Hello everyone, welcome back to Into the Flame! This chapter is the beginning of the deviation from the original story, so from here on out expect some details to be a little different! (You know, for those of you who've read The River. Which should be all of you. Because it's good. And I'm not biased at all.)
Chapter 2: Love Bug
The next day was as beautiful as ever while Maya worked in her fields.
It was the first day of summer, and as per protocol Maya had a lot of work to do. She had harvested all of her existing crops yesterday and shipped them out, making much more than she'd expected if she were being honest with herself. Now she needed to start a new set of plants in addition to her regular work.
As is the life of a fledgling farmer.
The heat did nothing to help her concentrate. The sun was blasting down on her head, forming little beads of sweat on the back of Maya's neck. She wasn't used to this weather- her life in the city had been hot, sure, but nothing like this. She rarely missed the city, but when faced with major changes she couldn't help but instinctively recoil.
But that had been the very point, hadn't it? Maya moved to Oak Tree on what her father called 'a whim', but that was far from the truth. Maya always loved the idea of farming, and pursuing it as a career was a decision she'd made after nearly a year of planning. She was beyond tired of living in the city, so it was about time for a major change.
Hanako mooed indignantly from her fenced in field, pawing at the ground for attention. Maya rolled her eyes, puffing her auburn hair away from her forehead. The cow was a gift to her from Eda, her elderly next-door neighbour and mentor, and Maya loved her dearly. However, she could be an insufferable diva when she didn't get her way.
"What do you want?" Maya asked, putting a hand on her hip. Hanako snorted, shaking her head back and forth. "It's not time for food yet, silly cow," Maya scolded, wiping the dirt off of her hands on her work dress. It was getting worn, and soon it would be time for her to buy something new. The thought left her feeling excited.
Maya was never a 'big city' kind of girl. Life in the concrete jungle had grown tedious, and with her parents retiring soon and planning multiple cruises a year, Maya decided that a big move just made sense.
Still, she enjoyed the odd luxury every now and again. She loved clothes, and she especially loved good food.
Food. Her stomach twisted as she was reminded of the best chef she knew, no doubt working away at his breakfast preparations in the restaurant.
Maya turned her attention back to her work. Raeger was her best friend in Oak Tree, and had been for a long time- nearly since she'd arrived. She loved him so much, but what had transpired between them the night before had been… different.
Frowning, Maya pushed the thoughts from her mind. She was already upset about her situation with Klaus- the local perfumer caught her attention immediately, with his gentlemanly demeanor and kind, mature eyes- she couldn't be bothered by Raeger as well. Not if she wanted to keep her sanity.
Hanako mooed again, reminding her to pick up the pace.
Maya huffed in response, dropping her watering can right where it was. Hanako wiggled excitedly, knowing that she'd annoyed her owner enough to get what she wanted. Maya hated giving in to her, but as high strung as the cow could be, she was also unbearably cute. Besides, Maya had plans for breakfast tea with Eda.
It was a tradition she'd kept since moving into her own farmhouse. Eda was old and getting frail, Maya couldn't bear to let the woman spend her days alone. So for as long as she'd been here, Maya made a point to have tea with Eda once she'd finished her morning chores. On this particular morning, the end of her chores would be feeding Hanako.
Maya gathered her things into her knapsack and made her way to the barn. Hanako's moos were becoming louder and more frequent as her anticipation built- it was a wonder the animal didn't pass out from excitement. Maya shook her head fondly, dumping an armload of hay into Hanako's feeding trough.
What happened next was nothing short of a tornado whipping through a small town. Hanako bounded over to the trough, swallowing her food so quickly Maya was unsure if she'd even chewed it.
"Slow down girl," she laughed, patting Hanako on her belly. The cow ignored her, scarfing down as much as she could get in her mouth.
A low grumble in Maya's stomach reminded her that she was hungry too. After cleaning her hands as best she could, Maya made her way over to Eda's farm.
It was modest, compared to most farms that Maya had seen in her life. Even more so now that Eda had given away her only cow. The physical challenges of running a farm were beginning to reflect on the old woman- she was considering selling her chickens come the Fall. Maya sighed; she worried for Eda.
And yet, without fail, whenever Maya crossed Eda's doorstep, the elderly woman had tea and biscuits ready for her young farmer friend along with a listening ear and a story or two. Today, Eda was halfway through a tale about the first cellphone Eda had ever seen- a tale that Maya had heard before- when she suddenly stopped to stare.
