Spring
Friday 12 February
Early Evening

Joanna has now officially been in Stardew Valley for five days, not counting the previous week where she had to painfully take the bus each morning from Zuzu City to oversee the clean up and repair of her cottage and then take the bus again each afternoon to return to her small one room apartment just on the outskirts of the city. In all this time she has only been to town once to a make a formal introduction to Pierre who owned the local general store.

Pierre was a tall lanky man with mousy brown hair that was parted in the center of his head that flopped down the sides over his ears. He wore silver rimmed square glasses that were perched high on the bridge of his straight nose. His overjoyed enthusiasm when Joanna had entered his store had made her cringe at first but soon his chatter had made her smile and she had relaxed. He had eagerly shown her his shop explaining each shelf in great detail. By the time he had finished Joanna could easily have applied to be his store clerk. He had given her a list of all the seeds he stocked and she had been pleasantly surprised that they were categorized in their respective seasons with in depth details about the growing times. Plus he had also given her several brochures on farming and she had giggled at the one labeled 'Do It Yourself Farming for Dummies'.

She had spent almost an hour in Pierre's shop and had finally been on her way out, when a girl with flowing shoulder length violet hair had whirled into the store. She was the same height as Joanna and had strong toned arms and legs which had reminded Joanna of a ballet dancer. She had worn a long blue-green sleeveless waistcoat over a black t-shirt and a pair of black tights with brown ankle boots. Pierre had introduced her as his daughter Abigail. And it was because of that brief interlude between her and Abigail that Joanna was now making her way to the Stardrop Saloon.

Stardrop Saloon

Abigail leaned back against the back rest of the worn out blue sofa tucked neatly against the back wall of the games room in the Stardrop Saloon. The Stardrop was the only nightly recreation in Pelican Town and for over ten years it has been her and her two childhood friends Friday night ritual to meet up, play pool and just hang out. Abigail knew that her invitation to the new farmer to join them tonight is going to disrupt their equilibrium.

Abigail watched as Sebastian bent over the pool table to take his next shot, his black hair falling over his eyes and his tight fitting black jeans stretching over his backside revealing the trim of his blue boxers. Sebastian was tall and slender and he was a head taller than Abigail. Sebastian was the strong, silent, hard working and dependable one of their group that can be somewhat aloof and appear rude especially if surrounded by people other than her and Sam. Yet it was his aloofness that made him so darn attractive. Abigail's eyes switched to Sam. Sam on the other hand was the complete opposite he was friendly, outgoing, boyishly handsome and funny. Sam winked at Abigail as he caught her looking at him and he ran a hand through his thick spiky honey blond hair. Sam was fit and had a good body thanks to his skateboarding efforts which he does not seem to want to outgrow, despite Mayor Lewis's constant lectures and reprimands.

Abigail sighed, and then there was her...she was the balance between them and that was why she supposed they all got on so well together. She knew that Sebastian and Sam would never have even considered being friends if she had not been in the equation. But through the years their friendship had grown beyond their differences and they are best friends now. They all knew each other so well...bringing in an outsider has proven disastrous in the past. They have all had friendships and relationships outside of their little circle. It was when one of them would try to bring that relationship into the threesome that things usually go all wrong. Trying to find that special person that would accept the trio for what they are...that was the hard part. There was just no breaking up the trio...unless one of them leaves, Abigail looked at Sebastian. When she and Joanna had briefly chatted in her dad's store they had an instant connection. She liked Joanna and she has always wanted a girl friend…she has never been able to really be friends with Penny, Haley or Maru, the only other girls around their age in this town, except for Maru being the youngest at age 20. Abigail hopes that she has not made a mistake inviting Joanna tonight.

