Well, here's a new start on something I've totally wanted to do for like… forever. And, and… I'm not really used to writing in first person, so I hope it turns out alright ^^;

But yeah. HOORAY. 8D

Chapter 1:

"Huff, huff…" I wheezed as I wiped sweat from my forehead. It was a hot summer day, Summer 1st as a matter of fact, so I was busy planting the boat-load of seeds I bought at the Supermarket earlier in the day.

After I planted and watered the last of the seeds, I slung the how, watering can hanging off the end of it, over my shoulder, and tucked my blonde hair behind my ear. I gazed out at my field with a sense of pride. Even though I was already in the Summer of my second year here in Mineral Town, I was still impressed easily by the sight of my plowed and planted fields. It was the sign of my hard work, hard work that had taken me from a small, old house and trashy field to a fully upgraded house (bathroom, furniture- the whole nine yards) and a beautiful field and pasture. Just seeing my growing crops and my animals in the pasture filled my heart with pride.

I walked back to my house and replaced my tools in the tool box and shed myself of my dirty, sweaty overall and boots. I pulled on a clean t-shirt and jeans and combed my hair back into place. I mean, I don't really care that much about my clothes or what others thing of me –unlike Popuri, man was she obsessed with those things—but I still have a standard that I hold myself to, you know?

When I finished, I exited my house and headed for town. It was getting later, so I figured I'd save myself the time and energy and just go eat dinner at the inn. I could say hi to Ann while I was there, too. During the past year, I had become friends with most, if not all, of the Mineral Town folk, even the business-oriented Won. But by far, my best friend was Ann. Elli was up there too, but since she worked all the time, I spent more time with Ann.

As I came to the Inn, I opened the door and stepped inside. From the counter, Ann looked up, smiling as she saw me.

"Claire! Come by for a visit, huh?" she smiled cheerily at me and beckoned me over to her. I was only too happy to comply.

"Hey, Ann," I said as I reached her, "I was pretty tired…. So I thought I'd come here for dinner!" I smiled my big grin, the one that I was told could either light up the entire room, or make me look like an idiot, depending on how I used it.

Ann crossed her arms. "Let me guess," she said sarcastically, "You finished your work and was just too lazy to make your own dinner."

I chuckled. "Well… yeah." I sheepishly tucked my hair behind my ear as we both started laughing.

"Wait here," Ann said once she was done laughing, "I'll go get something for you." I nodded, leaning my back against the counter while I waited. I then heard a voice from my right.

"Oh, it's Claire."

My heart suddenly skipped a beat as I turned to see the expected owner of the familiar voice: Gray.

"Hey, Gray!" I exclaimed, standing up properly a he approached. Just as he reached me, Ann came back from the kitchen, a good, hearty meal on the plate in her hands. I eagerly thanked her and took the plate from her hands as she smiled and hurried back to the front counter. It would seem tonight is a popular night to go to the Inn for a good meal…

"Wow that looks good," Gray said, suddenly reaching over and taking my fork from me, helping himself to a bite of my dinner. Once he finished his theft, he returned my fork to me.

I stood there, unable to say anything, my face suddenly burning bright red. I slammed my defiled fork down on the counter and started hitting Gray's shoulder with balled up fists.

"You! Who said you could have any! Give it back! Go get your own dinner!" I cried out, pouting all the while.

"Hey! Stop!" he said, laughing, holding his hands up in defeat. "You can have a bite of mine then, alright?" I nodded, my pouting changing to laughter as my heart skipped another beat when he started laughing. Goddess, I love his laugh.

Gray was also one of the first friends I had made here, did I mention that? He's been my best friend and has helped me out so much, it's unbelievable.

Oh yeah, and I am completely in love with him… but I could never tell him that.