The sky was dark and coated with clouds. Rain was falling in sheets as chill nipped throughout the air. Addison was cozy and warm in an oversized blue sweatshirt listening to the raindrops pounding the window. Books about animals and seeds were fanned out across the bed and she was thumbing through one about herbs while finishing her sandwich. A cup of hot chocolate was cooling on the bedside table with steam flowing from the top.

Addison had intended on being back in her home by now. However while minor repairs were being made Luke had found evidence of termite damage that resulted in large parts of the walls and frame needing to be replaced. Considering her options had been difficult. Going home was one option but Addison had no desire to go back to sleeping on the couch nor did she want to have to say her goodbyes again. Gill had offered her a room at his house but nothing about that felt right to her. Taking a room at the inn was an option but that would have had her spending an indefinite amount of money since she had no idea how long the costly repairs would cost. While mulling over her choices with Hayden he had offered her perfect solution, Addison worked as a waitress in the evenings at the bar and in return was allowed to stay in the extra room at the bar for no charge. Since she was using the room she didn't get a paycheck but she was allowed to keep any tips she made. Since the ferry still wasn't running business was slow and most of the customers were locals who were quite friendly so Addison didn't mind the work especially since it kept her busy.

Addison reached for her hot chocolate and her eyes glanced over the time on the clock. In a panic she almost knocked the drink to the floor, spilling some of the hot liquid all over her hand, "Shit, ow! I didn't realize it was so late I'm going to be late!"

She jumped up in a frenzy and opened the closet. The closet was full of boxes labeled Addison in black sharpie and clothes scattered all over the floor. Addison tore open one box after another, shuffling through and throwing clothes out, cursing to herself. Finally she pulled out a pair of white rain boots. This had been the first rain since she had arrived on Castanet and she really wasn't sure where any of her rain gear was. She glanced back at the clock and grudgingly decided that there wasn't time to search for the umbrella and her hood would just have to do. Once the boots were on Addison flung open the door and was in such a hurry she almost barreled into Gill whose eyes grew wide when he saw Addison, one hand about to knock where the door had been a second ago and the other behind his back.

"Oh hey Gill, do you need something?" Addison asked, a hint of impatience lacing her voice.

"I just wanted to ask you something," he replied, his voice cracking. Addison was so flustered she didn't notice the flush in his cheeks or the way he was awkwardly shifting his weight from one leg to the other, "Would you like to go to dinner tonight?"

"You didn't need to come here to ask me that, we have dinner almost every night. I'll see you at the bar around eight, I gotta run sorry I'm late," Addison rushed by Gill and out the door before he could response.

"That wasn't exactly what I meant," he muttered to himself as he watched her disappear down the hallway.

Addison darted out of the bar, waving to Hayden on her way out. She pulled her hood up and rushing through puddles heading towards the church. She paused for a moment to glance at her father's grave but the continued, splashing mud up all around her as she ran.

"Oh you have got to be kidding," Addison exclaimed. Before her sat a rickety mine cart filling up with water. When Mira had told her to take the cart she had imagined a train car or at least something fully enclosed. She looked around but saw no other carts or tracks in sight and with a groan tipped the cart to the side to dump the water out. Once as dry as it could be she squeezed herself into the small cart, it was cramped so she had to pull her knees up to her chest. She sat for a moment and nothing happened except the water had already begun to pool again. It was slowly leaking out through cracks in the wood but not quickly enough. Finally Addison spotted the level and reached out, having to put most of her weight into pulling it. The instant she pulled it the cart jolted and sped up into a mountain tunnel. Her shocked yells echoed through the darkness and a group of bats zoomed past her face. The rapid twists and turns not only startled her but made her feel queasy. Just as quickly as it took off the cart sped out into the light again, jolting to a sudden stop that slammed Addison's legs into the front of the cart. She sat for a moment, her mouth open and her eyes wide in shock. The force of the ride had blown her hood off and her hair was a wet ruffled mess. The sound of laughter filled the air as two children, a boy and a girl, pointed and laughed at her shocked face. Embarrassed Addison quickly pulled the hood back over the hair and stepped out of the cart, attempting to ring out the excess water from her sweatshirt to no avail.

As soon as Addison turned to examine her surroundings her heart dropped. Before her stood the entrance to Garmon Mine. She had purposely avoided the mine since coming here and hadn't seen it at all since her father's death. Images of her out of body visit to her father came to mind and she felt herself growing anxious. She tore her eyes away and rushed toward Mira's accessory shop.

A bell sounded as Addison entered the shop. The store smelled like a mixture of new carpet and wood cleaner. Gleaming gems sparkled in the artificial light tucked away in a glass display case. Behind the counter Mira was chatting with an older man with little hair whose apron had large singe marks down the front. Both paused their conversation as they heard the bell.

"Ah! I am so glad you came!" Mira said cheerfully, "Ramsey, this is –"

"Oh stop it Mira. I'd recognize Jensen's daughter anywhere I know who Addison is," Ramsey interrupted before Mira could finish her proper introduction.

