Bonjour! Well guys, here it is! My first chapter to my first story to my first EVERYTHING on this site! Wish me luck!
This chapter is pretty much just me beginning to torture for Saria.
Chapter One: False Starts
"You've got to be kidding me,"
A blonde was pacing slowly while scanning the floor and nibbling on her thumb-nail. Halting, she picked her head up and looked towards another girl with orange hair braided back. Her face remained unchanged with its disbelief.
"You've honestly have got to be kidding me!" She cried, obviously a bit upset over something. The girl with her laughed, amused with the girl's utter torment. Her story starts before here. A few days even when she was still the new girl.
- x - x - x - x -
A boat approached the shore that was used very little on the small little island. It was a balmy day with a light fog set over the sea, but not the beach itself. People gathered in small clumps along the sand, awaiting the surprise that was soon to deport from the ships' ramp. Curious eyes of both anxiousness and nervousness watched as the person stepping onto the sand was one they were not expecting.
Two seasons ago a tragedy befell the island that left the hearts of many crushed. The well known farm owner by the name of Jack fell ill and soon died, leaving the beautiful farm he had with no care. The animals were brought to the ranches around him and the field died out of all crops. Soon, they knew they had to get some sort of worker or else their crops would be jeopardized. Ads flew out of the island to a country known as Europe where a certain person's eyes fell onto the inviting ad.
There they stood, the new addition to the island that had people biting their lips over. A girl, not much older than eighteen, with short blonde hair cropped into a bob and a dressy shirt matched with black leggings. Everything about her screamed 'Europe girl'. A small smile dressed her face, meeting the awkward gazes of those on the island. A strange beginning for the newcomer who knew not a soul on the island.
And yet, now she was much less unknown. In a town as small as Mineral Town, it did not take long for everyone to get to all the news. Within one season the girl was comfortably living on the farm that was hers with a group of friends she loved. Of course she still had that new vibe to her while she adjusted, but it was not as nearly as strange as the first few weeks. She was chewing on a carrot stick while hanging out with two girls when suddenly a third ran in. Her hair was a strange color; one that a baby girl's room would be painted. Her hair was a bright bubblegum pink that matched her brown, yet almost pinkish eyes. She seemed out of breath, startling the girls slightly.
"Guys guys guys! You'll never ever guess what I just heard!" The girl squealed, flapping her hands back and forth quickly as if she were fanning herself. One of the girls, with orange hair braided back raised a brow.
"You're right. We won't," She commented in a sarky manner. The cheery girl seemed confused at first by the answer when she caught onto the rudeness and puffed her cheeks out unhappily.
"Ooh, Ann! That's not fair! Don't you guys want to hear?" She cried, her face seeming as if it would explode into soft tears if they didn't listen. Being a bit kinder the girl with the brown hair and two blonde streaks smiled lightly at her.
"Go ahead, spill Popuri," She grinned, folding her hands and laying her chin on them listening intensively. The childlike girl smiled back, happy someone was listening.
"Thank you Karen," Popuri sang as she stopped a moment to glare at Ann gently, "So we all know that our Saria runs the farm, right?" She asked, pausing for effect and to give them a moment to answer.
"Hmm, I sure do hope so," The blonde piped in with a grin, being the Saria Popuri was speaking of. Pausing a moment more, the girl started to speak again.
"Welllll, the man before, Jack, has a grandson! At first the boy was uninterested in life in this town but now he's coming! He's about our age too! Nineteen!" The girl giggled, obviously excited about the newcomer. The rest of the room was still. Apparently Popuri wasn't thinking the way they were.
"But . . . he can't have the farm. It's mine now?" The blonde said blankly, her statement coming out more like a question as she thought about it. The emerald eyed girl pursed her lips in thought.
"I don't know, Saria. I mean, his grandfather did own the farm. That has to count for something, right?" Karen stated, chewing on a carrot stick she stole from the blonde. Moaning while she slumped against her bed, Saria looked up at the girls. Without even trying she was getting mixed in with something she did not wish to. Her crystal blue eyes pierced into their minds, flashing with worry.
Finally getting Saria to get out of the house, they managed to drag her to the beach where the boat would be arriving soon. It was the end of Spring and the beach was slowly becoming warmed by the sun. Ann spread her arms out with a grin while closing her eyes. As she wind blew by gently, she leaned back and let herself fall into the sand . . . which was a bit harder than she expected.
"Oouch," She mumbled, rubbing the back of her head. The blonde plopped down next to her even less gracefully and chuckled.
"Did that really sound like a good idea in your head?" She asked, watching the girl with an amused smile. Getting a glare back, she mocked a hurt face and hugged her knees. The only love she got. Ann rolled her eyes, knowing better than to fall for the girl's pity treatment.
