One Cold Moment

Chapter 4

 
Marina had a cheerful aura that seemed to follow her wherever she went, no matter the circumstances. It made her easy to like, and nearly everyone she encountered was drawn to her. She had a subtle power of influence.

Whether at work, home, or school, she had the ability to wear a happy facade even when everything around her seemed to be falling apart.

At the cocoa field where she worked, most of the parents found her presence comforting. They adored her like a daughter and often offered her advice.

The cocoa plantation was located in the countryside of Mexico, a fair distance from her home, but Marina managed to trek there every workday without complaint.

The plantation was vast, its sections divided by a narrow stream flowing in from the ocean.

Marina found great joy working here, for many reasons. Wearing a pair of indigo jeans, a silky, short-sleeved white blouse, and her regular brown work slippers, she hurried through the plantation. Where she spotted Mrs. Paulo and Mrs. Rakelle harvesting cocoa.

“Oh, there you are, Marina!” Mrs. Paulo exclaimed. “Come on now!”

Mrs. Rakelle chimed in, “How was your graduation, dear?”

“It went well, Mrs. Rakelle,” Marina replied with a warm smile. “Thanks to you all.”

“I’m so happy for you, my dear,” Mrs. Paulo said.

“Me too, Mrs. Paulo. I missed you guys. How have you all been?”

“We’re doing just fine. How’s your grandmother?”

“She’s fine. Is Angelo here yet? I need to report back to work.”

“Oh yes, he is,” Mrs. Paulo replied. “But he just stepped out to get something. You can start working though. There’s a lot to harvest this year.”

“That’s great news!”

“Yes, dear,” Mrs. Rakelle added. “Come on, pick up a basket. You can start over there.” She pointed toward a bushy area. “Start now so you can finish early, okay?”

“Okay.” Marina grinned and picked up an empty basket.

She hurried off to her designated spot. The area had more coconut trees than cocoa plants, but she decided to harvest coconuts even though it was usually considered men's work. Angelo always told her that.

Setting down her basket, she looked up at a tall coconut tree and tied her hair into a ponytail. Then she picked up the long stick used for plucking coconuts.

After filling half her basket, she moved on to another tree. It was taller and beyond the reach of her stick. A small pond sat beside it. Carefully, she slid toward it and stretched to reach a coconut.

Suddenly, a loud burst of laughter startled her. She lost her balance as her toe sank into the muddy ground, sending her tumbling forward.

“Aaah!!” she screamed, dropping the stick and falling face-first into the pond.

“Oh my God, did you see that?” a masculine voice said in panic.

Springing up from the water, Marina stood upright. The shallow pond reached her lower thighs. She wiped her face and looked up to see a man staring at her with concern.

“Are you okay?” another male voice called out. A horse neighed in the background.

“Are you alright?” the first man asked again.

Marina looked past him and saw another man on horseback. A second horse stood beside him, its tail whipping at the air.

“I’m fine,” she said, wiping more water from her face.

“You sure?” Yankee asked, stretching out a hand to help her up.

“She’s fine, alright?” Tony said, rolling his eyes. “A little shaken, but she’s okay.”

“I wasn’t scared,” Marina retorted, grabbing Yankee’s hand and stepping out of the water.

“Really?” Yankee teased, raising an eyebrow. “Then why’d you fall in?”

He smirked at her discomfort.

“I was trying to pluck a coconut.” She pointed at the tree behind the pond.

Yankee burst into laughter.

“What’s so funny?” she asked, annoyed.

“You,” he said. “You’re so tiny and really short. And you thought you could reach that coconut with a stick, even on your tiptoes?”

Feeling embarrassed, Marina snapped back, “Would you have done it if I didn’t?”

“Wowww,” Tony teased from his horse, watching the scene unfold with interest.

Challenged, Yankee picked up the stick beside her. With a swift motion, he struck the tree, knocking down a coconut which he caught mid-air.

“Bravo!” Tony cheered, earning a glare from Yankee.

Yankee handed the coconut to Marina. “You’re welcome.”

With a newfound smile, she responded, “Thank you.”

“I already said you’re welcome.”

Yankee had seen many women around here, but something about this one felt different. He took in her appearance from her soaked black hair tied into a messy ponytail, to her slender, pale neck, and her chest…

He gulped. Her damp white blouse was now see through, revealing the peach bra underneath.

Marina, noticing his lingering gaze, felt her face burn with anger.

“What are you looking at?!”

“Oh....” Yankee stammered. “Nothing. I’m sorry.”

“Let’s go, Yanks,” Tony called out.

Ignoring him, Yankee turned back to Marina. “What are you doing here?”

Holding up the coconut, she replied, “Can’t you tell?”

“You work here?” he asked?

Marina’s expression darkened. “What’s wrong with that?”

“Nothing,” he said with a tight smile.

“Just haven’t seen you around.”

“You work here too?” she asked, doubting it. His expensive clothes screamed wealth.

“I just came to stroll with my friend, Anthonio.” He pointed to Tony, who gave her a friendly wave.

“Okay... I really should get back to work,” she said, attempting to leave.

“Wait....I didn’t catch your name,” he said with a charming smile.

“Well, I never told you,” she replied bluntly.

“Excuse me.” She walked off, leaving Yankee watching her disappear into the field.

“Ouch, Yanks,” Tony laughed. “She’s tough! No girl’s ever denied you her name before.”

“Shut up, dude,” Yankee muttered, climbing back on his horse.

“No seriously,” Tony went on, urging his horse forward. “And what was that stare? You looked like a total pervert.”

“God, Tony.”

“It’s true! She probably thinks you’re the creepiest guy she’s ever met. You know how these country girls are.”

Can you just let me think?” Yankee snapped.

“Oh, sure,” Tony said with a smirk. “I’ll let you think… about her.”

“I’m not thinking about her!” Yankee barked.

Tony raised an eyebrow. “Yeah? Tell that to your face, Romeo.”

 
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