Chapter One

The rain brought tears to my eyes, but they were happy ones. Honestly, it was the most beautiful sight and sound that had graced my senses in a long time. Better than a book by the fire, the sweet 'n salty combination of chocolate pretzels, or even that romantic kiss I never actually had, but thought about a lot.

It was indeed a gift from above.

As I pressed my forehead against the cool window, I thought about how much my feelings had changed over time; rain used to elicit harsh feelings, with its sticky, muddy puddles, frizzy humidity, and other fun sucking traits. Then again, I used to live on the beach, where the outdoors were more fun and carefree. Now, though, it only indicated one unbelievably wonderful fact: less work. At least the weather bought my blisters, bruises, and aches time to heal. Well, heal somewhat. My coddled hands and soft skin would never be the same after working on a farm. But, my figure had improved greatly.

Some people in the village- or should I say, Takakura, the farm hand- may call me lazy, but I prefer the phrase "out of shape." I wasn't overweight- well maybe a bit pudgy around my mid-section and thighs- but I sure was out of shape. Of course, I never planned to be a farmer, or even have a career that involved any kind of physical labor, but here I was. Stuck. I wasn't exactly used to living on my own either. Mom had always taken care of me. However, when she got remarried, she kicked me out. Dad had died a few years back and left us a farm, some land, and a sad excuse for a house, but neither my brother nor I wanted anything to do with it, or him. My meager savings and joblessness forced me into this situation. I knew no one but Tak here, but that wasn't such a burden; I didn't really need much. Jack and Mom often sent me letters, and I typically kept to myself reading or napping after work, so it was okay. Maybe after the harvest I could start on that career as a novelist. Well, until the spring at least. Or until I had saved up enough money to move somewhere else.

The village was nice enough- quiet and full of nature. They did not have electricity, automobiles, or paved streets like the city, but it did have a much more relaxing atmosphere. I didn't spend much of my childhood here, but I could remember a few places I'd like to revisit.

-tap- -tap-

I peeked out the window, towards the shabby door. Takakura's leathery, and now rain-soaked face was hunched under what protection the roof offered. He looked unhappy, although I'd never seen his face any other way.

I slid grudgingly towards the door, "Yeah?"

"Ready to go?" He answered gruffly.

"Go where?!" I scrunched my brows tightly.

"To work?" He didn't make a face or anything, but his tone said more than any expression; he thought I was a moron.

"But... But it's raining."

He remained silent, eyes glazed.

I also waited silently, hoping he'd leave.

He wouldn't cave- I knew, deep down, in my sad, sad stomach pit.

I threw down a sigh like an irritable teenager, "What do you want me to do."

He stepped in, and I dodged the splishes and splashes of his heavy boots as they slid across my floor. A floor I scrubbed on hand and knee for at least an hour, if not three. I closed the door sullenly, eyeing the growing puddles. He turned towards me, sitting in a rough wooden chair, "Well, first off, I bought us a milking cow from town yesterday. I haf' to go pick her up today. You can come with me, or not. I don't care either way."

"I'll just stay here," I replied far too quickly.

"Okay, I ordered some more seeds from Vesta, she's supposed to have them ready for you this morning. You can pick those up and plant 'em. Today."

"But, it's raining," I grimaced.

"Well, don't water them."

"But-"

"A little rain and mud won't kill ya', unless you're a witch or something."

I thought I saw the slightest hint of a smirk. Minuscule. "That doesn't even make any sense."

"You know, cuz' witches melt in the rain?"

"Uh..." I wondered what fairy tales he'd heard, "Okay? Anything else," I shook my head and sighed.

"The barn needs cleared out. We need some fodder, but I can take care of that, for now. Wouldn't hurt to put some fertilizer on those turnips and potatoes..."

He paused in thought.

"That should be it. You should also socialize a bit," he said, standing, "It would be good for business, and you're young. I've always heard young people need friends, or something like that."

I looked doubtfully at him, "Actually, I was planning on just hanging out here after work. You know, rest, read, maybe do a puzzle.."

"You've been here over a month, explore a little, or something. There are other young people in the valley. I don't much like them but... well... On second thought, you're probably right."

"At least we have something in common."

