Chapter 7: Miss Popular Part 3

A good hour had passed before Roll had finally stopped crying and was now just quietly drinking her cup of cinnamon tea. Next to her was a plate of freshly made butter cookies. Rosie and Bunnie had kept their word and stayed with her until she had run out of tears. Once she had calmed down, they guided her to the table so she could enjoy the refreshments Bunnie had made. Roll hadn't really said much after she stopped crying but was feeling a little better once Bunnie offered her the treats and she gladly accepted them. The truth was she wasn't sure exactly what to say about her situation. She still wasn't even sure if she even wanted to talk about her situation or why she had chosen to stay and cry herself out. But unlike the past few times she had been asked about her past, she didn't feel right just staying quiet and not telling them anything. Bunnie and Rosie clearly wanted to be her friends and they clearly cared about her. She didn't mind the friendship. That wasn't the problem. It was opening up about her dream that seemed to trouble her the most.

Her dream had been about her time in the orphanage, back when people didn't really pay attention to her and despite her best efforts in her dream, she was ignored and shut down. Then she saw her mother in her dream, constantly attacking her with harsh and crude words to make her feel useless and alone. Roll had attempted to stand up for herself but then the mother in her dream had grabbed her and...

Roll shuttered in her chair as she quickly tried to erase the memory from her mind. While she knew her mother was now in prison for what she did to her, the blonde girl always had that constant fear that her mother would escape and come after her. Roll shuttered again. She didn't want to think about this anymore...or talk about it. Instead she decided to speak up more about what was bothering her today. She figured at least opening up about that would satisfy the blue cat and burnt orange bunny. Roll set down her empty tea cup on her saucer.

"Would you like more tea or cookies, Roll?" Bunnie asked politely.

"It's okay," Roll declined politely, "Thank you." Bunnie nodded as she cleared the cups and plates from the table since everyone had finished. Despite the drama, it didn't take away from the fact Roll was hungry and Bunnie's butter cookies were, in her opinion, irresistible. She had eaten about four of them before she had stopped herself from having a fifth. She was watching her figure after all. Eating had gotten her some time to collect her thoughts a bit, especially since tea was known to help calm the mind, but she still didn't know what to say.

"Feeling better now, silly?" Rosie asked her caring tone. Roll just let out a sigh as she pulled her legs into her chest so she could hold her now bare feet while she rested her head on her knees. She also took care to adjust her skirt for modestly since it was knee high when standing up and was shorter when she sat down.

"A little," said Roll honestly and also quietly.

"Did you want to talk about it?" Bunnie asked gently as she finished up her own up. Roll just looked at her sadly and sighed.

"I...I...guess I'm just a little stressed," said Roll, struggling to find the right words to say. Bunnie and Rosie just looked at her with interest.

"Stressed about being mayor, silly?" Rosie asked. Roll nodded.

"In order to really do my job, I need to get a town-development permit," said Roll, "and that requires that I have a 100% approval rating! That's seems so impossible. It's not possible to get everybody to like me!"

"Roll this isn't like other towns," said Bunnie, "There are only twelve villagers living here, tee hee. It should not be difficult to get everyone to like you!"

"Maybe," said Roll as she fingered the top of her left foot, "Isabelle says that apparently I earn my approval rating points by doing certain tasks around town, such as socializing, and gardening, etc. and that it can't go down."

"Then that makes it even easier," said Rosie, "If you just mingle with everyone and do favors for them, silly. Then you'll have those points in no time."

"But I don't like the idea of people disliking me!" Roll snapped, "cause I don't understand why they wouldn't like me! What would be wrong with me!?" Bunnie and Rosie just looked at each other and then at Roll, who just bit her lip and looked away.

"Roll, has anyone said that they dislike you?" Bunnie asked.

"Well, maybe...I...I don't..."

"Roll, did anybody here in Animal Town say that they don't like you?" Rosie asked, much more sternly. Roll just looked at her nervously and then sighed as she shook her head.

"...No...no one has said that but..."

"But what, silly?"

