Not Runaway
CHAPTER 41

Aiden knocked on the door repeatedly. Aiden was convinced Airin wasn't in the house. Richie said Airin had his car with him, but the white Yaris was not there. Aiden was just trying to bang and bang again. He was confused and desperate. Don't know what he's gonna do. Finally he gave up, he stopped.

‘Where are you Ai? What should I do without you?’ Aiden cursed his stupidity. He decided to ask Mama Rianti, he did not care anymore if his mother-in-law scolded him. Aiden just wants to find Airin. And sure enough, Rianti was furious. He did not know there was any problem in his son's marriage and it was because his daughter-in-law's ex-wife returned. Airin wasn't there. Aiden apologized repeatedly with his father-in-law and promised to find Airin as soon as possible. Aiden decided to wait all night outside Airin's house. And the result is NIHIL. Airin really didn't go back there.

Aiden calls Richie to tell him that Airin is not at his house.

“Did Airin contact you Ric?” ask Aiden. He had just arrived at his house and looked very disheveled. Shinta who has heard about the problem of her son can only resign, she also does not have the heart to nag Aiden who is less assertive according to him. Shinta just trying to focus on keeping the children, especially facing various questions from the little Vely.

“Not yet. Maybe he'll call me soon. Airin has promised, and she rarely denies.” Richie. Richie has also repeatedly tried to contact Airin and his phone is still inactive.

“Please let me know if he calls you. Thank you very much Ric.” Aiden hung up. Sitting languidly in the bed where he and Airin used to talk things out, share affection, and make love.

‘Richie says you rarely break a promise, Ai. But why don't you keep your promise never to give up on us and the kids. We should talk about everything. You should've hit me Ai.’

Aiden cried in a sleep that seemed like a dream to him.

*****

Airin spent the day by following a hiking troupe exploring the forest and river. There were not many people on that day, only seven participants and a guide. His journey ended by seeing a very beautiful waterfall. Residents around call it “Curug Cibaliung.” They rested while chatting, only Airin sat alone and watched the people around him. A couple of husband and wife like him, aged approximately 50 years but still looks fit. Three girls who seemed to be still female students were heard from the topic they were talking about. Two more seemed to be his father and son who were about fifteen years old. Airin was busy with his imagination reading their characters until someone greeted him. The driver.

“Kok didn't join there? Your name is Airin. “ Airin nodded. He only knew the driver's name was Sam. A well-built, tall, sapodilla-skinned young man, and his good looks might come from the Western mixed blood he possessed.

“Can I sit here?” Airin nodded back.

“You're a little quiet huh like.” Further. Airin smiled.

“There is no right interlocutor yet. I just want to enjoy all this.” Airin inhaled in the air that felt very fresh there.

“New first time join this tour?” ask Sam again. They sat on a large rock.

“Iya. It is also delicious to enjoy nature like this. Have you been a guide for a long time?”

“You people area here?” ask again.

“Not, I was just on vacation here.” Answer Airin.

“I'm also on vacation. But in three days I have to go back to Thailand.”  Airin was a little surprised. He thought Sam lived here, at least in Indonesia. Sam gathers all the participants of the hiking tour. They'll go back to the starting point. Arriving there, Airin cleaned up his equipment and prepared to return to the hotel where he was staying. There are some souvenir sellers who offer their merchandise. Airin saw that there was a very beautiful hair band. Airin immediately remembered Vely. Vely must have liked it. He bought. He also bought a t-shirt for Darren. Airin misses his children. And also Aiden. Airin only considers this a vacation to relieve his fatigue, not an escape from all his problems. Little by little he tried to be strong. Whatever happens, he will face. Even if Aiden still loves Evelyn, Airin will give in. Airin will not retain the man who even divided his heart. Only three types of men were avoided Airin, a cheater, a bouncer, and a gambling man plus drunk. It was really the type of man he would leave behind.  Airin got into his car and he heard someone calling him.

“Airin, where are you staying? Can I take you out tonight?” Sam asked. Airin smiled not answering. Just showing the diamond ring that adorns his ring finger. Airin left Sam speechless.

It's the second day he turned off his phone. Finally, he decided to contact Richie.

“Hai...” Airin was just about to say hello to his best friend and instantly he put away his phone due to a booming voice across there.

“Airin, where are you? Healthy right? Tega you yes, plan Aiden will report to the police tomorrow.” turns out Aiden looking for him. That's all that Airin's ears caught.

“I just to Sentul kok. “ replied Airin while lying in a hotel bed.

“Aiden looking for you Ai. He's been like a madman.  Maybe in a week he'll be in a mental hospital.” Richie told her everything Aiden told her. How Evelyn set him up.

“And you just trust Ric?” ask Airin.

“I can see the honesty in Rin's eyes. Come back. Finish everything. Don'tbeafraid. Whatever happens remember that there is still me.” Richie tries to persuade Airin.

“I need a minute Ric. Notnot now. You can tell him where I am so he doesn't report to the police. He also doesn't know where I live.” Airin ended the conversation. Oh, he really misses his family. Airin just needs to strengthen his heart so as not to cry again with whatever happens later. He no longer wanted to be the weak side. He will defend his family desperately and teach Evelyn a lesson if Aiden is proven innocent. And Airin must also be prepared if Aiden betrays his trust. There is no second chance if her husband is actually having an affair.

Aiden, hearing Airin's news from Richie, rushed to leave his office. Tell Valen to cancel all his meetings because he won't be back at the office that day. Aiden could no longer wait to see his wife. Two days without news from Airin drove him crazy. He also could not focus on dealing with Evelyn's problems. Screw her. He takes care of the mad woman after he finds Airin and convinces her that everything in the photo is a game set by Evelyn and her stupid husband.

*****