What happening from morning until now, looks so bizarre for me. I still cannot believe myself I am wife now. The bare finger on me earlier now was adorned with the plain gold ring on my finger, remind me of my current status as a wife. So young to enter a new phase of life, eighteen years on the dot.
During the ceremony that seems hazy in my memory, I remember vaguely about two parts of it. The way he keeps staring at me. Am I that ugly? I know I wasn't beautiful as Sis Gie and even has a small breast compared to her giant size breast. Do you need to be that obvious? It really blows my pride.
And another part is about the ring. Sensing my reluctance to accept the diamond ring that was meant for my sister, he pushes away the ring set. Raising his arm and put it behind his neck, he unclasps his gold thin man chain inside his collar. He removes two plain gold band from it. The small ones of it now resting on my finger. The bigger ring on him. It wasn't the brand new set of rings. Very old look like. Strange enough, I do like it.
Alex seems very a busy person, as soon the ceremony ended, he said he has some work to do and will be back later tonight. After we saying goodbye to the last guests. I slump on the nearest chair. Even the noisy Aunt Isabella been quiet and rushed to depart when we said our gratitude and attending the ceremony.
Malina didn't notice during that time. Alex who is standing next to her facing the guest with expressionless mask quickly turn scowling face, sending the dangerous vibe whoever guest who tries to say anything that might upset Malina
Malina startled a bit when Alex he kissing her forehead for a second time before left her with his two companions. Siti and her father insist her to take a rest and let them taking care of the cleanup. Emotionally tired, Malina didn't argue and went to her room.
In her room, after taking shower and changing clothes, she went to her bedside and leaned at the headboard. She turns on her fully charged mobile phone to check if there is any call from her sister. There are too many miscall. And one message. All of it from Ben. That message also from Ben. Nothing from Sis Gie. Apart from numerous call that sent directly to voice mail, Malina also sent 10 messages via Whatsapp, none has been read. Sighed heavily she open the message from Ben.
[ I will stop pestering you for now. I will wait until you ready to explain your situation. But does it mean our trip is canceled too? Don't answer that. I will just wait for you guys here. See you soon. ]
What to do now? No use crying over spilled milk. The deed is done. She already married. She cannot act like she still single. But the painstakingly plan three of them made last year to have a trip before they go separately to pursuing higher education level, wasn't easy to make. After taking a various odd job, only then she can afford the flight ticket and the accommodation fee. The meticulous itinerary they created, done after doing a lot of research, recalculate again and again the additional expenses that might incur, the maximum place they can visit within the time frame, will be wasted for nothing. And this is their last trip.
The cancellation incoming trip, Sis Gie still missing and the unknown future as a wife making her feel so devastated.
Malina tries to call Sis Gie again but call faithfully connect directly to voice mail. Cannot contain her sorrow anymore she turn around and hide her face in the pillow and cried silently until she falls asleep.