One thing about small villages was that there was a real sense of community. Pelican Town was no different, as they seemed to hold festivals pretty regularly. One such festival was happening tomorrow, and I had just found out about it today. Apparently once Summer was in full swing, everyone liked to go to the beach together for an annual luau as well as general fun in the sun. All my friends looked at me sheepishly when I gave them a blank look while in the Saloon this Friday night when they started talking about it. They had each all just assumed that someone else had told me. I groaned and leaned back in my chair, looking up at the ceiling.

Stardust XIII

By: Satashi

"It's not a big deal," Sam tried to comfort me. "You don't have to bring anything. Just show up and have fun."

"I don't even know where my bathing suit is," I complained at no one in particular. "And I've lost a lot of weight and toned up since last year as well. It might not even fit me anymore." I could tell Sam was thinking of a way to make me feel better so I gave him a smile as thanks.

"Can't you borrow one of the girl's other swimsuits?" He asked me anyway. I looked down at my chest and then over to Leah and Abigail. Sam followed my gaze and realized what I meant. "Oh! Sorry, not used to thinking about that."

He was really a sweet guy. A little eccentric sometimes, but still sweet.

Sebastian lit up a cigarette and took a long puff on it before speaking up. "There is normally a shop there that sells sunscreen and stuff. You can get a suit there. Won't have a wide selection, but if yours doesn't fit then that's an option. If not…" He shrugged. "Shorts and tee shirt. You're not missing this. If I have to go, you do too."

"You get a tan from your monitor," I teased him back. "Don't worry so much."

Abigail sat her cola down on the table and made a disgusted face. "I hope I don't get a tan… Makes my hair look really weird without my pale skin."

I could see that. Luckily my sunburn had already peeled away to leave a pretty nice base tan. Sadly though, since I was wearing a three-quarter sleeve shirt and my overalls, my arms, neck, and face were starting to show tan, but the rest of me was still pale. I hadn't worked in my new cooler clothes yet, which is another reason I didn't really like being informed of this last minute. I would look silly no matter what, and I knew it.

The rest of the night was a mixture of the girls trying to comfort me while the guys took to teasing me. It was a nice mix, though, and I really enjoyed the company. As I went to leave for the night, I made sure to go around and say hi to everyone who had came in after I had and stayed out in the main area. Pam, which I now knew was Penny's mother, looked totally wasted. Marnie was talking with Shane about possibly taking her home, but I volunteered to walk her myself. Their place was very close and I wanted to get to know everyone, even the town drunk. I think she was the one who actually drove me into the city the first time as well.

Pam looked at me with glazed eyes but a cheerful shout. "Hey kid! You taking this old coot back to her trailer!?"

"Seems so!" I greeted back, allowing her to sling an arm over my shoulder. "Whoa, can you even stand?"

"Kid, I can drink more in an hour than you did all night." She leaned against me but still managed to stroll alongside. "You're a good kid. I've seen you helping out everyone. Penny said she met you not too long ago too. Really excited about something."

"I offered her to come to my farm on a field trip with the kids."

"Bah." Pam scoffed off the idea. "She's too hung up on that. Barely pays anything, and once those two grow up more she'll be out of a job. Needs to focus on something secure. She'll end up better than me working the poles just to make ends meet before long!" I really didn't want to picture Pam doing that. The idea alone made me gag. "Oh look at you kid, I was a hot thing back in the day! Had legs that wouldn't quit and a body that made men cry!"

"Okay, I think you're a little too drunk to continue this conversation." I tried to hurry the walk along without seeming too grossed out by her words or the rank breath she kept breathing on me.

"Maybe Penny could do better than her old Ma!" We made it to their run down trailer and Penny was already opening the door with a disapproving face. "Penny! We could go back to the club on the weekend! Your Ma could show you a thing or two about getting men!" The look on Penny's face was clearly embarrassed and shocked. "Don't be shy, they pay tons to see you shake it!" With that, Pam burped loudly. "Whoops! I know this feeling." She hurried past Penny and into the trailer to throw up. From the sounds coming from inside I wasn't sure if she made it to the bathroom or not.

Penny just looked to the side, face red and chest heaving as she tried to hold in whatever she was feeling. It was dark, but I could tell that her eyes were watering from even this distance. "Hey," I tried lamely. When she just swallowed and looked down in shame, I tried again. "I know she's drunk. You wouldn't-"

"It's okay." Penny turned and her voice broke. "Thank you, just… just please go."

