Chapter 1- Welcome to Mineral Town!

"Next stop is Mineral Town!" The conductor's assistant, Lou, called down to the crowded boat of passengers. "Any takers?" Mineral; Town was an unpopular tourist attraction, but today, two people stepped forward, a dark skinned boy of about twenty, and a timid looking blonde. Lou nodded, reporting to the captain and calling the two people to the top deck.

Looking at the two passengers, Lou noticed how the blonde's blue eyes had a haunted appearance. The boy, who was messing with his bright purple bandana, had a sparkle in his eye that revealed his excitement of heading toward the small village. The girl's eyes didn't have that natural sparkle, and seemed empty and unseeing, though she wasn't blind.

"Tickets," Lou grunted, and the pair handed him the tickets, the boy first. He stamped his, and then hers, and gave them back. Lou had a daughter her age, and hated to see her so crushed, but wasn't one to inquire in matters that didn't concern him, and left it at that.

Instead, he turned to the approaching shoreline. On the dock, there was a pink haired girl with a red skirt waving animatedly. The boy rushed to the rail and returned the wave.

"Rick, Mom, I'm going to the beach to meet Kai's boat!" Popuri announced grandly, running an old brown hairbrush through her wild pink hair. Rick groaned loudly, but Lillia nodded.

"Make sure you get some milk from Barley's, though." Lillia called after her daughter, who was running out the door.

"Sure Mom!" Was the reply that rang out after her.

Popuri stood on the dock, wind blowing her hair slightly, her excitement growing as she saw the white steam liner making a beeline for the dock. Seeing her beloved Kai on the boat, she waved excitedly, jumping up and down. Kai returned the wave, smiling broadly. Popuri took notice of the blonde next to him, but took nothing of it. Kai cared for her and only her.

Kai dodged past the man stamping the tickets, and hugged Popuri. "Hi Popuri. It's good to see you."

"It sure is." Popuri replied, smelling the cologne he was wearing.

"Howsa 'bout I take you to the Lodge, my treat?" Kai offered, breaking the embrace.

"I'd love to!" Popuri squealed. But she saw Rick approaching rapidly, and she sighed. Rick had a total problem with Kai.

But he wasn't here to complain about her boyfriend. "Did you pick up that milk?" He asked impatiently. Popuri shook her head. "Do you think about anyone but yourself? Mom has cancer, and all you can think about is Kai. Do you even care?" Rick stormed over to the dock.

He knew he shouldn't have yelled at his sister. Rick adjusted his glasses, wondering why being a year older than his spoiled sibling made him responsible for the entire chicken farm. Glancing upward, he noticed that the boat hadn't left, and a shaky looking blonde was headed his way.

She stumbled, dropping her bag, which she picked up slowly. Rick cocked his head. She looked very depressed. "Can I help you?" Rick questioned her, helping to gather her fallen papers.

"Thanks." She replied quietly, giving him a slight smile. She started to walk again, and Rick followed her tentatively. She seemed like she might need more help.

It turned out to be a great thing that Rick had plodded on behind her. Popuri, noticing the girl had missed something of hers, came running. "Miss! You dropped your leaflet!" Rushing past the already winded girl, Popuri's shoulder had knocked into the girl's. Staggering to the left, trying to keep her balance, she slipped. Rick grabbed her hand before she fell, and wide-eyed, she clung to his arm.

"Oh my goddess…Oh my goddess…" She moaned. It took her a moment to remember that she was hugging a stranger.

She jumped back, bright red. "I am so sorry, sir."

"It's Rick. Don't worry about it." Rick laughed, and Popuri jogged over.

"Sorry 'bout that. By the way, I'm Popuri." The girl meekly shook Popuri's outstretched hand.

"I'm Mira." Mira introduced herself, and Rick shook her hand as well. "I'm really sorry." She smiled weakly. "I have this fear of water, since I can't swim…" Her voice trailed off uneasily, and Rick changed the subject.

"Where do you plan on staying, Mira?" Rick inquired. Mira frowned.

"Is there an Inn I can stay at?" She asked.

Popuri cut Mira off. "Don't be silly! You can stay with us. My brother and mom won't mind."

"Brother…?" Mira repeated.

"That would be me." Rick interjected, smiling. Mira nodded, quickly processing the new information. Rick noticed how much happier she seemed after meeting them. Her dazzling blue eyes were sparkling.

"I couldn't burden you with that." Mira protested. "I'm here to take over the Spring Fields Farm." Rick found himself pondering over whether Mira would make a great farmer. She seemed shy, but maybe it was because she hadn't known anyone.

"Hey, we live next door!" Popuri clapped her hand on Mira's back. "But, Kai's calling. I'll see you later!" Dashing off, Popuri left her brother and the new girl standing alone on the beach.

"Really, Rick, I'm sorry about before." Obviously, Mira felt that her preceding apology hadn't been adequate.

"Please, Mira, I don't mind. Well, welcome to Mineral Town." Rick stated as the pair began to walk in the direction of the Poultry Farm. "If you ever need any help, come to me."

"Alright." Mira agreed, nodding. "I'm not too great with animals, but I love plants."

"It's a good thing you've met the nerdy chicken guy, then." Rick told her, and she laughed awkwardly, something else on her mind. Knowing he had no business in hers, he didn't inquire, and if Mira could see his somewhat masked curiosity, she made no mention of it.

"Thank you, Rick." Mira added politely after she and Rick had stopped for the milk.

"It's no problem." Rick promised. "I'll see you later." Rick turned onto the Poultry Farm acre, and into the house.

"Bye!" Mira called after him, waving her hand slightly.

"Here, Mom." Rick placed the jug of milk in the refrigerator.

"I don't know what I would do without you, Rick." Lillia admitted, rephrasing her usual praise. Nodding, Rick entered the safety of his room. He had gone to the beach that morning to yell at Popuri, yet instead he ended up meeting the new farmer.

Rick decided he would put up with his whiney sister and his job, even if it was just for the sake of getting to see his new friend, Mira.

But no one could have predicted the sadness that would accompany this seemingly right decision, not even Mira, whose terrible secret might hurt everyone she was close to.