Arni was silent, hearing Father Nathan's harsh words. Meanwhile, I still can't believe Father Nathan was able to say that. Moreover, Arni is a woman.
"Dad seems to have misunderstood, Arni never teased me, dad. We're just friends," I said. However, Father Nathan did not believe it. His little eyes squinted to the side, looking at me with an eagle-like gaze.
"Friend you say?" he said with a lopsided smile that was clearly not a good smile. "Friends what? Is friends having sex or friends in bed? Embarrassing!" he snapped while slashing surjan. It felt like my breath suddenly stopped when I heard Romo say that. "There is no story in any book, there is no record in any dictionary if a single man can be friends with a married woman, understand!"
"But, father... even with books and dictionaries, there's nothing in either of them that forbids that."
"Enough, Arjuna!" Father Nathan snapped which managed to make me speechless. He pressed his index finger at me, his face bright red. "Don't argue like your mother."
"Sorry, skipper Nathan, if my presence makes things difficult," said Arni interceding.
"But to be honest, really, it never crossed my mind to seduce Master Arjuna. I know myself well enough for that. So, Master Nathan doesn't have to worry about that."
"If you knew yourself, you shouldn't have come close and seem to give hope to my son, right? You lowly woman don't know manners. You know when talking to a man who isn't your husband or brother you should invite friends? Not even alone as if -as if you want to flirt. Remember, Arjuna is a skipper. Even a man who wants to face him must have manners, not like you. Stupid to be cared for, "
After saying that, Father immediately left. But then, he stopped in his tracks as he turned to me. "Still comfortable standing there, Arjuna? Don't want to go home?" he said.
"But, the gardener hasn't come home yet, father. There's still--"
"Don't make excuses. I was once young like you. Hurry, go home!"
I immediately followed my father. But I couldn't bear to leave Arni alone after the slaps my father gave me. For women, it was really very embarrassing. My eyes caught the chrysanthemum not far from where I was standing, I immediately approached Arni who was about to leave. I grabbed her shoulder, making her stop and then she turned around. Then, I handed the chrysanthemum and said, "This beautiful chrysanthemum is for you, as an antidote to my wounds."
After she received the flower I quickly left, half running after my father's steps. I can't even see how Arni will react to this. Will her cheeks be flushed or will she be normal? Honestly, I'm curious. And what makes me more curious is, since when can I say that sweet with a girl? In fact, my father and mother never taught that.
*****