I knew it wasn't okay, but at the same time, Penny didn't look like she wanted me there after that. I took the hint and reluctantly started to turn around. "I'll see you-"

"Please."

I stopped talking and turned, walking away without another word. I heard the trailer door close and then shouting from Pam. Swallowing, I kept going back to my own house.

I looked around the store on the beach thankfully when I arrived. They were already open, despite being so early in the morning. The beach was wonderfully big, and wasn't too terribly far from the town I was a little surprised that there wasn't more of a tourist scene from it. I did know another city was very close here, so maybe people just stayed over there instead.

As I looked around, I observed all the bathing suits. Mine didn't fit at all anymore, something that both pleased and upset me at the same time. I was happy to find the stomach area a lot less form fitting, but at the same time my hips had become more muscular along with my thighs. I was tone and defined thanks to my farm work and my complete overhaul of eating habits, but my self-consciousness was over the top. This made me hesitant to try on anything, despite quite a few of them looking rather cute.

"Hey there," a voice called out smoothly. I didn't recognize it so I kept looking at the piece in front of me. "Hey, you, pony tail." This made me look up and over at a muscular man in red and white swimming trunks. He had short messy hair and green eyes, along with a nice tan.

"Hello?" I ventured, confused.

"Why are you in the one piece section? The bikinis are over there." He pointed. "I could tell you what I think about them when you try them on."

I instantly didn't like him. "No thank you."

"Hey, come on." He followed me to another hanger section. "I'm Alex, by the way."

"Didn't ask." I denied him, turning to look at another set.

"Did I come on too strong? Let me try again." He moved in front of me. "Hi, I'm Alex." He held out his hand. "Nice to meet you."

Sighing, I gave in and shook his hand. "Hi Alex, I'm Kim."

Alex flashed me a pearly white smile that I chose to ignore. "So, Kim, looking for a new bikini?"

"A one piece. I don't wear bikinis."

"Why not? You got some rocking legs. I bet your stomach looks great too."

I crossed my arms at him. "I gave you a second chance, you're not getting a third."

"Hey, sorry, how about I make it up to you? I'll buy your suit. In return give me a shot for ten minutes." He held out his arms by his sides. "What do you say? Can't lose."

Briefly I was torn between taking him up on the offer and walking away. I was extremely short on cash thanks to my recent medical bill as well as a repair fee on fixing my air conditioner, paired with being stupid on my crops. An extra chunk of gold in my pockets would really be nice right now. However, I didn't like that he was trying to buy me. "I don't need someone to buy my suit. I have a very stable job."

"Then how about I just help you pick? I respect a good hard working woman. Work with me here, I'm trying, you know?"

I caved in again. "Okay. Okay, pick something. I won't promise I'll get it."

"But you'll try it on?"

A sigh. "Yes. I'll try it on."

Alex gave a sweeping motion with his hands. "My lady, right this way." He lead me over to the bikinis and I instantly felt nervous about my promise. As I figured, he picked up… something that looked like floss… and held it to my front. "You could pull this off easy!"

"I.. I don't think so."

"Oh come onnnnn, I wouldn't pick something that wouldn't work! Have some confidence! You look great!"

"B-but I don't look great."

"You kidding?" He put the bikini in my hands and began guiding me to the dressing room. "Why would I even try talking to you if you weren't attractive? Show off what you got!"

I blushed hard. "But it's… revealing…"

"Hey, you're hot, I won't lie."

"R-really?" I didn't get the same feeling hearing this from him as I did Abigail when she tried to flirt with me.

"Really! Come on, you promised, I get to pick one."

I looked down a moment and then to the dressing room. "O-okay, I did promise… But I won't' buy it if I don't like it, okay?"

"Right on!" Alex grinned and stood in front of the door while I went in.

I wiggled out of my clothes quickly, feeling a little exposed knowing someone was waiting just outside the door. The bikini was pulled up and tied on both sides. The top was fiddled with for several seconds as I tried to figure it out before I tied it around my breasts and around my neck. Adjusting it, I looked at myself in the mirror. I did have a wonderfully tone stomach, but my bust was… "I don't know…" I finally spoke up nervously. "It… it doesn't cover much."

