Once Upon A Time 7

Lily tersenyum puas. Hari yang berjalan dengan lancar dan boleh dikatakan, satu pencapaian membanggakan. Sehingga Nizarif yang lokek dengan senyum itu pun terpaksa menyerah kalah dan menghadiahkan kata-kata pujian yang tambah membuat hatinya berbunga.

Sedari semalam lagi Lily tak berhenti membuat persiapan untuk perjumpaannya dengan Datin Hana pada pukul 2 petang tadi. Perjumpaan yang turut disertai oleh encik bos, Nizarif, sesungguhnya membuatkan Lily cuak dan risau. Dengan hanya dua jam tidur dan memandu ke ofis bagaikan zombie, mujurlah dia tak melakukan perkara-perkara bodoh yang tentu saja akan memalukan dirinya lalu menjejaskan kredibiliti DesignHouse.

Jikalau dulu dia menyangkakan kerjaya sebagai pereka dalaman sesuatu yang mudah dan glamor seperti selalu ditonton di televisyen tapi kini, ternyata sangkaannya itu sedikit tersasar. Terdapat skop yang lebih besar tentang kerjaya pilihannya ini dan yang tentu, ia tidak hanya berkisar kepada memilih warna cat yang sesuai untuk bilik atau pun memastikan susun atur perabot kena dengan ruang.

Menjadi pereka dalaman sebenarnya lebih memerlukan skil sosial serta negotiasi di samping kesabaran tinggi kerana semua urusan kerja melibatkan pihak lain seperti pembekal dan klien. Ianya bukan sekadar membenarkan kreativiti bekerja tetapi juga menguruskan setiap perincian bagi memastikan progres projek berjalan lancar supaya memberikan hasil terbaik dan 99% sempurna.

Dan tadi, syukur perjumpaan mereka berjalan dengan baik.

Pemilihan warna serta fabrik yang dirasakan sesuai untuk ruang tamu tersebut sudah dibuat. Walaupun Datin Hana tak suka dengan perabot-perabot yang dicadangkan oleh Lily daripada bilik pameran DesignHouse tapi wanita itu tertarik dengan kerusi dan beberapa lagi aksesori daripada dalam katalog yang diunjukkan kepadanya. Manakala untuk skim warna pula, mereka bersetuju untuk memberi penekanan utama kepada lampu meja eksklusif serta kusyen.

Namun, kerja masih belum selesai. Banyak yang perlu dilakukan lagi seperti mencadangkan beberapa dekorasi tambahan untuk melengkapkan ruang tamu tersebut dan setelah  menghabiskan hampir dua jam bersama Datin Hana, Lily rasa dia lebih memahami citarasa wanita itu.

InsyaAllah, kalau tak ada aral, pesanan boleh dibuat minggu ini juga.

Sebuah kejayaan kecil yang diraikan oleh Lily dengan mengunjungi pasaraya sebaik saja selesai tugasan di ofis untuk membeli barang keperluan harian kiriman ibu dan juga beberapa barangan lain untuk dirinya sendiri.

Membuat nota mental untuk membelek beberapa brosur yang dibawa pulang daripada pejabat, tangan Lily pantas mencapai sebungkus biskut lalu dimasukkan ke dalam troli.

Hrmm, mungkin juga dia boleh mendapatkan inspirasi daripada sumber-sumber di Internet.

“Lily Nadira sebagai pembantu di DesignHouse. Macam tak percaya.” suara garau tersebut membuatkan seluruh urat di dalam tubuh Lily tegang.

Dia mengetap bibir.

Sepatutnya dia tahu sebaik saja lelaki ini kembali, hidupnya takkan sama lagi. Selamat tinggal hidup yang aman dan bebas gangguan.

“Kalau aku kenal Lily yang dulu, dia bukan jenis yang suka menerima arahan apatah lagi bekerja di bawah orang.” Jay menghentikan langkahnya bersebelahan Lily dengan senyuman sinis yang sememangnya menjadi tanda pengenalan buat lelaki itu.

“Junior designer.” Lily membetulkan, kembali menolak troli dengan hati yang bengkak.

Jay menuruti langkahnya.

“Apa kau buat kat sini?” soal Lily.

“Kebetulan.” jawab Jay sepatah.

Lily tergelak.

“Hah, ‘kebetulan’ Kuzer Harmy tak boleh pakai.”

“Tepat sekali, jadi kenapa kau tanya lagi?” ringan saja tangan Jay memasukkan beberapa bungkus makanan ringan ke dalam troli, tidak mengendahkan jegilan Lily. Sengaja mahu menyakat.

‘Perjumpaan’nya hari ini tidak berjalan seperti yang diharapkan. Beberapa orang daripada mereka berpura-pura tak mengingatinya manakala beberapa orang lagi enggan membuka mulut langsung untuk berbicara tentang Lily yang mana Jay pasti mempunyai kaitan dengan satu lagi tindakan bodohnya bertahun-tahun lalu.

