A.N.~ Sorry it took so long, I went two weeks without writing any of this
chapter. Once I really got started writing, the words just flew out etc. I
have been working on a still incomplete website, which is on my bio if
anyone wants to see it. It's mainly a Final Fantasy VI site since that's my
favorite game. Enough about that. Today is March the 25th, the birthday of
my girlfriend Amber. Happy Birthday Amber! I love you -blows a kiss to her
from the Author Note- Anyway still no girls, well not elligible girls
anyway, and this was actually gonna be part of Chapter 3 until I split it
up. I hate chapters that are too long. The eternal day continues. I own
Shane. I am Shane. Wait, Amber kinda owns me. I still own me too o.o I do
not own Harvest Moon. I do not own Metallica. I do own my fanfic and the
evil box I type this fanfic on.
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Chapter 4- The Funeral Gathering
It was ten after eleven. 'Don't be late' the mayor had said. Well so much for the idea of being on time. I hopped out of bed and put my shoes on, running out of the house without a second look. I was dry now and it was a lot warmer outside now, the sun shining bright in the light blue sky. The sky was clear, the clouds that cloaked the sky last night had since blown away. It was a beautiful day, the leaves had grown on the trees that had undoubtedly been barren not long ago in the winter, and flowers had started growing. Not on Grandpa's farm, but in this area outside the farm alongside the trees, several flowers were springing up. The flowers hadn't blossomed yet, but it was only the second day of Spring. Where is the village square though? I'm sure I didn't pass it last night.. I decided to take the other path, the one that went through the village, rather than the one that seemingly dodged around it. To my left was a small house, tan colored, with a darker brown roof. The house was fenced on one side by carefully trimmed box hedges. The windows were open and a wonderful smell flowed from them. Why if I weren't already late... never mind. Guess I was hungry, I hadn't eaten since I got here.
There was a nice house on the right, blue roof, and a wooden fence surrounding it and white fencing against the house. Many flowers had been planted around the sides of the house, and they appeared to be ready to bloom. This was certainly too soon for that but maybe I was wrong. There was a greenhouse in the backyard and, from what I could see, there were many exotic flowers and various other plants growing inside. That would be quite the sight to see for someone who had the interest and the time. I had just enough of the former but none of the latter to spare so I pressed onward. Where was the Village Square? There was a small church, relatively small for a church anyway. Hmm... Up ahead I saw cemented stairways, two of them leading upwards. The square had to be that way; there wasn't anyone around here. What if I missed the 'wake'? That would make me no better than my dad, unless he had actually made it. That would make me worse, because I was here and had been awake and informed. On that thought I ran up the steps, two at a time. Quite a few people were gathered at the top. The square was paved with cobblestones and everyone was seated on blankets. Despite the blankets, I bet it was uncomfortable sitting down here. The Village Square was lined with flowers and behind the flowers were green bushes also in a line. A row of cherry trees with numerous lovely pink blossoms stood in place behind the bushes and it was the same on both sides. At the other end of the square, there was a large wall and it was bare with the exception of a door and a fountain; the fountain was at the center of the wall while the door was midway to the left from the edge of the square.
Mayor Ralph stood near the door alone, as if he were shunned by the other villagers, and as I spotted him, he spotted me. He, as expected, showed disappointment at my tardiness and shook his head as I shrugged back at him, I hadn't meant to fall asleep, or fall into the well for that matter, but whatever. I didn't feel up to delving into the story with him of my pleasant acquaintance with the well. That meant tolerating his disapproval. It was my grandfather's funeral after all. I did feel guilty being late. Dad wasn't here; I shook my head to myself. What is with that asshole? He missed his father's funeral and didn't even bother to come at all when Grandma died. If this was what being an adult meant... no, it's not that. It's just Dad. Other adults care about their parents. So I hope. Come to think about it, I seem to dislike my dad. That makes me no different; every word I say about Dad seems to apply to me as well at this time. Damn it, what are you doing to me Dad!? I turned my attention from my thoughts to find everyone staring at me. I realized now that my muscles were tense and my fists were clinched. I wanted to scream "Stop looking at me!" but I was able to restrain myself. The thought of becoming the person in my life that I opposed most angered me and I just couldn't stand myself. I breathed slowly, in and out, in and out, deep breaths. Calming down, I knew I was wrong. Dad cared about his parents, he was just too busy doing "more important things". Everyone had resumed his or her conversations with one another and it seemed as if no one had even known I was standing here now.
