A Dream. A Hope. A Scar. A Mission
Chapter 4: Higher Power
The first day of Summer was already turning out to be a scorcher already, and it was only 10AM. I had already made my way to the seed and flower shop to invest in a few tomato plants. The little red beauties had a high demand, and I was planning on filling that demand! Also, I could get multiple harvests off one plant! I thought I was in heaven!
Pastor Brown talked to me as I was leaving the seed and flower shop about coming to church this weekend. I told him that I'd think about it, but I really didn't plan to go. I was never very big on religion back home, so why would I have a religious back bone here?
After tilling up the ground and planting my new seeds- or gold mines rather- I headed inside to get myself some lunch and polish off my prize potato I was keeping. I was saving it for the Vegetable Festival, which I fully intended to win. I mean, there weren't that many other farmers around, it would be hard to beat me. Besides, I was really starting to get good at this farming thing anyways. I turned on the TV while eating my home- made fish and chips, and to my surprise, there was a festival this evening! Well sort of a festival. The Fireworks Festival would be tonight! I always loved the big fireworks as a kid in the city. I wondered where I would go however. It was never specified where the festival was going to take place, but I figured Ann would know.
...
Later that evening I dared to turn up at the Green Ranch to see what Ann was going to do. Not to my surprise, Ann bounced out of the house just as the sun began to set. But she seemed surprised to see me. Surprised in a bad way.
" Err, hi Jack" Ann said, seeming a little uncomfortable.
" Heya Ann. I was just wondering if you wanted to do anything tonight for the Fireworks Festival?" I asked.
" Umm, about that Jack, I think we've seen enough of eachother for awhile" Ann answered. " Look, I know everyone thinks I'm a bubbly little balloon, but I have feeling Jack, and I don't want them hurt by being around you." Ann was almost crying
" I don't understand, I never meant to-" I was dumbfounded
" Jack, you're not that bad of a guy. You're good enough that you turn a few heads, and I don't want to be stuck in the middle of things if." Ann couldn't keep going. She just turned around and headed out in her pasture and sat down, stroking one of her sheep.
At that point in time I thought I was the greatest moron in the world. I said all the wrong things, and now Ann acted like she hated me. The same frustration when dealing with my father began to build up in me again. I kicked at the ground, wondering why this happened to me.
I began to walk without a purpose or direction now, thinking of everything that happened just now. All I wanted was to be Ann's friend. Before long I relized where I was. The Beach. The last place I wanted to be was the best place to see the fireworks, and this probably was it. The fireworks were a symbol of happiness, and I didn't feel like ever wanting to be happy again.
" So, you get in a fight with Ann?" came the voice of all things cold and harsh.
" Oh, it's you, I'm sorry" I said like a reflex. The last person I expected to see on the beach was Karen, yet she was right here, and I didn't even relize it until now. " I'll just leave I guess."
" I'm not stopping you" Karen shot.
I was fed up with all the trash Karen was sending my way, so just out of spite, I sat down next to her.
" I would like to be alone, please" Karen said. It would have almost sounded polite, if not for the sarcasm that was Karen's trademark.
" I really don't care, I'm sick of this Karen" I told her in defiance.
" Maybe I don't understand why you wouldn't leave then" Karen shot at me.
" Maybe I don't understand why you hate me so much" I told her while trying to calm myself down.
" You want an honest answer?" Karen said with a sarcastic smirk on her face. " You're never going to make the cut on that farm. The dust storms will rise up and tear away all your crops, and then you won't have anything left. You are also the most arrogant person I've met in my life."
" What are you talking about Karen?" the anger was welling back up, but I was determined to settle this feud once and for all. " Aren't you being just a touch hypocritical?"
" Not in the least. You walked into this town and decided on a dime that you wanted that run down farm, and then you expect everyone to support you? You have to be kidding me. Sure, Popuri's family looks out for you, but you're their customer."
An eye for an eye I thought. " I've seen your vineyard Karen, and it doesn't look the greatest-"
*SLAP* straight across my face.
" Take that back!" Karen commanded.
" That offer's going to have to go both ways" I retaliated
" Ok, fine!" Karen was really getting upset. She was on the verge of screaming. " I'm sorry, but that doesn't change the facts."
