"Mom, where is Averil, by the way? During the marriage ceremony, she was there and now she isn't." I asked because I didn't see her at dinner with the family.
Averil Biana was my sister. We were only two sisters. Since yesterday, she has been very busy helping with my wedding preparations. I was lucky enough to have an older sister like her who always helped meet my needs when I was in college. And now married too, she is busier than me.
However, when I took pictures with my family at the ceremony and wedding reception, I didn't see her. Sad actually.
"She had permission to Mama. She said she was working overtime today."
"Oh, that's how it is. How weird! Even though she rarely works overtime. Yesterday, she told me that she had permission at the office," I murmured because I was disappointed that there were no photos of her with me and my family at the wedding.
I was spoiled because I really depend on Averil.
"Yup, perhaps a very urgent and important call from the office," continued my father.
"Claire, why are you sitting there? Come here with your husband!" reprimanded the mother-in-law which made me a little surprised.
I glanced at Achille who also turned to me while chewing his food.
"Achille, go call your wife!" Miss Anne Manon–my mother-in-law glared at him.
Before he could answer, I replied, "Yes, madam. I'll come there soon. I was just pouring a drink. After this, I'll be there."
"It's okay. Just go for it. I'm just for fun," said the Madam, smiling. "But you guys are okay, right?" She turned her eyes to look at us.
"Yes, we are good. Maybe it's still awkward, she is." Achille answered and continued to eat his food.
"It's good if you don't have one. Just watch out if you have one," continued the Madam with a smile.
After having dinner together which was quite tiring, I wanted to rest in my room.
"What do you mean by acting like that? Are you deliberately embarrassing me in front of my parents as well as yours? Or are you deliberately trying to show them that I'm the wrong man?"
Suddenly, the clothes in my hand that I was about to put in the suitcase fell off in surprise. The body trembled for a moment. I looked down in fear, not daring to raise my face. how am I not surprised, he came into the room and scolded me suddenly.
This was the first time I'd seen Achille's angry face. I was confused about how to answer it. Because to be honest I sat next to my parents without hesitation and I'm used to sitting next to them.
"There's no such thing. Incidentally, I just wanted to talk to Mama," I answered in a hoarse voice.
I still froze as if my legs were shackled.
"Sorry to surprise you. I was a little embarrassed and offended by your attitude, sitting away from us."
"I just reflexively sat next to Mama because I'm used to it. I also apologize if my attitude made you scolded by Madam."
"It's okay. Forget it! Mother always like that. You have to be extra patient with her slightly outspoken words."
"Okay." I nodded slowly, a sign of understanding.
He rubbed his face with both hands and then took a deep breath. The well-built man turned around, then stepped out of the room and closed the door.
At first glance, his face was quite handsome compared to his brother–Basten even though they were brothers. His height was also sufficient for the size of his body. However, her character was very different from Basten, who was calmer.
Tonight, I went with my husband's family. After dinner, my two in-laws asked permission to take me with them. Obviously, my parents agreed and didn't mind.
"Claire, be careful there! Always take care of the good name of your husband and family," said Mama as she hugged me. I hugged her back. If I didn't hear dad's words, maybe it will take longer to let go of Mama's arms.
"Glorify and be devoted to your husband. Daddy has permitted you to be taken care of by him." I nodded and then hugged him.
My eyes started to tear up, but I held it in. I have to show them that I'm tough and strong so they don't worry.
This tongue was mute to say something. My eyes just turned to look at them. It feels like just yesterday we were talking together at the family dinner table. Now, I have to part with them.
These feet feel very heavy to walking, leaving the house, room, sister, and my parents. I looked once again at my room from where I stood, the place where I poured out my complaints and grievances. Then I decided to walk out of the house.
"Claire! Wait a minute!" Dad stopped me and then came closer.
His eyes were now focused on the man beside me who has accompanied me to say goodbye and also helped lift my suitcase. Now my Daddy was very close to the man who just married me and then puts his hand on the eagle-eyed man's shoulder.
"Achille! I know this may be very sudden for you. But, I asked you, to take good care of your wife. Treat her like I treated her. If you were not able to guide her, return it to me. God willing, Daddy is sincere and will accept my daughter back well ."
"Fine, Mr. Adam. Achille promises to treat her well."
"Thanks for listening to me. I'm relieved to hear your answer. You two may go. I wish you a safe return home."
"You're welcome, Mr. Adam. We say goodbye!" He shook his hand and hugged the old man in front of him.
While walking away from them, I turned my head from a distance. Looked like the eyes of my two parents were teary. I was the youngest of two siblings. Never far from both parents. Even college was only in the city. The campus near the house was about five hundred meters. Maybe that's what made them sad enough to let go of their daughter.
Now, I would spend my days with a man which I didn't know how he will treat me. I doubt him to treat me well. He was so apathetic towards me.
Why do I get the impact of his annoyance towards his parents and siblings? Even though I was only a victim because of his brother's cowardly attitude.
I hope that the advice of my Daddy just said will be heard. The advice made my heart a little calmer.
Mrs. Anne, my mother-in-law came to us and took my hand. It seemed like they had been waiting in the car for a long time. Sure enough, Mr. Damien, my father-in-law had been in the car for a long time.
"Just let your husband carry your bag!"
"It's okay, Madam. It's not too heavy."
"Really? You can't hold back like this."
"It's really not heavy."
"Then. Come on, let's go in." I followed her into the car.
We get into the car. Then, the car was moving at a moderate speed. I and the man who did not have a smile did not say anything. We both were silent and busy with each other's thoughts. No, he was not busy thinking or daydreaming, but busy with his device. I dared not glance at the screen of his device. Besides, I couldn't possibly speak first.
Basten's words came to mind. If it weren't for his convincing words, I probably wouldn't have agreed to his proposal and would have married him so soon.
In the past, I was very impressed with the way he thought about the future, having a family, and living together. I was so complacent that I agreed to that statement. He is so idealistic, I fell in love with him so much. But it turns out that the words were just meaningless. He disappeared there was no news of when the wedding was going to take place.
The car passed through the green Park. It was a memorable place. Suddenly, the image of friends flashed again in my memory. Green Park–where we used to hang out, relax, and joke together. There was a smile growing on my lips. Those times were really fun.
"Why are you smiling?" Suddenly I woke up from the dream. The baritone voice of the man beside me just interrupted my thoughts.
"No. Just remember something."
"Like what?"
"It doesn't matter. Just remember the times with friends. You wouldn't be interested in hearing it anyways."
"Mmm ... Yeah, you alright. It's not interesting to hear stories about friends. Especially your friends."
I turned to stare intently at him. What did he mean by saying my friends were unattractive?
"Me too. I'm not interested in telling you." I muttered.
"What do you say?"
"No. I didn't say anything."
Did he have a sixth sense so he can hear my mind speak?