Spring
Thursday 18 February
Sunshine Farm
Late Afternoon

Joanna stood hesitantly at the entrance of the path from her farm to Cindersap Forest. She wanted to go down the path underneath the luscious green canopy of tree branches, but she did not want to run the risk of bumping into Shane. She had discovered last night when she had texted Abigail that Shane lived on the ranch located in Cindersap Forest. He was Shane Macpherson the nephew of Marnie Macpherson owner and rancher of the Macpherson Cattle Ranch. Shane was obviously not in the friends market not that Joanna had intentionally tried to be his friend...rather than just make casual conversation which was not welcomed either. And after last night she was not ready for another encounter with him. It would just be better to stay out of his way for now. Joanna turned away to walk back up towards her cottage. She will visit Cindersap Forest another day...

"Hey, Joanna!" Joanna swung back round at the call of her name and smiled as she saw Sam coming up the path. He was wearing blue tight fitting jeans that stretched over his leg muscles as he walked, and his rocker black t-shirt showcasing his strong upper body was making Joanna's gaze linger longer than it should. She was suddenly all too aware of her shoddy grey overalls she was wearing and she self-consciously started fiddling with the straps that kept the overalls securely over her pink t-shirt and shorts.
"Hi Sam" she greeted shyly.
"How's it going?" He asked, his handsome face breaking into a grin.
"Good" Joanna answered, "I was just on my way back to the cottage".
"Would you like some company?" Sam asked.
"Sure" she nodded and started walking, Sam took a few long strides to reach her and they walked together over the sand.

"Not working today?" Joanna asked.
"Nope...it's my day off" Sam grinned, "Jojo Mart allows at least one day off for its employees...well the low paying ones anyway..."
"I did not know there was a Jojo Mart here" and Joanna pulled a face.
"Yep, it is located on the eastern side of the river that runs through town. Both me and Shane were recruited when they moved to town...or let's say we were the most desperate to actually work for them"
"Oh Shane works there too?" Joanna asked frowning and trying to sound casual at the mention of Shane and stifling the involuntary gasp at the sudden connection to why his blue jacket had seemed subconsciously so familiar…why had she not recognized the ominous Jojo branded blue jacket?
"Yep, every day except weekends. I work every day, but for Thursdays and weekends"
"So what do you usually do on Thursdays?" Joanna asked not wanting to dwell on Shane.
"Well, usually Abby and Seb comes around to hang out...but they both were busy this morning leaving me to my own devices...which meant I played computer games until Mom chucked me out...something about getting fresh air" Sam laughed making her laugh with him.

As they came into view of her small crop field and the cottage Joanna could hear Sam chuckle. She glanced at him and realized she had to look up as Sam was quite a few inches taller than her. Sam was admiring her scarecrow.
"Handsome fellow" he smiled and then he nodded towards the two unwelcome visitors on her cottage roof, "for them?" he asked.
"Yes" she said disgusted, "they have been perched there all week" Joanna stepped up onto the porch and opened her cottage's door. She turned back to Sam and saw that he was looking at her intently. Joanna flushed and shifted uncomfortably.
"W...what?" she asked nervously.
"Do you miss it?" Sam asked and Joanna frowned.
"Miss what?"
"Your job" Sam stated and nodded towards the scarecrow but still not making any move towards the porch, his hands in his jeans pockets. Joanna looked at the blue JoJo company jacket that her scarecrow was wearing…it still looked neat and well taken care off.
"No I don't" she replied honestly, "leaving the JoJo Corporation has been one of the best decisions I have ever made…"
"Okay" Sam nodded satisfied and with one finally glance at her scarecrow, he moved forward to quickly jump the steps up onto the porch.

Sam followed Joanna inside the cabin and he watched as she went to the fridge in the small kitchen to fetch them both water. It had never been his intention to come to the farm today, in fact he had started going in the complete opposite direction but then when he had spotted Mayor Lewis in a heated discussion with Elliot, the writer that stays on the town's beach, he made an immediate u-turn towards the forest. Mayor Lewis has been on the warpath this week and Sam knew it had everything to with Marnie. The latest rumor being that Marnie had given the Mayor an ultimatum over the weekend. Everyone in town knew about them although they would maintain that they are not involved. The secret nightly rendezvous in the Mayor's garden the glances and shy hand holding on a Friday night in the saloon. Who were they kidding? But the Mayor wants to keep it casual and Marnie wants something more committed.

