A/N: EDIT: Well, I went through and edited this chapter, because it was kind of bugging me. You know when you write something, and then only after leaving it for a while you realise some of the mistakes you made. I'm also trying to fix some grammar issues (because it does bug a lot of people) and I sincerely apologize in advance for all the things I'm probably missing, because I truthfully am the worst proof reader ever XD. Happy reading, and I hope you enjoy the few changes I've made
The fog seemed to be getting worse (if that was possible). How was I suppose to find my way to a farm when I could hardly see my hand in front of my face? The long winding street was empty, or at least as far as I could tell. I must be getting close, even without my watch I could tell I had been walking for a while. The cobble stone path ended abruptly at the edge of a wide field. After a minute of uncertainty I took a step inside. Even if it wasn't my farm I could stop and ask for directions. I glanced around the vast field, squinting to see. it was horrible. Weeds, stumps, and dozens of tiny boulders littered the large expanse of field. This definitely can't be it I thought, starring with disgust at my surroundings. The advertisment had clearly stated the property was lush, well kept, and the perfect place to retire and relax. No, this certainly wasn't the farm I had purchased; perhaps it was further down the road. I decided to leave, directions or no directions, these obviously weren't people I wanted to talk to. But before I could step back onto the cobble stone path a squat figure came rampaging out of the fog. He was chubby and looked strangely like a pig with a top hat. He stopped, panting for breath in front of me. "Wait, I am so sorry to keep you waiting, you must be Claire!"
I shook his hand timidly, ignoring his sweating palms and smiled "yes that's me, but I'm afraid I'm rather lost. I don't suppose you Could show me to the farm I bought, I didn't get the address".
The man starred at me for a second looking rather confused" well… this is the farm, right through there." He pointed a chubby finger behind me. "I…err…it's not exactly as the advertisement portrayed it I'm afraid. After all the farms been on the market for months, I don't blame them for…. embellishing it a little bit.
I felt my breath catch in my throat "Th-this is it?" I stammered, "no there must be a mistake. Not to sound rude, but this farm is a dump how could I ever live here?"
He sighed, plastering on a very convincing pair of puppy eyes."Well, you can back out. Know ones forcing you into this."
"But I sold my house, I quit my job I have nothing!" tears threatened to spring from my eyes. " I have to stay here it's the only place I have to LIVE."
He smiled, his mood taking a complete one eighty, "well, then I suggest you start unpacking" and with that he hurried back down the coble stone path and into the fog.
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I stared open mouthed at my revolting surroundings. The house was worse then the yard. There was already furniture, if you could call it that. The T.V only got four channels, and everything was coated in a thick layer of dust and grime. I dropped my bags miserably at the door and sunk into the corner of the bed. It was hard and uncomfortable and smelled oddly like fish. I sighed miserably. Getting any sleep was going to be nearly impossible. I lowered my body stiffly onto the grotesque comforter and tried to imagine my friends and family, I missed them already. Letting out a deep breath, I fell into a light sleep.
MORNING
The sun rose abruptly at six a.m. and me, lacking a set of curtains, was forced to awake with it. I hadn't brought any food, thinking my house would at least have a kitchen. I would just have teat in a restaurant for today. I got dressed quickly not bothering to put much effort into my outfit and pulled my hair up In a pony tail. Who cares how I looked. I pushed open the cabin door to be greeted by a blast of sun, shielding my eyes, I took another sad glance around my property. I tried to be optimistic; It did look a little better without the fog. I made my way quietly down the cobble stone path. With the fog gone I could see several shabby looking houses scattered throughout, although they all looked fairly lifeless. I could see why though, It was only around 7:00. I passed the cow farm and turned up into what looked to be a town square. It was empty. The town people here obviously weren't morning people. I kept walking until I came to the next street. I finally found something open, an inn. Taking a deep breath I pushed open the wooden doors. I took a step in to see it was completely empty as well, other then a man working the till at the far end.
I walked up to the counter and placed my order of a salad and a piece of apple pie. Not very good breakfast choices, but I was so hungry I would have eaten anything. I finished quickly,I didn't exactly like sitting there alone. I decided to visit the super market next, everything was so overpriced here… I didn't buy anything, But I met a man named Jeff and his daughter Karen; we were about the same age. As I began to leave I was ambushed once again by the man who I had met last night.
He seemed to beam with happiness; it was a tad annoying "Hello Claire, taking a tour of the town I see?" he smiled widely.
"Umm yes" I mumbled. I didn't exactly feel like talking. " I haven't been to many places yet though"
"Would you like a tour?" he asked happily "being the mayor, I know the town like the back of my hand"
The mayor? "Umm ok" I said trying to sound a bit cheerier, the last thing I wanted to do was tick off the mayor.
"Lets get going then" he said smiling his same goofy grin.
I followed him to the blacksmiths. It smelt like steel and old metals.
"Hello Saibara!" Said the mayor happily, I would like you and your grandson to meet Claire, she's new here."
Saibara looked up from behind his bushy eyebrows. He didn't look like the friendliest person… he was actually kind of scary.
"Hello" he said gruffly through his beard" me and my grandson are the blacksmiths here, come to us when you need your tools upgraded" I nodded in reply, trying to act polite,
"I will," I said as sweetly as humanly possible. Saibara didn't seem like the kind of person I wanted to aggravate.
"Where is Gray today" asked the mayor. "He's usually always working, but I don't seem to see him."
"Oh he's around here somewhere, probably in the back. I'll get him GRAY."
He was loud for an old man, really, really load. After a few moments a boy about my age came hurrying out from the locked door on the other side of the store.
"What" he said through gritted teeth, "I was in the middle of something"
"It can wait," said Saibara, "we have visitors, meet Claire the mayor is showing her around, she just moved here." I waved, again, trying to seem nice.
"Hey, welcome to the boonies" he didn't sound to enthusiastic. but then again, he did seem to be nicer to me then he was to his grandfather...
"Well we better get going" the mayor announced, "a lot to see, and not much time to see it" saying goodbye I followed the mayor onto the street and out into the town.
But the more I tried to concentrate on being nice, and saying hello. The more I thought about Gray.