Harus diakui dulu dia memang terkenal dengan sikap protektif serta cemburu buta terutama sekali apabila ianya berkaitan dengan Cik Lily Nadira. Jadi, untuk memastikan Lily kekal bersamanya serta bebas daripada gangguan sesiapa pun, perkara yang mampu difikirkan ketika itu ialah dengan menghalang kawan-kawan lain daripada bercakap atau pun menghampiri Lily. Dan berdasarkan reputasi serta darjah kegilaannya dulu, tentu saja tak ada yang berani mempertikaikan arahan bodoh tersebut.  

Nampaknya sehingga sekarang ‘peraturan’ tersebut masih diguna pakai.

“Dah tukar profesion jadi paparazzi pula, mengendap aku sampai ke sini?”

“Orang normal mungkin akan nafikan tu tapi…”

“Kau tak normal.” pintas Lily dengan geram.

“Ha-ha exactly. Aku takkan cuba nafikan benda yang terang-terangan benar. Sungguh, aku ikut kau ke sini tapi hanya sebab aku teringin nak jumpa dengan tunang kau. Dan amat aku hargai kalau tunang kau bukan lelaki sama yang kerja dekat DesignHouse tu. Kita berdua tahu citarasa kau terhadap lelaki sedikit…hrmm… pelik?” Jay menduga.

Daripada pemerhatiannya hari ini, memang benar kata Ed. Lily Nadira sudah berubah. Menjadi sesuatu yang sungguh berbeza daripada seorang gadis yang terkenal dengan sikap memberontak serta penuh dengan helah. Satu evolusi membanggakan bagi Jay, paduan sebuah kematangan dan pengalaman.

Matanya dibiarkan jatuh kepada Lily yang nampak terlalu berminat membaca label di belakang paket M&M. Satu usaha untuk tidak mengendahkan kewujudannya di sebelah tentunya.

Wanita itu mengenakan sut paduan hitam merah yang dipadankan bersama sepasang kasut tumit tinggi dua inci, melengkapkan penampilan semi formalnya. Rambut panjang Lily dibiarkan bebas, dihiasi ringkas dengan hanya dua sepit yang juga berwarna merah. Walaupun sekadar bermekap tipis, wanita itu tetap kelihatan cantik, manis. Lambang utuh sebuah keyakinan dan kekuatan yang tak pernah gagal buat Jay kagum.

“Kau, Encik Kuzer Harmy, adalah bukti jelas betapa teruknya citarasa aku dulu.” ujar Lily, kali ini nadanya mencabar. Langkahnya dihentikan sebelum berpaling dan memandang terus ke wajah lelaki itu dengan satu senyuman yakin.

“Bukan macam sesetengah orang, aku cepat belajar daripada kesilapan. Terutama sekali kesilapan besar macam kau.” jari telunjuknya menunjal badan lelaki itu.

“Ah!” Jay ketawa, meletakkan kedua belah tangannya ke dada seperti benar dalam kesakitan.

Sungguh, kalau perkataan mampu menghancurkan Jay, kata-kata Lily tadi tanpa ragu akan menukarkannya kepada debu-debu kecil yang berterbangan di udara. Tapi untuk seseorang yang sering dipanggil ke bilik guru disiplin serta guru kaunseling, dia sudah imun dengan apa juga bentuk penghinaan sama ada secara halus atau terus.

“Aku anggap tu sebagai cara tak langsung kau memuji aku. Lily, kau tahu kata-kata kau tak ada kesan ke atas aku, jadi tak perlu mencuba. Nonetheless, I’m a changed man now and I came in peace. Cuba berlaku baik dan berhenti berprasangka, boleh?” ketika itu matanya dan mata seorang lelaki bertopi besbal bertentangan. Lantas mengingatkan Jay kepada seseorang yang dikenalinya. Sebelum sempat Jay bereaksi, begitu mudah pula lelaki itu menghilangkan diri di sebalik sebuah keluarga yang nampak serius membincangkan menu makan malam mereka pada hari ini.

Dahinya berkerut.

Hrmm, pelik!

Lambat-lambat mereka berdua menuju ke bahagian yang menempatkan serbuk pencuci serta pelembut pakaian. Lily mengambil sebotol pelembut, membelek beberapa ketika lalu diletakkan semula ke tempatnya.

Riaknya tegang seakan botol pelembut tak bersalah itu sungguh menyakitkan hatinya.

Lucu sebenarnya barisan ayat Jay tadi. Kalau benar lelaki ini dah berubah, dia takkan mengekori Lily sedari pagi mahu pun ada di sini bersamanya menyibuk di dalam hal yang sedikit pun tak penting.

“Kau tahu kenapa kau tak boleh rasa apa-apa, Jay?”

Jay sekadar mengangkat bahu. Dia tak berminat untuk menjawab atau mendengar jawapan kepada soalan tersebut kerana fikirannya kini tertumpu kepada satu perkara yang lebih menarik.

