Chelsea's POV

Vaughn was my first love…

It was a mostly normal Monday, the only difference was that I was finally ready to make my first livestock purchase. I had Gannon finish my barn (and check it over for safety three times). I bought enough fodder to maybe last forever. My best friend and animal expert, Julia told me that I probably won't need that much feed for one cow. I rather be safe than sorry.

I walked confidently to Mirabelle's animal shop. I took a deep breath before opening the door. I always loved being welcomed by the ding of the little bell above the door. I wiped my feet on the door mat before fully entering the shop. (I know it's an animal shop, but I didn't want to be rude. It was muddy outside. I own a barn, I wasn't raised in one.) And as I entered the shop, I was tackled by Julia. I never get used to Julia's surprise bear hug attacks. She released me from her tight embrace and rested her hands on my shoulders, "Chelsea!" she tried saying calmly but her excitement was obvious. She took a deep breath, "Today is the day. Are you ready?" We've been counting down to this day for weeks. I nodded my head in response. She escorted me to the counter where Mirabelle patiently stood. "Mom," Julia said in a mock serious tone, "Chelsea has a very important request to make."

"Well, you see Mirabelle," I started timidly. Then Julia nudged my side indicating that I should get on with it. I took a deep breath, "Mirabelle, I would like to purchase a cow."

She smiled, "Well of course, Chelsea!" I took a sigh of relief. "There's just one thing…"

I instantly tensed up, "If this is about the barn, it's safe, I had it checked three times."

She shook her head, "No, your barn is completely safe."

My eyes widened, "Do I not have enough money? I thought I had enough with me."

"No, Chelsea, calm down. It's nothing with you. Our animal trader just quit this morning."

"No way! Alice quit! Why?" Julia shrieked in disbelief.

"She said she wanted to start a family and be a stay at home mom."

"Selfish bitch." Julia mumbled under her breath.

"Julia! Language!" Mirabelle scolded

"So…Now what?" I asked awkwardly.

"Well, I'm sorry to say, but until we hire another animal dealer-"

"Wait!" Julia exclaimed, "Mom! What about Vaughn? He's an animal dealer. Let's hire him!"

"That not a bad idea. Good thinking Julia! I'll go call him now." Mirabelle scurried in the office.

I tapped on Julia's shoulder, "Um, Julia," she turned to face me, "Who's Vaughn?"

"Oh right, you don't know Vaughn. Well he's my cousin, who is also an animal dealer.

"Oh cool." I said as Mirabelle shuffled back into the shop.

She smiled, "He'll be here in a week with your cow."

I wanted to jump for joy, but I remembered that I had to pay. "Mirabelle, do you want me to pay now or when the get here?"

She shook her head, "Consider it a gift."

"Oh, no, I couldn't-"

"It's a gift!"

I put my hands up signaling surrender. "Okay, okay, it's a gift," I smiled, "thank you Mirabelle."

"No problem, Chelsea." She smiled back at me then had what seemed to be a light bulb moment, "Chelsea, Vaughn will be here next Monday at around 8am. Sound okay?" I nodded me head, "And Vaughn will be coming to the island every Monday and Tuesday."

"Okay, thanks Mirabelle." I said with a smile and a small wave.

Julia grabbed my arm and dragged me out of the building. We started walking around town, just wandering. "Chelsea, walk with me, talk with me."

"Do I have a choice?"

She paused, "No"

"Didn't think so."

"Shhh! This is important!" Julia quietly exclaimed. "Okay, so don't get offended when Vaughn gives you the cold shoulder. He like hates everyone but deep down, and I mean really deep, he has a heart of gold. I promise"

"Thanks for the heads up." I said flatly, "But why should u care?"

"I just have a feeling-"

"That I'm going to fall for your cousin?"

"Weeeell, Yeah."

"Not going to happen."

"Are you sure, my feelings are never wrong." She paused, "I mean remember when I told you that you would break up with Denny because you think fishing is beyond boring? You said, and I quote, 'I can look past that.' Two days later, you broke up with him."

"I told you not to bring that up anymore." I whisper-yelled through my teeth.

"Well, I'm just trying to prove my point. And my point is that Julia Nickerson is NEVER wrong!"

"Except in math, in math Julia Nickerson is wrong a lot." I mumbled loud enough so whe could hear me.

She glared at me "Hey, you can't talk, you're bad at math and you can't spell." She stuck her tongue out at me.

I glared at her through squinted eyes, "Touché." We looked at each other and busted out in laughter.

Then Elliot walked by us. He gave us a small smile and a passive wave. Then he pushed up his oversized, round framed glasses.

Julia let go of my arm, "Excuse me, I have more important business to attend to." Then she turned around and chased after the pink haired nerd.

"Don't get pregnant!" I yelled to her. Then she flipped me off with her perfectly manicured finger.

"Just one more week." I smiled.