"What's wrong, dear?" Eda pouted, placing a beautiful blue tea cup in front of Maya. She accepted it gratefully, dropping two sugar cubes into the hot drink before answering.
"I'm just feeling a bit off today, Eda." Maya sighed, trying for a smile. "I'm sorry I'm not the best company."
"Did something happen?" Eda took her seat across from Maya, struggling to get comfortable. The chairs, while not very tall, still made it impossible for Eda's feet to touch the floor when she was fully seated in one. The older woman fidgeted until she was out of breath, finally coming to rest her forearms on the table in front of her. "Was it something with Klaus?"
Maya hesitated for only a moment, but it was more than enough time for Eda to determine that was exactly the problem.
"What happened, dear?" Eda frowned sympathetically, her voice sweet and comforting. She remembered what it was like to be young and in love, feeling hopeless and carrying the weight of the world. "Did he like your Flower Fair gift?"
"Decidedly no," Maya mumbled, staring at the swirling liquid without really seeing it. It was so easy to be honest with Eda; the old woman reminded her of her grandmother. "He kind of shrugged it off."
Eda bit her bottom lip. "Well that's odd for Klaus. He'd not typically so calloused."
"That's what I was afraid of," Maya sighed, an uncomfortable lump forming in the pit of her stomach. "But I do feel a bit better than I did yesterday. Raeger came over last night and cheered me up."
Eda's ears perked up, watching Maya very carefully as she asked her next question.
"Raeger's a nice boy," Eda agreed, nodding sagely. "You must be happy to have someone like him to lean on when things don't go your way. Do you spend much time together?"
Maya smiled to herself, taking a quick sip of her tea. "Yes, we're together almost every day. I'm not sure what I'd do without him most of the time."
Eda couldn't suppress the smirk that sprang to her wrinkled lips. Luckily Maya didn't notice, her gaze still firmly on the table in front of her.
"Ah yes," Eda smiled, stirring her tea methodically. "Always taking care of others, Raeger. He's been like that ever since he arrived here, you know."
"That doesn't surprise me," Maya laughed. As troublesome as Raeger could be, he had a huge heart. Anyone could go to him for help or guidance and he would gladly open his door to them.
"I used to worry about the poor boy," Eda shook her head, memories flooding her now. "His mother was always working, his grandfather too. No one ever seemed to have time for him. But," Eda perked up again just as quickly, her eyes crinkling with pride. "Look how he turned out. It can't have been all bad, I suppose."
Maya blinked. She never knew that about Raeger… at least, he'd never mentioned anything to her. The thought crossed her mind to ask, but before she could decide if she should the clock above the stove struck 9.
"Oh!" Maya exclaimed, jumping up from her chair. "I'm sorry Eda, I'm going to be late!"
The old woman chuckled, waving as Maya darted for the door, her bag clenched tightly in her hands.
"Don't worry so much, dear!" She called out, her voice cracking. "When you've been bitten by the Love Bug, all you can do is let things run their course!"
.
"Sorry I'm a bit short on your milk order today, Asche." Maya apologised, heaving a carton of 6 bottles of Hanako's milk onto the counter of Asche's cart. The Silk Country representative had requested 8 bottles, but with the other businesses in town also needing supplies and coming to Maya for them, she was having some trouble keeping up with demand.
"I think you need another cow," Asche laughed, accepting the crate. "I could sell you one, you know!"
Maya shook her head, patting the neck of her new horse, Cardamom.
"After getting this guy, I think I'm maxed out for a little while." She smiled, securing Cardamom's saddlebags.
Elise had, strangely, offered her the animal upon learning that Maya didn't have a horse of her own. It was an off-putting gesture, but one that Maya greatly appreciated. The horse was a dark, chestnut brown, with a black mane and white splotch on her chest that vaguely resembled a diamond.
Having Cardamom made her deliveries much easier, not having to lug her products along in her bag. It did put a strain on her finances though, as she now had to feed both Cardamom and Hanako.
Raeger had chosen her name, jokingly at first, but it had grown on Maya the more he said it.
"Well, when you feel like expanding again just come and see me!" Asche split into a lopsided grin, handing Maya a small handful of cash. Maya pocketed the money after a quick count, making her way to the entrance of the Trade Depot.
