Flower Bud

Chapter 2

Jack awoke the next morning to a knock at the door. Raising his head an inch off the pillow and squinting at the window, he saw the top of a red hat, bobbing back and forth. He furrowed his brow in confusion, and slowly got out of bed, stretching his arms behind him. As he pulled open the door, he had to look almost directly down to see the caller.

"Hello! You must be Jack!" A jolly voice greeted him. Jack hadn't quite woken up at this point, and furiously rubbed his eyes. He uttered some form of salutation in return, and gave a mighty yawn, leaning against the doorway for support.

"I'm Mayor Thomas, and I'm here to welcome you to our fine village! Were you sleeping? Terribly sorry, you know, had no idea you'd be a late sleeper! Most of us in the village get up early. Did you know that it's eleven o'clock?"

Jack was more awake now, and took in the appearance of his visitor. He was, obviously, a very short man, dressed in a red suit, and matching hat. He had spectacles perched on the end of his nose, and a brass pocket watch in one hand. Jack took a deep breath before answering.

"Um, sorry. I uh, was pretty tired. Had some stuff of my Grandpa's to go through, and I didn't set the alarm," said Jack, with a pang, as he now remembered why he was here, and not at home. Mayor Thomas must have just realized this as well, because he looked stricken.

"My dear boy, forgive me! It completely slipped my mind about your grandfather. You must have just found out a few days ago, hmm? Yes, we've quite adjusted to it already."

"No no, it's alright. Grandpa wouldn't want me to be sad, so I'm not going to be. He also left me a letter, and he requested me to take over the farm. Did you know about this?" Jack felt that he was now capable of standing without the support of the door frame, so he stood upright, and stuck his hands in his pockets. Mayor Thomas considered his question for a moment.

"Well, you see, your Grandpa and I used to have tea, quite often. As his health... declined... he often said how he wished you could take care of the farm for him. I didn't really think he would ask you, but I'm not entirely surprised."

"Ah," said Jack, nodding gently. Mayor Thomas seemed to regain his stride after this.

"So, my boy, would you like a tour of the village?" His enthusiasm was infectious, but Jack still declined.

"Well, sir, I appreciate the offer, but I've got a few things to take care of, and I'm sure I can find my way around," he said, hoping he didn't offend the man. Sure enough, Mayor Thomas' face fell.

"Oh, well, that's quite alright. I'll see you later," he said hastily, and made his way back into town.

After about an hour of puttering, poking, and generally doing nothing at all, Jack was pretty much starving. He decided to go to the bakery, and get some breakfast. He combed his hair, washed his face, and set out for the town.

The bakery was a quaint building, like a gingerbread house in a fairy tale. The scent of cookies and cake could be smelled from far away. Inside, Jack found a table in the corner, and sat down, waiting to be served. Sure enough, in a few minutes a man in his mid 30's, with black hair, approached him.

"Hello! Are you new around here?"

Jack smiled, and nodded.

"Yep, just got in this morning. My grandfather ran the Willow Farm. I may be taking it over."

The man looked delighted.

"Fantastic! It'll be wonderful to see that place as lively as it once was."

"Well, just hang on. I'm not one hundred per cent sure I'm going to do it. There are a lot of things to consider, you know," Jack felt it necessary to slow this guy down. The man chuckled.

"Of course. Now, what can I get you?"

Jack perused the menu for a moment, before answering.

"How about a slice of toast, and a cup of coffee?"

"Coming right up."

As the man went back into the kitchen, Jack leaned back in his chair, and looked out the window. A young woman was rushing across the street. He couldn't make out her features, but she seemed to be in quite a hurry. Before he knew what was happening, she had ran right into the bakery.

"Jeff! I'm so sorry! I got caught up at Maria's house," exclaimed the girl, who quickly shrugged off her coat and threw on an apron. She was pleasantly plump, with short brown hair, and was wearing a long blue dress. Her cheeks were flushed from the exercise, and she looked very pretty.

Jack's waiter, who's name was apparently Jeff, smiled and said something to the girl, and she went into the kitchen. Jack's eyes followed her, until Jeff put his body determinedly in his path. When Jack looked up, Jeff had an eyebrow raised, and his arms crossed.

"Do you know Miss. Elli?"

Jack opened and closed his mouth a few times, feeling a little confused.

"N-no, I didn't even know that was her name. I don't think I've ever met her," Jack stammered. Jeff seemed satisfied with his answer, and the warm smile returned to his face. After a few seconds, he went into the kitchen. Jack realized at this point that he had been holding his breath, and exhaled deeply. Had he had forgotten what a crazy little village this was.

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(A/N: Alright, have faith, people! I'm feeling good about this story. I think I can finish it. Your reviews helped a lot! And keep them coming, too! Also, just to let you know, I haven't decided who Jack will fall for yet, I'm just going to let the story take me where it will.

Naoki07: Thanks for your wonderful review, and I promise to read as many of your stories as I can. From the quick glances that I've taken, you seem to be an excellent writer, and I'm excited to read what you've done!

Oreokids87: Wow! It made you cry? That's really encouraging, thanks! I'm glad you like the story so far. I'm going to review some of yours, too.

Ben: Yes and no. I'm using Flower Bud Village from 64, but I'm mixing and shuffling relationships a tad.