Chapter 8

The Farmer and the Violet Adventurer

Joan's mind filled with the memory of that one afternoon so long ago. She had wanted to return the next day and she almost had but her mother had collapsed. That had been the start of her life changing forever.

Joan turned and walked slowly back towards the farm, taking her time. How could she have forgotten so easily? Sam...He was not nine years old anymore. She wondered if he remembered her. She doubts it. She had never told him who she really was and besides it had only been one day...and so very, very long ago.

As Joan came back into view of the farm, she saw the unmistakable violet hair of Abigail.
She was standing on the porch leaning against one of the wooden posts. She was dressed in tight fitting black jeans, and a white strappy top, her hair loose around her shoulders. She was staring at the ocean and did not see Joan until she had almost reached the porch.

"Hi, I'm glad to see you. I want to take my mind off things for a while...can I visit?" Abigail asked as Joan came up the few steps or the porch and went to unlock her door.
"Come in" she invited and Abigail followed her.
"Sit, if you like" and Joan motioned to the only empty chair at the table.
Abigail did not sit down but walked around the cabin and scanned everything. Joan went to sit down on the bed. "You are welcome on the farm anytime...you know... to explore...or whatever." Abigail turned to look at her, cocked her head to one side and seemed to ponder the suggestion for a few seconds. "Thank you" she finally said, then did move to sit down on the empty chair.

"Why?" Abigail asked softly, the question surprised Joan. Why what? Allow her on the farm?
"Why did you move onto the farm...?" Abigail elaborated her question after Joan's lack of response.
Oh...
"Honestly? I needed a change" Joan said, "although now I think I was just crazy".
Abigail looked at her intently, studying her face. There was no hidden laughter or amusement; instead she could see the seriousness reflected in her expression. Abigail touched her hair and twirled a lock around her fingers. "Not so boring after all..." Abigail said softly and then leaned back in the chair, "so got anything to eat?" she asked.

"There are some cookies and fruit bars on the table, help yourself" Joan replied and watched as Abigail poked thru the scattered contents on the table and then took a maple bar.
"Thank you" she smiled as she unwrapped the bar and took a bite from the sweet doughnut.
"Things have been so boring since access to the mines has been blocked off," Abigail told Joan.
"The mines?" Joan asked, Abigail nodded.
"Stupid JoJo Corp blasted something and caused a landslide, blocking off the train station and the mines, and they are super slow in getting it all cleared up" she said clearly frustrated and stuffed the final piece of the doughnut into her mouth.
"What is so interesting about the mines?" Joan asked, she had thought they had been closed down a long time ago, well according to her grandfather that had been closed shut due to some disturbances or something.

Abigail lifted her eyebrows, "There have been rumors that there are more than just minerals to be discovered. The mines had been abandoned years ago, and then recently they were reopened for surveys. Although the lower levels are still blocked off."
Joan saw Abigail's eyes widen in excitement and she leaned forward in her chair.
"I have been in the mines and they are way more exciting than spending a day with the boys".
"The boys?" Joan asked.
"Hmm, Sam and Sebastian. We spend a couple of days a week practicing for the band, other than that, it is just boring. Sebastian is most of the time locked up in his room, working...on some computer thing..."she shrugged her shoulders, "and Sam is either working at JoJo Mart, skateboarding...or practicing guitar" Abigail rolled her eyes.

Abigail looked thoughtful for a moment, "would you like to come to the Saloon tomorrow night? We usually go on Friday nights and play some pool and just chill. Sebastian never let's Sam win, but you just gotta give Sam credit that he keeps trying though. Come on, it will be fun! Have you met them yet?"
"Only Sam" Joan replied, then "that will be fun, thank you!"
"Great! It would be nice to have another girl to hang out with!" Abigail genuinely seemed pleased.

"So…do you actually like farming?" Abigail asked as she stood up and stretched.
Joan thought for a moment then shrugged.
"Ask me again next season…by then I should either love or hate it" she said honestly. Abigail smiled, she liked Joan. She was different than all the other girls in town.
"Well Farmer Joan, thank you for the chat, and I will see you tomorrow night" she said heading towards the door, and then with an over the top salute she left.

Joan stood up, grabbed a pen and notebook from her bag, and then went to sit on the top step of the porch. She busied herself by making lists, notes and drawings. There was so much to do, but she was determined to try her best. She stared out across the farm and tried to imagine it like it had once been. Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft buzzing sound. Joan jumped up and rushed for her bag. She pulled out the small grey cell phone.
"Hello?...Hey, Dad."

The phone call had been difficult and Joan was exhausted after she had said goodbye. She had noticed that the phone's battery was on 20%, but with no electricity she could not charge her phone. Maybe Pierre would be willing for a fee. Joan grimaced. Sigh.

The sun had made way for the darkness; Joan had a quick dinner and went to bed early.
Her dreams were restless filled with visions of spider webs, dark caves, and a secret wood shrouded in darkness. Yellow eyes piercing thru the night, staring...waiting.