Yes, I am aware it has been two months since I updated this. But I have been working on this. I just got into the wonderful world of college and midterms consumed my life for a little bit. But now I have a little bit more time to work on this - and so I am going to do my best. Sorry about that. :S
And now onto the story!
Chapter 2
Grilled Cheese and Lemonade
"Come on, let's go!"
Jack's peaceful subconscious was ripped from him as his warm covers flew apart again.
"I thought you said we wouldn't need that anymore!" He gasped as he leapt to his dresser. Takakura chuckled lightly.
"Well, I guess it all depends on whose needs you're talking about – your need to sleep or my need to laugh really hard."
"Haw, haw," Jack said disdainfully as he hooked his overalls together and rubbed his eyes sleepily. His exhaustion from yesterday's work was still a part of him. Takakura watched with a cocked eyebrow as Jacks tumbled about the room, looking for his shoes.
"When did you get to bed last night?" He asked curiously. The young farmer shrugged his shoulders as he continued his search.
"I dunno. Eleven, midnight – somewhere between there."
"You'll have to watch out for that," Takakura replied as they stepped out of the house. "This is demanding labor you're dealing with every day now – you're going to need all the sleep you can get."
"I'll keep that in mind," Jack mumbled as the musty smell of the tool shed entered his senses. Takakura was right, of course; he stretched his stiff muscles to ease their aching, and fervently hoping would be less tiring than the day before.
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"Alright, just like last time," Takakura whispered. "Start slowly. Creep forward; act calm."
Jack listened to each command and quietly snuck forward in the small pen. His breathing was kept to a bare minimum, watching for the animal's movements. As he rustled onto the hay, however, the cow's ear swiveled toward the noise's origin. Jack immediately stepped back as far as he could as the creature brayed loudly and attempted to charge the farmer.
"Step back, Jack!" Takakura said in a commanding tone as he rushed inside the pen. In an instant he crossed the length of the pen and held the cow's head down to prevent an injury. His bushy eyebrows furrowed as he soothingly shushed the creature; slowly, the cow's muscles lessened their tension until all that remained were the hairs as he eyes remained fixated on Jack. Takakura sighed quietly as he grabbed the milker. "Well, we'll keep trying…"
Neither the farmer nor the animal moved until the last drop was squeezed into the bottle and handed over. Jack's eyes still followed the creature as he shut the door with a meticulous push.
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"All right – pick, hoe, watering can, seeds – let's head out."
The sun was still creeping over the mountainside as the two farmers headed to the field they had completed clearing the previous day. Takakura hurried past Jack, who had slowed to a meandering and tired walk.
"Come on, Jack! We want to work as much as possible with the cool! Let's go, let's go!" He shouted behind as he continued his brisk pace. Jack suppressed his frustration; he did go to sleep late, after all. He mentally shook his head, instead attempting to focus on his task of filling the can with water.
"All right, jab into the ground – " Takakura swung the pick into the soil.
" – Twist it a little bit – " He rotated the tool and pulled it out of the ground.
"Now go ahead and put the seeds inside." A couple of seeds were tossed into the hole and were covered in darkness as Jack filled the crack and soaked the ground with water from the can. Takakura nodded encouragingly.
"Good, you seem to know what you're doing." He squinted into the sunrise. "It's…. what, six? So if I leave now, I'll be back a little bit before noon." He turned back to face Jack, who was rubbing his eyes fiercely. "Are you going to be able to make it today?"
Jack glanced up for a moment before he nodded tersely. "I'll deal with it. Go ahead and go – you're wasting time here."
Takakura hesitated a moment before he turned around and began to head back to the farm. Jack focused on the soil below as he dug into the ground and continued his work.
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It is remarkable what outwardly simple tasks like planting seeds can do to someone. The soft breeze blowing through the valley, the smell of pollen everywhere, and the faint chirp of birds among the tall trees lulled his senses. One by one, the seeds fell into their places, waiting to grow and become alive. Gently, his mind drifted away…
How am I going to live here the entire year? I've only been here one day, and I'm exhausted. Besides that, there doesn't seem to be a lot of people in the valley – all I've met are Vesta and Marlin and Celia…
Jack paused for a moment. He pictured her soft skirt, her long brown hair, her dirty but cheerful face. I wouldn't mind getting to know her better; she seems friendly and understanding, and she is pret –
Jack shook his mentally as he reached the end of the row. I'm busy enough without thinking about women. Besides, they don't know me, and they would never want to…
Sighing dejectedly, he pushed thoughts of Celia to the back of his mind and focused once more on his work. Despite his best efforts, however, the thought lingered as he completed the entire row. As he raised his head from planting the last seed, his eyes saw the dark shack that stood separated from the rest of the farm. His father's face flashed back in his mind – the tight lips that drew in wrinkles, the flared small nose, the harsh, blue eyes. Jack forcibly turned around and focused once again on his chore. He had more important things to think about than the deceased.
