Original Date Posted: 8/2/11 up to Chapter 14
Rewrite Date Posted: 11/14/11
Disclaimer: I do not own Harvest Moon.
The ship lurched, my stomach flopping uncontrollably from the rocking. The salty air felt cold against my flushed skin, and I held onto the railing for dear life.
I hated being on boats. I despised being on the water. What was the use of boats anyway? They were a nuisance. Why did I even have to take a boat to Castanet anyway? Why should I have to take his putrid form of transportation when I could just have him bring me there our usual way?
Oh yeah, that's right. To keep up appearances. I was supposed to be the farmer's sister, who was normal and innocent. I rolled my eyes, just thinking about my brother. He was always so annoying, so brash, it irritated me. Just being in the same room as him got on my nerves. My brother up and left me a long time ago, and then suddenly wants me to move in with him. Just because out mother died did not mean I could not support myself. I had been able to for years. I believe this was just another stupid plot of Kasey's to make me feel belittled by him.
And just for that thought, I wanted to punch him in the face. Hard.
Don't get me wrong, I'm usually against violence and I am a very nice person. Most of the time, anyway. The only time I am not my usually self is when I'm sick, like now, or when I'm alone with my brother.
As I said before, he knew every single way to get me fired up and pissed. He just had to be himself and I would be at his throat at an instant.
It sounds like a normal brother sister relationship, no? Well, it's much more than that. In fact, I hated how he practically forced me to come. Sure, the little island seemed to be nice, but Kasey would be there. And I would have to live with him, seeing him almost all the time! I didn't think I could stand even the thought of it. I didn't know how I would be able to survive.
Yes, I hate my brother that much.
"Ay, lass. We're about to dock on Castanet. Y'all alright?" The captain of the boat, Pascal, asked me. He walked up to me and looked down at me with concern.
I appreciated his concern but it was unneeded. I was fine. "I'm alright. Just sea sickness." I replied, giving Pascal as weak smile.
He did not seem very convinced. He placed a hand on my shoulder, and I felt awkward by the gesture. I was from the city. You do not go around touching people you barely knew. Pascal did not seem to notice my discomfort. "It's alright Miss…" He paused, waiting for my name.
"Molly Kallard." I gave. The weight of his hand was making the dizziness worse. I so badly wanted to shove it away from me, but I was too polite and weak for it.
Pascal gave me a toothy smile. "Well Miss Molly, Castanet is right there." I looked up to the thing Pascal was pointing at.
The island look beautiful. I saw the town port, and the bustle of the islanders. The buildings were crisp and colorful, making them eye catching and inviting. I saw as the island was dotted with trees, and I saw what seemed to be a forest. I sudden disturbance in the air caught my attention, taking me away from the wonders of the island.
What was this disturbance I felt? It seemed like a buzz, almost as if it were calling towards me. Was there someone living on the island besides Kasey that I knew? This buzz felt so familiar, and yet I could not think of a reason why.
Surely Kasey would tell me if someone else other than him was here, right? I wouldn't be kept in the dark?
Although I wanted to believe it, I knew it was not true. Kasey had a history of not telling me anything important, saying he was trying to protect me, even though he was fully aware I didn't need it. I could take care of myself. Hell, I could take care of both myself and Kasey! I think he believes it's his duty as an older brother. But I know he only wants to get on my nerves. And he succeeds, every single time.
"It's beautiful, ne?" Pascal asked.
I nodded, not saying a word. The buzz in the air was still unsettling. Who was there? And then, the buzz vanished. That made me even more nervous. Who was hiding? Did Kasey already take care of whomever it was? Will I have to deal with everything earlier than I thought?
Pascal seemed to sense my nerves. "Y'all be fine Miss Molly. Castanet is filled with welcoming people. You'll be fine!" His chuckle sent chills down my spine. Welcoming people. Welcoming, destructive people, from what I could feel.
