Rachel's POV
I didn't talk to Neil for a few weeks after our disastrous date. If I noticed him in the village, he always ducked his head to avoid contact with me. I would try and wave but he always turned away before I could get his attention. I was harsh with him on the mountain and I considered apologizing to him a lot. But then I reminded myself that he deserved it. He was rude to me and treated me like I was an idiot. So instead I focused on rebuilding the village. As the leaves on the trees turned crimson and the breeze became brisk, I got the village a restaurant and two new residents. Clement, a short blonde man, who took over the restaurant. Along with him came Felicity, a sweet young girl who a waitress but is practically Clement's assistant. She and I became fast friends and we spend most of our nights gossiping over tea and cake. I also rebuilt the Inn and brought back Hossan and his family. My chicken coop was built and now housing two feathered friends. I was constantly busy but my mind always seemed to drift towards that stupid yellow-haired boy and his hurtful words. I always thought if he meant what he said? I waited a while to see if he would come to apologize but no apology ever came. Life moves on and I realized I should too.
I had come to love Fall in Echo Village. The trees bore colours of yellow, red, and orange and the infamous heat of Summer was finally gone. But with fall came shorter hours in the sun. I worked hard all day long and still found I needed more time.
"Why the hell did I decide to grow wheat?" I grumbled to myself "me last season was really an idiot." I took my scythe to another stalk of wheat. Harvesting my large plots of wheat had taken a lot out of me but hopefully the payoff would be worth it.
"Are you talking to yourself now? You really do need to leave this farm more often." I heard a chuckle behind me. I spun around, gripping my scythe a little too tightly. Allen stood behind, his signature hand on his hip, staring at me working, "Hey I come in piece! No need to cut me down!" He threw his hands up in mock defense.
"Christ, you scared me Allen!" I dropped my scythe on the grass. Allen pulled me into a tight hug, "What are you doing here?" I'm not sure how Allen and I became friends since we got off to a bad start. He was brutally honest and I didn't like how blunt his assessment of my hair was but after the disaster that was my interaction with Neil, somehow Allen and I found each other and he became my best friend. Felicity thinks I have a crush on him and vice versa but I don't think I could ever have romantic feelings for Allen. It wasn't that he wasn't handsome because Allen was one of the handsomest guys I had ever met. He had flaming red hair that framed his face and always was impeccably dressed but he also had these thick-framed glasses I loved on him. But I have never felt anything for him other than friendship.
"I just came to see how you were. I haven't seen you in a few days and I was starting to worry." He pulled away from our hug and gave me a look-over, "And I'm glad I was. Rachel you look horrible! Are you feeling okay? You have circles under your eyes and you're looking pale."
"I'm fine! You don't need to worry about me!"
Allen wasn't convinced, "How much are you sleeping."
I shrugged "All night!" truthfully; I sleep for maybe a few hours. If any at all. I've been having a hard time sleeping for the past month. It wasn't for a lack of trying. I would toss and turn all night and then it would be morning. My insomnia has become worse and I don't know why. But that's my inner demon. No one knows how little I truly sleep.
"Rachel." Allen said in a warning tone. He knew I was lying.
"I promise! It's just been a rough couple of days harvesting this wheat! But today should be my last tough day. There ain't no rest for the wicked." I smiled at him.
"But there's no hope for the weary." He didn't return the smile, "Just take care of yourself okay? And seriously come see me soon so I can fix this sad mop that you call hair."
I punched his arm lightly, "You are such a jerk! I should get Pepper to chase you out of here! Now if you aren't going to help me harvest this wheat, you should go back to work!" I picked up my scythe and Allen backed away mockingly.
"Jeez, fine! Oh, just a head's up Neil is going to stop by to talk to you later today! But I wasn't supposed to tell you so you have to act surprised!" Allen left without another word, leaving me confused yet angry at the same time. Why would Neil show up here? Not to apologize surely? Our 'date' or lack thereof was a month ago. Hopefully it was on more official business like about cows and chickens and not a reminder of how horrible his words made me feel inside. It makes me even madder than I can't stop thinking of his eyes watching me and how I felt. I wanted to look at me like that forever.
I worked through the afternoon and finished harvesting my wheat before shipping it off. I stretched my arms and congratulated myself on a hard day's work. I put Betsy back in the barn and let Napoleon herd the chickens in for the night. Neil had not shown up and I didn't expect him too. But something caught my eye before I headed inside for the night. I had mail. I must not have seen it this morning. It was probably just Hana sending me a letter knowing she had more products at the General Store.
But to my surprise, it was a small wrapped box with a letter sitting on top. My name was written in cursive writing. I knew that handwriting anywhere; it was my mother's. We had barely spoken since I left home. She thought it was ridiculous that I wanted to work on the farm. I couldn't ignore the fact that she thought it was charming when Lillian did it but when I declared my intentions to move, she lost it. There was also another letter, from Lillian. We wrote monthly letters to each other. Her letters were mostly filled with advice because she assumes I know nothing about farming while mine are just news of things happening around town and asking how married life is for her. I put her letter in my back pocket and opened my mother's. I read it slowly and then again, trying to understand what she wrote. I stared down at the little box as tears filled my eyes. I can't believe her. Why would she do this to me?
