Arlyn and Adrian

11

"......"

Nevan was again astonished by Adrian who sat on his bench.

The face of his best friend looks more beautiful. The facial water's bright. He is happy. The mood is very good. There was no more sadness on his face. The depression of the past is no longer left. There is only enthusiasm. To do all his work.

"Ian."

Nevan called. Which was immediately greeted by the face of the called one.

Adrian's face may still be flat. But anyone can see it. That the man was happy. Something happy was spinning inside his head. Something Nevan doesn't know yet.

Adrian gave his view. Gave a look as if saying 'what's up?'. Nevan frowned. "What's happened?"

Adrian raised his eyebrows confused.

"What happened what?"

Nevan pouting.

"Something happens. I'm certain. Otherwise you wouldn't be acting like this."

Adrian gawking.

Act like what?

Nevan groans. "Stop acting ignorant. Somethinghappened. Something that makes you happy. Tell me what happened."

"Don't tell me" Nevan rounded his eyes. "It must have been related to that woman, right? Arlyn you it's. Is correct. I forgot to find out because I was busy with Grace. Now tell me. How did the results bribe him? It works? How did the kids respond? Have you seen Arlyn again?"

Adrian was silent to Nevan's questions. Slowly a red tinge appeared on his cheek. Worse, on the edge of his ear. The young man's ears turned so red that no one would be able to ignore him.

Nevan gawking. He's correct. Somethinghappened. The bribery was most likely successful. Adrian has got what he wants. Reunited with Arlyn.

Nevan smiled broadly. Feeling satisfied. He was the one who had given Adrian a suggestion and encouragement. He's happy if his idea is useful. "Hows it? What progress has been made between you?"

Adrian looked down shyly. "Abi let me see Arlyn. Two days ago and yesterday, I spent time in their house."

"Who is Abi?" ask Nevan.

"He's one of Arlyn's children."

"The oldest?"

"No. He's the youngest."

Nevan. Didn't expect that. The fussy one is the youngest? He already understood things like relationships between adults? "How old is he?"

"They're all still in elementary school. Fifth grade Azel, fourth grade Riel, second grade Abi." Adrian answered with a warm smile. Nevan had not expected Adrian to give such a description. It was clear how happy Adrian was with the three children.

Adrian drowned in what was two days ago.

On saturday and sunday. Both days he spent with Arlyn and her children.

On Saturday after they returned home from the mall, Adrian drove Arlyn and the three children home. Seeing Leta who was seen walking about to enter the yard of Arlyn's house, carrying a bag containing a kind of box in it.

Leta had a surprised face. And then started smiling so wide. Approaching Arlyn also Adrian, patting the young man's shoulder.

Adrian doesn't understand why Leta looks so enthusiastic. The woman patted his arm with a very wide smile.

Arlyn frowned confusedly. Riel greets Leta. Showing off the cat doll in her hand. Abi hugged two things in his hand. Azel held his puppet with both hands.

Leta realized Abi's whereabouts and immediately kissed Abi's forehead. Happy birthday to the boy.

There was an interval of a few seconds before Leta suddenly straightened her body. Arlyn. Will the woman's back be okay?

Leta, approaching Adrian, pulled the young man's arm until they both stood far enough away from Arlyn and her three children.

Arlyn. Frowning suspiciously. Abi also nodded. Confused by Leta's behavior. It is not usual for the woman to behave like that. Riel asks "do Leta's grandmother have anything to say to Adrian's uncle?" and not getting answers from anyone. Azel also stayed in place with a flat face but anyone could see his wariness.

The one that afternoon Leta told Adrian was,

"Mas Adrian's. Today is Arlyn's birthday with Abi. I originally wanted to celebrate, but because now there is Mas Adrian, mas join me ngerayain only."

Leta forces Adrian to duck. Align her ears that are in a higher position so Leta can whisper to him. "But it won't be tonight. Prepare something yes. We'll do the celebration tomorrow. Tomorrow come do not say, bring flowers, the same jewelry for mba Arlyn. It is rich. This grandma sure there will be no problem to buy a gift for Arlyn mba."