Roger was seated on a blanket near where the mayor was standing, and an old man sat next to him along with three children and an old woman. The old man was completely dressed in red, much like Mayor Ralph, but his clothing was much more loose; he wore a red hat too, but it was more like a cap of some sort than the tall hat Ralph had on. He looked Chinese from the slant of his eyes and his long white mustache hung down over his mouth. It was thin and had the slightest yellowish tinge to it. One of the children, a young boy, was wearing a bright yellow shirt and a pair of denim shorts. His brown hair was kept pretty short. The boy beside him, younger with black hair, had a bowl cut and wore a white, short sleeved button-up shirt. He had blue shorts on too, but his weren't denim and a pair of black suspenders was fastened to them over his shoulders. The third child, a girl, was dressed in a red dress with a green ribbon tied around the waist in a bow. Her black hair was thick and just longer than shoulder length and it hung over her shoulders in short braids.
Roger had come dressed the same way as he was dressed yesterday, only with a new shirt, a black one, white suspenders and blue jeans. The old woman wore a red dress over a black garment and her gray hair was braided to the sides the same as the little girl and hung over her shoulder. She was probably her grandmother and maybe Roger's mother. She had a gentle face; her wrinkles were many in the way of smile lines. Even now she was smiling. There were other people on a nearby blanket. An old man, and two young men, all dressed alike in jeans, a white shirt and a length of white rope tied around their head. The old man was completely bald and he smoked a long, narrow pipe. He was a scrawny man. The younger men were clearly twins, as I could not tell them apart looking at them. Their black hair was cut flat on the top but wasn't really short. There was a man dressed in black, quite a fat man at that. He wore a white undershirt with what appeared to be some sort of black robe. He had a round hat with a white stripe around the base and a short black mustache. He wore glasses with a thin, circular, black frame and he held a Bible in his hand; he was obviously the religious leader around here. Come to think of it, I did see a church near the houses I passed.
I didn't know anyone here; I wish Dad would've just turned up. I hate being around people I don't know unless there is someone with me. Chalk that one up to being shy. I can't stand the feeling of being all alone when I am surrounded by others. I couldn't bring myself to sit with anyone. I kept my distance away from the group and sat alone and listened to the others talk. No one paid me any mind as I eavesdropped on their conversation; I was sitting near Roger so I missed what the other group was saying.
"I can't believe he is really gone," the old lady said, the tone of her voice betraying the smile that had been on her face."He was always so healthy too."
"Yes," the old man in red chimed in."He was always healthy, healthier than I have been. I would like to know how he became so sick all of a sudden."
"I am sad to see him go. It won't be the same with out him there on the farm," Roger appeared downcast, he was maybe a closer friend to Grandpa than the other people were.
"We all are, but I am glad he isn't suffering anymore. I was happy to hear he finally was able to see his grandson again before it was over," said the old woman, her voice returning to a less gloomy pitch.
"Yeah, and he's sitting over there alone," Roger replied, gesturing towards me. I pretended not to notice as they talked about me.
"Poor kid..."
"Hardly a kid, he's bigger than you Mother," Roger told her. Hmm, so I was right. It was his mom.
"I see, he was so little back then," her voice no longer carried the sadness that had filled it before.
"Yes, he was small, smaller than Kent and Stu are now," the old man responded, drawing the attention of the two boys momentarily as he looked at them. The boys and the girl were laughing among themselves, entertaining one another. I doubt they understood what happened.
