Chapter One
As night fell, the cold moon hung high in the sky. The bright moonlight fell on the ancient castle on the edge of the city, casting a mysterious silver veil around it. Emily stood on the balcony, looking at the forest in the distance, and felt a chill rising from the bottom of her heart. Since moving to this castle, her life has become bizarre and mysterious. The cold wind in October swept across her bare shoulders, bringing a shudder. Emily subconsciously wrapped her woolen shawl tightly around her, but she couldn't feel any warmth. This castle seems to be always cold, just like its mysterious owner Lucas Black, exuding an inaccessible atmosphere. "Miss Emily," suddenly, a low voice sounded behind her, "You'll catch a cold if you're still outside so late." She turned around and saw Lucas standing at the balcony door. The moonlight outlined his tall figure. He was wearing a dark silk shirt, and the collar vaguely revealed his strong chest. The amber eyes flickered strangely in the darkness, as if they could see through her soul. "Mr. Black," Emily whispered, trying to hide the trembling in her voice, "I'm just admiring the moonlight." Lucas took a step forward, but suddenly stopped. Emily noticed that his body stiffened instantly, and his nostrils fluttered slightly, as if he was sniffing something. His expression became solemn, and a glimmer of wildness flashed in his eyes, but was quickly suppressed. "Please go in," his voice was hoarser than usual, "It's not safe here." Just then, a cold night breeze swept across the balcony, bringing a faint smell of rust. Emily saw that Lucas's fingers were almost pinched into the stone railing, and his knuckles were white. She couldn't help but take a step back, her heartbeat accelerated. "I thought this castle was the safest place," she whispered, "after all, you are here." Lucas let out an almost inaudible growl, "Some danger, Miss Emily, is much closer than you think." His eyes looked unusually sharp in the moonlight, "especially on a full moon night." Suddenly, a wolf howl came from the distant forest, shrill and long. Emily was surprised to find that Lucas' pupils shrank in an instant and turned into vertical pupils like a beast, but the fleeting change made her wonder if it was just an illusion caused by the moonlight. Just then, a cold breath passed by her from behind, accompanied by a chuckle. Emily turned around and saw only a dark shadow flashing in the corner of the balcony. When she looked back again, Lucas had come to her side, with a hand gently on her shoulder. "I'll take you back to your room," he said, with an unquestionable commanding tone in his voice. Emily noticed that his palms were surprisingly hot, in sharp contrast to the chill of the castle. Walking in the dark corridor of the castle, Emily could feel Lucas' presence, he walked behind her like a silent guardian. Moonlight poured in through the Gothic stained glass windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor. "Good night, Miss Emily," Lucas whispered in front of her door, "Remember, no matter what sound you hear, don't leave the room tonight." "Why?" Emily asked subconsciously. Lucas was silent for a moment, his eyes looked deep and dangerous in the moonlight, "Because the moonlight tonight is too beautiful, it will always wake up something that shouldn't wake up." When the door closed behind her, Emily leaned against the door, her heartbeat still alarmingly fast. She could hear Lucas's footsteps gradually fading away, but she seemed to hear the sound of wings flapping outside the window. She walked to the window and looked out through the glass. In the moonlit courtyard, she saw a figure standing by the fountain. The man looked up at her window, and the moonlight illuminated his pale marble face - it was Draco, with a mysterious smile on his lips and a dangerous light in his eyes. When Emily blinked, his figure had disappeared, as if he had never appeared. Emily lay trembling on the bed, listening to the wolf howling outside the window. She knew that she had fallen into a world full of dangers, and this was just the beginning. On this moonlit night, her fate was closely linked to two mysterious and dangerous beings, and there was no turning back.
Chapter Two
In the dead of night, Emily lay in bed, the faces of Lucas and Draco appeared in her mind. She could not resist the deep attraction, but she also knew that she was caught in a dangerous vortex. She knew that the confrontation between the two men was a life-and-death hostility, and she was just a pawn in their war. A corner of her heart reminded her to escape, but the deeper desire pulled her to stay in this mysterious castle, looking forward to the unknown encounter.
Just as she was about to fall asleep, a slight knock on the window interrupted the silence. Emily opened her eyes, and the moonlight poured into the room through the curtains, making the corners of the room particularly dark. She sat up subconsciously, trembling slightly and walked to the window. When she opened the curtains, a figure was standing in front of her, cold and elegant.
It was Draco.
"Sorry, I scared you, Emily." His low voice was frivolous and indifferent, as if every word revealed his unfathomable darkness. His eyes were like two flames in the abyss, locking onto her with an irresistible force.
"How... are you here?" Emily's heartbeat quickened, and her hands unconsciously clenched a corner of the curtain. She knew she should be scared at this moment, but Draco's unique charm made it hard for her to resist.
Draco did not answer her question, but slowly approached, lowered his head and whispered in her ear: "You know why I'm here, Emily. You've never really been afraid of me, right?"
The moment he approached, she smelled the cold breath on him, as if it came from the night a thousand years ago. Her breathing gradually became rapid, but she did not retreat, but was locked by his eyes, as if her soul was also attracted to him.
"Draco... we can't do this." Her voice was weak, but she did not retreat at all, as if even she herself was struggling with contradictions.
"You don't belong here at all, Emily. Staying here will only put you in deeper danger." Draco gently lifted her chin, with a smile on the corner of his cold mouth, that smile was both gentle and dangerous, "But if you want to know the real darkness, then come. I will take you to see everything."
At this moment, the door was pushed open, and Lucas' figure appeared at the door like a shadow. His face was gloomy, and his eyes were burning with anger. It was his possessiveness and anger that he could not hide. He walked towards Draco step by step, his hands clenched, his muscles tensed, as if he was going to pounce on and tear the enemy in front of him in the next second.
"Draco, let her go." Lucas' voice was low and threatening, like an enraged beast. It was the first time Emily saw him so out of control, his eyes were like a ball of unextinguishable fire, revealing uncontrollable anger and possessiveness.
Draco smiled slightly, released Emily's chin, and looked at Lucas provocatively. "Don't you understand yet? She doesn't belong to you. The savagery of the wolf tribe is nothing but a bondage to her, and I can give her true freedom."
"The 'freedom' you mentioned will only make her fall into darkness. You don't understand what true protection is." Lucas sneered, his eyes as sharp as an eagle. He slowly stepped forward, blocked Emily, and protected her behind him. That was his attitude as the wolf king, firm and unshakable.
Emily was sandwiched between the two, feeling her heartbeat speed up, as if breathing became difficult. These two completely different forces intertwined and collided in front of her, making it impossible for her to decide which side to choose.
Draco raised the corners of his mouth and slowly took a step back, his eyes still on Emily. "Emily, one day you will find that he can't satisfy the desire in your heart. And I am your true home."
As soon as the voice fell, Draco's figure disappeared into the night, as if he had never appeared.
Lucas looked at the empty room, his fists gradually loosened, but the anger and worry in his eyes remained. He turned around and looked at Emily softly, but his eyes still flashed with contradictions and forbearance.
"Are you okay?" He asked in a low voice, with a trace of undisguised concern in his voice.
Emily nodded, but her heart was in turmoil and it was difficult to calm down. She knew that she had fallen too deep. She could not let go of these two men easily, nor could she easily resist them. A complex emotion surged in her heart, which was a dangerous and fatal attraction.
"Lucas, I..." She wanted to say something, but lost her words when she met his eyes.
"Don't get close to him." Lucas' voice was low, with a hint of pleading and warning, "I know you feel confused, but Draco is not what you think. He will only drag you into the darkness, and I won't let him hurt you."
Emily just looked at him silently, and a touch of uncertainty gradually rose in her heart. She knew that this was not just a war, but a contest of feelings and desires. In this dangerous triangle relationship, she has gone too far and can never turn back.
Chapter Three
Emily stayed awake all night. The wind outside the window blew through the woods, making a low moan, as if the whole castle was whispering in her ear. She curled up in bed, recalling Draco's cold smile and Lucas's deep eyes. Two completely different attractions stirred in her heart, making her lost on the edge of danger and desire.