Ramsey approached Addison and laid a friendly, firm hand on Addison's shoulder, "I know you don't remember me but I knew you when you were a small babe. Real shame about your father, was a loss for all of us. But you look like you've grown up real nice regardless, you're always welcome in these parts dear. I'll leave you two alone now."

Addison felt slightly awkward at being touched in such a familiar way especially since she really didn't remember him and she was getting tired of people mentioning her father but she nodded politely and thanked Ramsey for his kind words before he left, leaving her with Mira.

"Come here Addison," Mira said, waving Addison over to the display counter. She approached and looked down into the counter. There were gems of all colors – yellows, blues, reds, greens, and whites to name a few. Some of the gems were shining more than others with a bright red one sparkling the brightest. Addison felt her eyes drawn to this magnificent red gem. In another display next to the gem's case was mostly empty except for a couple necklaces and a ring. "It's a start," Mira said pointing to the half empty case, "But they're the first accessories I've made in years."

"That is really great," Addison replied, her eyes still glued to the bright red gem.

"I just thought you should see it, since it was our conversation that made me decide to give the shop a try again," Mira said, beaming with pride over her new pieces.

Mira took out the pieces and showed them to Addison one by one, explaining the process of mining the ores and the odds of getting anything worthwhile as they went. Addison was happy for Mira but slightly uncomfortable discussing the mine, ore knowledge wasn't anything she felt she needed since she was not going down there. But she indulged Mira, nodding and asking questions as they went along. When the reach the last piece, a shining gem suspended on a silver chain, Mira lifted it from the counter into the light so that the gem sparkled brightly.

"This is a Lapis Lazuli made from blue wonderfuls. But not just any blue wonderful, it has to be a special one," Mira explained.

"It really is beautiful," Addison replied as she admired the piece. She wasn't just indulging this time either she really did like the gem.

"I'm glad you think so because it belongs to you," Mira smiled as she stepped forward from behind the counter and moved behind Addison, letting the gem fall onto her chest.

"I couldn't," Addison protested, feeling slightly uncomfortable with Mira so close but still reaching up to feel the gem.

"Your father used to bring me all sorts of gems fairly regularly. He was so excited for this one, he had been looking for a long time for a blue stone this beautiful. Sadly I didn't finish it before his passing. It should be with you."

Addison's heart sped as the full weight of the gem laying on her chest caught up to her. She didn't protest as Mira closed the clasp and moved back, leaving Addison stunned for a moment as her fingers cupped the stone's smooth surface. Mira simply smiled, there were no thanks needing, Addison's face as she held the gem were all the thanks she wanted.

Mira broke the silence, "Now with that, I need a favor from you." She moved back behind the counter and pulled out a small box that wasn't in the display case. She opened the box to reveal a small yellow gold ring. The setting of the ring imitated a rose with gold petals encircling a bright red gem. "Tell me honestly what you think about it, it is a gift for my daughter. She is a bit younger than you but I still think you're a good person to ask."

Addison moved closer and examined the ring, "I think it is beautiful, any girl would love to have it. Especially with it being a one of a kind. But I had no idea you had a daughter."

Mira smiled, replacing the ring and sliding it back behind the counter. "She is off at college right now. I have to admit I'm glad you came around when you did as I was feeling particularly down when she left. This is the first year and for so long Nora the only thing I focused my energy on. Which probably wasn't fair."

Addison shook her head, "Maybe not but at least she knows she is loved and you tried."

Mira slid Addison a picture across the counter. In the picture Mira and Nora stood side by side smiling at what appeared to be a festival of some sort. Nora was slightly taller than Nora and had tanner skin but her hair was the same violet cut right above her shoulders. In her green eyes Addison saw a spark of happiness that confirmed for her that Mira may not have been perfect but Nora looked like she found a lot of joy in life.

"When she comes home for Thanksgiving you must meet her. I think you two would get along."

"I'd love to," Addison replied.

After saying their goodbyes Addison stepped back outside. The rain had stopped but the gray clouds lingered in the air threatening to return at any moment. Puddles littered the muddy ground and Addison had to step carefully as not to slip. Her stomach tightened as she remembered she would have to get back in that rickety cart to return to town. With the rain gone she hesitated to look at the mine again. Her hands made her way up to the gem suspended around her neck. As long as she could remembered the mine was an ugly place in her mind, never before had she associated it with anything beautiful.

"I could take you sometime if you like."

Addison was so startled by the voice she jumped. In trying to twirl around to see who the voice belonged to she slipped in the mud and felt herself going down. She braced for an impact that never came, instead of landing in wet mud she hit a warm, hardened body.

"Whoa, I didn't mean to startle you. Are you okay?"

It took a moment for Addison to process what had happened but once she realized she had been caught before falling she pushed herself away quickly, blushing from embarrassment. "I am so sorry," she stammered as she righted herself. The man who had caught her had brown hair that was spiked upwards. As she looked upon him Addison realized he was easily the most muscular man she had encountered on the island and had to admit his brown leather jacket looked cool even if it was impractical for rainy weather. Suddenly she was even more embarrassed at her clumsy display.

