The room was already empty since an hour ago. All the lights have been turned off, except those contained in the corner near the window. Lights there were still on because there was someone sitting there. The girl who occupied a table near the window was actually not really need lighting because she was not working.
Applejack sat back in her chair with her hands folded in front of her chest. Her brow furrowed and her eyes narrowed stare fixedly at the phone lying on the desk. She bit her lip and did not understand why the mobile phone with a variety of cute hanging it does not ring, no flickering, no shaking, not do anything!
She turned the chair facing a large window and looked down, watching the cars are milling with dreamy gaze. The sky was dark. She glanced at her watch and sighed. Past seven. She turned back in her chair facing the desk.
"Where have you been?" Hissed Applejack and tapped her phone with her finger.
"You're start talking to a cell phone now?"
Applejack looked up and turned around. Pinkie Pie just entrants into the room smiling at her. Pinkie is sweet girl with candy red hair, Blue eyes, a few years older than Applejack. Stature thin, small, and with a face like a teenage girl. On the other hand Pinkie liked the fact it-who does not like to have youthful face? But on the other hand she was cranky as hell if there are people who underestimate her because they think she was a teenager schoolgirl.
"Are you finish broadcast?" Asked Applejack lightly as she leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table and chin.
Pinkie nodded and walked to her desk at the front desk. "Haven't you finished broadcasting since ...," she glanced at the clock, "a half-hour ago?" Pinkie asked with a raised eyebrow.
Applejack sighed. "Indeed," she said weakly. She lowered her head and rested her forehead on the table and sighed loudly again.
They were both announcer in one of the most popular radio station in Ponyville. Pinkie is more senior than Applejack and handled major broadcast is 'I remember' ..., that shows who read letters from listeners, while Applejack brought the program of popular songs and the weekly charts.
"Hey, why are so lethargic?" Asked Pinkie and tapped gently Applejack's head with a pen. "Don't you usually most like on Friday?"
Applejack raised her head and smiled grimly. Friday is the most she preferred because Friday is the start of the weekend is eagerly awaited. But today become the exception. She was not happy or excited.
"Ooh ... I understand," said Pinkie suddenly and smiled. "He still not calling, right."
Applejack bit her lip and nodded weakly. She glanced back at her cell phone. Then as if she had made up her mind, she snorted and grabbed the phone. "Forget it," she said firmly, more to herself. With a nonchalant motion Applejack threw her phone into her handbag and stood up from the chair.
"Pinkie, let's go home now," she said. "Sit and felt pity of yourself is no use."
Pinkie looked at her, puzzled. "Who felt pity for herself after all?"
* * *
Fifteen minutes later, Applejack and Pinkie had been in the glass elevator that takes them down to the ground floor. Applejack stood against the elevator door and enjoy the night view of Ponyville. At the beginning of his parents' divorce twelve years ago, she lived with her mother. Four years later, at age sixteen, she decided to move to Ponyville to live with her father. Since that time, Ponyville became her life.
They had arrived at the ground floor. Applejack walk out of the elevator and waved to her friend.
Applejack wait until the elevator door closed and turned around. She was just about to step when she saw a man standing near the reception desk in the lobby of the building. Her footsteps stopped and she held her breath, but only for a moment. She then decided to ignore him and stepped back.
The man saw Applejack and hurried toward the main door. He smiled and waved, but Applejack ignore it and quickened her pace.
"Applejack."
Applejack heard the call of the man, but pretended not to hear. She left the building and walked quickly to where car was parked, strive ignore footsteps that followed. An autumn wind blowing in her face and Applejack pressed jacket she wore.
"Applejack, wait a minute."
When she had almost reached the parking, Applejack issued car keys. She hear a pip twice marks the car door was already open and she quickly got in. She was about to close the door when movement is stuck.
"Can you wait a minute?" Asked the man, holding the car door. "Why in rush?"
"What?" Applejack asked in a tone not at all friendly. She stared at her interlocutor with a memorable look that she hoped sharp and stabbing.
