The Rose of De Haas

Chapter 34: The Journey Away

As far as the eye could see, both the Rose and the Cecilion could only see the vast blue sea. The sound of the ship's engine splitting the sea that day became the only interrupter among their chatter about the destination they should stop after the ship leaned on the dock later.

The pair of lovebirds really did not hesitate to take a step, though, they decide to go to the opposite island in order to maintain their ever-burning love just before their respective parents' subordinate people begin to search for their existence.

"You really don't regret taking this step so far?" cecilion asked while feeding the Rose with the new bread he opened the package.

The two of them went in a hurry to the dock that day, where they had brought enough supplies. It was Kees who gave them two large packs of bread to eat along the long journey.

Luckily, Kees provided a lot of help so that Cecilion and Rose could go to the opposite island more easily.

Rose shook her head. "of course not, I've been thinking about this decision for months.anyways I want to marry that foreign man."

"Where are we going after this?" ask Cecilion who never went to the island of Sumatra.

"This ship will take us to the southern part of the island of Sumatra, where there is Grandma and Grandpa but whether they are still alive or not. But for sure, their house is quite comfortable for us to stop for a while," said Roses.

The girl seemed to have a more mature plan than Cecilion, making the adam only able to smile proudly.

"Well, how can we live together before we get married?" that was the question that had plagued Cecilion since their departure.

"If Grandma and Grandpa or at least one of them is still alive, we can have a wedding blessing in the church because they are also my legal guardians" Rose replied optimistically.

The Dutch East Indies government regulations forbade those Europeans who were not siblings or legal married couples to live in one house because it was considered adultery.

Yes, only indigenous women who have been bought by the Dutch masters can be used as mistresses.

"Alright, I don't think we have much choice," Cecilion said resignedly, leaning his back against the wall of the ship.

The young man did not expect to get married at such a young age, but he really did not want to lose the Rose.

So of course, marrying the Rose first was the only way he could go.

"Are you sorry?" now it was the turn of the Rose to ask.

"Absolutely not. You don't have to worry, I have enough money to give to the church so that they can officially record our marriage" replied Cecilion steady while looking straight at his lover.

The rose nodded, smiling in relief at last.

Although getting married at a young age is not one of his dreams, but what can be done.

She really couldn't afford to marry another man besides Cecilion.

"I don't think there's anything else we need to worry about. Now go to sleep, our journey is still long, dear," whispered Cecilion as he leaned on the rose on his broad shoulders.

Although the sky looks blue with calm moving clouds, the heart of a pair of lovebirds is certainly not so calm.

Whatever happens, Roses and Cecilion have to risk the choice they have made.

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

"Excuse me, can Uncle take us to Mr. Goenawan's house?" ask Mawar upon arrival he and Cecilion in downtown Palembang after a long journey by boat.

The sky of the city of Palembang which has now gradually darkened makes the Rose only thought that only a horse carriage can deliver them quickly to the house of Grandpa and Grandma, who, or rather his old house before moving to Batavia.

"Mr Goenawan the rubber businessman? Oh, of course I know, Miss and Master. Let's go up I'll deliver," replied the coachman's uncle with as much a friendly smile on his face.

The rose nodded in agreement, and he was helped by Cecilion to board the horse-drawn carriage.

"By the way, what brings you and Miss to Mr Goenawan?" asked the coachman uncle as he began to run his horse-drawn carriage through the dark city streets.

"He is my Grandfather, Uncle," said the polite Rose made the Uncle coachman nodded in understanding.

"Ah, yes I just remembered that his daughter Mr. Goenawan is married to a Meneer. It's amazing to meet you like this, Miss."

The manners and hospitality of the Uncle coachman is enough to make Roses and Cecilion feel amazed, they have never met a coachman who said very organized like that.

Since their destination house was located not so far from the city center, Roses and Cecilion finally arrived at Mr. Goenawan's house before the sky completely turned into night.

"This is the fare, thank you very much Uncle," said Cecilion while thrusting money from his pocket to the Uncle coachman.

"Thank you back, sir."

"Let's go straight in," asked Roses after finding the Grandfather was lighting the porch lights of his house.

"Grandfather!" The rose cried out longing, calling out to Grandfather who was still standing with a look of disbelief in the doorway of the house.

The rose spread out both hands joyfully, embracing the old body of the Grandfather trying to release all the longings that he had longed for.

"Are you really my grandson's rose? Oh my God, you're a big boy now!" the Grandfather beamed, receiving the embrace of his only grandson.

"Who's coming, sir?" asked Mrs Goenawan who was surprised by the sudden crowd at the old couple's house.

"Geez! Is my death really coming?!" Madam Goenawan suddenly hysterical when she found the figure of Cecilion who was so charming was smiling warmly to him.

"uh? What did grandma say? He is Cecilion van der Linen, my future husband!" The rose exclaimed in anxiety, pulling her Grandmother's hand to enter her arms.

"Whatdidyou say? Prospective husband?! Oh, my God, I'm not ready to let go of my granddaughter just for the housekeeping!"

"Grandma must be ready, I'm a grown-up know!"

Cecilion could only giggle amusedly at the adorable interaction considering he also rarely interacted with his family as warm and relaxed as this.

"Let's go in, it's going to rain soon" said Mr. Goenawan, leading everyone into the house.

The drizzle had indeed descended, accompanied by a gust of wind that was strong enough to make Mr. Goenawan immediately close all the windows and doors of his house in a hurry.

While Roses, Cecilion and Mrs Goenawan were busy chatting lightly accompanied by a teapot of warm tea which just happened to be finished by the grandmother.

"Actually, what brings you here to willingly come all the way from the opposite island, my grandson's rose?" asked Mr. Goenawan with a serious face, demanding an answer from the Rose.