"No need to be sorry, I'm just glad you didn't land in the mud. My name is Owen." He outstretched his hand politely and Addison accepted it, "Nice to meet you, my name is Addison."

"Oh you're the girl who has been working with Kathy aren't you."

Now that was the last thing Addison expected. While working with Kathy Addison had quickly learned that Owen had been Kathy's fiancé but the engagement was called off. No reason was even given but the way Kathy moped about it Addison was pretty sure it wasn't a mutual decision. She hadn't expected the two of them to be talking much less be talking about her.

"Oh yeah I've been working with her lately, she seemed pretty nice. I don't really know her that well beyond work though."

"We'll I meant it, I could show you the mine sometime," Owen answered, his subject change noted by Addison.

"I don't think that is a good idea." Addison was uncomfortable with even looking at the mine much less going in. She knew a lot of people on the island would go in from time to time in search of a little extra money but Addison didn't think any amount of money was worth going in there.

"I know it looks a little intimidating but it really is wonderful inside. There are so many gems and archeological formations and..."

"I won't be going into the mine," Addison cut him off coldly. Owen's face fell suddenly, taken aback by the sudden show of rudeness.

"Wow Kathy was right, you are stuck up," he scoffed.

"Excuse me?" Addison exclaimed, stunned. Her and Kathy weren't best friends but she wouldn't have expected her to talk badly about her behind her back. "Look you don't know anything about me or my life before I came here so you have no right to judge."

"You don't think I know? I know you lost your father in the mine accident years back. That isn't a secret."

"Well if that's the case who do you think you are calling me stuck up?" Addison snapped.

"You think you're the only one who has lost someone? I've heard about you, walking around with a cloud above your head ever since you came here. I lost my parents too as a kid, I barely remember them and my little sister doesn't remember them at all. My grandfather took us in and I've lived here ever since. So I know loss, maybe even more than you. But you know the diffence between you and I? I don't walk around letting it set my mood everyday. I don't use it as an excuse to block people out and be rude to strangers."

Addison's mouth hung open in surprise. She felt like she had been slapped in the face and couldn't force herself to form a rebuttal. Rain drops began to splatter on the ground again.

"I've gotta run, but if you ever decide you want to stop living under that cloud and experience life you can come by." Owen turned and sprinted back towards his door as Addison stood and watched him leave flabbergasted.

His words echoed in her head the whole way back to town. She was still so annoyed and affected by them she barely minded the wet, nausea inducing cart ride back to the churchyard or the fact that her clothes were uncomfortably soaked and stuck against her skin and the water in her shoes sloshed with every step. She didn't bother changing before meeting with Gill but slid into the seat beside him, hair dripping wet onto the bar counter. After saying hello to Gill she ordered a drink and threw it back as Gill watched wide eyed, then to his surprise she ordered another one.

"Did you have a rough day or something?" Gill asked. Addison launched into the story of going to visit Mira and how Owen had the nerve to scare her and then call her out in such a manner. As she spoke she couldn't help but notice that Gill had worn an especially nice pair of pants and vest tonight which seemed odd for the bar but she blew it off.

"I mean can you believe the nerve of him! He thinks he is so cool with his muscles and his leather jacket, like he is king of the island or something," Addison rambled, sipping on her second drink.

"I think you're a little drunk Adi," Gill replied uncomfortably. This was not the night he had imagined. Kathy leaned over Addison to place her and Gill's burgers down in front of them. Addison's eyes narrowed but Kathy didn't notice.

"And she had the nerve to call me stuck up! I mean really? If anybody needs a lecture on being bitter it is her, moaning on and on about her old fiancé as if it changes anything," Addison mumbled as she devoured the fries in front of her. Gill nodded uncomfortably, a defeated look on his face.

By the time dinner was over Addison was obviously far gone. She slumped back in her seat, half passed out yet still rambling angrily as best she could. Gill payed the bill and apologized profusely to Hayden who had been watching the spectacle with a mix of concern and amusement. Gill slid one arm around Addison's waist and supported most of her weight as he led her to her room. He found her key in her sweatshirt pocket and opened the door, leading her to her bed. He considered changing her out of her wet clothes but decided he had no business taking off her clothes so he covered her with blankets. She was asleep before he had turned out the light and left with a scowl on his face.

Addison awoke shaking, her clothes still damp and cold against her. Sun was streaming in her window and she groaned, covering her face with her pillow that had also become damp from her hair. Her head was pounding and her stomach churned umcomforably. She tried to remember how she had ended up in bed soaked and slowly the events of the previous day came back to her. She forced herself upright to change her clothes and noticed a bouquet of bright red roses laying on her bedside table. She frowned, she didn't remember any roses. Yet as she looked at them the dots began to connect in her head. She remembered how Gill had come to her room the morning before, how he had looked particularly dressed up at dinner and suddenly it all made sense. A wave of nausea hit Addison's stomach that she couldn't blame on the alcohol.

"Damn, I really do suck," she sighed as she buried her head in her hands.