Leta chuckled cunningly with satisfaction. I can't wait to see what happens on Sunday. Not knowing that Adrian had actually prepared a gift for the woman but was rejected outright by the birthday guy.

But Leta looks so excited. He hit Adrian's arm again. Which did not hurt at all, but invited astonishment at the man. Leta then left Adrian alone. Back to Arlyn and Abi, Riel, and Azel. Leta patted Arlyn on the shoulder and then guided the three children beside the car to get into the yard of Arlyn's house. Encourage them to enter the house.

The scream on Arlyn's forehead is so deep. He was sure Leta had just said something to the young man who was now behind him.

"What did he say to you?" ask Arlyn suspiciously. Looking at Adrian who was taller than him with squeaking eyes.

Adrian was nervous. "It's nothing."

But Arlyn just doesn't believe it. He's squinting. Looking at Adrian with great precision. Trying to tear off the layers on Adrian's face and trying to find the truth behind those layers.

But Arlyn can guess what Leta said to the man in front of her.

Something to do with him. And Abi. Arlyn was both displeased and disturbed.

"Whatever it is, I tell you not to do anything. Now you go home. I was tired after going to the mall. I shouldn't have come up with the idea of leaving. I don't have the energy for that." Arlyn shook her hand. One hand clasped the strap of the bag Adrian gave him as soon as they arrived in the car. Which is now filled with items given by Riel Abi and Azel. Adrian keeps some flannel bags inside his car hood. I don't know for what reason.

In the afternoon, Arlyn left Adrian alone in front of her yard. Watching Arlyn bring herself into the house follows Leta and her three elementary school foster children.

Arlyn sets foot inside the house and Leta appears from behind the door. Surprising Arlyn. From a distance Adrian could see the grumbling Arlyn. Got a consoled piety from Leta.

Arlyn looked back. Seeing Adrian who was still standing in front of his yard. Arlyn frowned and clucked without a sound. Bringing himself into the house. Leaving Leta who was still standing by the door. Watching Arlyn leave. The woman turned to Adrian. He put on an enthusiastic smile and gave his hand. Adrian surprised. He clumsily nodded his head. Leta smiled wider and closed the door while forming a speechless mouth.

"Don't forget."

After speaking without such a sound, the door of Arlyn's house was closed. Adrian rubbed his nape. Bringing himself into the car. On the way home alone. At home, Adrian is immersed in his own thoughts.

There's something he wants to give Arlyn.

Something valuable.

Adrian hopes Arlyn will accept it.

The next day, Adrian comes to Arlyn's house according to an agreement made unilaterally by Leta.

Nine o'clock in the morning. Time when Arlyn just woke up from her sleep. And the time when all the surprises will be ready. Just waiting for the princess to go to sleep to get out of her room.

Adrian stood with Leta in front of a door. Abi, Riel and Azel stood side by side in front of the two adults behind them.

Abi in the middle carried a plate with a piece of cake and a candle lit on it. Riel and Azel were holding ribbon firecrackers. Leta held a knit scarf in her hand. Where on it is stitched a round cloth with five pictures of faces on it. Face painting of the thread sewn on the fabric in such a way. Three little faces. And two larger faces with one more tapered than the other.

The five people waited in anticipation. Especially Abi whose back of her hands started to sweat. With a bitten lip slowly waiting for the figure he was waiting for to come out of his room.

Everyone held their breaths when they saw the door knob that was pressed down slowly.

Everyone prepared their best expressions.

Door opens. Displaying Arlyn's figure in her usual attire. Her hair was a little messy but did not detract from the beauty of her face. Every part of Arlyn is a beauty that only Arlyn has.

"Happy birthday umi!!!" Abi exclaimed with a wide smiling face. Happiness was clearly imprinted on her tiny face. Her eyes glowed and her black hair added to the charm of that cute face.

Dorr! The sound of two ribbon firecrackers appeared as soon as Abi finished his call.

"Happy birthday to Arlyn.." Leta put on a big smile.