"It's a shame that the farm is in such bad shape, I think maybe that the land will have to be sold," Roger said, disheartened, changing the subject.
"Nonsense. The Mayor wouldn't allow it," Roger's mom seemed to take offense at the mention of selling the land off. I cringed at the thought of losing the farm. That farm had been in our family for many generations. I had seen the land though. It really was ruined. It would take a lot of hard work before it could be farmed again.
"The Mayor may not be able to stop it. Since the farm is so badly over run with weeds and even trees... I don't think anyone would take up that job," Roger said, and he had a good point.
"You think I don't see that?" his mom was becoming upset from the tone of her voice, the farm seemed important to the village.
"Roger," the old man started, "maybe you should take up work on the farm. You aren't old yet. You could do it."
"You know I can't farm and deliver all the produce too. If I don't sell the village's goods, how will the Mayor get the money to pay the electric bill?"
"Well..." the old man started, but he obviously didn't have any ideas.
"Exactly."
"Do you really think the farm will be sold, Roger?" asked the his mom, worry seeping into her voice quickly.
"A company has been wanting to buy it for years."
"I see..." she was becoming distressed from what she was hearing.
"We may have to give up the land. Eddie's son doesn't like it much, but he thinks so too." I focussed my attention to this conversation upon the mention of my dad. I thought he would be the type to take the money and run, but maybe I was slightly wrong about him. Maybe..
The Mayor saw me sitting there alone and I guess decided to talk to me because he was walking towards me. I looked up at him as he approached, wondering what he wanted.
"You have my deepest condolences, I am truly sorry for your loss. Where is your father this morning?" Ralph seemed much more interested in talking to my dad than me.
"He has 'more important' things to do than to attend his father's funeral." I forced the coldest tone of voice I could muster, giving strong emphasis to 'more important' and rolled my eyes as I said it. "In fact, if I wasn't here, I don't think he would even come back today."
"I am certain he would come around," he replied, not the slightest hint of doubt in his voice.
"What makes you so sure?" I couldn't help but be skeptical, no matter how sure Mayor Ralph was about Dad. I knew Dad. He wasn't even going to come, but I made him bring me to see Grandpa. It took support from my fellow co-workers even then. Dad really hates having to put up with a strike, and that is exactly what we threatened him with.
"I have my reasons... " He seemed to.
"So he could sell off the farm?" I couldn't think of any other reason for him to come back. The only thing that seems to motivate that man is money...
"So you have heard about that already..."
"Mmhmm. That is so Dad. Money, money, money... It makes me sick. I got a good look at the farm this morning though; I don't see any chance of it being restored." I slumped over, staring down at the cobbled pavement, knowing that Dad was going to win this battle.
"Sure enough..." I didn't have to look up to know the expression on his face. I had seen it on everyone's face. Everybody was depressed over this situation. It made my blood boil to know I couldn't fight Dad on this. I certainly wouldn't let him enjoy it though. He would pay for this. No matter what I had to do.
"Look. I really don't need all this. Where was Grandpa buried?" I stood up, lifting my gaze from the ground, trying to shake off my anger again. I didn't need all this depression.
"Follow me, it's right this way," he answered, leading the way down the steps as I followed.
I walked past a few buildings and the Mayor's house as I followed him, wondering where we were heading. In front of the rough-looking shack that Roger's mother lived in, there was an enclosed cemetary with several graves inside. I walked around the Mayor to the freshly filled plot that Grandpa's body was buried in, not waiting for Ralph to point it out and I turned back to him.
"I need.. to be alone." The mayor nodded slowly in an understanding way with a solemn look on his face and returned to the Village Square as I slowly knelt before the grave of my grandfather.
"I wish you were still here Grandpa. I don't know what to do. I can't do anything." Sitting there, I felt like a helpless child, abandoned with nowhere to turn.
