Skip to main content

Kebun Buah

Kebun Buah




"Kamu salah melakukannya," katanya sambil muncul di belakangnya. Annabelle tahu dia harus meninggalkannya sendirian, tetapi dia merusak apel terbaik di pohon.

Dia berbalik untuk menatapnya dan dia memiringkan kepalanya ke arahnya. Dia bukan tipe yang datang dan memetik apel dari kebun. Muda, mengenakan celana panjang dan sepatu bagus—Anna melihat tangan kirinya—seorang bujangan. Dia tampak benar-benar tidak pada tempatnya di sini.

"Permisi?" katanya sopan, meskipun Annabelle pasti bisa mendengar kejengkelan dalam nada suaranya.

"Anda salah melakukannya," ulangnya. Dia berjalan mendekatinya dan meraih cabang ke apel yang baru saja dia lepaskan. "Jika Anda akan bersikeras untuk mengambilnya dengan tangan, Anda tidak bisa begitu saja menariknya dengan ujung jari Anda. Kamu akan memarkannya."

Dia menatapnya dengan rasa ingin tahu dengan senyum sombong di wajahnya. "Oke kalau begitu, tunjukkan padaku bagaimana itu dilakukan."

Annabelle menggunakan telapak tangannya untuk menyebarkan tekanan di sekitar apel secara merata dan dia dengan lembut menariknya bebas dari batangnya. "Di sana," katanya sambil menyerahkan apel itu padanya. "Mungkin satu-satunya yang kamu dapatkan yang tidak memar." Dia mulai menjauh darinya, tetapi dia memanggilnya kembali.

"Saya menyentuh yang itu," dia memanggilnya.

Dia berbalik dan mengerutkan alisnya. "Apa?"

"Saya sudah mencoba memilih yang baru saja Anda berikan kepada saya — saya menyentuhnya — jadi, maukah Anda menunjukkan kepada saya lagi?"

Annabelle hampir tersenyum, tapi dia menahan diri. Ketika dia tidak bergerak, dia berbicara lebih banyak.

"Saya benar-benar ingin memiliki setidaknya satu apel yang tidak memar," katanya, senyum menerangi wajahnya.

Dia tidak bisa menahan diri, dia melihat ke bawah, menggelengkan kepalanya, dan tersenyum kecil, senyum rahasia. Anna berjalan ke arahnya dengan tangan di saku terusannya. "Akan tragis jika kamu pulang dengan apel yang kurang sempurna." Angin sepoi-sepoi mencambuk di sekelilingnya saat dia melewatinya dan kuncir kudanya bergoyang. Itu tidak terlalu dingin—Oktober di Connecticut relatif menyenangkan—tetapi dia masih menggigil saat dia meraih pohon untuk memetik apel lagi.

"Saya Ben. Benyamin Joseph Oliver."

Hal pertama yang dipikirkan Anna adalah sepanjang baris "whoa, itu banyak nama depan," tetapi dia tidak pernah membentuk pemikiran ini menjadi kata-kata. "Yah, Ben," katanya sambil menjatuhkan apel yang baru dipetik ke telapak tangannya. "Apa yang membawamu ke Middlefield? Anda tidak benar-benar terlihat ...." dia terdiam, bertanya-tanya apakah dia bersikap kasar.

Ben tersenyum pada sepatunya, dengan lembut memasukkan apel ke dalam tasnya, dan memasukkan tangannya ke dalam saku. "Saya tahu," dia memulai. "Saya tidak benar-benar siap."

Anna mengangkat alisnya. Itu tidak benar-benar menjawab pertanyaannya.

"Aku semacam ... menghindari seseorang."

"Oh," katanya sebelum dia bisa menghentikan dirinya sendiri. "Yah, Ben, lebih baik aku pergi, aku hanya—"

"Ayahku," sela Ben. "Aku menghindari ayahku."

Anna mengangguk. Itu masih membuatnya ingin pergi. "Saya benar-benar harus pergi," katanya.

Ben tersenyum muram dan mengangguk saat dia menatap matanya. "Senang bertemu denganmu ...."

"Annabelle...." dia mulai. Dia tampak seolah-olah sedang menungguku. Dia hanya menatapnya saat dia berdiri di sana, tak henti-hentinya, dan kemudian dia berpikir, mengapa tidak? "Annabelle Grace Anderson."

