The Love Between Two Countries

Open to Me

"You regret leaving without saying goodbye? You've been crying a lot since you left your country" Bernard asked after Azharin finished telling him how she knew her mother.

"I don't know. Either sorry ... feel guilty .. or disappointed and sad by mama."

"So after that you don't find out anything?" bernard asked to confirm something.

"No. I've resigned that I'm not dear to my parents. I didn't have to worry about it when I finished college. Yeah, I thought so, but still I can't take it." Bernard accepted Azharin's words, even though he knew why Azharin's mother would not meet.

Different cultures made Bernard accept Azharin's words with logic instead of feeling. In Bernard's country there were also many whose parents were not close to the child or did not even want the child. If there must be children, there are times when due to other factors, such as one of them requires an heir only.

I'm sorry Barbie, I chose to cover your mother's condition the way they wanted. I want to be selfish for the sake of your happiness and mine. I will redeem your sick days. I will give you a lot of happiness. So if you know one day, I also know the whereabouts and circumstances of your mother, hopefully by then you can forgive me.

"Do you want to keep crying?"

"No. Just for today."

"alright. Today satisfy your heart. I asked you after that to forget your sadness. Let's be happy."

"Yes. I promise."

"I've told mama, we've been here. I asked Mom and the others to come a day to get married. So you can take a full break." Bernard explains that he says he has arrived, but asks for time for Azharin to rest.

"Thank you again, dear. Thanks for everything. The day you give is always beautiful."

"really?"

"Yes." Yeah."

"I pray that it always does. Whatever happens open up to me. So that our household is not shaken." Bernard asked frankly to Azharin.

"Well, I'll remember baby."

"I have not prepared your food. Can you survive what I eat?" bernard's words drew Azharin's attention so as not to think too much about what had happened.

"I can. I have a hobby of eating. I'm not a food repellent. Although ... yes I'm a little incomplete if I don't find rice."

"If you decide not to cry anymore, we can go shopping tonight."

"Good idea. I think I've had enough sleep on the plane. I've also spilled it all on your chest and arms that pull this."

"Wow, did you lure me Barbie?"

"Yes, I want you to take a breath of air out here, right now."

"I'm willing. Let's go." Bernard flicked his finger into the air. He gets excited.

"I'll freshen up for a while with a shower."

"Can I accompany Barbie?"

"Keep the romance until we get married." Azharin reminded sharply. Bernard chuckles.

"I'm kidding Barbie. I'll wait in the living room."

In less than half an hour, Azharin had followed Bernard into the living room. Azharin is natural. The appearance Bernard liked the most. Bernard doesn't like dandy women. Especially those who wear red lipstick. Bernard spread his arms, welcoming with a hug. Azharin did not refuse.

"You're so pretty Barbie."

"It sure is so."

"Come, we're going to Manchester center. There you can go shopping and pick the food you like."

"You're the romantic type."

"Because I have to compensate for the nature of your feet," Bernard and Azharin said pinching Bernard's small waist.

***

"Where are you?" Gilberto called Bernard. He had repeatedly pressed the apartment bell.

"I still comfort this stubborn woman. Awwww." Bernard shouted a little. Gilberto could already guess what Azharin was up to.

"I'm planning on retrieving the necessary files."

Bernard did not forget that Azharin was still enjoying the atmosphere outside. Bernard also refused to bring Azharin home. "You just go in. You can take it on my desk."

"All right."

Bernard did not realize the pair of eyes had been watching the two of them.

***

Morning Azharin had woken up. He made breakfast. A glass of coffee and a piece of bread they bought at the bakery. Azharin made a plate of fried rice mixed with scrambled eggs.

"It looks like your breakfast is tempting Barbie" Bernard said.

"Would you like to try, baby?" Azharin wasn't just talking. He's feeding Bernard. Bernard accepted. Five bribes were accepted by Bernard.

"You can't just make cake. Cooking is smart, too." Bernard said as he sipped his coffee.

"Are you going to be in the office all day?" tanya Azharin paid no heed to Bernard's praise.

"You miss me?"

"Not really. I just haven't been comfortable you've stayed too long."

"I'm not long Barbie. There's a meeting I can't postpone."

"It's ok honey, no problem. I'm waiting for you."

"Thanks Barbie's. I love you so much. I miss you." Bernard kissed the back of Azharin's hand.

"Love you too. Miss you too."

Azharin led Bernard to the front door. Then he went back to the dinner table and cleaned up the rest of the breakfast. Azharin does not need to be too tidy up the apartment and fill the refrigerator. Everything has been neatly arranged. Bernard is also a perfectionist.

Azharin headed for room. He took a cell phone and searched Sonia's name.

"Hallo Nia's. I'm sure you're getting ready to go home when it's nine in the morning."

"Yes, and what are you doing? You still in bed? Have you been the bride's night first?" sonia Olechus. He was sure Azharin wouldn't do it.

"Sister-in-law, your mouth is still nosy." Azharin cursed and Sonia laughed.Not only Sonia, Romi and Sahara also spoke and mocked Azharin.

"Don't forget, video call when you're getting married. We want to watch the live broadcast. If you need a live broadcast on your first night. We're curious."

"Don't be silly sister-in-law. Remember my niece has ears and memory."

Sonia laughed for a moment. Then turn serious. "You okay there?"

"I'm good."

"You sure?" ask Sonia.

"Yes, don't worry about that guy. He loved and took care of me. I'm happy."

"Thank God if that is so."

"Is there anything else you want to tell me?" ask Sonia.

"I want to keep it, but only to you I can tell."

Sonia understands. "Wait another half hour. When I got in the car I called you back."

"All right, I'll wait."

Azharin did not get out of bed. He idly greeted Alex while waiting for Sonia.

"Hallo darling. I thought you wouldn't call me first."

"I'm not so Lex. You're also a best friend."

"What can't be through a video call, I miss your face." Alex joked and Azharin switched to a video call.

"You still in bed?" alex was suspicious of Azharin.

"You're like my sister-in-law. I'm waiting for time to cook lunch."

"Wow, it's lucky that my business partner got you."

"It's ah Lex. Don't be so envious. My heart will be broken."

"Where do I believe it happened." Alex winks his eyes. Azharin smiles. "When did you get married?"

"Three more days. I'm calling you, do you have time to come and give me an expensive gift?"

"You blackmailed me Miss Beautiful?"

"Yes for the first and not the last promise." Azharin smiled warmly.

"You changed when you became a businesswoman's wife."

"I have to be smart to position myself." Azharin won't lose.

"Okey, the day before you get married I'll be there."

"Thank you Lex. I feel like I have a family. My brother can't come. I feel alone in other parts of the world." Azharin is serious, that's what he feels, so he does hope Alex can come.

"Don't thank me. I promised you, there will always be when you need."

Azharin nodded and cut off the phone.

***