Chapter Two

I should have known I'd be sea sick. The first night aboard, the water was a bit choppy. Eating just crackers and cheese never helped settle my stomach and I spent most of the evening below deck on my bed, willing myself to forget about the rocking boat. The next day was bright and sunny and seemed relatively calm. But I couldn't stop my heaving. Out of embarrassment, I stayed at the back of the ship, where Zack couldn't see me from the bridge. My legs hung off between the railing and I pressed my face to the cool metal. A water bottle dangled lamely from my hand. The City was completely gone from view and, with that, all my excitement. I just wanted to be off the godforsaken boat. For dinner that evening, Zack offered up some of his seaweed and onigiri. That was a bit helpful and I slept better after some dramamine.

I slept late on day two and when I woke up and realized it was after ten, I scrambled to brush my teeth in the tiny kitchen and hurriedly stuff everything into my suitcase. A bright sun greeted me when I emerged onto the deck. The air was sharp and salty and I let the breeze rush through my hair as I stretched, walking toward the bow of the ship. I stopped after a few paces, noticing a patch of green on the horizon. For a moment, it tickled me. Here I was, making the most daring leap ever. I wonder what anyone from my past would think of me. They'd never believe it. Hell, I hardly believed it. Now that my body had agreed with the movement of the ship, I was finally able to get that tickle again. I was doing something new and exciting. At least, I hoped. As I lost myself in the white capped waves rushing away from the boat, I remembered that sadistic side of me. The one who had been my best friend in high school. I had been fighting it away since I had talked to Grandma Williams. I couldn't let it creep up now. I had to be sure and optimistic. Everything would be fine.

"Good morning, Claire," my head shot to the side and I realized I was standing in the shade of the bridge beside Zack. He was drinking a coffee, a bagel precariously perched on the dash. He was steering with ease, as if it were his second instinct. I came fully into the bridge, gawking between all the control mechanisms I had never seen before. I admired some braided rope on the wall before offering a smile towards Zack.

"Good morning. Did you sleep?"

"If only Mayor Thomas would invest in a boat that could man itself for a few hours," Zack laughed, tilting his head back to drink from his thermos. "It was a pretty night, at least. Saw all my favorite constellations."

I came to stand beside him, crossing my arms over my chest as we continued to crest over the waves towards the little island in the distance. "I bet it was beautiful. I was just lucky I slept. You know, I've never been on a boat before."

Zack was quiet a beat as he reached for his bagel and took a big bite out of it. He then pushed his sunglasses up his forehead, glancing at me. "Do you mind if I ask why you're moving to Mineral Town?"

I didn't know what to say for a moment. Even I was still processing the last week of my life. I pressed my lips together before I looked at Zack, shrugging half-heartedly. "Change, really. I just wanted something different for myself. I guess that's it."

Zack haphazardly threw his bagel back onto the plate before he dusted his hands and continued to keep the wheel steady. "I only ask because it's odd to see someone come here without familial relations. And to buy a farm… I'm sorry, ma'am, but you packed way too light."

"You know, to be honest…" I paused as the salty breeze brushed my bangs across my forehead. "I have no idea what I'm doing. I just had to get away, that much I knew. I have done my research, though, if you'd like to see my journals." I turned to him, hoping Zack wasn't going to be the first of a wave of people constantly weary of me and doubting my intentions.

"I can respect an answer like that," Zack flipped his dark sunglasses over his eyes again. "Just had to be sure."

"Of what?" I furrowed my brow.

"You're from The City, aren't you? Don't you follow politics?" I could only respond with a shake of my head. "Well, about five years ago, some nosy suit of a man realized our island was here. And, of course, when he looked at it, he got dollar signs in his eyes. Sent some corporate agent's out a few times to snoop along our trails. They've been hustling for years to get permission to excavate parts of the island for its resources. Luckily, The City always says it's too expensive because of where we're situated. It's like the Harvest Goddess had a feeling and designed the isles accordingly."