I gave a meek smile, only wanting him to leave so I could be alone. "Thank you, Pascal. Aren't we docking soon?"
Pascal gave a dry laugh. "Want to get rid of me so quickly? Ha, I'm only joking. I'll be going on my merry way. We'll be docked in a minute." Pascal turned and walked back into his cabin.
I let out a breath of relief. Finally, I was alone. Now I could be in peace. Although, there was nothing to distract me from my sea sickness now. I could feel the color drain from my face and be replaced with a sickly green.
The boat lurched to a halt and I nearly flew onto the floor, my stomach churning. I hated being sick like this. I couldn't defend myself against much. I shakily pushed myself off of the floor and gripped the suitcase next to me. I carefully walked across the ship and down the steps onto the dock. I said carefully because I was still swaying. I was going to kill Kasey for making me travel on a boat. He knew very well that I had sea sickness.
The moment I stepped onto the dock, I heard loud footsteps coming my way. I looked up and saw a very… large man in a purple suit waddling towards me. His fluffy white hair was piled on his head, bouncing with ever step. It took some self control to not laugh at the sight. The large man stopped in front of me, panting. I guess running ten feet took a lot of effort on his part.
"Ah, Miss Kallard right? Welcome to Castanet! I'm Mayor Hamilton!" The tubby man said between pants.
I smiled at him. Although this first impression was not very…. Attractive, I knew deep down he must have a big heart. "Please, call me Molly. And pleased to meet you." I peered around Hamilton and saw a small crowd being formed. My eyebrows quirked in confusion. Hamilton saw my face and smiled widely. "Ah, yes! The people here are so keen to see a new face. It's been a while since someone new has come, and they wanted to meet you as soon as you got off the boat!"
I felt touched. Everyone came out of their way to meet me? They didn't have to do that. I was just going to run to Kasey's house and beat the complete shit out of him. He needed to be taught a lesson by sending me on a boat.
"You.. didn't have to do that! I'm… nothing special. Just coming to live with my brother." I said, trailing off. I was at a loss. What was I supposed to say anyway? Fuck off morons? That would not be a good first impression. Actually, that's practically the worst thing I could possibly do. The second worst being me hopping back on the boat and traveling back to the city.
Hamilton chuckled. "Don't be silly! Now come! They are waiting for you!" Hamilton ushered me towards the crowd. My eyes scanned the crowd and immediately fell on my brother.
Kasey had definitely grow since the last time I saw him. It's been at least four years, and those years have done good for him. Being a farmer had paid off for him. The gangly, skinny boy I had last seen at transformed. Now I saw traces of muscles on his body and he seemed more sturdy. I smirked internally. That would be good. Maybe he would have some defense against me.
Kasey saw me and stared back. Even though he had a smile on his face and happiness seeping out off him, I also saw a hint of nervousness and the slight twitch to his right eye. I smirked this time, my lips spreading across my face. I watched as Kasey's mask slowly crumble, leaving a look amusement and a hint of fear in his eyes.
I excused myself to Hamilton and walked over to Kasey, who walked out of the crowd to meet me. "Kasey!" I said in mock happiness. I would act like a good little sister. I would pretend the whole time that I was here that I didn't hate my brother's guts.
I saw Kasey's eyes widen in confusion for a second before it clicked. He knew what I was doing.
Kasey wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into a hug. His lips were at my ear and I heard him whisper to me. "I know what you're trying to do."
I stiffened but forced a smile to my lips. I whispered back at him. "And you're going to play my game. You owe me for throwing me onto a fucking boat."
I felt his body shake as he stifled a laugh. I ripped myself from his arms and narrowed my eyes at him. He was so screwed when we got to his house.
He seemed to also sense this and his laughed died down. He didn't want to feel the heated glare I was giving him and pulled someone over from the crowd. The man he pulled over was tall and had pale skin. He had long black hair that was pulled behind him and he wore a pair of rimmed glasses on his face. He wore a frown directed at Kasey, and I saw that he was annoyed by my brother.