He opened the door, probably itching to get back to work, "Well, your mom was talking about someone she met that you'd like, so maybe she knows better about people than me."

"Oh, I bet." I said somewhat sarcastically.

"Well, just remember," he nodded, "the older you get, the less people you meet. And if you never bother to, you know, make any friends or... well, meet someone special, you'll be alone."

"I'm not worried about that-"

He nodded, "I'll be back this evenin'." and with a gruff hurumph, left me alone.

I felt similar to Tak in that sense; I didn't want to be alone really, but I didn't want to be around people either. I felt closer to him than my real dad. At least I somewhat understood Tak.

I stifled a yawn, closed the curtains, and pulled off my rumpled pj's, using my tee to mop up the brownish water. Reluctantly, I donned my work clothes, and stepped out into the moist, chill, spring air.

Vesta was one of those people you never forgot, even if you tried really hard to. Boisterous, touchy, and, well, odd looking, her golden orange hair was a wavy mess, unkempt and free. Her face was large and man-ish, with a dangerously pointed chin and furry caterpiller-esque eyebrows squiggled with emotion. Her mouth was long, and her thin lips resided in the shadow of a plump nose. Her personality and appearance was an odd, wild combo.

She lived with a younger brother and a woman who worked with them. The girl, Celia, was a bit younger than I, pretty in a simple way, with long brown hair, chocolate eyes under thick lashes, pale skin, and a thin, frail build. But, better than I by far. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy- although I felt that way a lot.

"I'm a bit busy right now," Vesta stated as we walked out of her modest home, "but Marlin's working the store- the other building right there." She pointed, "The seeds are all ready and packed; he'll show ya' where they are." She smiled warmly, bangs dripping with rain, and turned, hunching over a large garden plot. Their farm put mine to shame. I felt a little inadequate in its presence, although I had never had much desire for making my farm a great one before.

I ran a hand through my drenched hair as I opened the door. The long walk to the neighboring farm did not do wonders for my appearance. My hair was flat, my ponytail a limp rope. My clothes clung uncomfortably to my skin. I felt as awful and disgusting as I looked.

The room was small, and empty. Cases, boxes, and bags with labels lined the walls. A small desk sat in the center, papers askew. The wooden building smelled musty and of dirt. I tapped my foot unconsciously on the bare ground, waiting. I could hear a faint motion in a back room, well, the only other room. The glint of a bell caught my attention. Without much thought I rang it. Again. And again. And again, faster. And aga-

"WILL YOU STOP, I'M COMING!"

I released a mischievous grin and tapped it one more time.

-ding-

I heard a box dropped angrily, loudly, and then rough footsteps.

I suppressed a laugh.

The brother appeared with a scowl, tall and thin, neither attractive nor unattractive. There were few similarities between the siblings, except their wavy hair; his was an ebony black, a stark comparison to his pasty skin. His nose was hawk-like, and he had the same wild, bushy brows and thin lips as Vesta, but instead of an energetic spirit, he radiated sternness, anger, and cynicism.

I was a bit afraid. That is, until I saw his eyes. They say eyes are the window to the soul, and his spoke of a kind, blue coolness. I don't know who they are, but I instantly doubted their 'wise' words. I glanced at his angry brows, taut mouth, and stiff posture and doubted his kindness, or gentlemanly courtesy to not punch a woman.

"Ah... I-I'm sorry, I don't know... why.. I did that."

He remained quiet, unflinching behind the counter. His dark expression was still very visible.

I sat in an uncomfortable, awkward silence, "So," I began, trying to break the moment, "I ordered some seeds for my farm. Uh, Vale Valley Farm, specifically."

He motioned to six large boxes packed in a corner, my name attached to an adjoining card- Jill Vale.

"Wait a minute... All of those?!" I cried a bit, mostly in frustration.

"Yeah," he replied dryly, raising one brow.

I groaned, "This is going to take hours.." I thought of taking six trips, back and forth, with the heavy packaging. "Why did he have to order so much," I muttered viciously.

The man tightened his lips.

I hefted up one box. The wood scraped uncomfortably against my fingers. It was heavy. Of course.

I knew that if I walked fast enough I could probably get to my farm before my arms gave out. I had sad, little noodle arms; they would be feeling some pain tomorrow morning. I took a deep breath and began my trek, but was stopped instantly by the door. How to open it...? I glanced over my shoulder. I probably shouldn't ask him...

