Home For My Soul

149|His sacrifice for me

My thesis work was very stressful. Although I mastered the research I did for almost eight months struggling on the same topic, I admit the lecturers were good at asking questions. I couldn't answer right away and needed time to think.

But hearing the word pass, the heavy weight on both of my shoulders was lifted. Professor Bateman smiled in satisfaction and shook my hand tightly. Too bad, he didn't want to open his mouth ever since he mentioned Theo helping me with my tuition.

Asking the administration, they still do not want to tell the identity of the person who has provided assistance for my study costs. I felt even more guilty, because I would never be able to thank him.

Theo's. Why is he so good to me? What do I have that he sacrificed so much for me? I always want to win by myself and make it difficult for him. It turned out that he was the one who was already behind, fully supporting my study plan.

Professor Bateman is right. That much money is better he used to develop his family business. Or buy the house he dreamed of in Indonesia. Taking out this much money for me is tantamount to spending his savings on a selfish girl who is lazy to fight for a relationship with him.

“Amarilla? You graduated. Why are you crying?” ask Meghan who is approaching.

“Meghan!” I immediately hugged him tightly.

“Hey, what's up? What happened?” tanyanya panic.

You stupid Theo! I can wait for the next wave to apply for a national scholarship again. Why would he sacrifice his savings for me? Why is he always in such a hurry in so many things? He also wants us to get married this year.

Look what happened. It was me who made all his plans fail miserably. What am I supposed to do next? My head is completely empty. Every plan that I had laid out was also suddenly gone from my mind. I have to go to Indonesia and I don't know.

The first people I told about my graduation were Mama and Mommy. They have been taking care of VISA since last year, so Mommy does not delay anymore to book their arrival ticket. I was very touched by him and Dad willing to pay for plane tickets and Amarylis family lodging while in America later.

Unlike the Husada Family, my family will be here for two weeks. They even decided on the places they wanted to go. The timing was perfect because I still had a week after they came home to improve.

“You seriously don't want to go home with us? We can help you pack,” bargain Mother who immediately approved Mama.

“Can't, Mother. There's still business on campus that I need to finish. Not to mention the cost of renting an apartment until the end of March. I'll just follow,” reject me.

“Good. But you have to stay at home first, then you can go home to your mother's house,” claimed Mother. They also argue over whose house I visited first.

On the day of their arrival, I picked them up at the airport complete with a suitcase filled with my personal belongings. We missed, then went to the hotel together. They rented two suites. One for me with our parents, one for the boys.

Brother Nolan and Jericho do not want to miss being able to vacation together in this country. They have been visiting this country since they were children. We caught the attention of many people once we arrived at the lobby, as everyone scrambled to talk.

Wanting to introduce them to Antonio and Buddy, I invited them to dinner at his cool restaurant. My three brothers recognized him immediately from my social media posts. They ordered a burito that I always praised.

“Nah, it's done.” Antonio put his phone on the table.

“What's the problem?” many wonder.

“You have checked out from the hotel and the money has been returned to the number used to make payment. Please check so I can complain if they cheat me,” he said casually. “Amarilis has friends in this city. I'm not letting you stay at the hotel.”

“Antonio—” protest.

“Eits, don't say anything. Why do I have a big house, but my friend's family came and stayed at the hotel?” cut it. “Your suitcases are on their way to my house. Don'worry. If anyone is left behind at the hotel, they will drive him to my house.”

Antonio's kindness doesn't stop there. He also called people to help me get ready for the diploma awarding event on campus. Mama and Mommy are getting ready for themselves, only I am perfectly dressed.

I wore a kebaya behind my togaku. The size fits, following the shape of my body two months ago. Fortunately, I did not grow fat or thin. My hair was cut with a spiral at the end. The six men, plus Buddy, were so captivated by my appearance.

During the show, I didn't stop thinking about Theo. He should be here, because he deserves the biggest award from college for his help in my studies. He's the one who's been encouraging, even financing my college.

“Congratulations to both of us!” meghan is happy. “Are you and your family going to celebrate your graduation?” He looked at my two families.

“Iya. Antonio was waiting for us at his house.”

“Oh, thank goodness. I don't feel good about your family staying at the hotel. There is my family home in this town. But you know Clara hates you so much, so—” She doesn't continue that sentence, I get it. “Good. We'll go together later. You guys will love my family villa.”

“Who is Clara?” ask my three brothers simultaneously. They relax their hands and neck, ready to attack the woman they call it.

“Ah, come, Meghan. Our car is waiting.” I pulled my friend's hand towards the parking lot. I don't want anyone interfering with my personal affairs.

“By the way,” whispered Meghan. “Sorry, I don't know, Amarylis. You have a broken home family. Must be heavy to live in two families so.”

I wanted to do something, but I was silent. What can I tell him? Keep it clear that I am a different person of body and soul? He thinks it makes more sense. After all, she would never know about me and my family. Let him guess that.

We hugged each other before we got into our cars. The car was very crowded as we headed to Antonio's house. I didn't expect him to have prepared a room for all of us to take a picture together. If we are styled as we like, then Brother Jericho shows that he is indeed a professional model photo.

Two weeks that we took a vacation to various attractions. It begins with a visit to the city's historic landmarks, then to a neighboring state, and closes with a few days' stay at Meghan's family villa. Antonio and Buddy also joined at the urging of my two papas.

The location is very close to various famous attractions that we can go at once. We made a lot of memories in that place. But one thing did not go unnoticed by all of us. Brother Nolan doesn't want to be far from my best friend's side.

“What is a good man Nolan?” meghan asked as we lay in bed.

I looked at him, surprised at his question. “Meghan?” godaku's.

He covered his face with both hands. “Don't stare at me like that.”

“Do you like my brother?” I don't care about his shy attitude. He just kept quiet. I'm laughing a little. “Yes, he's a good guy. At least, he was kind to his sister. I don't know if she'll be nice to her future lover either.”

He suddenly turned his back to hide his face on the pillow. “Yes, geez, Meghan. Brother Nolan said love to you??”

“No!!” shaken surprised. “We've only been a few days together, he didn't get that far.”

“Then what makes you behave like this?” many confused.

“She said I was beautiful. You know for yourself, that's the word people always say to Clara, but not to me.” She blushed. “What do you think, he likes me?”

The family forbade me to drive them, so we split up at Antonio's house. I went back to the apartment with my bodyguard, while Antonio provided a car to drive them to the airport. I don't forget to thank you for the kindness of my best friend.

We only had one week left, so I had to start packing my things and Theo. Remembering him, I was sad. What should I do with his personal belongings? I take it to Indonesia or drop it at a restaurant? I'd better discuss that with Matt.

I parted with my bodyguard at the front door. I entered my unit, while they were either doing what became their routine. The delicious aroma of cooking entered my smell. Bizarrely. Is there anyone in the kitchen? I looked up and almost dropped the phone in my hand.