That makes two of us, I thought.
Kasey wrapped one arm around the man's shoulder. "Molly, this is my best friend Jin."
The man named Jin held out his hand and I took it. I shook his hand. "I'm Molly, Kasey's sister. I feel so sorry that you had to deal with him for these years."
Kasey's smile was wiped of his face. Jin's frown transformed into a smirk. "It has been a bother, but now you're here to deal with him. I feel sorry that you're related to this idiot."
I smirked right back at Jin. We would get along just fine.
I continued to talk to Jin about how moronic my brother was and was stopped when someone tapped on my shoulder. I turned around and saw a pair of golden eyes. "Hi, I'm Luke!"
I smiled and introduced myself. "Molly? Awesome name! I work at the Carpenter's with my Pop. I like wood!"
I blinked at Luke. Was he insane? Or on drugs? Or was he dropped on his head as a baby? "Um…. That's…. great." I said. What was I supposed to say to that? I like wood too? Who in their right mind even says that while introducing yourself to someone?
"LUKE!" I heard a feminine voice call out. I looked over Luke's shoulder to see a blonde girl dressed in cowboy boots come towards us. She had pretty green eyes and her hair was pulled into a pony tail. Her brown eyebrows were furrowed and her fists were clenched by her side.
It looked like this mystery girl was not very happy with Luke.
The blonde came over and waved a fist at Luke. "LUKE! Are you making the new girl uncomfortable? Did you talk about wood again? I've told you too many times that saying you love wood is not a good thing to say when you first meet someone!" She yelled.
Luke became defensive. "I WAS NOT MAKING HER UNCOMFORTABLE!" Actually he was, I thought. "I WAS BECOMING FRIEND WITH HER! KATHY, DON'T YELL AT ME!"
So Kathy was her name. "Um, excuse me… Kathy?" I entered their feud.
The woman who was Kathy looked at me, and her anger evaporated. She gave me a charming smile and said, "I'm sorry about that. I'm Kathy. Welcome to Castanet."
I waved her apology off. "No need to apologize. It's no big deal. But I am surprised to see everyone here. Did they really want to see me?" I asked.
Luke was the one who answered. "Of course Molly! We wanted to meet the girl Kasey always talks about. Ya know, Kasey seems to really love you."
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. I didn't want to hear this, especially from people I just met. I forced a small smile to my face. I have to continue acting. I can't seem like a cold girl who doesn't like anyone. "Aha, thanks. Well, you didn't have to come to greet me. I would have been just fine without all this fuss."
Kathy snorted. "Molly, everyone had been on the edge of their seats waiting for you to arrive. It's been so long since someone new had come to live here, and it's a big deal for us. We wanted to do it, not caring whether you asked or not."
This conversation was becoming too heavy for my liking. I've just met these people, and I wasn't very keen on sharing my feelings with them. "Anyway," I changed the subject, "what is there to do around the island? I intend to celebrate my arrival."
Kathy's eyes lit up. "Don't need to worry about that! Everyone is already planning on going to the Brass Bar! My father Hayden owns the place, and I work there! It's a lot of fun and it's always fun there!"
I think Kathy was a little too happy to talk about bars. "That's great! Who is going to be there?"
Kathy thought for a second before responding. "Practically everyone on the island. And then there are those who have to been there. Like me, my father, Chase and Selena."
Who? I thought. "Who's Chase and Selena?"
Kathy pointed behind me and I turned around. Her finger was pointing towards a man with orange hair. His messy orange bob was clipped back with three bobby pins, and his eyes were a stunning violet. Then, she pointed to a girl wearing a belly dancer's attire. Her skin was the shade of roasted almonds and her hair and eyes were a deep red. My eyes stayed glued on Chase. "That's Chase?' I asked, masking my shock.
Kathy smirked. "Yeah that's Chase. Why Molly? Got the hots for him?" She teased.
I scoffed. "Of course not."
