Here is chapter two. feel free to review it or just let me know what you think of it. :) thanks

I walked out of the Inner Inn and reached for the deliveries list in my back pocket. I only had one delivery left. Vesta's Farm: one bottle of milk. My legs headed towards the river just beyond my farm. I had never been to Vesta's Farm, but I did recall seeing another farm when Takakura first brought me to Forget-Me-Not Valley. It had to be that farm, I was sure of it. As I crossed the river bridge, I swung my backpack around my side taking out the last bottle of milk. The other farm was in plain view, just a couple yards away.

I stood outside what I believed to be my destination. One hand cradled the milk bottle near the orange Kumono logo on my chest while the other carefully reached out for the door handle. Just before I could reach the handle, the door swung open bashing my body. The bottle flipped out of my hand, sending milk flying all over my clothing. It shattered on the cold ground. I stared blankly at the glass tears, which now sprinkled the floor, not taking much notice to the man standing in the door way.

He just stood there. A frown on his face; his blue eyes wide displaying his shock.

I gradually raised my head to look at him. A person could be heard yelling from inside the house. "Marlin? What happened? Is everything ok?"

We stood there in silence staring… just staring… I felt a lump form in my throat. I messed up again. I dropped the bottle… I ruined their order. A hefty redhead woman approached the doorway. Her green eyes flared when she saw the scene. She turned to the man. "Marlin! What did you do?"

He tried to explain. "Vesta, I-"

The woman didn't seem interested as she turned to faced me. She spoke, cutting him off. "Oh dear. Why don't you come inside and clean up?"

My face was going red. "No… that's ok. I'll just head home and dry-"

"Nonsense!" she cried, pulling my arm inside.

I sat at the table, my shirt soaked with milk. The man sat on one of the two beds across the room. His eyes were downward cast. He remained silent, motionless almost. I looked down at my shirt, starting to shiver. It was cold inside their house and my wet shirt didn't help matters.

The woman raced down a set of stairs holding a fluffy towel. "Here you go" she said offering it to me.

I quickly wrapped myself with it. "Thank you." I smiled faintly, however my smile was short lived. "I'm sorry I messed up your order."

She laughed. "Don't worry about that! Everyone makes mistakes." She fired a stinging glare at the silent man. "Anyway, I'm Vesta. And that's my brother, Marlin."

I nodded. "I'm Jill. I'm new to the valley. I work with Takakura on the other farm."

A huge smile spread across Vesta's face. "Nice to meet ya!" She turned to the stairs that she had just descended from. "Hey, Celia! Come here!"

A slender girl with long brunette locks slowly made her way down the stairs. She sported a green dress with an apron overtop. An orange bandana was tied on top of her head, allowing only her long bangs to fall near her face. She smiled sweetly at me. "Oh, hello there. My name is Celia."

Returning a smile, I responded, "I'm Jill. I work of the other farm in the valley."

A few minutes passed. Vesta carried on about her farm and just farm life in general. She was a very nice woman… After she finished her little rant, I handed back her towel, thanking her. I needed to get back to the farm anyway…plus the fact that I was thoroughly embarrassed over everything that had happened.

The sun was beginning to set in the sky. Shades of orange, pink, and purple began to streak their once crystal blue canvas. An afflicted sigh escaped my mouth. Today had not gone as I would have like. I went and messed up yet another thing for our farm. Even though I've been here for a few weeks, I was still no good at farming… heck, I wondered if I would ever get the hang of it. My spirits were tanking… I need a drink or something…

When I walked into the Blue Bar, I was greeted by an older man with a friendly face. His name was Griffin and he owned the establishment. A young, energetic blonde also worked there. Her name was Muffy but she must have been in the back room when I entered. I stared at the row of black barstools before me. Someone was sitting on one of them. He wore jeans and a loose, white collar shirt. His unruly black hair hung down a bit in his face. It was the man from earlier today. He turned his head to see me standing there… probably looking like an idiot.

I sat down next to him, eyes heavy. He spoke. "Um … I just want to apologize for earlier today."

I eyed him. He frowned, as if waiting for me to speak. "It's ok…" I mumbled, not really in the mood for conversation. I motioned for Griffin to send a drink my way.

"So," the man continued. "uhh… I'm Marlin. You said you were new to the valley, right?"

Griffin slid a foaming glass towards me. I stared at the bubbles. "Yes." I held the glass up to my mouth, taking in an enormous sip.

Marlin's focus fell back to the glass sitting in front of him. "Well… how do you like it? Working on the farm?" He was trying to strike up a conversation. Did he still feel bad about earlier?

I continued to chug the drink, finally slamming the empty glass on the counter. I could feel my breath starting to stagger as emotions raged in my head. "No." I said rather bluntly, motioning for another drink. "No, I hate it. I'm no good at any of it."

Marlin's frown grew, icy eyes narrowing slightly. "Then why are you here?" Another drink approached me. I gulped ravenously. That question… it brought back so much pain…

Tears started to well up in my eyes. I could already start to feel myself getting woozy from the alcohol. I had never been much of a drinker… usually out with a glass or two. I rested my forehead against the bar counter. "I'm here for my father…"

I could tell that Marlin was probably confused. Other than Takakura, no one in the valley knew the details that brought me to this desolate little community. I motioned for a third drink.

"Why did your father make you come out here if you obviously don't enjoy farm work?" Marlin's cold voice cut deep.

A third drink bumped my hand. I greedily raised it to my mouth pouring the liquid down my throat.

Marlin continued. "You should just go back to where you came from. There's no point staying here if you don't want to be here."

Something inside me snapped. That was enough! I was drunk and I was angry. "My father's dead you idiot!" I growled. "I'm only here … cuz Tak said it was my father's dream to run a farm."

The air in the bar tensed. Marlin wore a surprised expression on his face before quickly looking away. "I'm sorry I-"

My drunken rage melted into an overwhelming sorrow. Tears cascaded down my rosy cheeks. "I'm just terrible at farming. I know I'm letting him down!" I sobbed. "I always mess things up. He can't possibly be proud of his loser daughter!"

I sat at the bar, face in hands sobbing. A strong hand pressed my back. I uncovered my face to see Marlin leaning over towards me, his icy blue eyes peering deep into my hazy violet ones. His face bore the same dreary expression that it always had, but he spoke softly. "You shouldn't think that way. I'm sure your father is proud of you for trying to make him happy. Don't beat yourself up."

Staring blankly, not knowing how to react, I convulsed as I tried to regain my normal breathing. He turned away. "And…well… I do a lot of work with crops so I can help you with any crop related issues you have… Think of it as my way of making up for our first encounter."

I wiped my eyes, which were now puffy and red. It was late and I should probably be heading home. I placed money on the counter, as I tried to stand up. The room swayed back and forth. It was amazing what just three drinks could do to me… As I directed myself towards the door and tried to walk away, I heard Marlin's voice call out. "Jill… let me walk you home." He rose from his barstool and walked to my side. Placing one hand on my hip and pulling my right arm around his neck, we staggered out the door. The walk back to my farm was filled with silence, the only sound coming from crickets and cicadas in the distance. Summer was almost upon us.

Marlin led me to the door of my cabin. By then I was feeling the full effects of the alcohol; I'm sure he could tell. He appeared to be slightly concerned. "Maybe I should come inside and make sure you are ok." I smiled sheepishly. Everything was spinning… I couldn't even hold my own head up! Marlin led me to the small worn out bed. As I lay down, he pulled the covers over my body. "Th-thank you…" I slurred.

He smiled shyly back as he approached the door to leave. "No problem."

I realize that this chapter was quite long. sorry about that! its a little difficult for me to split up the story :P