When the sky was slightly bright, she made a decision. She had to figure out what she wanted, the wildness and protection of the wolf tribe, or the mystery and temptation of the vampire. She got up and walked out of the room, walked through the deserted corridor, and came to the door of Lucas's study.
The door of the study was slightly open, and a whisper came from inside. Emily stood outside the door and pricked up her ears to listen.
"She is innocent, Lucas." A low and gentle female voice came from Lucas's sister, Leila. Emily had heard rumors about her. Leila was the wisest prophet in the wolf tribe and could always see fragments of the future.
"I know, Leila." Lucas' voice was hoarse, as if he had struggled all night, "but I can't control myself, I can't suppress my desire for her. I'm afraid that if she stays with me, she will only be swallowed by my darkness."
Emily's heart trembled, and she raised her hand to push open the door.
"Lucas." Her voice was abrupt and firm in the silent room.
The two turned around and saw her standing at the door with a hint of determination in her eyes. She walked slowly towards Lucas, looked up at him, with a hint of determination and inquiry in her eyes.
"I know you protect me, but I'm not a fragile child." Her voice was calm and firm, "I need to know the truth. Why are you always so hesitant? And why is Draco so persistent in approaching me?"
Lucas' expression froze for a moment, his eyes wandering on her face, as if he was weighing whether to tell her everything. Finally, he took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.
"Emily, the fate of our werewolves is usually determined at birth. The wolf tribe has a unique ability to perceive its partner. When we find that person, we will feel an attraction that cannot be ignored... and you are my destined partner." Lucas spoke in a low voice, with pain and desire flashing in his eyes.
Emily's heartbeat accelerated, and thousands of emotions surged in her mind, both shocked and confused. She never thought that she would become his destined partner, and his possessiveness and protectiveness of her turned out to come from this ancient bond.
She asked softly: "What about Draco? Why is he so obsessed with me?"
Lucas's eyes became more gloomy, and there was a hint of anger in his eyes. "Draco's tribe never believed in fate. They prefer to dominate their own future. And he believes that as long as he possesses you, he can destroy me and the traditional beliefs of the wolf tribe. So, he is not sincere to you, but to weaken my power."
Emily's heart suddenly tightened, and a hint of anger and loss surged in her eyes. However, she also felt a little unwilling, as if she was just a tool in this struggle, being fought over and torn by the two, and she had no right to control herself.
"So, Lucas, are you sincere? Is it just fate for me?" There was a hint of disappointment in her voice, and her eyes became cold.
Lucas was stunned, as if he was hurt by her question. He was silent for a moment before speaking: "Emily, I can't deny the existence of fate, but I can't ignore my feelings for you." He gently held her hand, his eyes full of affection and desire, "Whether it is fate or something else, I am willing to give up everything for you."
Just then, a slight sound came from outside the window. Emily turned back suddenly and saw a pair of dark red eyes flashing outside the window, like a flame in the dark, and the familiar cold breath startled her heart.
It was Draco.
He stood outside the window, sneering at them, as if everything was under his control. He knocked on the window lightly, his voice cold and full of provocation: "I don't think it's possible to talk about 'betraying' everything here, Lucas. You can't protect her because she will eventually come to me."
Lucas' eyes immediately became cold and dangerous. He stood in front of Emily, glared at Draco outside the window, and growled in a low voice: "Stay away from her, Draco. You can't force her to choose darkness."
Draco smiled slightly, his eyes full of evil confidence. He raised his eyebrows at Emily, as if everything was under his control. "Dear Emily, you will find that the bright world cannot satisfy your desire. And darkness - is your destination." After he finished speaking, his figure instantly disappeared into the night.
The room returned to silence, but the air was filled with tension and uneasiness. Emily looked at the empty darkness outside the window, feeling both fear and desire in her heart. She could no longer deny Draco's attraction to her, and the danger and mystery made her heart beat faster.
Lucas noticed her hesitation, and a trace of pain and uneasiness flashed in his eyes. He gently held her hand and whispered, "Emily, don't get close to him. His darkness will devour you and make you lost in the endless night."
She didn't respond, but just looked at him silently, her heart full of complicated emotions. She knew that she could no longer simply withdraw from the two of them. Her fate had been drawn into an uncontrollable vortex, and the only thing she could do was to follow her heart and touch the unknown darkness.
Chapter Four
As autumn deepened, the forest surrounding the castle donned a cloak of gold and crimson. Yet Emily felt none of the season's warmth. Since that night's revelation, her mind had been in constant turmoil, with Lucas's truth and Draco's temptation intertwining like two serpents in her thoughts, leaving her breathless.
That evening, Emily found herself alone in the castle's library, searching through ancient tomes for any mention of werewolves and vampires. As she focused on a yellowed manuscript, the air suddenly turned cold. Looking up, she found Draco standing across from her, his appearance as silent as shadow.
"Seeking truth, my dear Emily?" Draco leaned elegantly against the bookshelf, wearing a deep purple silk shirt that made his skin appear even paler. "But you know, written accounts are often one-sided."
Emily instinctively stepped back. "Why do you always appear like this? It's unsettling."
Draco chuckled softly, moving toward her with fluid grace. "Because I enjoy seeing you startled. It makes you even more enticing." His fingers traced her cheek, the cold touch making her shiver. "Lucas told you I'm merely using you, but did he mention that his fate is actually a chain binding him?"
Emily froze. "What do you mean?"
"The werewolves' so-called destined mates are nothing but constraints in their bloodline," Draco's voice carried a hypnotic power. "They're forced to love someone, forced to protect them. Isn't that tragic? While I..." his gaze deepened, "I choose you because I'm truly drawn to you."
A low growl suddenly echoed from the doorway. Lucas stood there, his eyes now golden, filled with rage. "Step away from her, Draco!" His voice carried an unmistakable threat.
Instead of retreating, Draco pulled Emily closer. "Why so angry, Lucas? Is it because I spoke the truth, or because you fear she might choose me?"
The tension in the air grew thick enough to cut. Emily could feel the energy between the two men threatening to tear the room apart. Lucas's body trembled as he fought to control the beast within.
"Enough!" Emily suddenly shouted, "What am I to both of you? Some trophy to be won?" Her voice carried both anger and hurt.
Both men froze. Pain flashed across Lucas's eyes, while Draco's expression turned contemplative.
Emily pushed away from Draco and walked toward the door, but paused beside Lucas. "You say I'm your destiny, but have you considered my feelings?" Her voice was soft but accusatory. "And you, Draco, if you truly cared for me, you wouldn't use me as a weapon against him."
She hurried from the library, and only when she reached the corridor did her tears finally fall. She didn't know whom to trust - Lucas, chosen by fate, or Draco, who chose her himself? More importantly, she began to question whether she truly understood her own heart.
As night fell, Emily stood on her balcony. Wolves howled in the distant forest, while somewhere in the castle, she thought she heard the flutter of bat wings. Everything reminded her that she stood at the crossroads between two worlds, and she had to make a choice.
Then she noticed items on the balcony railing: a rose as black as night with a blood-red sheen - Draco's mark. Beside it lay a wolf fang necklace, a werewolf protection charm, obviously left by Lucas.
Emily gently touched both items, her internal conflict growing stronger. She knew that choosing either would alter her destiny forever. But more importantly, she needed to understand what her heart truly desired.
As moonlight bathed the castle grounds, Emily realized that her decision wouldn't just be about choosing between two men - it was about choosing what kind of life she wanted, and more importantly, who she wanted to become.
Chapter Five
The following days in the castle were filled with an unbearable tension. Emily found herself constantly caught between shadows and silence, between warmth and cold. Every corner seemed to hold either Lucas's protective presence or Draco's seductive whispers. The weight of their attention was becoming increasingly suffocating.
One particularly cold morning, Emily discovered a mysterious leather-bound book in the library's restricted section. Its pages contained ancient prophecies about the eternal conflict between werewolves and vampires. As she read, her hands trembling, she found something that made her blood run cold.
