Forced Mate

A heart beat

Alex took the car keys while whistling. She still has to take care of a lot of things for her prescription later tonight.

"Where are you going, Lex?" asked Marissa who was sitting in the living room.

Alex turned to look at his mother. "There's business, Mi."

"Ma, look!" Reina came half running.

Marissa turned her eyes to Reina who was stretching out the dress she was wearing.

"Beautiful, right?" Reina asked for an opinion.

Marissa nodded.

"It's from Alex's sister, it's really fitting!" said Reina. "Thank you Alex." Reina looked at Alex with a cheerful smile.

"I go first" said Alex.

Marissa's got Alex. "Alex, it's your reception tonight."

"I know, I'm going to the hotel right now to monitor the preparations." Reply Alex.

"There is a WO, why pay if it must be monitored again. They must have planned and prepared well." Marissa keeps preventing Alex from leaving on her own.

Alex insists. "I have to see for myself, Mi."

Marissa just sighed, free forbidding Alex. The first child never heard of it.

Alex walked out, but turned around again after someone called out to him.

"Bro, I'm coming!" yelled Reihan who ran down the stairs.

"Related, want to come?"

Reihan nodded. "I don't want to be with Nana."

Reihan knew very well that if he left for the hotel later tonight, then automatically Reina would whine along with him. Reihan doesn't like being in the car with Reina, because her sister is very noisy.

"Yes, come on!"

"Wait, I'll get the stuff first."

"I'll wait five minutes in the car, if I leave it."

While Reihan hastily runs towards his room, Alex exits towards the car. He sat in the driver's seat while holding the steering wheel. His eyes were fixed on the ring on his ring finger. To him all was like a dream, he had married and was now going to be a father.

Now he seems to understand how depressed Arya is when she will marry Ayu first. Now that he was thinking the same, self-doubting questions began to haunt him. What if he ends up like his parents? What if her son lives like her?

Alex stroked his ring. No, he would not let his son one day feel the loneliness and coldness he felt in his home first. His son will live with both parents who are full of warmth and affection.

The sound of knocking rippled Alex's daydream. He turned to the windshield and saw Reihan who kept knocking. Alex opens the car lock.

"What's daydream, Bro?" asked Reihan after sitting next to Alex. "I can't wait for the night, can I?" Reihan.

Alex responded with a smile. He drove the car without answering any of Reihan's questions.

****

Reihan and Alex enter a private elevator prepared by the hotel. They head to the 37th floor, where Alex's reception will be held. After getting out of the elevator they are greeted with a green atmosphere of trees, vines, and many pots with various types of plants hanging. Some people have already started decorating.

"Rootop parties?" reihan asked after seeing the scene in front of him.

Alex nodded. "There's a room up ahead, you can rest there."

"Okay, I just want to keep the stuff. Who would want to throw away a rare moment like this" Reihan said.

Reihan headed to the room that Alex was referring to. He stared at the living room and entered the room whose breadth almost beat the area of his room. Reihan's eyes were fixed on the open cupboard, in the closet was a pair of tuxedos hanging.

Outside, Alex went around staring at the preparations for his prescription. He approached a woman who was giving some instructions.

"Good day" said Alex.

The woman turned around. "Oh, good day Alex."

The woman with the body is, Rina, a wedding organizer hired by Alex.

"This is the place for music, right?" alex asked pointing at where Lina was standing.

Lina nodded and started to explain. "Yes, the piano is here, the cello and the violinist are here. As you requested, we do not prepare the leasing chair. So, in the middle of there we set a dance floor around which there's a light."  

Rina walked quickly and was followed by Alex. They stopped in front of that railing and stared at the city at a height.

"Well, here as we agreed yesterday, there's a mini stage with trees on each side and fabric decorations and some flower pots." Rina continued to explain.

"Okay, great!" praise Alex.

"To drink is available at the bar, and the food stall is at the side end of the bar. No server for food stall as you ask."

Alex nodded again. "Did you?"

"We put on peonies and baby breath.all in the pot, so it's still alive and won't be wasted as you asked too."

Alex smiles. He was specifically asking for no flowers to be picked, let alone petals to be spread just to be trampled. Alex has his own philosophy about flowers. Maybe that's why she doesn't like to give flower buckets for anyone to express feelings. If required to give flowers, then he will give flowers along with trees and pots, more essential.