"You're used to one pieces, of course it doesn't cover as much." Alex encouraged me. Slowly I opened the door and peeked out of it. "Come on," he beckoned me. As I stepped out, he whistled. "Whoa-ho! Look at you!" I blushed hard at his shout. "Come on, give me a turn!"

I reluctantly turned and heard a wolf whistle. "Wow, you're doing something right!" The compliment made me feel funny. "Dang girl, work it." I gave a little pose and he clapped. "That's the spirit! Come on, let me buy it for you."

"I-I don't know." I felt my shyness coming back up. "I really feel exposed." I covered my chest lightly with one arm. "Like I'll bounce right out of it…"

"That would be a good thing!" Alex replied easily. "You look great, show them off."

"N-no!" I took a step back. "That's not a good thing." I quickly tried to come up with something else to say. "I… I have a girl that wouldn't approve."

"Whoa, a lesbian? What are the odds I could get in on some of that action?"

I fumed at him. "Zero!" I instantly had enough and flung my arm out to slap him. Instead of smacking his face, he caught my wrist and was now glaring. "Let go you creep." I hissed before thinking.

"HEY!" A new voice came up, making us both look towards someone behind the register. "Leave the girl alone or I'll call security!"

"Bah, like I'd go for a flat chested chick anyway." Alex let go of me and walked off, leaving me standing there.

"You okay, miss?" The shop owner asked me.

"N-no… I mean… Yeah… I just… need a moment." I went into the dressing room quickly and closed the door. Sinking down to the floor, I hugged my knees and rested my forehead on them. 'Stupid.' I belittled myself. 'Letting yourself get fooled by that jerk… you're too good for that.' I sniffed and exhaled, trying to collect myself. Before I could think anything else, I heard a soft knock on the changing room door.

"Farm Girl? Was that you?" A voice came in that I recognized as Haley's.

"…Yeah, it's me."

"Hey, um, I heard the store owner yell and then you said you weren't okay and came in here… Um… You… need anything?"

She was trying, and I really appreciated that. "Just a bonk on the head for being so dumb." I reached up and pulled on the handle to the door. It popped open and Haley looked down at me. A small moment passed before she came in and closed the door behind herself. She sat next to me in the tiny room and stayed silent for a moment before reaching over and bonking me on the head. "Hehe, thanks."

"So… Can I help?" She was very awkward.

With a sigh, I retold the story as best I could. "To sum it up, a guy saw me looking at swimsuits, somehow talked me into putting on this string bikini, flirted with me and I think he thought I'd sleep with him or something, and I tried to slap him, got majorly denied, and had a small breakdown. Then you came."

"Wow, what a creep." Haley looked disgusted. "You should know better than to fall for pickup lines if you have a bad feeling about it, Farm Girl."

"I know, I just… I dunno. Felt nice getting a compliment from a stranger. Just wish he didn't turn out to be a slime ball." I looked down at my outfit. "Look at what he talked me into."

Haley smiled. "That's not you at all. How about I get you something?"

"Yes, please." She stood up and left me in there for quite some time before coming back. She handed me a single outfit with a knowing look. "Just one?"

"That's what you need. I know." Haley winked. "I know my clothes."

I smiled a thanks and closed the door to change once more. I hastily changed into the new, one piece swimsuit and looked over myself in the mirror. It was white with yellow triangles curved down where my hips were, making them appear a little slimmer. The top was accented around my chest and was padded ever so slightly to give me the appearance of looking a little more full. I spun around and looked at my butt, which was lifted a little from the tight material. "It looks great!" I exclaimed happily. "How did you know?"

"I told you, I know clothes." Haley replied easily enough. As I walked out, she gave an approving nod. A quick circle was made and she put her hands on her hips. "Besides your Yoba awful famer's tan, you look pretty good!"

"Nothing a little sun won't fix." I pulled the tag off and went to the cashier. After a quick purchase, I gathered my bag and walked with my friend out into the sun and back on the sand. "Thanks City Girl. You really cheered me up."

Haley looked pleased with herself. "You're welcome." We both heard our names being called and looked over at my friends walking on the beach. "You go have some fun, I need to check my camera gear."

"Going to take pictures?"

