CHECKMATE

Starting With Right

"Manda, I want to talk to you about something" said Bastian, after Amanda finished cleaning the dirty dishes, their impromptu dinner marks.

"I-yes what's up," said Amanda a little hesitant

"Are you happy with our marriage?" ask Bastian

"I-I'm sorry if marrying me you didn't find the happiness of Bas," Amanda said

"Hey why apologize. I know you're not happy with this marriage either. I'm sorry, because my parents returned the kindness of your family this way" Bastian said later

"You mean?" ask Amanda pretending not to understand

"God, my parents really don't have a heart. I'm really sorry Manda, my family has taken away your happiness,"

Amanda was silent, honest in her own mind. The guilty here is not actually Bastian, nor his family, it is not. The one to blame is Amanda, it has taken away the man's happiness. He who is evil, who has used others, for his own sake.

"I'm the one who should be apologizing to Bas, I shouldn't have accepted your parents' offer. They were completely innocent, I was wrong. I'm the one to blame" said Amanda, she still kept her head down.

"Manda, I want us to start everything right from the beginning. Marriage is not for playfulness, I want us both to take responsibility for the promises we have made before God" Bastian said.

He took his wife's hand, clasped it tightly.

"I want to be a good and responsible husband for you. And vice versa, maybe this is the destiny that has been outlined for us. You want to, right?" ask Bastian then.

"Thank you Bas, but I'm not ready for that, sorry"

"No problem Manda, we'll start slowly. After all, everything needs a process, the important thing is that we keep trying to get better" said Bastian smiling sincerely.

***

"Good morning" said Bastian, smiling warmly at the dinner table. Amanda just smiled as she placed the plate filled with food in front of Bastian

"Thank you Manda" said the man

"Feel you pretty well, it doesn't taste inferior to restaurant food" Bastian said

"Thank you Bas" Amanda replied

"You cook a lot, huh? It's really good,"

"Fun, almost every day. I rarely eat out, I prefer to cultivate it myself, more frugal and healthier too" Amanda explained with a smile.

"Ooh yeah, do you want to bring a bus? Let me prepare for a moment" he bargained then

"Thank you Amanda, you're paying attention too. Oiya we leave together. You work where, let me deliver," said Bastian

"Thank you Bas, but I don't want to bother you. I used to take the city bus to where I work" she said

"I don't feel bothered by Manda. Let's just say it's part of my responsibility,"

"Thank you, Bas, but I don't have a problem going to work alone. Every day I do, really,"

"Well, if there's anything to tell me, yes, I'll always be there for you. I go first yes, you will be careful" said Bastian, saying goodbye to his wife

"Be careful on the bus road" Amanda said with a smile.

She felt so beautiful today, seeing the sincere smile of her husband. His heart warmed up again, is this what it feels like to have a family?