Saat itulah alisnya berkerut. "Anderson, seperti di, dari Anderson Orchards?"

Anna melalui lengannya keluar dalam lengkungan lebar. "Satu-satunya."

"Pemetik apel ahli itu sendiri," Ben tersenyum.

"Oh ya," katanya, perlahan menganggukkan kepalanya dengan senyum puas di wajahnya. "Saya bisa melihat seorang amatir dari jarak satu mil."

"Oh, yang itu sakit," katanya sambil meletakkan tangannya di hatinya.

Angin sepoi-sepoi mencambuk kembali di sekitar mereka, rambut Anna menyapu pipinya. Dia menggigil, memikirkan daftar cucian barang-barang yang masih harus dia urus sebelum malam tiba. "Sungguh menyenangkan bertemu dengan Anda, Benjamin Joseph Oliver." Dia mengulurkan tangannya, dengan kuat menjabat tangannya, dan mulai pergi.

"Permisi, Nona?" dia menelepon ketika dia berada beberapa meter di depannya.

Dia berbalik dan melengkungkan alis saat dia melipat tangannya di dadanya.

"Bisakah Anda meluangkan beberapa menit untuk menjawab beberapa pertanyaan untuk pelanggan yang membayar?"

Annabelle langsung tertawa. Dia harus menyerahkannya kepadanya, dia sangat gigih dan tahu persis jalan mana yang akan membuatnya tinggal. Dia berjalan kembali padanya. "Dan pertanyaan seperti apa yang kamu miliki?"

Senyum yang menerangi wajahnya sangat menggemaskan, tetapi Anna tidak akan pernah mengakuinya padanya. Dia tampak penuh kemenangan.

"Jenis apel apa ini?"

"Keripik madu," jawabnya.

Ben menatapnya, tetapi dia tidak berpaling dari tatapannya tidak peduli betapa tidak nyamannya itu membuatnya merasa.

"Ada yang lain?"

"Berapa lama kebun tetap buka?"

"Hari ini? Kamu punya waktu sekitar satu jam lagi."

"Dan apa yang dilakukan pemiliknya ketika mereka menutup?"

Anna tertawa dan menggelengkan kepalanya saat dia memberi isyarat di sekelilingnya. "Banyak pekerjaan kebun."

"Dan apakah dia pernah membutuhkan bantuan?" Ben bertanya dengan lembut.

Ini mengejutkannya. Anna cantik—dia tahu banyak dari tinggal di kota selama lima tahun—tetapi dia tidak pernah memiliki tawaran pria untuk membantunya dengan pekerjaannya. "Tidak," katanya tidak yakin. "Dia wanita yang cukup cakap."

Ben tertawa. "Saya tidak ragu tentang itu."

Anna menarik napas dalam-dalam, memikirkan seberapa cepat semuanya akan berjalan jika dia mendapat bantuan. Ini tidak seperti dia mengundangnya untuk tinggal. Bekerja saja. Seperti seorang karyawan. Orang yang tidak dibayar. "Tapi, pemiliknya memang memiliki banyak hal di piringnya sekarang," Anna mulai perlahan, "dan dia pikir dia bisa menggunakan bantuan."

Sekali lagi, dia tampak penuh kemenangan.

"Tapi dia tidak membutuhkannya," Anna menegur.

"Oh tidak, tentu saja tidak," dia meyakinkannya.

Dia memutar matanya. "Ambil apelmu," dia mulai, dan kemudian tersenyum pada dirinya sendiri dengan licik. "Seberapa baik kamu dalam mencuci piring?"


