The Soilder's Daughter

Chapter 1: New Boy In Town

"C'mon Arden up and Adam!" My dad came into my room and woke me up.

I open my eyes slowly to check my alarm clock, it's 6:30 in the morning on a Saturday morning.

I grumbled something into my pillow.

"Don't make me get the cold water." He warned.

I'm up!" I smiled bright and chirpy.

The reason why I'm up at 6:30 on a Saturday is chores, when you have a father in the army, he tends to wake up early all the time, I have morning chores. I hate to argue with him because I never see him so I shouldn't complain.

He left the room.

This morning is supposed to be blazing hot because I live in Southern California.

I put on a black spaghetti strap and jean levi shorts with my cowboy boots.

I go out to the kitchen and sip the orange juice that is sitting on the table.

"Whats the chores today pops?" I asked taking a breath after the sip.

"Feed Charlie and Taz. Feed the Chickens, get their eggs. Feed the goats, feed the pigs. Also We need more hay for the barn so you will need to ride into town." My dad said wearing his cowboy hat and reading the newspaper.

Charlie and Taz is Dad and my horses.

My mom, Leslie is currently 6 months pregnant, so we try to let her rest as much as she can.

I nodded and got straight to work.

I went into the barn and grabbed some oats for Taz and Charlie.

"Hey buddies." I smiled at them filling their troughs with oats. I brushed their noses with my soft hand.

I left and went into the chicken coop and gathered the bird seed.

I spread it all across the ground and then opened the coop to let the chickens out.

My favorite chicken was the black chicken with little white spots, her name is mama, shes the one who usually has the eggs that live.

"Howdy mama." I tipped my hat to her and giggled as she clucked in response.

I know what you're thinking, you live in California? Why are you on a farm? And talking like you're from Texas?

Well my papa is originally from Texas and bought this farm when I was born. Its the closest to modern day life and cowboy life he can get.

I finished feeding all of the animals and decided it was time to go to the little town.

I saddled up Charlie because I wanted to take him for a ride.

I hop on him and ride along the dirt roads, the wind in my hair always felt nice.

I got to a Flee market, to where the hay was on a major discount. I tied Charlie up and walked straight on into the Market.

I look around and see all the familiar faces.

"Hello Miss Arden!" Mrs. Dee greeted me.

"What a beautiful day outside today huh?" I smiled.

"As it should be always, I will let you carry on with your daily chores I know you've got. Tell your father good luck on his second tour for us." She smiled.

My stomach dropped. Second tour? I thought he was back for good.

"Uhm ma'am, second tour? My papa?" I asked.

"Why yes doesn't he leave to Afghanistan in five days? Thats what the news said." She said.

"Well thank you for clarifying." I nodded.

I swiftly turn around and I got knocked over onto the ground.

I look up slowly to see a guy wearing a hat backwards, a black t shirt, his jeans hanging low, skinny to the bottom, rings in his ears, not to mention he had tattoos all over his body, I was appalled by his actions to ruin his body.

"I'm sorry." He said reaching down for my hand.

I was completely speechless, by his look it seemed he wasn't from around here.

"My name is Ashton." He extended his hand.

I denied shaking his hand.

I ignored him and walked right passed him.

"Are all girls in this town going to act the way you act?" He asked.

I stopped and turned around.

"What's wrong with the way I act?" I asked folding my arms.

"Woah, your accent." He said.

"What about yours? You sound like you're a rapper, and look like one. I don't like it." I shook my head and scrunched my face.

"Could I at least know your name, weird girl?" He laughed.

"I'm Arden." I crinkled my eyes and then rolled them. "If you're new here you should know a few things."

"Like what?" He said crossing his arms.

"You seem like a troublemaker just by your looks, you should really change that." I said pointing to his outfit.

"What, I can't freely express my fashion, hate to break it to ya but this is just who I am and no one can change it Farm Girl." He said in an attitude tone.

"You better watch yourself with that tounge of yours." I said.

"Or what?" He snickered.

I slumped my shoulders. I was so scared of this boy, he's a dashing young man too, I can't believe he's talking to me. NO I can't have a crush on him, he's totally the opposite of what I see in boys, I want a country MAN who is strong and ready for an independant lady like me.

"Where are you from anyway?" I asked him.

"I'm from Hollywood." He shrugged.

"Oh are you some singer boy?" I giggled.

"I sing and play guitar, I also have a youtube account that has a couple thousand subscribers." He said.

"A bit cocky aren't we?" I asked.

"I am proud of myself for making it this far." He said.

"What do you do on the Youtube?" I asked.

"I just sing covers of songs, maybe a couple originals. I can also play piano." He said.

"I don't get why girls fall for boys who sing, it's not that impressive." I crossed my arms once again.

"I've only had one true girlfriend for your information." He said.

"I didn't ask how many girlfriends you've had." I said.

"You think I had many because I can sing." He said.

Was it bad that I was thinking this?

"So, where do you live?" I ask.

"7442 Cross road." He said.

My eyes widened.

"Thats right next to me." I said shockingly.