From that point on, Holly always kept her face hidden whether it was with glasses, a hat, or the hoodie she had yet to return to Ford. She was terrified of what would happen to her if she was discovered and invested in clothing and accessories to ensure her identity was hidden.
Holly was on her way to Miranda's to pick up her latest clothing order when she crashed into someone. She looked up and was paralyzed with fear as she realized it was Hunter. The man smiled at her and picked up her purse, handing it to her. "Are you okay miss?" he asked looking genuinely concerned.
Holly nodded but didn't dare to speak, she simply took her purse from him and started to walk in the opposite direction towards Ford's Clinic. Before she left, the man called out to her, "Hey, I'm looking for a girl named Holly, who lives around this area. Have you seen her?"
Holly shook her head no and continued to make her way to Ford's, not daring to look back. Did he genuinely not recognize her? Probably, but that wasn't a chance she was about to take. Holly entered the clinic and called out to the doctor, "Ford!"
"I'll be just a minute Holly," he called out from his office.
"No, I need you now," she said as she struggled to lock the door. Her hands shook so much she couldn't get it in the hole.
Ford heard the urgency in her voice and stepped out of his office. He immediately helped her with the lock and flipped the sign to closed on the door. He then sat her on the couch and said, "Let me go lock the back door and we can talk."
Holly nodded and waited for him to return. When he did, her eyes widened as she saw him holding a gun. "Is that loaded?" she asked hesitantly.
Ford raised an eyebrow and replied "Of course, it's loaded. What good is a gun without bullets...Well, I suppose you could hit someone over the head with it, but it's not exactly the best form of defense." Ford shook his head and said, "Now tell me what's wrong. Is Neil in town?"
"Hunter... I ran into him in town. I don't think he recognized me, but I still can't stop my hands from shaking." Holly said quietly. "I'm sorry to have dumped this on you all of a sudden. I...I just didn't know what to do."
Ford shook his head and replied, "No, I'm glad the first place you thought to take shelter was here."
Ford knew that it wasn't a good idea to confess his feelings to her while she was a mess, but he wanted to do something to show he cared. "I have a new tea that I have been waiting to try with a guest if you would like. Sometimes a warm beverage can help calm frayed nerves," the doctor suggested.
Holly nodded and followed the doctor upstairs. While she waited on the tea, she peeked out the window and saw Hunter continue to ask around. She let out a relieved breath knowing that her disguise worked. Ford came out with a tray of tea and handed her a cup. "Here you go. I hope you like it."
Holly took a sip and noticed it had a strange fragrance. Ford noticed she made a face and said, "It does have a unique flavor, doesn't it? It's made from dehydrated elephant dung. I had an old friend send me some from Castanet. It has a surprising amount of health benefits."
Holly bit her lip, trying not to freak out. She was sitting here drinking watered-down elephant shit... "Ford, can I have one of those toothbrushes you normally give patients that have to stay overnight?"
"Certainly, what on earth for though," Ford asked mildly confused.
"Because I am going to throw up on the floor if you don't," she replied simply.
Ford went to the supply closet and grabbed a toothbrush and toothpaste when he heard a lurching sound upstairs. He let out a sigh, somehow he felt that Holly getting sick was his fault. Ford walked upstairs and placed the items on the counter, before pulling back her hair as she puked. "Are you allergic to the tea?" he asked, still trying to figure out why she was ill.
Holly shook her head no and thought for a moment as she rested her head on the toilet, taking a break between puking. She knew that Ford had good intentions, however, sometimes his brilliant head and his social skills clashed...violently... This was one of those times. "I'm fine. I think my body is just overwhelmed by today's events. That's all," Holly answered, not wanting him to feel bad.
Once she was certain she had finished vomiting, she grabbed the toothbrush and toothpaste, brushing twice to get the taste out of her mouth.
With that, she gave a weak smile at Ford, "I think I should be heading home now. Thank you for your hospitality."
Ford grabbed her arm and said, "Wait, you were just puking. At least let me walk you home tonight." Holly smiled and nodded putting her sunglasses back on to hide her face.
When they reached the farm, Ford paused at her doorstep and said, "Holly, I know you were looking forward to attending the costume contest, but in light of recent events I think it would be safer for you to sit this one out."
Holly nodded and replied, "I figured as much. It just sucks because I had been planning on asking you to attend with me."
Ford swallowed hard, "Me? Really?" His heartbeat sped up as he listened to her.
Holly blushed, "Of course, I can't think of anyone I would rather spend the holiday with."
He thought for a moment before saying, "Although attending the festival would be inadvisable, what do you think about having lunch with me instead."
Holly turned her head to the side curiously, "Wouldn't you rather spend your day at the festival?"
Ford shook his head and said, "Nah, it's too chilly to be outside anyway."
Holly then answered, "On one condition, let me cook for you."
The doctor straightened his glasses, "It's a date then..." Ford turned around and realized what he said, "Well... uh... What I mean is... It's not a date date... More like a..."