"I guess I'm just not used to being popular is all," said Roll, "and I don't really know how to be popular. I was never popular back where I used to live."

"You mean back at the orphanage?" said Bunnie and then clasped her mouth. Roll just looked at her shocked and upset.

"Who...who told you..."

"Word gets around, silly," said Rosie, not wanting to say that Isabelle had told them, "Animal Town isn't closed off to the world you know." Roll just groaned and buried her face into her knees and hair, which had become untied from her squirming earlier. Despite the short ponytail and pigtails, Roll's hair was fairly long or just more then halfway down her back. She hadn't bothered to retie it.

"Roll it's nothing to be ashamed of, tee hee," said Bunnie, "We're not going to judge, but if you were a shy girl, then it makes a lot of sense why you find it hard talking to people or making friends."

"But we do hope you'll be honest with just this one question, silly," said Rosie, "We're you bullied at the orphanage?" Roll lifted her head and removed a strand of her blonde hair from her face before answering firmly.

"No," said Roll simply and quickly, "The orphanage wasn't cruel to me." They just ignored me and didn't really pay attention to me. Roll added in her head and then looked away. She didn't want to talk about her past anymore. Luckily, Bunnie and Rosie seemed to have accepted her answer.

"Alright then tee hee," said Bunnie, "We just wanted to make sure. We don't want you feeling so down on yourself."

"If it makes you feel better, silly," said Rosie, "we like you. And we're really glad that you're going to be the mayor of this town!"

"We've got all praises for you whenever Isabelle does her routine surveys," said Bunnie, "(giggle) Isabelle once told us we could cool it since apparently no matter how much we give our opinions, it only gives you three points each. We wish we could earn you more points but that's just how the systems works apparently. And I'm blank on new favors at the moment." Roll just smiled timidly as she brushed her hair back again. Rosie just smiled as she gave Roll her two hair ties back since they had just fallen onto the sofa cushion.

"I found these underneath my seat, silly," said Rosie, "I figured you might need them. But if I can be honest, you're hair is really pretty down." Roll just smiled as she took the ties back. She didn't really believe Rosie, but chose not to say anything as she tried to retie her hair. Rather than tie her hair back into her pigtails, she just tied a single downward ponytail and put her beret back on.

"Thank you, Rosie, Bunnie," said Roll, "It means alot to me to have your support and thank you for listening to me. I better get back to work. I still gotta find Benjamin and get him a pop-eyed goldfish."

"You better hurry then, silly," said Rosie, "it's already after 3pm and after 4pm they stop spawning." Roll gasped as she saw the clock.

"Okay, then thanks for having me over and I'll see you guys later okay," said Roll as she quickly slipped on her sandals and was about to leave.

"Wait!" Bunnie shouted.

"What's up Bunnie?" Roll asked as she got the backing of her sandals fixed so her sandals were secured to her feet.

"You gotta tell me what you thought of my house, tee hee," said Bunnie. Roll just blinked before she chuckled.

"I love it, Bunnie," said Roll, "very modern."

"Aw, you're just saying that," said Bunnie, touched by her words.

"I'm not, I mean it," said Roll. Bunnie smiled.

"And that's what I like about you, tee hee," said Bunnie as she clapped, "You're always so sincere. Anyways, see you later and please drop by anytime okay?"

"Sure," said Roll, "and thanks for the tea and cookies too. They were delicious. And thanks for helping me too Rosie. Bye!" Bunnie and Rosie waved her goodbye as Roll left the house was about to put up her umbrella when she noticed that it had stopped raining.

"Oh good, guess I won't...need..." Roll was about to take off her sandals when she remembered that the ground was probably still wet.

"Well...it's not as bad as when I had to wear those stupid pumps I sold," said Roll, "I can leave the sandals on a little longer." Roll then went on her way and was about halfway across the event plaza when she was stopped by Purrl.

"What's the rush there, kitten?" she asked curiously.

"Benjamin wanted me to find him a pop-eyed goldfish," said Roll, "and it's already past 3pm. I don't have much time to find one!" Purrl smiled and nodded in understanding.

