Arlyn and Adrian

17

"Riel, tell me."

Arlyn's voice rang out in the middle of her watching the three children inside her house drawing in the living room. Arlyn was lying on her side on the sofa with her head resting on her hands.

He saw what the middle of the three children surrounding the table in front of him were pictures.

A female. In dresses. A man, in a tuxedo. Three little boys watching from the side. And a woman with a frown line on the face. The three children, one of whom had shoulder-length hair and wore a petite dress. The other two children had short hair and wore shirt shirts with knee-length shorts. They brought a basket with something. When viewed from the color variants used, describe a pile of flower petals.

Women who have facial lines also carry similar baskets. The woman standing next to the man in a tuxedo carried a bouquet of flowers in her hand. The other hand was wrapped in the hands of the man by his side.

The woman, with straight hair, slightly passed over her shoulders. With a flat face expression.

Abi saw what Azel drew, and then imitated it. Make a flower gate that addresses the two people in the middle. Riel realized that and ended up doing the same.

What they drew was a wedding. It had six people in it. The image made by Riel and Abi is still only a line scratch and the application of color. A person cannot easily capture what their image contains—unless that person knows what is on their mind.

But it was different from Azel's. The picture is not finished, but Arlyn can see it.

Arlyn, with a man whose face is familiar to her.

Who else if not Adrian. Azel exerted all his drawing skills in drawing those two faces. The others are just sketches.

Arlyn felt a bad feeling. What the three children drew, must have had meaning.

Something they want to happen.

Arlyn's on someone's side. That person is Adrian.

Arlyn frowned. Not so fond of that thought. "Riel," she spoke. "Tell me."

"Hm?" Riel turned her face back to be able to see the face of the adult woman who called out to her.

"What, umi?" he asked with a questioning face.

Arlyn frowned even more. "What are you drawing?"

"Oh, this?" Riel glanced at his drawing paper.

"Secret" he said. Resuming picture. Let out a small laugh. Arlyn was upset. He looked towards Azel and Abi. But he knew he would get a similar response.

The two children showed no reaction at all. Azel remained on his drawing. Abi still scratches the dye with a half-dreaming mind.

Arlyn could see that. Abi drew a dreamy drawing. But keep drawing what he wants to draw.

Arlyn in a beautiful dress. The design was created by Abi himself. Arlyn's hand in the picture holds a large bouquet of flowers. In the picture, Abi makes the figure of Arlyn very beautiful. He focused his attention on the image of Arlyn on the paper. Adding details of clothing design as desired. Tassels in the skirt part of the dress. The folds add beauty. Glitter dots all over the dress. Shows that she wants Arlyn to wear such clothes on her wedding day.

Arlyn opened her eyes. Throw away the views from the pictures made by the children.

The next day was the day Adrian would come as he should. He came with cake. And three bouquets of flowers.

Two are big and one is small. The small one was given to Azel, while the big one was given to Leta and Arlyn.

"Oh my goodness, I don't think this old man will still be given flowers." Leta patted Adrian's arm. Laugh at the boy's silliness. But I also feel happy at the same time. Even old, it does not mean he will lose his favorite to be given flowers by someone too. From handsome men like Adrian, moreover.

Adrian gave an awkward little smile. In fact, he felt that Leta was also entitled to receive flowers from him. He's been helping Adrian get closer to Arlyn. Adrian realized what the woman was always doing and Adrian wanted to thank her.

He looked at Arlyn. He also received flowers from her. Adrian gave it away shyly. Arlyn who was sitting on the dining table chair rolled her eyes at the bouquet in Adrian's hands, to Adrian's face, then returned to the bouquet of flowers. With a turned face took flowers in Adrian's hands. Put it on his thigh, leaning his chin on his hand which he placed on the table.

There was a few seconds of silence. Adrian did not take himself away from the presence of Arlyn who showed an indifferent attitude.

Adrian braved himself.

"Arlyn." call him.

Arlyn who heard his name called raised her eyebrows slightly. She opened her eyes to Adrian, who had a red color on the edge of her ear.

Arlyn raised her eyebrows. Ask Adrian 'what's up'.