Otaknya sedang ligat bekerja, mencari kembali informasi walau secebis tentang lelaki tadi yang mungkin wujud di dalam kotak memorinya.

Sejak daripada melangkah keluar daripada hotel, dia rasa seolah sedang diperhatikan. Pada mulanya dia memilih untuk mengabaikan perasaan tersebut tetapi apabila matanya asyik mendarat pada kenderaan serta lelaki yang sama di sepanjang hentiannya hari ini, dia tahu ada sesuatu tak kena.

Sekarang, dia seratus peratus pasti. Lelaki tersebut merupakan orang yang sama dia jumpa siang tadi ketika sesi interogasinya dengan Amzar, Feroz, Marzuki dan juga Badrul. Dan apabila ada orang yang sanggup bersusah-payah mengikutnya sehingga ke pasaraya lewat petang begini, usaha tersebut bagi Jay harus dihargai.

“You’re an emotionally crippled beast.”

Suara Lily mengganggu konsentrasinya berfikir. Entah bagaimana dia boleh terlupa dengan kewujudan wanita itu bersamanya.

“Uh.” itu saja respon Jay.

Lily memandang Jay dengan hairan.

Hairan kerana untuk pertama kalinya respon yang keluar daripada mulut lelaki itu hanya satu perkataan. Bukan perkara biasa untuk juara bahas tak rasmi seperti Jay. Namun baik menurut Lily kerana dia sendiri sudah penat nak bertekak. Dia mahu segera pulang ke rumah tapi keberadaan Jay di sini hanya melambatkan pergerakannya.

“Jay, aku dah tak larat nak bertekak dengan kau hari ni. It has been a long day in the office and …”

“Okay, bagus! Kita sambung bertekak esok sebab sekarang aku pun ada hal perlu diselesaikan. It’s a date.” laju saja Jay memotong. Mengenyitkan mata, lelaki itu segera bergerak meninggalkannya terpinga-pinga sendirian.

Lily membeku di situ.

Apa yang baru saja berlaku? Kuzer Harmy menyerah kalah dengan mudah dan berkelakuan pelik. Walaupun definisi ‘pelik’ dalam konteks Jay itu sebenarnya ‘normal’.

Dan sambung bertekak esok… Oh tolonglah! Tentu saja dia tak mahu berjumpa dengan lelaki itu, bukan saja esok tapi sampai bila-bila. Ditambah pula dengan usaha Jay untuk mencari tahu siapa gerangan tunangannya, lagilah Lily mahu cuba menjauhkan diri.

Lily tahu dia tak mungkin dapat menyembunyikan hal tersebut lebih lama lagi daripada pengetahuan Jay tapi dia sangat memerlukan lebih waktu untuk bersedia. Waktu untuk memastikan sendiri tahap kestabilan emosi lelaki itu dan kebolehannya menerima berita tersebut tanpa melakukan sesuatu yang bodoh.

Kalau benar seperti Jay katakan tadi yang dia sudah berubah, mungkin penerimaannya nanti bakal lebih baik daripada apa yang selalu Lily bayangkan di dalam kepala berulang kali.

Tapi kenapa dia perlu peduli dengan perasaan Jay? Lelaki tu tak ada kaitan langsung dengannya dan dia boleh berkawan dengan sesiapa saja dia suka.

Perbuatan Jay dulu tak boleh dimaafkan dan keadaan takkan kembali seperti dulu. Itu muktamad!! 

Karnival Novel 2013

Assalamualaikum dan hello ^^ 

Just nak kongsi tentang Karnival Novel 2013. 

Ada ramai penulis best-best yang join.

Saya yang tak seberapa ni pun ada terselit sekali, insyaAllah.

Event ni kat JitraMall, Kedah. 

So, orang Kedah dan yang berhampiran, mai la nge-date sama-sama. 

Short Story : Saving You

Her heavy breath fogged up the glass as she stood still behind the door trying to conceal herself from a dangerous, vicious monster that might be looking for her. She had been on the run ever since she found out that the love of her life is actually a devil, in the face of a man.

Even though she knew she couldn’t run or hide from him forever but her instinct to save herself took over as soon as the beating ‘game’ started. However, she was sure things would definitely get worse for she had evoked a more violence fire when she ran away from him just now.

“Welcome to Apple Cafe, Caleb at your service.” a soft voice greeted making her jump in surprised. 

Quickly she turned only to find a stunning, good-looking man who stared sweetly at her with a menu on his hand.

Her face flushed with embarrassment as she looked round.

How did she end up in this place? In her ‘excitement’ of playing hide-and-seek with the devil, she sometimes forgets about the existence of other human beings that has been cohabiting planet Earth along with her. 

Now, she was looking ridiculous and completely out of place with her fade-jeans, sweater, and a messy hair and… ugly bruises.

Bruises!!!

On impulse, she pulled a strand of her hair down in her effort to cover her swollen lips and bruised cheekbone. Other girls wore make up to classes or work, but not Awana Sullivans. She wore something else, something specially design for her. 

