Chapter 3: Gray's Back

An autumn wind blew by sending a shiver down my body. But, I continued to dig a hole for a few apple seeds. The ground was hardened by the cold temperatures lately and it made planting even harder. Ignoring this fact, I dug on.

Finally, I felt Cliff's eyes upon me. I turned to see him watching me plant. I smiled at him and he smiled back. "Morning, Eve…"

"Good morning how was your sleep?" I asked.

"Great, was that the big house?" Cliff asked me.

I shook my head. "No, our biggest house is in the village. The house we stayed at was near the beach, remember? That's like a vacation house. That's our ranch, where my parents have their animals like cows, sheep, and horses."

He nodded and sighed, "You guys had a lot to do in the day didn't you?"

I nodded smiling as I put the seeds in the tiny ditch in the ground. "We split our jobs, although. Sage took care of the animals like the cows, sheep, and chickens. I helped with the crops and horses." I explained.

"Where did your parents help in all this?" Cliff asked.

I laughed. "Oh, they were the one's running the whole thing! We just helped. My dad knew animals better than my ma, and she knew crops better."

He nodded. "I get it…"

A bark was heard and then an angry yell. "Gettim off!" I jumped and Cliff and I ran to the entrance of the plantation to see a familiar UMA hat. I whistled for Rosie to get off of Gray. He gave a huff. "Finally…"

I ran over to him. "Gray! You made it!"

"Of course I did!" He said smirking and ruffling my hair. I giggled and tried to take his hat off, but he grabbed my hand before I could. Cliff jogged over to us. "Hey, Gray."

"Hey, Cliff. Where are the girls and your parents?" Gray asked me.

I shrugged. "The girls are out somewhere, they'll be here later. My parents are out at Kardia until winter, though. We'll be able to see them later."

Gray nodded, taking everything in. "Sounds good."

I smiled and wiped my hands on the apron I wore. "I think I may be done for the day. I already feed and brushed the animals and the crops are done… so…"

I looked up at Cliff with a hopeful look. He sighed. "Go ahead… you can go read…"

I giggled. "Yes! Thank you!"

"I heard that there might be a storm, so be careful." Gray warned me.

"Yes, DAD." I rolled my eyes. Gray tugged on my ponytail and I laughed. "Alright, alright…"

I ran down the path, with my green book already in hand. I hadn't read it the night before; I wanted to keep its title a mystery… Trees flew by me as I ran down the winding road, out to find a place where I could enjoy the day and my book. Kids waved from their windows and their parents' shops to me. I laughed and waved back.

A warm feeling surged through me as I continued my skip through the town. I just felt so loved! I smiled as I passed the Blue Sky Ranch and Red came out and waved his arm with all of his strength. Blue came out and ruffled Red's hair and they went back to work on the animals.

Soon, I met the Sunny Lake again. I sat down and leaned against a tree facing the beautiful waters that rippled ever-so gently with the winds. Staring at the small bobs upon the surface, I couldn't help but think of the day before.

He's still here?... What can I do about him? I can't just tell him to leave, I shouldn't bring myself near him… he might… -shudder- oh, goddess never! I just have to avoid him at all costs. I will do whatever I can to get away from him! No matter what the costs!

Another wind blew by, sending a shiver through me. I closed my eyes, just wanting to get a little peace out of the silence… unfortunately, sleep seemed to find me and hit me quickly.