"Happy birthday Arlyn." Adrian has a gentle smile on his face. A bouquet of red roses that could be smelled from eight meters away was in his hands. This time Riel just put on the widest smile she had. While Azel remained with his usual expressionless face. But enthusiasm still radiated on her sweet face.

Arlyn had a sour face. Already knew this would happen. He had already felt unusually lazy to get out of his room. Knowing the commotion that would welcome him.

But Arlyn also did not want to keep herself confined in a room in her own home. This house is his home. It was only natural that he had the freedom to surround all corners of the house. Instead of being cooped up in a medium-sized room just to avoid a surprise party of five people where one of them is the new face of his house.

"Enjoy! Blow candles!" Riel exclaimed in excitement. Abi beside her raised the plate in her hand. Getting closer to Arlyn. But a short hand still won't match Arlyn's height.

Arlyn sighed without a sound. Bending his upper body. Exposing strands of hair ensures they do not touch the heat of the fire. He then blew out the candle. The scent of the blown out candle filled his nose as well as the five others who were nearby.

"Mba Arlyn don't frown. It's mba's birthday. Gotta spirit!" leta said with excitement. The truth was yesterday but a new celebration was done today. He approached Arlyn and handed the scarf in his hand to the woman with a big smile.

Arlyn noticed the familiar complexion in the white knit scarf. He knew anyone who was in that thick, circular cloth.

Himself, his three foster children, and one man who should not exist. Added at the last second.

Arlyn's eyes are squeaking. Raised his face to see the face of the man who had a bouquet of red flowers in his hand.

"Arly. Happy birthday."

The young man said it again. Tenderness was always in his voice. Adrian poked the bouquet of flowers at the straight-haired woman a little more in front of him.

Arlyn looked at the red-colored collection of petals in front of her for a moment. Raise his gaze to look at the face of the one holding the flower. Arlyn could see a gentle smile on that face. The young man smiled so sincerely. Arlyn could feel a loving look in both eyes.

Arlyn had a sour face. But she moved her hand to receive the bouquet.

"Thank you" he said.

Adrian felt his heart stop beating as soon as Arlyn reached out her hand to receive her bouquet of flowers. He calmed down immediately.

"Together." a warm smile filled her face.

Arlyn looked at the face in silence. Shift his eyes. Not being able to see that loving face for too long.

Really am. Why must he be himself? That guy really has strange tastes. Arlyn never expected that there would really be anyone who liked her.

Or just love? Arlyn is not an idiot. He knows that look. It's not a simple look.

That man really loved her. Arlyn can do anything and the guy will still love it. Arlyn could behave as she wished and the man would remain by her side.

Arlyn did not know whether she should take it as a curse or a blessing. But he only hoped that the existence of the man would not disturb the peace of his life.

Leta invited everyone to go to the dining table. There are only five seats. So Abi sat on Leta's lap. At first Abi wanted to sit down with Arlyn. But Leta first snatched the boy and pulled him to sit down with him. Abi rebelled but Leta stuffed her mouth with her homemade baked lasagna.

Arlyn frowned. I can guess why Leta could be so scared. Arlyn let out a breath. Already know what will happen. He's gonna have to calm the kid down.

He easily thinks that no-no.

Arlyn was complaining in her heart. Abi is a sensitive child. He likes to make his own pradugas and Arlyn often has to straighten out the boy's mind. To make Abi stop thinking about something that is not actually the case.

Riel was not aware of Abi's state at all. I can't wait to eat the food on the table. Roast chicken and lasagna made by Leta in the early morning. The woman was insistent that she wanted to stay at Arlyn's house yesterday afternoon. Arlyn frowned. I don't usually take that request from Leta.

But Arlyn had no strength to resist. He was surrounded by stubborn people. He would only let those people behave as they wished. If Leta muscled about wanting to stay over, then Arlyn would let him. He's just going to his room. Sleep and laze. While hoping there will be no strange things that will welcome him the next day.

But unfortunately, he could not avoid it. He opened the door and five people immediately greeted him.