I watched Luke stare at Kathy in disbelief. "Why would anyone like an asshole like Chase? Even though he's one of our best friends…. Well he's an asshole! Molly should stay away from him!"
I didn't like hearing that. Luke was this person I just met and I would not be bossed around by him. I didn't want to be bossed around by anyone.
Kathy thought Luke was ridiculous. "You're an idiot. I think the saw dust ate any brain cells you may have had left."
I laughed along with Kathy. There was no arguing with that logic!
Luke tried helplessly to defend himself. "HEY! The saw dust didn't do anything to me! I've been surrounded by saw dust my whole life and it hasn't affected me at all!"
I turned to Kathy. "So he didn't get dropped on his head as a baby? It was just always the saw dust?"
Kathy tried to hold back a laugh. "He probably did get dropped on his head. The saw dust just made it worse."
We both laughed again. I knew Kathy and I would get along great. We were already bonding through comedy!
"HEYYY! You guys are mean!" Luke whined.
We quieted down. I had to wipe away a few stray tears from my eyes from laughing so hard. I haven't felt this great in a while. "I'm sorry Luke. But Kathy's a funny person. And you're such an easy target…." I said.
Luke shook his head and pouted, looking anywhere but me. I sighed. Luke was acting just like a toddler. I decided to leave him alone, and talk to him later at the bar. Luke walked away from us, and went over to a group of people. I saw that he was talking to Chase, and another boy.
The other boy had pale blonde hair, and icy blue eyes. His hair was smooth expect for one stubborn cowlick. And Chase, well, he had all of my attention.
Kathy nudged me in the side using her elbow. "Don't lie to me Molly. You're interested about Chase. I see you watching him. You wanna get with that." She said suggestively.
I rolled my eyes at the ridiculousness of it all. This girl I had just met was already drawing conclusions about me. I just find this Chase character…. Interesting. It's making me curious. "I'm just anxious to meet everyone. Don't draw conclusions." I said briskly.
I'm starting to dislike Kathy very much because of her persistence. I watched as she rolled her eyes and waved my words off. "Sure, sure. Whatever you believe Molly. Well, see tonight. But right now, we need to introduce you to him and Gill."
She started to pull me over towards the trio. "Who's Gill?" I asked, my eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
Kathy peered over her shoulder to look at me. "He's the blond, prissy one next to Chase."
"Oh." I said.
So that's what his name was. Interesting. I've felt like I've heard that name before, but I know for a fact I haven't met anyone with that name. But then what was it? It's not something very common at all. So what was it? Gill… it feels like something big; like something I should really know right away. It irked me being clueless.
Kathy managed to pull me all the way up to the group of boys even in my thought induced state."Boys," Kathy said, gesturing towards me, "This is Molly. Be nice." It was more of a command than a suggestion.
Chase rolled his eyes at Kathy's antics and settled his eyes on me. I didn't know what it was about those violet eyes but I suddenly felt uncomfortable. Which never happened to me. Sure, I got angry and get sea sick, but it takes a lot to make me flinch. And this boy, this normal boy, was succeeding in making it happen! What was wrong with this island? My first day here and two strange things have already happened!
First the strange presence and buzz while I was arriving, and now the unsettling stare?
I feel like there's something Kasey didn't tell me. And there most likely is. The bastard never tells me anything these days.
I masked my uneasiness with a smile. "Hello, nice to meet you." It wasn't nice, it was strange. And even though I'm good with strange, this was too much.
He stared at me with this cold look in his eyes. Like I was unwelcomed to be here. Well shit, I didn't want to be here! Both of us were unhappy it seemed.
"Chase." He said, looking totally disinterested.
I scoffed and said, "Pleasure." In the fakest polite voice I could muster, which was pretty convincing. I've had years of practice hiding my emotions. This was no different than what I've been through. Hell if I would be stood up to by a mere boy who I've just met. My brother wasn't even strong enough to beat me. I took great pride in being the better child.