'When the moon bleeds red and the night grows teeth, a choice will be made that breaks the ancient cycle. A mortal's heart shall tip the balance, bringing either eternal darkness or salvation to both races.'
"Interesting reading material," Leila's voice suddenly came from behind. Lucas's sister moved like a ghost, her silver eyes holding centuries of wisdom. "I've been waiting for you to find this."
Emily closed the book carefully. "Is this... about me?"
Leila's expression remained enigmatic. "The prophecy speaks of a mortal who stands between our worlds. But prophecies, dear Emily, are like rivers - they show the destination, but the path taken is always your choice."
"What happens if I choose wrong?" Emily's voice wavered.
"There is no wrong choice, only consequences," Leila replied, her voice gentle but firm. "But I must warn you - the blood moon approaches, and with it, a moment of truth that will change everything."
Before Emily could ask more questions, a commotion erupted from the castle grounds. They rushed to the window to see Lucas and Draco facing each other in the courtyard, their postures tense with barely contained violence.
"You've crossed the line, Draco," Lucas's voice carried up to them, filled with fury. "You dare to mark our territory?"
Draco's laugh was cold and mocking. "Territory? This stopped being about territory the moment she arrived. Or are you afraid she's already choosing me?"
Emily watched in horror as Lucas's form began to shift, his muscles rippling beneath his clothes. The morning sun caught his golden eyes, now burning with primal rage. Draco's own transformation was more subtle - his pale skin taking on an otherworldly sheen, his movements becoming impossibly fluid.
"Stop!" Emily's voice rang out across the courtyard. Both men froze, their attention snapping to her window. "This has to end!"
She turned to rush downstairs, but Leila caught her arm. "Be careful, Emily. The blood moon is three days away. Under its light, both races lose control of their darker natures. And you..." she paused meaningfully, "you will be at your most vulnerable."
When Emily reached the courtyard, the tension was thick enough to choke on. Lucas immediately moved to her side, his protective instinct evident in every motion. But it was Draco who spoke first.
"My apologies for the disturbance, dear Emily," his voice was silk over steel. "But perhaps it's time you understood the full scope of what you're involved in." He pulled an ancient medallion from his coat. "This belongs to your grandmother. She wasn't just any woman - she was a guardian, keeper of the balance between our races."
Emily's world tilted. "My grandmother? But she died when I was young..."
"She was murdered," Lucas cut in, his voice heavy with old pain. "By those who wanted to destroy the peace between our kinds. And now, as her descendant, you inherit her role - and her enemies."
The revelation hit Emily like a physical blow. Suddenly, everything made more sense - the mysterious circumstances that led her to the castle, both men's intense interest in her, the prophecy. She wasn't just caught between two supernatural beings; she was part of an ancient legacy.
"The blood moon comes," Draco said softly, his eyes locked on Emily. "And with it, powers long dormant will awaken. You'll need to choose not just between us, Emily, but between two paths for both our races."
As if in response to his words, clouds gathered overhead, casting strange shadows across the courtyard. Emily felt something stir within her, something old and powerful, like a sleeping giant finally beginning to wake.
Lucas moved closer, his warmth a stark contrast to the chill air. "Whatever you choose, Emily, know that my protection isn't just about fate or duty anymore. It's about-"
But before he could finish, a piercing scream cut through the air. All three turned to see Leila collapsed at the castle entrance, her silver eyes wide with terror as she pointed at the sky.
"It's coming," she gasped. "The blood moon... it's coming early. And with it, they're returning - the ones who killed your grandmother. They're coming for Emily."
In that moment, as Emily looked between Lucas and Draco, she realized that her choice might not be about love at all - it might be about survival.
Bab 1 (1)
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"Tidak, tidak, tidak, tidak! Jangan yang biru!" Penny Fennimore memohon dengan pelan, memencet tuts-tuts secara acak saat layar biru kematian yang ditakuti melintas di laptop kunonya. "Anda tidak bisa berhenti bekerja! Tidak hari ini! Saya hampir tidak bisa membayar sewa! Saya tidak mampu membeli laptop baru. Dan apalah artinya seorang penulis tanpa laptop? Ayo, sayang! Kembalilah padaku!" bujuknya, memohon pada mesin untuk memberinya sesuatu, apa saja. Sebuah kursor! Sebuah toolbar! Dia akan mengambil emoji dari benda sialan itu yang membalikkan badannya. Apa pun kecuali layar biru!
Dan apa yang didapatkannya dari semua permintaan itu?
Tidfaka aOdsa apsaG-apéaR KkDegcutalri scejwubmulah be&sar, &wAaYrPncaZ b)i)ru!
Teknologi bodoh!
Dia melirik ke atas dan mendapati semua orang di ruang tunggu toko mobil itu menatapnya. Dia menyeringai lemah. "Saya akan lebih memilih pena berujung runcing dan buku catatan komposisi daripada ini setiap hari dalam seminggu," katanya, sambil memegang laptop kecilnya yang menyedihkan. Dia melihat sekelilingnya, berharap menemukan anggukan simpatik, tetapi tidak ada yang berbicara.
Benar-benar Crickets-ville!
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Dia menghembuskan nafas lelah ketika dengungan yang berdengung dipasangkan dengan bunyi distorsi yang menyeramkan, seperti sesuatu yang keluar dari film horor, berasal dari tasnya. Pipinya sekarang terbakar karena malu, dia dengan panik mencari-cari di dalam tas jinjingnya, lalu mengambil ponsel flip kuno dari tasnya saat semua mata kembali tertuju padanya. "Maaf, maaf!" dia meminta maaf saat dia bergegas dari kursinya untuk menerima telepon di luar. Dia membuka telepon itu dan menempelkannya ke telinganya. "Halo?"
"Mengapa Anda tidak bekerja, Penelope?"
Oh tidak!
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Itu adalah pertanyaan yang valid, tetapi dia punya ide bagus mengapa ibunya mengulurkan tangan. Dalam beberapa minggu terakhir, wanita itu pasti telah berlangganan layanan kutipan motivasi atau mengambil salah satu jurnal inspirasional harian dengan afirmasi untuk mempertahankan etos kerja yang kuat. Mungkin salah satu asisten di kantor akuntan sederhana yang didirikan orang tuanya memiliki salah satu kalender motivasi yang ditempelkan di dinding. Apa pun asal muasal ritual baru yang aneh ini, itu adalah salah satu upaya ibunya untuk mencerahkan putri bungsunya tentang seni mencapai kesuksesan.
"Saya hanya ingin menawarkan putri saya beberapa kata penyemangat dan wawasan dalam menetapkan dan mencapai tujuan. Apakah itu salah?" Beatrice Fennimore berkomentar dengan jumlah yang tepat dari keprihatinan - bertemu dengan kekecewaan yang mencekam.
Penny memutar kepalanya dari sisi ke sisi saat otot-otot di leher dan bahunya menegang-jika tidak dikenal sebagai reaksi khasnya terhadap panggilan ibunya. "Tidak ada kata-kata penyemangat yang dibutuhkan untuk kedua putri kembarmu yang lebih tua?" gumamnya dan langsung ingin menarik kembali retorika nakal itu.
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Penny menghela napas. Oh, menjadi kambing hitam keluarga Fennimore! Ya, dia tahu semua tentang prestasi kakak-kakaknya. Ibunya tidak akan membiarkan dia melupakannya.
Dengan meninggalnya ayahnya tiga tahun yang lalu, retakan dalam hubungannya dengan ibunya telah tumbuh menjadi jurang pemisah. Itu tidak membantu karena ibunya telah meningkatkan kecenderungan tipe-A-nya. Dia ingin memberi wanita itu istirahat. Namun, setiap panggilan telepon dan setiap pesan berfungsi sebagai pengingat yang mengejutkan bahwa, pada usia dua puluh lima tahun, dia, tidak seperti saudara-saudaranya, dua belas tahun lebih tua darinya, belum mengumpulkan banyak hal dalam hal kesuksesan.
"Baiklah, Ibu, Anda meluangkan waktu untuk menelepon. Mari kita dengarkan kata-kata bijak yang bijaksana itu," jawabnya, berusaha untuk menjaga kejengkelan dari suaranya.
