Home For My Soul

47|Make Close

Me and Theo's family have been getting closer since I performed on Om and Aunt Husada's wedding anniversary. Until dinner together in an expensive restaurant, I was invited. After studying with Matt on that day, we celebrated Aunt Ruth's birthday.

Om Azarya who is usually absent also joined us. I feel like a stranger who shouldn't be sitting there with them. But their hospitality and every conversation that involved me, dismissed the discomfort.

The three men gave each one their gifts. Theo gave a very nice bag, Matt gave his mother a very beautiful shoe, while Om Azarya bought a set of diamond jewelry that I could have imagined the price.

Aunt Ruth immediately comforted me who had brought her nothing. “Matt is getting better academically, it's the best gift I've ever had,” his flattery with sparkling eyes. “The present of these men cannot match him.”

“Thank you, Auntie,” I was moved. The three men who alluded to it only raised their eyebrows.

My relationship with Sonata was getting closer, but I decided to take Theo to a fashion show where Sister appeared as one of the models. I do not regret my decision, because Chika also attended with her friends.

I don't have to bother making him jealous, because Theo did it. He sits close to me and his hands are always on my shoulders or holding my hands on my thighs. From the corner of the eye, I could see Chika close her lips, holding back the emotion of seeing our closeness.

Brother was stunning by walking confidently on stage. His mischievous and playful eyes turned cold and solemn. I don't know why all fashion models must express themselves like attending a funeral. Even though Brother Jericho has explained it, I still cannot understand the reason.

“Congratulations, Brother! Very cool brother!” I said when he came to us after their brief backstage meeting.

“Thank you, Ris!” He hugged me tightly. “I'm glad you came to meet the invitation. Unfortunately, you brought people I don't like.”

“Before I bump your face, you better let him go.” Theo pulled my body away from Brother Jericho. “Cnee for a moment. Don't be long.”

I intended to be angry at his rude attitude, but seeing Jericho's defeated face, I restrained myself. Why is he so scared of Theo? Papa can help her get a better job if her success as an advertising model is blocked by Theo.

“You must be hungry. Come on, I'll buy you a meal,” take Brother to the parking lot.

I looked between Brother and his fellow models and organizers. “Lo? Brother not having dinner with the team?” many confused.

Usually all those who follow the show will follow the dinner together. The entire crew, models, even fashion designers will come together as the last friend. Because after today, they will not gather again and the official event is closed.

“I've asked permission. After all, my business is done,” he said casually.

The brother chose a restaurant that was quite far from the location earlier and was lucky to get the room. I understand why he chose that place. He must be willing to avoid fans or journalists who could be following him to this restaurant.

I didn't waste my chance to eat. Moreover, the food on the menu is very appetizing. Theo looks happy to see me eating voraciously and a lot. Of course, he's the only supporter I keep fat and ugly.

“Although Riris is not my biological sister, my affection for her is as great as my love for Katelia,” Brother said as we finished eating.

Empty plates and glasses on the table had been brought by the waiter replaced with food and drinks as cover. I just heard, seeing Brother looking at Theo seriously. The young man was even indifferent to eating his cake.

“I hope you won't hurt him, whatever your purpose is to be familiar with him,” continued Brother Jericho. “His family may not be able to help him from you, but I can.”

“Gue is not a playboy like lo, Richo. I will not hurt Amarylis,” Theo said casually. “Lo who seems to have to try harder to protect him. Aunt Wibowo was very angry with him three weeks ago.”

“I've tried—” said Sister, defend yourself.

“Try harder,” by Theo. “Amarilis says, you forbid him to tell you who he really is to your family. So think of another solution. Don't let mama lo have a hobby of slapping people's cheeks for life.”

He looked at me worriedly. I nodded in agreement. “Mama slapped me on the toilet. It's not entirely Mama's fault, because I know Chika provoked her.”

“What's up, Brother? What did Chika do to Sister?” aska I want to know.

