The Help
You were finally well enough to work in the fields again. You were grateful. Sitting on your couch was getting old very quickly. You got on your farming clothes and stepped into the sunshine.
You were surprised to see Sam already out there. He was tilling the field for you.
“Sam!” You called. He stopped what he was doing and waved. “Sam, I told you not to come today. I’m better!”
“Yeah right.” He smiled. “Like I’m letting you do this all alone. You still need to take it easy, right?”
You sighed. But you couldn’t be mad at Sam. He was trying to help. And truthfully, though you were cleared to work, you still felt a little sore.
You wordlessly picked up your equipment and worked next to him.
“Hey, you got a few chicks yesterday. I put them under the warming lamp.” He said.
Your smile brightened. One of the best parts about working on the farm was seeing baby animals. “Well, that sounds like we have to go visit them.”
“Oh, yeah, we’re obliged.” Sam laughed.
You finished the field, planting the last few seeds you had. Lifting the heavy watering can was making your arms a little sore. But, the idea of baby chickens was motivating enough to finish your work.
You and Sam walked into your chicken coop. The barn smell permeated your nose. It wasn’t too bad. It smelled like everyone who was looking after the farm did a great job keeping the coop tidy. Even so, barns had a certain smell. You walked to the corner where the warming lamp was set up over a smaller fenced area. The chicks were chirping excitedly seeing you approach.
“Aw, hello!” You said, scooping one up. Its little feet tickled the palm of your hands. A piece of hair fell over your shoulder, and the chick tangled itself up in it. You giggled. “Stop it, little guy.” You looked over at Sam who was smiling softly, his eyes looking warmly at you. It was the kind of dumb look you only gave someone who you were in love with. Suddenly, you felt a rush of warmth between you two. He awkwardly shuffled back and rubbed his neck.
“You look really cute with those little guys. I mean, I know it’s your job, but… It totally suits you.” He smiled.
“I was born to be an animal hoarder.” You joked.
“I love animals. I want, like, a million of them… Y’know, one day.” Sam stammered.
“Can we start a commune?” You joked. “A big patch of land here. Could do with some more houses and animals, and hands…”
“Communes always turn out to be weird cults. Otherwise, I’d be down.” Sam smirked.
“What’s wrong with a cult? I’d be a good cult leader.”
“True. If you told me to jump off a bridge, I think I’d just do it.” Sam said. He scooped up his own little chicken that squealed happily. “I could get used to this kind of life, though…”
“I haven’t regretted this job for a second.” You smiled. It was true. It was a simpler kind of life. Being in the sun and working felt like what humans were made to do.
Sam groaned. “Speaking of which…” He set down the chick back in the pen. “I have to go get ready for work.”
“Living that Joja life, hey?” You said.
Sam scrunched his bright blue eyes as he smiled. “Yeah. It helps my mom out some. Though, I’ve been applying to some places in the city, too. She’s been more stressed about money lately, and I know the looming threat of me going to college doesn’t help.”
“College?” You asked.
He sighed. “Yeah. I would have gone right after high school, but I needed to save money. It’s not fair to my mom, you know?” He ran a hand through his blonde hair.
“What do you want to study?”
He shook his head, a grin breaking out on his face. “No, no. You’ll laugh.”
“I won’t!”
“This is a trap.” He laughed. “Okay, fine. I want to study business.”
“Why would I laugh?” You asked. “Business is pretty normal.”
“I don’t know. It just doesn’t suit me, does it? Truthfully, I just want to make a ton of money for my family. That’s it.”
You smiled at him. It didn’t surprise you that that was his answer. He seemed to care a lot for his mom and his brother. “That’s sweet.”
“But I want to be there for them while I work. Unlike my dad.” He said, looking at his shoes.
You hadn’t heard Sam talk about his dad much. You didn’t know how to respond. You sighed, and looked at the cute baby chickens again. “It must be hard for you all.” You offered.
“It was. Now I’m used to it. Poor Vincent, though. Growing up without a dad.” He scoffed. “I don’t see how any real man could leave his family.”
You wracked your brain for everything you knew about Sam’s family. “But he’s in the army…”
“Yeah. Can’t someone else do that?” He huffed. Sam’s demeanor was quickly changing in front of you.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to…”
“No, I know. I didn’t mean to get all pissy. I just… can’t help it when it’s about him.” Sam sighed.
“Well, if you ever need a break from being a big businessman, maybe you can come hang out with all my animals here.” You said, trying to lighten the mood.
“Or I can just be a businessman and bring home money that we invest into the farm…” He said, leaning against the side of the barn. He crossed his arms and looked at you seriously.
“Oh yeah? How do you suggest that’ll work?” You laughed.
Sam dusted off his jeans. “Nah, nevermind. That’s a little much for right now. I’ve got to go to work anyways.”
“Can I walk you there?” You offered.
“Save your strength.” He said. “You’re recovering.”
Before you could respond, Sam approached you. Towering over you, he bent down and planted a kiss on your forehead. You weren’t expecting it, and your face flooded with sudden heat. “Take it easy, y/n. Don’t force yourself to do anything too hard.”
With that, Sam left the barn, leaving you completely speechless.