" Fine. Sounds fair to me" I agreed. I just wanted some peace now
" Now shut up" she told me. " The fireworks are about to start!"
I figured Karen wasn't actually being mean when she said that. There was a genuine look of human anticipation in her eyes, something I thought impossible for her. The actual display was amazing. The sky was completely lit up in red, blue, yellow, green, and white light, and I completely forgot Karen was sitting 3 feet away from me.
Within an hour, the fireworks display was over, much to my sadness. I was just beginning to pick my things up when Karen stopped me.
" Hold on, where do you think you're going?" she questioned me.
" Home I said, so I can go screw everything up" I said. In actuality I didn't mean any harm by it. I only meant it with some light headed sarcasm.
" Not just yet" Karen told me as she ran over to me with something in her hand. " Please, if you would, help me set these up." She handed me a large firework. " I promise I'll leave you alone for the rest of the week or something, just help me out here."
" Aight', sounds cool" I said calmly. I was thinking to myself three things. One: Yes! Yes! Yes!. Two: This is great! Three: I can't believe this. Is she actually being nice, or is she just using me as hired muscle? It didn't really matter though. My first two thoughts sort of overided my third thought.
We set up the fireworks in silence. On occaison I'd send a glance her way, but she would just be fiddling with one of the rockets.
" Want some help?" I called her way.
" No, I got it" Karen managed, but it was obvious that she was having trouble.
After all the rockets were set up we struck a match and began to light them all. They shot up one after another in a blaze of glory in bands of red and blue. We bagan to laugh at our acomplishment and we imagined all the people who were walking home right now that were amazed by the extra fireworks. Once all of the firworks were done and gone I picked my stuff up and began to leave.
" Hey, thanks" Karen called after me.
" No problem. You just keep up your end of the deal" I told her. I didn't want to give anything away so I just left at that.
Walking past the Green Farm I saw Ann sitting in her pasture still with her sheep still, but someone else had joined her. That someone looked suspiciously like Cliff. I felt a little better about the whole situation. That must have been the reason why Ann didn't want me around tonight. Cliff the sly little- never mind. I just laughed to myself about the thought on the way home.
...
Over the next few days the winds began to pick up. It was rather refreshing in the Summer heat, but the wind was starting to get warmer as the days moved on. It was almost like a hot breeze.
Finally on the Monday after the Fireworks Festival I saw something in the distance. I saw dust. Rolling dust, and it was going to consume the farm. Fortunatly the horse and chickens were in their pens, but nothing would shield my precious tomatoes from the wrath of the dust. I grabbed my tools and ran towards the door to the house. Sparky kept scratching the door tryign to get in as well. As I opened the door Sparky ran in front of me and knocked me off balance. My foot squished into something but I didn't care. I swung around and bolted the oak door shut. We were safe.
I look down to see what I stepped in and found it was none other than my prized potato! I kicked my leg up to get the potatoe of the bottom of my foot, which flew up against the wall with a splat.
" Why?! Huh why?!"I shouted out in anger. This had to be too much. "Why did this happen to me?! Huh God?!" but those words sunk into me like poision. Pastor Brown asked me to attend Church, which I completely forgot about. I just slumped down by my bed and just stroked Sparky with a blank look on my face. I knew what I had done wrong, and I still had a lot to learn about farming.
...
Two days after the dust storm was the Vegetable Festival, but I didn't even bother to go. I screwed up. Half my tomato plants were gone, my prized crop was squashed, and my animals were all hungry. I just sat at the table after eating lunch and thought about doing something I knew I would regret. I grabbed a pencil and paper and began to write a letter.
Dear Dad,
"I'm very sorry about the way I acted after the funeral. My deepest apologies. I acted on a rash decision, but that's my fate now. I've been hitting few stumps here and there, but I can do this. I know I can
Boats don't come out here very often, as you know, but if you ever want to, feel free to visit. There are some people who I would like you to meet, if you ever get the chance. I'm keeping myself well fed, even though I have recently come to a rut. Theres plenty here for me to eat, but near half my crop was blown away recently. I also have a horse and a handful of chickens that are turning out quite nicely. I'm also planning on investing in a sheep or two soon. There is a large demand for wool right now, and I plan to fill it. Thank you for everything Dad. Everything you've ever given or taught me is helping me survive.
