Arlyn and Adrian

8

"........Hey."

Nevan got no response from the young man in front of her.

A month and a half has passed. His friend behaved as usual. Too ordinary. It only makes Nevan worried that his friend's soul is damaged.

He did not cry and was not angry. He no longer glanced at the women passing by.

He behaves like the usual Adrian. Adrian before his meeting with Arlyn.

But his behavior is worrying.

He daydreams a lot, and not infrequently does not realize Nevan is talking to him.

They were in the office cafeteria. Nevan holds his drink while Adrian looks down at the screen above his thigh.

Again Adrian is unaware of Nevan's call to him. Nevan raised his body. Flicked his finger right in front of Adrian's face. The young man was startled and immediately focused his attention on Nevan.

"What?"

Nevan pouting.

As soon as he heard the story from Adrian that day, after a difficult effort of course. His friend did not cry but he had a tangled face. Drowning in the head. Nevan had trouble getting him to talk. Only when Nevan came to the young man's house at night, demanding an explanation, did Adrian finally, in a slow voice, tell him what had happened.

Arlyn's Refusal. It was his words that told Adrian that he could no longer see him.

Nevan is sad but on one hand he is grateful.

He is more supportive of Adrian to find other women. Who is single. And have no children to take care of.

But, after seeing Adrian's lethargic behavior, Nevan so heartless.

So deeply was Adrian interested in a woman named Arlyn?

Nevan personally did not see the privilege of the woman.

The woman has no fashion sense. When Nevan saw Arlyn for the first time, she was wearing only material pants and a plain shirt. Without jewelry. And her hair is very simple.

Nevan is not interested in such a woman.

Grace is the perfect woman for Nevan. He always wore charming clothes. The matching jewelry, the right makeup, and the hairdo that crowns her beautiful face.

What made Adrian love Arlyn? Nevan doesn't understand.

He chose to find Adrian a woman like Grace, but with a more shy personality. Nevan thinks surely Adrian will look fit to stand side by side with women like that.

Butno. Adrian didn't let him do that.

The most important thing for Nevan is the happiness of her best friend. If he wants a woman named Arlyn, then Nevan will help him.

Grimacing imagined his friend was taking care of three children who were not even his flesh and blood.

"You. Come to his house again."

Adrian raised his eyebrows slowly.

"Whose house?"

Nevan clucked. "Your Arlyn's house."

Adrian's eyes widened slightly, before his face was flat again.

"But he told me I couldn't see him ...His son doesn't like me."

And Arlyn followed his son's will. Things that make Adrian stunned, but also feel lara.

Nevan patted the table. "Bribery of the boy."

Adrian's eyebrows raised. ".....A bribe? Meanin?" Confused ask.

Nevan is sure. "There is no child who does not like toys and sweet foods. Utilize your wealth. Give them chocolates and nice toys. Make them like you."

Adrian listening to Nevan's rant.

"Do you think Arlyn loves her children? Wouldn't she open her heart to you if you please her children?"

Nevan opened Adrian's mind.

Adrian is a calm guy. If he accepted the rejection, he would instantly accept the rejection, without having any thoughts of rebelling, or persuading.

That's why Nevan tried to guide Adrian.

A refusal? Nevan is the one who does not accept rejection from anyone.

Adrian silent.

Does he have to do that?

To be honest, he's not willing to forget Arlyn. He felt he would not be able to do that. And he doesn't want to either. Actually was.

...***...

Adrian came home as soon as work hours were over. Surprised by an unlocked door. He saw two pairs of shoes on the shelf and immediately had a guess as to who was currently in his house.

"Welcome back, father."

Ferdi realizes the return of his only son. He lowered the book in his hand and received a greeting from Adrian.

"My baby's.."

Zana opened both her hands. Hugging the tall body of his favorite child.

"Mom's cooking. Tonight your father and I will stay. Tomorrow we'll go home." He rubbed both shoulders of Adrian. "We'll talk."

Zana smiled broadly. Adrian gave a small smile.

"How's your business?"

Ferdi opened the conversation as soon as the three were already sitting on the rectangular dining table bench. Grasping each cutlery to eat food made by Zana.

Zana nagging. "Don't talk about that."

Adrian smiling. "That's fine, dad."

Zana sighed. "How are you doing Nevan? I miss her."

His son's best friend was a good and cheerful child. He has helped a quiet Adrian a lot.

Adrian nodded. "Good, mom."

Zana mutters. "So? Has anyone caught your attention?"

The question made Adrian's hand movements stop.

Zana noticed that and rounded her eyes. "Don't say,"

She nudged her husband's arm. "Goddy!"

Ferdi raised his face flat. "He rejected you?"

Adrian did not react. Zana's mouth is open.

"A girl rejected you? My son??"

Zana doesn't believe it. His son was a perfect and sweet man. What kind of woman could refuse her son?