Adrian took his palm to the back of his head. Avert his gaze. Unable to endure his embarrassment. "Can I take you somewhere tomorrow?"

Arlyn raised her eyebrows. "Something?"

"Hm." Adrian nodded. "Mother Leta, Azel Riel and Abi can also come along."

"really?! Where are we going?!!" Riel who heard Adrian saying exclaimed inquired from the living room.

Adrian turned his body a little. "I want to take you to a beach. If possible, we'll stay overnight." he said with a small nervous smile.

"Stay?!!! I want!! I'm staying over!! I've never been away with a sleepover!!" Riel showed enthusiasm. Abi who sat next to him was moody but once he heard Adrian's words he became curious. Just like Riel, he had never stayed over. More precisely, Arlyn had never taken them traveling. Because it was troublesome, and Arlyn did not like the fare that would need her to take out.

Azel pun—although his flat expression did not change much—, but from his raised chin and his eyes that look like he wanted to know—, all could see that he had the same desire as his two younger siblings.

Leta rounded her eyes in place. "Really?? Would you like to take me too??" He doubted his hearing.

Adrian smiled a little. "Yes, mom. I'll take mom along too."

"Oh my goodness," Leta brought her palm to the chest. So shocked by what he heard. "This old mother did not expect. Thanks to Adrian.." jasper. He was happy to be out for a walk soon. With someone like Adrian, especially. Which can be ascertained will be the one who takes care of all the needs related to the cost of departure.

Leta's never been on vacation— never take a walk. If he goes with Adrian, then it will be his first vacation after six years. Leta was impatient.

Arlyn was silent in place.

Beach. Sand and waves. Blue sea water, and the sparkle of light from the sky. Blowing air, and contentment.

The last time he went to the beach was when his parents were alive. At that time he was eighteen years old. In the eighteen years of his life, he had already visited the beach frequently. Because both of his parents also liked one of the tourist sites.

Every holiday time. He and his parents are going to the beach. Enjoy the view in the dark. Arlyn sat with her parents on the mat. Watching the waves at night.

It was a peace that Arlyn liked. The beginning of his lazy nature appeared.

He who lost his parents could never feel that peace again. Any money he had would go to the store he opened when he was 19. Also to pay for living expenses, and residence taxes.

He did not want to leave his house. His parents' home and his. He will keep the building for as long as he can.

Sell the stuff in it. A little furniture. Make his house as empty as he can.

He found a way to survive. To keep living. Facing all the destiny that meets him.

When he brought Abi Riel and Azel to his house, all the expenses became more and more. That makes Arlyn have to really make a calculation of his expenses.

Also makes Arlyn never again come to the pounding waves and blue sea water.

The desire to go was burning inside him. He removed his chin from his hand. Looking at Adrian. "You're taking me to the beach?"

Adrian was surprised to hear Arlyn's voice. Looking towards him. Put on a clumsy smile. "Yes. Don't you want to?"

"Not want to." Arlyn turned her face away.

He could not wait to go to that place. He wanted to feel the peace that he had not felt for a long time. But he had concerns Adrian would do something he wouldn't like.

Not that he's afraid. He just felt he would have ignorance of what kind of attitude he should have if Adrian did something that was on his mind.

But since she said she would also take Abi Riel and Azel as well as Leta on their journey, Arlyn felt it was not a problem. He thought since they were going to leave together, the young man would not have the chance to do something that Arlyn would not like.

She asked. "When are you gonna take me away?"

Adrian gnawing. Didn't expect Arlyn to accept his invitation. "Um, we can go tomorrow."

Today is friday. They will have two days before everyone has their business on Monday.

Arlyn was silent before nodding. "All right."

Adrian aghast. Unsuspectedly. "really? You want?"

Arlyn mutters. "Hm. I haven't been to that place in a long time."

It's been a long time, that's six years. Six years he spent in the city. Just get out of the house to the store. Before then there were Azel Riel and Abi. Making the place he was heading to increase. Azel's school, mall, and friend's house. The third place the boy stayed. "What time are we leaving?"