It is remarkable – what planting seeds can do.
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"Hey, Jack! Got someone new for you to meet!"
The sun was now overhead and beating warmth down on Jack as he turned to find Takakura and another man approaching the field. The farmer halted his work and wiped his brow of sweat as Takakura examined the progress.
"So you've finished the tomatoes… that's fine for now. This is Tim," he introduced, indicating the man behind him. Jack took a step forward and extended his hand while examining the stranger. His slightly portly figure jiggled as he walked forward and removed his hands from his overall straps. His ruffled hair shook as he nodded vigorously and gripped the farmer's hand tightly.
"How d'ye do, Jack? I'm Tim, I own the Inner Inn in town. It's great to finally see someone start up the farm again –"
"Well – thanks, Tim –" Jack stammered as his hand continued to be squeezed painfully tight. Finally, Tim released his hand from captivity, and he massaged his already-sore hand as he asked, "So how'd you find out I was here?"
"Takakura stopped by and told me everything. Come on, we're already set for you, and we're just waiting for you now."
Jack blinked confusingly as he stared at the two men. "What's set for me?"
"Lunch, of course!" Takakura chuckled as he patted Jack's shoulder. "Tim invited us to meet the rest of his family. We can afford a little break before we keep going today. Go ahead and put everything by the tree, and be quick – I've been informed that grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup are going to be served."
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"Here we are," said Tim pointing to the large building ahead of the group along the main road. "Besides Romana's mansion, it's the biggest place in the valley!"
Jack surveyed the inn with interest; it reminded him more of an Old West saloon. The farmer smiled as he noted the worn but solid posts that held the inn together; he would have to ask Tim how he could rebuild the barn that way.
Both owner and guest cheerfully entered the dwelling, with the double doors echoing slightly as they were shut. Jack glanced upward to the ceiling, and was surprised to find countless objects hanging from all four walls, of every shape and color imaginable. Tim must have noted his sense of awe, Jack thought, because he patted the farmer's back and impressively at the display.
"It's a lot, isn't it? It took my family and I thirty years of traveling around the world to get all this. When you are around again I will have to tell you some stories – but let's go ahead and stop the food from getting any colder!" He chuckled again, his large belly jiggling slightly from the laughter. As the innkeeper laughed, a door to the right of the man quickly opened to reveal a short middle-aged woman with black hair and a rounded face.
"There you are, honey," the woman said with relief. "I couldn't find you anywhere, and lunch has been waiting…"
"Sorry, dear," Tim apologized earnestly as they followed her back into the kitchen, "Will bringing friends over fix it?"
"I guess that will make up for it," she smiled quietly as she sliced up the load of bread and cheese. "Who did you bring today?"
"Our old friend Takakura and our new friend Jack," Tim introduced happily. "Jack, this is Ruby, my wife, and my son Rock is over in the corner there."
Jack confusingly peered past Tim to the place where he was pointing to, but could only see a large cabinet with a door open. Then the door shut to reveal a young man with blond hair and cheerful expression.
"Hey, pop!" The person exclaimed, "I've been looking for the mayo, seen it anywhere?"
"I've got no idea, son," Tim replied. "Would you mind meeting our guest before you keep looking?"
"Hmm?" The boy called with a vacant expression, until he spotted Jack and Takakura. In an instant he bounded over, a large grin plastered on his face.
"Hey, you're the guy running the farm, right? Name's Rock. You'll probably see me around, I wander I a lot. Well, see ya later!"
In one swift rush the boy left the kitchen; Jack stood, taken aback by the sudden departure. Ruby shook his head exasperatedly.
"I apologize in advance for our son; sometimes he is a bit empty-headed when it comes to manners."
"Oh, it's no problem, ma'am," Jack started, but she smiled sweetly at him.
"Oh, bless you, son, you sound just like your pa…. And so polite like he was, too…"
No one noticed Jack's cheeks flushing slightly from the remark. His thoughts were shaken when Tim patted him hard on the back with another hearty chortle.
"Let's go ahead and get the food on the table outside – we're wasting enough time as it is!"
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The cool milk tickled Jack's throat as a small breeze drifted through the valley. He took a deep breath before he bit into the sandwich and savored the melted cheese in his mouth.
"Enjoying the food, are you?"
