The Mercer Hotel in the heart of SoHo is not as grand as The Plaza or Four Seasons. But Aisha Roestam actually brought her three sons to stay at these legendary hotel. Aymard did not expect that the boys who had hardly remained silent throughout the journey were all Aisha Roestam's sons. She still looks very young. Aymard has though Aisha was in her early 30s. But he became hesitant when he found out that the 12-year-old boy had accompanied him was her Eldest Son. Aisha must have married when she was very young.
The boy, the Eldest One, has a good attitude. It may be due to maturity of his age. Occasionally, he was joking with his twin brothers. Running around and making Alaric's face crimson because endure annoyance. He also seemed very curious about Aymard who opened up and willing to talk to him. He was intelligent, Aymard was convinced. At the beginning of their introduction, Rahman -the boy's name, was so busy with his communication devices. Not to run digital games, but to manage his schedule for the next year. He claimed to have worked. An enjoyable light work which doesn't require exorbitant cleverness, he explained. He also admitted that he was lucky to be able to carry out his job but did not give Aymard a clear indication of what kind of job he meant. Maybe he's a little Youtuber or somewhat is like that. Over times, Aymard engaged in a fun chat with the boy who loves dinosaurs and sharks. He also had memorized the names of all types of Sharks and Dinosaurs. To be honest, Aymard was amazed.
Aymard remembered that shortly after the start of the flight they had fun chatting, ignoring the twins who were wandering and jumping up and down. Danti was acting as she was their babysitter concurrently as a security guard. She has guarding the door so that the two hyperactive boys do not escape to mess out of the rest of the plane. Fortunately, Dono joined her because Alaric who initially refused Aisha's invitation before, had changed his mind in less than two hours after taken off. His appearance was so bad when entered the first class. He was very surprised to find Aymard sitting side by side with an unknown boy playing cards. He glanced at the two boys running around with a look of horror. Soon, he stepped towards the quietest side and closed himself tightly in his private cabin. Told the reason by Dono, Aymard laughed satisfied but didn't like Alaric's attitude that didn't even go to Aisha to just say thank you.
So at that time Aymard took the initiative to approached Aisha. He was thanking on behalf of Alaric while eating together. Aymard was surprised to find Aisha so patiently waiting for her twins to finish their meal. Rahman jokes that the Twins' mealtimes took up all of his mother's hours. Making Aymard could only silent. Such trivial things happen every day, Aisha must belong to the class of patient people. Moreover, Rahman added a cynical joke that the Twins' eating business was similar to the ritual of calling rain.
When Aymard returned to his place, he wondered why no one was helping Aisha, Rahman who followed burst on laugh. Then he casually said,
"There used to be. Father. But now he's busy with Mama Ava."
Aymard looked at Rahman who was again sitting next to Aymard, grabbing his card again. The boy intended to continue the game of rummy interrupted by mealtime. Perceiving Aymard's gaze, he smiled faintly. The boy understood Aymard's meaning because then he continued his sentence.
"Father takes care of our little sister. She is Mama Ava's daughter."
So he said. Made Aymard's chest tighten instantly. The boy seemed very relaxed said. But his head down with his hands busy tidying up the cards gave Aymard a sense of wound. The toddlers may just feel something is wrong but for a boy in Rahman's age with capability to digest with fast-spinning logic, there must be a deep disappointment that will not be forgotten. Aymard became very sympathetic to both Rahman and Aisha. However, the boy did not linger in his bad memories. Soon he told many things, including about the first time he flew so far.
This is the first time he has visited New York City. Her mother had a lot of business for a long time. Incidentally, no one can accompany him on vacation anywhere. So, he couldn't help but joined Aisha . He said he was thrilled to see NYC. He didn't know when he could visit the city again. What he feared about was Aisha's work schedule could makes him unable to know much about New York City. Moved by sympathy, Aymard offered to accompany him on a tour of New York City later.
Rahman was abysmally happy. He was running straight towards his mother. Immediately he was nagging until Aisha and Aymard no longer understood what his words meant. At the end of the babble, he begged Aisha to allow him to go for a walk with Aymard later in NYC.
Aisha wrinkled her forehead. She threw an awkward smile at Aymard and then said quietly to Rahman with piercing eyes. This made the boy's complexion turn sullen. He whined but Aisha didn't seem to pass his request. When Rahman's shoulders sag weakly, Aymard took the initiative to intervene. He went to them
"Ma, please?" whined Rahman.
Aisha said nothing then turned to Aymard who was already standing parallel to Rahman.
"Why, Boy? Mommy didn't give any permission?" Aymard asked jokingly.
Aisha smiled stiffly, "I'm sorry, Mr. Dirdja. I just don't want to be so troublesome."
Aymard turned to her, "It's not troublesome. I'll busy for two days only. On the third day, I do mean to relax."
"Yes, Ma? Please? Mama doesn't have to bother thinking about what if I'm bored at the hotel later." Rahman wooed.
Aisha glanced at her son, "You are. Mama indeed has tight schedules. But Mama has promised to take you around, right?"
Rahman scowled, "Yes, but let Mama thinks about it. If I'm allowed to be with Om Aymard, Mama won't be tired or condescending!"
Aisha sighed. She understood that its seeming difficult to be looking for an excuse to subtly reject Aymard's offer. Of course. There is a universal rule not to simply trust strangers. It's a pity his son didn't think about that rule this time. Inexplicably, Aisha was a little astonished. Uncharacteristically.
"Your younger siblings?"
"Duh, Mamaa... There is Aunt Maria who has promised to take care of them. When I can take a break from taking care of them? I need a vacation too, Mama! After a long time, I always be patient waiting Mama did everything!" Rahman grumbled.
Aymard chuckled lightly, "I don't mind at all, Mrs. Roestam."
Aisha sighed squinted for a moment at Rahman and then looked at Aymard. Her polite smile was reviewed, "Well, I don't have any reason to refuse then." she said.
Aymard nodded, "So where are you staying?"
Aisha smiled awkwardly, "My family's place in the Catskill. But in three more days, we'll move to The Mercer."
Aymard nodded, "Well, I'll pick up Rahman there. Well, kid, I make sure I'm your Tour Guide in NYC later." Aymard said patting Rahman's head.
Rahman exclaimed happily. Immediately jumped up to hug Aisha. A peck on the cheek he gave to Aisha. Its made Aymard couldn't help but smile. Frankly rare for Aymard to saw a warm scenery in a public space. Rahman followed him back but took no place next to him. He looked at Aymard with a big smile and a sparkling gaze full of gratitude. They didn't continue playing cards. Rahman just meant to be polite to say thank you. His sincere closing sentence made Aymard's heart feel warm. And he liked the taste.
"Om is a good guy, yes. Was good in playing cards and not pretentious or ridicule a child like me." Rahman said.
They never finished the card game because while transiting in Hong Kong, Aymard and Alaric changed to their family heavy jet that happened to landed. Aymard watched the rush as the little family moved. With the hubbub of the Twins' babble, Aisha Roestam looked clearly troubled. So Aymard did not say goodbye at that time. Making him a bit uneasy for fear of disappointing Rahman. Afraid that Rahman would thing he wasn't serious about his promise.
*****