Joanna stood in front of the Stardrop Saloon one hand on the door handle. What the hell was she doing? It sounded like the whole town was inside the saloon tonight. She really, really did not feel like meeting the whole town tonight. When she had accepted Abigail's invite it had been on a whim, as she had been feeling lonely and craved some company. A casual night hanging out with someone her own age seemed like a good idea at the time. She and Abigail had instantly connected and her bubbly personality had been infectious. She longed to have a good friend again. After school all her friendships had waned and disappeared. Her work colleagues at her previous job could not be classified as friends she could hardly even remember their names. Joanna took a deep breath and quickly ran her hand over her hair that she had tied into a ponytail at the base of her neck. Then with a nervous sigh she plastered on the biggest smile she could muster and she opened the door.

Shane was standing in his usual corner at the far end of the bar next to the old stone fireplace. This little space of the saloon was always shrouded in darkness and he liked it. He could stand there all night and nobody would ever notice him. He was holding his beer in his right hand and his left was shoved into the pocket of his blue compulsory JoJo Mart jacket. He had come directly from work and he was already on his third and would soon be tapping the bar counter for his fourth. It was taking more these days to really get sloshed...and he was not even feeling tipsy yet.

He lifted the beer bottle to his lips to take a sip and then he froze. He stood in a trance as he watched Joanna shyly peek around the huge saloon door and slowly enter. It was like she was trying to avoid being seen as she slipped sideways to stand against the wall. His eyes drifted over the forest green cotton shirt and the faded black jeans she was wearing and again just like the orange t-shirt this shirt was too big for her. Has she lost weight or was she simply trying to hide? He saw her shoulders sag as her name was being called by Mayor Lewis, who was waving and motioning her to his and Marnie's table. She went albeit hesitantly, looking around desperately for an escape and he could see her visibly cringe as Lewis started introducing her to everyone in earshot. He had this sudden urge to walk over to Lewis and poke him in the eye. He finished his beer and dropped the bottle onto the bar counter and tapped.

He was halfway through his fourth beer when he saw Abigail float in from the games room towards Joanna. Joanna was extremely happy to see her when Abigail hooked her arm around her and ushered her towards the games room. As they passed he could see the immense gratitude in her wide green eyes. She leaned into Abigail and mouthed thank you and his eyes fell to her mouth. She has a pretty mouth with full naturally pink lips...Shane shrank further back into the darkness pressing his back against the wall. That type of thinking was only going to lead him down a path he has no intention of taking...ever.

Abigail took the opportunity to introduce Joanna to Sebastian and Sam when she saw them stop their game to look at her in surprise. She could see Sebastian's expression turn dark with a scowl, but Sam was all smiles.
"Hey, good to meet you" Sam greeted with a salute and huge grin then turned his attention back to the pool table.
Sebastian only nodded and did not look at Joanna but instead concentrated on Sam taking his shot. Abigail knew he was now totally annoyed with her for bringing someone into their sanctuary without any warning. Abigail gently nudged Joanna towards the blue sofa and she sat down gratefully.
"So...how is your day going?" Abigail chuckled as she settled herself comfortably into the sofa pulling up her legs to tuck them underneath her. Joanna pulled her face and laughed "better now" relief washing over her thankful to be away from the busy bar.

Sebastian was super annoyed with Abigail at the moment, but...and he sighed fidgeting with the top of his pool cue, not for inviting the new farmer. He sneaked a side glance at Joanna who was now sitting comfortably on the sofa next to Abigail chatting.

Out of all the places this girl could live, she chooses Pelican Town…why? She looked the same age as them, but then again he has been fooled before. She was too pretty to be a farmer and he wonders what her deal is. No one just leaves a city job to move to a small coastal town to become a farmer overnight. He had heard his mother Robin talking to his step dad Demetrius about her. How she admired Joanna for being so brave and that she was such a sweet and shy girl but that she displayed the same determination and strength as her grandfather. Sebastian could not really remember the old man he had only been five when he had passed away just a year after his mother had married Demetrius. Sebastian grimaced and a year after that Maru had been born and his whole life changed.

It has been two weeks to the day since he had told Abigail he was leaving. He has finally saved enough from his part time computer programming job to be able to rent an apartment for year in Zuzu City, which should give him enough time to find a more permanent job. They had been planning to tell Sam together tonight, but obviously...Abigail has changed the plans. He knew that somewhere in her mind she still hoped he would change his mind…

"Hey, earth to Seb"
Sebastian blinked and looked at Sam who was snapping his fingers to get his attention.
"What?"
"It is your shot" Sam smirked, Sebastian looked down at the pool table and then he smiled.
"Did you sink one of my balls?" and then he laughed and Sam just rolled his eyes with a silent whatever.

