Home For My Soul

48|We Break Up

Theo swept a glance around him. Looking for me who's not on stage. Matt and I were just playing to welcome the invitations. When the host starts the celebration, then the music is taken over by the band.

Once he found me, we just looked at each other wordlessly. He could do nothing, being shocked in front of many people. I knew Theo wouldn't embarrass his family by openly defying them.

Even deep down, I hope he refuses. I could only see the incident was not far from them. Matt was sitting casually by my side, enjoying a piece of cake. So that she would not suspect anything, I took the cake and ate it.

“Give a standing ovation to our mismatched couple, Altheo and Jessica who got engaged today!” exclaim the man, the host of the show. “So, single girls and young men, your chance is up. Don't push their relationship anymore.”

The invitations laughed. Aunt Ruth and Aunt Winara look very happy. Only Theo did not smile during the installation of the ring. Instead, Chika did not stop smiling widely and held onto the young man's arm. He deliberately sought me out just to smile triumphantly.

There were many reporters present waiting in the next room to attend the press conference of the spokesmen of the two families. So, I was not surprised to see Theo and Chika invited to the room. Matt and I approached the serving table and started taking our food.

“Papa and Mama are very strange.” Matt looked towards the door where the conference room was located. “What do they think so use this moment to announce the engagement?”

I just kept quiet, didn't respond. Her parents' decision was none of my business, so I did not want to rashly interfere with giving a response. I better just listen to him. Anyway, I'm sure he just needs a friend to talk to.

“Gue doesn't like that girl named Jessica. I don't know why Papa and Mama couldn't see that he was full of falsehoods. His smile never reached his eyes, not sincere. The way he sees Theo is also cynical, as if to say, I'll get lo, no matter how.”

He made food on his plate with a spoon. “Theo is also very bego. Why is he quiet, anyway? He should have refused. It's her birthday, not her fiance. Why would he want to be needed like an item that has no will?”

“Matt, do you realize who you're talking to?” my question is, cut before he reveals all his heart or his family secrets.

“Know. I won't discuss this with Brother if I don't believe Brother can keep a secret. The proof, our appearance was not Theo know. We practiced quietly for two weeks. So, Big brother's the one I can trust.” A reasonable conclusion.

Since there was nothing else I needed to do, I said goodbye to Aunt Ruth who had returned and Matt. The good student of my heart insisted on driving me home. Because I refused, he ordered a taxi online. I too had to give up.

I deactivated the phone before going to bed. Although I can't go back as hard as I try to close my eyes. Chika's happy face haunts me. He didn't stop looking at me every time he brought his body closer to Theo and the young man just kept quiet.

We have no special relationship whatsoever. Only the backstreet has no basis and can break up at any time. Then why does my chest hurt like someone is squeezing my heart so hard? Why are my tears flowing without me stopping?

“Amarilis, we need to talk,” said Theo who came to me at my workplace.

“Oh. Would you like a gift?” I pretended not to understand. “Sorry, I didn't prepare anything for you. My money is just to fund my college.” I lie.

“Gue didn't know they were going to do that last night,” he said, explaining.

“Theo, I'm working.” I glanced at the violin that was between my shoulder and my neck.

“Promise we'll talk when lo rest,” urged. He won't let me work quietly until he gets what he wants, so I'm forced to nod.

He caressed my cheek before moving away and watching my violin play with the crowd in front of me. My eyes warmed up, so I sighed for a moment, calming my emotions. A tune playing in my head, matched my current feelings.

I always play with emotions, so I follow my heart. People started putting their money in the violin box. One by one people came, curious to hear my play. When someone records, others do not want to lose doing the same.

When Theo approached and grabbed my hand, I knew it was lunchtime. So, I did it by tidying up my violin box, collecting the money I got, and keeping the violin in its place. We'll talk very seriously.

“Gue really did not know would be engaged to her last night,”. He didn't have to say that because I was there and saw his reaction.

“It won't change anything. You and Chika are officially engaged. Your parents even invited reporters to make sure everyone knew about your relationship,” I said seriously. “You can't tickle anymore. We broke up, Theo.”

“We stay together,” he said firmly.

“Terlarah. What do you want to say, I don't care. For me, we've broken up. Point,” concluded me, do not want to be persuaded by his defense.

“Gue told you, I decide where our relationship is going, Amarylis.”

“Backstreet until you age along with Chika, that's what you mean? She became your legal wife and I'm just your mistress. Is that what you're planning? Did you avenge all my deeds in High School by making me trash? Sorry, Theo. There are still men who want to choose me to be the first for him.”

After remaining silent and doing nothing to his parents' plans that night, he dared to offend the ultimate sentence. If he was the one who determined the direction of our relationship, he should have told his parents the truth as well. Instead of accepting the engagement, stay with me behind them.

“Lo is not my mistress. My first girlfriend! How many times do I have to say that!? I and she are still engaged, not yet legal!” his reply. “If we are engaged in church, you can get angry. I chose you to be my wife!”

He took my hand, then put something in my palm. I saw him very well. A velvet box. I looked at him in confusion, but he was silent. Then I looked at the box again, and opened it. There was a simple ring with one diamond as its eyes inside.

“What is this?” I asked while closing the box back.

“Granny's engagement ring is passed down for me,” she replied. He took the box out of my hand, opened it, then took out the contents. “Gue will marry lo, not Chika.” She wrapped the expensive ring around my right ring finger. Perfect fit. “Lo see that? I did not choose wrong.”

My eyes are heating up to see it. The ring was chosen for me. Maybe her grandmother and I have the same finger size, but that doesn't mean I'm the chosen girl. But I don't want to fight and leave the ring on my finger.

“We won't hold any events until I finish my master's degree later. So, my relationship with Chika is just a formality. I promise I won't touch him. Everything I do to you, I won't do with it.” He took my hand and looked at me seriously.

“What do you mean?” my many.

“Gue will not hold hands, hug, or kiss him. Not sleeping together either. If you see or hear all that stuff, believe me, I don't do it willingly. All those things I'll just do with lo.” His eyes looked at me seriously.

I'm laughing a little. “I won't sleep with my girlfriend, Theo. I'll just do it with my husband,” I said firmly.

“Agreed,” said quickly. I frowned at me. “I promise.”

We eat in silence. I finished all the food I ordered, nor did I refuse when she ordered some snacks. I asked the waiter to pack it up so I could bring it home. It could be my breakfast menu.

He kept me busking until night, so I didn't forbid it. I purposely closed the ring so that the audience would not see it. If they know I'm wearing a diamond, anyone will donate the money to me.

We just kept quiet when he drove me to my place. Unlike usual, she hugged me after I returned her helmet. My chest tightened and my eyes heated up feeling that change in attitude. I'm afraid of losing him too.

But my decision is unanimous. Our relationship will never be happy. Aunt Ruth was kind to me, not that she would bless me for being the wife of her eldest son. While releasing the hug, I inserted the precious thing in his jacket pocket.