He started to think. Maybe it's karma? His adrian always rejected people, and now the same thing happens to him.

His son looks moody. Zana is not. He rubbed the back of Adrian's hand. "You want to find another? What about mom's friends' kids?"

Adrian slowly nodded. Zana felt her shoulders wiggle.

He glanced at Ferdi. Seeing her husband about to put a spoon in her mouth.

'Do something.'

Zana glared at the man. Ferdi was between going to eat, or following his wife's request.

He sighed. Put the spoon down on the plate. "Adrians."

Hearing his father calling Adrian raised his face.

Ferdi was fighting with himself. He was not a person who could convey words well. Especially to his son.

He's cleared his throat. "Tell your mother why you always refuse to find a mate." He paused. "Tell your mother what kind of woman are you really looking for?"

If Adrian receives a question like this, usually Adrian will only give a nagging and awkward smile.

But now his heart is not good. And his mind's a little messed up. His heart encouraged him to talk.

"...I just want to make my partner later, first and last. Like mom and dad ...I'm waiting for someone to show up on their own in front of me." Adrian closed his lips. "I've found it ... Name's Arlyn. But,"

Adrian stopped talking. Zana.

So his son had actually found the one who controlled his heart.

But the man refused it.

Wh why?

Zana opened her mouth. "What kind of girl is Arlyn?"

Adrian lipped tightly. But then slowly both ends move up. He looked at the spoon in his hand. "I don't know either. He's just.."

That prickly smile. Its simplicity. Concern for his children.

Adrian loved and admired it. Adrian adores all the features of Arlyn.

He had only met the woman once. In supermarket. Then for two days, more or less, he got a chance to be near Arlyn and observe all the movements of the woman.

Only in that time. He was fascinated by all his behavior.

Cuey attitude. Sound without feeling. But his tenderness towards his three children.

Adrian could not forget that.

Zana gets no answer from her son getting busy with his own thoughts.

Ferdi on the other hand was flabbergasted with the child's innocent mind.

"First and last?" He observed the figure of the son sitting a bit away from him. "You really want that?"

Such thinking is too idealistic, innocent, and self-difficult.

Adrian nodded. Then raised his face back to his father's eyes.

"Aren't mom and dad like that?"

Zana's mouth is open. Ferdi has an empty expression.

"I? Is correct. Your papa? It's bullshit." Zana gave a scornful glance at her husband. "Your father had a relationship 12 times before he met your mother." He tapped on the table with his fingertips. "Your father told you that? When?"

Adrian slowly answered. "...Time when I was SD."

Zana let out a short scorned laugh. "Eddys! How dare you lie to your own son!"

Her husband is the definition of a playboy. But then stop once you meet him.

Zana will not deny. She used to be an ordinary quiet student. But suddenly Ferdi comes to her, asks her out on a date.

Ferdi was so considerate of her. Ferdi even adored him. For reasons that until now Zana has not known clearly.

So his son wanted to have such a relationship with his partner? With Arlyn it, maybe.

That, adorable. For Zana the desire of her son is very adorable.

And romantic. Adrian is the most perfect man ever.

His son wants a woman named Arlyn? His son will get it.

Zana will make that romantic desire come true.

How wonderful.

Zana waits for the time when she can see her son, embracing a woman who is his first and last love.

It will be a scene like out of the novel book that Zana used to read.

And what will be his male character is his son.

Zana could not hold back her happiness.

Ferdi opened his mouth. "Something like the first and last is not real, Adrian."

His father's words made Adrian's pillar of fortitude crumble.

During this month and a half doubts began to appear in his heart. Destroying all his beliefs.

That the names of the first and last pair are not real.

That his wish was just plain thought.

That he really could no longer follow his heart to be with Arlyn.

And the first and last word for his later partner - which Adrian hesitates will appear - will never be valid again.

Zana heard her husband's words immediately nudged the man. "Don't just talk. The first and last love is real and my son will have it."

He held the back of his son's hand. "Request Nevan's help. I'm sure he knows about your problem. Follow his proposal."

Nevan is not much different from her husband. But unlike Ferdi who has a cold and indifferent personality, his son's best friend is a cheerful and helpful man. The child will be his son's helper. Zana's gonna hand Adrian over to Nevan.

...***...

"understand? My friend." Nevan patted Adrian on the shoulder.

Adrian giving muttering.

Nevan smiled with satisfaction. "Go away. Let me know later."

Adrian reassures his heart and then steps on the gas pedal. Nevan watches his best friend's car leave the chocolate shop parking area.

Adrian was observing the street when suddenly the window glass to his right was knocked on by someone. His eyes widened as soon as he saw the figure who became the impeachment.

He pressed the button to lower the glass. "Mother,"

A middle-aged woman. With a face that starts to wrinkle. He held an umbrella and dressed like that. Almost exactly the same. Adrian easily recognized him.