"I have never been inside the cottage..." he said as he looked around, "the farm however...a different story" and he chuckled again.
"Oh?" Joanna's eyebrows rose questioningly as she gave Sam a water bottle.
"Thank you. Yeah...we used to sneak out at night and come out to the farm...the beach was a favorite spot to hang out, especially as we got older" Sam told and he turned to look at her, "but I have not been here for a few years now…it was actually sad to see the place go to ruin..."
"Well, hopefully I can fix it up to be good again" Joanna smiled sounding determined.
"Yeah..." Sam nodded and he took a sip from his bottle.
"Did you know him?"
"Who?" Sam asked confused.
"My grandfather…" Joanna had not known her grandfather and her mother had never spoken of him. That the people in this town would have known him was to be expected. Sam had never met Joanna's grandfather though...he had died the year his family had moved to Pelican Town.
"No, but Evelyn knew him very well."
"Evelyn?"
"Mrs. Muller, she stays in town with her husband...George" and Sam rolled his eyes "grumpy old geezer and her grandson, Alex."

Joanna remembered vaguely that Robin had mentioned the Muller's and that about twelve years ago they unexpectedly became the guardians of their only grandchild after the death of their daughter, the child's father refusing any responsibility and just disappearing.
"I could introduce you sometime...if you like?" Sam offered, although he and Alex were not exactly friends he knew the Muller's well enough.
"I would like that...thank you, Sam" Joanna smiled.

Joanna looked down at her overalls feeling sweaty and dirty.
"Would you mind if I quickly take a shower?" Joanna asked, "You can make yourself at home."
Sam smiled "sure" and he sat down on the large brown sofa positioned underneath the two small windows next to the front door. Sam watched Joanna go into the bedroom and close the door. His eyes scanned the room, there were a few furniture pieces like the sofa, the kitchen table and chairs, a small bookcase against the bedroom wall and a large fuzzy faded pink rug in the center of the room. Sam stood up and walked to the door leading to the second room at the back of the cottage. Sam poked his head in and saw the massive pile of boxes and he smiled such a contrast to the neat and tidy living room. Several boxes were open and small various items were scattered all around the room, but his eyes almost immediately caught the black guitar case tucked behind a few small boxes standing on top of each in a corner. He quickly looked back out the door towards the bedroom and he could hear the shower running. The guitar case was an irresistible pull for Sam and he carefully lifted the case and brought it out to the sofa. He opened the case and his breath caught in his throat at the beautiful mahogany acoustic guitar. He gently touched the strings and the warm golden sounds vibrated under his fingers.

Joanna jumped into the shower to get rid of all the day's dirt and was extremely glad to be out of those grimy overalls. They were not the most flattering attire but then again they were not supposed to be. Joanna pulled on a pair of blue jeans and a grey loose fitting t-shirt. Joanna grimaced, not very flattering either. She knew wearing these large shirts was stupid but she could not bring herself to wear anything more fitting…or tighter. Her therapist had said it will take time and Joanna knew he was right…but how much time…and will it ever get better. Joanna touched her stomach…she has not looked at her body for over two years. Joanna shook her head and picked up her hair brush to comb her damp towel dried hair. She tied it back into a loose braid then went to open the bedroom door. As she reached the door she stopped when she heard the soft melodic sound of a guitar…She instantly recognized the strings of her guitar and she was slightly surprised that they still sounded in tune. Joanna quietly opened the bedroom door.

