Home For My Soul

120|Last Holiday

~Amarily~

My mood was really bad because of that pretty pretentious woman. Turns out he approached Theo because their parents were business associates. So obnoxious. With just a flick of a finger, he could become an assistant manager at Husada's restaurant. Assistant manager!

Theo should have fired the woman who didn't know herself because she didn't follow the selection. It's good that he used his father's power to get what he wanted. But I can what? I have to admit it's normal for parents to make money for their children.

The pretentious lady was forgotten with an unforgettable Christmas and New Year experience with Theo. He invited me to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere in the middle of the city which was decorated with the distinctive nuances of the big day. What I liked the most was when we heard the song sung by a very harmonious choir.

We also spent the turn of the year night with the crowd outside the apartment. I used to see fireworks. But it feels different when with Theo. I hope everything will be okay in the new year.

“Honey, wake up,” whispered Theo that morning. “Come, wake. We have to go.”

“I don't want to exercise today. Skips. I'm still sleepy.”

“Gue didn't ask you to run. Comeon, getup. We need to seize a strategic place.” He pulled my hand so I could sit. “Mandi now or I bathe.”

He never gave an empty threat, so my eyes reflexively opened wide hearing that sentence. Without waiting any longer, I sat down, got out of bed, and entered the bathroom. I wanted to nag, but a delicious breakfast was already waiting on the table.

After breakfast, he took me out of the apartment. I didn't know where he was taking me, but we took public transportation, then walked a considerable distance until I saw the crowd of people in front of us. It turned out that the pedestrians who were with us were also heading in the same direction.

Theo showed the ticket to the guarding officer, then we continued walking. Turns out the highway was closed for nothing. There were a lot of police and officers on guard. The sidewalks and highways were separated by barrier iron so we could not cross.

“Here only.” He pointed at the barrier iron that had not been swarmed by people. We stood at the front without anyone standing in the way.

“What do we do here?” many confused.

“Later also lo know.” He lowered my hat to cover my forehead and put on earplugs. The same thing he did to his hat. Bizarrely. Is he afraid someone will recognize us?

People began to crowd the place where we were. It seemed like a strategic place, since there were still other places that were still empty, they chose to jostle. Until there was a child held on the shoulder of his father standing in the back row.

Music began to play, the crowd cheered as they clapped. Not long after, there was the sound of a man introducing himself as the host. When he mentioned the name of the show, I turned to Theo. What parade is this?

In the distance was a huge car coming with a stage on it. More than a dozen people stood on it wearing costumes of bright colors. Waw. Is this a festival? I pulled out my phone and searched the event information. Ah, this parade has been done since the year one thousand nine hundred and one. Justjust wonderful.

The show began with costumed people on stage dancing to the rhythm of a marching band. It's exquisite. I was lucky to stand at the front even if not right in front of the show. After their performances, other bands also performed.

What distinguishes one appearance from another is their costume uniform. Every time they finished performing, they would walk around the road that has been closed specifically for this parade. Really a great New Year.

“Thank you for bringing me to this show, Theo,”. We decided to go back after two hours. The event will continue until six in the afternoon.

“Sama-sama. Next year we may not be able to attend. You must be busy with your thesis.” He grabbed my shoulder as we walked.

“True also.” I saw a food truck. “Come, we eat it.”

Understanding the difficulty of doing a research, I gave him encouragement every day. When I was dizzy with the increasingly difficult book material, I checked his condition in the room. I knew I had to be careful not to disturb his concentration or provoke him.

But no matter how well I act, he still teases me. Sitting on his lap was the scariest thing for me. That position won't make me pregnant, ‘kan? I know as long as we're fully dressed and it doesn't happen, ng, it's, then I'll be fine.

I'm still on vacation, but Theo's back on the move. He went to college for a consultation with his professor, then I could study for a moment. Dizziness reading that complicated academic sentence, I picked up a snack in the kitchen.

My phone shook, so I checked. Video call from Matt. He immediately shouted to greet me as soon as I answered him. For a long time my ears could be deaf called that. He wishes me a happy New Year.

We talked for a moment about the research he was doing. Since our field is the same, I have no trouble helping him in his study of the problems he raises. We were so serious that I didn't hear Theo's return. Suddenly he kissed me on the cheek.

“I guessed it. It must be my sister who grabs the attention of lo,” he lamented. I'm laughing a little.

“Theo, you step aside first. We are in serious discussion,” protest Matt.

“Who do you arrange me to get there or come here?” reply Theo. He grabbed my shoulder, then showered my face with a kiss. “He's not your teacher anymore. There, find the material in the library. I want to make out with him.”

“Theo, you can date later. Oi, I need my teacher!” matt exclaims, but his voice suddenly disappears, as Theo disconnects the video. I just laughed at their fight.

He gave me one last kiss at the temple before distancing himself. I followed him with my eyes as I walked over to check the upper cabinet. He offered me chips, I refused. I just finished a pack.

“How? Your lecturer is still asking for revisions or can you continue to the last chapter?” aska I want to know. His attitude is strange.

He sighed softly. I also know he brought bad news. “There is still time to pursue graduation this year. You must be spirit.”

“Hm.” He put a piece of chips in his mouth.

I hugged his waist and put my head on his arm. “Everything will be fine, baby. Don't be sad so.”

He's laughing a little. “Lo is very easy, yes, bullied,” teasing.

Hearing that, I pinched her hand until she complained of pain. “Not funny.”

He smiled thinly. “Gue can already proceed to the last chapter. So, get ready, baby. We'll be married soon.” He brought his face closer, teasing me.

“No.” I looked at him seriously. “Don't forget. We got married after I finished. I don't want my concentration when working on a divided thesis.”

“My parents could've called me home. We won't be able to get married if not here.” He tried to persuade me.

He's not serious. I know it. We agreed we'd think of a way after I'd finished. Education is everything for both of us. So, I kept quiet, not wanting to be provoked into arguing with him. He laughed and stopped teasing me.

“Do not be close to any man. Do you understand?” he said, suddenly serious.

“Iya. I will take care of your trust. The same goes for you. Don't get close to other women, even if she's an employee at your restaurant.”

Not until one month later, Theo also advanced the thesis. He's been so nervous since night. I was not allowed to attend the event or accompany him on campus. I relented so that he could concentrate on being responsible for his research in front of the examiners.

I waited anxiously in the apartment until I could not read a single sentence in my lecture book. I can't focus on thinking he's still struggling on campus. If this were in Indonesia, I wouldn't worry. Because we will not be bothered with language limitations. Studying abroad is more challenging because choosing the wrong word can mean different things.

Hearing the apartment door open, I stood and waited. He came with a face without his emotions. My heart was pounding more and more erratically, so I immediately approached her. “How?”