Endless Taste

74

. Avril looked inside and pulled Ray's suit which was now standing in front of her.

"Where's Alvi Ray?" Avril asked back in a listless daze.

"Sir...."

"He's gone?" Ray looked down in a doldrums. Avril smiled then moved from her seat.

"Miss." Ray.

"Then what is Ray? He even left without saying goodbye to me. If he knew he was just misunderstanding, he shouldn't have left Ray. If he had to leave, there should have been a farewell before he left. If you want to break up, don't be like this."

"Sorry miss."

"That's Ray. I'm not gonna ask you about him anymore. In this way, it's been shown that he wants me to give up."

"No, miss. I beg you not to unilaterally break the relationship. You really love Miss."

"Stop Ray. You said Alvi loved me. Butwhat? Can you convince me of what you said? Who loves that which is how Ray?" Ray was silent not answering Avril's question. He felt he had no right to explain why Alvi went abroad without telling Avril.

"OK this way. You said Alvi left because she loved me, so I loved Alvi wholeheartedly and you didn't stop me from leaving her life." Avril turned and walked away from Ray.

"So that easy you want to forget me?" Avril stopped, her body froze, then turned her head back and her eyes dewy again. Alvi walked over to Avril with a different look. His gaze was so sharp and cold.

"It turns out I'm not as special as you say." Alvi said with a sinister smile looking at Avril.

"Did you never listen to my explanation?" Tanya Avril held back that the dew that had piled on her eyelids fell in front of Alvi. Although Avril knew the dew at any time could fall, Alvi also knew that Avril's heart was being crushed now because of her. Want to feel hugging and soothing cries that are held so that Avril does not feel tight.

"Say. I haven't had long. If you don't want anything to say, please leave." Said Alvi who still maintains her ego to make Avril feel that she already hates Avril. Even though it was as strong as restraint, but still the dew was now just breaking apart. Avril shook her head looking into Alvi's eyes which did not change in the slightest. Avril passed by with tears constantly breaking. Not that Avril did not want to explain, but he felt that all his explanations would be useless when he saw the look on Alvi's face that seemed to no longer care about him.

"Why do I keep crying?" Avril murmured rubbing her already messy face.

Alvi closed her eyes which were also dripping with dew as she stared at Avril's departure. Alvi turned to approach Ray, then sat down in the waiting chair with a glaring look.

"Master.." - Ray stared at Alvi.

"Jaga Avril as long as I don't have Ray. Make sure he's okay. Occasionally meeting him in the way he thinks is just a coincidence. Don't do it on purpose, 'cause he won't like it."

"Ba-good sir. But, are you sure you'll still go?"

"This is for Avril as well as Ray. You know what the company's condition is like now. It's the only way to keep him."

"I'm sorry sir couldn't predict there would be such a thing when you're sick."

"What's wrong Ray. I-i understand. Naturally, because the parties who work with us, they also need certainty over the contract. And I, who was sick, indirectly cut the contract of cooperation with several companies. Even the big project that Galih and I had prepared was cancelled."

"If only I-"

"Already Ray. Don't blame yourself. It's the way." Alvi got up from her seat and grabbed her big suitcase.

"I'm leaving Ray." Alvi said then passed from the face of Ray who looked down politely.

"Be careful, sir." Lirih Ray's.

"You're not saying goodbye to me?" Shouted someone stopping Alvi's steps. Alvi turned around and as usual, her gaze was extremely cold looking at Baren who was now standing not far from her. Alvi frowned as if asking they knew where that Alvi was from at the airport.

"It doesn't matter where I know. What's important, what's your attitude like this to your friends? You disappeared without a trace, and now suddenly left without giving a reason." Reno said walking closer to Alvi.

"Al. If the reason you left is Avril, I hope you think again. Avril and Aldi are just the past. I defended Avril not only because she was my friend, but I witnessed for myself how she accepted your presence. And I also saw how Aldi loved Syifa. So it's impossible if Aldi-"

"I know Ren. I already know. But there's no other choice. I have to go." Alvi interrupted before Reno finished her speech.

