The Bar

by Goldengirl2-t

Everybody has a story. Each night as Jack goes to the bar, he learns a little more about the stories of his fellow villagers. As the people around him open up about their hopes, dreams, and love lives, Jack grows to care about the people in the odd little village, and begins to help them through their problems, one drink at a time.

1. Chapter 1

Spring 1

I wipe the sweat off my brow just as the sun begins to set behind me. One glance at my watch tells me it's quitting time, but one look at my field says that my work is far from over.

"Dang," I mutter, before swinging my axe again. My entire body is in pain. I've been trying to clear the field since seven this morning, and everything that could hurt, hurt. I lift my axe to swing again, but I can't bring it over my head. " Well," I say, putting my axe away, " I guess it means its time to call it a day." I look around at all the progress I've made. Not bad. I've managed to clear one fourth of the weeds, rocks, and stumps that had overtaken the old farm, and already it looks twice as good as it did this morning.I begin to walk into my farmhouse, eager for some dinner and a good night's sleep, when the Mayor's words from earlier fill my head.

"After work you should go to the bar and meet some of the other guys your age." he had said while he showed me around the town. " Your father mentioned that he wanted you to make some friends. I'm sure you'll get along great with them." I had nodded and agreed with him, just to make the short man stop talking. I'd already had a run in with one of the young guys, Gray I think his name was, when I was getting my horse and he was less than friendly. Still, it's only six and although I'm tired, I know I should go ahead and fulfill my father's latest wish. Wouldn't want to upset dear old dad.

I put my dog in my house, which has no lock by the way, and begin my walk to where I remember the bar being. The small town is so eerily quiet that I pick up the pace, eager to get inside. When I reach the bar, I take a deep breath, and walk right in.

The bar is small, just like everything else in the village, and all the tables are full. As soon as I enter, all eyes fall on me. I had met most of the people on the Mayor's tour, but I saw a couple of new faces as well. I smile awkwardly at the group.

"Hello!" I say, trying to sound cheerful. I get a few half-hearted hello's, a head nod, and a glare ( Wonder who that one's from). I walk past the tables to the bartender, whose smirking at me.

"So you're the one who took over the old man's farm, eh?" he asks.

"Yes sir." I reply, answering a question I'd been hearing all day.

" Welcome to the town. I'm Duke, the bartender. Don't let these guy's gruff faces fool you. After a couple of drinks they're all a bunch of big softies." I chuckle, and a few sounds of disagreement come from the men. " So Jack, what'll it be? Your drinks tonight are on me." He hands me a menu and I look over it. I decide to stay away from alcohol. My tolerance for the stuff is low, and I didn't want to make a fool of myself on the first day. Besides, I had a field to clear in the morning.

"Milk please." I say, and Duke's smirk widens.

"You can take the boy off the farm," he jokes, and I hear a couple of chuckles. Darn this tiny room.

"I don't really drink alcohol." I explain.

"Then what are you doing in a bar?" I hear a girl's voice ask. I turn around to see a young woman walk into the bar.I'm instantly blown away by how beautiful she is, and I stand there staring until Duke breaks my trance.

"Now Karen," Duke starts. " Everyone is welcome here. Why, the reason we have milk on the menu is for city boys who can't handle their liquor." The room erupts in laughter, and I feel my face flush.

"Just trying to make a good impression." I mutter defensively, and I gulp my milk down. The cold drink feels great on my parched throat, and I'm glad I chose something I can drink quickly.

"I know. Just trying to get you to relax. This is a place where you can let loose after a long days work. Problem with work? Family? A girl?" He glances at Karen, whose refilling someone's beer. "Have a drink, talk it out. It'll all be better in the morning." I nod at Duke, who refills my milk. "This may be a small town, but there are big problems here." Duke says quietly, only to me. " You'll see as you get to know the guys." Once again I nod, but inside I'm thoroughly unconvinced. What problems could these guys possibly have?

I end up spending the night with Duke. I listen and drink my milk as he talks about the local wine, and I promise to come back for drinks again to repay him for my free milk. I don't say anything to the other guys until I leave, and when I say goodbye a get a few half- hearted goodbye's, a head nod, a glare (seriously, what's wrong with that guy), and an eye roll. What a welcoming town this is.

Once I get home I climb straight into bed. Tonight was a disaster, but at least I got free milk out of it.

"Remind me to never go there again." I say to no one before closing my eyes. My dad's request would have to wait for another day.

A.N. Welcome to a new story guys! Hope you liked the first chapter. I started playing Harvest Moon 64 and my nostalgia kicked in. Going to the bar at night is my favorite,because I love how the guys open up once you become friends with them. The story will get better starting next chapter I promise, I just had a hard time getting into it. Thanks for reading and please review!

-Goldengirl