The town seemed greener somehow, changing overnight to reflect the warmer season. Nature in general was more lively and active than before, and every time she left her farm Maya found some new plant or material had manifested in the mountains.
Maya swished her dress around her legs, trying to cool herself off. The weather was far too hot to be wearing her work dress, and although it was airy in some respects, it was definitely too much for her. Yes, a shopping trip was needed very soon.
It was after the lunch rush when Maya finally made it to the restaurant.
After her visit with Eda, Maya's errands had eaten up the rest of her morning. She spent some time at the river, as she normally did, and then proceeded to town. She always left Raeger until last, not just because she usually ended up spending the most time with him.
He was in the middle of cleanup when she pushed the door open, setting off the tinkling bell above her head. Raeger turned when she entered, his concentrated frown breaking into a genuine smile as he saw her.
"Hey Love Bug," Raeger greeted with a secretive wink, balancing a respectable pile of plates in his arms as Maya entered the restaurant. She flinched instinctively, her stomach clenching as Raeger uttered the same words Eda had earlier. She gulped down her sudden unease, fixing Raeger with as normal of an expression as she could manage.
"Couldn't stay away from me for long?" He purred, dropping his armload onto the counter. Maya rolled her eyes, taking her usual seat near the kitchen. After what had transpired between them the night before, she was sure Raeger would be nearly insufferable for at least a few days.
"Not when you're paying me," She teased, nodding to the bundle of vegetables she'd dropped on the counter as she walked in. Raeger laughed, disappearing for a moment to fetch Maya a lemonade. "Did you catch up with Fritz after you left?"
At the exasperated groan that met her ears, she suspected that he had.
"He said he believed me," Raeger admitted, albeit apologetically, reappearing with a tray of eclairs and two tall glasses of clear yellow drink. "But I'm not so sure. He was pretty upset about the whole thing. I don't think he'll tell anyone though."
"Are you sure?" Maya questioned skeptically. She liked Fritz, but he wasn't exactly subtle. From the look on Raeger's face, he wasn't overly confident either.
"I guess we'll have to wait and see," He shrugged, taking one of the glasses he'd brought. He sipped it slowly, enjoying the lack of customers for the time being. "Have you seen Klaus since yesterday?"
"No," Maya crossed her arms, fighting the urge to pout. Before coming to the Depot, Maya had spent a good few hours at the river. She tried to convince herself that she was gathering materials, and that was the true purpose of her loitering, but she knew that was a lie. She was waiting for Klaus, and he hadn't shown up.
"He wasn't at the river?" Raeger raised an eyebrow, guessing at her train of thought. "That's weird. He goes there every day now."
"I think I may have been closer to the mark when I said he was disappointed," Maya sighed, chewing an éclair thoughtfully. "I don't want to think he's avoiding me but… do you think he is?"
"Is who, what?"
Marian appeared seemingly out of nowhere, sporting his signature pink outfit, and stealing the éclair that Raeger was reaching for. The chef eyed the flamboyant doctor in annoyance, taking another éclair from the plate to replace his stolen one.
"Klaus, avoiding Maya." Raeger explained, ignoring the 'be quiet' sounds Maya was making at him. "What? He knows you like him."
"That's not the point," Maya was fighting a losing battle; she knew that Marian would undoubtedly find out, even if she or Raeger didn't tell him. The man had an uncanny ability for gossip, not to mention his partner in crime, Iris, would find out if he didn't. "But, now that you know, do you think he might be?"
"Probably," Marian shrugged, licking sugar from his lips. Maya blinked in surprise, genuinely not expecting a confirmation. "Klaus is a lot more delicate than he lets on. If you did something that reminded him of how attracted he is to you, he's most likely holed up at home trying not to think about it."
Maya sputtered a laugh, "Klaus isn't attracted to me."
Marian paused, raising his eyebrows at Maya.
"You don't think so?" He questioned, eying Maya for a reaction. When the young farmer shook her head, Marian began to giggle. "You really don't know him that well, then."
"Come on Marian," Maya bit her lip, squirming. "Why would Klaus ever be attracted to me?"
"Why wouldn't he be attracted to you, is a better question." Raeger asserted sincerely, smirking at her. "You're beautiful, funny, kind, and those are just the first impressions."
Maya blushed, her heart suddenly thumping.
Marian's eyes flitted between Raeger and Maya quickly, a devious glint sparking in his expression.
