"I don't feel good, Bob. I feel guilty," Manfred replied. "She asked me to promise not to leave her and not to go with the others."
"Not going with the others?" asked Bobby in surprise. That request, Yuana didn't say it was not for a purpose. Bobby felt a pounding in his chest.
"Yes." Manfred nodded.
"It means her affection has changed, Fred. Yuana loves you. I'm happy, she will be happy with you," Bobby said even though there was still love at the end of Bobby's heart, making Yuana's sense of loss appear there again.
"I'm just trying to do what I can to stay by Yuan's side. So that he will stay strong to face all, today, and see tomorrow." Manfred said seriously.
"Sure, you can do it, Fred." Bobby patted his friend's shoulder, reassuring Manfred that it wasn't wrong that he chose to be by Yuana's side.
"Bob, I've loved her for a long time." Manfred felt it was time he needed to be honest with Bobby about his feelings for Yuana. "I mean, since we were in middle school, I did fall in love with Yuan."
"Are you serious?" Bobby looked at Manfred. "So, we love the same girl? You never said that, Fred."
"You won her heart too quick. After all, with you, Yuan was happy at that time. I know you really loved him. And I was happy for you both," said Manfred. A wide smile was on his lips.
"Hopefully, you turn out to be the man that God prepares to be Yuan's." Bobby felt heavy, but he was also happy to know that Manfred really loved Yuana.
"Only God knows," Manfred said quietly.
There was relief in Bobby's heart knowing that Manfred loved Yuana very much. He felt that everything would be fine for Yuana. Because Manfred could definitely help Yuana face anything. As long as they were friends, Manfred could always be a place for her and Yuana to complain and ask for help.
Bobby himself, gradually was able to release Yuana from his heart, although it was not easy. Because Lisa was very nice to him. Lisa provided everything she needed. She helped anything without complaining. Slowly there was affection in Bobby's heart even though Bobby knows it was not falling in love.
In the dining room ...
Yuana looked at Lisa closely. She felt he had found a close female friend that she had never had. Having Manfred and Bobby since the middle school made Yuana feel complete in her life. She was happy to meet Lisa. Lisa was an independent woman, mature, and able to take care of the house.
"I had no choice. Since mommy was sick, like it or not, I had to be able to replace what mom usually did. After my parents weren't around, it wouldn't be a problem. Especially now that I'm a wife." Lisa smiled widely.
Yuan's smile grew. "Hmm ... Bobby is good to you, right?"
"So much. He is very patient. Since we met, he has been very kind. Even though he accepted me because he had to. I was very afraid at first, if Bobby was a fierce man, I would be hated by him, every day he would be angry with me. very patient. When he had to brace himself, he kept reassuring me that everything would be fine," recalled Lisa at the beginning of her time with Bobby.
"I can't believe it, it's been more than a year, time is going so fast," said Yuana.
"Yes, that's right. Time flies so fast. I even don't think about it." Lisa smiled.
"Don't you want to have children?" asked Yuana suddenly.
"What? Children?" Lisa was surprised to hear the question.
"Well, sorry, those words just popped into my mouth." Yuana was also surprised to see Lisa's reaction.
Lisa smiled. "We've never talked about children. Maybe because Bobby's busy with college and work, I've been working too. So, yeah, we never talk about it."
Yuana nodded hearing Lisa's explanation. It made perfect sense considering their situation if children were not a priority.
"Until now I still haven't dared to go near Bobby, Yu. I'm still afraid if he asks me to sleep with him," said Lisa, in her heart.
"I see. After all, a child is a blessing. If the time is right, God will give him for you and Bobby," said Yuana.
Meanwhile in the living room ...
"How are you and Lisa?" Manfred asked.
"Well … We're fine," Bobby said. "We're very good friends."
Manfred knew what Bobby was saying. Lisa and Bobby were still the same, sleeping in their own rooms. A strange husband and wife, according to Manfred.
"Bob ... you guys are husband and wife. Aren't you still sleeping in the different rooms?"
Bobby shrugged. "The first time we slept in the same room, in my room. When we went to Malang. The day I met Yuan and explained everything to her about our situation. Lisa and I were very awkward. But I couldn't sleep in another room, it was impossible."
"Then?" Manfred was curious.
"You know ... we slept, back-to-back. I knew Lisa must be shaking. So, what could I do?" Bobby smiled as he scratched his head.
Manfred laughed. "You guys are so funny. Bob, it's been a year now. Do you really have no heart for Lisa? Don't you want to be with her?"
"She's beautiful, diligent, kind, and agile. I'm also lucky to have Lisa as a wife. But I haven't fallen in love with her, Fred. I feel the love is starting to come into my heart. Because I'm getting used to being with her. From the pity feeling to see her difficult life, grow becoming love," Bobby explained.
"Try to approach her with a romantic side, Bob. She definitely needs a hug. She is a woman, anyway. She doesn't have a mother and father who can hug her. You're her husband. Who knows, by that way you too can start to love her," said Manfred, casually but firm and not kidding.
"Is it true?" Bobby looked at Manfred. He frowned.
"Just my thoughts. I'm not married, but you are." Manfred giggled.
"So, why do you give more advice?" Bobby slapped Manfred lightly on the shoulder. "But I'll think about it."
It wasn't long before Lisa called Bobby and Manfred for dinner. After dinner, Manfred and Yuana said goodbye to go home. Only Bobby and Lisa, alone again.
*****
At nine o'clock, Lisa entered her room. Usually, she would read a book before going to bed. Bobby knocked on Lisa's room and opened the door.
"Lisa ..."
Lisa turned to Bobby who took a few steps forward. Lisa had just changed into a nightgown. Bobby looked at her. It turned out that Lisa had a sexy nightgown too. And it fitted perfectly on her pretty body. Bobby couldn't deny, Lisa was very attractive.
"Do you want to sleep?" Bobby stepped back, sitting on the bed. "Sit here, please." Bobby patted the mattress to his right. Lisa came over and sat next to Bobby.
Lisa started to get nervous. Bobby rarely came into her room. What did he want? There must be something. Was it anything to do with Yuana and Manfred's arrival that day?
"Finally, you met Yuana. What do you think about her?" Bobby asked.
"She's beautiful and kind. She's really fitting if she becomes your lover," said Lisa, honestly from her heart.
"Everything has passed between Yuana and me. Now Manfred is by her side. Manfred loves her very much too. She will surely be happy with Manfred." Bobby looked at Lisa.
Lisa was a little embarrassed to be seen like that. The pounding grew stronger and gripped Lisa's heart.
Bobby's good eyes were getting closer to Lisa. "Lis ... what do you feel living with me?"