"Of course!" Haley gave me a smile. "It's what I'm good at." As Haley left I made my way over to a small group. I noticed Sebastian first, as he had on so much sun block that his skin looked white. He was sporting some simple purple baggy shorts and matching sandals. Sam was next to him in, to my horror and amusement, a red Speedo. The tight bikini style bottom worked for him, though, as he could strangely pull it off… Not that I wanted him to pull it off.

Leah had on a green bikini with yellow flower designs on the sides. Her top was a simple match but she had the same kind of flower that was on her suit in her hair as well, paired with a clip on the end of her braid. She looked rather adorable, despite her age difference with Abigail being insanely noticeable when side by side. The last girl stole the show, wearing a black top that completely covered her breasts, but had a cutout in the shape of a cat face with whiskers to show off her cleavage. Her bottom had a pink paw print on it and from what I could recall from seeing the design, the back had little cat ears above her butt.

There was a third man with them, one that I haven't ever seen before. He had long flowing blonde hair, and a strong jaw line. He wore what looked like home sewn shorts and a half vest to keep some of the sun off his shoulders. Being tan was an understatement with him, as he looked like he actually lived on the beach. When the group made it to me he instantly stepped forward. "Hello there, Kim I assume? My lady Leah has told me all about you."

"Good things I hope?" To my surprise he took my hand and kissed it.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lady. My name is Elliott." He gave me a smile that made me flush. Suddenly I felt like I should be standing up proper, or speak more clearly to match his… absolute charm that was radiating from him.

"L-likewise." I looked at Leah, who was grinning from ear to ear.

"I will get our spot ready," Elliott declared to me. "I made sure to pick the perfect spot for our gathering. Come, gentlemen, let us make way." The boys went with him and I instantly turned to Leah.

"I want him. I'm taking him home with me." I was shocked to see someone like that in this day and age. "Where did you find him, and are there more?"

Leah was laughing at me but answered anyway. "He's been my bestie ever since I first came here. He saw me moving into that little cabin with my art supplies and instantly came to help. He carried everything for me and went on and on about how happy he was to see someone with a taste for the fine arts coming nearby. He shared his poetry with me and I painted some pictures of what he wrote. He bought my first painting, too!"

"Wow! That's so cool." I noticed that Abigail was looking a little uneasy and I instantly realized that I had been ignoring her. "Abby, you look amazing in that, by the way! I didn't think you would wear something so adorably cute and revealing! Wow that cleavage!"

"Th-thanks…" She shyly put a hand over the cutout.

"She lost a bet after you left the saloon last night," Leah joked at once. "So she's wearing it because of that."

"Don't tell her that!" Abigail scolded.

"Abby?" She looked at me. "Could you meow for me? Just once? Please?"

The purple haired girl looked shocked, but reluctantly held up one hand to make a pawing motion. "Meow."

I squealed and hugged her. "I'm keeping this one too!"

Leah smiled at my joy and Abigail's embarrassment. "We can share. You look really good, by the way."

"Thank you." I twirled. "Haley found me and picked it out for me after I had a run in with some jerk who wouldn't take no for an answer."

"Typical beach bums." Abigail agreed.

I blinked. "Have you been hit on too?"

"What? Me? No… Not yet…" She crossed her arms. "Maybe they are scared because I'm an adventurer now."

"Or maybe it's the purple hair?" Leah pondered aloud.

"Hey, don't knock the purple hair." Abigail held up a finger. "My hair was the first thing I did to set myself apart."

"What color was it before?" I suddenly asked, realizing I never knew. She dyed her eyebrows as well and I never really thought about it.

Abigail talked on ahead and looked over her shoulder. "You'll just have to see some time."

"How can I see if you're always dying it?" She grinned and kept walking forward. "Meanie." I heard Leah snort a giggle beside me. "What?" She walked on ahead and I had to trot to keep up. The boys were already breaking out the cooler and passing out drinks when we arrived. Elliott had laid out some towels for us and a huge umbrella was stabbed into the sand. "So what does everyone do today?"

"Not much, just a community beach day." Sebastian sat in the shade and took out his phone, tapping on it at once. "I'm going to be so far behind on my programming…"

"Dude, relax." Sam plucked the phone from his hands and held it out of reach when he went for it. "You're in that room of yours all the time, you need some sun or you'll turn into a vampire."

"Not how it works, Sam." Sebastian tried again to get the phone but failed. "Ugh, fine. Just let me check me mail."

"Deal." Sam tossed him the device.

