I do not own anything!

All was still engulfed in darkness, however it had begun it's slow, reluctant retreat in the wake of a new day. I had already risen, not only before my alarm could violate the peace with it's blasted racket, but also before the rooster's crow had greeted the new dawn. It seems I was more organized today, no, perhaps not more organized, but more so I had settled into a routine and my new life here in the picturesque town of Bluebell.

Having risen so early, I could take my time showering, a total luxury. I treated each extended moment in the comfort of the hot streams of my shower as a treasure. And it was. It seemed just yesterday that I would miss the snooze button for my alarm and tumble from my bed wide eyed in a tangle of sheets, and barely have the time to spare to even wet my skin before rushing to start the day's work. I should of invested today's extra time in a hearty breakfast, as Grady and Hiro always scolded me for starting the day on an empty stomach. But I didn't. And I had no regrets. Perhaps I would just avoid them today so I wouldn't be subjected to another lecture.

Clean and dry, and now dressed, I looked around my house. It was eerily quiet. So empty, perhaps I would have to face Grady today after-all and look at getting myself a pet. It would be nice to have some company, and some extra help on the farm. I turned on the radio, for some background noise and to tune in for today's weather. "It will be a hot summer's day all day today!" The weather forecaster proclaimed cheerfully. It was the same voice, day after day. Kind of reassuring in a way.

I threw my rucksack over my shoulders, and I stepped outside, inhaling the fresh, crisp air. The morning's were cooler now as we edged closer to the end of Summer. Looking to the sky, the orange dawn reminded me of my arrival here. And the fur of certain little fox that had crossed my path. Could that really of been only a season ago? I rubbed my hands together, first heading to the Chicken barn where the five familiar faces of my little white hens were waiting impatiently. "Yes, yes, I know! Good morning to you too Ladies..." I said as they clucked expectantly. I ushered them outside for the day, and headed inside to collect the eggs, top up their feed and check they had nice clean water. I had cleaned the barn recently so it was still as tidy as a chicken barn could be. That sorted, I headed to my secondary barn. These inhabitants were far less pushy. In-fact it was always more of a mission to get them outside. My two milk cows Daisy and Lem were lazing about, chewing their cud. Along with my two sheep; Flower and Tinks who were napping along side each other. My horse, Fable had his head buried in the hay manger."Come on you lot! Get off your lazy butts, it's time to go outside!" After much fussing and coaxing, they were soon all out, grazing as if they had never seen grass their whole lives. "Drama queens..." I mutter. Since they were so focused on the grass, it made the task of tending to them much easier. It wasn't long before everyone was brushed, and the cows milked. The sheep had recently been shorn so there was little else to do with them. After tending to their barn and assured all was in order, I went to the next chore on my list. Crops. My small Bluebell home had little space for them for the time being, but I had still found a few prime spots to sow and tend, and also an alternative. Kohana. The farm at Kohana remained uninhabited, and with Ina's permission I made use of the un-used land, growing crops there. For now I had the time to make the daily trips to check them, but I wondered. As time went on, and my stock numbers grew, would I still have time? Perhaps I could persuade one of the Kohana residents to tend them for me in exchange for money, or a share of the produce.

I pondered these thoughts as I walked down the dirt road of my farm, maybe I could put something up on the requests board. I made my daily stop at the shipping box, dropping off my milk and eggs for Rutger to sort out later this evening. Despite his older age, the mayor could always be relied on to get things done. With my goods delivered, I continued walking, heading for the heart of Bluebell's township. I admired the perfectly pruned flowers in their quaint little flowerboxes, making a mental note to ask Rose for gardening tips when I finally get around to planting flowers of my own. I had two beds prepared, lining my drive way. I just hadn't had the time recently. My thoughts are interrupted by a familiar cheerful voice from across the distance "Alayne!" I look up to see Ash leaning against their fence, waving eagerly. He was always so bright and happy, no matter how early he rose, no matter the weather. I couldn't help but smile and return his wave. I pretended not to see Cheryl's disapproving face pressed against the window pane as I approached Ash. "Morning Ash, how's it going?" His smile widened even more "Just great! How's your farm doing today?" he inquires. "You're not trying to spy on me so your mother has an edge in our farm rivalry are you now Ash? I thought we were friends!" I exclaim, mock pouting. Ash pretends to be hurt by my words and we laugh, I wish him a good day and tell him I must be going if I'm ever going to get things done he nods in understanding but calls out as I go "See ya Alayne! If you have time later you should stop by!" I give him a final wave in acknowledgement. "I'll try, no promise though! Bye Ash" I hurry along, imagining a seething Cheryl plotting my demise. I'm not sure how Ash manages.

Remembering my earlier thoughts, I make a beeline for Grady's place. "Good morning Georgia!" I say with a wave. "Howdy Alayne!" she says with that sweet southern drawl of hers. Georgia was already out in the pasture, vigilantly watching her horses. I was forever wondering who loved them more. Georgia or Kana. It was surely a tie. If they could forget their rivalry for a moment they'd get along famously. Entering the store, I greet Grady. "Good morning Grady, you look tired" Grady was almost asleep at that desk, having shot up as the bell rang when I entered. I hoped I hadn't startled him. Within moments of arrival I was bombarded with an onset of pets, dogs and cats alike, vying for my attention. "Oh! Hello Alayne! Yes - I could do with a nap.. What can I do for you today?" He asks, perking up. "Actually, I was wondering if I could have a nosy at your pets. My house is rather lonely you see" I say trying to alternate pats between all the animals. Grady is wide awake now, I suppose you would be at the prospect of a sale in a small town. "Of course, have a look!" And so I do. How am I ever going to decide? I think, looking at all the adorable faces in front of me. I bend over, picking up the first pet that had greeted me. It was a kitten, completely white like new fallen snow, with a plush coat and big mesmerizing blue eyes. The moment I looked into them I knew I was a goner. This little guy had just stolen my heart. I must of been wearing an expression Grady knew all too well, because he laughed in a knowing matter. "That'll be 5000G" I smile, having trouble taking my eyes of this adorable kitten, could you die from something being too cute? Because I think I'm going to. I count out my money carefully, and hand it to Grady. "You got a good name for this one?" He asks as he puts the money away in his till. I shake my heard "No, I think i'll get to know him a little better first. Thank you Grady! I'll take good care of him!" I say as I tuck the purring bundle into the carrier Grady had provided. "Thanks Alayne! See you soon!"

As I leave Grady's, I turn to return to my farm before I halt in my steps. How could I even think of going home without showing him first! My gaze turns towards the direction of Howard's cafe, more specifically to the stall beside it. Cam's Flowers.