Chapter 1

The cold harsh Winter has ended. Spring is on it's way, and the young adults of the small city of Atland are busy preparing for the Spring semester of college. There was a brief period of rest and study for the students before they had to register for their classes. Luckily, one of the students is way ahead of himself, and prepared to attend the very next day.

Jack Viridia is a 19 year old teenage man who has graduated high school with high hopes in his future. His passion and his desire to move ahead in life has put him in the top of his class. Some people call him dull or boring, because he prefers to study and prepare himself rather than playing or hanging out. But regardless of what people may tell him, he is still happy and cheerful.

But even though he applies himself to his studies, he still finds plenty of time to do things that he enjoys outside of the campus. Right now, he is putting on his favorite hang-out shirt, and combing his medium short spiked up hair with an ear on his cell phone. Even though he is not too social, he does have a couple of people he can still call friends.

But rather than "Hang-out Buddies", these "Friends" are more or less people that rely on him to get ahead. Jack helps others prepare, study, and even offers scholastic advice. For those who are struggling in school, Jack is the only reason they can keep in pace, rather than fail.

"I told you buddy! You should have been prepared weeks ago!" said Jack as he puts on his favorite sweater.

"I know, I know," said his friend on the other end of the cell phone. "But you don't understand, the girl I was with was hot. I couldn't find the time to go to the book store, and pick up the materials I need. They were sold out of the brand new books, and they only had these old books. But they are a total mess, I can hardly read them with all the highlighting and the hand written notes made by some moron!"

Jack sighs, and continues, "Listen Jason, dating and relating is fine and all, but you came to Atland University to get a degree, not get laid. You need to set your priorities straight if you want to live the good life."

"No big deal! If I slip up, I have you to back me up like always." said Jason in a laughing tone.

Jack lets out an even deeper sigh and says, "Whatever. Just don't rely on me too much, I cannot cover for all your classes. Remember, we're not taking all the same courses, and I am sick and tired of reading your text books so that I can coach you. Now if you would excuse me, I need to go out to the arcades. If only you would have been prepared, you could have gone with me, but I guess I am on my own today."

Without waiting for a response, Jack hangs up his cell phone, and tosses it on his bed. He is almost completely prepared to go out, he only needs his blue hat. As he picks up his hat, he takes a good look at it. He is not too fond if it, but he feels that he must wear it in respect to his grandfather.

Before he decided to attend college, he found out that his grandfather had passed away in his sleep. He was a farmer, and his age was catching up to him. But still he worked hard every day until his body can no longer handle it. Jack attended the funeral, and was told that his grandfather left Jack the farm.

It was a tough decision to make, but he decided not to take over the farm. He had other plans for himself, and becoming a farmer like his grandfather was not part of it. The only thing he took from the farm was his grandfather's hat. The same blue hat he has in his hands right now.

Wearing the old blue hat makes him feel that his grandfather has forgiven him. After all, he never actually promised that he would take it over. It was his decision alone to make, and he chose to stay in the city to study. Luckily, he was told that a good person has taken over the farm instead, and things are running smoothly in his grandfather's village.

After putting on the hat, he grabs his keys, and makes his way out of his apartment. Even though he spends most of his time reading and studying, he always makes some time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. On his free time, he goes out to the shopping district to play in the arcades, go see a movie, or go window shopping.

However, something new will happen today. Without him even realizing it, his past will surely catch up to him. And so, we begin the story of Jack's new and complicated lifestyle.