Love, your son Jack
I figured that fit the bill, so I just left to go outside and pet Biff. He was almost a full grown horse now, and soon I would have to train him for riding. I anticipated it though, I would never forget the thrill of the horse races.
...
The days that followed would be rather uneventful. I finalley got my tomato crop off, which did make a killing, but some of the fire for my job was lost. Rick came by for a short visit and Cliff went fishing with me for a day. I didn't dare ask him about his date, he might run me through.
On the 16th of Summer I was taking off my second harvest of tomatoes when the Potion Shop master approached me.
" Hey son. Having a rough time as of late?" the Potion Master inquired.
" To be perfectly honest, yes. My tomatoes are only now starting to pay off" I replied. " I don't know how Grandpa had such luck with his farm."
" Well why don't you ask him boy" The Potion Master said. I was begginging to think the Potion Master was a walking fortune cookie.
" I can't. He died, remember?" I said as politely as possible.
" Don't be daft boy" the Potion Master almost scolded me. "You're still new to the Church, but you have to watch your TV every now and then. You know the Firefly Festival is coming up tomorrow. You'll be able to ask him then."
" I don't understand. You're not making any sense" I told him. I was beginning to lose my patience.
" Bah!" the old man was obviously losing his patience as well. " You send one of the lights out in a flower, sort of as a prayer. Perhaps your Grandpa might answer the flower, no? You have to learn to see beyond what your syes show you. Maybe you can learn to read people too. Those folk are always the best ladies men, which no doubt is a status you want to obtain."
" Erm, thank you. Its just been rough around here lately" I informed the Potion Master.
" It has been for all of us boy. Now, lets take a look at this house here. We could use a few extensions, don't you think? I can see a kitchen right here. And over there could be a bathroom, don't you think. Of course you will need lots of lumber, everything needs lumber" The Potion Master began to trail off towards the house, but he had my full attention. Right now this old man was the best friend in the world.
Chapter 4: Higher Power
The first day of Summer was already turning out to be a scorcher already, and it was only 10AM. I had already made my way to the seed and flower shop to invest in a few tomato plants. The little red beauties had a high demand, and I was planning on filling that demand! Also, I could get multiple harvests off one plant! I thought I was in heaven!
Pastor Brown talked to me as I was leaving the seed and flower shop about coming to church this weekend. I told him that I'd think about it, but I really didn't plan to go. I was never very big on religion back home, so why would I have a religious back bone here?
After tilling up the ground and planting my new seeds- or gold mines rather- I headed inside to get myself some lunch and polish off my prize potato I was keeping. I was saving it for the Vegetable Festival, which I fully intended to win. I mean, there weren't that many other farmers around, it would be hard to beat me. Besides, I was really starting to get good at this farming thing anyways. I turned on the TV while eating my home- made fish and chips, and to my surprise, there was a festival this evening! Well sort of a festival. The Fireworks Festival would be tonight! I always loved the big fireworks as a kid in the city. I wondered where I would go however. It was never specified where the festival was going to take place, but I figured Ann would know.
...
Later that evening I dared to turn up at the Green Ranch to see what Ann was going to do. Not to my surprise, Ann bounced out of the house just as the sun began to set. But she seemed surprised to see me. Surprised in a bad way.
" Err, hi Jack" Ann said, seeming a little uncomfortable.
" Heya Ann. I was just wondering if you wanted to do anything tonight for the Fireworks Festival?" I asked.
" Umm, about that Jack, I think we've seen enough of eachother for awhile" Ann answered. " Look, I know everyone thinks I'm a bubbly little balloon, but I have feeling Jack, and I don't want them hurt by being around you." Ann was almost crying
" I don't understand, I never meant to-" I was dumbfounded
" Jack, you're not that bad of a guy. You're good enough that you turn a few heads, and I don't want to be stuck in the middle of things if." Ann couldn't keep going. She just turned around and headed out in her pasture and sat down, stroking one of her sheep.