A painful ‘hands-legs-craft’ as she called it. These marks were nothing new to her but it is not a favourable sight for other people.

“Erk...I’m...”she gulped, lost for suitable words.  She was never good at talking.

“Can I get you a table, Ma’am?” the waiter asked politely, motioning towards one of the empty table.

“No, thank you. I’m just...err... I would be going now.” Awana bowed and turned away, moving towards the door, when a hand caught her arm.

“Ww... why?” her widened eyes showed nothing but fear.

His hold on her arm was firm but not enough to cause her pain. He was nothing like...

Awana shook her head, trying to remove the image of the beast from her mind. Tensed and panic started to build within her as she failed in the simple task to free her hand.

Caleb  smiled when he felt her struggles to break free.

Pain, anger, sadness and fear decorated the sweet face of her besides the obvious bruises and cuts she tried to cover earlier. Ever since she stepped into the cafe, hiding like any prey would from its deadly predator; his eyes were glued to her.

“You’re already here so you might as well enjoy our delicious ice cream. We have various flavours to pick from.” he said in his usual waiter tone although at the very moment he was pulling her to one of the table.

“I...I don’t have any money with me and I don’t think I’m appropriately dress for...”

“The ice cream would be my treat and as for your attire, the cafe does not have anything called ‘Dress Code’ ” he interrupted her words with a deadpan looks plastered upon his face. 

“Wait here, I’ll be back with your ice cream in a jiffy… strawberry?”

The minute he saw her, he was drawn to her by a strong force any magnet would possess. There was no way he would let her go easily, not until he learns her name at least.

“Huh?” Awana looked at him, confused.

I just want to get out of the damn place! Her heart screamed.

“Is the ice-cream flavour strawberry okay with you?” he chuckled at the sight of her puzzled face.

After some hesitation, she nodded.

“Be right back.” with a wink, Caleb left her and went to the counter to place his order.

Awana’s eyes travelled around, absorbing the peaceful and calm surrounding of the cafe.

This was her first time there although she had walked pass it countless number of times. 

The cafe was full of people, all indulged in their own activities. Some were talking, some were laughing and some just stared at their laptop screens with either a frown or a smile on their face. They all looked happy; at least in her eyes they looked happy. If not, they definitely deserve an Oscar because there is no way she could do that no matter how hard she tried. 

She didn’t have a life like that in which she could spend doing everything she wanted without fear haunting every second of her wake and sleep. That is why she was never interested in the cafe or anything like it.

“Strawberry ice cream for the lovely lady.” Caleb said as he cheerfully put the tall glass with three scoops of strawberry ice cream in front of her.

“Thank you.” she said avoiding his gaze, still couldn’t bring herself to look at him.

He was too beautiful whereas she was the opposite.

Without warning, Caleb took a seat across her so that they were face-to-face with each other.

“The ice-cream is melting.” he reminded. His eyes twinkled under the dimmed light, giving him a more childish and cute look.

Awana shifted uncomfortably on her seat, feeling his burning gaze on her.

Shouldn’t he be working?

Slowly she took the spoon and scooped the ice cream into her mouth, all under his intense gaze.

“What should I call you, Ma’am?” he asked, tapping his index finger on the table in his little effort to suppress the anger that has been building up inside him. 

He was no idiot, so of course he knows that the wretch ‘masterpiece’ on her face was indeed a signature of abuse left by some sick bastard.

“Awana.” her answer was short.

At first she thought of lying and giving him a fake name instead but that would be unfair, right? Considering he had been nothing but a good waiter.

“Awana. Awana. Awana. ” he chanted as if testing the sound of her name on his lips.

“Nice name. Do this Awana have a last name to go with it?”

Quickly, Awana shook her head. She doesn’t see the need for him to know her last name. However, that one answer of her only sparked his interest more.

Caleb moved forward, closer to the nervous girl.

“I love playing Guess My Last Name game.” his voice was almost a whisper.

“Let’s start with Schwarzenegger as in Arnold Schwarzenegger.”

He was joking, right?

Awana shook her head while scooping another ice cream into her mouth.

“…Sylvester?”

Again, she shook her head

Only then it occurred to her that there are 24 letters but why did he started with the letter ‘S’?

As if reading her mind, Caleb pointed towards the sweater she was wearing. Her initials were embroidered on the top left of the sweater.

“I’m guessing if the ‘A’ stands for Awana than the ‘S’ must be your last name.” he explained.

Awana gulped, forcing the sweet delicacy down her throat.

This guy was definitely dangerous; too attentive for someone with looks.

“So, my next guess would be...” Caleb pretended to be thinking seriously. He took a deep breath, looking straight into her black eyes and gave her another one of his ‘killer’ smile.

“Sullivans.”

Shocked, the spoon in her hand slipped and fell to the floor, inviting glances from other people to their table.

“So, it’s Awana Sullivans?” he asked, looking rather pleased with himself.

