Home For My Soul

35|Only Friends

So arrogant of him. Who does he think he is? Husband, no. Old man, no, big brother, neither. Then what right does it have to rule my life and with whom am I in a relationship? It's nice of him to decide everything in our relationship.

Om Azarya and Aunt Ruth could not have invited the Chika family to a meal with them if their intentions were not serious about the engagement. They must have agreed that their son would be with a woman like Chika rather than with me.

Tuh, ‘kan, this is why I do not want to be involved in business with men. My mind got distracted, but my main goal in college was to learn. Theo is annoying. Why should I teach her sister and meet her at the same college?

Maybe the world is laughing at me. All the young men who came closer I accepted with open arms. That's the attention I like. As a friend, nothing more. I used to be a prankster, but I respect Papa and Mama who have chosen a husband for me.

Then I was in this ugly, fat body that I was no longer the center of attention of men. If anyone glances, they just look at me cynically. The same view that Katelya must have addressed to Amarilis first.

“Finally, I can treat you to eat too,” Sonata said happily. He placed the tray filled with his ordered food on the table.

“Thank you, Sonata,” I said sincerely. I sat in front of him with the table between us. When with Theo I can eat as much, with him, I carefully choose the food. I don't want him to think I'm greedy for being paid to eat.

“So, what do you have to do with Theo?” He looked at me meaningfully.

“Friends only. He is also my classmate at SMU,” I replied honestly.

“Ooo-be. You were unemployed one year after High School, huh? Well, I'm so disinclined. You are my senior. I was being disrespectful by calling you names only,” he said, humbling.

“Do not do that. Even though I'm older, we're the same age. I prefer this, so I feel younger when I meet them.” I laughed giggling.

“I'm sorry, yes.” He looks sorry. “You told me they used to bully you during High School, but I believe you stole our senior wallet.”

“It's okay. We just know each other, it's only natural that you don't trust me completely.”

We ate while talking about the campus and the reasons we each decided to major in it. We are not from this city but outside the city. The difference is, I am from a different island, while he is from a province on the same island.

His eyes were sincere, a sign that he was not lying about anything he said. Yes, it was not him who had already deleted our duty documents from his laptop. Rahma. He approached me, but I refused to befriend him. Moreover, the reason for doing that was it not for envy?

My relationship with Sonata grew closer when the next day, she was still acting the same way to me. The incident she changed her attitude and moved away from me when Chika accused me of stealing still stuck in my head. So, I always thought her kindness was only temporary. I hope it doesn't.

In the evening, I was so relieved to eat with Matt and Aunt Ruth. No more three strangers feel entitled to judge me, make a play, or secretly look at his wife's disrespectful attitude. Their driver drove me home, because Theo wasn't home.

On the eve of lunch the next day, I saw Theo walking from his lecture hall to the end of the corridor. He passed me without looking, saying hello, or doing anything. Very strange dating style. Is she just my girlfriend on Mondays and Fridays?

“See him,” whispered someone near me to his friend. “He must have thought Theo liked him.”

“Which foolish woman will not be deceived? Newly coupled a little already big head. He did not know Theo did not like women,” taunted his friend.

“Iya, right. He only wants to join men whenever there is a group task. Choosing a seat also does not want to be near women. We're prettier, where maybe Theo likes those fat, spotty, ugly girls. Ih, I was disgusted,” said the first woman earlier.

If only they knew. The young man chased me until half forced me to be his girlfriend, not even wanting to break up with me when there was another more beautiful and rich girl proffered in front of him.

“I'm hungry. Come on, we eat.” They passed me, no matter how I heard them say. Good thing, they don't believe me and Theo have a special relationship.

The two girls are beautiful, so I understand why they insulted me. Katelia also reacted similarly to seeing an ugly chick pass by. My focus here is on learning, not modeling so that everyone will admire me. Justjust look. They'll be surprised to see my appearance later.

“Why do you eat so little?” ask the worried brother. “Add your order. I paid, don't worry.”

“I must have the ideal weight to be able to achieve my dreams, Brother,” I said, reminding.

He looked at my body carefully. “True too. If your appearance is not attractive, whichever one wants to accept you as an employee.” He rubbed his chin. “When are you birthday? I'll buy you a suit.”

“Not now. I don't want to be flashy. Here's better,” subtly reject me. “Again, my room is small, so I don't have much personal stuff.”

“Good. It's up to you.” He looked around us. “You better keep your distance from Theo. Papa and Mama won't like seeing you familiar with it.”

I smiled at her words. My chest felt airy, relieved that he still saw me as his sister, not someone else. What Theo feared would never happen. I was in another girl's body, but to Sister, I was still her sister, Katelia.

“We're just friends. After all, did Brother forget? I am Amaryllis. Are my parents and I the same? I hang out and get married to whom someday, they won't care.”

“You're right. Why do I say stupid like that?” He scratched his head that was not itchy.

“Sister is stupid. Between the three of us, only Big Brother has the lowest achievement,” my ridicule.

He stretched out his hand to ruffle my hair. I walked away and laughing satisfied already made him upset. Actually, he's not stupid, just lazy. If he likes something, he ignores everything else.

Brother Jericho fell deeply in love with the world of modeling. Whatever she does, not just a photo model, but also a fashion show. He was lucky there was a very famous male product that chose him as their ambassador. Since then, his name has soared.

Nolan and I can no longer go with him without being chased by fans and journalists. So, we decided not to take her every meal or walk. One year left the glass screen, then he could travel without chasing fans again.

It seems like he deliberately did that in order to be able to lecture quietly. I can't imagine what he would be like to be surrounded by fans every day on campus. But I am very proud of the achievements she has achieved as a model.

“By the way, I won the audition. So, prepare. There will be many more people who will follow me where I am going. Don't complain when I wear a head and mouth cap or take you to a place of privacy,” he said seriously.

“Wow! Congratulations, Brother!” my praise. “When is the show?”

“Later I will be able to call. I'll give you one golden ticket. Would you like to bring a friend?”

“Seems not.” I better come alone. Sonata does not necessarily like fashion shows.

“Then I give you two tickets. It's up to you to come with whom.” She smiles. “I'm proud of you. You would rather be yourself than follow my advice to remain Amaryllis. It must be uncomfortable.”

“Kakak won't know how tormented must be theatrical for months.” I nodded loudly. “Therefore I decided to be myself only. After all, no one knows what the difference is between Amaryllis and Katelia other than you.”

“Stay careful. And find me when you need help,” he said seriously.

Matt looked tired when we were studying. I suggested to rest sooner, she refused. The music show is getting closer, it looks like they are practicing harder so as not to make mistakes. I was wondering what musical instrument he was playing.

“Hey, look!” said someone as I entered the corridor to the lecture hall that morning.

People looking at me confused me. Ah, naw. Their eyes were not on me, but behind me. So I turned my head and saw Theo walking with Chika. I immediately understood what caught their attention once I saw the girl's hand.