
...THEY, AFTER SEVEN YEARS HAD PASSED....
...***...
...I looked at a pair of shabby flat shoes....
...Even ten years these shoes accompany every step of my feet that sometimes run, stumble, limp and be silent....
...I smile....
..."Thanksmeme it."...
...I put it in a box and put it on top of the trash....
..."Go, as far as possible."...
...***...
Red kebaya, rags, stilettos and bun hair? Everything is perfect in its position.
"What do you think?" I asked Arkananta, he was wasting his time researching my appearance carefully.
"If you're not my oldest cousin, I want to marry you!" answer's straightforward.
"No papa let me! Married cousins are allowed!" timpal om Sadewa firmly.
I smiled broadly. "Look!" I pointed at Arkananta's nose.
"Our relationship is only cousin, don't expect more! Your sir, His Majesty King Kaysan Adiguna Pangarep would be even more fussy if I married you!"
Arkananta frowned while breathing out. "I accept my defeat! Come on." Arkananta held my hand in doubt. I smiled and held it.
Seven years I lived in Melbourne to finish my education until I graduated graduate and my cousin liked me.
However, there is no binding relationship except the same blood relationship. Blue blood.
Arkananta was there for me when I was siphoning porcelain. I was there for her as a kind and smart sister who helped her learn.
But what makes this relationship worse is Arkananta being my lying girlfriend on campus. I did it to minimize tall, white, free-spirited men approaching me without knowing who I really am.
My days were so colorful that I had to go back to the palace after the Graduate Degree celebration today.
Arkananta smiled faintly while driving his car. She was heartbroken because I had to go home the day after tomorrow, leave her home and her memories with me.
"Do you know how to be angry? That's one of the reasons why we can't be together" I said gently.
"Because you don't love me either! You just remember that guy all the time!" sulcan Arka's.
I keep smiling softly. "Come on, Lil Bro! You're Pandu's age, how could I marry you! Ah, you are outrageous!" I patted her shoulder. "A lot of pretty girls you can approach! Don't be upset!" gurauku.
Arkananta sighed resignedly, he slammed the steering wheel of the car to the right before sticking the gas pedal quickly to campus.
Arkananta circled the hood before opening the car door. He extended his right hand to help me stand up.
"Thankyou, my cousin!"
Arkananta clucked in annoyance while closing the car door tightly.
I smiled understandably.
Seven years we lived. Under whatever circumstances we knew, from waking to sleeping again we met.
And what I love most is that he gets involved when I want to forget him.
"It's a party, so I'm asking you not to frown! Can, Ar?" I asked while holding my hand on his arm.
"After graduating the bachelor degree, I will return to the palace to make sure you stay alone!" he said stubbornly with his worst grin.
***
Today really came. I had to go home, air again, through the ocean that bridges the two continents.
Follow the rules, be a sweet and cheerful son of Father.
For seven years, I've been feeling fine here. Living freely as humans do. Become an international student who gets students, become a dependable nephew and become a naturally growing Cambodia.
I looked towards the hand that was embracing my shoulder. "I'll take care of your tree, go!" said soft arka.
"But you hate it, Ar! The tree is Cambodia from him."
Arkananta. "That's yours! Go home, you've had enough in my house! Ngerepotin!" he said while holding me. Not the warm embrace of a cousin, but the embrace of a man who expects me.
"I'm really gonna kill kangmas, Ar!" sindir om Sadewa's. Doesn't sound joking. Arkananta breathed a rough breath and let go of me.
"Papa... Can't you see the love of my eyes?" asked Arka, om Sadewa shook his head quickly.
"Too much risk!" answer directly.
I approached them with a small smile. "Are you ready, Mommy?"
"Om Already!" I looked at Sadewa. Seven years he was my father. A lot of what he did to replace the position of the Father who could not do long-haul flights due to age and work factors.
I am indebted to Om Sadewa. Really behind his nosy nature, he is also firm like Ayahanda. I'm sure it must have been blood flowing in their bodies and I couldn't have finished my lecture so quickly if he hadn't often reminded me to be obedient and orderly.
Om Sadewa spread out his hands. "Come here, om is the witness where you were formed by your parents. Really om did not think if your father still bother Om to come raise you too!" Om Sadewa smiled widely.
I clenched. "Thank you, Om! Lilah really knows that Daddy sucks. But he's still my father, I miss him!"
Om Sadewa chuckled. "Greetings to your father and my twin brother!"
I'm looking. "Om Nanang isn't?" many wonder.
Om Sadewa again chuckled. "He's busy with his wife, so be it! You know for yourself, even if you send him thousands of messages. Mas Nanang would not reply to him. He's too happy now." Om Sadewa smiled happily.
I smile with relief. Seven years we've all gone through it with grief. The Princess is dead, Kakung said. Only Herman and his wife left.
Om Nanang who finally married, Suryawijaya and Pandu who had been in college. Mother and Father are aging together and I am single.
"Thank you Om!" I said sincere. "It's time to go home."
Om Sadewa nodded, he hugged me again. "I'm sorry Arka."
I nodded, I looked again at the cambodian bonsai I planted in the yard of Om Sadewa's house before breezing away. The bonsai grew, refused to dwarf and survived in the country's four seasons.
***
I pulled my suitcase after wearing sunglasses and a straw hat to cover my face.
Melbourne Airport looks crowded at the end of the year. Some people choose this city to enjoy the turn of the year.
While they're coming for fun, I have to leave this town. Too many memories were happening in this metropolis. There are too many stories I have.
I turned to look back at the Sadewa family. My legs are heavy enough to leave freedom in this country. They shake hands, they shake hands,
I let out a long sigh and reviewed the smile before returning to walk towards the airport runway.
This is where I started without him, and this is where I have to breathe the same air again.
...Because I can't fight the destiny that runs through my veins....
...I have to go back!...
...Happy Reading's...