"Well when you do finish with that, can you help me with something, kitten," Purrl asked curiously, "I had borrowed something from Whitney a long time ago and I forget to return it. I'm too embarrassed to take it back myself so...would you be willing to deliver it for me?" Roll noticed that Purrl looked rather desperate for help and nodded.

"Oh thank you, kitten," said Purrl, "Here is the package and be sure to deliver it to her by the end of the day." Purrl presented Roll with the package. As Roll tucked it into her pockets, Purrl took off in the other direction. Roll then headed towards the river. For about thirty minutes, she wasn't having much luck at all and since she didn't want to accidentally sell off any new catches, she just stuck to tiny shadows. Sadly, there weren't too many around. Roll then noticed that Whitney walking nearby and remembered her package. She knew she was running out of time, so she figured talking to Whitney would be three birds in one stone for her. One, she could learn the time. Two, she could give Whitney her package. Three, she hadn't talk to her today so just speaking to her would increase her approval rating.

"Excuse me, Whitney," said Roll gently, "do you have the time on you? I don't have a watch on me." Whitney smiled as she looked at her own wrist watch.

"It's 3:52 snappy," said Whitney, "Got an appointment soon dear?"

"No, just I've been looking for a pop-eyed goldfish for Benjamin and I haven't found one yet," said Roll, "I don't want to let him down. I've been searching the river alot today but no luck..." Roll sighed as Whitney smiled at her.

"Try that shadow over there, snappy," Whitney suggested. Roll then noticed a tiny shadow and cast her line quickly. The fish bit down so quickly that Roll almost thought she was gonna miss, but she didn't and reeled it in and gasped.

"My pop-eyed goldfish!" she exclaimed.

"If you're persistent enough dear," said Whitney, "you can always accomplish your goals." Roll just smiled as she looked at the fish a little longer and then tucked it into her pocket. Whitney had turned to leave when Roll caught up with her.

"Hold up Whitney," said Roll, "I have a delivery for you."

"A delivery you say, snappy," said Whitney, "what could it be?" Roll then pulled out the package and presented it to Whitney. Whitney took it with anticipation.

"Oh it's that "thing" that I leant out to Purrl," said Whitney, "that was quite a while ago, snappy. In fact, it was so long ago that I already had purchased a replacement."

"Oh no," said Roll, feeling like she was to blame for not delivering it right away. Whitney just smiled at her regardless.

"Would you be interested in buying it from me," said Whitney, "Only 120 bells." Roll was just shocked.

"It's really okay to sell it," said Roll, "won't Purrl get mad about that?" Will Purrl be mad at me for not delivering it to her fast enough? Whitney shook her head.

"Nope, it's my item," said Whitney, "I can do whatever I want with it. So would you like to buy it?" Roll just looked puzzled and then just conceded with a nod and handed the white wolf the bells. Whitney smiled as she put the bells away and gave her the package.

"Enjoy the contents, snappy, see you later," said Whitney with a cheerful smile and walked away. Roll just watched her walk away for a moment before she decided to open up the package. To her surprise it was another tee shirt. It was solid green with large L on it. She recognized the L logo.

"Oh cool Whitney gave me her extra Luigi shirt!" said Roll, "This will go with that denim skirt I bought earlier today!" She tucked the tee into her pockets and then remembered the gold fish.

"Oh I better get this to Benjamin as soon as I can," said Roll, "I just wonder where he could be?" Roll decided to go towards his house first. Unfortunately, he wasn't home.

"Shoot," said Roll, "Where could he be now?" She pondered for a moment or two before she began to scout the town on her own. While she had been outside for most of the day, she was still learning where everything was. In fact, it had taken her about thirty minutes before she found his house. She had only searched the south side of the river within an hour and just sighed in exhaustion.

"Where is he anyway?" said Roll, "I'm just glad the fish is still alive and well inside my pocket. Who knew that it automatically stored itself in a bowl of water in my own pockets. Sigh, this place certainly defies all logic, but as long as I keep the town safe and happy, that's what counts." Roll giggled to herself as she looked around on the north side of town but still couldn't find him.