Sam was sitting on the sofa with her guitar and it fit him so perfectly. He was holding the instrument against him and strumming a soft sweet melody. Joanna leaned against the doorframe and listened. There was a small frown of concentration etched between his brows and a small smile of satisfaction on his lips. Joanna had thought Sam handsome before…in boyishly and playful way but watching him like this he was utterly attractive…

Sam looked up and saw Joanna watching him and he stopped playing when he saw the way she was looking at him. The tingle that went down his spine immediately made his cheeks hot.
"Please, don't stop…"
"I am sorry…"
They started at the same time and Sam cleared his throat.
"Please…keep playing" Joanna said and she moved into the room.
"Sorry…I…" Sam started to apologize again feeling extremely guilty for taking the guitar in the first place and he stood up placing the guitar back into its case.
"I don't mind…I am actually surprised she is still in such good shape and sounding so good, please…play some more" Joanna smiled and she touched his arm. Sam shifted slightly nervously…the spot underneath her hand on his arm was starting to tingle like crazy. He nodded and retrieved the guitar and sat back down, relieved that Joanna had removed her hand to place the case onto the floor to sit next to him on the sofa. He cleared his throat and started to play again.

This was unexpected for as long as he can remember Sam has only ever felt something for Penny. When Penny and her mom had come to town parking that rickety trailer of theirs on the open space of ground just north east of the Muller's and on the edge of the river, he, Sebastian and Abigail had like the rest of the town had come to see the new editions to Pelican Town's community. And when the shy golden copper blond thin girl with the biggest emerald green eyes walked out from behind her very loud and rowdy blond mother Pam, Sam had been enamored. Penny had been ten and he had been thirteen. It had taken Sam several years before he had finally broken through Penny's timidness with his charm and persistence to go out with him on a date and since then they have been somewhere between friends and something more, but never officially together. Unconventional as that was it suited both of them as their lives were not the greatest at best. Each having their family issues and that Sam supposed was what made them get on so well…they were both stuck in impossible situations. For the last few years their relationship had moved past being only friends to friends with benefits…which had resulted from a non-sober incident in the bathhouse up in the mountains. That had been something that had been building up for months, the hot make-out sessions behind the trailer or saloon…or in between the book shelves in the library. Penny was his childhood crush, his first love…and both of them had made the conscious decision that they would be each other's first…it was the natural progression of their relationship. That they had to be semi drunk to take the plunge had bothered Sam for awhile but after the initial awkwardness had worn off they returned to the way things were except that they were now intimate whenever opportunity or need presented itself. Neither of them has pressed to make their relationship more committed or serious and he knew it was because he was not in love with Penny and he knew she was not in love with him, they were attracted to each other and were great friends and the sex was good but that is where it ended. He has dated other girls, but has not been intimate with anyone other than Penny…and only because he has never felt anything for the other girls.

"Hey…" Joanne said softly and touched his arm lightly again "where did you go?"
"What?" Sam blinked and realized he had stopped playing.
"You spaced out there for awhile…"
"I did? Sorry…" and Sam shifted his shoulders the spot on his arm tingling again.
"That last melody…did you compose it?" Joanne asked. Sam turned to look at her no one besides Abby and Seb has shown interest in his music …not even Penny.
"Yes" he replied hesitantly.
"It is really beautiful…"she complimented.
Sam nodded "Thank you" and he started playing again. It was the same kind of soft balled melody but somehow more emotional and she wondered if he had composed it for someone specific.
"Do you do songs too" Joanna queried as he strummed the last notes.
Sam chuckled "No, Sebastian is the songwriter…I am the composer and Abigail the singer."
Joanna raised her eyebrows "so…you are like a band?"
"Well, don't really know if you could call us that…Sebastian also plays the keyboard and Abigail the drums, but we mostly just mess around."
Joanna looked at Sam thoughtfully, the way he was playing was more than just messing around.
"What?" Sam asked, she was looking at him funny again it made him swallow nervously.
"I think you are very talented…and way too good to be just messing around" she said and stood up. She remained standing still for a few seconds then turned to look at Sam.
"Would you like to take walk? To the beach?" she asked.
Sam gave a smile in surprise "yeah…sure" and he stood up. He replaced the guitar back into its case and quickly returned it back to where he had found it. When Sam came out of the second room, Joanna was waiting for him by the door. Shoving his hands into his jeans pockets he joined her and together then went out to the porch.

It was late afternoon and the sun was starting its slow descent as they made their way northwest towards the beach on her farm. Joanna had in the past weeks slowly tried to clear a path down to the beach to make it more accessible, but there was still a lot of small boulders, trees and other debris to remove. They stumbled several times over loose rocks and sprouting tree roots. But Sam did not mind at all, eagerly catching Joanna and keeping her on her feet as she would trip or stumble. Twice he had caught her falling into his arms and she had stiffened briefly, but then laughed it off and wiggled herself away from him. That tingle down his spine was shifting and it was actually unnerving him. They did not talk much concentrating more on where they stepped then having a conversation.