Okay, okay, so what if he cheated and there was no such thing as a ‘lucky guess’? Thanks to Jamie , the new-boy waiter for the leaked information. It turned out the boy was living three doors away from her. Beautiful coincidence and for that piece of information, he had sacrificed his precious Sunday to replace Jamie ’s place because that silly boy suddenly had an ‘emergency case’ to attend to.

“I’ll take my leave now. Thank you but I’ll make sure to pay you back.” she stood up and bowed.

“You don’t have to p...” he stopped, realizing something.

Caleb grinned happily.

“Wait, on a second thought, okay. Pay me tomorrow then.” a chance of meeting her again was within his grasp, of course like any opportunist, he would grab it.

“I’ll pay you back when I see you again.” hurriedly, Awana walked out of the cafe, not once looking back.

Caleb resumed his work, with the image of her playing in his head over and over again like a recording tape.

**********

Awana only managed to visit the cafe again a week after that, all thanks to her ‘busy’ schedule of being someone’s punching bag. Damn, it was really getting old and tiring! When she entered the cafe, a familiar face greeted her. His sparkled eyes and sweet smile again made her nervous. Her heart was playing an unusual tune, a tune she did not recognized.

“Hello! I thought you’ve run away with my money.” he said jokingly.

“Oh, sorry… I’ve been...ermm...busy.”

“With what? Boxing class?” Caleb chuckled, signalling her to follow him.

A smile crept up her face.

“Ah, you can smile! And here I thought there was a fault in your face muscles.”

It was also a surprise for her since it had been a very long time as she was only using her face muscles to cringe in pain.

“What do you like for lunch, Miss Awana?” when he noticed the way she was staring at him, he hesitated for a moment. A horrifying fact struck him, hard.

“You’re still a ‘Miss’, right?”

As soon as the question left his mouth, Awana’s tensed face loosened up and her lips curved into another smile. How does someone she barely knew, make her feel so comfortable in such a short time?

“I’m here to give you your money back.”

“Caleb.” someone called for him, pointing towards a couple who just entered the cafe.

Caleb nodded and shifted his gaze back to her.

“Uh, work calls. Stay, please. I’ll take the money when I come back.”

“Please…stay.” Caleb said again, this time accompanied by a pair of hopeful eyes.

“Okay.” she said, finally convinced.

For an hour, she just sat there, watching Caleb as he took orders and directed people to their table.

Awana loved seeing the way he interacted with other people because she herself was lacking of that one skill. Sometimes when their eyes met, he would naughtily wink at her. It was just another one of his successful attempt in making her blush like a red tomato.

Not long after that, he slumped onto the seat in front of her. A tinge of tiredness occupied his face but it was quickly masked away by a cute boyish grin.

“Sorry for making you wait and thank you for waiting. Where were we?” he raised his eyebrows.

Heck, he nearly gave up on her after one week of waiting. The moment she walked into the cafe, he almost screamed and danced in joy. Who would have thought, an unknown beautiful girl could turn Caleb, the most eligible waiter in the cafe into a mentally retarded bloke?

Oh my God, this was serious that he thought! Never in his life had he acted like a crazy hormones-driven teenager.

“Your money.” she answered, reaching her jeans pocket for something.

“Yes, that! You do know that it was just an excuse, right?”

Looking at the genuinely confused Awana made Caleb’s grin turned into a heart-melting smile.

“Well, the truth is I just wanted to see you again.”

Her heart performed a complete somersault.

Why would he want to see her again? Is that a pick up line? Gosh, she left the world of mortal for far too long, and now she was in deep trouble of understanding them, especially this drop-dead gorgeous mortal.  

“You don’t talk much, do you?” he was examining every inch of her face.

She no longer looked like Mike Tyson or Muhammad Ali now that the bruises and cuts were slightly gone. Her long straight black hair was tied into a ponytail and not a trace of make up on her face.

He loves her dimples when she smiled, which unfortunately seldom.

Who stole your smile, girl?

“Talking was never my strong point.”

He nodded, looking amused by her answer.

An awkward silence filled the air between them. Awana put the money on the table.

Leave...now. She reminded herself but still, she didn’t make any effort to move.

"Awana, what happen to you?” he blurted out the question, breaking the silence.

“What do you mean?” a fake frown formed upon her forehead.

“Who gave you all those ugly bruises and cuts? And don’t tell me it’s love bites because I don’t see any love in it.”

“I don’t share my personal with strangers. If there’s nothing else, I would be leaving now.” she said sharply and started walking, leaving the man flabbergasted.

Curiosity kills the cat, keep that in mind, Caleb!

Realizing his mistake, Caleb quickly ran after her.

He caught her arm, spun her around so that they were facing each other. Their eyes met sending electric sparks down their body.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked that question. You’re right; it is none of my concern. It’s just that...that...” he faltered for the first time since they met

“It’s just that I care.” with that, he let go off her hand.

That was the truth.

He cares about her! It doesn’t matter if she believes his words or not because he knew, it’s crazy; seriously crazy.

