The Marriage Order

S3 Happy Birthday, Rey

Reynand Pov's

The elevator doors open. I stepped out while dragging a small suitcase. Looking around the deserted hallway. No one was seen exiting the apartment. Of course, people prefer to get out of their homes to enjoy the weekend. While me? No matter the weekend, since yesterday I was out of town on corporate business and just arrived this Sunday afternoon in the capital.

I took a deep breath in front of the door. Weary. Sheryl said she was not feeling well so could not meet me today, but I missed her so much. I don't think we can be separated for even a moment.

I stepped in and immediately turned on the light because since yesterday it had left it pitch dark. But my steps suddenly stopped. Someone was standing there.

"Brave birthday!"

Both of my eyes glanced at the figure of Sheryl who suddenly stood before smilingly staring. He brought a small red velvet cake decorated with two rows of lighted candles.

Instantly the corner of my lips lifted back her sweet smile. I took off the handle of the suitcase, impatiently approaching it.

"Are you not sick?" I hurriedly reached out and landed her on Sheryl's forehead. Anyway, I'm very worried about him.

Sheryl shook her head slowly. "No, Rey. I lied to this–"

"I thought you forgot about it...."

I cannot continue the word. The ball of my eyes immediately trembled to hold back the tears that were pushed to come out. Immediately put your eyes on the tart in her hand.

"I'm sorry, because I didn't say it at midnight. Sorry, for lying, saying that I was sick and made–"

I put my face on her lips. "God! Nothing to forgive. To this day I am still so grateful that you did not give up and still chose to be by my side."

"Yes, Rey. I don't want to give up anymore." Sheryl nodded, "it's time for you to blow the candles."

I'm down. A wish was uttered in my heart before I finally blew out three large candles and two small candles sitting on top of the tart.

I want us to be happy and never apart until death do us part.

"Happy birthday, Honey." Sheryl smiled at her sincere smile. I immediately embraced and gave a gentle kiss to her forehead.

"Thank you, yeah. I'm so excited you did it for me" I said.

"Homeone?" The forehead was staring.

"Yes. I didn't expect you to suddenly be in the apartment and greet me like this."

"I just want to celebrate your birthday, Rey."

I could only stare at him. It still feels like a dream to me. He made such a sweet surprise.

Sheryl turned her head, looking at me with a astonished look, "Wait what else? Come sit! I'll cut the cake for you."

I nodded quickly. Followed all of her words and sat down beside her. Sheryl cuts the cake and gives it. However, I did not eat right away and instead looked back at him.

"Where's my kadoku?" I pointed it at him with a grin. Sheryl looked calm. It seems he has already prepared everything.

"Just a second!" then he moved out of the living room.

I waited for him while bribing a small piece of cake. Before long, he returned with a small box that had been neatly wrapped.

"I didn't know if you'd like it or not, but I think you'd be a good fit to wear it" she said, handing me the little box.

Impatiently, I opened it immediately. "Perfumes?"

Sheryl nodded. I immediately tried it on my hand. The freshness of citrus, spices, and woody aromas is immediately smelled.

"You like it?"

I nodded quickly, then landed a warm kiss on her lips. "Thank you, Sher."

"Yes, Rey. I'm glad you like it."

A moment later my phone rang. I put my cake down and answered the call from Mama.

"Rey, have you arrived in Jakarta yet?"

"Don't forget to come to the hotel M at eight. Mama wait!"

I turned to Sheryl. The woman simply raised her eyebrows, hinting at the question of what my mother was calling.

"It's so weird. Since yesterday it reminded me of this. What is the show, Ma? I can't seem to come" I said.

"Later you'll know. You have to come, Rey!"

"I'm tired and want to rest."

"Surely she's with you, right?"

"If what you're talking about is Sheryl, yes, she's with me right now. I want to spend my time with him today. So, Mama don't have to bother us."

"Give him your cell phone. Mama wants to talk to him!"

I turned back, gave Sheryl my phone. "Mama wants to talk to you."

***

Sheryl Pov's

"Mama wants to talk to you" Reynand said, giving her a cell phone.

Though a little hesitant, I immediately welcomed the phone. "Hello."

"Sheryl, don't you already know my plans and Dira's for Rey today?"

"Yes, Auntie."

"Didn't you like my plan for not having you involved in Rey's birthday at the hotel, until you chose to make your own show for her?"

I looked at Reynand. Put a serious look on him. Yep. Despite knowing Aunt Aina and Indira were preparing for a surprise party, I never once told Reynand.

"What's up?" Reynand asked confusedly.

I did not reply, but instead immediately switched back to my conversation with Aunt Aina.

"I never said I didn't approve of Auntie and Dira's plan."

"Goodoo. I hope you can get Rey to come to her birthday party."

Tut!

Aunt Aina disconnected the call. I returned Reynand's phone, then took a deep breath.

"Rey, I'm going home now" I said.

"Going home? I just arrived and you just want to go home?" reynand sounded objected.

"Actually, your mother and Indira had prepared a birthday party for you, but I instead came and gave your birthday surprise in the apartment." I decided to tell Aunt Aina and Indira's plan.

Reynand shook his head. "I suspected! It was so strange to suddenly tell me to come to a hotel ballroom without telling me what to do tonight. Turns out he's having a little kid's event like that."

"Don't say that, Rey. Your mother and sister just want to get together, celebrate your birthday. You have to come there." I tried to persuade Reynand.

"At a hotel that big, huh? I'm sure it's not just our family. She must have wanted to introduce me to her business partner and then match me up with another Livia-Livia. You want something like yesterday to happen again?" reynand said with a serious face that forced me to pull a little bit of my face from her.

"No." I turned my face away, and said again, "but if you don't come, your mother will dislike me even more for holding you back."

No words came out of Reynand's mouth. We both fell silent. My brother leaned his body on the sofa. His eyes are on the ceiling.

"Sher, if you say that, I'm more confused as to how to behave. On the one hand, I still want to be here with you, but on the other hand, Mama always forces me to follow what she says."

I leaned on his sturdy shoulder. "Eitherway. Right now I don't have a solution either, Rey. I just don't want him to hate me any deeper."

"I'll come, when you come with me" Reynand said suddenly.