AN: Sorry this is late everyone! A recent gaming binge, work, and returning to the planning stages of my novel took more time than I thought it would. Speaking of my novel, I'm not going anywhere even though I'm working on original content. In fact a few years ago I posted an extremely rough draft of the prologue on FictionPress. I'm planning to update the draft later this week and then begin posting my novel on there. Each post will be roughly 4-6k words, with God knows how many posts per actual chapter. If any of you give it a read me know what you all think. My pen name on there is the exact same as it is on here. Now enjoy the journey, keep moving forward, and don't feed the guard dogs! - Phoenix Commander signing off!
Chapter Nine: Pets, Art, Plans
Matt woke to the sound of a light rain against the window of his cottage. He was on the rough wood floor, propped against the side of the bed. The wooden frame dug uncomfortably into his back, as the farmer tried to move he realized Leah's hand gripped the fabric of his shirt from where she was curled up in the bed. Gently prying her hand from his shoulder, he carefully placed her hand back under the covers. She's gonna be out for a bit longer, not surprised she did beat me to the bottom of the jug. Hmm, if this rain keeps up today will be another slow one, I forgot it rained this much here in the spring.
The small house was dimly lit by the remains of the fire, with the rising sun hidden behind the dark clouds it was darker than he liked. Matt quietly lit a few candles with the embers of the fire to help brighten up the dark room, stirring the embers of the fire and refueling it as he did so. Soon the fire was crackling warmly in the hearth again and the candles were banishing the shadows.
Glancing out the window Matt could see his plants were getting a healthy watering after the hot day yesterday. "I should get breakfast started and then check on my mail." As he filled his kettle and set it by the fire to boil, the farmer glance once more at the bed and the still slumbering woman. "I have to ask if Leah would be alright with me telling her mother what's going on. Might not be a bad idea to let Lewis know too."
After a few minutes of tracking down his wayward coffee grounds as he turned to the small fridge to grab a few of the remaining eggs, a scratching noise at the cottage door accompanied by a soft mewing caught his attention. Opening the door, Matt was greeted by the sight of a soaking wet golden retriever and huddled on its back for warmth was a small black and white kitten. "Well hello there you two. Where did you come from?" He said, kneeling down and letting the stray sniff his hand before scratching him lightly on the neck. The dog's ears perked up at his voice, yipping excitedly in reply. "Come on in, I'll see if I can find you both something to eat." The farmer chuckled as he carefully picked up the kitten and the dog followed him inside.
Pulling out a towel from his small closet the farmer lined a small box with it and set the kitten inside, placing it near the fireplace to keep it warm. The retriever had other plans, shaking itself dry flinging rainwater every which way. Leah jolted upright as the water splattered against her face, "What Yoba's name was th-, a dog? Matty, what's a dog doing here?" She asked blinking in surprise.
Pulling a few bits of fish leftover from last night, the hazel eyed man started to reheat them on the fire next to the kettle as he replied, "Your guess is as good as mine. They were out on the porch, didn't feel right just leaving them out there in the rain."
"They?" The sound of the small kitten's mewing pulled the artist's attention to the box. Throwing the blanket aside she walked over to the fireplace, her bare feet padding lightly across the rough floor. The only thing either the farmer or the artist had the presence of mind to take off were their boots after staying up as late as they had. "Oooh she's so cute!" Seeing the kitten Leah couldn't resist cooing at the sight of it.
Matt smiled at her excitement, "Well don't just stand there squealing like a schoolgirl who just got asked out. Pick her up, but with the towel she's still wet. And needs to eat."
Gently picking up the kitten she patted it with the towel to help dry it further. "She's still small… Do you think she needs to be hand fed or will she eat on her own?" Leah asked, carefully stroking the feline as she took a seat at the small table. The kitten's head moved from left to right as it tracked and batted at a few loose strands of the artist's hair that had escaped her braid.
"Well her eyes are open so I think she might be able to eat on her own but I'm not too sure. Hhmm, Marnie might know though. She should be up about now, assuming her animals are feeding indoors today." He replied, setting the fish in a bowl and placing it in front of the dog. Giving the retriever a few careful pats as it dug into the meal. "What do you say after a mug or two of coffee we walk over to the ranch and ask her?"
