Chapter One
Notes
Well, here it is... The first chapter of my first fic! Hopefully I'll feature almost all of the characters in the valley over the course of the fic, and maybe throw in a few Mineral Town personalities as well. So, enjoy, and please comment because it is my first fic and I want to know what you guys think... Thanks!
Jack opened his eyes to see Dr. Hardy's weathered face above him; his own face reflected in the mysterious head-mirror type thing that all doctors seemed to wear. The doctor frowned down at him.
'You're awake,' he commented, before turning away and opening one of the multitudes of cupboards that adorned his practice.
Jack said nothing. His head swam, and he couldn't remember why he was at the doctor's anyway. He must have passed out again, exhausted as usual. His last memory was of sitting down by the spring for a brief rest in between chopping wood. He must have fallen asleep and been stumbled on by Hardy, but he couldn't be sure. He was also unaware of the time.
' Doctor... How long have I been here for?' he asked tentatively. Doctor Hardy could be quick-tempered at times.
'An hour or so. You were passed out by the spring, exhausted no doubt. That's what happens when you ignore my orders, you know.'
Jack's mind wandered. He had become familiar with the doctor's house in the last few months- repeatedly passing out or taking ill from overwork in the cold weather. His first year on the farm had been so wildly busy that he had little time to relax, and he almost always pushed himself too hard.
'Jack, I know that you have commitments to your farm, but if you don't change your ways soon you'll put yourself at risk of a serious bronchial infection,' droned Hardy, ' and as your doctor it's my responsibility to ensure that you take care of yourself. Ease off your work by a few hours each day. You'll soon notice the difference in your health.'
' Doctor, I want to relax more, but there's too much to do on the farm. If I stopped working the whole place would go to pieces...'
' Now, you know that isn't true. Vesta runs her farm perfectly but she also takes care of herself. That's the right attitude to have, you know.'
Jack sighed. He understood Doctor Hardy, and realised that, perhaps, he could take things a little easier. He could get to know the people in the valley, take more time to relax at the bar...
' You're right, Doctor. I will relax more. You know, I've been here nearly a year and I barely know the people in the valley. I'm sure they think I'm some sort of really anti-social perfectionist, or something.'
The Doctor grinned.
' Perhaps, perhaps. I'm glad you understand now. You can go on if you want. I have no pills for you this time.'
'Thanks, Doctor. See you.'
With that, Jack left the Doctor's house. He realised that he had been working too hard all year, and that he really would need to take it easy.
I'm going to get to know everyone here in the valley, he told himself, and where better to start than in the bar?
'Hey Muffy.'
Jack greeted the pretty bargirl with a grin. She smiled back.
' Hi, Jack. Why are you here? I mean, you're never here... not usually.'
' Yeah, I know... I was at Doctor Hardy's. He says that I work too hard and need to relax more,' he replied, laughing.
' Oh my gosh, Jack, you do! Every time I see you you're really busy, which is nice, but you really push yourself. Remember that time you came in here and fell asleep at the counter? Three times?'
Jack nodded and looked away. Even Muffy agreed with Hardy. He felt vaguely embarrassed at how he must have come across to her over the last year. He was glad that they were alone in the bar.
'So... you think Hardy was right?'
'Of course! Jack, have a drink. Stay and keep me company. I mean, I don't want to stand here alone all evening,' she said, turning her emerald eyes on him.
' OK... I'll have some water.'
Muffy turned away to get his drink. Jack liked the lively woman and her infectious enthusiasm for... well, everything. But then, so did almost all the men in Forget-Me-Not Valley. He grinned at her.
'Thanks, Muffy. You know, from now on I'm going to just relax a lot more. I'm come here more, too,' he said, looking around.
'You really should!' said Muffy. 'I know! Jack, promise me you'll come here every evening. That way, you can relax and I'll have someone to talk to.'
' Sure. Where is everyone tonight?'
' I have no idea. Normally someone would come in for a-'
Her words were drowned out by a shout from the doorway.
' Hey, guys! Jack... what are you doing here? Where's Griffin? This isn't much of a party...' said Rock, his face falling.
' Rock, there's never any parties in the Valley. When are you going to realise that?' said Muffy, exasperated.
Jack silently agreed. Rock's tiresome talk of parties and suchlike was completely out of context in the valley, but all the same he liked Ruby's son- he was so enthusiastic and positive that being in his company was a sure fire way to cheer you up.
' Hey, Rock,' said Jack, ' what's up? And where is Griffin?' he asked, glancing at Muffy.
' Griffin's in Mineral Town,' the blonde replied, ' to order more drinks... or something.'
Jack nodded.
' Listen, guys... I need to go back to the farm.' he said, ' because I'm tired,' he added hastily, seeing Muffy eying him suspiciously.
'Alright. Don't wear yourself out again, sweetie,' she said, ' and remember that you promised to come and see me every day!'
Jack laughed and nodded.
'No problem- see you, Rock.'
'Later.'
So Jack left the Blue Bar, feeling better already. He headed home, the night air clear, and the sound of Gustafa's guitar carried to him on the wind. He looked forward to getting some rest and felt sure that tomorrow would be a brighter day than any in the year that had passed.
So, what did you think? Too short, maybe. Comment, please!
