Chapter 7- Soaked and Washed (Cliff's POV)
Claire was seemingly scared, I think she didn't remember anything that happened yesterday.
"Cliff, what happened?" Gray asked.
"Oh… yeah. Claire went out at night and she wanted to ask me stuff about you. She said that she wanted to learn more about you so that she could make you happier. And as a bestfriend, I know a lot about you. So, I told her everything I knew about you. How great you are, how hard you work at the blacksmith, and all the others!" I said, as I was really lying about what I said.
Claire really came out because she had a nightmare and it traced her here. We spoke about stuff that wasn't supposed to be talked about after marriage.
But, everyone believed it… they actually though that Claire came out to me to ask about Gray. Heh… It wasn't true.
I hit the sack and fell asleep. Questions were filling up my head.
I can't believe that I lied to Gray! He's my best friend. I shouldn't be like this! I shouldn't!
I woke up from all the craziness and curiousness up in my head.
It was afternoon and it was raining. I headed out to see what was up, well, it was raining, and nothing was up. I think I needed some time to think in a quiet place. Not in a room where I've spent memories with Gray in.
Ann and Doug told me not to go out in the rain. They told me that I might catch a cold. But I ignored them… I didn't care about myself.
Rain dripping, streaming through my face, I didn't enjoy it at all.
It was soaking my hair, damping my clothes, I needed to get away.
I was walking around town, looking for a place where I could settle down.
I looked at the wonderful view of the ocean. It was beautiful.
I just decided to settle down here and think up with my mind. I saw an open umbrella that Kai forgot to pack up before his shack closed. So I just stayed there.
So many things to think of, so, I just decided to think about something without Claire in it. I could do that later. But first, what would life be if I just moved on?
What if I married Ann?
-Ugh! I don't even want to think about that!
Elli?
-She's kinda clumsy… but, doctor is my friend. I know that Elli is just his.
Mary?
Nah! I don't like NERDS who read books all the time. Maybe that's why Gray didn't choose her.
Karen?
A drunkard? No way! Besides, Karen is Rick's girl.
Popuri?
NO! Kai's my friend and I couldn't do that! Besides, he's planning to marry her…and I don't like Popuri that much.
Claire?
I—I-… I love her.
If only there was one person like Claire…
I wanted a girl who could make me happy, one that had a farm, one that had a personality like her, one that looks pretty, and one that was always happy and kind. But sometimes, I want the girl who could also be energetic and funny but understanding too. I want the perfect bride… Just like Claire. But I don't want her exactly like Claire… I want her to be special in her own little way.
"Hey, are you okay?" A voice asked.
"Uh—yes." I replied as I rose my head from looking at the wet sand.
"I'm sorry… I'm Jill!" She said, cheeringly.
She had dark brown hair, tied in a ponytail, and… she looked happy. She had the same eyes as Claire… ones that were brown.
"Oh! I'm Cliff. Nice to meet you." I replied, "Are you from here?"
"Oh… nah. I'm from Forget-Me-Not-Valley. But, um, sorry to invade your privacy, but, you seemed troubled a while ago. What was the problem?" She asked. I didn't know that some people could actually care. It's like someone could actually listen to me… what I had to say.
"No… I was just thinking about something. I was thinking either to move on or to just stay in that one thing." I replied.
She looked like she was really listening. It looked like she could understand me. Her face would look at my eyes and show me that there's always an open door when your door is closed. And that open door was her door. My door was slammed and shut by Claire and Gray's love. But her door opened and showed me a new hallway.
I think I like her. I think I like this girl.
"I'm sorry for asking, but… what was this 'thing'?" She questioned, her eyes saying that she's really interested and that she's curious.
"Well, this 'thing' was my love for her." I replied.
"Who?" She asked.
"Claire." I answered.
"Oh! Yes! That farmer from this town. I heard that she got married to the grandson of Saibara. Gray, is it?" She said… it shocked me that she know so much.
"Yeah… that's her. Well, actually, to tell you the truth… I liked Claire… very much. In fact, I love her. But, she got married to Gray. I couldn't do anything because Gray's my best friend and I didn't want to look bad in front of other people and him." I answered, seemingly depressed and helpless.
"Oh… I'm sorry. But, isn't there at least one girl that you like a bit?" She asked, she looked more interested into my life story.
"Well, I know that there's this one girl that I just met today. I think that me and that girl would be good friends… or even closer." I answered, as I looked at her face and gave her a smile.
She gave out a deep red and she returned the smile.
I think this was a start for a good relationship.
