Fanon:Hard Times (A Pleasant Story)

 It's been a year since I moved to Pleasantview, SimCity. LIfe has been hard. I've had to make new friends, learn a new language and, after living here for six months, cope with the death of my father. I have to thank my good friends for helping me pull through all this trouble. They mean everything to me, especially Angela Pleasant, my little angel. Angie has been there since Day 1- literally! A simple bus ride to school led to a long-lasting friendship. I have to thank Dustin and Dirk too. They've had to struggle with the loss of a parent. Dirk was twelve when his mum got caught in a fire. Dustin was fourteen when he heard the news of his dad. I've helped these guys a lot and they've returned the favour. That's what friendship is. And this is my story, my life.

Hard Times
Richie gazed up at the summer sky. It was a beautiful shade of light blue, dotted with wispy clouds. He heard voices and saw the Broke family coming along. "Hey Richie" said Dustin. Richie's styles had been an influence on him- his curly blond hair looked almost indentical to Richie's a year ago. Following Dustin was Beau, now a ten year old boy. Brandi was pushing a pushchair with a two year old Tommy strapped inside. "Hi" Richie said, obviously in deep thought. Dustin sat down beside him on the park bench. "What's wrong" Dustin asked, concerned about his best friend. "It's Dirk" replied Richie "Today is the sixth anniversary of his mother's..." he thought about a kinder word to use considering Dustin was there. "His mother's passing. It's affected him badly. Lilith's trying to cheer him up, but it's not working. Now Lilith's feelings are hurt. It's just a big mess!"

"You remember when it was Dad's third year right?" Richie nodded. "The best thing it to leave someone alone."

"You should've told Lilith sooner." Dustin shot him a look.

"Have you seen Mona?" Richie hadn't "Big secret: I want to ask her out, but I don't know how."

"You've come to the wrong place, my friend, as I didn't ask. Angela kind of prompted me... Just ask her when a conversation goes quiet."

"I'll try that. I was going to ask her last year, but I sort of... postponed it a bit."

Dirk sat in his room. A mixture of emotions filled him: anger, sadness and guilt. Why couldn't Lilith have left him alone? But then, she was trying to help. Dirk stood up and opened his door. He saw Lilith sat on the sofa. Dirk held his breath and listened. Was she crying? Dirk felt sick. He didn't want this to happen! He quietly slipped out of the front door. He needed to think. How was he going to make it up to her?

Lilith heard the door click. That's it she thought ''It's over. He's done a runner.''