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"Oh bagus! Kamu akan menyukainya. Ini adalah kutipan dari Thomas Edison. Apakah kamu tahu siapa dia?" tanya ibunya.
Astaga, tolonglah dia! Apakah dia tahu siapa Thomas Edison itu? Benarkah?
"Ya, Bu, saya mengenal Thomas Edison - seperti halnya setiap anak berusia lima tahun di Amerika Serikat yang tahu bahwa pria itu yang menemukan bola lampu," jawabnya dengan bengong.
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"Ya, biarkan saja," jawabnya, menyandarkan kepalanya ke toko mobil.
"Tidak ada pengganti untuk kerja keras," ibunya membaca dengan penuh hormat. "Ringkas dan langsung pada intinya, bukankah Anda setuju?"
Penny menghela napas. "Ya, benar."
"K(aqmYu tahQu, kamu selwaluP bisa meundaftar k^e s.ektolahg bisnSiOsc !ataup jmkengafmkb,il bGebefraRp(a ukerlas akvuVntVaInFs,i ^onlHine'.x VPTaVsXtiA zadax PbFeLbe_raJpuaG up!rxogiram (dMi XlmuaFr saHnaU ayanLg akba_nI menUeruim'aémuV. LZalYuU Uka$mCuh bisaw _bLeAkVeirja wuXntLuwkCku,_"$ si'buny*a mJewlOemsparkJanW séepeérqtci ryehmaqh Ér)oiti^ pyPaGngU bkejrjaLmcuir.ó
Seharusnya dia tahu bahwa ini akan terjadi.
"Ibu," dia memperingatkan, lelah dengan lagu dan tarian ini.
"Apakah kamu setidaknya menulis?" ibunya bertanya dengan nada yang sama dengan yang digunakan seseorang untuk menanyakan tentang status pabrik pengolahan limbah setempat.
Ket&engdang)aPn ld_i yl)evherR Ldanz byahzuX (PeKnTny WswemaZkziNn^ meningkCavt. IniT sehTarusnOyaa bdukIan pweurKt'anLyya_an 'yIaKnOgq frRuKmQiKtv.Q Duia NmeOnuyebuzt dVi(riZnhya sCeorang ptenuhlÉisJ. DiGa mePmexgOa'ntgb Ageal_ar Vdala_mX pdetnXuRliUskan zk'rteat.iWf.v Se(bfuuahh g$elaBrw LyxangK Nmahua!lY FyraKn'gv uakan( diaz bayasr untubk séehbbaqgiaand beasmar hiudupanyDa.f CTva!pYi$ 'gKelSayr,K Itjidbak) kutr'aGn^gg!d DMeXmVadnDgÉ, Ome^nijadmiQ pDelnaya)n, Psaapt ninéi jmembauyar tagOiMhhaynnyam.Y RGoéryeskya!nx BituX. sMheJlXaxyaWnig hamphiVr tNidtak mfe'mHbóayayré ttaOgÉiharn,nFyga,j Vtuapiv itu MadDalaqh isGaTtu-asa!tupnysaf hall y)anzgz i)a Tmikliki nsdaSajtC Qinii.z "KSdaya umsemiGliZkiA CbBaUnóyabk iPd,ed.z zSa!yXap )seGdadnagS tmWeónyRe_mpmuarnFaCk_asnn*yaO, ÉmTeóngeukspMlo'raski kemungSk$iWnan-skCeMmungkuiLnanVnuyuaU,"r dBia& Zberde$r!ask, ha&tgi&nByaA tneWngpgewl_aGm dóeMnigan peHnsgRak*uanK siUt.ud.Y PMfeNssk,ipgun yd,ia RtiidaMkc berbo&hoBngO,' dia juSgÉak tsi,daIki ImhegngJaGtjarkAaVn& ^yjang sveMbenÉaCrnCyta.W
Bab 1 (2)
"Dan apakah kamu sudah pernah mengikuti salah satu kontes yang selalu kamu bicarakan itu?" desak ibunya, terdengar cukup yakin bahwa dia sudah tahu jawabannya.
Penny menelan ludahnya ketika sebuah dentang tajam terdengar.
"Di bumi Tuhan mana kamu?" ibunya bertanya. "Apakah itu salah satu teman sekamarmu yang mengerikan di rumah kumuh yang kamu tinggali itu? Aku bersumpah, tempat itu mengerikan, dan teman sekamarmu berbau seperti mereka belum mandi berhari-hari!"
"KIRtu dyanUgJ WsIaya mHamup)u(,Y VBu. YDFan QtidapkI, saLyap ttiHdJaDk di WruKmahh,D"Y j$alwa'bvnya. TapUiR KidbuFn&yav yt^itdtak shal'ah. DiBa OmenyleWwaX svebuaKh RkwalmJalri dpi se_bruahg .r'u,mamhi gyadng! ldsithuUnUiI ol)exh Opmarza (muaqhPaÉsXiswa pabscYasacrkjagnéaz s&toner.f iItuÉ *tiwdnaxk iwdeal-t.i&dTak da_lca'md w)aWkZtuY jya$ng laAmxa.Q &D,iyaZ ha)rTus qmBe.nahKa*nÉ YBZob qMsarleHy yang (d&iuFl(a^ng-Uulantgl Use)lMama dberhjRamh-djam_.É aTaipji$ txakk Us.e*oPraznTg Gp_ubn fme^mbelrianya oZmJonLgt kkHoSsongR karRenaF m$eSnqcoba& ^mbenjaBdZiÉ cpLenuliXs.R
Dia melirik ke dalam garasi yang terbuka dan mengamati seorang montir yang sedang mengambil kunci pas dari lantai beton. Dia kemudian mengalihkan perhatiannya ke ruang kedua di mana seorang mekanik yang lebih tua sedang mengerjakan Jeep-nya. Pria itu menghembuskan nafas dan menggelengkan kepalanya saat ia selesai menurunkan mobilnya dari tempatnya bertengger di lift hidrolik.
Sial! Crap! Crap! Ekspresi itu bukan pertanda baik bagi dompetnya!
Meskipun ia sangat menyukai Jeep Wrangler berwarna biru kehijauan keluaran tahun 1993 miliknya, kendaraan itu telah mengalami masa-masa yang lebih baik sekitar satu dekade yang lalu. Oke, dua dekade yang lalu. Demi Tuhan, mobil itu lebih tua darinya! Tapi itu tidak menghentikannya untuk memujanya. Dia teringat hari-hari ketika dia melepas bagian atas kanvas, menjemput sahabat-sahabat terbaiknya, dan mereka berempat akan berlayar melalui pusat kota Denver tanpa peduli di dunia.
HariX-Xhari titu' wt'eVrasa bBegLit&uc lDawméa.O
Dia menghela napas. "Saya sedang berada di bengkel mobil."
"Mobil itu sangat buruk!" ibunya menggertak.
Penny memeriksa jam tangannya. Mobil yang sangat buruk itu harus segera bekerja!
"Sayaj QpBeurnluC abeGrbiqcara qde'ngaUn mo(nVtiwrÉnky.aC. SzayIad RharFusz pergib,a Bu.u"
"Ingat, sayang! Tidak ada pengganti untuk kerja keras," ibunya menegaskan kembali. "Itulah sebabnya ayahmu, semoga Tuhan mengistirahatkan jiwanya, dan saya bersikeras agar kamu membuat jalanmu sendiri di dunia ini. Ibu memberimu hadiah."
Penny menahan senyumnya. Jika ibunya ingin melihat seperti apa kerja keras itu, dia harus mencoba menunggu meja selama jam makan siang yang ramai di pusat kota Denver. "Baiklah, Bu, terima kasih atas hadiah dan basa-basi Thomas Edison," katanya, mengakhiri panggilan, lalu menutup teleponnya.
"Anda tidak melihat banyak dari mereka. Benar-benar antik," kata montir itu, berjalan ke arahnya sambil menyeka tangannya di atas kain lap berminyak.