"Ahead there is a red carpet and photo booth set in vines, some crystal flowers."

Alex kept nodding. He was quite satisfied with the decorations made by Rina.

"Yes, if you can spot in the middle there a little opened, let the city view more prominent."

Rina nodded. "That's it, easy."

"Alright, please continue."

Rina and Alex shake hands briefly, then Alex goes around for a while before catching up with Reihan in the room.

"Not out?" alex asks when he walks in and finds Reihan sitting on the couch playing a game on the phone.

"Would have wanted to, but still. Later that afternoon," Reihan replied without taking his eyes off the HP screen.

Not knowing what to do, Alex also played with Reihan. They are quite engrossed in playing one of the online games. In the middle of the game, Reihan can only cuss when Alex suddenly stops having to pick up the incoming phone.

"Well, no fun! Just win this!" reihan Protest.

Alex simply gave a faint smile to Reihan, and passed away with HP in his grasp.

"Hi, Sam!" greet Alex by phone.

"Sorry, I didn't get to your wedding!" said Sam, Alex's father.

Instead of calling Daddy, Alex is sometimes more comfortable calling his father by name.

"It's okay." Reply to Alex and continue. "Marriage only, nothing."

"You know that your father really wanted to attend, but Jess just gave birth to your sister." Sam gave an excuse.

Alex pulled one corner of his lips. There's always a reason, the time his parents are always drained for his other family, as if Alex wasn't their family. Not only this time, since childhood he had gotten used to it without his parents.

Sorry, that word no longer has any meaning for Alex. He still remembered that every graduation there were no parents beside him. When Alex gained recognition for his achievements at a very young age, he also just stepped up on his own.

Busy, work, no time, it's all just a false excuse to cover up the fact that they prefer their new family. According to Alex time will not be an excuse for loved ones. If he means anything to them, he should not wait until there is an opportunity, but rather make it exist. If they love Alex like their other children, they should still be together as a family.

"Yes, I know, Sam. Congratulations to Jess, I have a new sister again" Alex said flatly.

"Jess send a greeting. I hope you can visit to see your sister, all with your beautiful wife."

Alex was silent for a moment. "I'm pretty busy, Ayu too. I'm not sure I have time to visit until the end of the year."

"Well, I'll see if Jess and I have time to go to Jakarta."

Alex laughed sarcastically. "I never even settled in Jakarta, Daddy."

"Are you going to stay in Singapore?" ask Sam.

Alex chose to be quiet. He recalled living with his grandmother in New Zealand, often sitting next to the phone in the hope that it would ring. Sometimes his parents promised to call again, so Alex often stayed up late to wait for the ringing of the phone, waiting to just hear the voices of two people he loved so much. Often, it had been often, and every time Alex swallowed a bitter pill.

Being let down by her parents is nothing new to Alex, so she expects absolutely nothing more from them. For a long time he did not care about their presence in his important day though.

"Yes, there's no need for Sam. I know you and Jess are very busy, let alone having to take care of my sisters."

"Congratulations, Son. Best prayer for your wedding."

"Thank you" Alex replied briefly.

"All right, see you!" said Sam.

"Yes," Alex coldly replied.

Alex pocketed his HP. He held one arm against the wall. If it wasn't for Ayu's family, she would never have had a reception in Jakarta. She did not expect her parents to be present at her wedding, yet there was a hint of disappointment in her heart.

"Rei, I'm going out for a minute. You alone first, is it okay?"

Reihan who was engrossed in playing the game just nodded without looking at Alex.

Alex was in the car. He left the car engine on, while he just leaned back in the car seat with all his thoughts. It's been two decades and the wound is still gaping.

Once again the determination not to end badly like his parents fused throughout Alex's mind. It will be a little difficult indeed, considering Ayu who seems a bit difficult to conquer.

Alex drives his car, though still confused where to drive it. He just needs to calm his mind to vent his frustration and disappointment.

At first Alex was just planning on going around in circles and coming back after feeling a little calm. A crazy idea flashed through his mind when he was bored because he was stuck.

