Chapter Text
Once Haley and Alice arrived at her house, Haley opened the door and walked inside with Alice following behind. Suddenly, she put a hand up.
“Wait here” Haley said as she shuffled in the house, leaving the farmer out in the rain. About a minute later, she came back with a towel. “I feel bad for being rude, so you should stay here until the rain clears up. Only if you want to, of course.”
Alice smiled and accepted the towel, coming in from the rain. She took off her muddy shoes and set them on the welcome mat while drying her hair off with a towel.
“Em, the farmer is staying for dinner! Is that alright?” Haley called into the kitchen while going into her room.
“Sure! I’m making Tom Kha soup if that's alright,” Emily said as she walked into the entryway, looking at the soaked farmer standing awkwardly in front of the door. “Don't be shy, come in come in.” she motioned for Alice to sit on the couch.
Right before she made it to the couch, Haley came out with a change of clothes for Alice.
“You better not sit on that couch wearing that. Here,” She held out the sweatpants and sweater for the farmer to take. “You can change in the bathroom.”
“You really don't need to do this, I’m fine just walking back to my house,” Alice shook her head. “I don't want to ruin your nice clothes or overstay my welcome.”
“Nonsense,” Emily tutted as she turned to go back to the kitchen. “We could use the company, and besides, you haven't farmed enough to have actual food to eat yet.”
The farmer turned pink at the embarrassing truth. Nonetheless, she walked to the bathroom to change into the provided outfit. Once she came out, Emily took her wet clothes and promptly put them in the dryer so they would be ready once they were done eating. The sweatshirt was loose on the lean farmer and the sweatpants hung low on her hips. Her hair was still damp and, not wanting to ruin the admittedly very nice sweatshirt, she tied it up in a simple ponytail. Haley watched as the farmer tied her hair up, face scrunched in concentration and the sweatshirt riding up slightly, exposing a thin crescent of her stomach. When she looked up, Alice was making eye contact with her and smiling.
“Do I look pretty, Haley?” she asked, giving a dramatic twirl.
Haley scoffed. “Looks better than what you usually wear, that's for sure.”
The farmer held a hand to her heart, feigning hurt. “You pain me so. However will I get over this deep wound you’ve inflicted on my enormous ego?”
Haley rolled her eyes and tried to hide the smile ghosting her lips. “Whatever. Help me set the table.”
After they finished eating and talking about nothing, Alice said that she had to go because she has to wake up early to get all of her chores done. Emily offered to walk her home, which the farmer accepted, leaving Haley to clean up the dishes. Once the dishes were done and the kitchen was clean, Haley changed into her pajamas and went to bed, not bothering to wait up for Emily tonight. She fell asleep with no problems tonight.
—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alex was acting pretty weird the next time he and Haley hung out in his room, which was bizarre considering Haley hadn't done anything outright to him. She tried to ignore it and blame his bad mood on the recent rainy weather, but it got to a point where she couldn’t take his coldness any longer.
“What’s your deal?” Haley snapped after Alex gave another one word response to her question. “Did I do something to you?”
Alex didn’t look her in the eyes as he mumbled something under his breath.
“What?”
“It’s nothing. Wouldn’t you rather be hanging out with your new best friend or whatever.”Alex said flatly, his face tinting with jealousy.
Haley’s anger was replaced with shock and confusion. “What?”
“The stupid farmer. Aren’t you guys like buddy buddy now,” He finally turned to look at her, his body language suggested that he was angry, but his eyes said that he was more hurt than actually upset.
“Are you serious?” Haley was rapidly becoming angry. “We talk, like, four times and now you're throwing a tantrum? The last time we even talked was over a week ago! You have been my…friend for most of my life and now you're threatened by someone who moved in like less than a month ago” She threw her hands up in exasperation, Alex looking regretful at his words, opening his mouth to say something.
Haley cut him off by turning around and rushing out of the door. Her feet smacked on the cobblestone streets as she rushed home. Tears clouded her vision as she thought about how little Alex valued her loyalty to their…relationship. Suddenly, her path was blocked by a large body. For a brief moment, Haley thought it was Alice. That is, until she felt their calloused hands on her shoulders to keep her steady and smelled the faint smell of old beer. She looked up through her tears, only to see Shane looking down at her with worry.
