Between Asa And Taste

I have to hold on

"Why wear the ring?" said Mr. Felix.

Riri nodded then rubbed her already wet cheeks from her happy cries. Riri saw the old hand that had started to wrinkle was trembling to put a ring on his ring finger. Riri stared at her ring finger that had been decorated with a beautiful ring from Rian.

"This is not Mas Rian's first proposal for me. But I hope this is Mas Rian's last proposal" said Riri.

This was indeed the second Rian proposed to Riri, because at that time Rian had also proposed to him. His first application failed because the distance and time that stretched made the two unable to hold on. Even Rian had proposed to another woman. But who would have thought if Rian could finally return to her.

"Pope also so," said Mr. Felix.

Mr. Felix has indeed continued to love Riri. So the engagement this time really made him think until he had to be rushed to the hospital for lack of rest. The simple proposal he gave for Rian and Riri was indeed inversely proportional to the state of his heart.

Deep in his heart, Mr. Felix felt that the fiancee was extremely luxurious and majestic. How not? Both manage to beat the ego and think positively. Suppressing all the bad things that might overshadow him at any time, but the two still survive to always be together.

"Papa doesn't want to interfere with your plans. Papa just hopes that you guys stay together" said Mr Felix.

"Bah, I might not be able to promise but I will try. Because I love Mas Rian and Papa," said Riri.

Mr. Felix was happy to hear the sentence spoken by Riri. He felt there was sincerity there. He felt that Riri was the second version of Mia. The expectations were too great for Rian and Riri. And that makes him the sickest person when he finds out Rian and Riri separated. Instead, he became the happiest person when they got back together.

"Mas Rian knows Papa's here?" ask Riri.

"Don't tell Rian. Let him be happy" replied Mr. Felix.

Until now, Mr. Felix has kept his circumstances secret to Rian. Several times he refused a video call from Rian. He did not want Rian to be sad on his happy day.

"Later if Rian calls, tell him that Papa is having an important meeting and cannot be disturbed. Can you?" pinta Mr. Felix.

The lie was forced by Mr. Felix because he just wanted to see Rian happy. Riri smiled and nodded. He was lucky to meet Mr. Felix. A good man full of sincerity. A father who everyone wants. Especially by Rian and Riri.

Daddy's? Discussing father, Riri has started looking for his biological father who is in Indonesia. He did it because he wanted his father to be his guardian on his wedding day.

It is still his personal secret. Because he himself has not been certain when the happy day arrived. He only prepares himself so that someday if Rian has stated when the time is, he does not need to find the whereabouts of his father.

"Well, I'm out first!" riri said as his phone rang.

"Yes" replied Mr. Felix.

The call was from a new number he had suspected his family had. Sure enough, the voice of a woman whom he longed for so much.

"Mama" said Riri trembling.

Riri's cry broke when she heard her mother call her name. He really misses the figure of a mother that he has not met for a very long time. After all these years, you've only had the affection of Mr. Aric and Mr. Felix.

Two people he just knew but could accept even treat him like his own family. Their real families do not exist. Not those who do not care, but because he himself avoids.

The pain he felt for the betrayal made him no longer want to go back to his former life. But in the end he realized that there was no such thing as a former family. He should return anyway. As bad as it gets later.

"Where are you, son? Riri, where are you? Mama misses you" said one mother in a trembling voice.

Riri felt his body weak. She kept crying and called her mother. Riri's voice was getting vibrating and her chest felt tight. It was hard to hug the woman.

"Ma, I'm going home. I'm going home. Mom wait for me!" said Riri.

Riri's cry eased when she heard a voice she did not expect. His words are so spicy. Initially his relationship with his brother was not so bad, he deliberately avoided because he wanted to stay fine even though it was difficult.

All deteriorated due to Riri's presence at the wrong time. Her brother's household and Riri's ex-girlfriend who is her brother-in-law's status is not good.

"What's my fault? If you don't expect my presence, it doesn't matter. But please don't disturb my happiness with Mama" said Riri.

