MARRIED

The Past Scrap

Julia and Ben looked at each other without a word. Each seeks answers from the eyes that are like windows to the heart. The two did not realize that someone was walking towards them.

"Hello Ben, Julia ... Long time no see."

Julia and Ben were immediately startled and reflexively looked towards the source of the sound.

"Nadine?" yell Julia restrained.

While Ben was just speechless, completely shocked to see Nadine's sudden appearance.

Nadine stood up and smiled. Her eyes were more focused on Ben than Julia.

"Please sit down, Nadine," Julia bargained as she stood up and moved the chair for Nadine to occupy.

"Thank you Jul. But will I interfere?" nadine asked pleasantries as she had already sat down between Julia and Ben.

"Of course not" said Julia smiling sincerely.

"How are you, Nad? Where you been all this time?" ask Ben.

Ben's face looked stiff, like there was still some anger there. Though it has been more than a year Ben and Nadine broke up, but it seems there are still things that have not been resolved between them.

"I'm doing fine. Looks like this is a special dinner for you two. What's the show?" nadine asked to switch the conversation about her.

Ben just fell silent as if he did not want to answer Nadine's question. Julia sees Ben for consideration but Ben seems unconcerned.

"Ehm ... Nadine, Ben and I are celebrating a year of our marriage" Julia said.

"Huh?! You two married?" Nadine looked surprised. It is unexpected that the friendship between Julia and Ben becomes a marriage bond.

"True Nadine. When I was getting married a year ago, I tried to contact you to tell you about this marriage but all your access was closed. I didn't manage to reach you" explains Julia who felt suddenly unwell.

I don't know why he felt he had taken Ben from Nadine. While Ben did not help him at all and seemed to not care.

"True Julia, I moved to Palangkaraya and changed my cell phone number also shut down all my social media. I just wanted to calm myself down and start my life all over again" Nadine said of herself.

"Why are you back now?" ben asked with sharp eyes on Nadine.

"Ehm ... I ... I'm sorry I have to go now." Nadine suddenly stood up and walked hastily leaving Julia and Ben who were only dumbfounded to see Nadine's departure.

Julia wanted to shout calling Nadine, but the calm atmosphere of the restaurant made Julia reluctant to scream.

"I went after Nadine first Ben," said Julia who was ready to stand up.

"No need Jul! Let it. Who is Nadine anyway?." Ben forbade Julia and said unconcernedly.

"But Ben ... I feel bad" Julia said.

"For what? It's his own fault, right? He ruined our show tonight anyway." Still visible remnants of anger in Ben's tone of voice.

Julia sighed deeply, calming herself down for a surprise tonight. Julia was obedient not to pursue Nadine's departure, although in fact she was very curious.

"Julia, if Nadine wants to see me or you, I'm sure she'll call us. Never mind, don't think too much. Nadine is just a piece of the past" Ben said.

"Yes Ben" said Julia smiling.

Julia and Ben were still staying at the restaurant for a while before they returned home.

During the drive home, Julia keeps noticing Ben who seems to be quiet.

Julia did not want to think too far. Afraid of his imagination which leads to negative things.

Julia also felt troubled about the sudden arrival of Nadine. I don't know what purpose Nadine showed up for on her wedding anniversary.

But if Ben's right, then it's not long before Nadine will call him.

***

The night went by like the night before. Julia slept next to Ben quietly. There is no kiss or relationship like a husband and wife.

Julia Iklas accepts it if Ben is not ready to accept himself. But tonight Julia's memory floated.

During this year, Ben has never treated himself special. Is it that hard to accept and love her? Julia did not feel any tears, feeling sorry for herself.

I don't know when Julia will survive.

The morning has come. There are still remnants of sadness on Julia's face this morning. Her eyes looked a little swollen but Julia covered them with hair so that if not noticed properly, no one would know if she cried last night.

"Jul, what's your plan today?" ben's still sleeping next to Ben.

Because it's Sunday, Julia and Ben are still relaxing and in no hurry to go to work.

"Maybe today I want to go home for a while to Mama Devi's house. I miss Mama" said Julia.

"Well, I'll drop you off" Ben offered.

"Don't Ben, don't you have an appointment today with your friends?" Julia reminded.

"Oh yes, it is true. But this reunion doesn't matter Jul."

"Don't Ben, you should still come to the reunion. After the reunion, you go to Mama's house. I'll be waiting for you" Julia said to keep Ben at the reunion.

Actually Julia just wanted to go home alone. I really want to tell her problems to her dear mother. Julia felt like she had to tell someone to shed her current grief.

"Well if that's what you want. You take a taxi to Mama's house, so I'll pick her up" Ben said.

"Okay," said Julia.

Ben and Julia are preparing to leave today even with different goals. Ben went first to join his best friend's reunion in college.

During the day, Julia took a cell phone to book a taxi when the doorbell rang in her house.

Who the hell is that coming? I'm leaving too. Julia grumbled in the heart. It was not like opening the door of his house.

Julia finally opened the door.

Chequelek

"Hello Julia, happy Sunday" said Karel with a cheerful face and a big smile.

"Oh my goodness, Karel?! What do you want to come here?" julia asked who was surprised to see Karel coming to her house.

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