"What do you think he'll be like?" Popuri asked, being the only one standing now and looking towards the rather calm sea. The girls pondered a moment in their heads, all knowing what they wished he would be.
"I don't know if we should get our hopes up. I loved Jack, but I feel he wasn't the most charming kid. He's probably one of those Europeans with their teeth sticking out in every direction," Karen mused, getting the group of girls to laugh in agreement. With the exception of Saria however, who sat there rubbing her lip against her teeth. Just as she thought, straight.
"Heeey, not all Europeans have bad teeth! Barely any of us do! That's a stereotype!" The blonde defended, crossing her arms in disappointment. Ann shook her head, not really wanting to argue with her.
The three girls simply sat in the sand, each taking a turn to express their views on the perfect man to move into town. Each one adding a slightly different thing. The one answer that made the girl's feel guilty came from Popuri.
"Actually, I don't care who he is. I will always love Kai," She stated dreamily, placing her chin on her hand while she gazed into the sea. Her pink hair blew in her face, interrupting her little moment. It was going to be Summer soon; that was when Kai came down to Mineral Town. Saria couldn't help but already like the guy who made Popuri so happy.
"Aww, Po! You aren't suppose to make us feel bad like that. Poor Cliff," Ann sighed, being a bit too dramatic. It was clear she was about to say something more, but the loud bellow of a ship got them all to be stunned silent as their eyes flickered out towards the blue abyss.
Through the fog, it was tough to see at first. After a minute, as if from nowhere, the girls could see a giant dark mass approaching the shore. Just like in the beginning of Spring, the barely used ship stopped by the harbor, throwing a rope to the dock.
"Helloooo ladies!" A deep voice cried from the shack. It was none other than the local shipper Zack; a friendly, middle aged man who lived on the beach and helped out anyone in need. He turned away from the girls to grab the rope, securing it to the mast on the dock. Giving the ship a thumbs up, it let out one final toot before a ramp came down to the dock. And out he came.
The girls stood agape while they watched the single person exit the ship. A boy, just a little above their age walked out. His hair was a bit long, but nothing past his neck, and a chilling black color that shined with every spot of sun hitting it. His eyes were an electric green, visible from all the way by the back of the beach. They stood staring for so long, they had not even realized the people pouring into the area until the chatter rose.
The mayor ran past anyone; the short little fellow in his hat that seemed to be the same size as him. He reached the boy and held his out ecstatically to shake his hand. Flashing a flawless smile, the boy took the generous hand and shook it.
"My dear boy it is so good to see you again! Once you grew up I thought we would never see you! Terribly sorry about your grandfather. He will be missed greatly by everyone," Thomas stated, going back down from his tiptoes, taking his hand with him. The boy's smile calmed, nodding slowly.
"Thank you for your kindness. I'm just glad I can keep him going by taking over his farm. I will single-handedly keep it going as he did and make you all proud," He said, smiling again. He was absolutely stunning.
The chatter amongst the townsfolk rose again when suddenly mayor Thomas realized what he had said. His reassuring look faded, his face now a bit stressed. Taking in a sigh, he looked away ,"Well, you see," He began, getting the boy to watch him curiously.
The man filled him in on the situation. He explained how Saria had come a season ago and was now running the farm. Hearing her name being said, the girls saw this as a chance to show their friend off to get closer. Pushing the blonde next to the major, Ann poked her head out from behind.
"Ta-da! This would be her. Hey Adrien, it's me! Ann! Long time no talk!" She introduced, not seeming the slightest shy like the other too. He smiled back at her agreeing, but when he looked at Saria it dropped quickly.
"Ah, so you're Saria? You're the one who took my grandfather's farm," He stated, almost confirming it with himself. A bit confused, Saria nodded slowly when he threw his foot down. His face a bit red, "That's just perfect! I give up everything at home to come here just to find out someone has already taken over the farm. And a girl for that matter! This is just bloody brilliant!" He complained, talking mainly to himself though all around could hear.
Saria ducked back sheepishly, feeling her cheeks growing pink. It wasn't her fault, but she could tell he was mad at her anyways. Then the "girl" part clicked, getting her a bit unnerved as well.
"Wait, what is that suppose to mean?! I'm plenty capable handling your grandfather's farm! Not my fault you were too slow and got here too late! Ugh!" She retorted, only getting the boy more upset. At the same time, they both sent a threatening look towards the Mayor, expecting him to sort things out.
"Oh, I, that is, hmmm. This is a tricky situation. Saria is already so situated into town and running the farm, we could never kick her out. However Adrien is family and would make more sense to take over. If you gave everything up at home we can't send you back. The problems, the problems," The little man argued between himself. The two who had just met not even two minutes ago shot each other another hateful look before looking back down.