"I guess I can donate these other fish I have in my pockets since they are just eating up space," said Roll, "hopefully by the time I come back, Benjamin will be easier to find." Roll then headed towards the museum, which was located to the east of the entrance and she had just started walking down the path across from Nookling Junction and the Able Sisters when she noticed the very dog she had been looking for!

"Benjamin!" she called out. The dog jumped in surprise and then noticed Roll rushing up to him.

"Oh...hey there Roll, you surprised me," said Benjamin, "what's up, alrighty?" Roll just gave him a warm smile.

"I've got something for you!" she said eagerly. Benjamin looked clueless until he remembered his little request.

"You mean...you got it?!" Benjamin asked surprised and excited. Roll smiled as she reached into her pockets and presented him with the pop-eyed goldfish.

"That's it!" said Benjamin, "That is the fish I've been looking for! Oh thank you so much for finding it for me!"

"You're welcome," said Roll as she cupped her hands behind her back.

"Hey there little guy," Benjamin told the fish, "You're going to come home and stay with me, alrighty." Benjamin then tucked the fish into his pockets.

"So...I guess I owe you a nice thank you gift," said Benjamin.

"It's okay," said Roll, "I'm just glad I could find you that fish. It's after 4pm after all." Benjamin just looked at her, touched by her modestly.

"You're a really cool girl," said Benjamin, "but I really do want to give you something. I'm sure you could always use a table of sort."

"I...don't actually have a table," said Roll.

"Well then it's a good thing I have this then," said Benjamin as he pulled out a lovely table. Roll gasped excitedly as she took the furniture.

"Oh I like this, it's so pretty," said Roll, "I like pink."

"Yeah, someone got it for me as a funny joke and luckily I saved it," said Benjamin sheepish, "I know you could use it more than I could." Roll couldn't resist and she suddenly hugged him. Benjamin was left stunned and in two seconds Roll pulled away in surprise and her cheeks pink.

"S-s-sorry," said Roll, feeling rather flustered, "I didn't mean to be so bold. I...just...I was...happy...I'm not into you at all...not that you're not likable. I mean...I'm just grateful for the present. I didn't mean to invade your personal space or embarrass you..." Roll just wanted to run. Benjamin did feel a bit awkward but then he noticed how flustered she was and soon his insecurity faded and he just looked at her sympathetically.

"It's okay," said Benjamin, "You just surprised me. I'm glad my present made you happy. I don't mind the hugs if you like giving them. It's the kisses that bug me." Benjamin made a face and Roll did the same before they both laughed.

"Well, thanks for the lovely table," said Roll, "I'm glad I could help you out."

"You're a good friend Roll," said Benjamin, "thanks again." Benjamin then headed towards Nookling Junction. Roll just watched him leave.

"Never thought boys would wanna be my friend," said Roll, "but Benjamin and Alfonso seem to like me. Nice to be noticed by boys instead of boys going "ew cooties" when they see me." Roll then headed back to the museum as the sky continued to clear and by the time she came back out. The cloudy sky had become more partly cloudy.

"Maybe I'll be able to take off my shoes before the day is over," said Roll to herself as she made her way back towards Main Street. When she arrived, she noticed that Purrl was just walking about.

"Oh Purrl!" said Roll, "I gave that package to Whitney just like you asked me to."

"Oh that's great, kitten!" said Purrl, "So what did Whitney have to say?" Roll suddenly remembered what had happened and she suddenly felt very nervous. Purrl noticed that she looked rather worried.

"Did Whitney scold you or something?" she asked. Roll just looked at her sadly and shook her head. Purrl just looked at her with concern.

"Talk to me, kitten," said Purrl, "No matter what happened, being honest is always the best thing that you can do." Roll just whimpered before she took a slow deep breath.

"I'm so sorry," Roll said in an outburst, "I went to give the package to Whitney and she said that that she had replaced the item already."

"She went and replaced the item?!" said Purrl in shock and Roll nodded sadly.