Abigail had gone to order some pizza, when Joanna heard Sebastian laugh she turned her head to look at him. His laugh was soft and deep. His eyes were hidden by his dark fringe but she saw the slight curl of his mouth. He was tall and when he leaned over the table to position his pool cue she saw his leg muscles strain against his tight jeans. Joanna bit her bottom lip and she looked away. This guy's standoffish demeanor towards her had not fazed her at all most people in Zuzu City were the same, rude and disinterested. Joanna stole another quick glance and for just a split second she wondered if he was hiding a muscled upper body underneath the black hooded jacket he wore. Her eyes drifted to Sam and she stifled a giggle when she saw the disheartened look of utter defeat on his face, clearly whatever was happening on the pool table was not going his way. He was such a complete contrast to Sebastian with his friendly and outgoing personality. Joanna could see that Sam had a very well toned body underneath his tight fitting blue jeans and the sleeveless white t-shirt showing off his strong shoulders and arms. From what Abigail has shared they have all been friends for over fourteen years. Joanna had been amazed at that and she envied them. She supposed it was easier to establish friendships in a small town than in a big city. Small towns were however notorious for everyone knowing everything about everyone. Joanna frowned…and there are some things that are just better left remaining a secret.

Sam slapped his forehead and then returned his pool cue to the rack behind him when Sebastian sank the last ball. Defeated…again…will he ever win? Sam shook his head, the same scenario every Friday night. Play pool, lose, drink beer and eat pizza. Sam glanced over at the sofa and he looked at Joanna. He had wondered why Abigail had been so quiet and when she had disappeared earlier and brought back the new farmer girl he had understood. He had been eager to meet the new girl everyone has been talking about. His mom Jodi and Caroline, Abigail's mom, had been talking about her non-stop although neither of them has actually met her yet. It was all speculation and gossip. The big question going around town was of course why she has moved to Pelican Town. No one really believed that she just came to farm. And he actually agreed…what young woman or man would just leave a good job in the city to come and live on a rundown farm? Her face was pulled into a frown and Sam had this itch to go and wipe it off her pretty face. And she was Sam mused very pretty…The dim lighting in the games room highlighting her delicate facial features and the red copper in her hair.

Abigail reentered the games room with four beer bottles and a huge pizza box. She placed the box on the small coffee table in front of the sofa, then handed everyone a beer. Joanna squealed with delight that it was actually a cider and she happily popped hers open and took a sip. Her action surprising both the guys and they followed suit opening theirs and drinking. Abigail giggled and then opened the pizza box. The aroma of freshly baked pizza flooded the games room and everyone laughed when Sam's stomach growled. Abigail settled back down onto the sofa next to Joanna and the guys dropped down onto the floor and sat cross legged next to the coffee table.

The next half hour was spent in comfortable silence as everyone ate pizza and drank their ciders. Abigail sighed…time was not her friend right now. Soon this will all come to an end and everything will change…She looked at Sebastian from under her lashes, her future plans have never involved leaving Pelican Town she had no desire to go to the city or anywhere else, but besides…she has a very good reason to stay.

Late Evening

Joanna stepped out of the saloon welcoming the soft evening spring breeze against her hot face. It had been a pleasant evening even though it had started with her being bombarded by Mayor Lewis. But she supposed she should thank him, he has managed to introduce her to almost the whole town. Now she can continue to concentrate on the farm without having to worry about being thought of as rude or anti-social. Her time with Abigail, Sam and Sebastian although awkward at first had turned into a nice one. After finishing their pizza, Sam and Abigail had asked questions about her life in Zuzu City and what her plans for the farm were and in turn she had asked them about Pelican Town. Sebastian however had remained silent but Joanna had noticed him listening intently.