“Hey…” Shane said awkwardly, slowly removing his hands as she regained her balance and backed up a step. “Are you okay, Haley?”
“I’m fine,” Haley sniffled and wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her sweater. “Sorry for running into you.” She quickly pushed past him to avoid further embarrassment. Shane just looked back at her with a strange look in his eye.
Haley slammed through the door, rushing into the sanctity of her room. She faintly heard Emily calling after her, but she ignored it in favor of laying face down in her bed. Through her embarrassment and reflection of the past hour, she slightly hoped that Alex would knock on the door to apologize and laugh it off like they did all of the other conflicts they had. She knew deep down that this was a stupid fight that was blown out of proportion. She had been feeling weird recently and he has been in a strange mood for a while. He was her best friend, first and foremost, and she just really needed someone to talk to that wasn't her sister.
Eventually, she did hear a knock at the door. Her heart beat a little in anticipation for her best friend to apologize, but Emily’s blue hair peeked from the crack in the door.
“Haley?” Emily fully opened the door, letting the light in from the living room and coming to sit on the edge of her bed. “I heard you come in.”
Haley sighed. “It was a super stupid fight with Alex. He got super jealous of Alice for some reason and was acting all pissy for no reason. In his defense, I got a little too upset, but he has also been acting weird for, like, weeks.” The words kept tumbling out her mouth, EMily nodding along with a look of sympathy on her face.
After a long moment of silence for Haley to collect herself, Emily spoke. “You should introduce Alice and Alex, maybe you guys could be a trio.”
Emily didn't even look convinced as she said it, and Haley almost laughed at the notion.
“I think that would end in the worst way possible. Alex is far too serious and a little ditzy for Alice. The only thing they have in common is that their names kinda sound the same.”
“Well,” Emily hesitated for a moment. “I know that Alex has been your only friend for years, but maybe it's a good thing that you are getting closer with Alice. Having a female friend would be good for you, and Alice is actually very nice if you properly got to know her.”
Haley sighed again. “Maybe you're right” she froze when she realized what she said. Turning her head slowly, she saw Emily’s cat-like smile.
“I’m…what?” Emily cupped a hand to her ear and started cornering Haley in her own bed. “Say it again.”
“No. Nevermind” Haley started furiously trying to escape Emily’s trap. “You’re the worst.”
Emily attacked, forcing a hug out of the squirming Haley. She pinched Haley’s sides, earning a scream from the blonde. After a few minutes of torture, Emily let her younger sister go and returned to her room. Haley laid on her bed, staring at the ceiling and contemplating the decision she had to make. It’s not like if she befriended Alice that she would abandon Alex, but she wasn’t sure if Alex would leave her if she gained another friend. Ultimately, Haley got very little sleep that night.
In the morning, Haley woke up to her phone buzzing furiously. Groaning, she rolled over only to see that it was the town wide group chat that was only used to convey important news.
8:49 AM
Lewis: Hello everybody! I just wanted to let everyone know that I will be adding Alice to this thread, so After she is added, could everyone please say their names? This is to make ALice feel at home and more welcomed :)
– Lewis
Sam: lolol u dont need to sign your name at the end
‘Alice’ has been added to the chat
Alice: Hi! Could everyone please say their names so that I could add everyone to my phone? :D
Everyone introduced themselves, but Haley didn't particularly care to respond to the town, so she just rolled over and tried to go back to sleep. The sun peeked in through her blinds at the perfect angle to keep her awake despite her best efforts. Haley then just decided to get up if she was going to be awake anyway. The egg hunt was today, which meant that she actually had to make an appearance and look good infront of the town. It wasn't as big of a deal as the flower dance, but it was still a holiday.
Rising from her bed, her hair fell and stuck out at odd angles, reminding her that she did not take off her makeup from the night before. Sighing, she made her way to the bathroom, where she looked in abject horror at her appearance. The festival started soon, which meant she had to hurry if she didn't want an earful from Emily. Quickly, she washed her face and put on some light concealer and mascara before slipping on a yellow sundress that ended at her ankles. Finishing the look with a pair of earrings and flats, she came into the living room to be greeted by a disgruntled Emily. They headed to the festival to mingle and say their proper hellos to the other people of Pelican Town.
