This will be a slice of life story that shows how the Sunshine Islands change after Chelsea moves in. The POV will vary throughout the story, but it should mainly focus on Chelsea or the effects she's caused. I will always state whose POV it is at the beginning of the chapter, and while the POV will change from chapter to chapter it will not change within the chapter.
Written because I wanted a story I could relate to better with an older main character, less high school style drama, and a more realistic feel.
Genres: Slice of life, friendship, family, romance, general
My one and only disclaimer: The ideas are mine, the characters are not — except for OCs, those are mine.
Weed of a Woman
Poets often compared girls to flowers...
A flower would have wilted and died by now
— calling her a weed was more accurate.
That woman could grow anywhere.
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Prologue
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WANTED
Sunshine Island
NEED RANCHER OR FARMER.
Must be responsible, willing
to work hard, and restore old
rundown farm to its glory days.
Previous experience preferred,
but not required. On the job
training is available if needed.
Property includes: one farmhouse,
one barn, one chicken coop, one
stable. All buildings need renovation.
Large acreage located away from
The main town. Serious inquiries
only. No prank calls!
CONTACT TARO
XXX-XXX-XXXX
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Chapter One
[Taro POV]
I'll never admit it, but… I'm getting too old for this.
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"For the last time, the property is not for sale to be developed!" Slamming the old black phone down on its receiver I let out a loud harumph. Darned cocky developers with their cockamamie ideas. An exclusive golf resort was not going to help the island out. Only a farmer or rancher could do that.
"If I were twenty years younger, no even ten…" I muttered on my way back to my comfy chair. It was one of those fancy recliner ones. Pulling the lever, I put my feet up before adjusting my blanket. Darn house must be getting drafty.
"No luck then?" Felicia asked, walking out of the kitchen. Her lips were drawn tight like they always were when she was stressed or worried. So much like her mother that way… I shook my head. "I see…" I watched my daughter turn to look out the window at the snow covered ground, her hands fisting her skirt. "Spring will be here soon."
A frown tugged at my own lips. I knew what she was getting at. If we couldn't find someone to take over the farm soon… "How are the crop buying prices holding?"
"There's been no change since the beginning of winter when we saw the fifteen cent hike, but I'm afraid we may not see a reduction with the coming of spring this year…"
I bit into my tongue, a habit I'd picked up in my earlier years and never seen fit to get rid of. This was serious. Things had been bad for awhile now, but the cost to import food goods to the island was negatively affecting the rest of the island's economy. To offset the cost of food everything else had gone up in price; driving away tourists and islanders alike.
I hated to admit it, but the island was slowly dying. How much longer before even the true stalwarts had to leave because no one else was around to support their business? The only viable solution was for the island to produce most of its own food, but there was no one to run the old farm.
"Ya sure Elliot doesn't want to give it a try?" Turning from the window, Felicia came to kneel at the side of my chair.
"You know that wouldn't work, Daddy. We've talked about it before. The pressure alone would drive him to his sickbed. Besides, Elliot has no interest in growing crops, and Natalie can't grow anything to save her life. You know that. You've seen it yourself."
I knew she was right. The apple had fallen far from the tree in my family. No one wanted to take up farming. Not my daughter, not my grandkids. I loved them all dearly, but sometimes I couldn't help but wonder if it might have been different.
"What about his girlfriend?"
"Julia? She's alright with animals, but doesn't know a thing about crops."
"She could learn."
"Daddy."
I let out a long sigh, but knew I was only beating a dead horse. If anyone on the island could or would take over the old farm they already would have done so. And the last few people who'd come to the island to try… well, none of them had lasted out a full season. Pansies, the lot of them.
"Young'uns these days ain't got no gumption in 'em!" My right knee was starting to ache. There'd be snow again tomorrow. "What I wouldn't give to be a younger man again. I'd march right up to that farm and have it in tiptop shape in no time!" And I would too, just like I did with the farm I used to own.
Felicia gave my arm a gentle squeeze. "I know you would, Daddy, but you can't. We just have to hold out hope that someone who can will answer the ad."
The phone rang then, breaking the silence that had settled over us.
"I'll get it," Felicia said, getting to her feet with ease I envied.
"Hello? ...Yes. Of course, one moment please." I looked around the back of my chair to see her holding her hand over the receiver. "It's for you, about the farm."
I let my chair down with a loud thunk and threw my blanket to the side. My joints protested the cold without it, but I made my way over to the phone fast enough and took it from her. It better not be another developer.
"Taro here. State your business."
"Hello, Mr. Taro. My name is Chelsea Summers, and I was calling about your ad I saw in the paper. Is the position still available?"
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A little exposition for some under-explored (in my opinion) characters and their relationship to each other.
Everyone else may see Taro as a crazy old man, but to his family, his daughter, he's more than that.
What's your opinion on Taro?
Crazy old man? Local weatherman? Legendary retired farmer? Something else?