Debate that Riri couldn't possibly resolve with a phone call. He ended his phone because he did not want to make a fuss in the hospital. His life turned into sadness. Though he had hoped that after leaving for many years, he could forget all the bad events. Unfortunately, all was not up to his expectations. Their relationship remains overshadowed by a mistake that is in fact he himself just a victim.

Riri calmed down her feelings before she returned to Mr. Felix's room. He rubbed his cheeks and tried to put on a cheerful face. Simply swallowing all the bitter reality itself, he was unwilling to implicate Mr. Felix in his grief.

"Why you?" ask Mr. Felix.

"Not everyone can be fooled. Papa knows you too well, Pus. If you need a friend, there's Papa here. Never feel alone" said Mr. Felix.

"I'm fine, Pah" said Riri.

"You're not okay" Felix said.

Mr. Felix stared fixedly at Riri. Trying to read the heart of a woman he already considers as his own son who is sad. Not long after Riri's crying broke.

Story after story Riri began to reveal. He tried to put all the burdens in his heart without exception. His sobs bear witness to how much pain he is feeling right now.

"You are the best woman God has chosen. You are a strong woman who not everyone is able to get through that time. Only you can" said Mr. Felix.

Riri is still crying. He felt his chest so tight. The crying has not yet subsided. Mr. Felix's handcuffs made him sicker. Why would it be someone he just knew who could take it so well? Why his own family alienated him.

"I miss my family so much, Pah. But why isn't everything the way I feel?" riri said in between her sobs.

"You sure everything is like that?" ask Mr. Felix.

Mr. Felix's question made Riri raise her face. He looked at Mr. Felix while analyzing his speech and the look on his face.

Mr. Felix is right. Not everyone behaves like that. Until now only her brother had behaved like that to her. It feels unfair to have to hit his judgment flat against his family.

"What should I do then?" ask Riri.

"Show me you're not the Riri they knew before. Show me that you are a much tougher, stronger and better Riri. Traveling this long should make you a lot more mature" said Mr Felix.

Riri can't say anything anymore. He just silently tried to understand every sentence delivered by Mr. Felix. His head began to catch the meaning of the sentence. But his heart was not sure of that sentence. It's hard to pretend to be tough in the midst of its fragility.

There are feelings that he cannot hide. Disappointment and heartache over all past events. But there are things that he cannot change either. His longing for both his parents.

"I'm not sure I can be that strong" Riri said after a brief silence.

"Papa believes you're strong" Felix assured.

"I'm not as strong as Papa thought," said Riri.

"Let's remember your travels of the last few years. Are you sure everyone can get through it? I don't think so," said Mr. Felix.

Riri looked at her hand. The ring that was ringing in her fingers made Riri start to be convinced. Whatever happens, he has to meet his parents. Rian is his strongest reason to keep up with the harsh reality of his family.

"I have to endure. All this for Rian. When I get married later, Papa still has to be my guardian," muttered Riri.

Riri began to convince himself to be more patient and strong to face the circumstances of his family. With Mr. Felix he will go through these difficult times. Even when Riri to Indonesia, Mr. Felix has promised to take Riri to meet with his family.

His goal was to introduce himself as Riri's future in-law. Mr. Felix also does not want if the marriage of Rian and Riri is only delayed just because of problems that he thinks do not need to exist.

"Now you're home. Rest yes!" said Mr. Felix.

"No Pah. Tonight I will accompany Papa," said Riri.

"You need to rest. Keep health. Papa has a medical team on guard here" said Mr Felix.

"There's a chance I could leave Papa in this state" Riri said.

"Go home! Rian will definitely call you. Papa doesn't want Rian to suspect. Please tell Rian that Papa is busy" Felix said.

Riri nodded and nodded. It was true, Rian had already tried to call her many times. Riri ignored the call. He thought it would be better to contact Rian when he got home.

Although not the heart, Riri finally came home. Leaving Mr. Felix in the hospital still lying with the infusion in his right hand.

"I didn't know there were people like Papa. He's very kind. It might even be better than my own family" Riri murmured.

Discussing back about the family, made Riri feel his heart hurt again. He had to swallow disappointed when his expectations did not match reality. He thought if his family would miss him, it turns out his own biological brother did not expect his presence at all.