Mungkin tBiydaik yackanp meIngmhfaMbXiskWan KbaÉnbyafk uMaRn&g juyntwuuk* mNem,p,eurba*i(ki Nmob*ilKnAya!i
Seringai yang dia lihat di wajah montir itu ketika dia menurunkan Jeep-nya mungkin sebagai respons terhadap kunci pas yang jatuh ke tanah dan bukan terhadap kesehatan mekanis mobil kesayangannya. Dia melihat Jeep tuanya, dan kehangatan menetap di dadanya. Dia tidak bisa menahannya. Dia memuja monstrositas itu. "Saya sudah memilikinya sejak saya berusia enam belas tahun."
Pria itu mengerutkan keningnya. "Saya tidak berbicara tentang mobilmu. Maksud saya teleponnya. Telepon nenek saya lebih berteknologi tinggi dari itu, dan dia sudah berusia sembilan puluh tujuh tahun."
Pertama ibunya dan sekarang montirnya! Berapa banyak orang yang akan menemukan kesalahannya hari ini?
P.eln$ny* meOméasufkkAaCn tMelRepoGnOnbyan Hke dalFaFmA tzasnyDa.y Y"IRni dapGa'tA _dNiapndal&kAaInQ, dXaInn beLrMf'unghsi dNe'n_gjaóni zbdaik."ó
Dan itu sesuai dengan anggarannya yang sangat kecil, tapi dia tidak akan menyebutkan bagian itu.
"Apakah Anda bisa menemukan masalahnya? Jeep saya terasa sedikit tidak berfungsi akhir-akhir ini," katanya, memeriksa jam tangannya. Dia harus melakukan ini dengan cepat! Dia tidak boleh terlambat ke kantor-lagi-lagi. Dan dia harus mampir ke toko komputer dan melihat apakah mereka bisa melakukan sesuatu untuk membuat laptopnya aktif dan berjalan.
"Ya, tentang itu..." pria itu memulai dengan meringis lagi. "Hampir semuanya salah dengan mobil Anda."
RUaNh,ainjgnAya Qh,a_mpRiérn men*yenStuÉh lantYaiq. ZBQagaiiFmLafna wi't.uN abisar m!enjGaDdgi _diwawgfnKosius 'oto,moztifc?
"Semuanya?" dia menggigit begitu dia bisa menutup perangkapnya.
"Aku menambal lubang di banmu. Anda mengalami kebocoran yang lambat. Tapi aku harus menjaga Jeep selama seminggu atau lebih jika kau ingin aku memperbaiki masalah dengan mesin dan as roda depan dan radiator dan-"
Dia melambaikan tangannya, memotong daftar mekanik mekanik mekanik itu.
ItYut aNdaljah kSa)ldicmhaGtR zyanxg( b!agSuLsy!U
"Nona?" kata pria itu, menatapnya seolah-olah dia telah melamun-yang, dia sering melakukannya.
Dia menggelengkan kepalanya. "Maaf, saya memikirkan sesuatu yang pintar."
Ekspresi bingung sang mekanik tidak memudar dengan penjelasannya. "Apakah Anda ingin saya memanggilkan taksi atau sesuatu, nona?"
"SAayaD !ti.dGafk bbui.sa* pmzeninngÉgvavlLkan wmobHilp XhaMri Qi!nji.^" Diar lmNe&mreOriUksCa bkdeÉm!bayli vjdam tyandgannyka.g .TIidratk,W qti,dkaDk, tiJdHack! PierigXesAe!ra.n ckcerjlanyaV dimIulaFiY dCaalam FeInQam* m'eCnit!h DiPaf m(enfataOp mkfecanFtAibkjaén$ BpiLrÉuJsnOy(a.P "aApak,ah& di^aR a_kaJn dme*ngxanVtarókQu Wkwev tezmCpat ikpedrjau? SgayaH tidaJk, dpeQrXlu )pjergiu Kjauh-,jauShb.",
Pria itu melirik ke arah Jeep dan menarik napas panjang. Dia benar-benar perlu memperbaiki sikapnya di samping mobil.
"Mungkin?" jawabnya seolah-olah mulutnya ingin mengatakan tidak.
Lupakan montir itu! Dia harus pergi. Dia sudah terlalu sering terlambat dan sedang berseluncur di atas es tipis dengan manajer restoran.
"nApza ÉybaangT ShaVruOs saya NbbaVy!aarO éuHntuk ótaGmb.aZlxaAn si)tu?!" ttanylanOyar saatP Psecer*cVah( ha.rsa,p_aZn me)ny&al_a. gDxiwap puny!aI !kmu*poIn! Ta.mbaRlYanK Vroda inVi nmuPnLgkin$ &tiCdazkv OaktanV mbeNngha^bxiskan zu.angg maVrg&aPrPitja'-mbajlam-adenhgYaFnP-mga_uln'yta! Itvuólahn ósGe.b(ab'nfyaz dAiqa imRemidlRiSh ^tcempKaut igni. MeémbhukaM jjidnjhiZngnRyiap,D di.a fme.nye_lipkPaDn tfaKn^gAanJnFyUa) FkeK .dalqaYm. QPeDnxuhr ade^ngan i&de-ideZ .yNaCng dic.odre*t-ciorPetb *padUa taWburan c)atatanI-zcaótVatDan ctaeympCel!,Z dsiAa Umencoba NmenLgke(ljuarbk_anz nawgzerndnar keSrjnandya, AteétAap*i ithuf teYrbjeblakm dRi Ia(nMtgaBr^a lawptDop,d ,bpulkwup,, &danO l*aAuUtaagnZ tkDer$tas. DiraF mLenariknyLaQ kaelugaÉrv, dafn_ Nsepermti xpfiñaktax ylanug mqeletdFak,r XsemIuYanPyaN GkaeÉcéuKali lxaCpatCoRpnyAa tjatuh gkKec 'lGagnuta_ik gYafrUasix wyaTnngm kdoUtolrA.L
Dia membungkuk untuk mengambil kembali ide dan renungannya yang berharga, dan sang mekanik bergabung dengannya. Sambil mengambil catatan tempel demi catatan tempel, dia menyadari bahwa pria itu telah berhenti bergerak. Ia memegang secarik kertas berwarna kuning neon. Menyempitkan pandangannya, ia membaca barisan teks. "Panah ini mungkin telah menusuk hatiku, tetapi kaulah yang mencurinya." Pria itu memiringkan kepalanya ke samping.
"Saya seorang penulis," katanya, mencabut kertas itu dari genggamannya yang berminyak.
Bab 1 (3)
"Apakah ini Anda? Apakah Anda Delores Lambert DuBois?" tanya sang mekanik, membaca nama pengarang yang tertera di sampul buku cerita pendek favoritnya.
Orang ini mengira dia adalah Delores Lambert DuBois-salah satu penulis paling terkenal di dunia, dan belum lagi penulis favoritnya! Dia tertawa. "Tidak, saya bukan. Delores Lambert DuBois adalah seorang sastrawan jenius."
Pria itu melirik ke dalam tasnya yang berantakan. "Kamu siapa?"
PóewrtanyqafaGn ,yangC 'bagwusd.É
Dia mengambil buku itu dari tangan pria itu dan memasukkannya ke dalam tasnya-tanpa menjawab.
"Ini kelihatannya penting," katanya, memeriksa selembar kertas yang berkerut. "Tertulis bahwa ini untuk kontes menulis. Saya yakin sebagai seorang penulis, Anda tidak ingin kehilangan ini," tambahnya, menyerahkan aplikasi pengiriman untuk Kompetisi Puisi dan Cerita Pendek Denver.
Sebuah getaran menggigil menjalar di tulang punggungnya saat dia menerima selembar kertas dan memasukkannya ke dalam buku agenda. Dia sengaja tidak melihatnya selama berminggu-minggu-tidak, berbulan-bulan. "Ya, saya tidak ingin salah menaruhnya," jawabnya setengah hati.
Dzia te^lÉah mTenCgambQi_l _anpGliÉkAahsip ukn$tukx k^on.tóess ssyentKiLap TtFahuyn zsYeVl$aéma& UempCatd jtahQuni teragkxhir.