For a brief moment, I recalled the outdated, assaulting webpage that represented Mineral Town to the rest of the world. Those three little tabs at the top. I had only clicked one. "Who's the Harvest Goddess?"

Zack smiled as his hand glided over the smooth chestnut wood of the wheel that gleamed in the early afternoon light. "Oh, you yankees."

"I'm sorry?"

"I used to be one, too," Zack told me, in almost a reassuring way. "But when I learned about the Harvest Goddess… the story really is very heartwarming."

"So, she's the religion here," I nodded slowly, turning to inspect the fast-approaching island. The tall green cedar trees stacked to one side of the high mountain that had an incredible cliffside and a large, swooping hill. Oak trees and vibrant sycamores spanned out across the rest of the land.

"No, no… she's not a religion," Zack pushed his sunglasses up again. "She's a piece of our culture. Well… more like our heritage." He shook his head again. "She's part of our history. It is said the Harvest Goddess created the eleven islands of the Goddess Isles. They were made as vacation destinations for her and her ten friends. The Harvest Goddess, however, created our island special. It was going to be her's. She was a hot springs lover. Our island is the only one with them. And, legend has it, the Harvest Goddess lives in the one at the base of Mother Hill, waiting to grant a soul a wish. She and her friends are the protectors of these isles. Every hurricane that has ever formed in this ocean has never touched a single shoreline. And every earthquake goes right around."

"Has anyone ever seen her?" I arched my eyebrows, trying to mask any weariness in my voice. I was not raised in a religious manner. I'd never even set foot in a church before.

"No," Zack shook his head, still smiling as he coasted the boat in with ease. "But there's never been any soul broken or destitute enough here to seek her out."

I blinked for a moment before unfolding my arms and watching the approaching island with intensity. The softness in Zack's tone, the affinity in his eyes. He was describing it as if Mineral Town were a slice of heaven carved out from the ugly world around us. My heart accelerated in my chest. That's how I had always envisioned the Williams' family in my mind. They had been my fortress; the key to my tar black heart that allowed me to be emotionally available, socially excited, and at inner peace. I never had that in my own home growing up. So I clung to what Gray's family was able to give me. Now Mineral Town was looming over me with an immense presence, as if wondering what took me so long.

This was my home. It had to be.

…

My sneakers met the creaky boards of the pier just forty-five minutes later. My rucksack beat against my back as I pulled my hair over my shoulder. Just on my heels was Zack, lugging my two suitcases off and down towards the sand. The beach was deserted. It was mid-Spring, so I was sure the water was still too cold. The day, however, was pleasantly warm with a cool breeze. The air was sharp with the smell of pine. I paused just on the edge of the sand, gripping my backpack straps. My ears were nearly buzzing. I couldn't believe how quiet it was; the silence nearly hurt. There were only echoes of birds through the valleys and the lapping waves of the ocean. It was as if I had been transported away from earth entirely.

"I drew out a map of Mineral Town for you," Zack interrupted my thoughts as he, rather sheepishly, held a piece of paper out to me. "I tried to use my neatest handwriting, but y'know…" I took it into my hands and turned it a few times until I was oriented with the layout. The beach, right. I pressed my index finger to it, slowly tracing it upwards. Next would be Rose Plaza. The oblong rectangles represented all the buildings. There were maybe a dozen of them. I had spent my whole life memorizing an entire metroplex. Mineral Town would be a piece of cake. To the far left, I saw Claire's Farm scribbled across one of the largest rectangles on the map. I grinned. But it waned as directly to my right, immediately off the entrance to my property, was a small circle labeled Blacksmith.

"Oh, this heat, I swear…" I looked up from my map and arched my eyebrows as I saw a man crossing the beach. He was comically short, not even five feet tall. But what could be even funnier was his much outdated plaid red suit, complete with a buttercup yellow woolen vest. Beneath his gaudy red top hat, beads of sweat gathered across his brow, which he dabbed profusely. Surely if he removed one or two of his six layers, he'd be comfortable. He tilted his hat back as his stubby legs worked through the sand. He had a bulbous red nose, thick brown eyebrows, and the bushiest, most manicured mustache I'd ever seen. I was beginning to really believe I'd landed on another planet. He rushed his final steps to me and placed his little arms behind his back, a childlike grin smeared across his face. If he didn't have all the facial hair, I'd swear he was just a little kid.

