I Am Yours, Mr Chevalier!
The Part 96
Ben exited the NBC building with three other members of The Rebellion after interviewing at the prestigious Brooklyn-based TV station. Outside the building had been waiting for some reporters who had been waiting for hours for their appearance.
Journalists welcomed the four with questions about the return of the rock stoner band to the American music industry.
"What makes Rebellion arrive - end the hiatus?"
"Is it related to your mental health, Ben?"
"Have you made peace with yourself, Ben, have you accepted your wife's departure?"
Ben clenched both his hands tightly. Trying to hold back his overflowing emotions. Indeed, the mouth of a journalist is like a dagger that can hit his heart.
"Rebellion came back because he had to go back. There's no underlying reason, okay?"
Ben confirmed the location of his sunglasses and then entered his car. Followed by the other three members. The reporters were still trying to keep them from getting into the car until Gregory finally managed to close the door and the car drove off.
"You okay, Ben?" ask Liam next to Ben who is driving.
"No. I'd love to punch them in the face one by one" he said. "You hungry?" tanyanya then switched the conversation.
"O yeah," said Marcus, stroking his queen's belly.
"Some Indonesian food, maybe?" tawp Ben's.
"That would be nice" Marcus said again, which was immediately approved by Liam and Gregory.
Ben drove his car to the 6th Avenue area filled with small shops along the street.
.
.
Son, not busy today? Help Om at the store, meet Debby again out of town.
As soon as she read the message from Om Surya, Mia immediately rushed to 6th Avenue.
This Uncle's grocery store isn't too big. Divided into two parts. One part is made like a mini market that provides food ingredients and seasonings typical of Indonesia, and a small part of the other is on the front, used as a small restaurant that also serves Indonesian specialties and there are only a few tables.
Perhaps the Indonesian shop Om Surya is the only one around Brooklyn and Manhattan. Many Indonesians living in both the county and its surroundings are subscribed there. Not only Indonesian people, some celebrities also sometimes appear and eat at the store.
Before Mia moved out to live alone and get a regular job at the Linden Center, the girl helped her Uncle run the store every day. Now only occasionally Mia helps Om Surya, if the middle-aged man needs his strength.
The plan is today, Sunday, Mia just wants to rest in her apartment. However he could not resist if his Uncle asked for his help. After all, Om Surya has been very meritorious in his life. And she's the only family Mia has now.
"A, Mr. Chevalier, it's been a long time."
Mia, who was at the cashier table and put in a buyer's groceries, turned to the sound of her uncle's voice. His heart was pounding when he found four long-haired men standing in front of the entrance. One of them was Ben Chevalier. The blonde-haired man turned his head towards her, the look on his face slightly showing a sense of shock. But soon covered with his flat face.
"Hi, Mia, you work here?" ben asked, trying to be friendly. Of course it was successful in making Om Surya's forehead flinched.
"You know my niece?" tanya Om Surya's. Makes Mia undo her intention to answer Ben's question.
"Enh .. Mia is my son's violin teacher."
"Owh, I see ...."
Om Surya let the four men sit down. Mia nodded towards Marcus who had been throwing a smile at her ever since. Makes the girl feel awkward.
"We're gonna eat fried rice, Mr. Kusuma." Ben's voice made Mia glance towards the man at a glance. Their eyes meet. It was only two seconds long, and Mia hurriedly turned her face.
"Thank you" said Mia kindly to a buyer who had finished paying for her groceries.
Twenty minutes later Om Surya called him into the kitchen.
"Do you know Ben Chevalier?" mia asked as soon as she was in the kitchen helping her Uncle prepare four dishes of fried rice ordered by The Rebellion personnel.
"He used to eat here with his wife, Indonesians too."
"Oowh," murmured Mia.
"But since his wife died he has never been here again" said Om Surya. "You're anther to them, yes" he ordered later.
Mia nodded. Then grab a large tray and put four dishes filled with fried rice complete with topping that is chicken suwiran and shrimp crackers.
"Let me help you" Marcus said as he grabbed the tray Mia had brought. Liam and Greg just hissed slowly. While Ben is indifferent and busy with his phone.
"Please" said the girl.
Om Surya followed by bringing four glasses of ginger milk drinks.
"Compliment for The Rebellion" said Om Surya.
"Owh, how nice, thanks, Mr. Kusuma." Ben's smile expands. Caught by Mia's eyes, who is now back standing behind the cashier's desk.
Oh, my God, that's so sweet.
Om Surya smiled. Then leave the four and go back to the kitchen.
"Jahe and milk, that's a little weird, isn't it?" chirp Marcus while tasting a mouthful of the white drink.
"It's good to warm up in winter" Ben said as he fed himself a spoonful of fried rice. "Mmm .. The taste of the fried rice has not changed, it is still as good as it used to be" he murmured.
Laras who brought him to this place for the first time. Three years ago.
There's an Indonesian store in Brooklyn, accompany me to eat there, I want to eat fried rice.
Ben smiled in light of Laras' whimper of the time, forcing him to accompany him to this tavern. Right in the chair he was sitting in now, three years ago, looking at the adorable face of Laras in front of him who greedily ate fried rice portion of his jumba.
"Ben, Ben, hellooo?" Liam's voice made Ben gasp.
"Yes?" nervous answer. The plates of his three friends were empty. Then looked at Marcus who was talking to Mia at the cashier table.
"I'm done." Ben put his spoon and fork on the plate that still looks full and moved from his seat. Marcus hints to him that he's already paid the bill.
Om Surya tergopoh - go to Ben and say thank you.
"See you, Mr. Kusuma" said Ben. Then he glanced at Mia who was also looking at him. The man just nodded slowly, greeted by the girl's thin smile.
"See you, Mia, it's nice to talk to you" Marcus said with a big smile. Mia waved small. But the girl's eyes were fixed on Ben's back which was visible from behind the shop's glass door, starting to move away.
***
