A/N: xLadyxChaosx the ending of this chapter is for you. ;) *munches on more cookies* these are delicious! As for the rest of you, enjoy! And prepare for drama! xD

Word Count: 3, 463


Chapter 11: Rio Sees a Ghost

"So he did kiss you! I knew the I could make your lips irresistible." Allen sipped his cup of tea in triumph and leaned back in his chair.

Rio kept true to her word and visited Allen early the next morning for tea. She rolled her eyes at him and folded her arms across her chest. "It had nothing to do with the fact that he likes me right? It was all about the makeup!"

"Of course not sweetheart, that boy is head over heels for you." He smirked at Rio, "But you have to admit that I made you look damn good!"

"When do you not? You are a master stylist after all."

"Did you just offer me a compliment Ms. Rio? I think love has turned you soft!"

Rio nudged Allen lightly and huffed. "No it hasn't! I just felt like giving credit where credit is due. You don't have to be an ass about it!"

"There's the Rio I know!"

Rio pushed her chair back from the table and stood from her seat. "You're impossible! Anyway, I have to go. Unfortunately my garden won't arrange itself."

"Visit me again before your next date please! I'll make you look fabulous!"

Rio turned to speak over her shoulder as she left, "Will do, Allen!"


Rio quickly looked over her list of things she needed to gather in town before heading back to the farm. She had already received blueprints from Rebecca and bought out Hana's entire stock of flowers, that just left food and supplies for her animals. As she walked over to the stands her stomach fluttered at the realization that she'd run into Neil.

Before her nerves could take over, she heard a voice say, "Hey Rio! How was your date?" She turned to see Rod point at Neil, "I can't get any information out of this guy!"

Neil scoffed and turned to his annoying companion. "Maybe because your girlfriend runs a gossip column, and you have loose lips!"

Rod looked offended at the comment. "Do not!"

Rio walked over and propped an elbow on Rod's stand. "No offense Rod, but you really do. You just get so excited about everything you don't even realize what comes out of your mouth!"

Neil looked over at his girlfriend and nodded. "What she said."

Rod huffed and crossed his arms. "Whatever, you guys are just jealous that I have Tina all to myself!"

Rio exchanged a knowing glance with Neil before turning her attention back to Rod. "Sure, Rod. Whatever you say! Anyway, I just need to grab some food for Goldie, the usual amount please." She left him to sulk and went to Neil's stand. "I need the usual from you too. Oh, and also an animal medicine."

He glanced up from where he was gathering the animal feed and raised an eyebrow. "What do you need the animal medicine for?"

Rio scuffed her feet on the ground nervously; she really didn't want Neil to get angry. "Uh…well, Moofasa is looking more tired than usual and I don't want her getting sick right before the cow festival next week."

Neil glared at her, temporarily forgetting that they were now dating. "She's sick? What did you do, forget about her?! Rio, you need to be less forgetful and actually take care of your animals!" He didn't mean to raise his voice, it just happened. "I'll take a look at her later tonight, I don't know if I trust you to take care of it."

Rio's eyes watered at his accusations, this is exactly what she had been avoiding. She looked up to avoid having the tears fall down her face; the last thing she wanted was to cry in front of him. "I didn't forget about her or anything, so I'd appreciate it if you'd tone it down." She wiped at her eyes before placing some coins on the counter, "I guess I'll see you later then, when you bring the medicine. I wouldn't want you to yell at me again for supposedly being irresponsible."

Before she became even more upset, she walked over to where Rod had prepared her purchases and set some coins on his counter as well. She grabbed the pet food and quickly walked away without saying another word to the two.

Rod turned to see Neil with a hand over his forehead, looking as though he were in pain. "Neil?"

"What Rod?" Neil sighed in frustration.

"You love her right?"

Another sigh, "Yes, Rod. I do."

Rod paused and thought about his next words very carefully before screaming, "THEN WHY THE CRAP DID YOU DO THAT YOU IDIOT?!"

Neil slumped in his chair and thought about repeatedly slamming his head on the counter. "Because I'm an ass. That's why."


Rio was splayed out on her living room floor, petting Goldie's head and staring at the ceiling when she heard a knock at the door. "Whoever it is, come in!"