"You two seem… different today, if I may be so bold." He droned, lacing his fingers together in front of him. "Did something happen last night, hmm?"
Raeger choked on his drink. Maya began to sputter.
"Oh ho!" Marian burst into a hearty laugh, taking great enjoyment in the expressions on Maya and Raeger's faces. "Be still my heart, a love triangle forming just under my nose."
"It's not like that," Raeger defended, shushing them as a group of customers filed through the door. He abandoned Maya and Marian to serve the newcomers, thankful for the convenient excuse to bow out.
"Really," Maya insisted, picking up where Raeger had left off. "There's nothing between me and Raeger. We're just friends."
"You might want to tell Klaus that, Sweetie." Marian mused, stealing a sip of Raeger's lemonade. He chewed on the thought for a moment, and then amended: "Actually, maybe you shouldn't. I can't say I've ever seen him jealous. It might be entertaining."
Maya contemplated arguing again that Klaus would never be jealous because he would never be interested in her, but arguing with Marian was a task she did not have the energy for. Instead she sat quietly, munching on her snack.
Marian watched her for a little while, observing the deflated set to her posture. After a silence that lasted much longer than normal, he sighed and placed a gentle hand on Maya's shoulder.
"Are you sure that's all that's wrong, Sweetheart?" Marian prodded, arching a curved eyebrow. "Seems like maybe there's something else on your mind."
"No, no," Maya shook her head, hoping to derail the conversation before it even began. Marian's involvement was the last thing she needed… never mind how he'd somehow managed to determine something else was on her mind. "Everything's perfect, Marian. How are things at the clinic?"
Her attempt appeared to (thankfully) be successful as Marian lapsed into a stirring tale of a customer from out of town with the most attractive eyes he'd ever seen.
Maya only half-listened to the story, contributing politely where she could. Along with Raeger, Maya loved spending time with Marian, he and Corona were some of her best friends in town. But they could be quite exhausting, no matter how hard Marian tried to deny that he was anything but lovely.
"Attractive? Are you talking about me?" Raeger sang, slipping back into the conversation just as Marian began to gush again about his last patient. "Wait, of course you are. Who else would you be talking about?"
Marian snorted, stealing a sip of Maya's unfinished lemonade this time.
"You're pretty, Raeger, don't get me wrong. But you'll never catch me talking about it," Marian chuckled. "You hardly need the ego boost."
"You got that right," Maya laughed, taking her drink back. "He's insufferable enough as it is."
"You guys are mean," Raeger sighed, though amusement glittered in his eyes. "Come on, how can you not talk about this face?"
Maya was about to retort, but Marian beat her to the punch.
In the midst of the banter, a sudden buzz caught Maya's attention and she abandoned the group to check her messages. Her eyes widened in surprise, her heart thumping in her chest as she read Klaus's name on her screen.
Apologies for yesterday. I love the book. See you tomorrow?
Maya smiled. It was just like him to reassure her, even when he'd done nothing wrong. She hastily opened her keyboard to reply, but her thumbs hesitated over the touch keys.
What did she want to say?
She'd never paused when asked to meet up with Klaus if she was available, but for some inexplicable reason, she found herself reluctant to commit. Maya had been looking forward to spending the next morning with Raeger at the restaurant, but she could do that any time. She should jump on this chance to spend some alone time with Klaus, shouldn't she?
Before she thought too hard about the answer, Maya told Klaus that she would be delighted to join him. Without waiting for a reply, Maya shoved her phone back into her pocket and took a steadying breath.
She hadn't done anything wrong. She'd simply made plans with her crush, that's all. So why did she suddenly feel so guilty?
Realising she'd been lost in thought for far too long, Maya returned to the company of Marian, and Raeger before she could get overwhelmed with her emotions.
"Who was that?" Marian asked, teasing her with a wink. "I bet it was Klaus!"
Raeger glanced over his shoulder at the older gentleman's name, although Marian was the only one who noticed.
"It was my dad," Maya lied with an easy smile, taking her seat again. "Nothing big, just wanted to catch up. So, what are we talking about?"
Raeger began to catch her up on the current debate, but Maya was distracted by the odd look Marian was giving her. It was an unsettling cross between suspicion and mischief, and it made her squirm uncomfortably whenever she caught his eye. It was almost as though Marian knew she'd lied about the text, or worse yet, what she'd been thinking when she sent it. But that was impossible, of course.
Wasn't it?
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