The Murder of the Beloved

Chapter 45

After the conversation ended, Dinda pondered for a moment the last sentence of Irene. He concluded, it was trust that prompted Irene to support the idea. Irene believed that she would not just plunge her father if unsure. Who would have thought that Irene's trust in her was so high, that she was willing to let go of the man she loved to seduce other women even if she was just pretending?

Every woman can have a unique attraction that no other woman has. Something that can tempt men who are basically polygamist. But of course, trust must also have a strong basis for consideration. Any believing alone can lead to bigotry. Dinda was happy. Trust is of very high value.

Then he came back to get the phone. Della and Bustaman should be told.

****

After hanging up the phone, Irene confronted Johan. They smiled and looked with different eyes than usual. It seemed that one day seemed different in the eyes of the other than the previous days.

Johan reached out his hand. Irene entered in his arms.

"I think it's not too late for me to propose" Johan said.

"What?" Irene let go of the hug so she could look at Johan's face.

"Will you be my wife?"

Irene hugged Johan. "Of course you want. You're such a fool. I thought you'd never say it."

Looks like the romance is back to double.

*****

Two days later, Frida sees Johan sitting at a bus stop. From across the street he had seen her and soon knew that the man was waiting for her arrival. His heart was pounding with pleasure and also sensation. Actually, he secretly expected something like this to happen. For two days in a row he felt disappointed because his expectations were not achieved. Now his wish is fulfilled. Not only did she cradle her ego as a woman who was happy in puja opposite sex, but she also imagined the sustenance she could gulp from Bram.

Of course it is possible that Johan met him not for a personal approach but to question him more about Lilis. But if that possibility is true, he is not too disappointed because he can still benefit others.

Johan stood up and returned to meet Frida. "Can't see me?" joke Johan. Her smile was sympathetic and her gaze gentle, Frida thought.

"Ah, boredom. Just seen it twice, right?" Frida replied with a joke as well.

They laugh. Frida's attitude was not as stiff as the first meeting. It was because he already knew what to do. "Is there anything else you want to ask, Mom?" tanyanya direct.

Johan scratched his head. "Well, what is it? Suddenly I forgot."

Frida laughed amusedly. "Ih, it's young already senile symptoms."

"Not senile, Frid. But seeing you just forgot what I wanted to ask." Johan has started with an approach. At first it should be tinged with humor. Laughter can eliminate tension and awkwardness.

"Later my bus came. Let's remember..." Frida felt tingled.

"Well, then I'll be fucked."

"Ah, time. Very sorry."

"If you're really like me, give me more chances. The bus was the deciding factor in my fate. I could not have expected the bus to break down. Pity the crowd later."

Frida couldn't stop laughing. "What do you want to ask me? Don't remember either? What's still about Lilis?"

"Yes and no."

"Kok that?"

"Some of Lilis but some not."

"Then some of it first. Another part later."

"So weird."

"Yes. It's strange. It's never happened that way."

"What is it?" Frida looked at the astonishment. He began to think Johan was really serious. "How did you go? Later your own name you forget too."

"My name is Johan, right?"

Frida laughed again. "Oh mas. You must be joking."

"Will you help me restore my memory?"

"Of course you want. But I don't know how."

"Later just tell me. How about we go get a drink? I need a refreshment. So don't let that bus decide my fate. Next I can drive you home."

"Well, I know now. I'm launching a bad sense."

Johan laughing. "Don't think bad, Frid. The term is not reason, but tactics. Frankly, I can't possibly be satisfied talking to you when the time is so narrow. Not finished saying, suddenly the bus appeared. Then, you jumped away. Or so it goes. I'll take the bus you board and get off with you. Can Frid?"

The idea made Frida anxious. He didn't want his address known to Johan so soon. At some point Johan will know too, but not quickly. However, he is bound by a promise with Bram from whom he hopes to get more money. He's racking his brain. "That's it, Mom. I am willing to have a long conversation with you. But not now. I have someone's appointment for a minute. So, I don't want to be home late."

"What's your promise to a boyfriend?"

"Ah, no. I don't have a boyfriend."

"Thank God," Johan said with a relieved face. "So when are you ready? Friday or Saturday?"

"Just friday. Saturday I am off. You wait here as usual."

"Isn't Saturday better? Even if you're on holiday I can pick you up at your house. Let it be far away or even rubbed once I come."

"Ah, make it Friday."

Johan did not want to force. He has to be patient. Perhaps that suggestion was better because on that day he would definitely be able to meet her. But if Frida mentioned the address so that it could be picked up on Saturday, what if the address given was fake or had been searched? He will also know where Frida lives if he takes her home later.

"Thank you Frid, you're so good."

"Ah, I'm not that good. By the way, the bus is not here yet, do you really not remember the things you wanted to ask?"

"Once I've been given time, it's better. Time's not enough."

"So you lied earlier, right?"

"Lying for good can be."

"So for the good?"

"Yes. I don't mean ugly. Besides talking, I want to get to know you better. Can Frid?" Johan showed his most sympathetic smile and his warmest gaze.

Frida was touched. For a long time he had not had a close relationship with men. Not that nobody comes near. But he had yet to find a person who was pleasing in his heart. During that time the men were too blunt to show their wishes when approaching him. They just want intimacy. No more, no less. But this one guy looks like another. The beginning of his approach was different. He also wants to know, why Johan is still thinking and paying attention to Lilis, even though they have long been divorced while Lilis was married to someone else.

****____****

to be continued.