At that point in time I thought I was the greatest moron in the world. I said all the wrong things, and now Ann acted like she hated me. The same frustration when dealing with my father began to build up in me again. I kicked at the ground, wondering why this happened to me.
I began to walk without a purpose or direction now, thinking of everything that happened just now. All I wanted was to be Ann's friend. Before long I relized where I was. The Beach. The last place I wanted to be was the best place to see the fireworks, and this probably was it. The fireworks were a symbol of happiness, and I didn't feel like ever wanting to be happy again.
" So, you get in a fight with Ann?" came the voice of all things cold and harsh.
" Oh, it's you, I'm sorry" I said like a reflex. The last person I expected to see on the beach was Karen, yet she was right here, and I didn't even relize it until now. " I'll just leave I guess."
" I'm not stopping you" Karen shot.
I was fed up with all the trash Karen was sending my way, so just out of spite, I sat down next to her.
" I would like to be alone, please" Karen said. It would have almost sounded polite, if not for the sarcasm that was Karen's trademark.
" I really don't care, I'm sick of this Karen" I told her in defiance.
" Maybe I don't understand why you wouldn't leave then" Karen shot at me.
" Maybe I don't understand why you hate me so much" I told her while trying to calm myself down.
" You want an honest answer?" Karen said with a sarcastic smirk on her face. " You're never going to make the cut on that farm. The dust storms will rise up and tear away all your crops, and then you won't have anything left. You are also the most arrogant person I've met in my life."
" What are you talking about Karen?" the anger was welling back up, but I was determined to settle this feud once and for all. " Aren't you being just a touch hypocritical?"
" Not in the least. You walked into this town and decided on a dime that you wanted that run down farm, and then you expect everyone to support you? You have to be kidding me. Sure, Popuri's family looks out for you, but you're their customer."
An eye for an eye I thought. " I've seen your vineyard Karen, and it doesn't look the greatest-"
*SLAP* straight across my face.
" Take that back!" Karen commanded.
" That offer's going to have to go both ways" I retaliated
" Ok, fine!" Karen was really getting upset. She was on the verge of screaming. " I'm sorry, but that doesn't change the facts."
" Fine. Sounds fair to me" I agreed. I just wanted some peace now
" Now shut up" she told me. " The fireworks are about to start!"
I figured Karen wasn't actually being mean when she said that. There was a genuine look of human anticipation in her eyes, something I thought impossible for her. The actual display was amazing. The sky was completely lit up in red, blue, yellow, green, and white light, and I completely forgot Karen was sitting 3 feet away from me.
Within an hour, the fireworks display was over, much to my sadness. I was just beginning to pick my things up when Karen stopped me.
" Hold on, where do you think you're going?" she questioned me.
" Home I said, so I can go screw everything up" I said. In actuality I didn't mean any harm by it. I only meant it with some light headed sarcasm.
" Not just yet" Karen told me as she ran over to me with something in her hand. " Please, if you would, help me set these up." She handed me a large firework. " I promise I'll leave you alone for the rest of the week or something, just help me out here."
" Aight', sounds cool" I said calmly. I was thinking to myself three things. One: Yes! Yes! Yes!. Two: This is great! Three: I can't believe this. Is she actually being nice, or is she just using me as hired muscle? It didn't really matter though. My first two thoughts sort of overided my third thought.
We set up the fireworks in silence. On occaison I'd send a glance her way, but she would just be fiddling with one of the rockets.
" Want some help?" I called her way.
" No, I got it" Karen managed, but it was obvious that she was having trouble.
After all the rockets were set up we struck a match and began to light them all. They shot up one after another in a blaze of glory in bands of red and blue. We bagan to laugh at our acomplishment and we imagined all the people who were walking home right now that were amazed by the extra fireworks. Once all of the firworks were done and gone I picked my stuff up and began to leave.
" Hey, thanks" Karen called after me.
" No problem. You just keep up your end of the deal" I told her. I didn't want to give anything away so I just left at that.
Walking past the Green Farm I saw Ann sitting in her pasture still with her sheep still, but someone else had joined her. That someone looked suspiciously like Cliff. I felt a little better about the whole situation. That must have been the reason why Ann didn't want me around tonight. Cliff the sly little- never mind. I just laughed to myself about the thought on the way home.