"I didn't think going fishing for a little bit before giving it to her would have made her go and replace the item you borrowed!" Roll continued sadly, "I'm so sorry!" Roll felt like she was gonna cry again when Purrl stared and then laughed.

"You silly little girl!" Purrl remarked, still laughing, "You did nothing wrong dear! I told you that you had until the end of the day to deliver that to Whitney and you did."

"But I was too late!" said Roll.

"No kitten," said Purrl, "This was my fault. I said that I had forgotten to return it and apparently I was the one who held onto that shirt for too long and that is why Whitney replaced it. That is why I asked if Whitney scolded you for that?"

"No, she just said that she replaced the item and then asked if I wanted to buy the old one for 120 bells," said Roll, "I hope you don't mind if I keep it." Purrl smiled.

"As long as it's being put to good use, you may have it, kitten," said Purrl, "but no more sadness from you okay? I may be a bit fussy, but I know you weren't at fault. I asked you to do something and you did it just fine so I thank you for your help." Roll just sniffled and smiled as she felt better.

"Sorry," said Roll, "I just didn't want to let you down."

"You didn't dear," said Purrl, "so don't be sad anymore, kitten."

"Okay, guess it's just been a busy day," said Roll.

"I've noticed that you've been doing alot of favors recently," said Purrl, "is there a reason behind it?"

"Well part of it has to do with my town-development permit," said Roll, "but in all honesty...I really just want to prove to people that I can be a real friend. I want people to see that I can be someone they can count on. I just want people to like me." Purrl hummed and nodded.

"Well may I give you some advice, kitten?" she asked.

"Sure," said Roll, wanting to be polite as well as being curious as to what Purrl wanted to say.

"You don't have to try so hard," said Purrl, "we all want to be your friend."

"Really?" said Roll, "I...it seemed like with some people..."

"We all have different personalities and that means we all have different ways of expressing how we show interesting or liking of people," Purrl explained, "Some villagers, it is obvious while with others it might seem like you have to earn their respect, but in reality they already do accept you and they are more fond of you that they claim to be."

"I see," said Roll.

"Just do your best, kitten," said Purrl, "there is no need to overwork yourself trying to get people to like you...or accept you. We already do." Roll just smiled and nodded.

"Okay," said Roll, "I better get to town hall. I need to see Isabelle about some business. I'll see you around Purrl...unless you've got something else you need done."

"I'm good for now," said Purrl, "Go on. I'm sure you're busy." Roll nodded and then made her way back to town hall, but then decided to do some more river fishing for a little longer. But first she stopped at her house to drop off her new table and clothes. She also removed her sandals and placed them by the side of the door since she didn't need them indoors...or at all for the matter. Then she realized that she didn't have any room to place it in her house and just tucked it into her drawer when she heard a knock on the door.

"Hello Roll, mind of I come in, tootie?" Roll smiled since she knew that it was Margie.

"Come on in Margie," said Roll as the elephant made her way into the house.

"Hi there, I was just passing by and I thought I would come and see how you were doing, tootie," she replied.

"Well I am glad to have you here Margie," said Roll, "Please make yourself comfortable...if you can since I only have a single chair." Margie just smiled as she looked about the house before taking a seat in the single chair Roll offered.

"How are you feeling, any better, tootie?" she asked kindly.

"Yeah," said Roll as she wigged her toes, "sorry about earlier. I was just stressed out cause I'm not used to socializing with people and I just wanted everyone here to like me."

"We do like you," said Margie, "and we also care about you too. I care about you, tootie."

"I know," said Roll, "I started crying when I took a nap at Bunnie's house and they were nice enough to support me when I was bawling like a dummy." Margie gave her a concerned look.

"Why were you crying?" Margie asked. Roll really didn't want to answer the question so she gave her a similar answer she had given Bunnie and Rosie.

"I just...wanted to prove myself," said Roll, "show that I can be reliable and a friend worth having and keeping." Margie just smiled.

"Well, you don't have to try as hard you think," said Margie, "and you don't have to burn yourself out doing that either."

"That's what Purrl said," said Roll, "I guess its cause some people seem really fond of me and others still seem a bit...I don't know how they think of me."