Chase just scowled slightly and looked away. Kathy clicked her tongue in disdain for her friend's action while Luke took a more open approach. "Chase, quit being such an asshole! You don't need to prove me right! I already warned her about you!"
A vein throbbed in Chase's forehead. "Luke, you are a complete moron." Chase muttered before walking way.
Luke rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Eh, sorry. Guess I went a little overboard!" Luke turned towards me. "Don't worry about him. He's just moody!"
I smirked as I watched Chase's retreating figure. "What, like PMS?"
Kathy and I both started laughing while Luke seemed confused. "What's PMS?"
Kathy and I only started laughing harder. I saw through my half lidded eyes the attention that our laughing fit was bringing to us. Everyone had turned their eyes to look at us, most with a smile on their faces. It seemed to only one who didn't care was the boy in front of me, Gill.
Luke still didn't seem to understand. "No really. What's PMS?"
It was very faint, but with being special, I heard him mutter. "You're such an idiot."
"I agree." I said, smiling at the pale blonde.
His eyes flashed to meet mine and my smile faded as I saw the sharpness to his look. What was wrong with these boys? First Chase, and now Gill?
Maybe they both have PMS.
"Hello." I said, my eyebrow raising as I continued to stare at Gill.
He didn't really change his look. His intense, icy blue eyes were firmly placed on me with a cold, faraway look. "Gill Hamilton, Mayor's son."
Ah, so he was one of those people. Thinking since he was the Mayor's son that he was better than everyone else. Conceited pig. "It's a pleasure, Gill." I said offhandedly, before turning to Kathy and Luke.
"I'll be going now. See you later!" I said enthusiastically. And I wasn't totally acting this time. I was actually looking forward to seeing everyone while at the bar. It would be interesting to see how these people get when they party.
I walked towards Kasey, who was still talking to Jin. I heard Kathy and Luke call their farewells behind me. I smiled, secretly enjoining the attention. I never get attention with my brother around. It just seemed everyone thought that he was the superior one, while I was the push over little sister. What does age have to even do with anything? And be it as it may, it was only a measly three year difference! When you've walked on this earth for many years, three is miniscule. It doesn't matter!
I walked up to Kasey and Jin, and I ended up catching a piece of their conversation. "-was definitely checking her out."
"Like hell he is!" Kasey replied, outraged by whatever Jin had said.
I said my brother's name to get his attention. "Kasey."
He jumped at the sound of my voice and said a little too happily, "Hey Molly! W-What's up?"
His tone made me wary and suspicious. He was too nervous because of something. Most likely having to do with whatever Jin and he were talking about. And judging by how idiotic this so called brother of mine was acting, this news had to do with me.
"What were you talking about?" My voice became menacing; my eyes narrowed into slits.
He began stuttering uncontrollably. Jin watched from the side, smirking at my brother's misfortunes. I turned to the doctor. "So Jin, what exactly were you and this moron talking about?" I asked, going back to my normal courtesy.
Jin shook his head. "This-whatever it is- is a family problem and I am not getting into it." He gestured to my tongue tied brother.
I raised an eyebrow questioningly. "I thought you would be wrapped in with the family feud. I mean you are Kasey's boyfriend, am I right?"
I smirked as I saw Jin's face mask with horror and disgust. I wanted to have some fun while messing with my brother. This is not even considered payback for the boat ride. It's more like…. Giving a thank you for making me move to this island. I very well knew that Kasey was not homosexual. He had scarred me for life enough times, talking about his late at night escapades. I did not want to think about those stories. They only made the nightmares even more disturbing.
Kasey, having come out of his sputtering delusion, started yelling at me with a look of shock on his face. "MOLLY KALLARD! I AM NOT GAY!"
I snickered as I saw the small group of islanders who had stuck around turn and stared unabashed at my brother. I didn't know why he always got so hung up on every insult I said. It's not like they were hurting him in any way. I use physical violence only when I deem it fit. Like the stupid boat ride.