I looked around the beach a moment before spying a volleyball net and ball already set up. "Hey, could we play?"

"Don't see why not." Leah looked at the net. "I think that's always there?"

Elliott nodded at us gracefully. "Indeed it is."

"Then let's do it!" I ran out and picked up the ball. "Come on!" Leah joined me, along with Abigail. "Boys?"

"I'll burn." Sebastian protested. Sam pulled him up despite the protest and pulled him out. "Man, why me?"

"Because." Sam took to the other side along with his friend. "Elliott? You coming?"

The man bowed slightly to us. "I'm afraid I must decline, for I need to find the mayor and assist him with the festivities. But you enjoy. I shall return soon, my friends."

Leah waved at him and then looked over at me. "Isn't he the best?"

"He's like a dream!" I confirmed readily. "Oh man he'll make some woman very happy one day!" I noticed Abigail looking over at me and I rolled my eyes. "Don't worry, Abby, I'm not drooling."

Her eyes widened slightly. "I-I'm not worried about anything!"

"Hey girls!" Sam called out to us. "We get it, you guys like each other. Can you give us guys a break and give us some attention too?"

"Sorry!" Leah called over to them. "But we need one more… She looked around. "Anyone want to join us!?" Her shout caught the attention of a girl passing by. She had on a dark green bikini that looked like a type of wetsuit. It clung to her hips snugly, moving over a toned body with a small waist. Her top was the same kind of material that went around her breasts and up to her neck in a choker style clasp. A huge mass of hair went down her back, having to be held in two separate places by hair bands so it didn't go all over the place. "Hey, want to play?" Leah held up the ball.

"Never played before," the woman replied unsurely.

"Come on!" Sam motioned for her to join their side. "It'll be fun!"

"Well… okay!" She ran over to them. "Hi, I'm Molly."

"Welcome to the team, Molly! I'm Sam, that dude is Sebastian." He pointed across from them. "Over there we have the losers of the day, Abigail the Adventurer, Leah the artist, and Kim the farmer."

"Oh, I'm a farmer too!" Molly cheered over at me. "I run a farm the town over!"

"Nice!" I gave her a high five for being awesome. "We'll have to trade secret Parsnip secrets when we're done."

"Sure thing!"

The match started in our favor, as Abigail and I were in pretty good shape for running around a lot. Leah was pretty spot on with her hits, but was already panting by the fourth point. Me, being the klutz that I am, was struggling to not score against ourselves. Fortunately, Luck was on my side today, and I haven't tripped once in the game.

Sebastian was horrible at the game, but Sam seemed to be pretty good at it. Molly, for claiming to have never played, was shockingly accurate with her spikes. With the power she put into the downward motion, it was almost as if she had used a hoe all her life.

When it came to the end, we were behind a point on their serve. The three of us all exchanged nervous glances with each other before Sam finally served. Leah knocked it up for Abigail to return, only to have Sebastian lob it back. I was there to deny it entrance to our side but Sam was already there, tapping it up a bit for the newcomer to spike. I tried to jump again to stop it, but she popped it hard downward to outside. I luckily stopped it from touching the sand, but sadly for me, I used my face to do so.

As I fell onto my back I felt the sting in my nose and face at the same time as a few concerned gasps. I opened my eyes to see my friend's faces surrounding me, along with a freaked out Molly as well. Giving a smile, I felt the blood run out of my nose and onto my cheek. "I'm so sorry!" The farmer cried out, trying to help me up. "Lean your head back! No, wait, you're not supposed to do that, lean forward!"

"I'm good." I sniffed, and immediately regretted it as I had to spit blood. "Ew, gross!"

"Here," Leah came to me with a napkin. I held it to my nose and tried to laugh.

"Did the ball make it back to the other side?"

Sam was laughing at me with his eyes. "No, you totally lost."

Molly looked really apologetic at me. "I'm really sorry, I didn't think I would hit it that hard."

"You kidding, I bet you could till an entire field with that power."

Sebastian looked relieved. "Farmer's fine." He stood and started walking back to the umbrella. "I'm going to sit before I cook even more."

Our group went over to the shade and I sat down with my new friend to drink some soda together while my nose bled out. "So," I began. "You're a famer too?"

"Yup!" She looked at me happily. "On my fifth year now. I used to help my 'pa out back when I was younger. When he retired he asked if anyone wanted his old farm before he sold it. I decided, hey why not? It gave him a good life, why not me? How about you? Been at it long?"