"Well everyone is different," said Margie, "but I can assure you that nobody dislikes you." Roll nodded in understanding.

"Thanks Margie," said Roll, "I don't know how many villagers know where I came from, but I came from an orphanage where I was the shy, not very popular, and not very noticed kind of girl. Being open with people is really hard for me."

"I understand," said Margie, "It's not easy trying to make friends when you're used to keeping to yourself. But I can assure that if you give us all a chance you won't be sorry. Plus if you give others a chance, then others will give you a chance as well. Doing favors, playing games, and inviting others to you house can help build friendships, but being able to open up with others is what will really develop those long lasting friendships."

"Aren't...you scared to open up to people?" Roll asked timidly.

"Sometimes, but I can assure you that if you take the chance, you won't be sorry," said Margie and then heard the clock chime six times to show that it was 6pm, "Well I think I've taken enough of your time. So I'll let you go for now, but if you ever need a friend or want to talk just come and find me."

"Okay," said Roll, "and thank you stopping by and chatting with me."

"No problem at all, tootie," said Margie and then remembered something, "Oh! Before I forget, this is for you!" The elephant reached into her pockets and presented Roll with a dapper tee.

"You can never have too many cute clothes and this shirt is one of my favorites," said Margie, "I had an extra and now I want you to have it." Roll smiled as she put the tee into her drawer.

"Thank you," said Roll.

"You're welcome," said Margie, "See you later, tootie." Margie then went on her way. Roll sighed contently and decided to just leave her sandals behind as she went to continue with her routine. The grass was still a bit damp, but she just welcomed the moisture on her bare feet as she made her way towards the river. since it was past 6pm, she wanted to see about catching as many fish as she could so she could pay off her house debt before Tom Nook closed that day. She was just about to cast her line when Rosie approached her.

"Hey silly!" said Rosie, bouncing on her feet.

"Oh hi, Rosie," said Roll as she kept her eye on her line, "What's up? You look like you're bursting with news!"

"I noticed that you've got a fishing rod on you, silly," said Rosie, "I was...well..." Rosie seemed a bit shy about her favor, but Roll couldn't help but giggle. Rosie always seemed so outgoing to her, so seeing the blue cat look so shy was a first for her.

"What is it Rosie?" she asked curiously. Rosie still looked at her bashfully.

"I would really like to get myself a char," said Rosie, "but they are pretty rare to find and are only out at this time until 7pm. I wanted to ask...if you could..." Roll just smiled.

"I'll give it my best shot," said Roll, "I really will. I needed to fish to get myself some more bells for my home loan anyway." Rosie gasped excitedly.

"Oh I knew you would be the right person to ask about this, silly," said Rosie, "I'll be waiting for my super special friend to find me my super special fishy!" Rosie turned to leave when she stopped herself.

"Wait a minute," said Rosie, "who says we always have to leave you to the task alone? Like some company?" Roll smiled.

"Sure," said Roll, "come on! Let's see if we can find you that fish!" Rosie clapped in agreement when they were both stopped by Fang.

"I hear you girls are going river fishing, cha-chomp," he replied, "and well...I would really like a river fish for my decor...any kind would do." Roll giggled. She was enjoying the fact that she would not only get to do her fishing, with a friend, but would be able to help out two more villagers in the process.

"Sure," said Roll, "I'll be sure to find you a really good catch." Fang chuckled.

"It doesn't matter if its common or rare, cha-chomp," said Fang, "as long as it comes from you." Rosie awed.

"You really are a softie aren't you Fang," said Rosie cutely. Fang coughed a bit and glared at her and then to Roll.

"Okay, fine, but don't tell anyone, cha-chomp!" Fang snapped and then stomped away as if angry, but he wasn't. Roll just giggled since she saw through his little facade.

"Guess Purrl and Margie were right," said Roll, "Everyone expresses gratitude in different ways."

"True," said Rosie, "I'm just wondering one thing though..."

"What is that Rosie?"