She heard the door open and close and then a voice spoke that she wasn't too excited to hear. "Uh, it's me Rio…"

She sighed and closed her eyes; she wasn't looking forward to another encounter with him today. "Neil, if you're here to yell at me again, I'd rather you didn't. You know where the barn is, why don't you just take care of whatever you need to do and leave?"

"I-I actually already gave her the medicine and dropped off all the feed. I came here to apologize…"

Rio sat up, she may be angry with him but she wasn't going to be rude. "For what?"

"For yelling at you…and accusing you of mistreating your animals. I know better than anyone just how well you take care of them. I don't know what came over me, I was so worried about the animal that I completely lost my temper and forgot who I was talking to."

"Hmph. I didn't think I was so easily forgettable." A wry smile overcame her face as she stood from her spot on the floor.

"So, I'm sorry Rio. I was so worried about this, about treating you poorly. I guess I was right, one day into dating and I've already been a…well, you know."

"Asshat is the term you're looking for. And yes, you were." She pulled him into a hug, "But I forgive you, idiot."

Neil sighed in relief, he had been dreading all day that Rio would decide she wouldn't want to deal with his attitude and dump him. "Ri, you're the best." He hugged her tightly until he heard her stomach growl loudly. "Why don't you come over to my place? I'll cook for you tonight."

"Hmm, okay! But in a minute, I'm having too much fun like this." She snuggled further into his chest, enjoying the warmth he brought until finally Neil pulled her away so they could go eat.


Neil prepared a curry dish, knowing that it was one of Rio's favorites. They ate quickly, and cleaned up the mess in the kitchen before heading to the living room to relax. Rio sighed loudly as she sat causing a frown to appear on Neil's face. "Why the big sigh? Dinner wasn't that bad."

Rio smiled a little, "No, dinner was great! I'm just a little stressed out I guess."

Neil pulled Rio closer so that she was resting her head on his shoulder and leaned his head on hers. "What are you stressed about? You have the cow festival in the bag!" He planted a kiss on the top of her head, "Even if the judge wasn't your boyfriend, you'd win."

"I'm not worried about that, just…I finally told Dunhill that I would start up the Garden Tours. They'll bring in a lot of new tourists, which means more business but I don't know. I haven't really designed a garden before, ya know?"

"You rebuilt this town from nothing and you're worried about a garden? Really Rio?"

She playfully pushed him away and rolled her eyes. "I'm serious! Do you know how many people are going to see this thing? The first tour is always very popular and if I want those people to keep coming, I need it to be perfect!"

Neil cupped her face and turned her to look at him. "You're an amazing farmer, I know you'll make a stunning garden." He quickly pecked her on the lips before standing from the couch and offering his hand. "Now let's get you to bed, you have a festival to win and a garden to prepare so you need rest!"

She took his hand and as he hoisted her to his level she said, "You're the best, you know that right?"

He smirked and led her out the door. "I know."

"Ugh, you're starting to sound like Allen!"

Neil mock glared and tried to look hurt. "Please never say that again, I'm not nearly as arrogant!"

The two talked until they reached the farm and after saying goodnight Rio went swiftly to her bed. She was still worried, but knowing that she had some support made falling asleep much easier that night.


The fourth day of fall approached more quickly than Rio was expecting. She spent the entire morning brushing her cow, talking to it, and giving herself a pep talk before the festival was supposed to start. She wished she could talk to Neil beforehand, but she knew people would spread rumors about him giving her an unfair advantage if she won.

She dressed in a pair of small jean shorts, a royal blue tank top and a lace vest. It was still quite warm outside so she wore shorts, but she figured the vest would make her look at least a little more formal. She pulled on a pair of shiny, brown boots and led Moofasa to the festival grounds about an hour before the festival was set to start.

After checking the cow into the advanced class, she meandered over to where all of the younger people stood. "Hey guys!"

Rod was the first to turn towards her and he pulled her into a friendly hug. "Riooo! I feel like I haven't seen you in years! Are you excited?"

"Rod, it's only been like, three days! I've been busy prepping for the tour next week, so I haven't been out much. Anyways, I am excited! Also nervous."

Felicity pulled her in for a hug too and said, "Nervous? Why? I'm pretty sure you've won almost every festival this year! Besides, the judge is your boyfriend!"

Allen stepped in and gently covered Felicity's mouth and smiled a greeting at Rio. "Maybe we shouldn't yell that for all of the participants to hear, hmm? We don't want to make drama for the lovely couple."