"Five months?" I guessed. "I really screwed up and didn't replant anything for summer till just recently. I thought my first crops would last."

Molly looked at me a moment to see if I was joking. "Whoa, you really fumbled that one!"

"Tell me about it. Now I'm screwed with money."

"Not totally. I know some tricks that could help." Molly held up her fist in a triumphant pose. "I'll let you know some tips as an apology for smashing your nose in."

"Thank you… I think?" I laughed at her.

Sam touched a cold cola to Abigail and Leah's cheeks, making them both shriek before grabbing them. As he sat, he propped an arm up onto a bent knee. "Kim's really starting to fit in and make friends huh?"

Abigail popped her cola and took a long drink from it. "I'm glad. For a while it was just us, and I'm pretty sure it gets lonely on that huge farm of hers. Lately she's really been becoming part of the community."

The braided girl nodded. "Rough start and some trying times, but all in all she's doing a great job."

"Besides that whole not planting a summer crop and passing out twice thing." Sebastian spoke idly while looking at his phone. When the group went silent he looked up. "What? Just being realistic, I like the girl just as much as anyway. Doesn't mean that she's doing a bang up job. I was thinking of printing out some farmer help FAQs for her but never actually did it."

Leah sighed. "Sebastian's typical social awkwardness. The group chuckled at his expense, much to his displeasure.

"And that should help you get back on your feet before too long," Molly finished up. "If you ever need anything, just swing by my farm or give me a call. I was new once too." She moved some of her messy hair from her face and smiled. Her freckles were really visible without the hair covering them and I briefly wondered if I would get them from being out in the sun as much as I am.

"Thanks, for real." I looked down at the bloody towel in my hand and moved it to a clean spot to check if it was steal bleeding. "Couldn't ask to be busted up by anyone nicer."

"Ah haha… Sorry again." She bonked herself on the head and stuck out her tongue playfully. "I sometimes mess up."

"Mess up anytime you want if it means me getting back on track." I joked playfully, getting a laugh. I was about to say something else but her name was called out by a small group not far off. "Oh, I think your friends are here."

"Fans. Having a meet up." She stood up and dusted the sand off her butt. "I recently hit a milestone and thought it'd be fun to meet some of them." Before I could ask she gave a little wave. "You have my number, call me anytime you need help!" With that she ran off to the group.

I looked over at the group. "Did I just meet a celebrity?" They shrugged. "That would be cool."

"Oh my!" We turned to see Elliott looking at me in shock. "My lady, whatever happened?" He knelt down to me and looked at my nose. "Here, let me assist you," he took a napkin and handed it to me to swap out and gently used his fingers to make me lean forward a little more. "Head tilted, breath as normally as you can. Let it drip out so it doesn't cause an infection in your sinus cavities. Would my lady like anything to drink?"

"I have some soda." I replied happily. "Thank you though." He nodded at me and looked over at Leah. "I read your letter about a painting you have recently completed. I must say I was delighted to hear so, but have been terribly busy with my novel. Might I impose upon you soon to view it?"

"Of course, any time. I'd love to read what you have up till now as well? We can do an art trade off!"

"Marvelous idea!"

"Book?" I inquired curiously. "You write?"

"It is my dream to become a published author. It is very taxing, but everyone struggles with the pursuit of happiness."

"Tell me about it," Leah muttered. "My sales went up after the farmer's market, but crashed shortly after."

"Maybe you should have that art show. Like announce it online and stuff." My words made her look nervous. "Come on, won't be that bad. You've already thought about it before right?"

Sam nodded with me. "Yeah, I'd come!"

"As would I, My lady."

Sebastian leaned forward so he could look at her. "I could hit up all the forums and post the place and date."

"You guys…" Leah looked over at Abigail, who gave her a thumbs up. "M-maybe I will!"

"Good job!" I nudge her, getting a real happy smile

As the day progressed more and more people from the town came out. Gus from the Saloon even brought a huge truck along with him that housed several amazing grills. He began cooking for everyone with the help of a few of the townspeople. The smell was amazing and I began to really want something to nibble on. The food wouldn't be ready for at least another two hours though, and I didn't think I could wait that long.