To my luck, however, the door swished open. To my misfortune, though, it smacked into my body and toppled me over. The box remained intact, but not my pride. I felt my face flash red in embarrassment and anger.

Celia, the young, pretty woman from the house, stepped through the door, fretting over my fall and repeatedly saying sorry. I brushed myself off and stood," It's okay, I'm fine. It was just a clumsy fall."

Her brown eyes were wide and worried. Marlin joined her side, protectively, "She said she's fine, don't worry." My embarrassment faded, but my anger flared at his rough voice.

"I still feel super awful!" She lamented in a singsong tone. "I know, I'll help you carry your boxes home!"

"No, you can't do that," Marlin interjected, "Remember your health.." He studied her with a caring, yet sickening, gaze.

"No, it's okay, I feel fine today!"

"I don't think it's a good idea," he stated sternly.

She chewed on a bottom lip. "It's okay, I can take care of it myself," I added, uncomfortably. "I can make a few trips, it's my responsibility anyway."

She brightened suddenly, "I have an idea! Why don't all three of us take these boxes over? If we each take one, it'll only two trips. Plus, it stopped raining, so it won't be that bad, Marlin."

I could see he was not pleased with the idea, but, to avoid hurting her feelings (I suspected), he agreed with a nod and weak smile.

"Oh.. Well, thanks. It will save me a lot of time," I tried to smile pleasantly. "Really, though, you don't have to."

"No worries," she grinned, "I want to. Oops, I mean, we want to."

She ran off to notify Vesta, and then we each grabbed a box and filed out the door, onto the dirt path.

Celia chattered on about the weather, crops, cooking, plants... I paid little attention, nodding and smiling when I thought it might be appropriate. Marlin was fixated on her every word. When their eyes met, he turned a little pink. When she spoke to him, he smiled joyfully.

However, she was blissfully unaware of his attention and affection.

I was astounded at how different this man could act. Like the flip of a coin, day and night.

But, even in his good mood, I ignored him and he ignored me.

I spotted a frantic wave down the hill beside the path.

"Oh, are you friends with Rock, too?" Celia asked daintily.

"Definitely not!" I couldn't help but spit with laughter and scorn. "He's came over to my house a few times. He is a desperate, desperate boy."

"What do you mean?" She looked confused, "I think he's really funny!" She giggled.

Marlin seemed alarmed and very concerned, but remained silent.

"Oh, funny? I.. guess," I trailed off. An idea popped into my head, "So... how long have you two been dating?"

As I thought, his face transformed into a tomato!

She laughed happily, and waved it off, "Oh, we're not together! We're more like, I don't know, like brother and sister! We've been together for so long, we're like family. Vesta took me in when I was a little girl, so, yeah!" She smiled innocently. She had no idea of the effect her words had on her 'brother'. I felt regret for bringing it up, even though I wanted to bother him.

"Oh!" I feigned cheerfulness; I couldn't shake the sad feeling. I forced a smile, but it still came out frownish.

He kept his eyes straight ahead, emotionless.

We finally reached my farm after an uncomfortable string of meaningless conversations and time, stacking the boxes against a shed's wall. I dreaded the second walk to Vesta's and back with the pair. Hopefully, Marlin could use the time walking with Celia alone- after the second trip- to change their relationship. I didn't mean to hurt him like that, just embarrass him, make him less frightening. Hopefully he wasn't mad at me. Again. I didn't want an enemy.

I placed my box down as the others left, and began to massage my arms and stretch. I turned to start back down the path, but slipped in an especially slippery patch of mud, falling backwards and hitting the back of my skull against the boxes.

Pain coursed through my body and I gave a small yelp.

I heard a low rumble. A chuckle?

I held my head gingerly in one hand and looked up.

Marlin smirked, half facing me, lagging a bit behind Celia. The mean spirited grin reached even his eyes. At least she hadn't noticed.

I scrunched my eyes angrily at him. Frowned with even more fury.

"Nice." He dropped sarcastically, but with some mirth.

His stupid smile infuriated me, and at that point I knew.

I hated him and his face.

I wasn't sorry.

And also, I hated the rain again.