When they finally reached the beach they both exhaled in delight. The ocean was a gorgeous pristine blue and stretched out to the edge of the horizon with the waves kissing the golden sand gently. Halfway towards the water Joanna stopped as she realized that Sam was not with her and she turned around to find him still standing at the edge of the beach. Sam had halted as he had watched Joanna walk over the sand the sun rays catching the copper red highlights in her auburn hair. He had brought Penny here once, but she had complained about the sand, luckily it had been in the days of only kissing. Sam shivered to think if they had actually done it here…Sam swallowed as he saw Joanna looking at him, "you coming?" she asked smiling and she held out her hand towards him. Sam stared at her hand for a moment before moving forward and taking it. Her hand was soft and warm and she gave his a little squeeze before they walked together towards the water.
"You okay?" she asked softly as they stopped, she had felt his mood shift as they had neared the beach.
Sam nodded, "yeah…just forgot how beautiful it was" and he let her hand go to kneel down, his hand instantly cold where the warmth of hers had been.
Joanna smiled, yes it was beautiful, she had not known about the beach until she had arrived and needless to say she had been delighted. Joanna watched as Sam took off his sneakers and stepped forward into the small waves kissing the beach. He was being very reserved with her, restraining his outgoing personality. Joanna frowned and she wished he would not and just be himself. She liked Sam.

Sam looked out over the water he would have been with Penny right now if Mayor Lewis had not subsequently changed his plans. Sam rubbed his hands together…the hand Joanna had held felt over sensitive. He wanted to relax and just be himself, but something was making him hold back. He really wanted Joanna to like him…Sam saw Joanna come to stand next to him out of the corner of his eye. She had removed her sandals and had rolled up the legs of her jeans. His eyes travelled over the grey t-shirt, it was way too big for her and it confused him, the jeans she wore fitted comfortably and he could see her legs were slender and her arms were already getting toned from the work she was doing on the farm.
"I did not mean to pry…or go through your stuff" Sam said suddenly apologetic.
Joanna turned to look at him, "I know…and it's okay" and then she leaned in a bit closer to whisper "at least you did not find my hidden stash of weed."
Sam looked at her and then broke out in laughter. The little curl of her mouth making his heart beat faster. Sam's laughing got rid the awkwardness and they both relaxed.

The next hour was spent with Sam telling Joanna about some childhood adventures the Stardew Gang, as she now learned the three of them were called, had especially here on the farm. The one she enjoyed the most was where they had decided to build a raft out of the debris on the farm, this of course had ended disastrously for them and they had to be rescued by Captain Willy and his old barely floatable fishing tug boat. The tide was coming in and soon both their jeans were soaked by the waves coming in, but they were both oblivious as they laughed. It was when Joanna shivered suddenly that they realized and moved away from the water. They stood together in silence for several minutes watching the sun dip lower getting ready to set and disappear beyond the water.
"Are you coming to the Saloon tomorrow night?" Sam asked and he saw her wince. Although she had enjoyed last Friday night, the prospect of a loud and rowdy bar again was daunting.
She had a standing invitation from Abigail to join them if she wanted to.
"Maybe" she shrugged.
"Okay" Sam said and he sounded disappointed. His jeans pocket vibrated and he took out his phone.
"Oh dang" he grimaced and slapped his forehead, "I completely forgot I promised Mom I would make dinner…"
"Time to head back anyway" Joanna smiled and she started walking to where she had left her sandals.
"Can I have your number?" Sam asked suddenly.
"Yes, sure" Joanna agreed. Sam added her to his contacts and satisfied he tucked his phone back into his pocket.

Their walk back was again in silence as they concentrated to maneuver their way back safely to the cottage. Once Joanna stood up on the porch she turned to Sam.
"Thank you Sam…I really enjoyed today" she smiled and Sam blushed.
"Yeah…me too" he stood for a moment then he turned.
"See you later, Jo" he called over his shoulder and with his hands in his pockets, he strode away whistling a tune.

