"Let's see here. Well, it looks like I'm running out of silver," I couldn't help but frown. With the mine closed off from the public, I can't get minerals from it. I might have to go to another town if I want more. I'm too busy with my animals to make that kind of trip. I guess I can't do the upcoming Guarding Tour. I'm sure Dunhill will be disappointed, but oh well. I just hope that the mine will open again soon.

With that in mind, I went to Rebecca's. Luckily she was open today. I wanted to get new blueprints so that I can change my wallpaper, floor, and decor. Toni was eating and didn't say a thing to me.

"Morning Alex. You did eat today right? You're looking thin today." Rebecca huffed.

"I always eat breakfast. It must be my metabolism. I hear you have new blueprints?"

"Here they are. Take a look. I forgot to tell you, but I have the double bed blueprints finally. I'm use you will need that in the future." She gave me a look. I figured I may as well get the double bed for more space. I upgraded my house so that I can have more room. It felt nice to build my house the way I wanted too. Good thing I upgraded it before the cave in.

"Thank you," I purchased the bed blueprints and some others, "How's work?"

"Pretty good. Mine should be open within one or two weeks. That was a big landslide."

"Thanks again. Have a good day." I waved at her and her son. It was extremely hot today. I saw Hina and Niko hang out near Olivia's. I could see in their eyes that they wanted a snack from the place, but probably didn't have the money to do some. Being nice I bought them both ice creams.

"Thank you, Alex," Niko beamed at me.

"You're the best," Hina agreed.

"You're welcome guys. I figured you could use something cold. How's the shop, Olivia?"

"It's doing fine. Thank you for asking. Are you ok? I heard about the cave-in." the tea shop owner looked a bit concerned.

"It's fine. Rod and I got checked up on by Klaus." He didn't look very happy to see us at night, covered in dirt and ash. He gave us both a long lecture on being safe. On the inside I knew he was out for our safety, but it didn't make me enjoy his lecture any more. His lectures wore someone out, even enough to make them pass out.

"Hey, Alex! Can you come here for a second?" I heard Allen's voice. I turned to see him standing outside of the tailor shop. Guess he must be doing some window shopping since Yuri wasn't open.

"Sure what is it?"

"I think Rod wants to talk to you. He told me to tell you to meet him at the top of the mountain. You might want to hurry, since he seemed worried about something. Good luck you to," I saw a gleam in his eyes. Did he know something that I didn't? I shrugged and went to meet with Rod


"Oh there you are Alex." Rod looked a bit uncomfortable, "Do you think you can spare me some time?"

"I've got time. That's why I came here. You wanted to talk about something?"

"Oh right. I don't really know how to start. Uh, how do you feel about me?" He scratched his cheek.

"How I feel about you? Well you're a really good friend. I enjoy hanging out with you."

"Is that so? Then what would you say if I told you that I have feelings for you? You're an amazing person and I've fallen in love with you. Will you go out with me? It's ok if you say no. You might still like Neil and all."

I felt my heart race with joy, "Of course I'll go out with you. Neil broke my heart, but with your help, it slowly started to repair itself. He wasn't the one for me, but you might be. I like you, Rod. I'll happily accept your ring if you take mine." I pulled the pink ring out of my bag.

He put his arms around me, "Thank you so much Alex. I promise to take good care of you. You deserve happiness and that's what I want to give to you."

"Thank you Rod." I hugged him back, "I'll hold you to your word."

Someone once told me that you can get over someone by loving a whole new person. I didn't really believe in that until this moment. It felt as if my heart was being stitched back together again. It wouldn't be as whole as it was, but it was fine by me.

"Aw, that's so cute!" I heard a squeal. Tina?

I let go of Rod just as she tumbled from her hiding spot, "Oops. I'm so glad you said yes Alex!"

"Good job Tina. If you would have waited a bit more, we could have seen them kiss." Allen stepped out behind her.

"Where you two spying on us?" I put my hands on my hips.

"Tina saw us talking and wanted to know what was going on. I tried to stop her but she insisted."

"You followed me, pretty boy. Don't try to act innocent. You wanted to know what was going on as well."

I couldn't help but laugh. Rod shook his head and chuckled with me. I had such amazing friends who really cared about me, and I was with the guy of my dreams. It was like Neil left me drowning and Rod lifted me out of the cold water. I couldn't be any happier and I accepted my fate.