“I have to get back to work and I’m truly sorry.” slowly he walked away.

Awana just stood there for another seconds, watching the man as he moved from her.

They hardly knew each other and now he was telling her that he cared about her?! Could that be possible?

******************

Caleb sighed, for the nth time today. His normal working hour suddenly became long and duller than usual. He can’t wait to go home and drown himself in the bath tub. It was almost lunch hour and the cafe was almost full, but still, there was no sign of her.

After last night, he doubted if she would ever come to the cafe again. Why did the thought of her bother him so much? He met her once and a week after that, he told her that he cared for her. How is that possible?

She was not the first beautiful girl he met.

Being a waiter was a pure bliss. He got to meet hot, sweet, gorgeous girls every single day. Maybe that’s because the cafe itself was consisted of undeniably stunning waiters, all with different personas. Girls are always lining up for their service and Caleb has to admit, he loves their attention. However, he never gave much thought on them. He flirts with them but that’s it! They never bothered him so much like Awana Sullivans did.

“Caleb…” Jamie whistled, motioning towards the door.

Uninterested, he chose to ignore the younger man. It was probably just another sexy chick who happens to occupy the cafe most of the time.

“Calebbbb...”

“What?!” retorted Caleb, annoyed.

“Can I have a table for one, please?” an all too familiar voice said, making Caleb’s heart skip a million beats.

He quickly turned, and yes, he was not imagining things. It really was her, looking fresh and sweet in a simple sunny yellow knee-length dress with a book in her hand.

“I told you.” Jamie said in a singsong voice, earning him a glare from Caleb. He turned back to Awana with a smile

“Hi, welcome to Apple Cafe. Jamie would not be at your service today, but Caleb would.” he extended a hand.

“Awana...” Awana smiled politely and shook his hand.

“It’s a good thing you are here or I think Caleb would’ve killed himself.” joked Jamie , successful making the older guy blush.

“Shut up and go back to work.” Caleb pushed him.

“Enjoy your stay here.” laughing, Jamie left both of them.

The familiar awkward silence filled the atmosphere between them again. None of them could seem to find the right words to say.

“So...” Awana began.

Here she was again, at the same cafe for a reason she couldn’t find. But when she woke up today, she was extremely happy at the thought of coming here again. She was sure this dangerously handsome man had a lot to do with the way she felt right now.

“Table for one? Is that your way of telling me not to disturb you?” he said jokingly, trying to lighten up the mood. He led her to the nearest empty table.

“I never thought I’ll see you again. You know, after last night. Anyhow, I’m glad you’re here.”

“It’s...um...my fault. I shouldn’t have said that to...you. ” Awana felt her cheeks turned warm as soon as those words left her mouth.

“Would love to stay with you but as you can see, the cafe needs me. Are you gonna be okay?” he asked after he finished taking her orders.

Awana let out a laugh and Caleb’s heart did another somersault.

“Of course. See, I even brought company with me.” she hold up the book in her hand.

“Okay then. Don’t miss me.”

One hour, two hours, three hours passed and she was still there, reading and waiting. She just wanted to be there, away from the outside world because that’s the only place where she found peace.

The only place ‘he’ wouldn’t look for her. Caleb was extremely busy and from where she sat, she could see that he was hot in demand. All the girls were drooling at the sight of him. But who can blame them?

Another hour passed.

Caleb cursed under his breath. The cafe was unusually busy today. He couldn’t believe he left her alone for almost four hours now. Darn, he wants to be with her so bad that every minute was killing him. He stole another glance in her direction, absorbing the beautiful sight of her reading.

“I think I’m gonna take a break now.” he announced as he put the menu on the counter, and walked towards her. A sweet smile decorated her face when she saw him, making his heartbeat to increase rapidly. Instantly he knew that it was so much more than a simple care.

After that, they lived in their own world where there was only him and her. They chatted about almost everything. Although he was the one who did most of the talking part, but he loved it when she laughed, smiled and blushed.

“When I was young, I have always wanted to be a race car driver. I love the speed and the cars.”

Awana listened attentively. A big part of her really wanted to know more about him. He was never a dull subject.

“But my father was strongly against it. So, we had a little argument and I left home after that.” he stopped when a familiar pain stabbed him.

His stupid decision, the one he regretted until now. If he had listened to his father, he would’ve one extremely good-looking lawyer by now.

“What happen after that?” she asked.

“Well, it was a stupid dream. I should have known better. Jobless, no money, that was how I ended up here as a waiter.”

“Isn’t it funny that our story is almost the same?” she said suddenly.

“What do you mean?”

“You left your parents for something you love. Me, on the other hand, walked out on them for someone I love, who turned out to be a devil from hell.”

She was reluctant to talk about it last night, but now, she was pouring everything out.

What changed her mind?

 “Awana, you don’t have to.” he said, softly.

She shook her head furiously.

“No, I want to do this. I never talk about it to anyone because it hurts. But not talking about it only makes it worse. I realize that now. Caleb, I don’t understand it myself but I really want you to know everything there is about me.”