Luckily for me, there was a food stand not too far away and I told myself that getting a snow cone with some cream wouldn't be bad enough to spoil my dinner. I got some money from my purse and after asking if anyone else wanted one, made my way over. Haley was actually at the end of the line when I arrived and I tapped her on the shoulder before moving to her other side. She did a complete loop before finally finding me and giving one of her classic annoyed looks ."Very funny, Farm Girl."

"I know I am," I bumped her hip to nudge her up the line when they stepped forward. "Are you having fun today?"

"I am. I've taken lots of pictures." She showed me the camera that was hanging from her neck.

"Have you played any?" I pondered, admiring the camera's look. It probably cost more than what I spent on food for a month.

"No, I've been working. I want to enter my photographs in a contest for the summer." Her bikini wasn't really good for playing anyway. It was a solid white, riding high on her butt but with a semi see-through sash to keep it classy. Her top was revealing and went up and behind her neck instead of over her shoulders. It really made her hair stand out more. She would be extremely pretty, if not for her dismissive attitude.

"Do you develop your pictures yourself?"I pondered as we stepped up in line again.

"I would like to, but I don't have a dark room. My parents don't want to add onto the house, though, since they're going to sell it and buy another one in a few years. I've seen things on changing a closet into one, but I have too many clothes."

"Do you need that many?" I ventured out. "Maybe you could donate some and buy a standing dresser or something like that to store them in. Then you could use your closet."

"I don't know, donating clothes seems kind of weird. I mean, I have really high quality name brand things. What would someone want with those if they couldn't afford things to match it?"

She was being extremely rude, but the tone of her voice made me believe it was an honest question that she really wanted an answer to. "Haley, sometimes people just can't afford anything. Giving them one of your high name brand shirts would probably make them cherish it a lot. They would pass it down to their little sister so they could wear it as well, and they would feel so good."

"Over a shirt?" She looked skeptical.

I knew she was rich, but this was ridiculous. "Haven't your parents donated before?"

"I dunno." She shrugged. "Haven't seen them in, like, three years. They're traveling the world together."

"How old are you again?"

"Seventeen."

I bit my lip. No wonder she was the way she was. If her parents left her at that early of an age, and no telling how much time they spent with her before then… Maybe they just showered her in gifts and money to make up for the fact they were really bad parents. "You should." I sated before I could stop myself. She looked at me and I had to commit. "Build it. The dark room. Build it yourself, in your closet, because you want it. Don't buy things just to make it easy or whatever, do it just like your book says. I can… help you get wood, or Robin can, or something. I dunno, but do it all yourself."

"Why? I can just pay someone to do it."

"Because it's your passion. Just do this one thing for yourself, make it with your own hands."

Haley looked at me oddly but agreed despite clearly doubting me. "Okay Farm Girl, if I do this hard work for you, can you do something for me?"

"What?"

"Let me take more photographs at your farm. I want to catch it as it grows."

She did have passion, and she had a photographer's desire to capture things. She was just… underdeveloped. "I accept, City Girl." I shook her hand. "I'll even let you ride my horse whenever you want." That made her lips turn up before she recomposed herself.

"I wouldn't mind that." She replied airily, as if she didn't care. I saw her smile though. There was a girl under that make up and snobby, rich attitude that needed to be set free. Before I could continue, she started placing her order. I waited behind her, but to my surprise, she finished her snow cone with a "And whatever this girl here wants as well." Her finger pointed at me.

"Wha? I mean, um, I'd like a cherry with the sweetened condensed milk please."

"Condensed milk? In a snow cone?"

"It's wonderful!" I insisted with a nod. "You just don't know." Our treats were completed and Haley bought for me. "Thank you so much for the snack." I bumped my cup against hers, startling her slightly. "Oh come on, you've toasted before."

"Only champagne."

"Then toast to the snow cone gods." I held my cup forward again. "Come on, dink it!"

Haley looked rather embarrassed, but tapped hers to mine anyway. "So childish."

"But fun!" I pointed at my group. "Want to hang out with us? At least until you're done with your shaved ice."

"…Sure, why not?" She looked pleased at the turn of events that took place. "I'd like to."

"Awesome!" I took a bite of my cream splashed cherry treat and shivered in delight. "Yum!"

The blonde next to me gave an actual giggle at me. "It's good you're having a good day. I was worried for a bit that experience this morning would have ruined it for you."