"Grandpa... I'm so sorry... I'm so sorry!" I completely lost it then, and crying uncontrollably, the tears streamed down my face, blurring my sight fully.
-----
Well guess what. Two chapters and it is still morning. It isn't the eternal day for nothing. Maybe I will finish this day by Chapter 6 or 7. I didn't see this chapter ending this way. It surprised me and almost made me cry when the thoughts came to me. Stay tuned for Chapter 5.(If this story isn't boring)
~Shane
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Chapter 4- The Funeral Gathering
It was ten after eleven. 'Don't be late' the mayor had said. Well so much for the idea of being on time. I hopped out of bed and put my shoes on, running out of the house without a second look. I was dry now and it was a lot warmer outside now, the sun shining bright in the light blue sky. The sky was clear, the clouds that cloaked the sky last night had since blown away. It was a beautiful day, the leaves had grown on the trees that had undoubtedly been barren not long ago in the winter, and flowers had started growing. Not on Grandpa's farm, but in this area outside the farm alongside the trees, several flowers were springing up. The flowers hadn't blossomed yet, but it was only the second day of Spring. Where is the village square though? I'm sure I didn't pass it last night.. I decided to take the other path, the one that went through the village, rather than the one that seemingly dodged around it. To my left was a small house, tan colored, with a darker brown roof. The house was fenced on one side by carefully trimmed box hedges. The windows were open and a wonderful smell flowed from them. Why if I weren't already late... never mind. Guess I was hungry, I hadn't eaten since I got here.
There was a nice house on the right, blue roof, and a wooden fence surrounding it and white fencing against the house. Many flowers had been planted around the sides of the house, and they appeared to be ready to bloom. This was certainly too soon for that but maybe I was wrong. There was a greenhouse in the backyard and, from what I could see, there were many exotic flowers and various other plants growing inside. That would be quite the sight to see for someone who had the interest and the time. I had just enough of the former but none of the latter to spare so I pressed onward. Where was the Village Square? There was a small church, relatively small for a church anyway. Hmm... Up ahead I saw cemented stairways, two of them leading upwards. The square had to be that way; there wasn't anyone around here. What if I missed the 'wake'? That would make me no better than my dad, unless he had actually made it. That would make me worse, because I was here and had been awake and informed. On that thought I ran up the steps, two at a time. Quite a few people were gathered at the top. The square was paved with cobblestones and everyone was seated on blankets. Despite the blankets, I bet it was uncomfortable sitting down here. The Village Square was lined with flowers and behind the flowers were green bushes also in a line. A row of cherry trees with numerous lovely pink blossoms stood in place behind the bushes and it was the same on both sides. At the other end of the square, there was a large wall and it was bare with the exception of a door and a fountain; the fountain was at the center of the wall while the door was midway to the left from the edge of the square.
Mayor Ralph stood near the door alone, as if he were shunned by the other villagers, and as I spotted him, he spotted me. He, as expected, showed disappointment at my tardiness and shook his head as I shrugged back at him, I hadn't meant to fall asleep, or fall into the well for that matter, but whatever. I didn't feel up to delving into the story with him of my pleasant acquaintance with the well. That meant tolerating his disapproval. It was my grandfather's funeral after all. I did feel guilty being late. Dad wasn't here; I shook my head to myself. What is with that asshole? He missed his father's funeral and didn't even bother to come at all when Grandma died. If this was what being an adult meant... no, it's not that. It's just Dad. Other adults care about their parents. So I hope. Come to think about it, I seem to dislike my dad. That makes me no different; every word I say about Dad seems to apply to me as well at this time. Damn it, what are you doing to me Dad!? I turned my attention from my thoughts to find everyone staring at me. I realized now that my muscles were tense and my fists were clinched. I wanted to scream "Stop looking at me!" but I was able to restrain myself. The thought of becoming the person in my life that I opposed most angered me and I just couldn't stand myself. I breathed slowly, in and out, in and out, deep breaths. Calming down, I knew I was wrong. Dad cared about his parents, he was just too busy doing "more important things". Everyone had resumed his or her conversations with one another and it seemed as if no one had even known I was standing here now.