I'm sorry, I just can't get over that. Kasey's knows that I get sick on the ocean. And I knew very well that Kasey was not gay.
Payback's a bitch, ain't it?
"Wow Kasey, scream it to the world. I'm sure you just made everyone think you're in denial. Who knows? Maybe Julius will be interested."
Julius was the fashionista of Castanet. He- yes he- was always dressed in the most flamboyant clothes that seemed very outspoken. Along with his heart shaped earrings and purple hair, it just added to the fire, I even thought he was a girl when I first was introduced to him. Imagine my shock when I realized he was a guy.
I'll never fully be able to talk to Julius normally. Ever.
I knew Kasey was ranting on and on, thinking I was really listening. When it came to Kasey. I didn't give a damn. I sound like a shitty, uncaring sister. I couldn't argue there, although I did have good moments when it came to family. A soft spot if you will.
I cut off my brother's babbling. "Great Kasey. Now can we please go? I want to unpack before we go to the bar."
This perked his interest. "You're going to the bar later?"
I rolled my eyes. "Of course I am. Why wouldn't I?"
He shrugged. "Well, I don't know. It just seemed you wouldn't be up to party. Especially during that particularly daunting boat ride."
My hands balled into fists by my side. Oh how I wanted to slap that smug look off his face. "Well unlike you, I haven't developed alcoholic like traits."
That shut him up good. I waved him away and turned towards town. "I mean after all, who was fine the day after New Year's five years ago, and who was puking their stomach out with a massive headache that made them practically paralyzed the whole day?"
I started walking away, flipping my hair briskly over my shoulder. He wanted to play dirty, I would too. The game has been set in motion, and I intend to come out on top like I usually do.
I mean, I already left him to carry my suitcase.
The thing about Kasey is there aren't very high expectations for him. Even with being the oldest, I always was the one who excelled at everything. Kasey really didn't try at all, just perfectly content with what he had. Which is why I was completely shocked when Kasey's farmland came into view.
It was truly amazing that this place was owned by my brother. Kasey- the lazy bum- managed to flourish as a farmer. A farmer! Something that requires total energy to succeed!
The house was a normal sized one, big enough to fit both me and Kasey comfortably. But the fields were magnificent. There were three large plots in all, accompanied by a mill and a river leading to a small lake. I stared at the land, my jaw unhinged. This was even better than I could have ever done! And then I realized it.
Kasey could do something better than me.
I didn't know whether to be annoyed, or proud. Long ago, I wanted to see him be wonderful at something. I hated taking the spotlight from him, because he deserved it. It just never seemed like anything really clicked with him.
But now I know. It took so long, but I believe Kasey had found something he enjoys, and I am secretly happy for him.
But it doesn't change the fact that he forced me on the boat, and how I despise his very being in this life time. Just like the last one. And many before.
"Impressed?" A voice called directly behind me.
I twitched before nodding. "I am." I said.
I watched from the corner of my eye as my brother walked up next to my, my suitcase in his grip. "It seems I've finally found something I'm great at."
My mouth was puckered into a thin line. "It seems so."
We were silently, watching the sun set behind the rocky cliffs. The sky was a beautiful orange, the sun merely peeking behind the rock. It was breathtaking. It was pure. It seemed so intimate I wondered how I could possibly be sharing this moment with my brother, whom I no longer wish to be with.
"Are you happy?" I said quietly. As ridiculous as it may sound, I didn't want to ruin this pure moment. These types of peaceful things never lasted long. I've grown to appreciate them over the years.
I watched as Kasey gave a soft smile towards the darkening sky. "I don't think I've ever been this happy since before."
As I continued to watch this lovely sky from this island, standing with my only blood related family, I couldn't help but think about everything that has happened all these years. About how disturbing things had become in the past, and how much of a bitch I've been to him. I started to feel something I thought I never would.
For one second, while I watched the sun slowly vanish, I wished I could give my brother back my love.