Chapter 1: The Beginning

Chapter 1: The Beginning

I slid into the back of the taxi seat, wishing I could melt into it and never come back. My mom kicked me out of the house and made me walk through the pouring rain to the bus stop. She had told me that she couldn't stand my attitude anymore. She didn't WANT me anymore. I was only 17 and my mom somehow couldn't keep me any longer. I sighed and slouched down, wanting to be invisible to the whole world around me.

After a few moments of silence, the cab driver decided to strike up a conversation. "Eh, what's a pretty girl like you doing all on her lonesome? Bad breakup? Family argument?" I scoffed at him before answering, "None of your business..."

"Sorry Miss." the cab driver said, and I realized how much he sounded like a sailor. I inspected him closer and what I saw almost made me jump out of my skin. He was GREEN! I stared at him longer and one image came to my mind, a homeless turtle. His suit was worn and baggy, and he had an unshaven face. By the looks of it, he was old. His hair and mustache were grey. I breathed in and I'm pretty sure my nostrils were singed. He REEKED. It smelled like he had put on way too much cologne and then rolled around in the dump.

I decided that since I was already hated by my family, I might want to try to loosen up on the strangers, because they were all I had at the moment. "Sorry, I'm just frazzled, I guess..." I trailed off, staring out the window at the pouring rain. "I'm moving, and the last few days have been hectic. I was running around town all day going to various shops and buying random stuff for my new house. I used to live in Sunnyvale, but I decided to come to Rosecreek to start a new life. I'm sorry I snapped at you, because what you guessed is actually true. I DID have an argument with my family and that's when I decided to leave. I don't really want to remember the fight, though, so please don't ask about it." I finished.

"I'm sorry Miss, I didn't realize..." the turtle trailed off, looking straight ahead. "I just have been a cab driver for more years than I can count, and I've seen some pretty sad folk, so naturally I try to cheer them up, y'know, make the ride more enjoyable and all. I promise I won't pry anymore. " the cab driver said sorrowfully.

"It's fine, you didn't know. I'm sorry for getting mad. Anyways, what's your name? I don't want to have to call you 'The Cab Driver' forever," I remarked, trying to lighten the mood.

" Hehehehe... My names Capp'n! But you may call me whatever your heart desires..." Capp'n chuckled.

I had the sudden urge to jump out of the cab. Was he... Flirting? Eww!! I couldn't even process that a probably 70 year old... Turtle... Would even think of that! But this was my only way of starting a new life, I just had to endure hopefully only a few more minutes.

For the rest of the ride, I answered all of Capp'ns questions with either a yes or a no, and finally the time came for me to open the cab door and take a step into my new life. I payed Capp'n and turned around. Right behind me was a big brown official-looking building with a bulletin board next to it. Perched atop the board was a little yellow bird. I stepped up to the door of the building and turned the knob. Pulling open the door, I was greeted by a cheery looking... PELICAN? What kind of a town was this? I began to question ever leaving my home and I contemplated whether I was going crazy or not.

I cautiously approached the desk and the pelican squawked, "Welcome to Rosecreek! My name is Pelly and I am the secretary here at the town hall. May I ask your name?" I was still wary of "Pelly" but I somehow managed to squeak out,

"Alena."

Pelly's face lit up in recognition and she said loudly, " OH MY GOODNESS! You must be the new citizen moving in! Well, here is a map and this circled house right here is where you will be living. The towns shopkeeper and architect, Tom Nook, graciously built your residence and I hope it will be to your liking. Come see me again if you need anything. Bye now!"

I pivoted towards the door and scurried outside. It was a very warm sunny day and it felt great outside. The birds were chirping and the sun was shining down on me as I breathed in the fresh country air. So this is what freedom felt like. "I could get used to this." I thought to myself as I rifled through my pocket to grab my map. Pulling it out and opening it, I discovered that there were five other neighbors in my town. Pelly had even been so kind as to point out where they lived. Their names were Margie, Roald, Nibbles, Goldie, and Rodeo. I decided I would stop by each of their houses once I was done inspecting my house.

I found my way to my new home and immediately was impressed by the exterior. I mean, it WAS quaint, don't get me wrong, but why would I need a big house? After all, it was only going to be me living in it. Once inside though, my expectations plummeted. The room was completely dark, and when I say room, I meant the house was only composed of one room the size of a bathroom. The only item that was in the room was sitting in the corner. It was a CANDLE. I would've been happy with a lamp, but a candle was out of the question.

I reopened the door to go back outside. I was hoping to go back to the town hall and ask for a real light, but I was stopped by a strange raccoon with an apron on scurrying towards me. I was tempted to turn and run inside, since I have always hated rodents, but I reminded myself that in this town animals were considered normal.

"Hello Alena. Our town has been expecting you for quite some time! I'm glad to see that you made it safely. So, what do you think of your house, hm? I'm sure Pelly mentioned that I was the one that built it for you. Although, not for free, of course. There is a fee. Only a small price to pay, for such a well constructed house, but the total comes down to 19,800 bells."

Wait, what did he just say? BELLS? All I brought with me were US dollars, but apparently Rosecreek had its own currency. I didn't know how to reply to this raccoon. "I...uh...I... Sure." I finally stammered. The little rodent looked pleased. "Now," he continued, " the matter of paying the money. I'm certain that since you just moved here you are not yet sure how you are going to live, hm? Well, I can help with some of that problem. See, I own a local store here in town called Nooks Cranny. There is a lot of work to be done around the shop and I am lacking on paws, I.. I mean hands... To help. Maybe you would consider coming to work part time for me at my shop? It would help you pay off some of your mortage and you could learn about how Rosecreek runs. Two birds with one stone, hm? What do you say?" The raccoon looked at me inquiringly.

I just nodded my head in response to everything he had said because it did seem like a good idea since I had no other way of starting a life here.

"Great! Well, why don't you go around town and introduce yourself to all the neighbors? You also need to stop by the town hall and meet the mayor. He should be walking around out front. Meet me at the shop when you are done. By the way, my name is Tom Nook. Nice meeting you! Don't take too long, and come find me right when you finish. No dawdling!" With one last glance, Tom Nook loped off in the general direction if his shop, according to my map.

Time to go meet the neighbors!