Roger was seated on a blanket near where the mayor was standing, and an old man sat next to him along with three children and an old woman. The old man was completely dressed in red, much like Mayor Ralph, but his clothing was much more loose; he wore a red hat too, but it was more like a cap of some sort than the tall hat Ralph had on. He looked Chinese from the slant of his eyes and his long white mustache hung down over his mouth. It was thin and had the slightest yellowish tinge to it. One of the children, a young boy, was wearing a bright yellow shirt and a pair of denim shorts. His brown hair was kept pretty short. The boy beside him, younger with black hair, had a bowl cut and wore a white, short sleeved button-up shirt. He had blue shorts on too, but his weren't denim and a pair of black suspenders was fastened to them over his shoulders. The third child, a girl, was dressed in a red dress with a green ribbon tied around the waist in a bow. Her black hair was thick and just longer than shoulder length and it hung over her shoulders in short braids.
Roger had come dressed the same way as he was dressed yesterday, only with a new shirt, a black one, white suspenders and blue jeans. The old woman wore a red dress over a black garment and her gray hair was braided to the sides the same as the little girl and hung over her shoulder. She was probably her grandmother and maybe Roger's mother. She had a gentle face; her wrinkles were many in the way of smile lines. Even now she was smiling. There were other people on a nearby blanket. An old man, and two young men, all dressed alike in jeans, a white shirt and a length of white rope tied around their head. The old man was completely bald and he smoked a long, narrow pipe. He was a scrawny man. The younger men were clearly twins, as I could not tell them apart looking at them. Their black hair was cut flat on the top but wasn't really short. There was a man dressed in black, quite a fat man at that. He wore a white undershirt with what appeared to be some sort of black robe. He had a round hat with a white stripe around the base and a short black mustache. He wore glasses with a thin, circular, black frame and he held a Bible in his hand; he was obviously the religious leader around here. Come to think of it, I did see a church near the houses I passed.
I didn't know anyone here; I wish Dad would've just turned up. I hate being around people I don't know unless there is someone with me. Chalk that one up to being shy. I can't stand the feeling of being all alone when I am surrounded by others. I couldn't bring myself to sit with anyone. I kept my distance away from the group and sat alone and listened to the others talk. No one paid me any mind as I eavesdropped on their conversation; I was sitting near Roger so I missed what the other group was saying.
"I can't believe he is really gone," the old lady said, the tone of her voice betraying the smile that had been on her face."He was always so healthy too."
"Yes," the old man in red chimed in."He was always healthy, healthier than I have been. I would like to know how he became so sick all of a sudden."
"I am sad to see him go. It won't be the same with out him there on the farm," Roger appeared downcast, he was maybe a closer friend to Grandpa than the other people were.
"We all are, but I am glad he isn't suffering anymore. I was happy to hear he finally was able to see his grandson again before it was over," said the old woman, her voice returning to a less gloomy pitch.
"Yeah, and he's sitting over there alone," Roger replied, gesturing towards me. I pretended not to notice as they talked about me.
"Poor kid..."
"Hardly a kid, he's bigger than you Mother," Roger told her. Hmm, so I was right. It was his mom.
"I see, he was so little back then," her voice no longer carried the sadness that had filled it before.
"Yes, he was small, smaller than Kent and Stu are now," the old man responded, drawing the attention of the two boys momentarily as he looked at them. The boys and the girl were laughing among themselves, entertaining one another. I doubt they understood what happened.
"It's a shame that the farm is in such bad shape, I think maybe that the land will have to be sold," Roger said, disheartened, changing the subject.
"Nonsense. The Mayor wouldn't allow it," Roger's mom seemed to take offense at the mention of selling the land off. I cringed at the thought of losing the farm. That farm had been in our family for many generations. I had seen the land though. It really was ruined. It would take a lot of hard work before it could be farmed again.