Haley scanned the crowd for Alex, only to be met with a striking pair of green eyes that belonged to the farmer. Alice waved Haley over to where she was sitting with Leah, to which Haley smiled softly and walked over to the farmer. Alice even dressed up for the occasion, well, as much as a farmer dresses up. Her hair was up in a braid that cascaded down her back and a few bracelets littered her arms. Her clean jeans flared out at the bottoms, which was complemented by the slightly cropped graphic tee with a band name across the chest that she was unfamiliar with. As she was looking at the name, Alice ducked down to make eye contact with her.
“My eyes are up here, Haley,” Alice said light heartedly.
Haley flushed slightly pink out of embarrassment. “I was just trying to figure out what band that was. Your outfit is actually nice, which is surprising.”
Alice grinned, putting her hands on her hips and doing a spin. “I’m glad you like it! I tried to dress up a little bit to fit the occasion. I see you did the same.” She nodded to her nice dress and earrings.
Haley scoffed. “If you think this is nice, I clearly haven’t shown you my Flower Dance dress.”
Alice nodded, her multiple ear piercings glinting in the sun, catching Haley’s eye. She had never noticed those before. “Considering I have not been to the Flower Dance, I will look forward to it just to see your amazing dress, don't you worry.”
Haley just sat there for a second, at a loss of a comeback. This caused the farmer to laugh and talk to Leah, who had been just watching them interact. Haley had somewhat of a favor towards Leah. She had never judged Haley for being girly and they bonded over their love of art one night at the Feast of the Winter Star. They all just sat there chatting, Haley chiming in every now and then, until Lewis called attention.
“Everyone who is participating in this year’s egg hunt can please make their way towards me and create a semi-circle so that I can explain the rules. Thank you.” The kids and a few of the younger adults made their way towards the mayor.
Alice stood up, looking over at Haley expectantly. “Aren’t you going to do the egg hunt?”
Haley shook her head. “I don't want to get dirty, but you have fun. Abigail usually wins by a landslide.”
This comment caused a look of determination to come over Alice’s face. “Until today.” She cracked her knuckles.
Haley sat up a little straighter to watch, knowing that this would be an intense competition. Abigail looked confident in another victory, until Alice walked up to the circle. Haley had never been too fond of the girl, which made the eventual slaughter even more exciting. As Lewis yelled to start, Alice sprinted to grab eggs, startling everyone else. Their hesitation allowed the farmer to gain a slight advantage. Once the total had been calculated, Alice had nearly double the eggs Abigail had collected.
A thin sheen of sweat covered the flushed Alice as Lewis talked, glistening slightly in the light. Pieces of hair fell out of the braid and stuck to her face, which she periodically tucked behind her decorated ears. Haley’s gaze lingered subconsciously, until Alice was declared the victor. Haley shook off her weird state as Alice grinned wildly and threw her arms up in victory. Her raised arms exposed her stomach, which was slowly being toned by working tirelessly on the farm. Haley hadn't realized she was staring again until a small nudge from Leah took her eyes away from the farmer. Leah gave her a smile and raised an eyebrow.
“What?” Haley said, blushing slightly. “I totally spaced out, were you talking to me?”
Leah laughed heartily as Alice came over, seemingly unable to take the smile off of her face. She wore the straw hat as a trophy, tipping it like a cowboy when she approached.
“I won!” She cheered, doing a weird victory dance. Seemingly realizing that she had to beat two small children to obtain this victory, she toned down the celebration to just an unwavering grin.
“Yeah, you totally smoked Abby,” Haley said, looking over to the purple haired girl , who was being comforted by her two friends. “It was actually very entertaining.”
“I aim to please.” Alice did a mock bow, taking the hat from her head and putting it against her heart.
Haley laughed and excused herself to grab a drink. As she was grabbing a serving of the strange punch, someone coughed pointedly behind her. She turned to face the voice, only for Alex to be looking at her sheepishly.