"Ah, Claire," Zack had a bashful look on his face as he rubbed the back of his neck. "This is the mayor."

"The mayor of what?"

"Of Mineral Town, nonother!" He confidently pulled at his coat with a look of pride. Zack cleared his throat as if to stifle a laugh. "I am Mayor Thomas. I have been the mayor since 1983, thank you."

"Right," I offered a smile and held my hand out to him. "You must have been who I spoke to on the phone with."

"Welcome, welcome!" His tiny hands were quick to reach out and sandwich mine. Mayor Thomas shook my arm back and forth vigorously. "We are pleased as punch to have you be a part of the Goddess Isles and, more importantly, Mineral Town! You look like a strong, determined, young worker!"

"Sure," I replied, slowly untangling myself from him. "I'm happy to be here."

"Oh, ho, ho, not as happy as me!" Mayor Thomas' mustache bristled. "I have no doubt that you will do great things for that farm. Do you need help carrying anything there?"

"No, I don't think so," I shook my head, stepping aside to gesture towards my two suitcases. "Zack and I can get all of it."

"Is that… all you brought?" He suddenly seemed very grave.

"I'm starting very fresh," I replied rather sheepishly. I know I was hard to take seriously packed the way I was. It was as if I were only on a week-long vacation. Mayor Thomas and Zack met eyes briefly before the stout man began wiping his palms on his vest. "I promise I've done my research," I was quick to jump in, not wanting to blow my chance when I'd come so far. "I'm thankful the farm comes with the starter tools. I have been brainstorming ideas all week."

"Right, right," Mayor Thomas grinned the best he could. "Well then, Zack, won't you show Claire to her new property?"

Zack pulled a suitcase to his side. "But, Mayor Thomas, you've personally escorted everyone to their new home.."

He cleared his throat, tugging at his coat. He then straightened up. "You're right, Zack. It's always the both of us, isn't it?" The exchange seemed tense and rather odd. I was quiet, glancing between them. This was certainly getting weird.

Onward we went, though, up the steps to bright red brick paths. The walkways were lined with dark mahogany fences and vibrant, fresh foliage. Pine trees and maple trees sprouted along all the roads. The tulips were budding, the chrysanthemums were a variety of pinks and yellows. The air was fragrant with the smell of honeycombs. Not even the botanical gardens in The City compare to the beautiful natural look of Mineral Town. As I rolled my suitcase behind me, I watched the ladybugs dance from leaf to leaf. Some dragonflies darted by at record speed. I couldn't be certain any longer that I was still on the same planet. Mineral Town was so green, so quiet, so clean. The first thing we passed was a large farmhouse. The grassy property was right off a weaving creek. Cows, sheep, and pigs trotted by, snorting happily. I'd definitely have to pay them a visit sometime soon. The sound of clucking directed my eyes forward and a farm of equal size filled my vision. The chicken were flapping their wings and greedily pecking their beaks into the ground. There were so many variations of them. Some I recognized from my research. I did a double take, however, as we passed the chicken farm. Right on the corner, sticking out like a sore thumb amongst the greenery kingdom, was the grey and dull blacksmith forge. It was as if it had taken itself on as the personal hell on earth in the community. My eyes lingered on it. I felt a slight rush of blood. It was as if that gleaming metal represented everything lost me. But in the next moment, I was gasping sharply, dropping the handle of my suitcase and letting it fall flat to the ground.

