Restore Your Smile

Whole Bliss

Day by day passed. James and Cindy are having their last day of catechism.

"Your material is done. Anybody want to ask?" ask the Reverend Lukas.

"Nothing, Pastor, " replied James.

"What about you, Cindy?" Pastor Luke asks Cindy's opinion.

"I'm not there either, Pastor, " replied Cindy.

"It's good that everything is clear. May with this provision, you may create a family that glorifies God. Even if you start it the wrong way, but believe me God is still able to turn it into a plan of peace. There is always a hopeful future as long as you walk in His way" said Pastor Luke.

Hearing that, James and Cindy simply fell silent. They are immersed in each other's thoughts.

"After this, we will meet once again for the briefing of his blessing event. The meeting should also be attended by your parents. So when do we all get to meet? Because it's Wednesday and the show is Saturday, our only choice is Thursday or Friday" said Pastor Lukas.

"If it's Thursday, we can meet in the afternoon, around 16:00. But if it is Friday, we can only meet rather late at around 19:00, because there was a previous Women's Guild service, " added Pastor Lukas.

"Our family used to always be at home no later than 6 pm, Pastor. So if according to the schedule of the Father, for me most fitting we meet on Friday, " replied James.

"Papa's schedule is also more loose on Fridays. But later I will definitely go to papa yes, sir .... Most of you are at home, so there should be no problem, " replied Cindy.

"good. Then, after a definite decision among your families, please let me know well ...." Pastor Luke concludes.

"Okay, sir, " replied James.

Then, the meeting closed with prayer before returning to their respective homes. After they finished praying, James and Cindy said goodbye to Pastor Luke and walked out to the parking lot. There, as usual, Cindy's family driver was ready to wait to bring her nonanya back home.

Before Cindy walks to her car, James calls her, "Cin .... Can I talk to you for a second?"

Cindy turned her back and faced her former teacher. Heart's pounding. There are feelings of fear, anxiety, nervousness, and happiness all at once. Afraid and anxious because he did not know what James was going to talk about. Happy because this is the first time Mr. James has asked him to speak first.

Yep. Since the events at the camping event until earlier when the catechism ended, Mr. James only spoke if he invited him to talk. Their conversation was only limited to the interests of mutual needs, such as yesterday when Mr. James accompanied him to find kebaya and choose a wedding ring.

Mr. James seemed to be adjusting to his wishes. There is no emotion implied in the sentence or the look on the face of Mr. James. Indeed, sometimes Mr. James smiled when replying to his words. But that's just the usual etiquette. It looks like a bad actor who can't get into his role well.

"Yes, Sir. What's up?" ask Cindy with a rumbling chest.

"We haven't spoken in person since that incident. But because in the next few days we're getting married, I think we should be honest and open with each other." James begins his sentence.

Cindy fell silent. He waited for James' next sentence.

"I haven't had time to thank you. Thank you, you defended me in front of your parents. You believe that I did that outside of my consciousness, in contrast to what they alleged was that it was just a mode to raise my status.

I have not apologized to you directly. Even though I did it out of consciousness, however, I accidentally destroyed your future and gave you bitter memories. Sorry ...."

Cindy listened to the sentence after sentence that James said in silence. He can only hold back his feelings. The words of apology and gratitude that the Former Master said sliced his heart. He knew he didn't deserve it.

"I also want to apologize, because until now .. even though we are almost married. I see you as a student who catches my attention or if it is improved at most can only be limited to a rather naughty little sister.

I don't know when I can start loving you, I don't know. Feelings can change, but I can't promise. So you better not expect too much. All I can promise you is that I will try my best to be a good husband. I hope you can understand." James closed his sentence.

"Yes, Sir. Gapapas. I understand, "indy replied forcing a smile.

"Is there anything you want to say to me?" ask James.

Cindy shakes. "Nothing, sir."

"All right then. Just reminding the pastor of Luke earlier, please ask your parents well about the time of meeting. Let me know if there is any certainty. Let me call pastor Luke."

"Good, sir."

After that, the two men separated. Cindy's headed for the car, and James's on the bike. They each take their own path.

...****************...

"Where? Has the catechism been sorted out? You said today was the last, right?" mama asked Cindy when she saw her son coming home.

"Yes, it's done. But his pastor said he wanted to meet again before the blessing event so that he could be given the direction of the event. When can mama-papa? Choose Thursday or Friday?" ask Cindy while taking off her shoes.

"Hmmm .... Cindy ride yes, Ma .." said Cindy who wants to go to her room immediately.

"G .... Wendy came. Since you haven't come home yet, Mama told him to wait in your room."

