Chapter Text
“....And, in summary, despite common agricultural concerns that letting a chicken roam free on farmed land will lead to long term damage and overall serve as a detriment to farming efforts, free roam chickens actually serve to improve the health and longevity of an established farm. Thank you so much for your time!”
Jackson removed his presentation from the display screen and looked back out over his audience. No applause, but that didn’t really come as much of a shock. He was the last presentation of this class, and at this point people were more focused on finally being able to leave for summer vacation.
His professor gave a quick nod, followed by a quick “grades will be posted next week online”, and with that it was over. Jackson breathed a sigh of relief, gathered his laptop, and left the classroom for the last time. It was finally over.
Not that he was graduating, mind you. Despite being 23, he was only a third year student at his college, a fact that made it difficult for him to really relate to the other students. Where others went out on weekends to party or generally celebrate youth with their friends, Jackson found himself either holed up in his apartment studying or working another odd job to actually pay his rent. As he crossed the threshold of the academic building into the sunlight, he breathed a deep sigh of relief.
“....All over now,” He said to himself, as he reached a hand into his bag to pull out a crumpled sheet of paper, “I’m ready, abue, hope you were right to give all this to me….”
Jackson returned the paper to his bag, as a small hand grabbed his shoulder.
“Didn’t think you’d be so quick to leave us. Not even gonna say goodbye?”
Olivia, also a third year. Despite being a Chemistry major, she studied enough agriculture to have a few overlaps into Jackson’s program. The two hit it off by chance in their first year, and had been close friends ever since.
“Sorry I had to hop out, Livvie. I wanted to stop and say goodbye but I have to catch the bus.”
“Then I’ll walk with you! I’m not just going to let you off with nothing at all.”
Jackson simply chuckled and wrapped his arm around hers. The two walked in silence off campus, all the way to the bus station. Once they got there, Jackson let her arm go and placed his bag down beside him, taking a seat on a bench and patting the space beside him.
“You wanted a good bye, so here’s you chance.”
“You charmer,” she responded with a laugh, “Ok then, I’ll bite. This is your grandfather’s old place, right?”
“Yeah, it’s an old property out in Stardew Valley. I used to visit it when I was little, but it’s been….” Jackson counted on his fingers, “At least 13 years since I saw it last. Abue passed about two years ago so I imagine it’s not in the best condition right now, haha…”
“You sure this is for the best? I mean you aren’t even finishing your degree.”
“It’s going to be fine. I’ve studied enough agriculture now that I can get a basic farm running, and if things go well I’m sure I can find some online courses to give me some direction. There’s an old ranch down south of abue’s place, too, I’m sure that the owner will be willing to lend a hand.”
Olivia leaned back on the bench and threw her arms behind her head. She looked up at the sky in quiet contemplation. “...Your mom doesn’t like this, does she.”
Jackson simply shook his head with a somber expression.
“Well you’re a grown-ass adult and she can get over it. As long as you’re confident in what you’re doing, well I’m with you and that’s all that should matter, right?”
“...Right. Right!” Jackson shuffled in place for a moment.
“Jackson…”
Olivia placed her hand on the back of Jackson’s. Once again they sat in silence as Jackson stared at the road ahead. For early spring, he couldn’t help but notice how hot it felt as he wiped a lock of his red hair off his forehead. Olivia squeezed his hand.
“I’m right here. Don’t let nerves get the best of you.”
The distant rumble of an engine announced the bus’s arrival as it slowly chugged into view. Olivia rose to her feet and helped Jackson to his. He grabbed his bag and looked towards the street once more, before turning to her. He lifted his right pinky.
“Let’s make a vow. We’ll keep in touch, and we’ll always be there for each other no matter what. My new home will always be open to you, and you’ll always be there for me if I need a place to go. Swear on it?”
She simply gave a bright smile and hooked her pinky to his.
“Swear on it.”
The two embraced before the bus came to a stop at the station. The doors swung open and the driver called out the next destination, Stardew Valley. Jackson grabbed his bag and hopped on as Olivia waved goodbye.
“Knock ‘em dead! Not everyone gets to just follow their dreams you know!”
The doors shut and Jackson took his seat. As the bus began leaving he took his phone out and held his hand over a single contact. After a few minutes, he simply returned the phone to his pocket and threw his head into the bag in his lap.
‘Sorry mom, not yet….’