There was a large field cracked, dried, and parched. Yellow and brown shrubs were keeled over in the miserable dirt. The fence was slowly tumbling over, some posts above ground, barring mud and patches of dead grass it took with it. Other parts of the fence looked like all they needed was one little breeze to send the rest of it down. The grass was dead. It would take a lot of TLC to get it to even the faintest inkling of green. And the promised facilities on the farm made me grow numb and dismayed. The chicken coop was crooked from its exposure to years of wind. The plastic roof was foggy and scratched. It sported several gaping large holes in it. Some of the wood walls were beginning to decay and were in desperate need of replacement. The barn was not much different at all. Holes, torn tin roofing, missing shutters, and an awful smell that I could only assume was wildlife holding up inside of it. My face was red as I finally turned to look at the promised farm house. I was able to catch a bit of my breath as the home seemed to glow like fresh new orange wood in the afternoon sun. The roof was red and gleamed with polish. But, as I looked over my shoulder at Mineral Town's landfill, I couldn't help the onslaught of anger and contempt I felt bubbling up inside of me. This wasn't a starting point like I had envisioned. This wasn't even profitable. Zack was quiet, as if he had been anticipating this the entire time. He set my suitcases beside my front door and stepped back, yielding the stage to the mayor. But even Thomas did not speak as he watched me. I waxed and waned between a variety of emotions. I sort of wanted to laugh. And then cry. I also felt a whim to strangle Mayor Thomas with the power of all those feelings combined. I put my hands on my hips and focused on my breath. I couldn't stop the onslaught of words, however.

"Just what the hell happened to the farm!?" I turned on Thomas, who practically cringed as I swirled around to him. "The ad said beautiful a thousand times. And so did you!"

"Well," Thomas laughed nervously, pulling his tall top hat from his head and revealing the shiniest bald spot beneath the spring sun. "It is beautiful when it's fixed up and functioning."

My eye twitched. "Don't play politician ball with me."

Mayor Thomas sighed and put his hat back on his head. "Okay, look, the farm has been abandoned for nearly four years now. It was on its way quick to becoming a true eyesore. The people of Mineral Town, you know, my constituents, were all growing very sad to see its state of decay. Especially since we had all cared for Mr. Derrick when he lived here. You'd be doing everyone a favor by flipping the farm!"

I huffed and crossed my arms over my chest. "I have no choice. I have to stay and flip it. I wasted all my money on the damn thing."

"Wonderful!" Mayor Thomas cheered, as if he only heard what he wanted to. "Well, Derrick's old chest of tools is in the house. Oh, and about the house-" I turned with fire in my eyes and Mayor Thomas paused for the slightest moment, wondering if maybe it was better for me to just find out rather than tell me. "It is a newly constructed building. The old one was simply not safe. Plus, a family of rats had gotten into it." He shuddered for a moment, shaking his head. "The local carpenter, Gotz, rebuilt it for us in exchange for a tax break. The only problem is… he kind of forgot to attach a kitchen and… a bathroom to it."

"What?!" I could have hit the ground. I pressed my hand to my forehead. Of course, why not. Who needs a bathroom anyway!? I let out a long sigh, turning to look at my newly acquired shack.

"But-!" His annoying sing-songy voice ripped through my stressed and frustrated thoughts.

"But what!?" I shot back. "What could you possibly say to make this better!?"

"The owner of the local inn, Doug, has agreed to allow you to use their facilities until you're able to upgrade the house," Thomas explained.

I put my hands on my hips, "Yeah, upgrade the house…" I muttered under my breath.

"All your bathroom needs will be met and you'll be entitled to three square meals a day."

I sighed all over again and glanced around my new residence once more. "Well, at least you considered that much of this entire deal…"

"Here, we can help get you settled," Mayor Thomas obviously wanted a change in atmosphere. At the entrance of the farm, Zack was still quiet and seemed rather sheepish. He had simply opted to let it all unfold in front of him. I couldn't blame him. It wasn't Zack's fault. He was probably dreading this the entire time. It was why everyone was so concerned I hadn't brought anything but the meager parts of my life with me. I was the stupid one here, really.

"You know what, I can handle it," I tried to offer a convincing grin, but I'm sure I looked more agitated than anything. "You've done plenty, Mayor Thomas. It has been… well, I guess I'll say pleasure because I don't know what else to say. Have a good one."

