming. He took off his clothes and stepped into the water until it was up to his knees. He sighed, memories filling his mind.

"It's been a while..." he said to the water. Jack went a little farther in and turned over so he was floating on his back. He looked up at the dark sky where a full moon lit the beach. Suddenly, Jack heard footsteps. He looked up suddenly and saw the shape of... a girl walking onto the beach. The girl approached the water. "Jack?" she asked. Jack recognized the voice. It was Karen. Jack blushed madly at being caught at the beach at eight o'clock at night. Karen must think he was a freak...

"K-karen? What are you doing here?" Jack asked shyly. "I like taking walks on the beach at night... You know, it's very peaceful. And it's a full moon, so the beach looks even more beautiful." Karen replied, looking up at the night sky. Jack walked out of the water, and quickly dried himself off and put on his clothes. Then he sat down next to Karen and they both looked up at the starry sky. "It's so pretty, huh?" said Karen. Her eyes twinkled in the starlight, and she looked beautiful. Jack scooted a bit closer to her.

"I haven't gone swimming here since I was... well, it's been a while." Jack said. Karen giggled. "It's nice swimming here isn't it?" she said. Jack nodded. Karen took her eyes away from the sky. "Jack..." she said dreamily. Jack also looked down, and then to her. They smiled and that night a special glow surrounded them.

Sasha sighed. She was getting ready for bed but she was worried about something. "What's on your mind?" her husband, Jeff asked. Sasha looked over at him. "Well, tomorrow is Lilia's birthday and... Well I just wish that she wasn't spending it alone..." Sasha replied sadly. Jeff looked confused. "But I thought you and the girls were going over there?" he said. Sasha nodded. "Yes, but...She misses her children! Shes always alone these days, and I just feel so bad for her!" Sasha said. Jeff nodded, even though he still didn't seem to understand. "I'm sure she'll be okay..." he said. Sasha got into bed, but she didn't fall asleep for quite a while...

[BorderWolf]

Nice chapter.

[Limegreen Queen]

yah nice chapter

[Herfefiny]

yay thankies! ;D

[Herfefiny]

A/N~ So anyway...Heres the next chapter!

Chapter fourteen: Eavesdropping

“Karen! Karen, wake up.” Karen opened her eyes and saw the shape of her mother standing by her bed, looking annoyed. Karen rubbed her eyes and glanced at the clock on her wall. It said that it was eight o’clock in the morning.

“Mom! It’s a Sunday! What so you want?!” Karen asked angrily. Sasha sighed. “Honey, could you get Dad’s medicine today? It’s Lilia’s birthday, and we have to be there.” Karen rolled her eyes. “So why are you waking me up early?” she asked. “Because then you’ll never get up. Now we’re gonna go, and you can eat some breakfast and get the medicine.” Just as Sasha turned around to leave Karen asked, “Hey why wasn’t I invited to this party?” Sasha turned around. “Because right now Lilia doesn’t need to be reminded that we have children with us, and hers are...away.” And with that, Karen’s mother turned back around and went out the door.

Karen walked to the clinic feeling tired and grumpy. Just as she walked in, Elli, the Mineral Town nurse and midwife, disappeared up the stairs. Karen was about to call for her, but she heard voices and decided to take a different approach.

Karen tiptoed upstairs and saw two rooms. The room on the left had the door open, and the right room had the door closed. Karen heard Elli in the left room, so she walked into the right. Karen was about to look around when she heard Elli’s voice from the next room. Karen got startled and flew under a blue couch that was against the wall. Her heart pounded, as she put her ear to the wall, feeling a little guilty.

“Tim, are you going to get up?” Elli asked. There was a ‘thump’ on the wall, and Karen heard the town’s doctor groan. “Sorry Elli,” he said, “I guess I slept in.” Elli giggled. “It’s Ok! You should get some extra sleep, since you’re always getting up so early. If you want, you can take the day off, and I’ll handle the clinic. Not many people come in on Sunday’s anyway.” she said cheerfully. “No, I couldn’t do that. I’d feel so guilty...“ Tim replied yawning. “Well, then at least stay in bed a bit longer. But, I must ask if something’s wrong...?” Elli said caringly. Karen could hear Tim sigh and say, “I guess it’s just been hard lately...” “Because of Lilia?” Elli asked finishing Tim’s sentence. There was a moment of silence until Tim said, “I just wish I could do something but... she won’t get better, unless I get that cure...” he yawned again and Karen could hear footsteps going across the room. “All we can do is hope.” Elli said kindly. Karen rolled out from under the couch and got up quietly. She decided she should go downstairs now. Karen took one quick look around the room. There was a bookshelf next to the couch and across from it was a bed with a blue cover. There was also a dresser with some photos on it. Karen opened the door quietly, and saw that the door to the Doctor’s room was still open.

“Great, how do I get across there?!” Karen thought angrily. She decided that maybe if she jumped across no one would see... Karen counted to three and then jumped. She made a quiet thump, but she was pretty sure no body had heard. That was when Karen realized that the talking had stopped. She couldn’t help but look into the room quickly. She smiled at what she saw. Elli and Tim were holding hands and looking at each other with... That look that people who are truly in love give each other. Karen recognized it from... Where did she recognize it from? Sighing to herself, Karen walked back downstairs. She sat on one of the couches in the waiting room, and sat, lost in thought.

A few minutes later, Karen heard footsteps, and Elli walked downstairs.

“Oh, Karen! I’m sorry were you waiting long?” Elli asked guiltily. Karen shook her head. “It’s fine! I just came in a few minutes ago.” she lied. Karen got up and walked up to the desk that Elli was standing at. “I’m just picking up my Dad’s medicine. He and my mom are at a birthday party for Lilia.” Karen said. Elli bent down and started looking around for something, most likely the medicine. From under the desk she said, “Oh that’s today isn’t it! I’ll give Lilia her present after the clinic closes...” Elli came back up holding a blue bottle. “Tim says Jeff just needs to take some turjoblot and he’ll be fine.” Elli said smiling as she handed the bottle to Karen. “Oh yeah, Tim!” Karen said. “How are things going with you and him?” Elli smiled, and got a dreamy look in her eyes. “We’re...we’re great.” she said. Karen nodded. “Well I better get back home.” she said. Elli looked up. “Ok. Thanks for coming Karen!” she called as Karen walked out the door.

Karen walked into her house. “I’m home!” she called. There was no answer. Karen sighed remembering that her parents had gone out, and for once, she actually felt a bit...lonely.