"What's your problem Al? Maybe we can help." Say Bagas. There was a notification that soon the plane that Alvi was going to board would depart.

"I'm sorry I don't have much time." Alvi said then passed regardless of Baren's call. Alvi smiled as she continued walking.

"I hope it's just a minute." Mumbled Alvi.

Baren and Ray walked out of the airport. Galih was leaning in front of his car waiting for Baren.

"Sister? You still waiting?" Ask Bagas.

"Bring Avril's car." Galih throws Avril's car keys at Reno.

"If I knew Avril's car was going to be taken by Reno, I wouldn't have brought my bike." Rajuk Bagas then walked towards his beloved moge.

Avril was still silent in Galih's car. He really shut himself back down.

Every night, Avril always makes video calls with Demira.

"Dem... Are you busy?" Avril asked who was in doubt because of their time difference.

"No. I just finished helping Mama cook." Demira put her phone on the tripod and sat down on the sofa.

"Dem... does Alvi live with you?" ask Avril again. Initially, Demira was silent as if she did not hear Avril's question.

"Dem.." call Avril again.

"Eh.. What is Vil?"

"Ishh... Didn't you hear me?"

"Sorry, my mom called me." Demira smiled awkwardly. Demira knew this question would be thrown by Avril, so she only needed to answer as Alvi said.

"Dad told him to stay here. But, yes, you know he's stubborn. So...."

"He's not staying with you, is he?" Avril interrupted with a glare.

"Eh Avil.. Have you not slept? It's night, isn't it?" Demira asked to switch the conversation.

"I haven't sleepy Dem."

"Ishhh Avil. Poor body"

"I still have a lot of Dem's work."

"Ahhh....have you reached what stage Vil?"

"I'm just at Dem seminar. Not yet research, compiling thesis, then trial. I think I want to give up."

"Don't be like that Avil. The spirit...." Avril smiled in response to the enthusiastic Demira.

"Dem... Did you see my hoodie?" Shouted Alvi from his room. Demira was a little overwhelmed, what else when she saw the expression of Avril who seemed to recognize the owner of the voice.

"Dem. it's Al-"

"Aihh Dami's sister how? If you know like is lost, it should be stored in a visible place." Demira interjected and moved and approached Alvi who was now walking closer to him.

"Ap-hmmmmmm" Demira smothered Alvi's mouth as she was about to speak.

"Avil. I'm sorry, Brother Dami is so annoying"

"Dem... Am I hallucinating?" Avril asked who must have been heard by Alvi who was behind the phone.

"Me-what's why? You seen Lidya's mom?" Ask Demira then.

"No Dem. Somehow I feel like Dami's voice is the same as Alvi's. The more I want to stop thinking about it, the clearer the hallucination will be as well. Dem... This may be embarrassing, but I miss Dem a lot." Avril looked down at the table and supported her head with her hands. Demira just mutely doesn't know what to answer. Demira turned her head and looked at Alvi's sad face. Alvi walked a little away from Demira only to see Avril's face but had no courage to show herself to Avril.

"Avil... hey... Are you crying?" Demira asked suddenly worried. Avril looked up then threw a smile while wiping away her tears.

"Ahaha humiliating. I'm crying because I miss someone other than my mom."

"Avril.." said Demira. "I'm going to hit my cousin's head because it made you cry." Demira continued with an annoyed face. Alvi grabbed her head and stared cynically at Demira. But Alvi could not help her smile seeing Avril who was thinking about her.

"Wait for me to come home, baby." The message is often written in his chat history with Avril, but never once there is an intention to send it. Alvi clasped her phone and continued to stare at the unaltered photo Avril put on despite their relationship being separated. The photo taken at Galih's wedding, with Avril holding her hand was adorned with a sweet smile.

"I miss you too." Lirih Alvi then looked back at Demira's phone and there was still Avril there. But when Avril fell asleep at the study table, her elongated bangs now blocked her left eye. Demira let her call still connect just to accompany Avril. Demira turned her head towards Alvi who was staring at her flatly.

