Chapter 1 – Arrival
I stared in the mirror, looking at my own reflection. Even after a season of farming, I could already see the differences it's made. In my wildest dreams, I never would have guessed my life would be a life of farming. I guess I didn't really have a choice either, considering the town needed someone to take over the farm, located at the back of Sunny Island.
Sighing, I grabbed my signature bandanna, tying it on my head. On my way out the door, I grabbed my tools. Farming tools. When I first started using them, they had been heavy in my hands, but already I was getting used to them. Taking out my watering can, I set to work.
The summer morning was warm, but it was pleasant. Watering my last crop, I headed for the river, glancing over at the empty spaces behind my house. Those spaces were meant for an animal barn and a chicken coop, but I didn't have enough money or wood for them.
Filling up my watering can, I went and set it by my house, a reminder to pick it up later. I grabbed my fishing pole that was propped up beside the house, and started on my way to the beach. I passed the little red hut, home of the Harvest Sprite Noe, my little room mate. When I first got to this island, he showed me around the farm, telling me where everything was suppose to go, and he's even helped me out a few times with my farm work.
I walked down the street leading to East Town. As I passed the first house, a window slid open and the face of Taro popped out. "Hey Chelsea, done with work already?"
"Yes, Taro. You know I don't have that much work to be done," I replied.
"Just wait till you get animals. Then you'll have your hands full," he mumbled, sliding back in the house. I just rolled my eyes and kept walking.
Taro and his family were the ones that got washed up on this island with me. His daughter, Felicia, always made me feel at home, and was like a mother to me. Elliot and Natalie, Felicia's children, were the same age as me, and we had become friends instantly.
I passed Chen's store, and almost got ran over by his son, Charlie.
"Whoops! Sorry lady!" he called, running towards the beach.
Chen opened the door. "Sorry about that Chelsea. I keep telling him to watch where he's going, but you know how kids are these days."
I laughed. "It's okay, Chen. Just think about it this way. The more energy he burns, the quicker he'll fall asleep tonight."
He chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind," he said, closing the door.
Finally, I reached the beach. I've been fishing about everyday, since I've had hardly anything else to do. I used to fish alone until Denny arrived on the island, bringing all of his spunk with him. Sometimes I wondered where he got all that energy.
Reaching the docks, I cast my line and sat down. Denny had given me a hook that had a rubber, but realistic looking, worm at the end, so I never had to carry around real worms. I thanked him graciously, thankful that I wouldn't have to dig around in the dirt for the real ones.
The ocean wind felt good, now that the summer heat was rising. I heard footsteps behind me, and I turned, seeing Denny. Sitting next to me, he smiled and said, "Morning!"
"Morning," I replied.
"Fish biting today?" he asked, baiting his hook.
"I haven't gotten anything."
"I will. The fish love me," he replied, standing up and casting his line.
"No, Denny, the fish are scared of you," I said, reeling in mine.
He laughed, which made me laugh. Fishing went well that day, and I managed to get a few fish, while Denny got five times as much as I did. We said our farewells when the sun began to drop below the horizon, and I set out for home.
Dropping my fish in the shipping bin, I grabbed my watering can and carried it inside.
Changing into my pajamas, which just consisted of an undershirt and my underwear, I hopped in bed and fell asleep. The next day I did my normal routine of watering my crops, but while I was reaching for my fishing pole, Julia, the daughter of the animal shop owner, came walking up to me. By the way she was stalking up the path, I could tell she was mad.
Walking up to her, I asked, "Everything okay?"
She stopped and yelled, "He's such a jerk!"
I jumped, not expecting the outburst. Shaking my head to wipe away the shock, I said, "Who's a jerk?"
"Our new animal dealer. I don't know what his problem is! He talks only when it's work related, and when I try to strike up a conversation, all he says is, 'Leave me alone.'" She walked over to my empty stable and kicked it.
"Julia, you break the stable, you fix it," I said, following her. "Sounds a bit rough."
"A bit?" she asked, sitting down with her back against the stable wall.
"Maybe he's shy, or something." I shrugged. What else was I suppose to say?
She just sighed heavily.
I spotted Gannon, the carpenter, walking up me, lumber piled in his arms. "Hey Chelsea, I'm here to build that barn!"
"Uh…" I said, walking over to him. "Uh, Gannon, I never ordered a barn."
She set his lumber down, smiling. "I know. Taro did though. He seems to have hit his limit with you. He's annoyed that you don't have a barn, let alone animals, so he paid me to build you a nice, sturdy barn."
I sighed. "He's gonna want me to pay him back. I'll get my money. He's gonna want me to buy a cow, pronto." Passing Julia, I added, "Stay here as long as you like. Or at least until you calm down, okay?"
She raised her hand, thanking me.
Going into my house, I grabbed my money, counting it. I had enough for a brush and a calf. Walking back out, I set out for Mirabelle's.
As I passed Taro's house, the window slid open to show his face. "Hey, Chelsea, Gannon working on that barn yet?"
"I suppose you're gonna want me to pay you for it, right?" I asked, slowing my pace.
"No, no. Just think of it as an early birthday present," he replied, shutting the window.
I couldn't help but smile. An early birthday present, huh? My birthday was in Fall, not Summer. But I wasn't about to complain.
I reached Mirabelle's shop and pushed the door open, hearing the bell jingle above. I walked to the counter and smiled as Mirabelle greeted me. "Hey, Chelsea, I hear Taro paid for a barn. I suppose you're here for a calf?"
I smiled back, pushing money her way. "There's enough for a brush too."
The back door opened, and the new animal dealer stepped in. Hiding his eyes behind his hat, he said, "The animals are settled in."
Mirabelle brightened. "Great! Vaughn, could you have a calf ready by tomorrow morning for Chelsea?"
He nodded, but said nothing.
This must be who Julia was talking about, I thought, walking over to him. Extending my hand, I said, "It's nice to meet you. I'm Chelsea, the farmer here."
He nodded with a 'Hmph,' but no more. Getting the hint, I lowered my hand. "I hope you learn to feel at home here." I shuffled my feet nervously, fumbling over words in my head. "See you in the morning, then?"
Another 'Hmph.' Another nod.
"Did you arrive here this morning? How are you liking the island so far?"
Nothing. Not even a nod this time. He did turn his head away from me, hinting to stop talking to him.
"Well, I hope you learn to like it. See you in the morning." Taking the brush Mirabelle offered, I pulled the door open, looking back at the man, his eyes still covered by his hat. He's sure quiet, I thought, stepping through the doorway and hearing the door close with a click.