The middle-aged woman stepped on the concrete sidewalk and Adrian who was about to turn positioned his car next to the pedestrian area. He made the woman easily approach his car.

Adrian just pushed open the door of his car a little before the voice of the woman stopped him.

"No need to go out. I just want to fuck. Cars are easy to recognize." The woman chuckled.

Adrian gave an awkward smile. "Um, where are you going. Want me to drop off?"

Leta shook her hand. "I'm going to Arlyn's house."

Adrian's eyes widened. "..Arlyn?"

The woman let out a small ruckus. "Yes. Where are you going?"

Adrian smiled awkwardly. Squeezing his left wrist. "..I want to go there too."

Leta blinked her eyes. Some conjecture was created in his mind. He covered his mouth with one hand.

"..Ma'am. Mom can hitchhike. I can drive."

Hearing that Leta weighed. He then nodded. Adrian smiled a little. He wanted to get out of the car, but Leta stopped.

"No need. I can open the door myself." Leta stepped wide towards the back door. Open it.

Adrian's eyes widened. "Mom can sit in front."

Leta hurriedly closed her umbrella and carried her body to the car seat. "No-no. I'm just behind here."

Adrian was about to refute but the horn of the vehicle behind him required him to forget the intention.

Leta hesitantly but bluntly opened her mouth at the same time. "Know Arlyn's mba?"

Adrian answered clumsyly. "That time I-"

He closed his mouth again.

What was I then? See her at the supermarket and fall in love?

He felt his cheeks heat up.

Is correct. He's in love with Arlyn.

Previously he had trouble finding the right terms about his feelings.

But now he finds it.

And he's happy about it.

Leta, on the other hand was made busy with her own thoughts.

"Mba Arlyn is a good man."

Leta decided to make the young man sitting in front of her even more attracted to the young woman he called Arlyn mba.

Without knowing that even without Leta doing that, the young man was already completely submissive to all the charms the woman had.

Adrian didn't expect Leta to say that. But then he nodded. A faint smile was plastered on his face.

"Yes. He's a good man."

He had not known Arlyn for long but he was sure of it.

His attitude to Abi, Riel and Azel made Adrian believe that.

Leta rubbed her umbrella. "If I could tell you. I knew that Mba Arlyn, 6 years ago."

Adrian moved his eyeballs towards the windshield. Looking at Leta from the mirror.

Leta continued her story. "I had no income after my husband died. My kids,"

Leta sighed.

"They're busy with their own families. I as a mother don't want to be a hassle."

He turned his head to the side. Watching the movement of the scenery outside the glass of the car he was riding.

"Aryn was 19 years old. But his personality is, um,"

Leta smiled happily remembering the past. "I was at the stop again. Mba Arlyn again sat I had a chat."

He chuckles. "I told you about my problem. Then, he offered me a cake sale."

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Kue?"

Leta nodded. "Mba Arlyn is smart to make cakes. I'd love it."

Adrian heard it was made to imagine himself eating food made by Arlyn. It made his heart beat faster.

"Arlyn's mom has no parents. He also had no brothers he could contact. He's alone at home. Just got a legacy from her parents."

Leta sighed sadly. "But he's a strong boy. I as an old one was amazed. He likes making cakes so he opens the store so mas." Leta smiled widely. Adrian is flabbergasted by new facts about Arlyn.

"Then Arlyn invited people like me to work for her." Leta chuckles. "So Arlyn's mba's bakery was all parents."

Adrian who listened to Leta's story was kept busy with his thoughts.

Arlyn's figure surprised him again.

Arlyn. That chick. Helping people like Leta to earn a living?

It certainly amazed Adrian.

Leta did not receive a response from Adrian but could see the state of the man's face.

Leta smiled with satisfaction.

They finally arrived in front of Arlyn's house. Leta came out as soon as she heard the sound of the door lock being opened. Adrian calms himself. He got out of his car. Opening the baggage hood. Take out Nevan's chosen parcel.

Leta saw it was curious. "That's what mas?"

Adrian aghast. "I-This,"

He looked at the pile of boxes tied with ribbons in his hands.

Leta had her own conjecture and chuckled.

Young kid.

He would be happy with Arlyn if the young man in front of him was really interested in her young boss. Leta without difficulty had the suspicion that this young man whom he did not know his name was the son of a family being.

Just look at the car.

And his dazzling appearance.

Even Leta who was married and aged was made to be amazed by the figure of the young man.

Leta wondered if Arlyn, her boss, had spent time with this man without him knowing.

Who approached who, Leta was curious.

But given Arlyn's personality, there's no way the boy would approach the boy.

Definitely opposite.

Which means,

Leta made gasp.

How adorable.

How was the relationship between Arlyn and this man created?

Leta expects an answer.

And sure he'll get that answer sooner or later.

Leta with lips drawn to the side opened her mouth. "Let's go."