I pushed the door open and promptly dragged my belongings inside before I swung the door shut behind me and let out a long sigh. I reached for the light switch beside the door, rays of light coming through the only two windows at the front of the house. I began shrugging out of my jacket, ignoring any particles of dust. The home was indeed small. But it did have a rustic charm to it that made it quaint and comfortable. The house came with a double sized bed with a wooden frame. The bedsheets were olive green. Beside it, the nightstand matched the frame. Across the room was an oak entertainment center that was huge and sturdy. An old fashioned TV sat on it, but was bare beside that. There were two matching entryway tables beside the front door. One table had a book called The History of the Goddess Isles on it. The other, a lamp with green and white stripes. In the center of the room was a modest circular table. Little cushions sat around it. It wasn't awful. It certainly was smaller than my apartment, but in a bad way.. I couldn't help but grimace at the empty wall that could have easily led to a small bathroom and modest kitchen. The local carpenter sure did have me puzzled.

I unzipped my suitcases and went about settling in. At the end of the bed was a trunk, which I folded all my clothes into. In the cabinet beneath the TV, I was surprised to find an old DVD player in it. That was lucky, since I had brought a few choice movies with me. I stacked books and board games alongside it. I set the few photos of my life I found worth treasuring above the TV. One was of nine year old Gray and I, smiling toothless at an amusement park. A big wad of cotton candy took up most of the frame. There was also a photo capturing a moment of Grandma Williams helping me push fabric through her sewing machine. As I stacked my suitcases in the far corner of the house, I realized it had only taken me an hour to reset my entire life. I tied my jacket around my waist and paced a few steps around my new home before I paused, spying Zack's handmade map on the table. I sank down onto a cushion and looked over it.

There weren't many buildings at all. I wondered if Zack had left some out. My eyes kept going back to the circle labeled Blacksmith, however. Less than fifty feet away from me, my childhood best friend and someone my young mind had villainized were creating. I wondered what the last ten years of their life looked like. The forge seemed so small on the outside. What was it like working nearly back to back in stifling hot conditions? Was Gray taking to the trade? Did he even like it? I grabbed the map and stepped back out into the cool sunshine. The very sight of my farm had my stomach flopping. I was so overwhelmed, I didn't know what to do first. The field? I needed to get seeds in the ground as soon as possible. Or the fence? If I wanted animals, that had to be repaired. But the barn and coop were in no condition to house any living creature. I folded the map away into my pocket. I couldn't do anything productive in that moment so I decided a stroll around town might be the best thing to do. Maybe taking Doug up on a hearty meal would help, too. I took one glance at my land before I wandered off onto the red brick paths. Tackling it first thing in the morning was my goal.

The forge was, of course, the first thing to greet me. The spring breeze brushed my hair against my shoulders as I rounded the corner, my eyes locked on it. I wondered what gifts and tools the people of Mineral Town requested of them. How busy did they stay? Had Gray become a through and through blacksmith? Did he still think about me the way I thought about him? I couldn't compel myself forward, though. It was getting late into the afternoon, I was sure they were cleaning and preparing to shut down. The idea of a reunion had been on my mind constantly for the last decade. As a young child, I had imagined a grand reunion, one of balloons and our favorite raspberry lemonade. Grandma Williams would be there with her famous cookies doing the charleston and our favorite superhero movie would be buzzing nonstop on the TV. But as I got older, I dreamt of just embracing him. Of telling him how much I missed him. Swapping memories we had both missed out on. Just finding each other again in all our nostalgic ways.

A cluck behind me drew me from my thoughts and I turned to see just through the fence, beady little eyes staring at me curiously. Its feathers were a deep auburn with patches of black. I recognized it as a Rhode Island Red. I approached the fence with a smile. It looked exactly like the picture in the book. I couldn't help but grin and reached down to caress it. It certainly didn't mind the attention. The field was abuzz with many chickens strutting around, finding seed, and ruffling their feathers in the long troughs of cool water. Chickens had been the first thing I researched. The little guy by the fence nipped at my finger, making me laugh.

"Howdy."