Holly interrupted him with a peck on the cheek and clarified, "It's a date." She then stepped inside her home and said, "I will see you soon."
...
On the day of the festival, Holly got up bright and early to gather the crops from the field. She was going to need the fresh ingredients for the Pot au Fe. While she was harvesting she thought she heard a branch snap. She looked around but no one was there, so she continued what she was doing.
After the crops were gathered and the animals were fed, Holly went inside to take a shower. It was almost time to head over to Ford's and she didn't want to smell. As she showered, she noticed her eye didn't seem quite as irritated as usual. Holly took a leap of faith and tried to open her eye. She beamed when it finally came open. Her lashes were still in disarray, but at least she could see. She quickly got dressed and headed over to show Ford, nearly forgetting the vegetables in her haste.
...
Ford was working on making a pitcher of lemonade when he heard a knock on his door. "Greetings Holly," he said nervously as he ushered her in the door, "Let me get that basket for you."
Holly handed him the basket and said, "I have a surprise for you."
Ford looked as she removed her sunglasses. "The glue finally wore off," he noticed, "Would you mind if I took a look at it before we start cooking?"
"Of course you can," Holly answered.
Holly sat on a patient bed as Ford pulled out a few tools. After a thorough examination, he took a Q-tip and dipped it in a liquid, gently applying it to her lashes. As he did he said, "If this gets in your eyes let me know immediately, so we can wash it out. This should loosen the last of the glue from your eyelashes. I didn't want to risk putting it on there when your eyelids were glued shut. It would have been impossible to get out."
Holly didn't dare nod, but he knew she heard him.
When he was done, he handed her a towel and said, "Go wash it off at the sink. I will place these upstairs," referring to the basket of vegetables.
After she finished, Holly found Ford washing the vegetables and went to the drawer she knew he kept the knives and a chopping board. "Can you pass me the potatoes please," she asked.
He handed her the cleaned potatoes and spoke as she chopped, "So what's on the menu today?"
Holly smiled and replied, "One of your favorites, Pot au Fe." A knock was heard on the door and Ford excused himself. When he went downstairs, he saw Lizette and Wayne standing outside the clinic. He opened the door and greeted them, "Hello, are either of you unwell?"
Lizette handed him a bouquet and replied, "No, we just wanted to drop these off for you to give Holly and wish you good luck."
Ford's face turned red and argued, "But I..."
Wayne shook his head and replied, "Save it, I have been trying to talk her out of it for days. She will drag you upstairs herself and make you hand it to Holly. Now go!"
Ford awkwardly accepted the flowers and thanked them before shutting the door.
As Ford ascended the stairs Holly called out, "Who is it?"
He turned the corner and swallowed hard before nervously squeaking out, "These are for you."
Holly gasped and whispered, "They're beautiful Ford...Thank you so much."
Ford couldn't help but blush when he saw how happy the flowers made her. "You...you're welcome," he stuttered.
...
Lunch was wonderful, Ford commented on how much healthier the town seemed since Holly's crops hit the market. Holly smiled seeing how pleased he was about the variety available. He also suggested having a table at the annual health fair to boost sales. When lunch was done neither wanted the other to leave, but both understood it couldn't last forever.
"Shall I walk you home again," Ford asked politely.
"If you don't mind, I would love that," She answered honestly.
...
Arriving at the farm Holly turned to face Ford, she bit her lip and asked, "Pardon me if I am too forward, but may I..."
He didn't even let her finish, he leaned forward and captured her lips in his own. Holly felt the heat rising in her cheeks as he managed to make the first move. She wrapped her arms around his neck and slid her fingers through his hair to deepen the kiss. When they both came up for air, they stared into each other's eyes unsure what to say. That was when a noise caught their attention.
Ford broke apart from her and approached the barn where the noise came from. Holly followed close behind, fear causing her face to go white. When Ford opened the door, he was surprised to see a fairly emaciated-looking horse thrashing about the barn, spooking the animals.
"Woah, there," Holly called out trying to calm the horse. "Easy girl," she said. The horse didn't calm down, instead, it reared up and nearly crushed her if Ford hadn't tackled Holly out the way. "Ouch, she mumbled as her back hit the wall."
"Are you alright?" he asked, rolling off her.
Holly nodded and said, "Let me try something different. She grabbed a carrot from her basket and held it out to the horse, "Here girl, you look hungry," The horse still looked fearful, but its hunger far outweighed its concern. Ford let out a sigh as he watched the horse cautiously eat the carrot out of Holly's hands. "You're a natural," Ford commented.
Holly shook her head and said, "It looks like this horse and I have had a similar past. I figure if I treat her with kindness and respect as you have treated me, I might be able to ride her eventually."
Ford's face turned red as he thought about riding Holly. 'She's talking about the horse you idiot,' he silently scolded himself and replied, "I am sure you will be able to gain her trust. Is there anything I can do for you before I leave?"
Holly shook her head no and said, "Thank you for a wonderful first date. I hope we do this again soon."
"Me too," Ford answered with a smile.