“He seems to be still angry because Kak Nolan refused to be betrothed to him last year. I don't know what Papa's considerations are, but they agreed to purely do business together. Neither Papa nor Om Winara are interested in getting a message,” said Brother Jericho.

I didn't know Chika ever liked Sister Nolan. How could such a big thing escape my attention? Ah, maybe she just noticed Brother after I was gone, so I don't know about her feelings. Quickly he turned his heart to Theo.

“What according to Brother, he is still angry, so he deliberately provoked Mama?” my guess.

“No.” Brother glanced at Theo. “Seeing his closeness to Theo, I'm sure he doesn't care anymore about Brother Nolan. Which he is after you. Moreover, she knows Mama is very angry with you, because she believes you caused her only daughter to die.”

“Which I cannot understand, why is he still grudging you? Doesn't she already know you're Katelia? You guys were friends for so long, what made him turn around hating you?” asked the Big Brother whom we gave expressionless looks.

“Shortly. He came but didn't see our performance at all. He looked to—” His mouth was gaping wide. “Chika likes Theo??”

My closeness to Theo's family was further strengthened by an invitation to Om Azarya's birthday celebration. The event was only for their relatives and close friends. But I don't feel alien anymore, especially since Theo was never far away from me.

Surprisingly, both his parents did not suspect anything of my familiarity with Theo. Fortunately, Chika and her family have not been included in their list of relatives. So, I don't have to worry there will be drama from the presence of those two annoying creatures.

After repeatedly hearing about her, I finally knew the girl who had stolen the attention of my disciple. It's fair Theo always mocks me whenever I tease about the closeness of my relationship with Matt. The girl is like the sky, while I am the earth.

His physical characteristics are typical of the daughter of a wealthy person who is well-regarded. White skin, slim body, well-groomed face, beautiful and shiny hair, and neat teeth. His attitude is very polite and sweet. I'm sure his clothes were specially designed just for him. She's perfect, like Katelya.

“The sword of the girl from lo is she is very kind and generous. He couldn't hurt anyone in his entire life, ” Theo said, half mocking me.

“I am a child victim of a rich man like you, so I know no man is perfect, no exception to him. You just haven't found the flaws,” reply me, don't want to lose.

Perfect physique is common, but impeccable nature is impossible. Matt has to be careful. Better to deal with a woman who is like me, without pretense, than the girl who is smart to cover her shortcomings.

“He is not intelligent, if it can be called as weakness. Because of this, Matt wanted to improve his academic grades. He wanted to impress the girl's parents, not the woman,” Theo said, continuing. “Don't call him a fool in front of Matt if you don't want to be his enemy.”

“No one is stupid,” I disagree. “He just hasn't met the right teacher.” I lifted my chin, telling him what I meant by that exact teacher.

Suddenly he kissed me on the cheek. I was stunned for a moment. My heart was slowly beating faster, then I realized where we were. My face was heating up, worried that someone might see it. Yet seeing everyone busy themselves, no one looked towards us, I felt a little relieved.

“Don't do that here,” I whispered worry.

“We can go to my room,” his proposal that immediately close his lips restrains the pain. I pinched his thighs hard.

The final semester exams arrive. I followed him calmly, studying every day. All the tasks I did well. So, I'm pretty confident, my grades will be as perfect as the first semester. Only Sonata did not stop worrying.

Matt gave the good news first. He took third grade and entered his dream class: IPS. He wants to follow in the footsteps of his father and brother by entering the management department later. I was surprised to receive a gift from him, a new, very expensive phone.

School and college holidays, I stayed in Depok. Every day is a job for me. Even though I didn't teach Matt, I busied and filled out any events if anyone needed my services. When Matt mentioned Theo's surprise birthday party, I prepared a gift for him.

Just like on Om and Aunt's wedding anniversary, they asked me to do a duet with Matt. We trained at my student's orchestra headquarters so Theo wouldn't notice the surprise of his family.

But on the day of the celebration, not only Theo, I was shocked by the surprise they had prepared. I knew sooner or later it would happen, but I didn't expect it to be this fast.