"Thanks for caring, but I'm good now. One jerk can't take me down for long. Just have to ignore them and keep going. Some guys just don't like taking no for an answer. One of the reasons I started liking girls."

"Hey, you didn't mention anything about… you know… to anyone, right?"

"Huh…? Oh! Of course not! I would never!" I took a bite of my snow cone and spoke around the spoon. "How's that going for you?"

"I don't know… Not really anyone to experiment with, and besides I'm still dating someone now so I wouldn't if I could."

"Oh you are!?"

She looked at me sideways. "Why do you say it like that?"

"No reason!" I shook my free hand frantically. "I just didn't think you'd find someone who was as…uhm… refined as you?"

"Stop while you're behind." She pouted slightly. "But he's not really… good. I feel like he's using me sometimes…"

"Then why stay with him?"

"I don't know," she answered easily enough. "Just… He gives me attention…"

"Hey, Haley," I stopped her before we got within hearing distance of our friends. "Don't settle for that. I don't know him or you really, or your relationship, but never settle for attention only. You're better than that. Maybe that's why you asked me what you did?"

The blonde looked down. "Maybe… thinking someone softer would… maybe care for me a little more."

I debated it a moment, but put my hand on her shoulder. "Do what your heart says. Don't go for status, or what people think you should do. Just trust your heart."

"…My heart says he doesn't care about me…"

"Then chin up." I moved her head to look up more. "And you do what you need to do." She gave me a nod after a few moments and we continued on. "I just hope he isn't as big of a jerk as that Alex guy I met earlier."

Haley stopped walking and looked at me in shock. "Seriously!?"

It had been a long, long day. I felt very full, more than a little sun burnt, and very happy. As I got out of Robin's truck and thanked her again for the ride home, I shouldered my bag and walked the last little bit in the setting sunlight to my house. About halfway there, I noticed someone sitting on my porch. When I got closer they stood and waited for me. I realized it was Penny, and she looked rather fretful. "Hey?"

"Kim, about what my mother said yesterday." She began at once. "I wouldn't, I mean I didn't… I would never-"

"Hey, whoa." I held up my hands defensively. "I never thought you did."

"Just… If anyone heard or thought that, or if it got around, I would lose any respect as a teacher and would never get a job with children again…"

"Hey, I didn't and wouldn't ever say anything like that. She was drunk and was just ranting on and on. I didn't think anymore on that. Promise."

Penny adjusted her blouse and kept her eyes down. "I'm sorry, I just had to make sure. Mother just… Doesn't think sometimes."

I really started getting a bad feeling about this. "Okay, I understand."

"She's nice when she's sober, but when she drinks she just… kind of says things…" She finally looked up at me and I could see the sadness in her eyes. "So please don't listen to her when she's like that. I would never disrespect myself like that."

"Hey, Penny, for real, it's ok. I can tell you're a good person." The words made her smile a little. "A great person. Someone who wants the best for the children. I like that, and am still waiting on you to come by with them."

"Really? I still can?"

"Of course!" The defeated look on her started to break away. "Maybe you could even teach me a thing or two about farming, I bet you're smart enough."

This seemed to do it. "Okay. I'll be by on Friday? Say around noon?"

"Friday at noon, it's a field trip."

"A field trip." She giggled a little at that. "I better go home now, before mother gets mad." Her cheerfulness was starting to fade a little.

"Hey, Penny?" She stopped to look over at me again. "Let me show you something." I brought her over to the side of my house where some Poppy flowers were just starting to grow. "See these?"

"Poppies," She replied at once. "My favorite flower, actually."

I grinned. "Watch." I moved my hand over to one and concentrated. A small wisp of green left my fingertips and illuminated the area around the flower softly. I heard Penny gasp but kept my focus on the task. A single poppy was growing steadily, budding and blooming almost at the same time. "Phew," I exhaled and the green mist stopped. The soft glow faded out and I gently plucked the now fully grown flower. "Here." I handed it to her and she took it carefully, eyes still wide with wonder. "Not many people know I can." I held a finger to my lips. "I keep secrets like this very well, and I trust you with it. Don't tell anyone, okay?"

"I-I won't. I promise." She was still in awe.

"Great. In return, I'll keep any secret you tell me as well. So if you ever need someone to talk to about anything, you have a friend here."

Penny didn't say anything for a while, but then wiped one of her eyes and smiled brightly at me. "Thank you."