I decided to turn my life around and get over my breakup. I ignored the knot in my chest as I went over to Neil's stall. He looked a bit surprised to see me looking so calm. He must have expected me to be angry or depressed. I took a deep breath and ordered animal treats and fodder. I could see Rod watching us from the corner of my eye. I waved to him and he smiled at me. Why couldn't Neil have that kind of positivity?
"Alex, I've been meaning to ask you but haven't been able to find the words. Are you ok? I feel bad about how I've been treating you lately. Everyone in town can see it. A lot of people are mad at me for how I left you."
"I've been terrible but I'm over it." It felt like I was swallowing glass, but I kept going, "I've accepted that you no longer want to be with me. You're right. We weren't meant to last forever. One of us would have to die and leave the other one alone. You just cut it off before it could happen. I'm letting you go. Goodbye Neil." I felt a bit proud that I got it off my chest. Neil gave me a nod and looked off to the side.
Feeling better I went to Tina's house. She was very happy to see me out and about since I spent the last weeks in my house not leaving it. I felt bad about ignoring everyone in town but I was in a bad time. I just had to think of the positive things in life.
"What are you doing here? Not that I'm not happy to see you. It's a good thing you're visiting me. You seem to look a bit better. Not all the way but maybe one piece at a time."
I laughed, "It'll take a while, but I'm trying to get happier."
"Maybe we should go on a vacation. That might help your mood."
"I'm too busy for that. How about we eat at the restaurant. I'm starving."
Eating made me feel happier. Clement's food was the best throughout the entire village. I hoped to one day be as good of a cook as he is. I wonder if I should ask him to teach me.
"Hey Alex! How have you been? It's been awhile since we've talked."
"I've been so and so. You're food is as yummy as ever. Money's on the table. See you later." I waved to him. Felicity and Michelle waved back to me. I felt contempt and wanted to great everyone else in town.
"Oh yeah that reminds me. I have something to do. You going to be ok?"
"Yeah I think. Wait, so who sent me the flowers?"
"I can't tell you that. Sorry Alex." She dashed off before I could ask anymore. I thought about it with caution. I just wanted to know. Maybe I could try dating again. But I didn't want anyone to think that I'm just using him to help get over Neil. It would help me, but I don't want that to be my only reason. I'm not really sure if any of the other guys in town even liked me. There were other pretty young girls in town for them to choose from. I don't think I'd even be able to get a prince to like me. Maybe they were giving the flowers to make me feel better instead of affection.
I went to the area above the Harvest Goddess spring and looked at the sky. Looking at the clouds always made me feel better as a child. I remember when I used to lie down in the grass with my parents and guess what shape the clouds were. I wish I could be as happy with someone as my mother was. Someone that would move out of their hometown just to live with me. It was like something out of a fairy tale. I got on my back to watch the clouds. I couldn't help but see a cow in one of the clouds. It was nice for a while to help me get my mind off things.
"Watcha doing Alex?" Rod's voice came up from above me.
"Just watching the clouds. Want to join me?"
"Ok." He got down next to me, "How have you been? Allen and I have been worried about you, you know? You can talk to either of us and we will help you."
"You know a lot of people have asked me that. I'm not the best, but I'm trying."
"Well we all care about you. You did save this town after all. We pretty much owe you our lives and homes."
"I guess," I pointed at the sky, "Ooh, that one looks like a bunny! You see it, the small one."
"It looks more like a fish to me."
"A fish? You must be seeing things."
"No, see? The fin is right there."
"Ohh. Now I see it. You have good eyes."
We stayed like that for a good couple of hours. It was nice hanging out with Rod. He was such a nice person and easy to talk to. He could be a bit naive at time, but I think it gives him character. When I sat back up, part of me had gone numb.
"It's keeping pretty late. Should I walk you back home?" Rod gave me his hand and pulled me back to my feet. I stumbled a little, but managed to stand up straight.
"It's ok Rod. I'm used to being out this late. But if you want to walk with me back to town I won't object." I dusted the grass off me and strolled with him back to my place. It was nice to hang out with a friend again. I missed the feeling.