...
Over the next few days the winds began to pick up. It was rather refreshing in the Summer heat, but the wind was starting to get warmer as the days moved on. It was almost like a hot breeze.
Finally on the Monday after the Fireworks Festival I saw something in the distance. I saw dust. Rolling dust, and it was going to consume the farm. Fortunatly the horse and chickens were in their pens, but nothing would shield my precious tomatoes from the wrath of the dust. I grabbed my tools and ran towards the door to the house. Sparky kept scratching the door tryign to get in as well. As I opened the door Sparky ran in front of me and knocked me off balance. My foot squished into something but I didn't care. I swung around and bolted the oak door shut. We were safe.
I look down to see what I stepped in and found it was none other than my prized potato! I kicked my leg up to get the potatoe of the bottom of my foot, which flew up against the wall with a splat.
" Why?! Huh why?!"I shouted out in anger. This had to be too much. "Why did this happen to me?! Huh God?!" but those words sunk into me like poision. Pastor Brown asked me to attend Church, which I completely forgot about. I just slumped down by my bed and just stroked Sparky with a blank look on my face. I knew what I had done wrong, and I still had a lot to learn about farming.
...
Two days after the dust storm was the Vegetable Festival, but I didn't even bother to go. I screwed up. Half my tomato plants were gone, my prized crop was squashed, and my animals were all hungry. I just sat at the table after eating lunch and thought about doing something I knew I would regret. I grabbed a pencil and paper and began to write a letter.
Dear Dad,
"I'm very sorry about the way I acted after the funeral. My deepest apologies. I acted on a rash decision, but that's my fate now. I've been hitting few stumps here and there, but I can do this. I know I can
Boats don't come out here very often, as you know, but if you ever want to, feel free to visit. There are some people who I would like you to meet, if you ever get the chance. I'm keeping myself well fed, even though I have recently come to a rut. Theres plenty here for me to eat, but near half my crop was blown away recently. I also have a horse and a handful of chickens that are turning out quite nicely. I'm also planning on investing in a sheep or two soon. There is a large demand for wool right now, and I plan to fill it. Thank you for everything Dad. Everything you've ever given or taught me is helping me survive.
Love, your son Jack
I figured that fit the bill, so I just left to go outside and pet Biff. He was almost a full grown horse now, and soon I would have to train him for riding. I anticipated it though, I would never forget the thrill of the horse races.
...
The days that followed would be rather uneventful. I finalley got my tomato crop off, which did make a killing, but some of the fire for my job was lost. Rick came by for a short visit and Cliff went fishing with me for a day. I didn't dare ask him about his date, he might run me through.
On the 16th of Summer I was taking off my second harvest of tomatoes when the Potion Shop master approached me.
" Hey son. Having a rough time as of late?" the Potion Master inquired.
" To be perfectly honest, yes. My tomatoes are only now starting to pay off" I replied. " I don't know how Grandpa had such luck with his farm."
" Well why don't you ask him boy" The Potion Master said. I was begginging to think the Potion Master was a walking fortune cookie.
" I can't. He died, remember?" I said as politely as possible.
" Don't be daft boy" the Potion Master almost scolded me. "You're still new to the Church, but you have to watch your TV every now and then. You know the Firefly Festival is coming up tomorrow. You'll be able to ask him then."
" I don't understand. You're not making any sense" I told him. I was beginning to lose my patience.
" Bah!" the old man was obviously losing his patience as well. " You send one of the lights out in a flower, sort of as a prayer. Perhaps your Grandpa might answer the flower, no? You have to learn to see beyond what your syes show you. Maybe you can learn to read people too. Those folk are always the best ladies men, which no doubt is a status you want to obtain."
" Erm, thank you. Its just been rough around here lately" I informed the Potion Master.
" It has been for all of us boy. Now, lets take a look at this house here. We could use a few extensions, don't you think? I can see a kitchen right here. And over there could be a bathroom, don't you think. Of course you will need lots of lumber, everything needs lumber" The Potion Master began to trail off towards the house, but he had my full attention. Right now this old man was the best friend in the world.