Jacked nodded eagerly, chewing his food in earnest.
"Well, just wait until the festival – that's when the real masterpieces come out!"
The chewing came to a sudden stop. "Festival?"
"Oh yeah, there's always festivals in the valley. There's games and food and prizes and plenty else. You'll get a chance to meet everyone, too – and we can show off our new addition to the valley in style!"
Tim hesitated for a moment as he watched Jack's face tighten slightly, his eyes flashing slightly with fear, words failing to come to his mouth. "You okay?"
Jack hesitated as well, before shrugging his shoulders and nodding his head rapidly. Takakura's bushy eyebrows sunk low as he intently watched the young man cough slightly and rise from is wooden chair.
"Yes, well – thank you very much for inviting us over. We're both very grateful for your kindness."
"Oh, not at all," Ruby replied quietly with a smile. "It's always nice to meet someone new in the valley – each person that comes here brings something special."
Both farmers bowed respectfully to their hosts before leaving the table to return to the farm. When they had turned the corner, Tim's chair creaked as he leaned into it, his arms folded, tongue in cheek.
"He sure is an interesting kid… although from what Henry said before he died, he wasn't too keen on the job… How long d'you think he'll last?" He asked curiously to face his wife. Ruby shook her head with another exasperated smile as she began to stack the dishes.
"I don't know what he will do, honey – although I will say that he is going through a tough time, with everything new to him. As long as he has people like you to help him –" she patted her husband's large shoulders with her small hand – "He will know what he will want to do."
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The pick tilled the earth, scraping metal against earth with each stroke. A few seeds dropped into the hole; blackness enveloped them as they were covered with the thing that would sustain them in their journey to the sun once more.
Both Jack and Takakura continued where Jack had left before lunch; now they were planting strawberries, leaving enough space between them and the tomatoes to allow them to grow large. Takakura smiled as he jabbed into the dirt and twisted the pick around to enlarge the hole.
"With some luck, these might be ready in time for the festival!" he said cheerfully. All he could hear was the sound of shifting earth as Jack hoed the ground to an even level.
"That is, if you're interested in going," he said quietly, almost to himself. He watched expectantly as Jack finished his labor and then looked up to face the older man.
"Alright, what's your excuse this time?" Takakura asked quietly, leaning on his pick as he waited for the answer. Jack sighed and stared into the trees, searching for the words to say.
"I dunno, Takakura, I just…. These 'festivals' are just not my thing, okay?"
Takakura gave Jack a shrewd stare. After a few seconds he sighed and shook his head.
"Okay, look – I can respect your decision to not stay here, even if I don't think that's your best choice. I know you're also difficult with making new friends. But the fact is that you're promised to stay here a year – and although I can be decent company, you're going to be miserable for the next year by yourself. All I am saying is to just give it a chance."
"What if it doesn't work out?" Jack asked suspiciously.
"Then I won't push you anymore about it. Tell you what, I'll take you to the bar tonight – there's always a few people getting drinks, and you can go ahead and break the ice with them to get some practice."
Jack chewed on his tongue for a moment. Then, hesitantly, he nodded. Takakura broke into a smile.
"Trust me, you'll enjoy it," he said as he raised his pick to swing. "You'll be glad you went."
Jack nodded half-heartedly to himself. "Yeah…" He began shifting the dirt once again, his mind occupied with confusion.
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"You all ready?" Takakura called outside of Jack's house.
"Just a second," a muffled voice replied from inside. Suddenly, the door opened and Jack quickly walked out and locked the entrance shut again.
"Do I look fine?" He asked anxiously. In fact, very little had changed; he had on a clean pair of overalls and a white shirt to match, but his hair was as untidy as ever. He patted it down, but without much success.
"You're just fine," Takakura smiled, gripping his shoulders. "Just remember to open and friendly."
Jack nodded vigorously, his throat tight from gulping so many times. He followed Takakura out of the farm back onto the worn dirt path in the middle of the valley. They passed the Inner Inn, where only a single light upstairs was lit, casting an eerie glow onto the floor below.
As they continued on, Jack noticed another light growing steadily larger. Soon he could read the sign hanging over the edge of the building.
"'The Blue Bar'," Takakura said proudly as he reached to open the door. "Remember to enjoy yourself."
Jack hesitated a moment, listening to the clinking glasses. He then sighed quietly and stepped inside.
Dim lighting from the candles gave the room a quiet, relaxed feel. Jack surveyed the room with newfound interest that lessened his anxiety. Bottles of drinks were racked together on an entire wall; empty glassed filled another. Stools were lined along the edge of the counter; tables with blue flowers were scattered around the rest of the room. Every seat, however, was completely empty except for one. An older gentleman with a mustache and a long ponytail sat at the bar with a dark drink. He smiled as he watched the two guests enter.