Abigail and the guys had left about ten minutes earlier and she had been following them out but got stopped by Emily. Emily was a whirlwind of bubbly and bouncy with her short messy pixie bob cyan hair that framed her cute heart shaped face. She was a curvy girl and the long red dress she wore gracefully swung around her legs. Emily had welcome hugged her and told her that she was sure she was going to love living in Pelican Town and with a wink had disappeared behind the bar counter again.

Joanna turned to head up the town square when she was suddenly knocked off her feet by something heavy bumping into her back.

Oh shit, what did I just do? Shane thought as he stared in shock at the sprawling body of Joanna on the ground. She was lying on her right side and he heard her groan. He immediately knelt down at her side and hesitantly poked her arm with his finger. Stupid step! How many times has he told Gus to make that step wider, if he had actually been drunk he would be lying on top of her and she would most likely be dead or at the very least gravely injured…He could just see the Pelican Herald News Headline, Town Drunk and Jojo Mart Employee Flattens New Farmer.
"A…are you okay?" he asked as his eyes drifted over her body for any visible injuries. He noticed her eyes were closed and her shirt was all scrunched up and he caught a glimpse of her midriff, her skin pale and smooth…and was that a scar?
"Shane?" she whispered opening her eyes and he saw the faint glimmer of recognition on her face and he felt himself blush that she remembered his name.
"Are you okay?" he asked again, more firmly this time.
"Just winded…I think" she nodded.
"Let…let me help you up…" he said standing up holding out his hands. Joanna accepted his hands with hers and he pulled her up. The action bringing her up against him, her body brushing against his and he stiffened, immediately letting her go and moving away.
"Sorry…" he apologized. Stupid, Stupid, Stupid!

"Thank you" She pulled her shirt down back into position and brushed off the dirt from her jeans. She had briefly smelled the beer on his breath when she had been close to him. Joanna looked at him the dull light of the Saloon's outdoor light casting a soft glow on his face. He did not appear to be drunk though, in fact he looked completely sober, which was more than she could say, she has had three ciders tonight and she was feeling quite lightheaded, two was usually her limit. She did not notice the Jojo jacket he was wearing, the dark blue looking blacker outside in the darkness of night. Joanna grimaced which probably accounted for her being so light on her feet and meant that she was going to feel this fall tomorrow.
"You are sure you are okay?" Shane asked again almost as if he was trying to convince himself.
"Yes, I am sure" Joanna nodded, "I just need to get home" and she turned to walk away.
"Ow…crap" she yelped and she touched her right side hip.
"You are hurt…" Shane whispered and Joanna could hear the self loathing in his voice.
"Maybe…I should call Emily…or Gus…" he offered.
"It's just a bruise…" Joanna smiled and she looked at him, he looked so grim and he had a deep frown on his forehead, "really, I am okay…" she tried to reassure him.
"Still, I should call…someone…" his voice wavered.
"Shane, I am okay…really" she insisted. Shane looked at Joanna and although she was smiling he could see something else in her eyes. It was obvious she did not want him calling anyone and he relented.
"Okay…" he moved away turning slightly then stopped looking at her again, and for a moment it seemed like he was about to say something but then with a curt, "Goodnight" he hurriedly went towards the path that led to the cross paths for the beach and Cindersap Forest.

Sunshine Farm
After Midnight

Joanna finally climbed into bed. It took precisely fifteen minutes to get home and she had gratefully taken a hot shower to ease the slight dull pain she was already starting to feel. Although she knew she had been more stunned by the fall than actually hurt, her body had tensed when she had hit the ground and her right side was really feeling it. She had a slight bruise on her hip, but…and she grimaced that had not been the reason she had cried out in pain though. Joanna touched her hip then slid her hand slowly towards her stomach.
Her body had reacted to a memory…the pain more of a psychological nature then a real one. Joanna snuggled into her pillow and her mind drifted to Shane. Joanna frowned why can't she remember seeing him in the saloon? And it was on that thought and with her inner mind scanning a busy saloon for a rugged man wearing a familiar blue over-worn jacket.