To The Ocean (COMPLETED)

Chapter One - A New Start

Have you ever wanted to just restart on life? Just hit the reset button and go back to the beginning where everything was fine? Most everyone has at one point in their life, but a lot of people don't get that opportunity. So when I was offered a job on a string of islands hundreds of miles away I didn't refuse. I didn't care if I wouldn't know anyone, and I didn't care that it was a farming job. This was my opportunity. This was my new start.

I looked out the window of a small ferry that was taking me to the main Island called Black Rock. All my belongings were in one suitcase since I had just finished up school. I was offered the job by a old family friend who wanted to start his shipping company instead of running the farm. I accepted immediately and he offered to teach me the basics and pay for my trip here.

The small ferry pulled into the pier and docked. I stood and walked off the empty ferry where a sailor handed me my bags. He was a fair looking man and was well built. He held the bag, looked at me, and hesitated to let go.

"I could carry that for you ma'am."

I smiled.

"I'll be okay but thank you for the offer."

He smiled and nodded as I rolled the bag down the pier. I looked around at the main island where people bustled around. I looked at the shops and read the signs. Animal shop, Chen's shop, dinner, and café. People smiled and stopped each other on the street to talk. I looked around but couldn't see Taro anywhere. I walked over to a building and leaned against it looking around. Everyone seemed to know each other.

I spotted a bridge across the island that must lead to the second main island. Maybe Taro was over there? I was just about to move when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I looked to my right and backed away startled. A woman my age stood there hold what looked like a bell. She had nice blonde hair that was pulled into a ponytail and was wearing jean shorts, a white tank top, and a baby blue plaid shirt that she tied like a crop top.

"Hey, sorry to startle you. My name is Julia. My mother Maribelle owns the animal shop. Are you new here?"

Her voice flowed like silk as she spoke in a soft but yet firm voice. I must have looked taken aback because she smiled and her white teeth glinted in the islands constant sunshine.

"Hey, um yeah. I just got here actually. You wouldn't know where to find Taro would you?"

"Oh, you're the one Taro was talking about. He mentioned that he had found a friend to run the ranch on Venture Island. Here, follow me."

I walked with Julia as she led me away from the animal shop, past Chen's shop, and to a ranch house that had shipping signs next to it. She walked up the porch and let herself in. She beckoned me to follow and disappeared into the house. I hesitantly followed her into the house and was instantly greeted with the smell of fresh baked cookies when I stepped through the doorway. Julia smiled and waved me into a room. I followed her into what was the kitchen to find Taro and two othere in there as well. Taro's eyes brightened as he saw me.

"Rosalie, you made it! Sorry for not being able to meet you."

I smiled.

"It's find Taro. Julia helped me find you."

He nodded and smiled at Julia who was munching on a cookie that the woman had given her. The woman walked up to me and offered me a cookie too. I took it politely and she began to introduce herself.

"Rosalie, it's been ages. You probably don't remember me or Taro much since you were so little then. I'm Felicia, your godmother. Taro is your godfather."

I smiled.

"Didn't you teach me how to weave?"

She smiled and laughed.

"Yes, though we both weren't very good at it! Oh, this is my son Elliot. I have no idea where Natalie is, probably causing trouble again."

She sighed and Julia started to talk to Elliot about the shipping company and Felicia was putting the dirty dishes in the sink. Taro came over and put a arm around my shoulders. He was no older than my dad was but looked like he could be in his fifties not early forties.

"Why don't I get you settled in? After that we can have a quick tour and if you have questions I'll answer them as best as I can."

Taro led me outside and took me to a bridge that was between Chen's shop and his house. Across the bridge was a separate island that was Venture island; also known as Ranch island. He took me to the ranch house that had a full kitchen, full remodel, and a bedroom meant for two. The place was more than I could have hoped for. I unpacked my stuff in no time and luckily the house came with all the furniture. He showed me around the ranch. There was a huge open field that was already planted with turnips, a barn that could hold eight cows at a time, a chicken coop with a few chickens, a well where I could get all my water, and a storage shed where my tools would be.

"The crops will be ready to harvest before too long and if you need help there are many folks willing to lend a hand."

I smiled.

"Sounds like I'll be busy at first."

Taro laughed.

"There will be time for you to relax in town and go out with your friends. I just have to ask you for a small favor."

I looked at Taro who had gotten really quiet at the end. Something seemed to be bothering him but he looked somewhat embarrassed to say it.

"Yeah?"

"You should try to find a husband before too long. It will be much easier on both of us."

I smiled.

"Okay, I understand. So, now for the Grand tour?"

He laughed and took me back to the main island. He brought me to each shop and introduced me to the owners. Maribelle was as nice as her daughter Julia and welcomed me anytime. Chen was also nice and sold seeds, furniture, and miscellaneous stuff. Gannon was the carpenter/builder of the islands. And Nick and a few others own the four dinners on the two islands. Taro then took me to lighthouse island, the mining island, and the meadow island.

By the time we were finished with the tour in was very dark and most of the people had gone to their homes. Taro walked me back to the ranch and wished me good luck. I went to bed that first night thinking that this was my last chance. If I messed this up there was no going back. I had to keep the past behind me.