He's The Unaffordable
Chapter 9 - The Urge

When she walked into that dining room, when I looked at her for the first time, her face looked familiar. But I don't remember where I've met a woman like her. I often accompany Dira to watch foreign films, it could be that I only remembered the cast of films that have physical characteristics similar to her.

Today she was in this place with another man who looked much older than her. Sitting so affectionately, walking in embrace, then why end up fighting on the emergency stairs? Most strangely, why would he hurt the man and forbid him to touch him? They were acting like lovers at the mall, but strangers on the stairs.

I knew that those blond hair and blue eyes were his real physique. Then why did he change his appearance when he was with the man earlier? Even the way he spoke and walked changed. Who exactly is that woman?

Colin never hid anything from me, including about the women he liked. Until yesterday what he discussed and asked was Dira, Dira, Dira. If she thinks I can be tricked by coming with another girl, introducing her as her lover, then she's stupid. I don't believe in his acting.

Especially when he became the first person to run to help my brother and the photographer from the iron pole that fell towards him. I as her brother just did not pay attention to my sister and the circumstances around her were that sharp. He clearly loves Dira. But why would he end their relationship that way?

If the girl named Mila is his girlfriend, then why is she with other men in this place? Does Colin know about this? Lest he wear wig and contact lenses so Colin doesn't know he's cheating. But most suspiciously, he speaks Indonesian fluently. She's not like a real American girl.

“... in, Hadi, are you listening to me?” I felt someone touch my hand. I lifted my head and met Mama. “What are you thinking about? From earlier you did not hear your grandmother's question.”

“Oh. I'm sorry.” I smiled, then turned to look at Papa's biological mother. “Yes, Grandma?”

“Do you have a boyfriend?” ask Grandma Naava. Mama and Dira laughed. “I see you're just busy studying and following your papa in his office. If you go out with friends, all you bring is Colin. Sometimes bring your girlfriends.”

“Why don't you bring one from your college friend on Dira's birthday next week? Your mama's been dating since High School. And he married young to your father. See them now, live happily even though still often quarrel.” Anya's grandmother blinked her eyes at Grandma Naava.

“Mama!” protest Mama with reddened face.

“Nek, I just turned twenty-one. My future is long. After graduating from college, I will work while waiting for a scholarship vacancy to continue studying abroad. I want to prepare myself to be the one to replace Papa. Once I become an important person, women will be queuing up to be my wife,” I said casually.

“It's very true.” Mama smiled sweetly. “But you forgot one thing. Those women are only after money and the comforts of life, not loving you.”

“I will leave that business to my wonderful Mama and my two grandmothers. You guys can help me sort out which girls are sincere and which ones are double-eyed.” They laughed at my words. “Again Dira will marry Colin next year. Mama and Grandma don't have to worry about me.”

“Dira already told me that there will be no wedding next year. We take this as God's way of telling you that you should marry first. Not brother. You intend to graduate by the end of this year. Then you still have plenty of time to hang out and find the right partner.” Naava's grandmother looked at me expectantly.

“I just found out Dira and Colin agreed not to get married,” said I was trying to shift the subject. Dira glared at me which I only ignored. “They just fought like any other couple. Soon they will be better again.”

“If that's true, then we can have two weddings at once!” granny Anya's Cheers.

“Iya! That's a good idea. Oh, I can't wait to get busy again preparing clothes, choosing places, decorations, food menu. Yes, ‘kan, Anya?” timpal Naava's grandmother with a radiant face.

Dira looked at me full of protest, then sighed softly. It's not my fault they're talking about marriage. It is his offending mistake about him not getting married to Colin next year. They must have talked about that when choosing clothes.

“Why did Grandma suddenly urge me to get married? Usually you guys free me too sisters to do what we want.” I sipped my coffee.

“Of course because we want to pet the great-grandmother,” said Anya and Naava simultaneously. I choked on the warm coffee until I coughed.

Papa hugged Mama and kissed her affectionately as we arrived home. Grandma started scrambling to tell me what they were doing while shopping for my two grandfathers. Mr. Liando and Sakti helped bring all the bags and grocery bags into the house. I asked them to put everything in Dira's room.

We sat together in the family room. I only listened as they discussed the preparations for Dira's birthday. What we used to do every time we celebrated the birthday of one of my grandparents.

On my birthday last month, I asked for a simple event attended by our family. Of course the show wasn't as simple as I expected. Om Zach, Mama's three best friends, Colin and their families also came to have dinner together. There are twenty more people celebrating my birthday with me. The same number will also be present on Dira's birthday, perhaps more because she will definitely invite her good friend and careless assistant.

After taking my two sisters to their school, I headed for college. Since last night my mind can't be far from that girl named Mila. He refused to answer my question about who he really was. I couldn't prevent him from leaving because I didn't want people to misunderstand me and think I was going to hurt him.

As a first child, I realized that I had to prepare to replace Papa later. He never said anything that had anything to do with the company. He gave me the freedom to decide my own way of life. But I have long chosen. I want to be a great businessman like Papa.

Even though I only studied on campus and learned from Papa in his office, Grandma didn't have to worry about my future wife. There are a lot of students at the college who are interested in me. I know some of them are only interested in my background, but there are also those who sincerely like me for who I am. I can choose what I like.

“Good morning, Hadi. You are not usually alone. Where is Colin?” asked Valeria, one of the class friends who did not understand the word no. He put down his bag and sat down on the empty chair beside me. There were many of our classmates, but he called me alone.

“Hey, did you not listen to me?” He patted my shoulder.

“I'm not Cole's nanny. How do I know where he is?” I replied indifferently. The thing I hate about being a rich kid is that women don't give up on me even when I've shown disinterest.

“I asked because you guys are close. After all this is a course that he likes, not usually he has not come.” He took out a book and writing utensils from his bag. “Ah, that's it! Colin!”

Colin frowned looking at me before nodding towards Valeria. He sat in the chair behind me. Not long after, my phone shook. I touched the message window that appeared on the top screen of my phone and read the message coming from Colin.

What's up with him? Why is he sitting next to you and suddenly being friendly to me?

Where do I know. I rolled my eyeballs as I sent the message.

I'll be home tonight. Fighting with Dad. Accompany me? He had a fight with Uncle Will? Ah, Lily must have complained about Mila to their parents.

Just take Mila. I'm going to Papa's office after college.

Traitors.

You are the traitor. Mila's not your boyfriend. You lied. You are my only good friend, that's the only reason that keeps me from killing you right now.

“Hadi, I did not lie to you,” Colin said with his voice this time, no longer via message.

I was not lured and answered in a message. It's a personal matter and I don't want anyone to listen. Then explain it to me. How can girls born and raised in America speak Indonesian fluently?

*******

Meanwhile in a school~

“Di-dira, good morning,” greet a student with a flushed face. Dira stopped his steps because the young man was blocking his way.

“Good morning,” replied while thinking what the name of the young man was and from which class. He knew that the man was third grade, but he was not his classmate.

“I-this is for you.” The young man threw an envelope at him. They began to attract the attention of the other students who passed through that corridor.

“Thank you. But I already have a girlfriend, everyone knows it.” Dira was unmoved, not trying to take the envelope.

“Say, you've broken up and you're on your own. So, I hope you'll give me a chance to be your girlfriend.” The young man now lowered his head with his hand still holding out the envelope towards Dira.

“Who said that?” dira asked with a sharp look towards the young man in front of him. The young man raised his head, looking at him in confusion. “Who dares to say that I broke up with my girlfriend?”