“Go on.” he said casually, trying not to look too excited.

“One wrong decision and my life were over in a blink. I met...Ray...” she hesitated for a moment.

“I met him in college. He was every girl’s dream but unfortunately, it was nothing more than a magnificent act. I was stupid to have fallen for it. He wanted me only for my money. I guess my dad knew it all along, that’s why he tried to stop me from seeing him.” she paused.

“After I moved out, I learned his true nature. Gambling and drugs are his life. We broke up not long after that but he refused to let me go. Whenever he was out of money or in need of a punching bag, he’ll look for me. Hitting, kicking, slapping, you name it. I’ve tasted it all. I tried running away from him but he always managed to find me.” Awana tried to force a smile but failed miserably.

Caleb took a deep breath, controlling the burning fire inside of him.

“Why did you let him treat you like that?” he asked, a bit harsh than he intended to.

 “Going against him will only make things worse and I can’t go to the police.”

“Why?” he shot back.

“I just can’t. That’s too...too...”

“Too mean? Awana, he doesn’t deserve your sympathy.”

“I know but I still can’t. Think of what it might do to his life, to his parents.”

Caleb sighed,.

“Then, if you want me to kill him, just let me know. I would happily do it for you.”

“Sounds tempting but I think I’ll pass.” she joked back.

“My handsome manager is giving me his deadly glare now. So, I better get back to work. Would you still be here when I come back?”

Awana shrugged nonchalantly.

“Stay. I would send you back after I finish my shift.”

“It won’t be much longer.” he added.

“It’s a good thing I brought this book along.” and with that, he gained her precious ‘Yes’.

*******************

It was almost 8pm when she entered the cafe. Yes, she was late but she had a good reason for it. Adjusting her cap, Awana entered the cafe. Looking around, she found Caleb at the counter, talking to Jamie with his back facing her. Summoning the strength within, she slowly walked to him.

“Hi!” Jamie was the first to notice her. Caleb followed his gaze a second after.

“Hi.” she replied back.

“You’re late, what happened?” Caleb asked, looking at the woman suspiciously. 

He could sense something was amiss. She wore her cap low and her hair was covering half of her face.

“I...uh...got delayed.” she answered. Her attention was on the floor beneath her feet like she was hiding something.

“Take off the cap.” his voice was more of an order than a request.

Something was definitely wrong and he was intent on finding out what!

“Err...No.”

Impatient, Caleb grabbed her arm and pulled her to the kitchen area. Awana cringed in pain by the force exerted on her hand.

“Caleb, you’re hurting me.” she pleaded, tears started running down her pale cheeks. Now that they were so close to each other, he could clearly see fresh bruises on the hand he grabbed just now.

“Awana...” his voice trailed off.

 “I fell.” and they both knew it was one hell of a useless lie. 

“Don’t feed me that bullshit!-.” he almost yelled at her.

Caleb inhaled a large amount of air, trying to regain his composure. He had to keep himself sane for her sake. Awana didn’t need another brute psycho on her list.

Darn it was hard! Especially when he was sure there were more of those marks on her.

Closing another inch between them, he gently lifted the cap off the crying woman’s head. Caleb tucked her hair behind her ear, revealing a swollen, battered and bruised face.

He gasped.

“I’m gonna freaking kill him now!!!” rage took over him. His eyes flamed with pure anger as he stormed to the door.

That sick bastard was too much. If he thought hitting a girl would make him look strong, then he was wrong because to Caleb, it was just a mere act of cowardice!!!

He managed to catch a glimpse of that coward bastard last night when he sent her home. After that, that face of his stuck in his head like a Post it. And he wanted to kill him more than anything else on Earth.

“Caleb, no. Please...” she grabbed his hand with all her might. The tears that drowned her eyes gave her nothing but a blurry sight.

“What?!” he asked curtly.

“I...I don’t want you to get involve.”

“And why the hell is that? Don’t tell me you’re gonna let him get away with this.”

“He’s not getting away with anything. I’m perfectly fine. This is...This is nothing.” she presented him with another useless lie.

“How can you be fine...” he lifted her chin and buried his eyes into her dark orbs.

How can she be fine when there are horrendous lumps on her forehead accompanied by dried blood encrusted around her inflamed lips?

“Really, I’m fine.” she successfully faked a smile.

“Awana, why are you doing this?” Caleb asked softly, ignoring all the attention they were gaining from his fellow comrades’ chef.

She was struggling to find the right words. It was a wrong decision to come here in the first place. It’s just that she wasn’t expecting him to... to do anything for her.

“…Because we’re not worth your time.”

“What?!”

“He’s an idiot and I’m just another one on the list. You shouldn’t be wasting your time with people like us when you should be focusing more on your dream. Honestly Caleb, I don’t think your dream is stupid.” wiping off her tears, she put her cap back.

“You’re worth every second of my time.”

Awana shook her head. He was making things hard for her when it should be easy.

