Here is chapter 6 :) review and let me know what you think
also, ive noticed how even though i put spaces between lines, they aren't there in the story... i know that could make reading this a little confusing, and i appologize. im trying to fix the problem...
The pitter patter of rain drops filled the air. I hopped out of bed and walked to the window. It was still relatively dark outside; looks like I was going to get an early start to the work day.
After spreading fresh bird feed for the chickens, I ventured to the barn to tend to Bessie. She was being her usual ravenous self. I restocked her food trough before proceeding to milk her. Five bottles today; I stuffed them into my backpack.
Outside my crops bathed in the autumn rain as I walked up to check on their progress. A big bright orb caught my attention; it hung heavy from one of the plants. I reached out one of my small hands to sieze it. Staring at the shining red tomato, I filled with a sense of pride. Look dad, I finally grew a crop! I gently placed the fruit in my backpack and took off for the bridge.
As I crossed the river bridge, I noticed that no one was working in the crop fields. I raced to the cabin door. Vesta's booming voice could faintly be heard.
"It's raining outside today Marlin and Celia, so stay indoors as much as possible. Being outside in the rain is bad for your health. I can't have you two catching colds."
I placed my ear up against the door.
A small voice responded sweetly. "Yes Vesta. That goes for you too, Marlin. Be sure to stay warm and dry."
"That's it! That does it!" thundered a deeper voice. "I'm tired of being codded like some sickly child! I've got to get out of here!"
Angry footsteps raged towards me. I quickly backed away from the plank of wood before it slammed open. Marlin stood in the doorway, a threatening look on his face. He shoved me out of the way as he stormed out. I stared blankly at him walk away as if in a trance. Vesta's voice brought me back.
"Jill, is that you? Come on in."
My head snapped to her direction, she looked distressed, as did Celia. The cool air inside their cabin caused me to shiver. "What just happened?"
Vesta's forest green eyes sunk. "I asked Marlin to stay indoors today… you know, for his health. I think he took it the wrong way though."
Celia chimed in. "He was so angry… he just stormed out." Her cheery gray eyes were clouded with worry.
Vesta frowned. "I'm worried about him… Jill, would you help me go look for him?"
I nodded. Of course I would help look, Marlin was my friend.
"You will? You're a sweetheart!" She turned to Celia. "Celia, stay here in case he comes back."
She nodded.
The rain wasn't letting up anytime soon. My clothing was completely soaked; my chestnut colored hair hung heavy in a wet ponytail. I pulled my dripping wet bangs to the side, away of my face. Vesta had instructed me to check out the goddess pond while she checked the valley beach. As I came around the bending path, I saw Marlin standing at the edge of the pond.
"Marlin!" Relief rushed over me as I ran beside him.
His wavy black hair was completely soaked. His white button down shirt stuck to his body, a dejected expression on his face. "Jill… what do you want…?"
"I was worried about you… your health…"
He turned, glaring at the pond water. Rain drops pelted his reflection causing it to distort. "Just go away…"
"What's wrong? Marlin, just tell me…"
He breathed deeply, a painful expression appearing on his depressed face. "Five years ago, I got really sick so I came out here to recover." He paused. "But even five years later, I still haven't fully recovered. I bet I'll be this way forever…"
I tried my best to console him. "That's not true. I'm sure you-"
"WHAT DO YOU KNOW?" he snapped. "You don't know how I feel! Just leave me alone!"
My mouth hung open in shock. I didn't know how to respond… I had seen him get angry before, but never like this… and never at me… Tears welled in my eyes as I swung my backpack to the side and pulled out the red orb, which had given me so much joy earlier. "Marlin… look."
He tilted his head to see me. The bright tomato practically glowed in my hands. His venomous glare softened.
"I was coming over to show you." The tears began to roll from my hazy eyes. "You helped me grow this… you gave me a little hope that maybe I could be a good farmer…"
Marlin said nothing.
"Do you remember the day we met at the bar?" I asked softly, my voice shaking. "I was depressed and angry at the world… but you helped me!"
His eyes closed. His head hung heavy.
"Please, don't be angry Marlin! I'm trying to help you now!" I pleaded. "You can get better. That's what friends are for … to help you though the tough times."
Painful minutes of silence passed.
"You're right…" Marlin exhaled. "I'm sorry… for yelling like that."
I sighed, wiping the water away from my eyes. "Let's head back to your sister. Both her and Celia are worried too." I shivered returning the tomato to my backpack. "And I'm getting cold. Let's get out of the rain."
He chuckled softly. I was glad to see his spirits rising a little; I don't like to see my friends upset… We walked back to Vesta's house in silence.
When he opened the door to the cabin, Vesta and Celia were sitting at the kitchen table. Vesta had a towel wrapped around her large upper body. The women's eyes instantly lit up. "Marlin!" they cried in unison.
Vesta jumped up and ran to hug her brother. "Are you all right?"
Her strong arms were crushing him. "Yeah" he managed to grunt out, causing me to laugh silently to myself.
Vesta released her little brother from her vigorous hug. She hurried over to the table where two other towels sat folded. She threw one to Marlin. "Here. Dry yourself off."
Vesta threw the other towel to me. "You too, Jill."
Chapter 7 coming soon :)