"Hm, nine o'clock." replied Adrian after thinking for a moment.

Adrian Tau Arlyn has longer sleep hours than most people. He chose the time that Arlyn used to start her activities.

"Hm. All right, then." Arlyn answered and left her place. Quietly briefly. Before bringing flowers from Adrian into his room.

Adrian was silent in his place. He felt something explode inside his chest.

Arlyn received flowers from him. Arlyn accepted his call to go.

Adrian was still stunned and Leta who was sitting on the sofa with Riel Abi and Azel realized that before smiling.

Have a plan in his head about something he'll do at their destination tomorrow.

Six men gathered beside a car. Each of them carried a bag. One of them opened the trunk of the car. Put some stuff in it. All bags are stored in the trunk and the passenger seat will only be filled with humans without the luggage bothering them.

"Mom sit in front" said Arlyn. He planned to sit with his three children in the back. But Leta just shook her head.

"Mba Arlyn sat in front of the Adrian mosque" he said. Smile widely.

Arlyn raised her eyebrows.

Why should I?

He was about to say something again but Leta opened the car door and pushed Arlyn in. Confusion from the woman.

Abi wanted to say something but Leta closed her mouth.

At first Abi wanted to ask Arlyn to sit with him. But then he remembered something.

Umi, will be with Uncle Adrian.

Depression strikes the boy again. He could only follow with a blank eye when Leta asked him to get into the car. Followed by Riel and Azel. Adrian closed the passenger door, before entering the driver's door.

"We're leaving now" he said with a small smile.

"Come on!" Riel exclaimed in spirit next to Azel.

Adrian glanced at Arlyn. No response from the woman. Arlyn just stayed in her seat with an eye toward the road.

Leta saw that and put on a sneaky smile without anyone realizing it.

The journey takes a long time. At twelve Riel complained of hunger. Made Adrian stop their car at a place to eat.

It was a sundanese place to eat. Riel who had never eaten outside instantly had sparkling eyes.

The dining area in front of him looks very attractive. This was the first time he had seen such a building. Building from bamboo tree. With a bulkhead in the form of rattan woven.

Riel's eyes twinkled. So did Abi and Azel. Leta looked at that and let out a sliced ruckus. The poor kids. Arlyn had never taken them to a place like where they were now. Of course what was in front of them attracted the great attention of the three children.

"You guys hurry in." Arlyn's voice sounded. He and Adrian had already entered the building where the zinc and wood were eaten.

Riel was aghast and immediately ran towards Arlyn. Watch everything around you with your eyes and mouth open. Abi is holding the fabric of Arlyn's underwear pants. He did not want to be separated from the woman.

They are taken to a saung by a maid as soon as Adrian finishes making a reservation.

"You order the food you want." Adrian said with a small smile as everyone sat around the table. Leta accidentally makes Arlyn sit next to Adrian. Riel sat next to the young man as well. Abi forces himself to sit close to Arlyn without Leta being able to prevent her. Leta sat down next to Abi while Azel sat down with Riel. Leave one side of the square-shaped table empty.

Riel opened the thin, leather-coated book that was on the table out of curiosity. Surprised to see the pictures of the food inside.

"U-umi, a- I want this." he said.

Arlyn who heard that had a sour face. "Don't ask me. Ask Uncle Adrian."

Riel turned her eyes. "Uncle. Can you?" begingly.

Adrian was silent because he heard Arlyn's words but then smiled. "Message you want, Riel."

Riel's face instantly turned bright.

He's used to only being allowed to order one by Arlyn. So now he only chooses one. After much consideration.

Azel ordered one. Leta said that they could order the package. "To be cheaper" he said.

Adrian chuckles. Feeling her heart warm to see the happy-looking Leta.

Arlyn was holding a line of food pictures in a menu book. There are also numbers next to it. Sighs. He opened his eyes to Adrian.

Basic people who have a lot of money.

Adrian noticed the delicacy of the eye and felt nervous.

Did I make a mistake?

Abi pulls the fabric of Arlyn's pants. "Umi's. Umi want what message?"

