My New Life
A/N: I am not the creator or owner of the Harvest Moon game series. I wouldn't mind being the creator, or mind being related to the creator, but no such luck. This story is completely fiction, except for the fact that I actually worked for Wal-Mart at one time, and the problem I used in my story is an actual problem I had while working at said Wal-Mart. Since I don't want anyone to think that they have a reason to sue, I'm spelling it WallMart and, of course, leaving out the names.
This is my very first fanfic that has seen the light of day. I suck at summaries and sometimes at trying to put my thoughts on paper. Please R&R. Based on HM:MFOMT.
Chapter One
I wearily opened my front door and set my keys on the table. Another thrilling day at the Old Walls. That's the unofficial name of my place of employment. At first, I thought that being a cashier at WallMart would be kind of fun. I was good at cashiering. Then I got moved to layaway, which turned out be more fun than I thouht it would be. However, reality reared it's ugly head. I had to deal with jerk managers who wouldn't listen to a word I said. Since when did, "can you please come to layaway to talk to a customer because she said she had to talk to a manager RIGHT NOW", translate into, "I'm sorry, I suddenly don't know how to do a job I've been doing since I was fifteen."? I mean, no one likes to wait 20 minutes for a manager and I sure don't like being yelled at cause he's not moving fast enough to suit this particular customer.
Yeah, I needed a change all right. I grabbed a bottle of soda from the fridge and opened up the newspaper that once again had missed my yard. The paperboy's aim sucked. I actually saw him throw a paper and pop a guy on the head with it. To make matters worse, it was his neighbor's paper. I think the kid was seeing how far he could actually throw the paper. Everyone's praying he doesn't decide to play baseball or something. No one complains, though, because he's so sweet. He's helpful and you always get your paper on time. Just don't be standing outside when he comes down the street.
I opened the paper and decided to try the Classifieds first. Boring, boring, boring. Nothing but fast food jobs and dental assistant offers. Dentists scared me. Why would I want to work for one? Just for fun, I scanned the Realty page. Houses that I couldn't dream of affording were spread across its pages. Down toward the bottom an advertisement caught my eye
Are you bored with your life?
Are you unhappy with your current job?
Would you like to settle down somewhere peaceful and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine?
Then come to Mineral Town! We have just the place to ease your blues.
Own your own farm! Be your own boss!
If you are interested, please call MT Realty at 209-555-3131.
We are eagerly awaiting to set you up with your own piece of paradise!
A farm? Your own piece of paradise? Who writes these cheesy ads anyway? A life? What was that? I don't think I've ever had a life. I mean, being a WallMart employee sure didn't leave you enough time to do anything but work, eat and sleep. Hmmm. Being my own boss sounded good, too. Sure, I got on my own nerves sometimes, but I figured I could put up with myself. Maybe I would call.
The Next Day:
Okay, I was definitely calling. Today was the day from hell. It made yesterday look like a walk in the park. I didn't even make it through my whole shift. I quit at lunch. Not cool, I know, but if you had been there, you would have done the same thing. I pulled out the ad and dialed the number.
"Hello," a voice chirped in my ear. "MT Realty, my name is Heather. How can I help you?"
Boy, was she ever cheerful. I don't think I've been that cheerful, since, well, ever. She sounded like one those people who the term, "a little ray of sunshine," was made for.
"Hi, I'm Claire Miller and I'm calling about the ad in the paper for the farm." I heard some typing in the background.
"Yes, that property is still for sale," she said.
"I'll take it."
Just like that, no thinking involved. It wasn't like I was leaving anything behind anyway. I had quit my job and last year, my best friend ran off with my boyfriend, so I was pretty much on my own at the moment. I grabbed a pen and paper and wrote down the directions that Heather gave me.
"You'll be met at the dock by Thomas, the mayor," Heather explained. "Enjoy your trip!" she said cheerfully, before she hung up.
'Did anything ever depress her?' I wondered. Actually, I was a little jealous. I wish I could be that cheerful over the phone. Usually, the only phone conversations I had were with solicitors, and believe me, that kind of call can make you anything but cheerful.
I put the directions in a safe a place, and decided that, since I had the afternoon off, I would pack. I didn't have a lot of stuff, so at least I wouldn't have to rent a UHaul or something like that. That night, after packing, I went to bed, excited for the first time in a long time. My own farm! Despite the fact that I know nil about farming, I was looking forward to my new life.
Thanks in advance to everyone who reads this first chapter. Also, if anyone has any suggestions, I am grateful. Sometimes, I can get a story started and ended, but the middle is really tough.
Also, thanks to Tint, Princess-Elli, Ferocious Death-Kappa, Lightning-Dono, and LoZeldafreak, for your inspiration. I have read your stories over and over, and each time, they make me want to write my own. Mine won't be as good, but, here it is.
PS - I am not making fun of anyone named Heather. I hope no one gets offended. When I started a new job at a call centerin March, someone in training said that it seems like all calls you get from a secretary who is really cheerful, her name is Heather. The name popped up into my head when I wrote this.