The chores were pretty simple for me. The usual tasks included animal-related activities, cleaning, feeding, and other minor chores around the ranch. I had worked as a cleaner before in an office, including cleaning toilets, so these things were not a big deal. After Nathan was done explaining our chores, he patiently waited for our affirmation. I was in by default, so my gaze fell on Ralph, as I was a little bit terrified by his newfound princess attitude. I know I just plucked him from his luxury and threw him on the street. I don't have any reasons to defend myself; at the same time, I didn't know what to do when something needed to be done at that moment. I didn't create any situation; it was thrown in both our faces, and we both needed to act to get away, so that's the reason why we are here. Thank God, somewhat I felt relieved. This whole situation is kind of starting to bug me. For a moment, I felt sympathetic toward Ralph because of where we ended.
"I will work in the barn." Ralph voiced out his end of chores. Why the hell am I not surprised? Ralph was smiling broadly. Nathan nodded his head in approval and instructed us further on what not to do and what should be done. One thing is for sure: Ralph's soft corners for animals and other ridiculous things will be a big problem in the future. Nathan moved toward the field before instructing us to complete the task before lunch.
Ralph started walking toward the horses, and I started making my way toward the cows, meanwhile glancing at the retreating figure of Ralph. I was expecting a small chat or a favour regarding the chores of horses, but I didn't expect an enthusiastic Ralph running toward the barn. This attachment is not healthy, at least for my sake.
As I entered, I immediately covered my nose with the hand key and started working on the cow dung, which was enormous. Geez, the guy won the jackpot. For how many days has he stored the dung? If this were the case of cow dung, then what about horses? Serves Ralph right; probably that glee would vanish as he entered the barn. I couldn't help but smile at the discovery of his misery.
I tried to finish the chores at the earliest, but it was turning into a never-ending task. I was taking a break to have some water and relax for a few minutes. Nothing more or less. It's been two hours, and I wanted to see Ralph so badly. If luck serves me, I got only a few glimpses of Ralph from where I was, and that too if I was outside the place or else not even that, and Ralph was not even sparing a glance toward me. See, I told you he would forget the world when he surrounds himself with these things.
I was done with my final chores, I placed the gloves in the right place, and once again I checked my surroundings to make sure that I had met Nathan's assigned task. Once I was assured, I started walking toward the barn. It was lunchtime, and my stomach started grumbling for half an hour.
I halted my steps at the entrance when I saw Ralph patting the horse with a huge smile and also talking. Humans are really strange. "Damn, I always thought of owning a few horses but never made up my mind." I crossed my hand on my chest and prayed within myself. I know where the hell this was going. "Now, I have made up my mind, and a few beauties will be mine." I groaned within me. Oh god, please don't tell me this whole thing is turning into a big mistake. My annoyance was clear, and I didn't care to display it too. "It's lunchtime," I grumbled. "Oh, already? Damn, time flew." Oh god, save me. "Come on, let's go." By pecking the horse, he started walking with me. I don't know why I wiped my lips when I saw the scene. "No comments on what I said." He is clearly teasing when he knows my view. "Not now, but we will definitely discuss it in the coming days." Or maybe months, or maybe years, or never. I didn't voice out. "Trust me, in no time, I will own one of these beauties. I should inquire more with Nathan." Like always, his eyes were shining, and I couldn't take my eyes off him.
We were at the dining table, and the roles were switched, where I was grabbing everything that was on the table and filling my plate. Nathan was happy with us. Why wouldn't he be? "Guys, good job and thank you. Take a rest, and then please help me with harvesting. Tomorrow, we will visit the town." I didn't bother to nod my head as I was focused on my food, but Ralph was a different case. He has not even touched the food and has already started discussing about the horses. The talk between these two sounds usual, but I couldn't understand a single thing except the colors and some things related to breeding. I am a business-oriented guy. I don't know any other topics other than those related to running a company and some politics. Trust me, I don't want to learn anything related to animals either, but at the same time, I couldn't help but feel jealous seeing them. There's the smooth flow of conversation, the excitement of Ralph, the twinkle in his eyes, and the smile that seems never to fade anytime soon. The last blow: I am not the person with whom Ralph has indulged in the conversation, nor am I the reason for any.
My plate was clean, and I waited patiently for Ralph to finish his conversation. In a few more minutes, they will be done, I told myself. A few times, I cleared my throat to grab their attention, which turned out to be in vain, and my patience reached its limit. I abruptly stood on my chair, startling them, thank God at least. "Ralph, room, rest." Ralph looked puzzled, and it looks like he has more things to discuss with Nethan. "Don't drain your questions in one day, as we are spending a few more days too. Come on, let's get going." I didn't let him protest, and it settled with a few curses.
The next day, when we were done with breakfast, Nathan told us to load the harvested vegetables that were already packed. His employees were back, and they had already started doing their usual morning chores. Ralph and I started loading the vegetables in the truck. Once we were done, as promised, Nathan took us to the town. We reached the market; based on bussing and selling things, I could make it out. We hopped out of the truck and started studying the surroundings. Nathan followed us; by stretching his body, he walked toward us. "Folks, this is our lovely town called Mandran. You guys are going to sell the fresh-harvested vegetables and a few fruits. Please unload everything. I will help you set up everything." He is fully taking advantage of us, and it looks like I am the one who is willing to raise the complaint. On the other hand, Ralph was totally in awe of the market and couldn't take his eyes off anything that he was witnessing. I want to point out that it's just a town, but I don't want to hold back the kid. Trust me, he was acting like a kid, being giddy and excited over nothing.