Applejack was never attracted to men, with brown hair, blue eyes. But strangely she considers the man standing next to her was interesting.
The man chuckled softly and looked down. "I was wondering if you would join me for dinner."
Basic playboy men! Applejack grumbled inwardly. She snorted in disgust and glanced at the man beside her. The man was adjusted his glasses perched on his nose and a smile full of confidence remains on his lips, as if sure Applejack never refuse his invitation. Basic playboy!
Because Applejack did not answer, he added, "My treat, of course. You may choose restaurant. "
Applejack tried to look unconcerned, but finally she broke down and cried, "Damn you, Lucky Clover! Where have you been all this time? Why did not you call me? "
Lucky smile widened, completely unaffected of Applejack nagging.
* * *
In Ponyville there is one small restaurant that became famous not for their favorite, Applejack serves Japanese dishes, especially her favorite sushi. The retaurant is located on a small street that is rather quiet and quite far. Not many people know the existence of a restaurant that except for a few people who become permanent Subscribed, like Applejack. Besides her mother, the only one Applejack who missed from Appleloosa was her mother food. Instead Applejack voters about food, but sometimes she was bored with the Ponyville food.
Another case with Lucky. The man was not too fond of sushi or Appleloosa cuisine. In short, he is not too fond of food other than Japanese. When let Applejack choose, he knew exactly Applejack would choose this restaurant because she was a big fan of sushi. It is okay. This time Lucky budge. He would rather see Apple Victoria Jack busy eating sushi with joy rather than rampage Applejack. Therefore Lucky be satisfied with fried rice ordered. At least it looks pretty decent food.
"So," Applejack said with her mouth still rather full. She chews a moment, swallowed, then continued, "Where have you been this past week? If you remember, at that time you promise want to pick me up at the Train station. You know how long I waited? If you can not pick, you can always call me? Is not that one reason you buy a mobile phone? To call, right? "
Lucky did not answer immediately. He held his smile and tried to convince himself once again that he prefers Applejack chatty than Applejack who pretended not to know him.
"I know what you are thinking. Do not try to call me fussy, "threatened Applejack, reaching one more sushi again and Lucky stared with narrowed eyes.
They both had been friends since Applejack moved to Ponyville. They met for the first time when Lucky invited to attend the opening party of new restaurants by Applejack's father. Lucky had confessed that at first he thought she was a foster child since Applejack different from her father. Appleack's father, , is a typical European, a tall, handsome, with brown hair bright, sharp nose, Green eyes, and pale white skin, while his daughter, Applejack, have characteristics of dominant Asians, with black hair cut short and white skin, but not doughy. Actually, if observed carefully, Applejack also has green eyes and a long nose like his father. Similarly, the height that exceeds the average height of Asians. Combination of elements from East and West make Applejack has a unique face, attractive, and not easily forgotten.
Initially Lucky was not too concerned about Applejack because he thought she was the only foreigners who can not speak English, but he was wrong. Applejack English is impeccably and direct amazed, especially when he knows other than French and English, she was also master the Indonesian language. French isn't Lucky thing, to the point that he was embarrassed at this Asian girl. Lucky then assume Applejack as his own sister and they were both very fit. Perhaps because they have a common destiny. They are both single children, their parents are divorced, although still on good terms, and they lived with their father.
"Hello? You want to start explaining now or want to wait until the snow falls? "
Lucky looked up and found Applejack was staring at him with a raised eyebrow.
"Well, I'm sorry," said Lucky carefully and thousand-watt smile of his. "I'm sorry I could not meet you at the Train station. I also apologize for not call you. "
"Where are you this past week?"
"Manhattan."
Applejack blinked. "Manhattan?"
Lucky nodded. "At that time my father was in Tokyo for work. On Saturday, the day you come back to Ponyville, I got a call telling me that my father suddenly fainted in the middle of a meeting. "
"Oh."