"Ah, Tak… It's been too long." He shuffled off the stool to shake Takakura's hand. "And who's this fellow here?"
"The name's Jack," the farmer said as he shook his own hand, relieved that he was not making a fool of himself. "I'm running the farm now."
"Are you now?" the older man said, impressed. He strolled to assume his job behind the counter. "Well, Jack, my name is Griffin, and in celebration of your arrival to Forget-Me-Not Valley, tonight's tab is free! What do you feel up to?"
"Well…" Jack paused as he and Takakura claimed their own seats, "Do you have anything that… doesn't have alcohol in it?"
"You alright in lemonade?" Griffin asked, and Jack vigorously nodded. Griffin turned his head and called out.
"Muffy? Come on down, honey – first customers of the night!"
Confused at whom Griffin was shouting to, Jack spun around in his chair – and came to a sudden halt.
"You called, Griffin?"
He was looking at the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her shiny red heels clicked on the floor as she took her spot behind the counter. She flicked one of her long tresses of bright blond hair as her green eyes stared into Jack's own eyes.
"This here is Jack," Griffin said with a smile, "Could you get him his drink?"
"So what can I get for you tonight, hot stuff?" She whispered in a silky smooth voice, giving him a knowing wink and a winning smile as she did so. Jack's mouth suddenly became very dry as he stared into those eyes…
"I, uh – just – lemonade. Please."
Jack's face turned bright red. You're staring at a beautiful woman, and that's all you can say?!?
Muffy bit her upper lip, stifling a small laugh as she turned to fix Jack's request. The farmer's frustration suddenly evaporated as he became distracted by Muffy's clinging dress that accentuated her entire body… her legs, her back, everything in between… what he wouldn't give to –
"Here you go, farmer man," Muffy said as she placed Jack's glass of pink lemonade in front of him. "Mind if I sit with you?"
Jack's mouth hung open wide for a brief moment before he shut it and nodded vigorously. He couldn't help watching her every move, her body swaying with every step she took, her low-cut dress that revealed a little more than he was used to seeing –
"So what's a sweet guy like you doing out in a place like this?" She asked, lowering her hand onto his hand on the table. Jack fervently wished he had remembered to leave his gloves back at home.
"Uh, well – I'm staying on the farm for a year. Dad's final wish," he ended. He hoped what he said didn't sound as ridiculous as it did in his mind. Muffy, however, sounded a long, "Awwwww…." and grinned again.
"Well, I think it's sweet of you to do that for your dad, and – well, I've always wanted a farmer for a husband. It makes him… sexy," she whispered mischievously as she leaned closer to Jack and threw her hair back to reveal a raised eyebrow and her deep green eyes for Jack to stare once again into -
"So how are you two getting along?" a voice called, and Jack awoke with a start. He was back in the Blue Bar, light flickering off the walls. Takakura and Griffin stood in front of the pair, their arms folded and smirks printed on their faces.
"I, uh… we're doing fine," Jack said hurriedly, red creeping back into his cheeks. He took one glance back at Muffy, who appeared slightly disgruntled by the interruption, muttered a embarrassed "Thanks for the drink," and quickly got out of his seat to leave the awkward scene.
As he shut the door behind him, Jack let out a large sigh, wiping his brow from a surprisingly large amount of sweat. He jerked around as the door behind him opened again – but it was only Takakura.
"Had enough for tonight?" He smiled; Jack ventured a shrewd guess what Takakura was enjoying.
"Yeah, I'm done for tonight," he said, trying his best to sound casual. Takakura raised his hands in mock defeat.
"Well, if you're ready, then I will be, too," he responded, although the smile was still left on his face.
Nothing was said on the short walk home. Jack was only too glad; the questions about tonight would come soon enough, and he wasn't ready for them just yet.
"'Night," he said quietly as he passed Takakura's house to go to his own.
"You, too," Takakura replied, opening his door and snapping it shut. Jack opened his door to find Buddy barking excitedly and jumping around on his legs.
"Not just now, Buddy," Jack whispered as he patted the puppy. As he dressed for bed, his mind was elsewhere. It was all he could think about: the beautiful figure, those long blond locks, those deep green eyes….
No, he thought firmly, I am only staying the year here, and I don't need people making a big deal of anything. I can't let myself fall for her. She's out of my league anyways…
But despite his best efforts, flashes of the girl in the red dress traveled across his mind as he blew out the candle on his dresser and fell into an uneasy sleep.