I gasped sharply and turned around, my face flushing to a deep pink. Standing there was a sandy blond man with hair that fell around his shoulders. He wore a rather unfashionable headband to keep his face clear. Outdated rimmed glasses sat on the bridge of his face. Despite that, he had a clear complexion that was friendly and holding of youth. Beside him was a shorter girl with powdery pink hair bursting in voluminous curls around her wiry body. They shared the same familiar softness in their faces. Gathered in their arms were paper bags full of groceries.

"Hello," I said stiffly. "I'm sorry, he was just begging to be pet and-"

"Oh, yeah, Andy is a people's person."

"Andy?" I arched my eyebrows and glanced back to the Rhode Island Red who was now making off with his fieldmates. "You give them names and actually remember them?"

He laughed openly, as if he had known me his whole life. "'Course. Our chickens are our family. We treat them as such, too." He shifted the bag on his waist and held his hand out to me. "My name's Rick Deleon. And this is my sister, Popuri."

When she moved the paper towels from obscuring her face, I saw she had eyes the color of sweet jam. I had never seen such beautiful, and almost startling, eyes before. Her cheeks were rosy as we all exchanged handshakes. "I'm Claire Hanes. I just bought the farm around the corner."

"Oh, thank the goddess!" Rick grinned in a good nature. "We were starting to get a bit disheartened by its appearance across the creek. What're you planning to do with it?"

"Well, make it not ugly," I replied sheepishly. "I didn't exactly know its true condition."

"If you ever need a chicken, you know where to find us," Rick nodded his head in the direction of their home. It was painted a pastel yellow and sported bright red shingles.

"And if you want the best face mask to combat all the grime and ick from a day in the field, you know where to find me!" Popuri chimed in.

After we parted, I continued to meander down the path. The discontent stewing in my belly had settled after meeting such nice folk like Rick and Popuri. I just hoped everyone was of a similar virtue and disposition. The sun was beginning to set beneath the tall mountain labeled Mother Hill on my map. Its orange rays blazed around the ebb and flow of piled rocks. The farm with cows, sheep, and pigs had already been tucked away in their barns for the night and I found myself in Rose Plaza, staring over the hedges at the ocean. I had come so far. I felt like a fish out of water, though I struggled hard against these feelings. I couldn't stay in the city, I told myself. I'd only decay inside of myself, watching the world passively through a window. Mineral Town felt real to me in the brief few hours I had been there. I wanted to make something of it. And of myself. I was sure after a warm shower and a hot meal, I'd find that grip and get my bearings.

My stomach grumbled right on cue and I followed my map to the inn. There seemed to be a winery and orchard bordered right up to it. I wondered what kind of wine they made. When I opened the door to the inn, I almost collided with a rather frazzled young man in a furry vest that seemed out of season. He mumbled a shy and embarrassed apology before racing off, a bible tucked under his arm. I watched him down the red brick path for a moment, his chestnut brown ponytail trailing after him. When I stepped into the inn, it was somewhat dim. A number of people had gathered at tables with pints of ale and appetizers to share between them. At the end of the bar, Zack chatted with a man over a beer who looked to be a mailman. The inn was surely the social gathering. The dinner rush would probably be pouring in within the next hour.

Behind the bar, I spied a vibrant red head. She was wearing a yellow and green striped crop top, her locks of fire contained into a braid at the crown of her head. She was zipping around, stirring a pot of seafood, glancing into the window of the kitchen, checking the drink machines, and wiping glasses. I slowly wound around the stools and tables, ignoring the glances from all the people who perceived me as a perfect stranger. Hesitantly, I pressed my hands to the bar top, not wanting to disrupt her flow. The moment she saw me, however, she slammed the suddy stein to the counter and came to greet me.

"Well, howdy!" Her voice was clear and loud, determined and concise. "You look like the person Mayor Thomas was telling my daddy about."

"Yes, hi," I shook her soapy hand. "Claire."

"I'm Ann," she told me as she worked on drying her hands. Despite using a towel, she also wiped them across her green cargo pants. "My daddy is in the kitchen prepping dinner for the evening, so he's a bit busy, but we're so glad to have you, Claire!"