After about 40 minutes on the road, Alex stopped the car. He grabbed his HP and contacted one of the numbers with one side of his lips.

"Hello Honey!" greet Alex when the number he dialed picks up the phone.

***

"So how, next week you can not take care of Zahra?" ask Bima.

Ayu who was lying down, only gave a short nod.

"Relatedly? Your husband won't be angry about being distracted?" Bima who was lying next to Ayu asked again.

"What an anger," said Ayu cynically.

"Well, who knows your husband wants rations even disturbed Zahra. You were once a newlywed, too, you know."

Ayu glanced sharply towards Bima. "Your mind is loh Mas, always shallow."

Bima laughed briefly. "Not to be ashamed. It's official, too, right."

"Udah yeah, Mas. Anyway I will keep Zahra for Mas and Mbak Dita. You guys are free all day, all night, or whatever!" asserted Ayu, and added. "even if Mas wants to spend the night trying to give thanks to Zahra can also be very good. All the time for the newlyweds, okay!"

Ayu of course will not refuse to keep Zahra. Last week he had promised, and the promise must be fulfilled, he also did not want to if he had to return the shoes that Bima had given him as payment. He can also avoid Alex.

"Deal well, I don't accept refunds anymore." Bima reminded.

Ayu bengun and rolled her eyes after staring at Bima. "Udah said yes, yes too. I cancel this loh long ago."

"Yes, yes, sorry my most beautiful and kind sister," said Bima.

"I'm asking for extra money, Mas. I might have to give up on my own for Zahra's sake. You know what I mean, I'm a newlywed."

Ayu began his deadly attack. Usually the attack was successful in flying the sheets in Bima's wallet.

"Eh, it's just a shoe deal, Yu."

"That was when I wasn't busy. Now I have a husband to take care of his needs. What if it turns out later I am busy with Zahra and Alex lambs. Alex is hard to calm down if it's a problem."

In Ayu's heart he said. Of course he doesn't care about Alex, he just needs to lie a little to get the item he wants through Bima's money.

"You have a rich husband if you want something to ask for. You are a beggar."

Ayu immediately protested. "i just ask for the same family, not the same as others."

Bima immediately turned around and threw the pillow she was wearing on Ayu. "Your husband is not family."

Ayu gulped after realizing she had misspoken.

"A-Alex is not my family" Ayu stammered, then continued, "He's my soulmate, Love of my life."

Bima shuddered to look at Ayu's face that was messing around, "Your crazy old man, Yu. I think I just got a guy."

"Mas think I forgot how it used to be when Mas was dating Dita Ma'am, crazy bucin!" ayu ejek.

Ayu throws a back pillow at Bima.

They turned towards the door after the door opened and a rowdy sound from the two people who entered the room.

"Juice!"

Ayu who was sitting directly down from the bed, as well as Bima who was lying down.

Karin and Tamara take turns giving a hug to Ayu who is still amazed by the arrival of the two.

"I'm not part of it?" bima asked spread out her hands.

"We're under the tablets." Tamara reminded.

"It's still good, it hasn't changed!" karin shakes his head.

"My eyes are beautiful, sometimes, but my heart is only for Dita."

Ayu rolled her eyeballs, caught off guard by Bima's behavior. While Karin sneered at the man's confession. They of course know how Bima before marriage first, fortunately he has changed a little now.

Tamara gave a small smile and said, "Alex also said that."

"Oh yeah?" bima asked, "see, the man you said your soulmate just agreed." Bima continued.

"How much does Alex like Mas Bima, Yu?" ask Tamara with a sweet smile.

Ayu blinked her eyes, trying to digest Tamara's words. He of course understood the meaning of Tamara's question, which Tidka thought was That kind of question would come out of Tamara's mouth which Ayu had always known as a sweet and positive figure. If Karin were to ask that question, then Ayu would not be surprised at all.

"I'll do the same. Because we women open means can't glance here and there, right." Ayu replied after thinking for a moment.

Karin was amazed. "It's not wrong I've been teaching you all this time, Yu."

"Stop ripping Ayu off with your crazy feminist, Rin. If you know, you're killing him." Bima reminded. "You go on, I go down first, miss your beloved wife."

Karin and Ayu stared at each other with expressions fed up at Bima's expression. While Tamara laughed a little, and raised her one thumb on Bima.