Tina jumped on Rio from behind, startling her. "Ooh, but just think of all the juicy stories I could get out of that! 'Local farmer wins festival using her secret romance with the animal dealer.' You would be famous!"

Rio dropped Felicity to the ground and rolled her eyes at the reporter. "Yeah, I'd be famous, but not in a good way! I'd have people from all over calling me a cheater!"

At that moment, Dunhill's voice rang over the audience to announce that the judging for the beginner's class was about to begin. Rio asked, "Should we grab a seat? I won't be up for a while."

The group nodded and situated themselves front and center so that they could see Rio clearly when the time came.


Finally it was time for the advanced class to line up. Rio and the rest of the town waited with bated breath as Neil examined each cow. The whole process took maybe fifteen minutes, but to Rio it seemed an eternity. She had come in third place in the last cow festival, and she wanted to win this time.

After looking over the last entry Neil made his way to the front. "Alright, I've looked over everything very carefully. Before I go any further, I want to acknowledge all the hard work each of these contestants have put into this festival." The crowd applauded the farmers' efforts and Neil waited for it to die down before continuing. "Now, the winner of the advanced class is…Rio Douglass!"

The whole town clapped for her, and she could hear the congratulatory shouts from her friends as she went up on stage to receive her prize. Neil handed her some prize money and a blueprint. He shook her hand and said, "Congratulations Rio, you earned this win." She smiled her thanks and returned to her friends.

The group chatted as the festival grounds were cleaned up and Rio's cheeks began to hurt from smiling at everyone who offered congratulations. Allen was in the midst of planning a bonfire for everyone when Rio felt a hand on her lower back. She turned and smiled at Neil who now stood behind her. "Well hello Mr. Turner, how are you today?"

"Very well, Ms. Douglass. And you?"

She looped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his briefly. "I'm doing great, thank you for asking. I just took home first place, but I hear the judge has a thing for me so…I can't say I worked too hard for it."

Someone in the group coughed and the two broke apart. Neil flushed at being caught while Rio giggled nervously. Allen cleared his throat and gave the two a meaningful look. "As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted, we should do the bonfire after the tour. We can celebrate Rio's success and maybe invite some of the younger tourists who come as well!"

The girls all nodded and Rio smiled. "That sounds perfect Allen!"

"Are my ideas ever not perfect, sweetheart?"

The group collectively rolled their eyes while Felicity crossed her arms and looked at the man. "Sweetheart? Do you give everyone pet names?"

He smirked. "Yes. Even Neil!"

Rod grinned widely and asked, "What is it? I can't wait to hear this."

Grinning mischievously Allen replied, "Snookums."

Tina cackled in delight and smacked Neil on the back. "Snookums?! Oh, that's priceless! And what does Rio think of this?"

Neil looked at Rio expectantly, waiting for her answer. As soon as he saw the familiar glint in her eye he knew he was in trouble.

Rio put a finger up to her lips. "What do I think of the name? Well…" she pinched on of Neil's cheeks, "I think it's adorable! Isn't that right, snookums?"

Neil placed Rio's hand back at her side and crossed his arms. "Traitor."

The group laughed and talked until it was almost dark. Neil walked Rio home again and they parted with a simple goodnight kiss.


The whole town helped Rio with the garden in the coming week, offering advice here and theme ideas there. It seemed as though everyone held an opinion and she began to feel overwhelmed. Eventually she roped in Allen, Yuri, and Rebecca for help, as they seemed the most experienced in the field.

By the evening of the tenth, the garden was perfect. White picket fences surrounded the dedicated space, and an arch was used as an entryway. Potted flowers in blues and oranges took up each corner, while decorative bushes filled up the outer edges. A fountain was set in the middle and there were four lampposts on each corner to give off light. She dedicated a cow statue to Neil, much to his embarrassment, on one side of the fountain and placed a pot with tall sunflowers on the other.

She was proud of how it turns out and her friends took her to Clement's to celebrate. Tourists were already flooding the town so the diner was packed. The group sat up at the bar, away from most of the strangers. Rod sat on one end and Rio on the other. After ordering food, they discussed how weird it was to have so many new people in town.