Sam's House
Early Evening

Sebastian twirled his un-lit cigarette around in his fingers as he leaned against his and Sam's tree on the river edge just in front of Sam's house. Sebastian's mouth curled up at the thought that this was their tree...the place they would always meet up and then decide on where the day would take them. He and Sam had not always been the best of friends and if it had not been for Abigail they might never have been friends...which would have been foolish, especially in a small town like this. They had known about each other of course with all the festivals and events in this town it was impossible not to know each other or at least of each other. It had been Abigail who had first approached Sam at the Egg Festival. He had been skateboarding on the path in front of his house, avoiding the festivities. Abigail had been trying to sneak way to steal some of the eggs that had been hidden for the infamous Egg Hunt when she had spotted him. And the rest as they say...is history and that was sixteen years ago. He had been 11 and Abby and Sam 10...There had been a year or two that they had struggled to get along and competed furiously with each other but after the Luau incident with Mayor Lewis's purple shorts they were the best of friends. Sebastian chuckled, that had been epic. It was a day that had gone down in Pelican Town's history and had forever ensured them their first place position on Mayor Lewis's blacklist. Even though that had happened years ago, Mayor Lewis still refuses to allow them to go anywhere near the Luau Soup Pot.

Sebastian heard Sam's cheerful whistle tune and turned to look and saw him coming down the path from Cindersap Forest. Sebastian cocked an eyebrow, what was he doing in the forest? There was no sign of Penny and of course there would not be...because he had passed Penny and his step-sister Maru on his way here.
"Hey Seb" Sam greeted as he got closer.
"Hey...what have you been up to? Your Mom said you left hours ago..."
"I spent the afternoon with Joanna" Sam grinned.
"Oh, the farmer..." Sebastian rolled his eyes. Sam frowned Sebastian's blatant annoyance and calling Joanna the farmer irritated him.
"I like her" Sam stated firmly.
Sebastian looked at Sam in surprise, what did that mean? And what did that mean for Penny? He had been seriously frustrated on Friday night, but he had stayed quiet and just watched and listened as Abigail and Sam had chatted with Joanna. Her answers had been short not giving away too much and in return her questions had just been general knowledge about the town and valley. The timing of this farmer was inconvenient and she was a distraction…which in retrospect was maybe not a bad thing. Sebastian shook his head and he looked at the cigarette. He was really trying hard to quit but right now he badly needed a smoke.

"We need to talk" Sebastian said seriously.
"About?" Sam asked as he watched his friend place the cigarette back into the tin case he carried.
"Me...I was actually hoping to do this with Abigail here...but she has been avoiding me..."
"What's going on? I know something's up...you both have been acting weird the last couple of weeks...well weirder than usual" Sam said and Sebastian's shoulders sagged and his expression become grim.
"I am leaving Sam" Sebastian breathed finally relieved to tell his best friend.
Sam nodded and smiled, not the reaction Sebastian had been expecting…
"Yeah, kinda thought it would be something like that…Hey, bro, it has always been your plan to leave" Sam patted Sebastian's shoulder "I am glad that you can finally get out of here…"
Sebastian frowned, Sam and Abigail were his best friends…his only friends. But he needed to get out of this town...away from that dark, damp basement that has been his home for most of his life. He needed to get away from Demetrius...and Maru...

"Come on, I am making dinner. You can tell me all the details while I burn it" Sam laughed and he headed for his house. Sebastian smiled and followed his friend. Sam had taken the news much better than Abigail had. She was still having trouble dealing with it or to be more accurate not dealing with it. He and Abigail did try once to be something more than friends but that had ended in a disastrous awkwardness that had lasted almost a week. Their friendship had been salvaged by their bond that came from years of confiding and sharing and their deep rooted love and understanding for each other. Sebastian would do anything for Abigail just like he knows she would for him…him leaving has always been inevitable and Abigail knows he won't be gone…he will just not be here and she knows that if she needs him he will come. Sebastian sighed, growing up has not been easy for any of them and being in their twenties and to still be living here. Abigail has chosen not to leave, Sam cannot leave…yet…and Sebastian has chosen to leave as quickly as it was possible… and now it was finally possible. He did not know what the future held, but he knew his future was not here…it never was.