By Omnipoten
  • Offbeat Careers – Tattoo Removal Technician

    Tattoo removal business is booming across the globe, so the right training is required to make a career in this field. Go through the article to understand the training methodologies. Whether you have experience as a makeup specialist or a tattoo artist or a professional in the medical field, bec... Readmore

  • All You Need to Know About Anti Colic Bottles

    When colic or chronic gas afflicts your baby, it can be a lot stressful for you as your little one screams and cries all day. Buying a good anti-colic bottle can help solve this problem quickly. Read on to know more about anti colic bottles and its benefits. Colic can seem one of the worst proble... Readmore

  • Buying Sectional Sofa- Here’s What to Look For

    So finally you are buying a sectional sofa? But the moment you start looking for a sectional sofa, you suddenly flooded with endless options and confusing terms like RAF, LAF and so on, and get confused. But believe me, it is not as difficult as it seems. Once you know what to look for in a sectiona... Readmore

  • Top 5 Enterprise Search Software for 2019

    Every organization today needs an enterprise search tool to derive insights from organizational data, a major part of which is unstructured. This article looks into the best enterprise search software for 2019, which includes some promising platforms that have the most powerful text mining features.... Readmore

  • Benefits of Custom Software Development Services

    Custom software is designed to cater to the specific needs of an organization. So, how does it benefit the organization and why should one choose it over an off-the-shelf software product? This article takes a closer look. Every enterprise today needs software solutions to digitalize every aspect... Readmore

  • Five Tips to Choose the Best Tattoo Shops in Miami

    Are you planning to get inked? But confused about where to go. Do not worry; it happens when you are living in the tattooed city like Miami where in every nook and corner, you will find a tattoo shop. So how to choose the best tattoo shops in Miami when there are so many options out there and eve... Readmore

  • Top 5 Custom Product Development Services Companies

    What is custom product development services and which are the top firms? While there are several firms that offer custom software development services, this article enlists some of the best ones. Today every business is different with a different set of requirements and business goals. In such a ... Readmore

  • Spring Home Painting Ideas: Step into spring with a Fresh Coat of Paint

    The end of winter is near! And, the race for giving your home a makeover will begin soon. Let’s take a look at a few inexpensive spring home painting ideas. Do not forget to hire an experienced painter well in advance. It will protect you from surge pricing and ensure a successful spring home ... Readmore

  • TCM in Houston, TX – Showing a New Horizon to Quality of Life

    The approach of traditional Chinese medicine involves a unique combination of a holistic and natural therapeutic method that has been used for over more than centuries. It’s been formulated to s... The approach of traditional Chinese medicine involves a unique combination of a holistic and ... Readmore

  • What is Quarter Life Crisis and How to Deal With It

    Is there something called quarter life crisis? Do we have an existential crisis only in our 40s and not in our 20s? This articles explores the angst faced by students in their colleges days or at the beginning of their career. Midlife Crisis “describes a period of dramatic self-doubt”... Readmore

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Painting of Destiny

"Are you sure of this, Navan?" The old pirate stared at King Mannas' chief merchant. However, his bright emerald green eyes sparkled with laughter. "The information came from Daoud, one of my former crew members, when I was ravaging the coastal villages of Vyrone." Navan smiled at the expression crossing Gerrod's face, whose family had fled from one of these villages. The Iron Falcon was a legend and parents had always used the threat of its crew and its flaming-haired captain to scare naughty children into sleeping and behaving differently. Gerrod quickly recovered and smiled. "Then he must be a man to be trusted, indeed." "Ah!" cried Navan. "Daoud will take the coin from the mouth of a dead man while it is still warm. I trust him only because he knows the fate of him who lies to me." I may have made him captain when I decided to infiltrate King Mannas' court, but he still knows who is in charge. "We must tell ...

Good Morning America is a popular

Good Morning America is a popular morning news show that airs on ABC. It has been a staple in American households since its debut in 1975. The show covers a wide range of topics including news, entertainment, lifestyle, and pop culture. With its team of talented hosts and reporters, Good Morning America provides its viewers with the latest updates on current events and trending stories. One of the things that sets Good Morning America apart from other morning shows is its lively and energetic atmosphere. The hosts, including Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, Michael Strahan, and Lara Spencer, bring a sense of fun and camaraderie to the show. They engage with their audience and each other in a way that feels genuine and relatable. In addition to its engaging hosts, Good Morning America also features a variety of segments that cater to a diverse audience. From cooking demos and fashion tips to celebrity interviews and human interest stories, the show offers something for everyone. Wh...

