The midday sun is shining brightly in the sky and falls warm against my back.  It is unusually balmy for early April.  The whole morning has been spent removing faded flower heads off of daffodils and preparing the flowerbeds ready to be filled with summer flowers over the next few weeks.  I've certainly worked up a sweat and it's time for a break.  Placing the fork onto the wheelbarrow, I grab my lunch bag and set off down the large garden towards the orchard. 

The fruit trees provide the perfect cool canopy and peace and quiet to recharge my batteries after my strenuous morning's work.  I'll allow myself the luxury of at least half an hour as I've managed to achieve more this morning than I'd planned.

I sink down to the ground to rest up against the huge apple tree.  The grass feels a little damp through my jeans as the spring sun isn't yet hot enough to weave its way sufficiently through the tree branches to dry the ground.  The trunk of the apple tree feels rough against my back but the hard grooves are the perfect massager to ease the ache of my stiff shoulders after being hunched over all morning turning soil.  With my attempt in hand at trying to make an appetizing sandwich this morning, whilst shovelling down my breakfast because I was running late, and a water bottle sat nearby, I immerse myself in my latest novel. I know I have really worked hard as after a few pages I stop, my eyes beginning to see blurry words as they flutter open and closed in tiredness. 

I gently rest my head back against the grooves of the bark and close my eyes.  Just ten more minutes then I'll get back to it.  Silence.  Perfect.  Crack. 

My head shoots up and my eyes open wide.  Some twigs have clearly been trodden underfoot indicating that I am not alone in the orchard.  I glance towards the opening in the trees that leads down towards the house to see the overhanging pear tree branches swaying.  There certainly isn't any breeze today so they have been disturbed. 

"If there's anyone there show yourself."  I try to project my voice to sound confident although it comes out rather more shaky than intended.   

"You are trespassing on this property and I would like you to leave please." The only giveaway that it is a male voice is the low rasp that fills the air. 

"At least have the courtesy to show yourself." I speak annoyingly towards the trees. 

A large hand wraps around the branch and pushes it to one side as a man steps out from behind the pear tree.  Despite the warm sunny weather his upper body is covered in a hoodie with the hood up and hiding the majority of his face. 

"Please gather your belongings and leave, you have no right to be here and I don't want to see you on my property again." He states curtly. 

"I have every right to be here, I think it is you who is trespassing." Now I can physically see who I am talking to a renewed confidence washes over me. 

The man's fists clench at his sides and his upper body stiffens.  "I am renting this property and I've asked you to leave nicely now please do so," he almost growls through his gritted teeth.

"Renting, you, I don't think so." I let out sarcastically.  Although I can't see his face, his whole stance suggests he is far too young to be able to afford to rent this place.

Suddenly he meaningfully strides towards me releasing the tree branch from his grip and it vigorously springs violently back and forth.  I quickly rise to my feet to gain a little height advantage so I don't feel so intimidated by his towering stature.  His prominent jaw sticks out from behind the hood and is clearly tensing at his annoyance and, although shadowed, I can just make out his hooded eyes glaring at me.

"Look, I've asked nicely but if you won't leave then I'll have to call the police."

I cannot help the snort of laughter that escapes my mouth.  "Call the police, bit drastic isn't it, the nearest station is over 10 minutes away so you'll have a wait. What would you like to do in the meantime?"

The man huffs and shakes his head from side to side.

In that split second our demeanours reverse.  Mine switches from jovial to annoyed and his vice versa.  

"You are very rude, now if you'll excuse me I've got to get back to work.  You can show yourself off the property or I'll be the one calling the police." I barge past him towards the path.

The young man's gaze follows me as he turns, his lips together trying to hold back a grin, his nostrils flaring wildly. 

"Something funny?  I'm not laughing." I snap at him. 

"Back to work, doing what exactly?" He's folded his arms across his chest and cocked his head to one side.  He's so cocksure of himself.

"Not that it's any of your business but as a matter of fact I am the gardener here." I reply proudly.

"Oh really, the gardener eh, Miss?"  Amusement remains in his voice.

"Sorry but I don't give my name to strangers.  Like I said I have to get back to work." I state with disdain laced through my words.

"Like I said, I am renting this property so technically you are my gardener." He replies mimicking my tone. 

My patience with this obnoxious man is beginning to wear really thin.  "This is getting us nowhere."  I pull out my mobile phone and he looks shocked as I begin to dial a number. His eyes open so wide I can almost see them under the hood, small speckles of emerald shining in them.

He raises his palms up in front of him.  "Please wait, who are you calling?" comes flying out of his mouth and I detect a sudden fear in his tone.

"Relax, just the owner of the property to check you are who you say you are.  Hi Mum.  Look there's a man at the house and he reckons he's renting the property but you said the renter wasn't arriving until next week so I just wanted to check."  A period of silence falls upon the orchard as I listen intently to my mother on the other end of the line.  "Ok, thanks for clearing that up. Yes see you later."  I end the call and turn to the man.

"It appears I owe you an apology. My mum has confirmed the details, she just failed to mention you brought the move in date forward."  I swallow my pride but deliver my apology with little emotion. 

"It appears then that I also owe you an apology. Your mother didn't confirm that the rental includes a gardener.  I am very sorry."  His tone is softer but he still impersonates my tone. I can't decide if he is purposely mocking me or if he is genuinely sorry.      

"Shall we start again?" I extend my hand to shake his.  "It's nice to meet you Mr Greenberg."

His whole body jerks upright.  "Oh, um, yes of course."  He sounds surprised like I've caught him off guard which is completely odd. 

"That is your name isn't it?" I state questioningly.

"Yes, yes of course, please call me Mick," he dismisses with a wave of his hand.  "And you are?"

"Liliana but everyone calls me Lily."

"Lily, how ironic. Nice to meet you Lily." He grins.

"Ironic?"  I frown towards him not following his train of thought.

"Yes, Lily as in the flower and you are a gardener." He's pointing his finger backwards and forwards and smirking to himself.

"Right, on that note I'll be off."  I say walking away from the orchard leaving Mick standing alone laughing at his own joke.