Andy's Apple Farm: Dolce's Game

SIDE CHAPTER #6: THORNS OF A ROSA (pt 3.)

PREMISE: As Peter and Dolce reconvene and form a temporary "alliance" to take Rosa down, Dolce seeks to draw more answers out from him. Meanwhile Rosa has plans of her own in ensuring those who live on the apple farm that their lives are made a living hell...

"'And?' Andy I'm gonna step out for a bit!" Dolce announced.

Andy had finished loading a box full of apples and turned back around to the dog-girl. "Oh! You're heading off on your own today? Where are going?" he asked, rubbing his shoulder.

"Just out into town. Feel like doing some shopping for myself. Figured now that I can get around on my own, I can pick up food and supplies for the house." she lied to his face with a genuine tone.

Andy smiled, unaware of her true plans. "That's sweet of you Dolce. But I think we're stocked up well on food and goods here. You go and have fun shopping-Treat yourself to something nice~." he encouraged.

Dolce smiled warmly back in return, feeling a slight tinge of remorse for needing to deceive him. "Hm, thanks 'And." She started making her way towards the front of the apple orchards. "I'm probably gonna be gone for a good chunk of the day. No need to wait for me when lunchtime hits."

"Alright."

Dolce stopped abruptly in her tracks. There was a discouraged look on her face. She spun herself back around and quickly ran to give Andy a tight hug, catching the humanoid apple off-guard.

"Whoa-Dolce! A little easy with the hugs there." he joked with an awkward smile, but Dolce kept her silence. "...Is something wrong?" he curiously asked.

Dolce slowly released her hold on him. "N-No...I just wanted to hold you, is all..."

"Well, good thing I'm the type of guy who doesn't mind hugs! Especially those from my smart-cute girlfriend~! Hug away all you like~!" he beamed.

Dolce chuckled and kissed him on the cheek. "Oh-uh...Before I go, I was wondering if you or Claus could help me out with something." she said reaching into her pocket.

She then handed him a piece of folded white paper. "Looking through the newspaper I saw this really interesting word-type puzzle thing, so I copied down on a piece of paper. I tried to figure it out but it seemed a bit nonsensical to me. Maybe you and a..." she hesitated and put on the best grin she could muster. "...sssssmart...brainy, clever...guy like Claus could figure it out for me-whenever you two have the time."

"Sure. I'll have him look it over for you." Andy offered, taking the slip of paper from her hand. "I'll also let him know how much of a 'smart, brainy, clever' guy you really think of him to be too~." he teased, winking.

"Ugh, please don't." Dolce grumbled, rolling her eyes. "That tick-faced jerk will never stop rubbing it in my face..."

"Alright, alright~..."

"...Catch you later, 'And.'" Dolce spoke one last time before racing off the apple orchard.

Andy waved her off but then redirected his attention back to the paper slip he gave him. Opening it up, all he saw was a puzzling, jumbled, mess of numbers and letters.

"Ughhh...Not the type of 'word puzzle' I'm familiar with...I sure hope Claus can help me out with this one..."

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Far away from the apple farm, Dolce wandered about the woods where she had met up with Peter the night before.

"Peter..." she spoke up. "Peter where are you?" she rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Geez, the one time you actually need the guy to show his face and he-"