"It wouldn't hurt." She replied, stifling a yawn with her hand.
Filling a few mugs with the hot coffee Matt thought about how he could approach the subject of Leah's emotional abuse and how to ask her if she had told anyone about what had been happening. The artist smiled as he handed her a mug and took a sip, while he pulled up a chair and set his mug down untouched.
"Something on your mind Matty?" Leah asked, noticing the untouched mug and his pensive look. "You're looking like a little lost there."
"That easy to read, eh? Guess I'm losing my touch." He replied with a sigh, slowly wrapping his fingers around the warm mug. "About last night… Did you tell anyone what was going on, how you were feeling?"
"Ah… That's what's on your mind. Yeah, I told my mom." She replied, her gaze shifting to the window and the rainy weather outside, one hand still stroked the kitten while the other tightened around the mug. "But she was the only one, why do you ask?"
"Because you told me, you didn't have to, I doubt it was everything. I don't need to know everything, but I do want to know if you'd be fine with me talking about all this to your mother and possibly Lewis?" He asked, his brow furrowing slightly. I'm digging too much but I need her approval to get Lewis involved and to keep her mother informed.
Leah sighed, it quickly gave way to a mirthless chuckle. "I...I think I understand what you're getting at, help with my emotional scars."
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to-" Matt started to say, knowing he'd dug further than he should have, before Leah cut him off.
"It's fine, you haven't done anything wrong. I have my issues that's fairly obvious." She said, returning her gaze to him. Giving him that same small, private, smile that he'd grown used to over the last few days. "I know I'm not entirely okay. Haven't started healing I guess."
"Leah…" The rest of his words died in his throat as his thoughts went over her revelation the previous night. If I get the chance to meet the person responsible I may just make them swallow their own teeth.
"It's fine, Matty. Talk with my mom and Lewis if you think that's what you have to do, but keep it between them and us alright? I don't want to be babied by everyone in town." She requested, downing the rest of her cooling coffee.
"I promise this'll stay between us, your mother, and Lewis." Matt could see the hint of the artist's thoughts swirling in her blue eyes. I need to let the matter rest for now, I've dredged up enough dark thoughts.
"Thank you, Matty." Leah said, picking up the kitten with one hand and walking over to the small counter. "Need a refresher while I'm up?" She asked, gesturing with her mug.
"If you're pouring I won't say no." He replied draining his mug and setting it on the counter. "I'll be back in a moment, need to check the mail."
"Don't get soaked out there!" The artist said, tossing him his jacket.
"That's the idea." The farmer replied slipping it on and walking out the door.
An hour and a half later Matt and Leah were at the door to Marnie's ranch, the kitten was wrapped and covered in a basket and the retriever paced and weaved between their legs as Matt knocked on the door. "Shops open! Come on in!" The rancher's muffled voice sounded through the door
Walking into the ranch shop, the patrons saw Marnie at the counter, stocking various equipment for display. "Hi Marnie, sorry we're coming by this early." Leah apologized, adjusting her grip on the basket.
"It's no trouble at all, just finished up with my animals in fact so I've got nothing but time with this weather." The middle aged rancher replied with a smile, "So what can I help you with? I assume it has something to do with this fellow here?" She inquired, crouching down and letting the retriever sniff her hand before scratching him.
"Partly, he and this kitten here showed up on my porch this morning." Matt replied gently pulling back the blanket it was wrapped in, revealing the black and white kitten, her large eyes darted around inquisitively as she stuck her head up over the basket edge. "Thought you might be able to give them a look over to make sure they're healthy, and tell us if the kitten is able to eat on her own."
"I can certainly do that. Thinking on taking them in, Mr. Matt?" She asked stroking the kitten as Leah placed the basket on the counter.
"Truthfully I don't think I can support them both, at least not right now." Matt replied shaking his head, before looking at Leah. "What do you think, Leah? I know we didn't talk about it earlier but do you think you'd be willing to adopt one of them?"
"Nebula. I'll adopt Nebula." She said without hesitation.
Matt blinked in surprise, and a little confusion. "Who?"
"The kitten of course, Matty." The artist replied as she gestured to the small feline, who was batting and chasing a pen on the countertop having climbed out of the basket.