"Hm ...." Cindy answered her mother with a mutter, then stepped up the stairs. Actually he was reluctant to meet with Wendy, especially since the confession. He knew Wendy must have come to persuade him to admit his lies.

But, inevitably, he had to meet her. It's impossible to throw him out, right? My mother could be suspicious. After all, if Wendy is offended and returns to complain his lies to his parents, is not the situation even more complicated?

Before opening the door, Cindy managed to catch her breath and her feelings. Once he was calm enough, the door was opened.

As usual, Wendy was sitting back in her study chair reading her comics. Because of the frequent play here, Wendy had already considered Cindy's room like her own room. Surprisingly, it was only now that Wendy's attitude bothered her.

"Hi .... Howareyou? Says Auntie, today's your last catechism huh?" greet Wendy while closing the comic book she had read.

"Yes .... That's how it is .." replied Cindy indifferently.

"So in the end you decided to continue this lie?" ask Wendy directly.

"What else do you want? All preparations have been made. The catechism is complete, the date has been set, the bride's kebaya and the wedding ring have been purchased. It's too late to call it off, "a Cindy pretext.

"It's never too late to correct a mistake, Cin ...." Wendy begins her rebuke, and it makes Cindy cluck in the heart. Tuh kan .... My guess is right, right?

"My pastor said, although we started it the wrong way, but God was still able to turn it into a plan of peace, " Cindy argued.

Wendy smiled obliquely at Cindy's defense. "Don't play your pastor's words, Cin .... I'm sure what your pastor meant about the mistake was that you were tainted by Mr. James when he was drunk, which forced you to marry. Not about your lies!

If you don't believe it, try to confess to him that this is all just your imaginary story. I'm not sure she'll still approve of your marriage, "challenge Wendy.

Cindy fell silent, unable to deny Wendy's words. In a dick he finally said, "What do you want, Wen? You expect me to confess my lies and slaughtered my people?! You said you were my best friend who always expected my happiness! Where's the evidence?!"

"Yes. I wish so. I know your ort could be mad. But I'm sure they won't kill you in their anger. They love you so much, and you are their only child.

Precisely because I expected your happiness so I insist on persuading you to annul this marriage. You're drowning in pseudo happiness, Cin!" scold Wendy firmly.

"No. You misjudged me. I'm really happy with this!"

"OKAY. Then you're happy to destroy Mr James and his family?" wendy Syndir.

"Why do you keep saying things like that? I told you, I'll make James happy!" Cindy insisted.

"You sure he's happy?! He does not love you, he has to break up with his girlfriend and marry you! Just watch him carefully! Was there a change in his attitude before and after he was exposed to the slander?! I'm sure there must be!" Wendy insisted too.

"If that's natural, right? Mr. James and his family are still reeling from this problem. Over time, everything will come back as usual. Time will restore everything. Sooner or later he ended up loving me because we were married. There are a lot of stories about marriages where love grows later, " Cindy said.

Wendy shook her head, not thinking out of Cindy's mind. "What do you consider the heart of that man? Time can indeed recover, but the heart that has been injured will still have a mark.

Okay. Let's just say your dream has finally been achieved, Mr. James is starting to love you. But then suddenly the truth was revealed. He knows that he was forced to marry you just because of your imaginary story. Do you think he can take it and still love you? So, how is the fate of your marriage? Are you sure you can still be happy then?" ask Wendy.

Cindy fell silent. He could only answer with a weak murmur, "It must be kept from being exposed."

Wendy again smiled obliquely at Cindy's reply which she said without any confidence. "Don't lie to yourself, Cin .... If that really happened, you're not sure either, right? Carcasses that are hidden will soon be discovered because of the smell. So before it's too late, better give up ...."

As Cindy remained silent, Wendy went home. "Yes already. I just want to check your decision. I thought there was a change, apparently not. I'm home yeah ...."

"If you want to pray for my happiness, come Saturday at church D at ten in the morning to attend our blessing. After all, I still consider you my best friend. But if you want to destroy it, you better not come, " said Cindy coldly.

"I will surely come to pray for your happiness. I hope God softens your heart and strengthens you to confess your lies. Nothing good starts with a lie, Cin ....

Just so you know, I was also overwhelmed with guilt for silencing this when I knew the truth. I feel guilty for James and his family. I hope you also understand my feelings, " said Wendy.

Cindy remained unmoved with a flat face. "Go home, "he said in the same cold tone.

Wendy took a long breath. He knows his best friend is stubborn, especially if he has decided something. He could only pray that Cindy would open her heart before accepting the greater consequences of her actions. Then Wendy came out of Cindy's room and went home.

...****************...