Arlyn grumbling. "I didn't order anything. You're just." He shifted the menu book in his hand on Abi.

Abi is confused. But still according. Secretly have enthusiasm in ordering.

He had never been to a place like where he was now. The food in the menu looks unreal to exist.

Do you have food like this?

Curiosity filled Abi. I think he wants to try everything. But he knows Arlyn's teachings. To choose only one. He can't be greedy.

Abi chose one. While Adrian on the other hand was speechless at Arlyn's response.

Does Arlyn not like it?

Adrian started to moody.

Arlyn realized that and frowned.

What's wrong with her all of a sudden?

The young man beside him was moody for reasons unknown to him.

The waiting time for food to arrive was filled with Riel who continuously asked Arlyn about the food on the menu.

"Enjoy! What's liwet rice?"

"Enjoy! Tilapia fish, means it's purple??"

"Umi why is this one so expensive?? Here, lo-lobter-lobster? Whatisthis? Shrimp evolved into crabs?"

"Eye!"

Riel kept asking until Arlyn's face darkened. But he still answered all of Riel's questions. Answer all the curiosity of the boy.

The curiosity of a child of Riel Abi and Azel's age would be at its peak.

Wait until the three children grow up. Arlyn had seen a lot of things. He hoped the three children would not lose their way and grow into good adults.

In every question that Leta throws out will help to answer. With her smiling face. Adrian also helps Arlyn answer some of Riel's questions.

Adrian did not expect Riel would have so many questions. She wondered if Arlyn faced such a thing in so many times. Seeing how Arlyn answered, Adrian guesses Arlyn always gives an answer to Riel. Fulfill the curiosity of the boy.

Adrian felt his heart warm. Arlyn becomes an excellent parent figure to Riel and her two siblings when she can choose to be indifferent. Ignoring the boy's questions. Butno. Arlyn answered everything. With the knowledge he has. When he doesn't know, he'll ask Adrian to give an answer for Riel. Making Adrian come into the fulfillment of the curiosity of the child.

As soon as the food came, Riel had a spirited face. Abi had a shy expression of wanting. He held Arlyn's trouser cloth with both fingers.

"Good meal..." Leta spoke with a big smile. He shifted the pile of dishes from the waiter and placed each one in front of each of the table dwellers. The food is on the table and everyone can take it. Abi, Riel and Azel wisely ordered food that everyone could also eat. Invite a voice of interest from Leta. They are really grown children.

Abi wanted to grab food when a pair of spoons and forks appeared on his plate. Put a piece of food in there.

"Eye?" Abi sees Arlyn putting food on her plate. And not on his own plate.

Arlyn said nothing. He took some food and put them on the plates of Abi, Riel, and Azel. Overruled himself.

"Umi, umi eat." said Abi with a sad face. Had a bad feeling Arlyn would not eat anymore. As usual.

"Worry about yourself." Arlyn responded.

Leta saw it with a sour face. "Arlyn MBA. You have to eat."

Arlyn frowned. Didn't expect Leta to make a sound. But keep putting food on Abi's plate.

No one can argue. Arlyn first takes food for Riel Azel and Abi and makes herself the last to take food for herself. Moreover, he took the least portion of the other five people. Inversely proportional to what he put on the plate of the other three children.

Everyone was silent at the lack of portion of the woman's meal.

Arlyn was eating her food when a pair of spoons and forks placed a piece of lobster meat on her plate. The ones grasping the two objects were two big hands that were already clear who the owner was. Adrian put portions of food on Arlyn's plate.

"Eat more, Arlyn." hope the young man. He had already seen Arlyn who had not eaten much. He rarely eats. Only in some time. He only became a spectator of the three children in his house eating. That was the reason why Arlyn had such a slender body.

Adrian put on a smile. But his eyes were sending hope. To the amazement of Arlyn. He would continue eating it when another pair of spoons and forks appeared in front of him. This time from Abi. "Feeding me."

The other three people saw it and put something on Arlyn's plate. Make Arlyn's plate full of their food.

Arlyn frowned but did not refute. He'll let people do as they please.

After they ate, the journey continued. And finally they reached their destination.