"You already named her?" He asked chuckling a little at seeing the kitten playing. I think Nebula will be good for her actually. A pet is always a good mood raiser.
Leah shrugged as she replied with a smile, watching Nebula batting at the pen. "Yes. What can I say? I like cats, their natural independence and adorableness speaks to me."
"Well, I guess that solves that." Marnie chuckled, stepping away from the counter. "Let me just get a few things from my back room and I'll give them both a check up."
"What made you decide on Nebula as a name?" Matt asked as stout woman went to get what she needed.
"It was the name of the first cat I had back in Zuzu." She replied still smiling, before glancing at him. "Plus we're in the Stardew Valley so why not keep to the theme?"
"An artist to the core, even names must fit a theme." He laughed, patting the retriever.
"And I always will be." Leah replied, running her fingers through the canine's fur. "Hhmm, you're gonna need a name for him."
Just as with Leah, his reply was almost instant. "Lucky, for the lucky star constellation. Things have started looking up for him, and it will get better for you and me. It seems those stars are hovering over us."
"Didn't take you for someone who believed in luck." She replied with an arched eyebrow. "More cynical perhaps."
"I prefer observant." Matt chuckled, scratching Lucky behind his ears. "And I met you didn't I? I'd count being your friend as being lucky."
"Well I guess we both believe in luck then." Leah said, kneeling down and looking at the canine. "What do you think, Lucky? Do you believe in luck?" The golden retriever barked in replied, leaping forward leaving a wet trail on her face as he licked her.
As Leah wiped the dog's saliva off of her face Matt burst out in laughter, "Hahaha, I guess that's a yes!"
Marnie returned shortly with the equipment she needed. After examining Nebula and Lucky she set aside her equipment, "They're both healthy given they're strays, a little underfed but nothing to worry about. As for Nebula here she's old enough to eat on her own, even solid food." She informed them, patting both animal in turn.
"That's great to hear, Marnie!" Leah exclaimed with a smile and picking up the kitten, who started batting at the artist's braid once more.
"Gonna need to keep her out of your hair, Leah. Otherwise she'll turn that braid of yours into a knot." Matt warned with a chuckle.
"Oh I don't mind too mu- Ouch!" Leah started to say as she was lightly scratching Nebula's ears only for the kitten to bite down playfully on her hand.
"Or that could happen instead." The farmer smirked as the artist shook her hand to ease the sharp pain.
Half an hour later Matt was making his way quickly to Lewis' home, wanting to get the coming conversation done quickly. Leah had gone to her cottage by the river, wanting to get Nebula comfortable with her home and to get her fed.
"After this Lucky I'll see if I can get you something from the Stardrop for being a good boy at Marnie's today." The farmer said, looking at the retriever as they stood under the awning of Lewis' home. The canine barked and twirled once before sitting firmly by the door. Hhmmm, smart boy. How much do you actually understand? That question planted firmly in his mind he knocked twice on the door.
Lewis' voice echoed from behind the white painted wood. "Come on in, hearth is burning warmly!"
Matt pushed open the door, stepping inside he glanced back at Lucky still sitting as if at attention on the porch. "You don't need to wait in the cold, come on. Long as you behave Lewis shouldn't mind." With a short bark the former stray followed close on the farmer's heels.
"Ah Matt, I wasn't expecting to see you this morning. Something I can help you with, and who do we have here?" The mayor said crouching and scratching Lucky along his neck.
"His name is Lucky he showed up this morning at the farm with a kitten." Matt replied, chuckling as the retriever started shaking himself dry by the hearth showering the both with rain water. "I'm taking him in and Leah decided to take in the kitten, I actually think that's a good thing in the long run for her."
"That so?" Lewis asked, pondering the information as he wiped the water from his face with a hand, "Well, you're not wrong but what's on your mind? You look like you'd be willing to fight a bear." The mayor inquired, gesturing for the farmer to take a seat.
"Your phone has a speaker function correct?" Matt asked, taking a seat while trying to gauge exactly Lewis might react.
"It does, what's this about?"
"I need to keep Margaret appraised of what's happening with Leah, but I don't think I can help her on my own. I'd like to call her so the three of us can discuss a plan of action." The farmer informed him. "I thought with you being the mayor it was only right to include you as this is about one of your citizens."