Late Evening

Sebastian was lying on Sam's bed staring at the ceiling as he was listening to Sam playing on the guitar cross legged on the floor with his back against the bed. He had stayed for dinner at Sam's mom Jodi's request and he had been grateful, not really wanting to go home. Things were strained at home between him and his mom Robin right now and he would have preferred to just avoid any confrontation, especially with Demetrius.
"Is that new?" Sebastian asked not recognizing the tune Sam was strumming.
"Yeah…"Sam nodded, "I actually got inspired today. Joanna also has a guitar…not that I know if she can actually play though…but wow it's a gorgeous mahogany acoustic one".
He sounded impressed Sebastian mused, but was it the guitar or the girl making the impression.
"When are you and Penny going to start getting serious?" he asked and he sat up to get a better view of his friend. This has never been a conversation that lasted long Sam was always brushing it off and changing the topic. Sam shrugged his shoulders, he has hardly even thought about Penny today…
"I don't think that we will ever be more than just friends" he said surprising himself and Sebastian to actual voice that out loud for the first time.
"To be honest…I have never really thought Penny a good fit for you anyway…and Abigail if she was here would have agreed"
Sebastian and Abigail have never hidden their concerns about Penny…she was as Abigail would have delicately said too bashfully sweet and stuck up. Penny was shy by nature and circumstance and she only appeared stuck up because she shied away from getting involved with anyone because of her mother. Penny had only opened up to Sam because he had pushed her not physically but emotionally…and it had been a moment in their relationship where things could have taken a completely different turn, but Penny had shared her story with Sam and that had tied the knot in their friendship. Besides Maru, he was the only one who knew the real reason why Pam had moved them here. He had been thankful for Maru she would always step in when Penny was too emotional or irrational for him to handle. Maru was a really good friend to Penny and if it had not been for the fact that she was Sebastian's younger step-sister they might have been friends too. He has never told Sebastian or Abigail Penny's story or that they had been intimate.
"Yeah…maybe" he agreed with Sebastian. Sebastian frowned Sam was much more reserved than he usually was. He wished Abigail was here…

The knock on the bedroom window made them both jump, making Sebastian curse and Sam almost breaking one of his guitar strings. Sebastian smiled as he saw the familiar violet hair glitter in the glow from the single porch light of Sam's house. Sam untangled himself from his guitar and stood up to open the bedroom window for Abigail.
"We have a front door you know" Sam groaned as he helped Abigail to climb through into the room.
"Yes, but this is more fun" Abigail grinned as she pulled her waistcoat back into position over her black t-shirt. Sam rolled his eyes, "We are not kids anymore, Abby".
Abigail scoffed at Sam and stuck her tongue out, her tongue stud gleaming in the bedroom's light.
"Glad to see you" Sebastian greeted softly and Abigail turned to him. For a moment she just looked at him, then she rushed forward and hugged him.
"Hey Sebby" she whispered softly into his neck, "I missed you". Sebastian returned her hug he was so relieved and happy to have her here. Sam cleared his throat dramatically and they broke apart. Abigail laughed and then hugged Sam catching him completely off guard making him stumble backwards falling onto the bed pulling Abigail on top of him. Abigail scrambled off Sam giggling "s…s…sorry Sam". Sam sighed and just stayed where he was trying to catch his breath…he did not want to tell Abigail that she completely winded him. She was not overly heavy but she was becoming stronger and muscled, Sam had no idea what she was doing other than that she disappeared each day for an hour or two going to the mines northeast of town. Neither he nor Sebastian pressed her to tell them although he suspected Sebastian knew…
"So… "Sam wheezed, "Tell me we are going to have at least one last blow out before you leave Seb?"
Abigail's eyes widened and she looked at Sebastian "you told him" the words a statement rather than a question and maybe a final acceptance.
"Absolutely! I am not leaving until end of April…so we got time" Sebastian said. Abigail sat back down next to Sam on the bed.
"Just promise me we will always be friends… I know things will be different and that we cannot prevent change…but friends for life?" Abigail asked and she held out her hands to them, one for Sam and one for Sebastian. Sam took Abigail's hand and squeezed it "always" he smiled and Sebastian took her other hand "and forever" he completed their pact.