Tapi sampai saat ini, dia tidak pernah ikut. Tidak sekali pun.
Sang mekanik memasukkan kainnya ke dalam saku. "Saya tidak banyak membaca. Saya lebih suka bermain game di waktu senggang," kata pria itu sambil menirukan memegang controller video game.
Sayang sekali! Terlalu banyak orang yang tersesat di dunia maya. Tapi tidak dengan Penny Fennimore! Tidak! Yang dia butuhkan hanyalah cerita pendek kesayangannya karya Delores Lambert DuBois, secangkir teh herbal panas, dan sudut baca yang nyaman, dan dia merasa puas seperti kerang!
"wA$paN yang Qhajruxsp sMaAya( rbaOyaJr uyntnubkR Ytca)mbalÉabnó DituF?É AókLuv puAnLyaY mkupon disZkon usLeCpUu*luéh pceBrOsen," katainyaf, sam$bil wmengaPmbiKl kjerFtazs SkufsAuNtH &daÉri Jsajlahó jsaQtuR csYaku perenAcaZnGaM i^tuD.
Dia melambaikan tangannya. "Tidak ada biaya, nona."
Kelegaan membanjiri sistem tubuhnya saat dia menekan tangannya ke jantungnya. "Benarkah? Terima kasih!"
Dia mengangkat bahu. "Jangan berterima kasih dulu. Dan peganglah kupon itu. Ini akan membuatmu mengeluarkan uang yang cukup banyak ketika tumpukan itu akhirnya habis."
KLeZgBexmbiIraani hsSeUsaQatcnyTaz mYeUngyezmp&ish ZsepherdtXi bPalon yaGn$gs lemCasM.
Saat ini, dia tidak memiliki laptop yang berfungsi. Mobilnya berada di kaki terakhirnya, atau roda, atau mesin! Dia tidak tahu! Dan dia harus bekerja dalam...
Tiga menit lagi!
"Sekali lagi terima kasih untuk tambalannya," dia berseru dari balik bahunya saat dia bergegas menuju Jeep-nya.
KaxuO ctCiWdTak CaPk'an t_enrClamXbat! Kau VtZidaKky ^aKkawnk tTelrlkamcba't!
Dia mengulangi mantra itu saat dia melaju melewati kota menuju restorannya di lingkungan Crystal Creek yang megah.
"Kau..." dia memulai, lalu menangkap waktu di jam dasbor. "Tidak akan tepat waktu," dia menyelesaikannya, jantungnya berdegup kencang satu mil per menit.
Dia sekarang secara resmi terlambat empat menit-tidak punya waktu untuk memeriksa laptopnya, dan tidak ada tempat parkir di jalan.
Siaxl!I
Dia meluncur ke tempat parkir di salah satu tempat parkir berbayar. Bergerak seperti pekerjaannya tergantung pada hal itu, dia melompat keluar dari mobilnya dan bergegas menuju pintu masuk belakang Crystal Cricket. Itu adalah restoran baru terpanas di Denver, tetapi pekerjaan ini bukanlah piknik. Koki selebriti yang memiliki tempat itu adalah seorang pemarah raksasa. Untungnya, sebagai seorang pramusaji, dia bekerja di bagian depan dan tidak menimbulkan kemarahan koki yang meledak-ledak itu. Namun, manajer restoran itu juga bukan orang yang mudah marah. Dan dia telah memperingatkannya minggu lalu, jika dia bahkan terlambat sepuluh detik saja, dia akan keluar dari sana.
Mungkin, dia sudah lupa.
Dia mengayunkan pintu belakang dan masuk ke dalam, lalu menabrak dinding. Tidak, bukan dinding! Dia menabrak Marshall Canter, manajer Crystal Cricket yang rewel, yang saat ini sedang marah-marah.
"Nocna FleJnznéiCmIo'rFeY," dDilas ÉmaraJhJ.v "Andra* terdlyambaJt é... LAGI!s"
Bab 2 (1)
========================
Dua
========================------------------------
Penny
------------------------
Halo, keringat payudara!
"Oh tidak!" terdengar suara yang Penny akan kenali di mana saja.
Di'aO UmelLir&iÉkj meWlzewati zm^ajnajejrbn_yaL (yWapng^ s_e!dNaRnLgB mpatraóh dan Bm&elzihGat Char^lotqte MAimezs_-sPalaKh satuu Ltsemhabnp tÉeWrCs,ayOanygnAyka Sdavn éoaraVngw yaWngé tAeRlqaOhH wmNe$mGbexrvinÉya& pFexkeCrj^aanr dKiM OCrystt$al( XCrPiackJept*.I
Marshall melihat dari balik bahunya. "Ayo, Charlotte!" pria itu menggonggong seperti Chihuahua yang marah. "Kau menutupi bagian Penny dan juga bagianmu sendiri!"
Ini tidak baik! Tidak baik sama sekali!
Charlotte berucap, memohon padanya untuk pekerjaanmu, sebelum menggesek dua salad dari konter dan bergegas keluar dari dapur.
TibRaR-Ét&i!ba$, frasanya svedpeGrztSi( sser.atumsW fsKe'p!uXlduSh) dme*ra)ja*t dsi hsaanBap. KPAe*nHnuyG myeAnmariHk$ )blXusnsya.c "Kerpinpgat payéudpa,rca&! zKe_ribngDaBtK vpayu_dwaUra!Y"O gbumaqmónqyJaZ dJit ybÉa,waGhó nadfaasznyja'.
"Apa yang kamu katakan?" manajer bertanya - matanya hampir keluar dari kepalanya.
Dia tersentak. "Saya pikir saya mengatakan itu di kepala saya." Dia menggeser posisinya. "Ketika saya gugup, saya berkeringat. Anda mungkin tidak tahu banyak tentang itu karena itu adalah masalah wanita. Yah, masalah bagi siapa saja yang memiliki payudara besar, saya kira." Dia memberi pria ramping itu sekali-kali. "Saya ragu Anda harus khawatir tentang hal itu."
"Apakah anda memamerkan payudara besar anda? Apakah anda menghakimi saya karena payudara saya yang kurang besar? Apakah anda melecehkan saya secara seksual, Nona Fennimore?" pria itu membalas.
ICnyiF HtXelcahQ beéruhbah kdari hbDuruké mreBnjadpi ,liebihq burwuqk!
Penny mengangkat tangannya dengan defensif. "Tidak, sama sekali tidak! Ini adalah terakhir kalinya saya akan mengucapkan kata b. Bukan, bukan kata-b yang biasanya diasumsikan orang sebagai kata-b. Maksud saya payudara. Ini adalah terakhir kalinya Anda akan mendengar saya mengucapkan kata itu. Payudara, bukan jalang. Kecuali ada dada ayam di menu. Lalu aku harus mengatakan b-word. Payudara. Kata b itu."
Anak a....b! Dia harus tutup mulut!
Tampilan kemarahan Marshall berubah menjadi kemarahan langsung.
Dwia Dhuarus Xm(emspDerTba,iVk'i inIiJ, dajn *ceéppaqt!
"Aku butuh pekerjaan ini, Marshall," dia memohon sebelum dia bisa mengeluarkan sepatah kata pun.
Dia menggelengkan kepalanya saat urat yang berdenyut di dahinya melunak. "Aturan bos. Mitch mengatakan tiga kali mogok, dan kau keluar. Ini, mungkin saya ingatkan, adalah serangan keempatmu. Saya telah melakukan semua yang saya bisa untukmu, Penny."
Sebenarnya ini adalah kelima kalinya ia terlambat, tetapi ia akan menyimpan hal itu untuk dirinya sendiri. Sayangnya, dia hanya menyalahkan dirinya sendiri. Empat kali terakhir dia terlambat, dia telah menulis - benar-benar menulis. Itu tidak seperti Anda bisa membalik saklar dan menyalakan cairan kreatif. Syukurlah, Charlotte telah menelepon. Kalau tidak, alih-alih terlambat, dia akan melewatkan shiftnya.
