Aksara Taste (For Flavors That Will Not Be Perfect)
Chapter Fifteen
I don't know why Aina looks different tonight. He greeted me with a smile. Throwing my eyes at her very pretty. Her hair, which was tied up, is now free. A thick gray shirt makes her look more elegant. Her lips were wrapped in a dark-colored lipstick. Wonder me.
“Why, Ma'am? Tumben-tumbenan pake lipstick.” I said while putting sneakers on the shelf. Then followed in the footsteps of Sister Aina who walked in front of me.
“Today, it's Mas Rudi's birthday. Ma'am can not say anything, fear later not accepted. So, just make this. What do you think, Al?”
I gawked in disbelief as I arrived at the dining room. On the table was a third-rate sponge cake, complete with candles around it. Large bowls of fruit salad, vegetable salad, rendang meat, chicken soup, and fried pete filled the table.
Hanif and Alif who were sitting side by side near the dining table were looking at me with wide smiles.
“Bi, where is the gift?” ask them grinning.
I forget, every anniversary celebration Mas Rudi, the gift is given to Hanif and Alif. Wrapped in a large gift, complete with writing, “May Hanif and Alif always be happy.”
“Tomorrow, yes. Bi Alya has not yet wrapped his card.” sahutku cheated. Just bought the gift I haven't done. I don't even remember that today Mas Rudi's birthday.
So pulled the dining table chair, from the outside came the sound of a roaring bemo machine. Madam Aina immediately walked towards the door. Welcoming her husband who has just arrived.
I do not know how the birthday greeting and greeting that Mbak Aina gave to Mas Rudi. To be sure the affection of the two of them really made me envy half to death. I don't know what kind of words they both said. I could only look at them from a distance. Watching them embrace. Watching the two of them smile shyly after finishing kissing. As if unaware that there was me who had been busy watching.
“Bi Alya gets married. Let's not have to see the father of the same mother like that.” said Hanif while driving his yacht on the table.
I looked at the boy.
“Ntar pasalah Bi Alya, his son directly two, Bi. So that rame.” connect Alif with his brightly sparkling ballamata.
I exhaled heavily hearing what the two of them said.
Lazy with Hanif and Alif jokes, I rushed to turn on the candles around the sponge cake. Then in one shout I exclaimed loudly, “When blow out the candles!”
*****
Busy enjoying a vegetable salad made by Mbak Aina, I was made to choke when Mas Rudi spoke up.
“Because the renovation takes about a month, so later, Mom, Hanif same Alif to Yogya first. A week after that, my father followed. All taking this year off.”
Ma'am Aina looked at Mas Rudi with two eyebrows raised high. “Alya how? Alya we live alone?”
“Alya? Yes, the house, it is. Look at the progress, keep sending the photos to us. If everyone goes to Yogya, it's dangerous. There will be no foreman dong.”
I just smiled bitterly. Imagine how much I suffered because of Mas Rudi's crazy idea this time. The cut was only one week. But, how could he leave me that long? Being a foreman or something like that is not my forte.
“Oh, yes, this afternoon I have met Panji. He said, the interior design wants to see the condition of our home first.” said Mas Rudi while devouring his last rendang.
“Emang the plan, we want what?” asked Ma'am Aina curiously.
“Yes, sir, heck, wanted Rustic. But there is still a modern style. Let's not be so old-fashioned.”
“Means his style is contemporary, sir.”
I gawked at the one word spoken from Hanif's mouth. Not even just me, Mas Rudi and Mbak Aina were also made to look at. Questioning each other who taught him such terms.
While I was finishing the vegetable salad, Aunt Aina passed by to the kitchen. He prepared the closing menu for dinner this time. Hanif and Alif have moved to the front of the television. Busy running their yachts and airplanes.
“Al, the day after you're not going anywhere, right?” tanya Mas Rudi sounded whispered. Both of his balls were aimed towards the kitchen, watching the movements of Sister Aina.
“Kan, from tomorrow holiday, Mas. So, yeah, not going anywhere. Why then?” ask after sipping a glass of warm water.
“Mas titip kids, yes.” A second later he continued. “Tomple the plan Mas want to take Aina vacation. All honeymoon.” whispered slowly. Makes me cough over and over again.
“Honey month?” I just don't believe it.
“Iya, right, Aina does not want to add another child.” said Mas Rudi explained.
“Yes, if you do not want to add children, why honeymoon?”
“Well, this. If you are not married, you will not know the reason.”
I'm speechless. The reality was in line with what Mas Rudi said. I'm not married yet, so I don't know why husband and wife should always honeymoon.
“Can't take them, Mas?” I asked with a pleading tone.
“Honeymoon with the kids? How about, anyway, Al?” sahut Mas Rudi with a face does not understand.
“Udah, will not be long, really. Do you want to say what you want? Ntar Mas buyin as a thank you.”
“Back home aja cepet aja, Mas. Know for yourself, right, Hanif with Alif if there is no mother like how.” sahutku resigned.
*****
As soon as I looked at the night sky, my intention was to open the window. The wind looks outrageous. It was evident that the branches of the tree began to fall. The trees are not moving. Going here is like dancing.
Both of my hands were busy drying my hair in front of the fan. Open the strands slowly, letting the children fly. The little towel I used to absorb the wet, now it's starting to feel heavy.
Realizing that my hair was completely dry, I rushed towards the bed. Then put my crumpled body on the bed. Enjoy the aroma of cinnamon spreading. Makes me calm and comfortable at the same time.
I was huddled in a thick blanket. Wrapping my whole body that was starting to get cold. Just a moment closing my eyes, my ears were made to stand up instantly. My phone is vibrating long, indicating a call.
Just by looking at Arfian's name, I immediately smiled for no reason.
“Hallo?” warm sapaku.
“Do you have time? We can copy the bentar, can?” asked the young man warmly.
I got out of bed. The blanket that was wrapping around my body, I threw it in any direction. From the windowpanes, my eyes caught the Arfian figure standing in front of his old sedan. The young man waited for my answer while looking up. Stare at my bedroom window until our eyes meet.
“Wait for me there.” sahutku shrivel.
At the speed of light, I rushed to wear my father's knitted sweater. One hand reached for the thick jacket hanging in the closet. Remembering Arfian who stood there just wearing a t-shirt just made me not out of thought.
Did he forget or intentionally?