The liz hatton

The liz hatton is a unique piece of headwear that has been gaining popularity in recent years. This hat is characterized by its wide brim and low crown, which gives it a distinctive and fashionable look. The liz hatton is often made of materials such as wool, felt, or straw, making it a versatile accessory that can be worn in various seasons. One of the key features of the liz hatton is its versatility. This hat can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for a range of occasions. Whether you're going for a casual look or a more formal outfit, the liz hatton can easily complement your ensemble. Additionally, the wide brim of the hat provides excellent sun protection, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as picnics or garden parties. In terms of style, the liz hatton can be compared to other types of hats such as the fedora or the boater. While these hats may have similar silhouettes, the liz hatton stands out for its unique shape and design. The low crown and wide brim of ...
  • Kunci Pengabdian Pengabar Injil

    ... karena nama-Nya mereka telah berangkat ... — 3 Yohanes 1:7 Kesetiaan dalam pengabdian kepada Yesus Kristus adalah karya adikodrati penebusan yang telah dikerjakan oleh Roh Kudus dalam diri saya, dan kasih itulah yang bekerja melalui saya dan menyentuh semua orang yang saya jumpai. Kunci pengabd... Readmore

  • Jejak-Mu mengeluarkan lemak

    [Mazmur 65:11] Banyak “jejak Tuhan” yang “mengeluarkan lemak,” tetapi satu yang istimewa adalah jejak doa. Tidak ada orang percaya, yang banyak berada dalam kamar doanya, yang akan menangis, “Kurus merana aku, kurus merana aku. Celakalah aku!” [Yesaya 24:16] Jiwa-jiwa yang lapar hidup di tempat yan... Readmore

  • Tidak Punya Apa-Apa? 2023

    Seorang pria diajak sepupunya berlibur di luar kota. Di kota itu sepupunya mempunyai sebuah vila yang megah. Pria itu merasa senang, namun kemudian ia menjadi sedih. "Sepupuku punya segalanya, sedangkan aku tidak punya apa-apa, " keluhnya. Saat sudah di rumah, malamnya istri pria itu menyembunyika... Readmore

  • Panggilan Kristiani 2023

    Dalam perikop ini terdapat dua penglihatan. Pertama, Yohanes melihat Iblis dirantai dan dibuang ke dalam jurang maut (1-3). Kedua, ia melihat orang-orang yang dibunuh, karena menjadi saksi Kristus, bangkit dan memerintah bersama Kristus seribu tahun lamanya, yakni pada masa Iblis dipenjara (4-6). ... Readmore

  • Bamboo Compression Socks: Why should you wear them?

    Bamboo Compression Socks: Why should you wear them? Compression socks work by squeezing the walls of the veins and leg tissues to help blood work its way to the heart. It leads to less fatigue, less pain, and less swelling. This article helps to understand why one must not settle in ordinary compre... Readmore

  • How to build your own capsule wardrobe

    Does capsule wardrobe sound alien to you? Fret not, it’s one of those millennial concepts which is taking over the world. Before you tune away, stay with me for a bit and you’ll see that i... Does capsule wardrobe sound alien to you? Fret not, it’s one of those millennial concepts which is taking... Readmore

  • Top Ten Things to Do in Orlando Florida

    Orlando is a city of best tourist attractions. Orlando is the right place to go when it comes to the best amusement and theme parks. When you visit Orlando, you want to ensure you have an awesome experience. Therefore, we shall take a good look at the top 10 things to do in Orlando, Florida. 1. Un... Readmore

  • Cerpen Agungnya Desaku

    Hidup di tengah-tengah desa yang masyarakatnya masih memegang teguh kepercayaan sejak dulu, yang masih kental kebudayaannya sampai sekarang tidaklah luntur membuat Dhuan harus mengikuti semua peraturan-peraturan, mitos atau kebiasaan yang telah lama ada di desanya meski ia bukan asli orang Pesare... Readmore

  • Dealing With Police Trauma

    Having completed 30 years Police Service with the Metropolitan Police in the UK, I have experienced first hand the effects of trauma on the body both mentally and physically. At the time I was serving, it was in a very peer pressurised environment. To admit to feeling stressed, tired or struggling... Readmore

  • The Rapid Development of Renewable Energy in Europe

     energy sources are a major contributor to the transition of Europe's energy sector. Development in technologies are key to the acceleration in market share in this sector. Today, shares for solar power photovoltaic (PV) electricity, biogas electricity and wind power are close to the levels ant... Readmore