"When do you want?" Demira asked in a soft voice.

"Until I can stabilize my father's company." Answer Alvi.

"What about Avil? You're not afraid she's married to someone else?"

"Will not. If she loves me, she'll wait for me like she waited for Aldi."

As time rolled on, Avril went through several final stages before she graduated and officially became a scholar. The pregnant Nadia now lives with Avril. Especially Avril who is lonely, father is also worried if Galih and Nadia are just alone. Although both agree.

"How's your research?" Nadia asked when Avril had just come home with heavy steps.

"It makes me want to give up, brother." Avril dropped her body on the sofa. Nadia sat down next to Avril by gently stroking her stomach.

"Hallo baby... What are you doing?" Avril stroked Nadia's growing stomach.

"i can't wait to take her running."

"Run from reality?" Nadia's ejek made Avril puff her cheeks.

"But..When was my nephew born?"

"About 3 months. It's a long time."

"Hemmmm so this kid will be my graduation gift?"

"It's also if you pass."

"Sister. I have to graduate and will be..."

"Become what?"

"What happened? It feels to follow in dad's footsteps, must be very boring."

"Ishhh you are. Why not just start your own business?"

"But I want to accompany Aldi brother."

"You want to marry him?" Nadia asked with a surprised face.

"Well, if God betrothed me to Aldi, why not."

"But Aldi is engaged to your friend."

"It's off the sister."

"And you're gonna take it back? What about Alvi?"

"Oh... My thesis material was left in Syifa's car. Sis help me arrange yes." said Avril who moved and went to her room. Nadia just sighed heavily looking at Avril who seemed to want to forget Alvi completely.

Avril always invites Syifa to compose the script together, whether it's in parks, cafes, or strategic places to just calm down. Now they are increasing by one person when they gather together. None other than Dea, Reno's boyfriend.

Today, Famela met Avril and the others in the park.

"Hei Fam.." said Bagas.

"You didn't bring me?" Famela sat near Avril.

"You're busy with Deyan." Answer Bagas no less sulking.

"What's the matter, baby?" Tanya Aldi hugged Famela's shoulder. Avril and Syifa just exchanged lyrics then glanced cynically at Aldi.

"Al. don't tease me. Look at your 2 wives. Like trying to kill me." Famela's words made Aldi laugh while releasing his embrace from Famela.

"I'm here to give this to you guys." Famela offered several wedding invitations. "Avril. You take brother Al-"

"Bagcases. You'll just pick me up." Avril interjected with a look of hope at Bagas. Famela himself knew that Avril would not come with Alvi. Avril's gaze became flat upon hearing Alvi's name. His relationship with Aldi improved, but he was tenuous with Alvi.

"Yasah... I go.." said Famela awkwardly and then moved to leave them.

"If Deyan and Alvi are friends, can Deyan make Alvi come home?" Avril asked stopping Famela's move. Famela turned around to find Avril with a look of contempt.

"Avril.." said Famela. Avril looked up and smiled at Famela.

"So he said he was going." Said Avril later.

"You kicked me out?" Famela.

"Don't just tell you to leave." Avril replied with a small laugh. Famela laughed to see Avril who could now joke even though her heart was broken. Aldi rubbed the rough face of Avril who was still putting on a fake smile. Famela passed away leaving behind her small group of friends.

"I hate your fake smile." Said Aldi glancing cynically at Avril.

"You want to see me smile?" Ask Avril to Aldi.

"Of course." Reply Aldi defiantly.

"You're married, then I'll smile." 'Deg' those words succeeded in making Aldi and Syifa sculpt.

"What are you talking about?" Syifa stared intently at Avril who looked relaxed.

"Why? You can't?" But neither of them would answer Avril's question.

"Then get Alvi home, and I'll smile sincerely." Avril continued now made everything go silent.

"But I just want to marry you." Said Aldi making everything look at the same time.

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