“No, I don’t. Trust me, I don’t.” her tears were getting heavier.

“It was nice knowing you. You’re great guy, Caleb. I wished we meet six months earlier.” she added, almost a whisper.

“What do you mean?” Caleb could hear the sound of his breaking heart.

She was leaving him, and what’s worse is that they were not even together.

“I’m sorry. Thanks for everything and good luck.” without wasting another second, she walked away along with gazillion pieces of her broken heart.

*********************

 

Three weeks after the incident, Awana never thought she would set foot into the cafe again but here she was standing, searching for a figure she longed to see. A couple of weeks ago were like a final, terrifying test for her.

Ray completely lost his mind when he saw Caleb and her together, the day he sent her home. She received a string of violent beating from him, and of course, she didn’t fight back because she knew, he would eventually get tired and stop. She was right as he left and disappeared soon after he was satisfied with his self-made craft. 

A week after that, she received news from one of her friend that Ray was caught for drug dealing and illegal gambling. Though she was grateful for her finally-gained freedom, a part of her still felt sorry for him.

Awana spent another week arranging her life back into places. She even went back to see her parents for the first time after six months. They missed her just as much as she missed them. Everything was going well for her so far. 

The last two weeks also made her realized something. She was in serious trouble of falling for her favourite waiter, the only one who managed to bring back colours into her dark life. Because of him, she was able to see how bright the sun is and gained the courage to fight for its light. However, she was determined not to venture deep into the feeling.

“Welcome to Apple Cafe.” a waiter greeted her with his own version of charming smile.

“I’m looking for Caleb.” she said.

“One minute please.” he disappeared behind the kitchen door.

Not long after that, Caleb came out murmuring something her ears couldn’t catch. He stopped midway when he noticed her. In an instant, his face lightened up.

It was seriously good to see him again, though not for long.

 “Hello.” she managed to say.

“Going somewhere?” he tilted his head towards the suitcase at her feet.

“Yes, that is why I’m here.”

“Oh.” his face darkened.

“Ray was caught for drugs dealing and illegal gambling.” she said.

“Thank you Caleb, for freeing me from him, and myself. You’re the one behind his arrest, right?”

Caleb froze, lost for words.

“With him out of the picture, I guess this would be a perfect chance for me to start a new life. You’ve been a very big help to me. Thanks...for everything. I’m glad we met. So...good bye then?”

Regaining himself, Caleb shook his head. In one swift motion, he took off his vest and put it on the chair next to him, casually.

 “What are you doing?”

“I’m saving you.” was his answer.

He closed the distance between them with just three steps.

 “Caleb, I have to go.” Awana reached for her bag.

“Stay and listen. Now it’s my turn to talk. If you’re leaving, then I would come with you.”

“Why? Don’t be ridiculous.”

“So that I could save you from yourself, from Ray or people like him and from the pain the world might’ve caused you. The first time I saw you looking all terrified and fragile, I wanted you as mine. I wanted to protect you and it’s not because you’re weak, but because you’re special. He hurt you so many times yet you still felt sorry for him. You’re the most stupid yet compassionate earthling I’ve ever met. You have a heart of gold.”

“In my entire life, I never did anything good for myself or for the people around me. I’m going to change that now by saving and protecting the woman I love.”

Love? Did he just say he loves her? Impossible. One week is too short of a time to fall in love. This is just another one of his joke, right?

“Awana Sullivans, it only took me a second to fall in love with you. Didn’t you know that?”

Her heart was beating furiously fast. It’s not a dream, he really does love her.

“I’m coming with you whether you like it or not.” Caleb said again with determination upon his face.

“And your work?”

“Well, I’m just a waiter not a manager. Plus, I think the manager wouldn’t have problem of hiring another waiter though I doubt he will find someone as good and as handsome as me.”

Awana laughed.

“Shall we go now?” Caleb grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the door but he stopped when she didn’t budge.

He turned around with a crease on his forehead.

“What’s wrong?” his voice sounded worried. Worried for rejection to be exact as he didn’t recall her telling him she loves him too.

“Nothing, I was just wondering. Who’s going to save me from you?” teased Awana.

Caleb smiled warmly. He cupped her cheeks, looked directly into her eyes.

“If there’s a need to get rid of me, just let me know. I’ll gracefully walk out.”

Her vision turned blur, clouded by tears. 

“Thank you. And Caleb, I think I’m falling in love with you too.”

“Late… because I’m already in love with you.” he kissed her forehead while his hands snaked around her waist and pulled her into a tight embrace.

*********************************

Assalamualaikum and hello. 

I wrote this short story hundred of years ago, when I was venturing into love at first sight brouhaha. I was... hrmm, mushy back then hehe

Just wanted to share this with everyone. It was nothing much and built based on pure childish imagination. 

So, enjoy reading!  

As usual, I'm open to constructive criticism.  

And oh, oh, update untuk Pinocchio & the Beast?

p/s: this is unedited, so please pardon any mistake visible to the naked eyes ^^