Lucky raised his hand. "Do not worry," He interrupted quickly when he saw Applejack's face turned concerned. "My father was just exhausted and his heart is always been a bit problematic. So I had to fly to Manhattan to replace him. I've told you about plans to build a hotel here in collaboration with Manhattan, isn't it? "
Applejack nodded. She remembered Lucky mentioned anything about the project. Lucky's father is architect firms will cooperate with Manhattan companies to build a hotel in Here. Lucky is one of the architects involved in the project.
"Because my father had to rest a few days in the hospital, I must continue his work," Lucky forward. "I do not have much spare time to call you. I could not find a suitable time to call you. "
"Where is your father now?"
"He's healthy and back to work as usual," Lucky said, then shrugged and grinned. "My father was the type of person who can not be silent."
Applejack nodded, then looked down at her food. She rather regretted the attitude. Grumpy themselves before know what really happened.
"How's your mother?" Asked Lucky to change the subject.
Applejack looked up. "Mama? As usual. Still busy designing jewelry and accessories. "
"Not married again?"
Applejack shrugged. "Not yet. Looks like Mama did not intend to marry again. Just like Dad, I guess. "
"Anything new what else from your family?" Said Lucky. He did not know Applejack family well, but he likes to hear her story. Applejack has a clear and pleasant voice. No wonder she was easily accepted into major broadcasters on popular radio program in one of the most famous radio station.
"The new news?" Muttered Applejack while pressing her lips with the tip of a spoon. "I met my cousin."
"Which cousin?"
"Who lives in Cloudsdale. I just found out that her boyfriend is a singer, "said Applejack, then suddenly changing the subject," Speaking of boyfriends, how about Manhattan? Did you meet a beautiful Manhattan girl over there? "
Lucky snapped his fingers. "Ah, I almost forgot to tell you."
"What?" Applejack frowned instantly. She had just asked, did not really want to hear the story of Lucky love with Manhattan girl or any girl.
"I have friends in there," He started. "His name is Caramel Hooves."
Caramel Hooves. Hmm ... looks like not a female name, thought Applejack.
"He was also an architect and he will join in this hotel development project. He's a japanesse but work in Manhattan architects, who were previously responsible in this project suddenly withdrew from this work. The company therefore proposed that the Manhattan side that replaced Caramel.
"But when my father and I intend to meet him in Manhattan, we were told he was in Ponyville. I managed to reach him and promised to call him again when I get back to Ponyville."
Applejack waited for more. She still did not understand the conversation Lucky has.
"So I call him and ask him to come here," said Lucky lightly.
Applejack frowned. "Come here? You mean now? "
Lucky nodded. "Yes. You do not mind, right? You're going to like him. He's a nice guy. "
Objections? Of course Applejack mind and she said it directly to Lucky. "Why do not you meet him tomorrow or any other day? Today I'm not like to get acquainted with strangers. "
Lucky surprised to see Applejack suddenly annoyed. "Caramel could speak French. Very Smooth." He added, misunderstand the reasons Applejack why annoyed.
"You think that I objected to people who can not speak French?" Applejack replied irritably. "You always feel everyone in the world should be able to speak French or English. But the problem is not that. I just ... Oh, never mind! Forget it."
Lucky adjusted his glasses with confusion.
Applejack knew Lucky was expecting an explanation. Applejack actually upset that Lucky offhand invite friends to join them. She hadn't met Lucky for week and today Applejack wants to talk alone with him. Did Lucky could not see him after dinner? Did Lucky not understand her feelings?
"But I thought ..." Lucky will explain when his cell phone rang. "Hello? Oh, Caramel. You already here?"
Lucky turned towards the door and Applejack reluctantly follow the direction where Lucky look. She saw an Asian looking man entered the deserted bistro, looking around the room. Lucky waved. The man saw them and smiled.
"I'll met him, but I will not be long," Applejack said quickly. "Today, I'm do not want to mince words. I am tired."
Lucky did not answer because his friend had arrived at their table.
"Lucky, how are you? Glad to see you again, "says Caramel excited, not sounding foreign accent whatsoever.
Lucky stood, embraced and patted his back. "I'm also happy to see you again."