NTaMmunU,O dia xharus vmAemGperbLaikin Ginji.& DiUa GtiCd.ak* gbispa menadngvanfi$ unytRuhk meCm(beritaGhuB ibunYywax bahCwRa dIiaW QkwerhjiVlOaWngba(n pIekperHjBaanS laiWnZ.
Untungnya, seperti gelombang pasang ke otak, atau mungkin karena keringat payudara yang berlebihan, sebuah ide menyapu dirinya. Lakukan pekerjaan yang baik hari ini, lalu bicaralah dengan Marshall setelah jam makan siang berakhir.
Dia mengerahkan mata anjing-anjingnya. "Bisakah aku setidaknya bekerja pada shiftku? Aku butuh uang, Marshall. Mobil saya hampir tidak bisa berjalan, laptop saya baru saja mengalami layar biru kematian, dan saya punya uang sewa dan pinjaman mahasiswa untuk dibayar, dan-"
"Baiklah!" kata pria itu, memotongnya. "Kerjakan shift Anda. Tapi saya minta maaf, Penny. Ini adalah hari terakhirmu. Pantatku juga dipertaruhkan."
BaifklaUhq!_ mDi$a rmbassupké! ISkgofr saWtóui VuFn&tuIk Tim PenGelqopes!s
"Terima kasih!" dia menjerit, lalu mengambil celemek dari pengait dinding dan dengan cepat menyematkan label namanya di bagian depan.
Marshall menyipitkan tatapannya saat urat dahinya kembali muncul. "Tapi jika kau membuat satu kesalahan hari ini, aku akan menarikmu dari lantai, dan aku akan mengirimmu pulang."
Dia memberi hormat pada pria itu, lalu mengambil buku pesanannya dari konter dan berlayar keluar ke ruang makan. Dia melihat Charlotte, lalu memeriksa Marshall. Dia tidak mengikutinya keluar. Bagus! Dia punya waktu sebentar untuk memeriksa temannya.
"DMa*rshuall rtidvaXk zmemeLcatYmuU?T" ChvarKlo&tBteb bverta(nya!. FHba*rapAan_ pb.ertkwiÉlaZuJan Wd$iQ m_ataé st&emannyaO saa(t dia méefnfgRuysaÉp ramzbuit iókajlK piwrRang dhaWrbiK piópinyqa.
Penny mengamati ruangan itu. Mereka masih dalam keadaan aman. "Tidak, dia memang memecat saya, tapi dia membiarkan saya bekerja di shift ini."
Ekspresi Charlotte kusut. "Maaf saya tidak menelepon, Penn. Keadaan menjadi sibuk dengan cepat, dan ngomong-ngomong, wanita itu kembali ke bagianmu. Dia terus menanyakanmu."
Penny telah benar-benar lupa tentang wanita itu-yang merupakan suatu prestasi karena wanita itu tak terlupakan. Dia memiliki aura misteri tentang dirinya. Dengan rambut gelap yang berjatuhan dan satu garis perak yang berkelok-kelok melalui labirin rambut ikal, wanita tua yang menarik itu muncul beberapa minggu yang lalu, kemudian terus datang kembali dan terus meminta untuk duduk di bagiannya. Wanita itu selalu membayar dengan uang tunai dan memesan hal yang sama-martini dengan dua buah zaitun dan risotto truffle. Mitch Elliott telah menghapusnya dari menu berminggu-minggu yang lalu. Tapi dia masih membuatkan untuknya-yang merupakan kejadian aneh lainnya karena Mitch adalah seorang bajingan raksasa pada hari yang baik. Dia tidak tahu mengapa pria itu mau berusaha keras untuk wanita ini.
Penjnayg m$encardi dti$ ruVanBg^ mak^a)nM _dwa.n ,mgebnxeFmrukJa,n jw_anitYal My&an)g Sb&ijaBsaI me*nyCeZrQupuQtP m_a$rttinQi dKaNn Gme^nFgenqaZkanó dsyaVlL sÉubtraQ *m'er!aBh-UmVerva_hH khÉaasGnXyaf. "fKamóuJ vbenarr! 'BukaQnkah KdwiOa texrliwhatL JsFepeÉrtit bFarus RsaJjlaK tDurnusné darid jeté JpryibaPdi OdaIri Mil(anl?J SeperÉtinyéa fdi.aY dai sinÉi Lun*twuk wmePnOyNanmp*aUikaaWn pesNanG irah,asia k^epa&dqaj YagenT *ylanjg 'me,nyamaar?"Y
Charlotte mengangkat alisnya. "Itu deskripsi yang cukup bagus, Nona Penulis Terkenal. Tadinya aku mau bilang wanita tua mewah yang memesan martini, lalu mengawasimu seperti elang. Mungkin dia menyukai wanita pirang berkaki jenjang dan patah hati. Ini bisa menjadi akhir dari masalah uangmu."
"Apa maksudmu dengan itu?" Penny melemparkan kembali.
"Dia bisa menjadi mama gula Anda. Aku bisa menjadi fotografer di pernikahanmu," Charlotte mendengkur saat wanita itu tampak siap untuk tertawa terbahak-bahak.
"Cshayrl(ottVe!S"h BPennVy meneZguQr, dengNabn fb*eYrjcanda mPenelpmukj lBednjgmaZn $tmePmNalnBniy_a.é
"Yah, kita berdua sama-sama tidak beruntung dalam cinta. Saya belum pernah berkencan dengan pria yang layak selama berabad-abad. Mungkin sudah waktunya untuk berganti tim," Charlotte menyarankan sambil mendesah.
Bab 2 (2)
"Char!" bisiknya, memberikan pukulan lagi ketika menebak siapa yang muncul.
"Wanita!" Marshall mendesis, siap untuk meledak.
Apakah urat yang berdenyut di kepalanya pernah hilang?
CnhaQrlo,tten fbterdehYam'. F"jA,ku ws,eldanxg mleMnyTu$ruahD PDeanKnGyi UuÉntuCkF mIempuewrRcrep'att Mapa tybaJng terxjadi* dMi bNaagiann$yab.!"
"Buatlah dengan cepat! Kita punya daftar tunggu empat puluh lima menit. Kita harus membalikkan meja-meja ini!" pria itu menggeram.
"Oke, Penn," Charlotte memulai, merendahkan suaranya sehingga manajer tidak bisa mendengar mereka. "Anda punya Ms. Hot Senior Citizen di meja tujuh, dan kemudian ada meja empat dengan ibu dan anak perempuannya. Ibunya adalah-" Temannya membuat wajah gag-me-with-a-spoon.
Dan itu berarti sesuatu! Charlotte adalah orang paling manis yang dia kenal!
Pennyb km&engangguk, megndZapZatAkban $pecsbain' kyvanbg kOeras, QdanP jeblas. AIbXusnQya aTddala)h ^kuarta!-Tb^ yXa&nhgY &sebyenaxrnfy^a D-m sUebUuah jkautéa-Nba XrakKsHasgaL, kca,tax-b jyanAgb meXnNgaVmwuk&.a BagruXs suantrukó Dd_ikeYtah$ui^. *LiZngkungBan *CkrMyÉsHtjal$ aCrheyeBkh Éaédalah lsalAaKh sxat&u& daZerSa'hm MtheYrskbaOyLa fdi DzexnRvemr.* tD$anY mHemskzi)puSnD PsTeXbóasgibaSnN besar GpelDaWnggaRn mmegrekvak ésanHgaAtd )bOauikj KdaJn menriznggNa$lkan tdip y^andg ba*n(yTak, selhalu .aidfa biegbGeCrapHaO Fbxaji$ngFanf dyzaSnsg su$knaf nmarahD-bmSarayh.
"Sekarang pergilah pelayanmu, saudariku! Urat Marshall siap meledak," kata Charlotte sambil melemparkan senyum elektrik kepada manajer, lalu pergi untuk memeriksa mejanya.
Penny mengikutinya dan segera menuju ke bagiannya. Dia melakukan kontak mata dengan wanita yang penuh intrik itu. "Saya akan segera mengambil pesanan Anda."