Arlyn squinted at the man sitting beside her. The young man was really looking at him.

Didn't he know that Arlyn could feel his gaze? Didn't he realize?

Arlyn let out a breath. Already too tired. He'll just let everyone do what they want. He would even let Leta behave like a matchmaker between Adrian and himself.

Why is Leta so excited? Why would he want Arlyn to pair with Adrian? Arlyn could not understand. He doesn't need a man. She can live alone with all three children in her home.

That day, time passed with everyone eating their own food. Except Adrian who pays a lot of attention to Arlyn eating. Abi is watching Adrian. Leta feels her heart is about to burst seeing the pink color between Adrian and his young boss. Riel who did not stop asking for more. Azel did not react to everything that was happening at the dinner table. Arlyn with her sour face.

During the day, once the food on the table was up, Arlyn told Adrian that the man could go home. Using the excuse that the young man had to spend the weekend with his own family instead of a small family that was not his family.

Adrian felt pierced but could not argue. What Arlyn said was right. He was no one in that small family with three foster children. Adrian obeyed Arlyn's words to go home. But before that, though,

Adrian stood in front of Arlyn who was both at the door.

Leta shut Abi's mouth and restrained the boy from running towards Arlyn. Riel went to the kitchen to find ice cream in the fridge. Azel stood quietly beside Leta to see the two adults standing opposite each other at her doorstep.

"I want to give you this."

Adrian took out a small box from his pants pocket.

Arlyn already immediately frowned looking at the box with the dark blue velvet cloth.

"You know I don't want to take it."

"Hm." Adrian muttered clumsyly. A clumsy smile was on his face. "But I hope you'll take this one."

Adrian opened the box in his hand. Showing a necklace with a small pendulum in it.

"This is my mother's necklace. He said, I can give it to someone I want to have." Adrian smiling. Although he still had nervousness in his heart. Embolden oneself. "I want you to have it."

Arlyn looked at Adrian. Looking at the necklace in the box, before looking back at the young man again. "Is your mother dead?"

Adrian's eyes widened. "No. My mom's still healthy."

Arlyn clucked. "Usually this kind of thing is the legacy of someone who is gone. An inheritance, or something."

Arlyn remained silent. Looking Adrian. "You want me to have this? Does your mother know? Does your mother know you have feelings for someone like me? Does your mother know that you have strange tastes?" asked Arlyn with squeaking eyes and a squeak on the forehead.

The question made Adrian flabbergasted.

Is he really that weird?

What's wrong with liking Arlyn? Arlyn is the perfect woman. She was gentle, and had raised her three foster children by herself well.

Not everyone can be in Arlyn's position.

Without parents. Seeking a life for himself. Opening an effort to help old people like Leta. Bringing three orphanage children under his wing.

Arlyn is a generous woman. With a heart as big as the ocean. Arlyn should have been aware of that.

Arlyn is entitled to all the jewelry in the world. It is appropriate to spend all of Adrian's wealth to satisfy himself. Arlyn deserves all that.

So, for now, Adrian wants Arlyn to have the most precious thing for him.

Her mother's jewelry. Which is devoted to be given to women who have the heart of Adrian. "T.. Nnnnope. My mother doesn't know. I haven't told him." Adrian answered honestly.

He had indeed leaked his secrets to Zana and Ferdi. But Zana doesn't know anything about Arlyn. "But I'm sure my mother allowed me to give you this jewelry" Adrian said sincerely. "Will you accept it?"

Arlyn looked at Adrian with a sour face. There is a time of silence. Arlyn was busy with her thoughts.

He sighed.

"Don't blame me if your mother protests" she said. "If someday you want me to give it back, you just have to say. I'll give it back to you."

Adrian's eyes are round. "Reverting? Nnnnope. That's not gonna happen."

Adrian did not expect Arlyn would have such thoughts.

"This canyon will be yours. Forever. I'll just give it to you."

Adrian smiled very warmly. The warmth filled his chest.

Is correct. Adrian wants Arlyn to have something in his hand. Adrian wants the object from his mother to be in the hands of the woman in front of him.