Applejack watched carefully Caramel Hooves. He was young, he was certainly peer Lucky, in his late twenties. Was tall, as tall as Lucky, and a little thinner than Lucky. His black hair. Matched with the shape of his face. His eyes were small, sharp nose, and a small chin. Overall Caramel Hooves has a nice face ... and interesting. Applejack immediately give the value of seventy five for him.
But there is something disturbing ....
Applejack frowned. Caramel Hooves seems familiar. No, Applejack was convinced he had never met him before, but there was something that was familiar from Caramel himself.
"Here, this is my friend, Applejack."
Applejack gaze and found Lucky was staring at him.
"Applejack, his name is Caramel Hooves," Lucky continue. "My best friend from Manhattan."
Applejack forcing a smile and a welcome helping hand. "Hello," says Applejack short. As has been said earlier, she did not intend to mince words.
"Call me Caramel," Caramel said. He smiled broadly, while slightly bending, completely unaware Applejack mood. "Nice to meet you, Applejack."
Applejack's eyebrows rose slightly. Correction, Caramel value just went up to eight. He likes the way he said her name. He pronounce the English is good, for japanese they can pronounce english in a weird sound. Now the Japanese man who calling in a way that made her feel uncomfortable.
While Lucky and Caramel exchanged greetings, Applejack continues to rack her brain to figure out what makes Caramel was familiar, but still did not get an answer. Applejack does not like to feel curious. She should not be curious it will continue to gnaw like a hole in the tooth that can make the whole body took ill. And at the first meeting with Caramel already made she curious as hell.
"I hope I'm not interrupting," said Caramell, Applejack reverie interrupted.
"No, no," said Lucky fast, before Applejack could react. "You did not get lost, right? This bistro is a bit off the beaten track. "
Caramel shook his head. "My taxi driver is was great," he said with a grin.
"Sit down. Did you eat yet? "Said Lucky. "I hope you do not mind. Applejack like Sushi a lot. "
"Oh yeah?" Said Caramel while releasing brown jacket and slung it into the seat. "I'm willing to try any food. I'm not picky about food. "
Caramel smiled indifferently, but made a mental note. Correction again, the value Caramel Hooves rose to eight and a half. He said earlier he was not picky when it comes to food. Attitude endeared her.
"He was also a broadcaster," Lucky continued, as if he were proud beloved dauther. Suddenly Lucky snapped his fingers and stared at Appejack. "You've got an event that read letters from listeners, right?" He asked.
She did not answer, just blinked and nodded indifferently.
Lucky turned to Caramel and patted his shoulder. "Listen, do not you have a good story? You can write a letter to the show. "
Caramel chuckled and shook his head.
"What? What story? "Asked Applejack. Okay, Lucky managed to arouse curiosity. She rested her hands on the table and leaned forward.
"He does not explain the details of the story, but it was when he called me, he said he met a girl," said Lucky. "So coming from Manhattan here directly interested in a ponyville girl. Great."
Caramel smiled sheepishly. "He's exaggerating," he said to Applejack. "I did not say that."
"Do not mind Lucky," said Applejack regardless. "If you have an interesting story, please write to our event. Who knew we'd read on the air. "
"I'll think," said Caramel.
Applejack suddenly reached into her purse and pulled out the phone. She stared at it for a moment, then said to the two men in front of her apologetically, "Sorry, I could not stay longer. There is a sudden affair. I must go home now."
"Why so sudden?" Asked Lucky confused. For a moment he'd thought Applejack was not upset, but why this girl had to pretend a message about the affairs of a sudden?
Applejack wore a jacket and scarf back and said, "I'll call you later, Lucky." She turned toward Caramel, held out her hand and smiled briefly. "Nice to meet you. I'm sorry I could not talk longer. Maybe next time."
Caramel welcomed the helping hand and smiled. "It is okay. See you later."
"Bye." Applejack embrace ucky and rested her cheek on the Lucky cheek quickly, after which she waved to Caramel and walk out of the restaurant.