"Should I have brought some pom-poms to cheer you on while you fish?" she pondered and Roll just laughed. Rosie soon laughed as well before they walked along the side of the river. Rosie didn't mind that Roll caught a few other fish, including a cherry salmon that she planned to take to Fang. When they reached the waterfall, Roll bravely approached the edge of waterfall and peeked over.

"Good thing I'm not afraid of heights," said Roll. That didn't mean that Roll didn't have any fears. She had a few fears, but that's another story. She scouted the bottom of the waterfall where the water ran off into the sea. She didn't see hardly anything until she noticed a small shadow peeking out from the waterfall.

"Is that it?" Roll called out to Rosie walked up to her and looked where she was pointing and smiled.

"That's it silly!" said Rosie, "Good luck!" Roll nodded as she cast her line. Rather than toss it into the bottom area. She cast her line above and just let the flow of the waterfall guide her bopper to the water below. The shadow saw her line right away but it kept teasing her by just tapping the bopper. Roll was getting shakey after it tapped her bopper a third time.

"You can do it!" said Rosie as it tapped a fourth time. Then it went for a fifth time and bit. Roll's timing was spot on. As soon as she heard the "plop" of the bopper, she reeled it in and out came the coveted char. Rosie jumped up and down with glee...while hugging Roll excitedly.

"You did it, you did it, silly," said Rosie, "you found me my special fishy!" Roll just chuckled as she handed the blue cat her fish. Rosie took the fish and tucked it into her pockets and then gave Roll another tee.

"This is a dark polka tee," said Rosie, "It's a really cute design that would look great on you, silly! Thanks for helping me get my fish."

"You're welcome," said Roll and then noticed another appear in the water, "Oh! Now I can catch one for the museum!" Roll cast her line and this time, the second fish bit after only tapping the bopper once. Roll was very pleased as she tucked the fish into her pockets and tried to keep it separate from the other fish she had collected so far.

"I'm gonna go put my new char in my house, silly," said Rosie, "Then I'll get my rod and we can fish together for a bit okay?" Roll nodded since she had to deliver her cherry salmon to Fang as they parted ways. Fang was very pleased with his new fish and surprised her with a dark polka skirt so she now had a complete outfit, which made Roll happier.

The two friends soon rejoined and fished together for the next hour or so. By the time, it was just past 7PM. Roll had earn another 18,000 bells from just river fishing and this included the three or four occasions in which she had fished out more cans, tires, and even the dreaded das boot. But in the end, the trash disposal didn't hurt her finances too much and she still got plenty of bells each time she emptied her pockets. She was now counting up her bells in her wallet since Rosie had already bid her goodbye.

"Wow, I have over 50,000 bells," said Roll excitedly. That was more than enough to pay off her next home loan. She immediately ran over to the post office where the ABD was kept and tapped the screen to activate it.

"Good evening Roll," the monitor said on the screen, "What service do you wish to do?" Roll noticed that three options came up: Repay debt, Deposit, and Withdraw. Roll tapped the repay loan and noticed a coin slot nearby where she began to quickly drop in the 39,800 bells she owed. Roll was worried at first she had put in too much, but the ABD dropped the excess coins back to her once the debt amount hit zero.

"All debt has been repaid, thank you for using the ABD," said the monitor. Roll jumped for joy.

"Yay!" said Roll, "my house debt is now paid for!" Roll then rushed over to Nook's homes to tell the tanooki the good news.

"Oh hello there Roll," said Tom Nook as she walked inside, "I just noticed that you've paid off your debt in full! Well congratulations are in order yes. I had much confidence that you would pay off the debt." Roll smiled and nodded in agreement.

"However..."

"Huh?" said Roll, suddenly feeling a little worried.

"Isn't you house a tad bit on the small side, hmm?" said Tom Nook. Roll could see what Tom Nook was trying to do, but she did know that her house was getting cramped with what little furniture she had.

"Yeah...it is getting rather tight..." said Roll.

"Well, now that you've gotten your home loan paid off, might I convince you into expanding your house a bit, hmm?" said Tom Nook.

"Umm...sure," said Roll, still feeling a bit uncertain.

