Chelsea looked around the field. Her crops were flourishing. She hadn't spoken to Vaughn in awhile, and had rarely gone to Mirabelle's shop. She felt weird in the shop now; after all, it was where he worked. Chelsea wasn't quite sure what to think, but she was sure he had decided not to trust her. At least, that's how it felt. She let out a long sigh, and looked out to the sea.

"I'll have to talk to him…" she told herself.

With that she headed to Mirabelle's shop. Vaughn was on the island today, and she would have to talk to him. She'd ask him what he wanted. She was running now, she had to know. She reached the store and took a moment to catch her breath.

"Maybe… Maybe knows not the best time…" she said to herself.

"For what?" Someone asked from behind.

She turned, expecting anyone but Vaughn.

"N-Nothing… I was just… walking by…" Chelsea stammered.

"Come in if you want," Vaughn said, walking past her and into the shop.

Chelsea looked towards the bridge to Ranch Island. I want to talk to him…But what if I don't like the answer? She took a breath, turned, and entered the shop.

"Oh! Chelsea, great timing. Can you help Vaughn with the animals?" Mirabelle asked.

"Sure, no problem," Chelsea answered, smiling.

Chelsea followed Vaughn out of the shop. They walked four a minute, then Chelsea asked, "Why do you need help?"

"Animals are acting up. A storms coming. A bad one. We gotta' work fast," Vaughn answered.

Chelsea nodded. The two of them worked hard for a couple of hours, leading animals to shelter and safety. Chelsea chased after a foal that ran off. She had a hard time following it, it was very agile.

"Vaughn, it went left!" she called out.

She rounded the corner and roped the foal that Vaughn had blocked. She was breathing heavily, rain began to fall.

"I'll take her to the stable, you get her mother," Chelsea said.

Vaughn nodded and headed off. Chelsea led the young foal to the barn. There, Chelsea waited for Vaughn. The storm was getting stronger, the wind increasing and rain falling more heavily. Vaughn… Hurry up…

"Open the door!" Vaughn called.

Chelsea did so, allowing Vaughn and the horse to enter. Vaughn was absolutely soaked, water dripping from his clothes. Chelsea looked outside, noting how severe the weather was. They'd have to stay in the barn until the storm passed.

"Vaughn…you're going to catch a cold…" Chelsea said hesitantly.

Chelsea searched for a blanket or anything to help keep Vaughn warm until they could leave, but it was useless, she saw nothing.

"I'll be fine, Chelsea," Vaughn said, "I'm worried about you and the animals though…"

"Don't worry about me! I'm fine, Vaughn, you're soaked though…" Chelsea insisted.

Chelsea thought about what he said and blushed slightly. He's…worried about me?

"Okay, okay. Blankets are in the loft, grab me one and some for the animals," Vaughn said.

"R-Right…" Chelsea said, heading up the ladder.

"And one for yourself, we can't have you sick 'cuz you helped me," Vaughn called.

Chelsea smiled and headed up the ladder. The blankets were easy to find and she quickly gathered up all that she could. She tossed them down the ladder and climbed down it. She made sure the animals and Vaughn got their blankets, and then looked outside. The storm was raging, and it looked like it would never die down.

"Didn't I tell you to get yourself a blanket?" Vaughn said.

Chelsea felt the blanket fall around her shoulders and turned. Vaughn looked her in the eye, making her smile, "Thank you…"

Vaughn shrugged and sat against the wall. It was times like now that Vaughn was calmest. It was only around the animals that he seemed to let his guard down, and it was kind of cute the way he could be relaxed in the fiercest of storms simply because he was with the animals he cared for so much.

Chelsea sighed and sat against a wall to and tried to relax. Why couldn't she feel calm? It was almost like she had forgotten something.

"Chelsea?" Vaughn said.

"What is it?" Chelsea asked, shaken from her thoughts.

"Sorry… Julia told me that I upset you…" Vaughn said.

"It's fine, really," Chelsea smiled.

"I'm not good with people really… I didn't want to hurt you…" Vaughn said.

"Really, don't worry. I get it, okay? I was bothered at first, but after today I think I got it. You are so at ease with the animals, but you're kind of on edge with people. It makes me think that maybe… I should have just told you what happened…" Chelsea said, relaxing against the wall, "Besides… It's just who you are, and I'd like to be your friend."

"…I'd like that," Vaughn answered.

It was a short, simple answer, but it made Chelsea really happy to hear. She smiled, she felt good. She forgot the dark, stormy weather, and was able to focus on the safety of the barn. She was able to focus on the conversations she had with Vaughn, and the soft breathing of the animals in the barn with them.

"I think I get it. Why you like animals so much. They're calming."