The Luau Festival was quite something today and I was well notified in advanced by Lewis; Both by mail and by spoken word. Apparently, this marks the annual visit the country governor; Some guy higher up than Lewis and, naturally, the mayor wanted everything to be ship-shape, including the community soup.

The soup makes or breaks the overall community of the town as the Governor has quite the taste in the broth. Though, giving how everyone pitches in, I question the man's nerves when it comes to expecting the unexpected, especially when one of the residents decided that today that they can just screw everyone over.

Not that I had any intentions whatsoever but if I am to make a longing impression on Lewis, then I outta be on my best behaviour.

The day began as usual; Cropdust, sell, talk to Abigail, et cetera, et cetera. Then, I heard the kids; Jas and Vincent giggling and whispering behind Jodie's house.I kept myself hidden by standing around the corner, eavesdropping in on their conversation.

"I dunno Vincent… we might get into big trouble if the Mayor finds out."

"Oh, come on, it's only one day… I'm sure he'll pass it as a one-off. I got some of mom's uncooked eggs from a few days ago… it'll really add some 'spice' to the soup, hehehe!"

It seems the kids were up to no good… and seem to be planning to sabotage the soup. Well, I think I should step in and catch them in the act… that way the two will feel the wrath of their parents. I quietly skulked away as the kids plotted their mischievous ploy but kept a good distance whether they were on the move but only then, did the pair sneak over the bridge and onto the beach warranted me the proof that they were going to spring their plan into action.

The Beach however was well decorated and laid out for today's celebrations. Some of the adults were around finishing up putting up the decorations, only when Emily called me over.

"Yo, Robbie! You would be a dear and lend me a hand? I couldn't seem to reach those poles for the bunting… I should've brought my stool…" She asked as I beguilingly went over to assist.
"Thanks. You've been a great liability to the community; Always willing to help others in a pickle, it's real blessing to have you." She smiled.

"Anytime…" I spoke as I caught the glimpse of the children nearly completing their nefarious mission so, after helping Emily, I sneaked around to watch them drop a few eggs into the large wooden basin that was filled with the community's hard work. Then, as the kids scarpered, I headed over and fished my hand inside; It felt warm, mucky, and thick as my hand churned around in the mixture in my search for the kids' lethal payload.

Then, when my fingers brushed against something oval-shaped, I grabbed it and out came one of the eggs. Result! I continued with the search until I managed to locate all of the bad eggs, disposing them entirely before adding my own ingredient; A pristine Melon, sourced fresh from my farm. As luck would have it, I saw the Mayor emerging onto the beach alongside a purple clothed man, he must be the Governor. When I've put my fruit into the soup, I headed over to meet the duo… not until after cleaning my gloves first.

"Oh, Robbie! I'm glad you made it, I'd like to introduce you to Governor Henderson. He's been the local councillor, ever since Pelican Town had been founded." The mayor spoke as the other tilted the brim of his hat.

"Ahh, you must be the last of them McSopwith folks. My gran-pappy used to buy the produce they sell. You've been living with such a proud legacy, my boy. Apologises for the loss of your father however… it's a shame for a son to lose his father so early in life.

But, I have high hopes for you for coming here to the Valley. The weather's has always been nicer here than in Zuzu." The man gruffed. "…and I hope you find great prosperity here in Pelican Town."

"I think so too." I went as the mayor cleared his throat. "Well, I suppose we should start with the annual soup tasting now, shall we?" Lewis said as the pair walked up to the concoction that laid out in front.

Then, I noticed something odd happening again, it was Vincent again whom looked to the sides. Quietly, I crept to one side as the boy fished out a piece of rotting fish but, as the officials neared, the lad scarpered, only into my direction. I sneered as we traded stares, only I raised an eyebrow. "Couldn't help yourself, couldn't you?" I asked lowly.

"Robbie! I-"

"Don't deny it kid… I caught you up to no good from above…"

Then, picking the kid up from the collar, I presented the saboteur to Lewis. "P-Put me down!" The kid squeaked.

"Hey, I caught Vincent trying to spike the soup." I called out, much to the shock of the burgomaster.

"He did? Good lord! I am terribly sorry, Governor. I swear on the good will of my people, that they have no ill intentions towards this festival!" He pleaded.

"It's alright, mayor. I fished out what malicious things he added… it should be safe to eat." I assured, which gave him a sigh of relief, only when Jodie rushed over to the commotion.

"What's going on and why are you holding up my son?" She glared at me as the boy dangled from his collar. "I caught your son trying to poison the soup." I explained and dropped the boy so he could feel the wrath of his mother. "You and I are going home…! I can't believe you would do that, Vincent!" She hissed and dragged the crying child home.

"Well, I guess you did the town a great honour, Robbie. Now, we shall proceed with the tasting as planned." Lewis proudly spoke as the official dipped his spoon into the soup and sampled it.

"Hmmm…"

"Yes? How is it this time?"

"…Oh! Oh my… this is the best soup, I've ever tasted!" The Governor hummed in glee, then Lewis took a sample.

"Y…You're right! This is delicious!" Lewis added and, much to the humming of the others who joined in… soon everyone were eating out of bowls of this soup, until there was nothing left. Seems the Melon did the trick after all.

Once the potluck soup was cleared away, I stood before the Governor and Lewis.

"Well, I knew I had a suspicion that there was a Melon placed in that broth… it must have come from your farm, Robbie… not even Pierre's produce could make a change in the soup." Lewis explained. I guess the farm was quite special in that regard. "The farm? Oh, I never knew this town had a great source of self-sustaining. You sir, are a lot more important to the Valley then I first realised.

Now, I know that the malicious Joja corps but don't let their activities swerve you from your destiny. Providing a source of food for the town is an essential part to the development of this fine town. Continue doing what you do best, son.

Well, I best be off, it's been great to be here for the annual Luau Festival and I will sure as hell be coming back for more next year. Haha!

Good-day Mr McSopwith."

With a bow, I watched as the Governor made his leave with Lewis in tow, leaving me to enjoy the festival in peace… well that's mostly with Abigail but she mostly lingered at the edge of the jetty, far from the others. I joined her by her side and both sat on the end with our feet swaying above the oceanwater.

"I heard you impressed the Mayor today. You've really settled into this community really well." She hummed as we looked at each other, laying our hands one top of each other, blemishing as a result. "Well… I uhhh… it's just what I do… supporting the local town…" I nervously chuckled as I received a peck on the cheek.

"Don't get worked up about it, silly! You're doing a good job and I'm proud of it. Dad probably would never ever be on par with what you've been growing… if it impressed the Governor that much then that's concrete enough." She smiled, cackling at my nervous demeanour.

Then, the sun began to set over the horizon and slowly, I felt her leaning onto my shoulder, my heart once again started racing as she sighed in a gentle mood.

"I come here to escape socialising… it does get a bit tiring sometimes… only except when I'm with you and today's been quite special. One day, I'll get to move in to that farm of yours and we'll have all the fun together."

"I think so too Abi… I think so too."

We spent the remaining hours biding our time watching the sunset, it was truly a romantic scene mind you. Something which tightened our bond even more. I guess we both share the same insecurities and interests.

As night fell, and the organisers began packing everything up for the night, we both headed for home and I rested my head for tomorrow. I hope to finally finish the Community Center soon enough but I still got bundles to do… maybe time to break that old fishing rod out.