After Bima came out, the three women continued to gossip on the bed. Karin said she had just arrived from the airport and had Tamara and Richard pick her up at the airport. Meanwhile, Tamara did not have time to come on her marriage contract because there was a meeting at the office.

Ayu understood the situation of her two friends. They are busy with their respective schedules, and Ayu's event is indeed very impromptu.

"So, you want to re-sign from the office and follow Alex to Singapore?" ask Karin.

Ayu shakes.

"Did Alex want to leave his job there?"

"Alex remains in Singapore" Ayu replied.

Tamara who was just silent came along. "You're LDR-an?"

Ayu just nodded. He didn't answer much, for fear of mispronunciation. He doesn't even know what his future plans are.

"So, you're marrying secretly, impromptu, just for the LDRs!" peekik Karin's. "What a pleasure to have married but not naked" said Karin.

"I don't want to interfere with your household, I love you and Alex very much" Tamara said in a soft voice. " I knew Alex from childhood and all he really wanted was family. He was always lonely because he lived alone. Her imagination of marriage is perfect, shouldn't you go with her to Singapore?" Tamara continued cautiously.

Ayu manages to hear Tamara's words, if only her friend knew the reason for Ayu's marriage. Ayu really understands what Tamara means, Alex has also often described how the marriage he wants. She wants marriage the way Alex wants it, but things are different.

If Ayu had not married Alex out of compulsion, she would have happily followed Alex wherever he decided to settle down. What kind of stupid woman wouldn't like Alex who almost had everything a woman needed. But Ayu always realized her place was not next to Alex.

"Don't know Tam, I don't think I can stay away from Dad and Mom."

"Jakarta distance with Singapore is only two hours flight, Yu!" ketus Carin's.

Ayu fell silent, she did not know she had to answer. Fortunately he was saved by his HP ringing.

"Wait!" Quit Karin, "who's calling?" tanyakanya.

"It's Alex" Ayu replied relieved that she didn't have to continue the conversation.

Ayu raises her butt and intends to stay away from her friend, but is soon detained by Karin.

"Here alone," said Karin grabbed the HP grasped by Ayu.

Karin swiped the screen to receive Alex's call and chose the speaker option. Then put the HP on the bed, while one index finger on the lips leads to Tamara as a sign that the woman is silent.

"Hi, Honey!" Alex's voice was heard through HP.

Ayu glanced at Karin and Tamara at a glance because she was confused as to what to answer.  Karin liked Ayu's plan so she could talk quickly.

"Oh, hi baby!" Reply Ayu, "what's wrong, miss?" Continue in a soft voice and sound spoiled.

For a few seconds there was no reply from Alex. Maybe the man had a heart attack because Ayu who was always jutek on the phone turned very sweet.

"Yes, that's a big miss."

Ayu glanced again at Karin who was holding back a laugh. While Tamara just shook her head looking at Karin's childish behavior.

"So you just want to say kangen?" tanya Ayu was still trying to sound sweet.

"No, I'm in front of your house."

Ayu's eyes are rounded. The three women on the bed stared at each other questioningly.

"Well, what?"

"I came to pick up my bride, I'm missing."

Ayu laughed awkwardly. "You're crazy, huh? I won't agree."

"You agree, you want to come with me?"

"Yes dong, I miss you too."

Ayu was disgusted by her own words. Were it not for Karin and Tamara who were nearby, he would not have uttered those forbidden words to Alex.

"Okay, my dear, I'm coming."

Alex's confident voice dropped Ayu's confidence, who thought Alex Tidka would dare to go into the house and pick her up. He should have mentioned Pandu's name until Alex shrunk.

****

Wow, after a long time finally able to UP a new part.

May the dear readers always be in the protection of God and avoid the very troubling Corona.

When other people are at home and with family, I still have to work. It feels very sad because of the turnover that is kejungkal many times than usual. Sometimes the race is like a dream of a city road that is always jammed suddenly quiet.

Although sad, I hope you remain obedient to the government's rules to carry out Social Distancing for our mutual safety.

May this pandemic soon pass so that we and our other relatives may gather and laugh again without the dark shadow of covid-19.

Stay positive and keep healthy everyone, 😘