"Is Leah alright? Did something happen to her?" Lewis asked, his brow furrowing with worry.
"She's fine, or as well as she can be right now, it's just that she told me some of what she's been through over the last year." Matt replied, gesturing with a hand to calm the mayor. "I asked her this morning if she'd be comfortable keeping her mother and yourself appraised of what's going on. Her only request was that we keep it between us four she doesn't want to be babied by the whole town."
"Ok. Let me just get her on the line and we'll see what we can come up with." He said, sliding the phone to the center of the desk and dialing Margaret's number.
"And that is the extent of the information I've been able to get. Even so, I feel I pressed too much." Matt said, finishing his retelling of the previous night's events. "I know what I can do to help her but I can't always be around her."
"So you need another pair of eyes on watch to let you know if something is wrong, correct?" Lewis asked, leaning back in his chair as he mulled over the information.
"Basically. As I said helping her isn't the problem, the time it will take to help her is the problem." He confirmed with a stiff nod. "It's gonna be a long time for her to fully heal emotionally, a relapse into depression would only serve to hinder her healing."
"Thank you, Matt, for letting me know about this." Margaret's voice crackled over the speaker.
"I couldn't keep you in the dark, Margaret. Wouldn't have been right." He said nodding to the phone's speaker. The farmer let out a slow breath, massaging his temple as he did so. "The biggest issue though is Leah's ex. If he shows up here that won't be good."
"Do you have a plan for that already?" Lewis asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Keep him as far from her as possible, hundred foot minimum. Emotional abuse is still abuse no matter how you look at it." Matt replied, subconsciously grinding his teeth in irritation. "Something I really can't stand."
"If it helps I can email Lewis a photo of him. I know you want things low key so I'm not expecting it to be posted all over the town, but a reference would help." Leah's mother suggested, a note of her own anger coming across the phone.
"Not a bad idea." Lewis agreed, with a nod. "Though I think we should at least include Elliot in our plan as well. As close as Leah is to the other's he was her first friend here in town."
"I'm hesitant to agree, let me talk to Leah about it first before including Elliot." Matt shook his head slightly, "Even if he can be discreet, she did request this stay between us four. If Leah agrees then I'll talk with him."
Lewis nodded understanding the idea might be overstepping. "You do have a point. Including another person without telling her wouldn't be the best, especially if she found out from another party."
"Exactly." The farmer nodded and then started to summarize the plan. "Basically the idea remains unchanged, keep encouraging Leah to create her art. Try to help her stick with lighter, happier, subject matter. As long as she's enjoying her art then the pain will fade with time. While at the same time pulling her out of any depression she might be slipping into, and keeping an eye out for an unwanted appearance by her ex."
"That should be easier now that we know what and whom to look for." Lewis nodded at the plan.
"I had a feeling your plan wouldn't change much after you learned more." Margaret said, her voice a little lighter at the farmer's summary. "I should have told you sooner but I didn't think it would've been right."
"I would've picked up in what was wrong with enough time. You actually did the right thing by not telling me. People are not always open to other's revealing their skeletons, family or no." Matt's demeanor suddenly brightened as an idea bloomed in his thoughts. "I wonder…"
Lewis quirked an eyebrow at his expression, "Gold piece for your thoughts, Matt?"
"I was just thinking if I might be able to convince her to do an art show for the town once her spirits are higher." The hazel eyed man replied, his smile growing. "Long way off I know but think of the morale boost something like that would give her."
"Sounds like you've got yourself a goal, Matt. I'd better let you both talk about the specifics, just keep me informed. Goodbye Matt, Mayor Lewis." Margaret said, chuckling a little at her former colleague's rising enthusiasm.
"Have a good day, Margaret, we'll keep in touch." Matt replied, ending the call. "Not much of a plan in all honesty. But it's the only thing I could come up with."
"It's better than letting her wallow and staying closed off about her talent." Lewis said glancing at the window to his porch, "Seems the rain has let up."
"Fair point, and good, I need to see about getting Lucky and I some lunch, preferably without getting wet while we're at it. Might bring something over to Leah too if she's not eaten yet as well." The farmer said, standing and reaching for his jacket.