A beautiful woman, though simple. A woman with a soft heart and only has honesty in her.

"Can I put it on you?"

Arlyn flabbergasted. "You want me to wear it?"

Adrian nodded. "Hm."

Adrian will feel happier if Arlyn wears it and not just has it. Keep it in his closet.

"This, a necklace of pure white gold. This necklace will not have a bad impact on your skin. You can calm down." Adrian's smile was sincere. "You can wear it every day. Every moment. Even when you sleep. Or wash yourself. You can wear it anytime."

Adrian slowly took the chain of necklaces from inside the box. While Arlyn on the other hand felt stumped.

The reason why Arlyn never wore jewelry,

Aside from the price he thought was better to use to buy food for Abi, Riel, and Azel, the jewelry he would be able to buy would only be cheap toy jewelry from iron. All he knows can not be worn a person for a long time and will give the impact of itching. Besides, she didn't feel like she needed to wear jewelry. She is not a girl who likes to dress up like other girls. He was just plain dressed.

Besides, he's a lazy man. If she wore something like a cheap necklace, she would have to take it off many times, and put it back on her body parts. He won't have enough enthusiasm to do that.

Between wearing something and never letting go of it, or never wearing it at all. He chose the second.

Adrian's done pulling the necklace out of the box. He put the box in his pants pocket. Unlock the necklace, then hold both ends in one hand and the other hand.

"Can?" ask Adrian. A gentle smile was always on his face.

Arlyn looked at Adrian in doubt. But slowly he nodded.

If it had been like this, couldn't he refuse? He couldn't get the man to put the necklace back in the box, could he? Arlyn also could not force a rejection after all the sentence exchange was full of drama.

Adrian smiling sumringah gets a nod from Arlyn.

Carefully, though,

With full of softness,

And thoroughness. Adrian put a white gold necklace in his hand on Arlyn's neck.

A small jewel pendulum bared itself on Arlyn's upper chest. The existence of a simple necklace gives the woman extraordinary beauty. Adrian feels the beauty of Arlyn increased many times in front of him.

"You're beautiful, Arlyn."

A sincere expression came out from the young man.

Surprised by Arlyn.

Also the Leta who could no longer resist the urge of her heart to explode. He covered his mouth with one hand. While his other hand only covered the mouth of Abi who was no longer rebellious.

The boy stood with a limp body in Leta's hand.

In addition to her loss of energy after not being able to break free from Leta's hand prison, Abi can also see how her Umi stood quietly in front of the adult man at the door of her house.

Abi's pupils shrunk.

Somethinghappened.

Umi has opened her heart to the adults in front of her.

Abi can't prevent anything anymore.

Arlyn will be in a relationship with the man, and Abi will not be able to do anything.

Arlyn was silent in place. His head bowed to see the presence of a small but beautiful pendulum on his neck.

He raised his face. Receiving a look full of tenderness from both eyes in front of him. Plus the man had just said something that was beyond Arlyn's expectations at all.

Arlyn did not know what to say.

He's down.

"T, Thank you."

Adrian still has a warm smile on his handsome face.

He then took out the necklace box from his pants pocket. Grasping Arlyn's hand and putting the box in her hand.

"Save the necklace in this box if you want to take it off. I'm not forcing you to wear it all the time. Although I hope you'll let the necklace stay on your neck." Adrian gave a warm smile full of sincerity. "I'm going home. I'll see you again sometime."

Adrian took his grip off Arlyn's hand slowly. He said nothing more and left the door of Arlyn's house. Giving a wave of hands as soon as they want to get into the car. Drive the car away until it can no longer be seen by Arlyn who is still standing still at the door of his house.

Arlyn was still silent with a blank mind but was also full at the same time. He's waking himself up. He put his foot back to close the door. Just to see Leta's face that looks very bright as if she was the one who had just been given a gold necklace.

"The neck is so pretty around your neck, Arlyn mba." Leta smiled sincerely.

Unaware of Abi standing in place with blank eyes.