Everything was set, and Nathan explained the prices. We nodded our heads in acknowledgement. "Good luck, guys. Once you are done, you can explore the town. I would have helped, but I have things to do. Please have your lunch, and we will meet in the same place by 5 pm, ok?" Once again, we nodded our heads. Granted, this wasn't the plan, and it was an impulsive act, I agree, but this is the least thing I had expected. I don't know how to take this whole situation.
Begrudgingly, I walked toward Ralph, who already stood near the stall. Strangely, the roles were changed, where I am complaining non-stop, and Ralph is going with the flow.
We were new, and I didn't know how these people were going to purchase something from us. Everything looks damn fresh, so I guess that's enough for them. It's only been a few minutes, and customers started coming, one by one. It's been an hour, and we were doing well with selling the items. Our charms were working, I guess, more than mine. Ralph was attracting more female customers. A few ladies just visited to flirt with Ralph; they didn't purchase anything but made sure to ask for his phone number. It's not like I wasn't getting any attention, but when you are on the jealous side, nothing matters, right?
A girl just left after she was done flirting, and I groaned and grunted in between their conversation, which was promptly ignored by both of them. "Are you by any chance bisexual?" I couldn't help but ask Ralph when I knew about his sexuality. These encounters are pushing me to the edge, and not to forget, he is handling the whole situation just fine. At least, I ignored most of them and even harshly rejected them, and I didn't get the same response from Ralph, who was politely dealing with every encounter when it was not required. "You know the answer." Of course, I know, but I don't know whether sexual preferences can be modified over a period of time. "Have you been with any woman before?" "You know the answer, but still the answer is no to your question." "You didn't reject anyone who approached till now." "I didn't share my number either, so it implies something." I hummed in realization. I didn't think that way. "Besides, it's none of your business." I rolled my eyes in return.
Frankly speaking, I don't know where everything is leading me, but I hope somewhere I am bound to.
We tried to sell as much as we could and wrapped up the remaining things. It was already 12:30 pm, so we headed toward the hotel to eat lunch. As we entered, we gave our order and occupied the nearest chair. We didn't speak, but the silence was welcoming, and our eyes were glued to the town surrounding us.
Once we were done, we started walking in the street. The town was buzzing, but less compared to the city where we had grown up, and it was slow and welcoming. As we walked, we were getting stares from everyone, puzzled looks, women's welcoming looks, and a few questionings looks. It was a small town, and they knew everyone for sure. Nothing stopped us; this felt good when Ralph was beside me. Things always feel good when he is beside me. I wanted to hold his hand so badly, and at the same time, I didn't want to cross the boundary, hypothetically speaking, and this is a small town, and I didn't want to cross the line, if they have any. I held my hand at my side.
Fancy clothing store, bakery, bar, and so-so places. The places we visited all needed money, and we didn't have any. If we have to, I don't think Nathan would be so generous. We held our watery mouth, the urge to swing, and the clothes that we had eyes on. Ralph was ok with the clothes' quality, and I was impressed. The day couldn't be more unpredictable and worthy whenever I saw Ralph gushing and twinkling over small things.
We were waiting in the same place as per Nathan's instruction, and he arrived on time. As we hoped, he started to drive. Nathan took a different path, and no questions were asked. It's been like that; he is good at giving instructions, and we are in no place to question him. How the hell we are trusting a stranger was beyond me. As far as we are following his instructions and if we are done with the daily chores without complaint, it's ok, I guess. Not to forget, he was using us to his fullest advantage, and not to forget, we are not charging anything. I sighed in satisfaction when my mind played along with me.
The car stopped at a place, and Nathan instructed us to unload the goods that were in the truck. An old lady ran out of the house, which was big, with a bright smile, followed by a few kids. First, the lady hugged Nathan tightly and the kids. We witnessed everything while unloading and were shocked when we saw more kids at the door with huge smiles on their faces. Is it some type of orphanage? Nathan chuckled at seeing the kids, and a few guys started collecting the load inside the house. "This season, harvesting Mrs.. Samantha and I hope it could cover some necessities of the kids." Samantha lightly patted his shoulder playfully. "You know it will, and it's more than the kids ask for." Nathan nodded his head. "I will try to do my best in the coming season." Samantha held Nathan's hand and thanked him sincerely. They bade their goodbye.
We were in the truck. Things felt really odd.
The next day, our routine was the same, and we further strolled in the town. The same scenario repeated with more friendly gestures. "You have stopped complaining." I couldn't help myself when all of a sudden, he gave a break to his princessly behaviour. "If I remember correctly, you didn't give me any choice." I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "If I had given, then that was the end of everything." He abruptly stopped his steps. "I am not finding any problem in that." Of course, he wouldn't. "Exactly, what are you trying to achieve from this?" If only I knew, this is just out of the blue thing. I don't know what I am expecting from all this, but I really hope I will find my answers and again, if only I knew what my real question was. In other words, what I am exactly seeking. "To be honest, I don't know. Probably, I wanted to bargain for more days with you when you all of a sudden initiated ending things between us. I want to know... I stopped myself from spouting any nonsense. I want to find answers for so many things, if I don't know what exactly that was. I want to erase the hesitation that I am having in the back of my mind. I just wants us, and I don't know how I am going to make that happen. "Four more days left." Ralph chuckled at that. "And this time things will be done between us for good." I couldn't reply as my throat went dry.