Rio noticed a blonde sitting to her right that she didn't recognize and decided to introduce herself. She stuck out her hand and said, "Hi, I'm Rio! Nice to meet you. I'm the farmer of Echo Village, what brings you to this little town?"

The blonde smiled almost meanly upon hearing Rio's name and turned to shake her hand. "Laney. I'm here for the garden tour tomorrow. My husband and I are actually celebrating our honeymoon."

"Honeymoon? Why would you come here?"

Laney sighed and stirred her drink. "We're on our way to our actual destination, but my brother insisted we come. He studies plants and he loves the tours that every village puts on."

"Brother? Is he going on your honeymoon too?"

Laney rolled her eyes at the comment. "He's not really my brother, but my family pretty much raised him. And no, he's not. He just wanted us to come here with him on our way. Anyway, it was nice meeting you."

Laney walked off and Rio turned her attention to the food that had just been placed in front of her. 'Laney…why does that name sound familiar?' she thought.


The next morning, Rio woke up earlier than usual in order to get ready for the tour. She slipped into a pair of thick, black leggings and a long sleeved denim button-up shirt. She pulled on fuzzy, cream socks and her nice pair of brown boots. Afterwards, she finished the look with a floral scarf and a thick, cream-colored cardigan. She looked at herself in the mirror and nodded before walking out of the house.

Minutes later she arrived at Allen's to fix her hair. Surprisingly, it hadn't taken much to get him to do it on his day off. When she asked he had simply replied, "Darling, your hair is wonderful to work with, I look forward to it."

Allen was already waiting with a table full of products when she walked in. She sat down and enjoyed having him work his magic on her hair. "Allen, are you coming today?"

"Of course! Felicity wouldn't let me miss it, especially since I helped!"

Rio sighed in relief. "That makes me feel much better! Having friends there will make me feel much less nervous."

"You have nothing to worry about, the garden looks fabulous!"

"We'll see!"


Neil was waiting for her when she returned home, but he didn't notice her arrival. She smiled as he played with Goldie, running back and forth in the living room. "Having fun?"

He stopped and looked to where she stood. "Yeah. Wow!"

She walked up to him and gave him a hug. "Wow what? Do I look that different in nicer clothes?"

"You look beautiful!"

She rolled her eyes. "You think I look beautiful no matter what!"

He kissed her cheek and admired the tinge of pink he saw there. "Because it's always true! We should head to the garden though," he grabbed her hand and led her outside, "people should be arriving soon!"

The two waited and greeted most of the guests as she arrived. The townspeople entered first, each giving her an encouraging smile. There were so many guests that she wasn't able to welcome them all. However, she did recognize one face, the girl from dinner the previous night.

"Laney! You came!"

The blonde turned and walked to where Rio stood, followed by a man that she safely assumed was her brother. "Rio, right? This is my brother Cam, he wouldn't let me not come." She sighed, as if bored to be there.

Cam glared at his sister and shook Rio's hand. "Nice to meet you. What my sister means to say is that she's looking forward to your tour."

Rio seemed unfazed by Laney's cold attitude and said, "Well thank you for coming. I hope you enjoy yourselves!"

A man walked up and placed a hand on Laney's shoulder and spoke. "I'm sure we will, this is a lovely farm you have here. Oh, and it's nice to see you again Rachel."

Rio froze, only one person ever called her that anymore. The one person she had hoped to never see again. She forced a smile and looked up at the man. "Chase." She started to panic, but kept her face neutral. She needed to get out of here, and now.

She spun quickly on her heel and walked in the opposite direction, running right into Allen and Neil. "Whoa, Rio, watch where you're going!" Allen rubbed his arm where she had run into him.

Neil looked concerned upon observing her face and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Ri, you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost.

Rio swallowed and looked behind her once more. "I have."


A/N: Dun dun duuuuuuun! The return of the ex! I bet no one saw that coming ;) What do you think will happen?

JazzYz: Haha, I love eager Rio too! It's so cute!

umbreonix: I'm glad you noticed! As you know from our PM's, I hate boxing characters in.

Cyanote: Thank you so much! I haven't seen you around before, but your compliment was so nice! I'm so glad you're enjoying it :)

xLadyxChaosx: Heh, those cookies were yummy. Hopefully they were worth the effort! How do you think Neil will react? Lol, Allen is a you-know-what when you date him, but Neil is a sweetie!