"The total cost of this home loan comes out to 98,000 bells," said Tom Nook, "that is perfectly fine, yes, yes?" Roll just sighed inwardly, but deep down she wasn't too worried about it. She had earned close to 40,000 bells that day from fishing in the river and she had been told by Rosie that ocean fishing had even more valuable fish, especially at night.

"Let's do it," said Roll confidently and Tom Nook smiled.

"Very good, very good," said Tom Nook, "construction will be done in the morning." Roll nodded as she exited the shop. Since she was able to donate her new char earlier, Roll headed towards the ocean. She enjoyed the fresh sea breeze and the still damp sand under her bare feet as she cleaned the beach of some new shells and did a few rounds of ocean fishing to earn her some more bells.

It was just after 10PM and Roll was exhausted as she made her way inside of town hall, she noticed that Isabelle wasn't working but doodling in another crossword puzzle.

"Now what's a six letter word for "getting in trouble"," she pondered aloud. Roll chuckled to herself.

"Busted," said Roll.

"Thank you," said Isabelle, "wait those letters don't...wait who...AAH!" Isabelle jumped as she saw Roll just standing in front of her desk innocently and her crossword book slipped out of her hands and into the air as she stood up.

"I was working honest," said Isabelle quickly, "It was just a little puzzle to stretch my brain cells! Hon-..."

BONK

As the saying goes, what goes up, must come down. Just as Isabelle was trying to explain herself, the book conked her on the head.

"Ow..." she muttered. Roll giggled to herself as she waited near the side door so Isabelle could let her in. Isabelle just rubbed the spot where the book had bonked her on the head before letting her in and Roll headed towards her mayor chair.

"Good evening mayor," said Isabelle, "How may I help you today?"

"I wanted to hear what my progress is for my town development permit before I turn in for the night," said Roll.

"Okay then," said Isabelle, "I'm guessing you've been really busy socializing with the other villagers."

"Yeah," said Roll, "It's been rather..emotional..."

"Emotional?" Isabelle asked curiously. Roll just sighed, wishing she had just kept her mouth shut.

"I've just been feeling really stressed from trying to socialize and trying to do a good job getting the villagers to like me," said Roll. Isabelle just gave her a supportive smile.

"You're doing a better job that you think," said Isabelle, "I just got the recent survey of your approval rating if you want to hear where you stand?" Roll took a deep breath and gave her a brave smile.

"Let's hear it," said Roll.

"You're current approval rating is...100%," said Isabelle. Roll just went agape and Isabelle soon became worried as Roll seemed in a state of shock.

"Mayor? Mayor!" Isabelle called out as Roll looked frozen until she snapped her fingers. Roll shook herself out of her shock and just looked at the shi-tzu with uncertainty.

"Can...can you repeat that please?" she asked a bit frazzled.

"You're current approval rating is 100% percent," said Isabelle, "Great job." Roll just looked at her before she burst into tears. Isabelle looked worried as Roll sobbed loudly.

"Mayor Roll, are you alright?" Isabelle asked.

"I'm just so happy," Roll sobbed, "and overwhelmed Isabelle. I mean I actually did it. I got the entire town to like me! They really, really like me! For the first time in my life, I feel...special!" Isabelle wasn't fully sure what Roll meant by that, but Roll continued to cry tears of joy. Yet this meant alot more to her than anyone would realize. Having 100% approval rating meant more than just getting her town-development permit.

She felt needed. She felt accepted. Something she had wanted for a long time coming.

Apologies for not describing Bunnie's fur color properly in previous chapters. I thought it was reddish-brown, but she's actually burnt orange so I'll go with that from here on out.

I also know downward pony tails aren't a hairstyle in game, but I'm sure there are plenty of female players who wish there was.

But that concludes the second story arc. Hope you enjoyed it! Roll's clearly got alot of growing to do, but she'll learn just how special she is in good time.

Here's a Preview of the next story arc:

Befriending Sable: Sable is known for being shy and reserved and Roll understands that better than most. As she gets Sable to open up, will she learn how she can be open with her new friends?

Find out...next time!