The Mistake I'm Thankful For

Breath of New Air

"Rise 'n shine."

I opened my eyes to the sight of ocean eyes and beautiful brunette hair, and for a second I thought it was Ked in a wig. "I'm Key, Ked's older sister. I'll prep ya up and getcha goin' to the farm." As soon as I heard the word 'farm' I immediately stood up. Right, I work here now.

"Ked told me ya came here looking lost, here's sum of my old clothes. Hope it fits ya. If yer done, come meet me outside." And just like that, that gorgeous woman left me paralyzed. I looked over to the neatly placed clothes and picked them up. I'm still trying to figure out how to put it on and I guess now I know. It's a long-sleeved white shirt matched with short overalls. Of course.

I decided to tie my hair up since working in the field is much more labor than in an office.

The sweet sound of bird chirping and the warm sunray hit me. Is this what living in the suburban feels like? I like it a lot.

"Morning, princess." Greeted Cane. Smile, smile, he's basically your boss now.

"C'mon then! Big P's not gonna wait all day."

Through the same valley and down the hill, the road Key took us was the same as the one Ked led me to. I saw the same big moldy rock, the small river and before going down the hill, the view of Yates. It's quite a beauty. I still don't know why they don't have vehicles to get them to the farm quicker. They must really respect their traditions. Not long after that, we've arrived.

And here it is, the crops which I ruined. Mostly. "You could start by discarding the withered buddies there." And the person who caught me red handed. "Morning, Ked."

"Mornin' Cam."

"Uh, about that. My name's Joanne." I offered my hand. "Oh right, you forgot to wear gloves. Wouldn't wanna ruin those pretty hands of yers."

"Ahaha, thanks."

I started to pick the withering plants, which I've stomped on, feeling somewhat guilty. Ked told me to throw them on the edges of the field, it's somewhat like food for the critters in the forest. Mr. Sutherland gave me a few pointers on how to prep the soil, sow the seeds and help discard pests that were starting to appear on some of their plants.

The hours passed by so quickly that it's time for lunch now. Everyone gathered in a huge wooden table and a few benches near them, it was probably their usual place to take a rest. "Ked, princess, why dontcha both take our lunch inside the barn. Right above the table, kay Ked?" Those were the orders Cane gave us.

"The barn?"

"Yeah, we have a small barn right next to the shelter. It's a bit hidden inside the woods." 

I said, "Oh," as a response. The walk to the barn was silent. It's the same as when he led me to his house in the town. I guess he's not much of a chatter.

Right when I was about to spark up a conversation, I saw the abandoned shelter where I met the bear.

"Cam?"

Ked was facing me looking worried and I bet my face was so pale. "Oh, uh- sorry. Bad vibes, that's all." Ked stood silent for awhile, seemed like he was arguing with his thoughts.

"That's where I was born." My eyes widen, "Oh gosh, sorry about what I sai-"

"It's fine. I've never been the luckiest one among the fam anyway."

The rest of the way felt wayy more awkward, the silence was killing me. I wanted to tell him that I almost got killed by a bear in there hence the bad vibes but somehow it doesn't feel right to tell him that. "Here we are."

The barn was perfect sized, not too big or small. There was some spaces around it so it's not so crowded by trees. Overall it looks like the perfect hideout. The inside also looks cozy, much cozier than normal barns. On the corner of the barn was a small kitchen, on a table was where the food was. "How did it get here? I don't recall anyone going here when we worked in the field."

"Key did. She usually prepares the food the night before and puts it here around dawn." Oh so that's why I didn't see her last night, that time I signed the contract.

As soon as Ked finished his sentence, I reached over the glass of jar to put it in the basker only to accidentally touch his hand. "Oh, sorry. Didn't know you were reaching for it too, haha."

"I'll just prepare the other basket over there then."

I quickly put in the food that was scattered around the basket. Maybe Key meant to leave it at room temperature. I hugged the basket and was about to go but then I forgot about Ked. I looked over to him and gosh, never have I felt a sudden shiver down my spine.

He was sucking on his finger which had jam on it. Satisfied with how it tasted, he closed the jar and put it in the basket. The soft sunlight coming through the window complimented his sweaty arms, showing his muscular figure as he reached up the cabinets for more jams. 

Don't even make me start about his wet curly hairs. I have never appreciated someone's beauty for that brief minute. "Cam? You zoned out again." I snapped, "Aha! I thought I saw a deer by that window beside you."

"Really? I should go and catc-" I grabbed onto his shoulder, holding him back. "We wouldn't want to make the others wait. Bet they're starving by now."

-----------------

"Geez, what took y'all so long? I'm starving!" Cried Cane, running over to us and took the basket away. 

I put the basket I was carrying on the table then Key suddenly grabbed me by the shoulder and said, "Thank you for saying yes. No one ever really liked taking the food with Ked." I smiled as a response. Now that I look at Key, Ked somehow shines that similar charm his sister has. Even Mr. Sutherland looks hot at his age. This family, seriously.

"Has anyone told you, your family looks stunning?" I blurred out. "Well-"

A sudden scream suddenly stopped everyone. It was fading in and sounded like..

"KeeEEeEEEeEeeeDd!" A girl, looks younger than I am, ran over to Ked with her arms wide open. She jumped onto him which made them fell. It was so sudden, no one saw it coming. "And that's who I was gonna tell ya about." Continued Key.

"Taylor! Stop!" That girl, which I assume is Taylor, was busy kissing Ked all over his face, she didn't even heard Mr. Sutherland said hi. "Alright there, lovebirds. Taylor, you really needa hold yer horses." Cane grabbed her by the arms and pulled her away from Ked. I could see from here that Grizz rolled her eyes and felt like she vomited. 

"How was the trip?" Asked Mr. Sutherland. "Oh, Mr. P! It was great! Dad gave us a yacht to ride around the island. It was probably the best business trip ever. But anywho, where's Key?" Mr. Sutherland pointed over to us and I could see Taylor's brows furrowed.

"Key! I've missed you!" She went in for a hug and Key happily hugged back. "Here I brought you something."

"Aw, thanks Tay! You've always know what I like." It stopped there until Taylor looked over to me. "And you are? I've never seen you around before."

"Joanne." I said. "She'll be helping us around the farm for a few days." Continued Key. "It's been awhile since-" Key seemed to tighten her grip on Taylor's arm. "A-anyway, nice to meet you Jonana." Taylor came closer and opened her arms. "It's Joanne." She hugged me anyway and went back to where Ked was.

I wonder what Taylor was about to say. Could it be linked to that damn riddle on the contract?