"Good idea, I'll see you later Matt." The mayor said before snapping his fingers, remembering something. "Oh, if you like, Clint and Willy will be joining me for a poker game at the Stardrop tonight. We could use a fourth."
"Sounds like fun, I'll be there!" Matt replied still smiling at the idea of the art show.
Leah was sitting at her easel, touching up the sketch she had done of Matt earlier in the week. Nebula was curled in her lap, dozing after her large meal and purring contentedly. "Okay…the shading is done. Hhmm, next I think I'll add a bit more to the foliage and then I think it'll be finished."
An hour passed, the only sound in the small cabin was the scratch of lead on parchment as the artist worked. Soon she finished with the foliage and set her pencils to the side. "What do you think, Nebula? Pretty good huh?" She asked lifting the kitten up to see the completed drawing.
The black and white kitten meowed, yawning as it did so, before turning and licking the artist on the nose. "I'll take that as a yes." She chuckled, setting the kitten down on her stool as she got up to answer a light rapping at her door.
"Afternoon Leah, was hoping to see that smile again." Matt said as she opened the door.
"Hey there, Matty! Perfect timing, I just finished touching up that sketch. Come in and take a look!" The persimmon haired woman said, pulling him quickly into the cabin. Lucky slipped passed the closing door, just as it clicked shut. Snorting a little indignantly, "Oh, sorry boy. Nebula is over by the easel if you want to try to get her to play, but be careful." The golden retriever gave a short bark and padded off toward the kitten.
The farmer was finally able to see the inside of Leah's small home. At the back he could see a large white sheet draped over what he could only assume was an unfinished carving, various wood working tools were hanging neatly on a nearby peg board. Used paint palettes were stacked in one corner waiting their turn to be cleaned. Rolls of clean canvas and crumpled rough attempts filled the room in bins and covered the floor. A large drawing desk dominated the right side of the cabin, opposite the small bed that rested against the left wall. On the walls themselves hung painting and drawings of the landscape, animals, weather, and even a few depictions of the other residents of Pelican Town. Leah's easel sat in the center of the artist's debris field created by her passion. Matt could see the finished drawing resting on it.
She has so much talent, I'll be damned if I don't help her see it. He thought as he stepped carefully around the clutter to the waiting drawing. "If this is what you can accomplish with a pencil and a few days. Then I can only imagine the beautiful pieces you could create in a year or even a month. It's amazing Leah, truly." The farmer said as his eyes roved over each detail of the drawing, one hand running through Lucky's fur as he nudged the dozing kitten with his nose.
"T-Thank you, Matty. I-I'm glad you like how it came out. I actually finished it a bit sooner than I thought I would." She stammered, blushing a little at the praise as she fidgeted with her braid.
"I'm going to have to ask Robin if she could make a frame for this. If that's alright with you?" Matt asked, smiling a little at her flustered state.
"Twenty-four by thirty-six is the size of the sketch paper." Leah said quickly, it was always easier to work on a larger scale. It let her fill the medium with even the smallest details. "Gonna be a big frame, think you've got a spot for it in that small cabin?"
"I'll certainly do my best to find a spot for it." He replied, emphatically as another idea took hold. "Say would you be up for the challenge of designing a sign for the farm and carving it? I can pay you for it, and I'm certain I could find the wood you'd need."
The artist blinked in surprise at the request. "I...Yes I could do that. How big of a sign were you thinking?"
"Nothing too large, about the size of the old sign." Serenity's owner said then gestured slightly, finally drawing notice to the basket he'd brought with him. "Excellent, but first have you had lunch yet?"
Leah's stomach growled slightly as she finally smelled the food, the scent wafted from underneath a red kitchen cloth. "Heh, uh, no not yet."
Matt chuckled as he set the basket down on a clear space at the drawing desk, "I thought not. Dig in and we can talk about the sign. Though I don't want to see a single pencil in your hand until you're done. Food first, art second."
"Yes oh commissioner and patron of the arts, grower of produce, and scourge of Joja Co!" Leah smirked as she feigned a salute.
Matt chuckled at the display he pulled back a chair. I will keep you smiling one way or another.