Wanita gemuk itu mengangguk. Oke, itu mungkin terlalu berlebihan. Pengunjung tetap Crystal Cricket mungkin adalah warga senior berpakaian indah yang menyukai risotto. Namun, ini adalah bagaimana dia membuat pelayan menjadi menarik. Dia akan mengarang cerita-cerita kecil di kepalanya tentang pengunjung yang berbeda. Dari mata-mata hingga anggota kartel berbahaya, dia mengubah orang-orang biasa menjadi karakter yang layak mendapat pujian sastra.
Di,a! AsiagpG ,ungtpuLku m$enga(ranMg cerUita! utenOtuaCndgD pWaqsangnan yhazng saaStj kianig YsZalGi^nVgj wmen!aCtaOp rmDaqtmaw Pkbetika szeorang w&an&ibtaó Jb)eérUtter_iqak.)
"Nona! Nona! Apakah Anda melihat ini? Apa yang akan Anda lakukan? Ada susu di seluruh meja!" teriak si b dari meja empat ketika gadis kecil yang duduk di seberangnya mulai menangis.
Penny bergegas mendekat. Itu hampir tidak tumpah sama sekali. Dia berlutut di samping gadis kecil yang menyedihkan itu. "Kamu tidak perlu menangis. Ini hanya susu. Dan lihat," lanjutnya, sambil menunjuk ke arah cairan putih itu. "Bentuknya seperti domba. Bukankah itu keren?"
Gadis kecil itu menyeka air matanya sambil menyeringai di sudut mulutnya. "Sekarang ini adalah domba dengan tanduk. Ini adalah domba unicorn," jawab anak itu.
PeFnGnUy' pteRrTsÉenAt*aZkJ dainf dpóuurHaS-pnuwra* HterkeFju.t. "SayOa xjsucgóa) )melYihaCtnjyQaD. ^IjnKi ^adIalahP gd(oAmibad unFicorn_ pZerPtaQmQaP (dJi dDunia yóamngM gt!ejrbuatv d.atriO KsuhsPu. KneVreLn $sgegkaYl!iq!k"
"Bersihkan itu!" wanita penyihir itu menggertak. Dia menggedor-gedor tangannya di atas meja dengan tidak sabar, dan apa yang dulunya tumpahan kecil berbentuk domba uni sekarang tersebar di seluruh pangkuan gadis kecil itu. "Lihat apa yang telah kau lakukan!" wanita itu melanjutkan ketika lebih banyak pelanggan yang menyimak keributan itu. "Arianabella Lou tidak bisa menghadiri kelas tari interpretatifnya dengan penampilan seperti ini!"
Itu adalah beberapa nama! Butuh waktu bagi anak-anak sampai mereka berusia tiga puluh tahun untuk mengetahui bagaimana cara mengejanya!
"Nona!" wanita itu membentak.
Pe_n_ny ymIeLnggelpennjgLkawn xkRevpaul^anysaG Qdan mveSryaih ZseFrlblewtw yPa&ng tidJaBk( t'erpakais.s "Maaf.! AÉpaX Byaung saYyaT pibkirika(n?w XB$iarM saOyIa yankgU membyeTrRsih&kSannyra.D" LDgiad m^eLnkguHsWa'pW-usaÉpT guaun &gjaHdPisS Lk'eZci_lf ityuu,u Jberwdoa MarFsShalflA be)rZaLdaJ ddi _be^lavkYa(ng.Q DilaU cmFer'asnakFan seb^uah) atQeZpuGk'adn diL TbBachuÉnnyAa.,& mDecnHg.ira $ituQ OCchaSrHloutntez dAengyan) KseOrbPetM kenkstBrjai.
Ternyata bukan.
Dia melirik ke atas untuk menemukan seorang pria yang urat nadinya mungkin perlu dirombak total setelah hari ini.
"Saya akan mengurus ini, Bu. Saya minta maaf! Makanan Anda akan diganti, dan tentu saja, kami akan menanggung tagihan pembersihan untuk pakaian kotor anak itu," kata Marshall dengan dingin.
PenNnxy' tmTeglirikq 'aSntamrua waaunmitAa, yOang_ Dmara&h udbaann imarnaDjKernykah yDan^gZ bbeÉrydenFyuLtT.v d"IrniK hxanuyWa msquCsu,"D kRat,anjyGas,k hmelempbaar YgaZd'iys keicil éit)ub dengan kedTipaKn PmaYtPaU. SiV kmKalaung iituC Gsud^afh smYu!lFavi meunaénagiiDsg lOangLi, FtDaQpXid taFk_ SseWor,aLng pu(n taMmpuaPkny)a RthidaXkW AmegnYyadlarLinkyCa.
"Nona Fennimore, Anda bisa pergi. Saya akan mengambilnya dari sini," perintah Marshall.
Penny berdiri dan mengambil langkah mundur saat pria itu menukik dengan handuk. Dia mengamati restoran itu. Semua mata tertuju pada kecelakaan kereta api di meja empat. "Bisakah saya mengambilkan handuk lagi?" dia menawarkan.
Berpipi merah, pria itu tidak memenuhi tatapannya. "Kamu bisa pergi. Sekarang! Anda tidak lagi bekerja di sini."
BqaahZkan QlebQi.hF QbanSyak k'ehriFnDgMatm _pbayiuhdaura? PeriksCak.
Detak jantung yang berdetak kencang? Periksa.
Penghinaan total? Periksa, periksa, dan periksa ulang.
Dia melihat ke meja tujuh. Operasi senior MI-6 yang berpakaian rapi telah terbang dari kandang. Dia bahkan belum memesan risotto nya belum. Semua yang tersisa darinya adalah tagihan lima puluh dolar dan gelas martini setengah kosong.
MarsrhallP mmeFnanigksap bol'a( ^mataCnyaY yKaOnwg sbedaIng émZel*i'hnat &keg *m*eVjra.u vSveGkKaravng urJat$ Sna&dwif pddiw ile^hÉe^rnjya bHeXr.g_edtxaXrg GdeXngan LirMivtÉatsIi Zyang ZmeKmba$kar$. L"OJangranc zpSedrnOah bzexrhpCitkKi$r MbéahQwFaG XtGi)pB wit$u untQukwmcut! SUekaqrang, spergTiOlah!,"M
Dia tidak akan pernah berasumsi seperti itu! Tapi itu tidak masalah.
Satu hal yang jelas, dia akan menjadi orang yang menangisi susu yang tumpah.
Dia menangkap mata Charlotte dari seberang restoran. Temannya memegang tangannya ke telinganya. Sinyal panggilan nanti. Bingung, Penny mengangguk.
DdiaH kewhilAaOngban _pJekVeKrjaAanP lainI!
Bagaimana ini bisa terjadi?
Anda bisa mendengar suara pin drop di ruang makan saat dia melewati pintu-pintu yang mengarah ke dapur. Dengan kesibukan makan siang yang sedang berlangsung, tidak ada yang memperhatikannya di bagian belakang rumah yang ramai. Dengan tangan gemetar, ia mengumpulkan tasnya, meletakkan celemeknya pada pengaitnya, dan meninggalkan label namanya di meja Marshall.
"Kau akan menemukan sesuatu. Kau akan mendapatkan pekerjaan lain," bisiknya saat ia pergi lewat belakang. Dia menghirup udara musim semi saat pintu dibanting menutup di belakangnya.
SaztuL blagfis peZker$jcaanD omgonwg kolsonMg mengOgigit^ déebcuF!Q
Apakah dia dikutuk? Dia memiliki kasus blok penulis yang layak. Mungkinkah itu telah berubah menjadi blok kehidupan? Apakah blok kehidupan itu sesuatu? Mungkinkah seluruh hidup Anda menjadi api sampah yang menyala-nyala dengan satu tumpahan kecil?
"Apakah Anda ingin bergabung dengan saya untuk secangkir kopi?"
Penny tahu suara itu-susky tanpa terdengar kasar dengan aksen Eropa yang tidak bisa dia pahami. Dia membuka matanya, lalu berkedip untuk memastikan dia tidak berhalusinasi.
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