I slid onto the barstool, feeling a bit out of place. "Thank you for accommodating me."

Ann began shelving clean glasses beneath the bar in front of me. "Are you kidding me! I think I'm more excited than you are. I was so ecstatic to hear you were moving here. We hadn't had a shake up in quite some time. And we're almost the same age. It's a godsend." Ann straightened up and grinned at me in a way similar to Rick; accepting, like we'd gone back years. "We have definitely got to hang out, Claire. Besides, you're using my bathroom. We'll be good friends in no time."

"Your bathroom?" I echoed, furrowing my brow. My elbows dug anxiously into the bartop.

Ann grinned as she grabbed the next rack of clean dishes and began drying them. "Yeah, I live upstairs in one of the rooms. Trust me, you want to use mine. The other room is occupied by boys."

"There's not another room I can use to not bother you?"

"Oh, we're not like The City," Ann's smile never waned as she continued on dutifully with her task. "We're a travelers inn, not a hotel. Just two big rooms upstairs, kind of like a hostel. Though, I'd say we're classier than that."

I could almost sigh at the idea of barging into what Ann considered her private space. Despite her optimistic and welcoming attitude, I worried about bothering her and became acutely aware of how much I needed to wipe down and clean when I was finished. Ann hoisted the empty rack beneath the bar and raced out of sight for a moment. In that time, I considered all my options for optimal showers and peeing when I wouldn't be in her way. To my surprise, in the next beat, she slammed a shiny golden stein of beer in front of me, frothing at the edges. She had her own and leaned up against the bar with bright green eyes that were surely curious.

"I can't really pay for this right now," I told her, almost sheepishly.

"No, no, on the house," Ann replied, taking a big chug from hers and wiping the froth from her lip. "We're taking care of you, Claire!"

"Well, thank you," I reached for the sweating glass. It did seem enticing considering what the past week of my life had suddenly become by my own doing. I took a hearty gulp. It was almost sweet, something I wasn't used to in beer. A slight of ginger and something else I couldn't put my finger on. "I think I may have met one of those boys you were talking about. Brown hair, bible in hand, in a rush…"

Ann laughed after she had another chug of beer. Her eyes shifted across the inn to make sure no one needed anything. "Yeah, that was Cliff. He's the cleaner one, honestly. Probably on his way to church. He hates being late."

"Who are the others?"

"Well, one is only here in the summer; his name is Kai. He runs that dumpy looking restaurant down on the beach," Ann said, wrapping a napkin around her chilled glass. "Otherwise, Cliff just shares a room with Gray. Gray's only dirtier because he's always coal stained and sweaty."

My beer scraped painfully down my throat, practically searing it as I lowered my stein to the bar. Someone besides Grandma Williams had spoken his name aloud. I almost wasn't ready for it. I blinked rapidly, glancing towards the staircase leading up. Gray had been living in a travelers inn? As a blacksmith, I thought much more would have come by it. I looked back to Ann and lowered my eyes to my waning beer.

"Could I take a shower now?" I found Ann's face, who still seemed giddy for conversation. "Long day, y'know. And I only just got here."

"Of course," Ann assured me as I emptied my stein and handed it to her. She dumped the glass in the sink and wiped her hands across her pants. "I just got new shampoo and conditioner from the Eastern Region. It really helps with the frizz. First door on the left!"

I could feel each creak of the steps as my feet compelled me forward. I emerged into a wide hallway and, yet, there were only two doors. I took a deep breath, my heart hammering in my chest. The beer was becoming liquid courage in me as I walked past where Ann had indicated. The second door on the left. The word reunion was echoing through my mind again. As a child, I'd defiantly declare it would be perfect. As an adult, I just didn't want it to be awkward.

I squeezed my eyes shut as I placed two curt knocks against the door. Silence. I waited a few more beats, not hearing any shifting, before, stupidly, I did it again. Still, no answer. I took in a deep breath and pushed my hair from my face, easily letting myself into Ann's room.