“Hey,” He said awkwardly, rocking back and forth. “I just wanted to say that I’m sorry for that dumb fight. It was stupid and I think we both said things out of line.”
Haley shook her head in slight disbelief. “I agree that it was stupid, but you need to chill out. Just because I have new friends does not mean that you are less important to me. Let’s just forget about it, okay?” Alex nodded.
“Well I got to go, but we should def hangout this weekend,” Haley said as she turned to talk back to her new ‘friends’.
As she was walking, Leah and Alice were talking in hushed voices and had serious expressions. Right before she got to the table, they both started laughing.
“What happened?” Haley asked curiously as she sat down, sipping her drink.
“Nothing, nothing,” Alice laughed. Suddenly, she paused and took the drink out of Haley’s hand.
“Hey!” Haley protested, only to be met with a raised hand while the farmer sniffed her drink. She chuckled.
“Someone spiked the punch,” She was laughing now. Haley flushed in embarrassment at not realizing it sooner.
“That’s why it's so good,” Leah mused, looking into her own cup. “Maybe that’s also why everyone seems more chill this year.”
Looking up, Haley saw Pam looking at them. She smiled and raised her cup with a knowing look. Haley’s jaw dropped as she looked around the crowd. Every adult was on their third or fourth cup, while the kids were drinking water for hydration (thank Yoba).
That night was full of drinking, laughing, and eventually dancing. Even Haley got a little tipsy. Okay, maybe not just tipsy, she was full on drunk. In her defense, Haley was never a big drinker, which naturally made her a lightweight.
“Hales, maybe you should relax on the punch,” Alice laughed as Haley nearly fell over again. “Here, let me help you.”
Haley was flushed with both alcohol and embarrassment at her drunken state, but she allowed the farmer to gently guide her down to a chair. Her hands were rough with callouses, but not unkind as she gripped Haley’s arms. With her incapacitated mind, Haley couldn’t stop her eyes from lingering on the farmer's hands. Leah laughed, but Haley couldn't remember anyone telling a joke, but honestly, Haley would be surprised if she remembered anything at all. Looking up at Alice, the farmer looked nervous.
“What’s wrong?” Haley said, laying a hand on her shoulder in comfort. “I’m sorry, I usually don't drink a lot, like ever. The punch was just so tasty.”
Alice coughed, flushing most likely because of the alcohol. “No, it's fine, but we should probably get you to bed. Leah, will you help me?”
“No, you got it,” Leah smiled as Alice glared at her. “Use your strong farmer muscles.”
Alice sighed and helped Haley up, putting a guiding hand on her waist and one on her shoulder. Haley just stared at the hand on her waist. “C’mon Haley, you gotta help me a little.”
Alice nudged the drunk blonde towards her house. The short walk was filled with slurred words and slight stumbling. As much as Alice tried to hide it, she was also drunk, though not as drunk as Haley. As they made their way inside, trying not to wake up the sleeping Emily, they managed to make it to Haley’s room. The farmer helped Haley sit on her bed as she walked into the bathroom. Haley frowned at the lack of company, before Alice came back holding micellar water and a few cotton rounds. She handed the supplies to Haley, who begrudgingly took off her minimal makeup.
“Let me help you,” Alice mumbled as she started taking off the blonde’s earrings. Haley just examined her face from a close distance. Her breath smelled of alcohol. The farmer then kneeled to help Haley take off her shoes. Absentmindedly, Haley reached down to touch the strands of hair that had fallen out of Alice’s braid. The movement caused the farmer to shudder and pause for a moment before resuming her task.
“You know,” Haley broke the weird silence, still touching the farmer's hair. “You would actually be very pretty with different clothes. You should let me give you a makeover.”
Alice chuckled, her cheeks a little red as she stood from her position on the floor. “Thanks, Haley. Maybe I will. Lay down and go to sleep, I’ll go grab a cup of water for the morning.” As she turned around and walked away, she paused at the door.
“Let me know if you remember anything in the morning.” Alice called as she left. Haley was asleep before the farmer came back.
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