"There is only one thing that we can do. Adrien shall be in charge of the farm-" He began, interrupted by the cheer of Adrien. Saria glared him down, though her face showed more hurt than anything else.
"Ahem, Adrien shall be in charge of the farm alongside Saria. Gotz can add a floor to the cottage there, and they can both work hand in hand. It will make farmlife easier that way!" The mayor finished, rather pleased with this idea.
"WHAT?!" The two voices calibrated together, echoing over the other commotions on the island. The Mayor ducked lightly, afraid for his own safety.
"I've been doing fine on my own! Why can't he just stay at the inn!?" Saria cried.
"This farm was owned by my grandfather! It should be rightfully mine!" Adrien snarled, obviously not happy with the choice as well. The argument followed along with this until they both got tired, sending a growl towards one another and heading off. Adrien to reunite with the island, and Saria to herself.
- x - x - x - x –
"I can tell this will be a peaceful summer," Karen mocked, swirling the straw in her milkshake while looking up to Ann and Popuri who nodded in return. They were all sitting around a table in the Inn watching Saria venting her anger on the mound of whip cream in her cocoa. She stopped to look up at Karen.
"It's not fair though, Kar! I got here first! I really liked the farm life, and now I have to go forth with a guy who absolutely hates me. I can't get it easy no matter where I go," The blonde sighed, slumping down in a depressive manner while beginning to play with her whip cream again. The girls all looked at their new friend with sympathetic eyes when footsteps clomped down the stairs of the Inn.
"Hey sweetie," Cliff chimed, kissing Ann gently on the cheek as he came over by the table. Seeing the frowns ( besides Ann who was now warm and fuzzy due to a little kiss ), Cliff halted with a shocked expression.
"Whoa, who died?" He asked, not making the mood any better.
"My hopes and dreams for the future!" Saria blurted out, causing Cliff to feel bad he even asked. He gave the blonde a hug, having to partially support her limp body as she sat back up.
"Don't worry, things will all work out . . . right?" He asked unsure of himself, looking to the other girls for reassurance. Popuri nodded with confidence as Karen shrugged and Ann sat dreamily. He sighed, seeing as he really wasn't helping now. A chime rang through the Inn as someone stepped through the doors. As if he knew the conversation at hand, Adrien waltzed in only to pause seeing the group.
Saria picked her head up, catching his irritated sigh as he began to turn around. Her blue eyes pleaded for him to come back as she stood up.
"W-wait!" She called, shocked for words when she realized he actually did stop and turn around. Looking to her friends who couldn't help as they knew nothing to her intentions she sighed sadly.
"L-listen Adrien. I guess we started out on the wrong foot-" She began, trying to make things easier on them both. Well, mainly herself.
"Want to get yourself onto the right foot? Get out of the farm. By the way, why are you at the Inn when you could be at your house?" He asked smugly, which didn't settle well with Saria. She clenched her fists and teeth keeping her composure. That was that though. She wasn't going to try and be nice now. However, she did smile at him sweetly.
"Sorry, I'm not leaving. And well, you can get settled in the house while it's being worked on. That way you can get comfortable. Because when it's done, I am getting the top floor. Gotz is even putting in a balcony for me~!" She practically sang in a voice that was way too sickly sweet. He glared at her, knowing she had somehow won this. Karen chuckled out loud, shocked by the girl's spunk.
"Yeah yeah, whatever. It's best you do get the top I guess. I won't have to walk through your room which I already saw ever again," He quickly retorted, walking out of the inn grinning. Saria stood there with her mouth open. Turning to the table that was holding back laughter she frowned.
"Oooh! That's so not fair! I wasn't expecting people in my house! I knocked over my entire bookshelf trying to get out of the house fast enough today. Ugh, this kid is going to ruin my life!" She cried into her hands, stressing a bit much over this whole thing. Cliff chuckled while the girls began laughing, picturing the scene in her head. Karen raised her glass.
"To Saria's new life battling her male clone!" Karen cheered, getting the others to clang their glasses together. Saria then realized what she had actually said.
"C-clone!? Me and that kid are nothing alike! No way, nu uh!" She defended, crossing her arms and huffing in anger. Popuri giggled to herself, looking to Ann and Cliff.
"She really is like him, isn't she?" Popuri added, getting a glare in return from Saria. The group began to laugh, except for Saria who simple shook her head and cracked a smile. At least she had these people to keep her somewhat sane.
End of Chapter one! Please leave reviews!
I really hope you all liked it! I'm really going to try and make this a long lasting story! Au revoir~!