"The Mayor may not be able to stop it. Since the farm is so badly over run with weeds and even trees... I don't think anyone would take up that job," Roger said, and he had a good point.
"You think I don't see that?" his mom was becoming upset from the tone of her voice, the farm seemed important to the village.
"Roger," the old man started, "maybe you should take up work on the farm. You aren't old yet. You could do it."
"You know I can't farm and deliver all the produce too. If I don't sell the village's goods, how will the Mayor get the money to pay the electric bill?"
"Well..." the old man started, but he obviously didn't have any ideas.
"Exactly."
"Do you really think the farm will be sold, Roger?" asked the his mom, worry seeping into her voice quickly.
"A company has been wanting to buy it for years."
"I see..." she was becoming distressed from what she was hearing.
"We may have to give up the land. Eddie's son doesn't like it much, but he thinks so too." I focussed my attention to this conversation upon the mention of my dad. I thought he would be the type to take the money and run, but maybe I was slightly wrong about him. Maybe..
The Mayor saw me sitting there alone and I guess decided to talk to me because he was walking towards me. I looked up at him as he approached, wondering what he wanted.
"You have my deepest condolences, I am truly sorry for your loss. Where is your father this morning?" Ralph seemed much more interested in talking to my dad than me.
"He has 'more important' things to do than to attend his father's funeral." I forced the coldest tone of voice I could muster, giving strong emphasis to 'more important' and rolled my eyes as I said it. "In fact, if I wasn't here, I don't think he would even come back today."
"I am certain he would come around," he replied, not the slightest hint of doubt in his voice.
"What makes you so sure?" I couldn't help but be skeptical, no matter how sure Mayor Ralph was about Dad. I knew Dad. He wasn't even going to come, but I made him bring me to see Grandpa. It took support from my fellow co-workers even then. Dad really hates having to put up with a strike, and that is exactly what we threatened him with.
"I have my reasons... " He seemed to.
"So he could sell off the farm?" I couldn't think of any other reason for him to come back. The only thing that seems to motivate that man is money...
"So you have heard about that already..."
"Mmhmm. That is so Dad. Money, money, money... It makes me sick. I got a good look at the farm this morning though; I don't see any chance of it being restored." I slumped over, staring down at the cobbled pavement, knowing that Dad was going to win this battle.
"Sure enough..." I didn't have to look up to know the expression on his face. I had seen it on everyone's face. Everybody was depressed over this situation. It made my blood boil to know I couldn't fight Dad on this. I certainly wouldn't let him enjoy it though. He would pay for this. No matter what I had to do.
"Look. I really don't need all this. Where was Grandpa buried?" I stood up, lifting my gaze from the ground, trying to shake off my anger again. I didn't need all this depression.
"Follow me, it's right this way," he answered, leading the way down the steps as I followed.
I walked past a few buildings and the Mayor's house as I followed him, wondering where we were heading. In front of the rough-looking shack that Roger's mother lived in, there was an enclosed cemetary with several graves inside. I walked around the Mayor to the freshly filled plot that Grandpa's body was buried in, not waiting for Ralph to point it out and I turned back to him.
"I need.. to be alone." The mayor nodded slowly in an understanding way with a solemn look on his face and returned to the Village Square as I slowly knelt before the grave of my grandfather.
"I wish you were still here Grandpa. I don't know what to do. I can't do anything." Sitting there, I felt like a helpless child, abandoned with nowhere to turn.
"Grandpa... I'm so sorry... I'm so sorry!" I completely lost it then, and crying uncontrollably, the tears streamed down my face, blurring my sight fully.
-----
Well guess what. Two chapters and it is still morning. It isn't the eternal day for nothing. Maybe I will finish this day by Chapter 6 or 7. I didn't see this chapter ending this way. It surprised me and almost made me cry when the thoughts came to me. Stay tuned for Chapter 5.(If this story isn't boring)
~Shane