Chapter 2

The following day…

Jessica awoke to the sounds of a rooster crowing from a distance. Glancing at her bedside clock, she noticed with considerable surprise that it was only six in the morning. How early. Back in the city, she never woke up in time for work without the help of her alarm clock.

After a quick wash with stream water contained in a tiny basin borrowed from Mayor Thomas, she downed a quick breakfast of egg and mayonnaise sandwich, also courtesy of Mayor Thomas. Jessica was beginning to think that Mayor Thomas, despite his tactlessness, was a pretty nice guy. And a rather generous one.

Jessica stepped out of her house, armed with her sickle, hammer and axe, all ready to tackle the incredible mess on her field when she was greeted by that said generous man.

'Good morning, Jessica. Had a good breakfast? I recall you telling me that you were new to farm life, so let me explain a few basics. Now, to get rid of small stones, use your hammer to……….'

After what seemed like an eternity to Jessica, the Mayor finally paused to take a breath. This was her chance.

'Umm, Mr. Thomas? I think I've benefited a lot from your guidance. Now, don't let me keep you from your own work. Don't worry, I'll be fine on my own.'

The Mayor looked uncertain. 'Are you sure? You don't have to hold back on my account, you know. Well, if you have any further questions, you can always approach me. I live there.'And he gestured vaguely in the general direction behind her.

Waving goodbye to Jessica, the Mayor left the farm, greeting a burly man dressed in a grey sweatshirt and jeans, with a towel draped over his shoulders, who was on his way in. The man looked rather intimidating to Jessica, who forced a tentative smile to her face when he stopped in front of her.

'The name's Zack. I'm in charge of shipping for Mineral Town. Let me show you how shipping is done.' And Zack went on to explain all the intricate details of shipping while Jessica stifled a yawn behind her hand and tried to force herself to pay attention. She didn't want to be murdered on the second day of her farm life.

'Remember, everyday at 5pm! I don't work on holidays, though! I need a break sometimes too. And take care of yourself!' And he smiled a wide smile, which made him appear younger, affable and less murderous. Spontaneously, Jessica grinned back and a thread of friendship was woven.

After Zack left, Jessica walked towards the field, lifted her hammer… and noticed a little puppy cowering in a corner near the barn.

'Hello, little fellow. Where're you from?' cooed Jessica, picking the puppy up and stroking it. It was rather scrawny and looked at Jessica rather pleadingly through its big brown eyes, as if to beg her to take him in.

'Aww...how cute!! Let's just assume that that kennel over there is yours, so…you're mine!' The puppy gave a short bark, as if it was agreeable. And so, Jessica promptly christened it as Benny, after the moniker of her best friend back in the city, Benjamin.

Putting a leash she found in the equipment box around Benny's neck, she set off for a walk around Mineral Town, giving up on the disorderly field for the time being.

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Heading up the brick path leisurely, she was startled when Benny suddenly barked and rushed towards a blond haired, bespectacled guy approaching from the opposite direction, dragging Jessica along behind him. For a scrawny fellow, Benny sure had too much energy.

'Hey! Haha…don't lick me so much!' the guy laughingly warded off Benny's fervent licks before he noticed Jessica trying to pull Benny off him.

'Hi, you are the new owner of the old Raven farm? Jessica? I'm Rick. I live at the Poultry Farm with my mother and sister, Popuri. Nice to meet you.'

'Thanks. It's nice to meet you too.' Jessica accepted his proffered hand and was surprised at the calloused texture of his palm. Whoa. For such a refined looking guy, he probably did a lot of heavy chores around here…

Rick glanced down at his watch. 'Oops! I'm running late. I'm supposed to meet a friend right now. Do you want to come along and meet her? It would do you good to meet your neighbors.'

'Well umm… sure. If I won't be disturbing anything…' Jessica answered hesitantly.

'Don't worry about it. C'mon, let's go!!'

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'Karen! I'm sorry i'm late, I…...' Rick stopped in front of a bench, puffing a little.

'What took you so long? I have been waiting for 3 whole minutes!' the girl sitting on the bench stood up and placed her hands to her hips, glowering slightly. Then she turned slightly to her right and noticed Jessica standing a little way off, with Benny next to her.

'Hi.' said Jessica when the girl didn't say anything and was instead, giving her a rather judgmental look. It was rather obvious that the girl didn't seem to like what she saw.

'I heard that someone new had taken over the farm. Your name is…Jessica, huh? Mine's Karen.' And Karen gave a smile which didn't quite reach her eyes.

'I met Jessica along the way and thought you might like to meet her. So I brought her here.' said Rick when none of the girls said anything.

'Yeah, nice to meet you. And now, I must get going. Loads of things to do.' Jessica hurriedly made up an excuse and took her leave. Karen huh? With long blond hair and flashing green eyes, she was what the guys in the city would consider a total babe and girls would consider strong competition. But, what was her problem?

'Anyone would think I did something wrong by her.' mused Jessica as she was helplessly towed down the street by the capering Benny.

And crashed into a guy with alluring blue eyes…