Bittersweet Arrangements : A Sugar Dady Affair

Now Elena, her sister and parents are carrying out midday prayers in Jeremy’s room on the second floor. The room that used to be where he lived when he was on the run. There have been many changes because it has been renovated several times. All the furniture has been changed to modern. But there are some points that Jeremy maintains authenticity. Namely the room and balcony. Jeremy wants to always remember his time together with Vanessa. Immortalize all the memories with the only queen in his heart. Sometimes Jeremy smiles to himself when he remembers the mistakes they often made when they were still dating. The most beautiful sin they ever committed.

After praying, they had lunch in the cafe together with other customers. Elena herself tries to avoid conversations discussing Dirga. So since then, Elena has been telling her family something. Elena also expressed her desire to study in Jakarta with her older cousin Azka or go abroad.

“No, Daddy won’t give you permission. There are lots of good universities in Yogyakarta. You don’t need to study far away,” said Jeremy without wanting to negotiate.

“Daddy’s right darling, you just have to choose where you want to go to college? Then Daddy and Mommy will take care of everything,” said Vanessa, who also didn’t want to be far away from the only daughter she had. Vanessa couldn’t imagine what Elena’s fate would be like without the two of them. Moreover, since childhood, Elena has been used to being pampered by her father.

“No, Sis El, who can I tease later?” said Viero, suddenly melancholic. Indeed, Viero has often bothered and teased Elena. But, if Elena left, he would definitely be lonely. “I promise I won’t bother you again as long as Sis El doesn’t go far,” said Viero again, showing two fingers as proof that Viero was serious about what he said.This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

Elena then smiled. He reached for a cold drink in front of him. Honestly, Elena wouldn’t be able to stay away from all of them. But what would happen to her heart if she had to keep meeting with Devan even though she wanted to completely forget about that man?

***

A week later, Elena’s feelings started to improve. Moreover, his father had allowed Dirga to come to the house. At first, Elena was shocked when her father said that if Dirga wanted to meet her, as a gentleman, Dirga had to come to the house to ask permission if he wanted to take Elena out. Instead of being happy, Elena feels trapped in the drama she herself created. The calm he had just found had now turned into a new problem.

Elena started to get confused looking for an excuse when Jeremy asked when Dirga would come to the house. Finally, instead of hearing her Daddy keep asking questions, Elena asked permission to go to Citra’s house to play. Before saying goodbye, Elena also contacted her two friends to meet them immediately. Elena is confused and needs someone to talk to as soon as possible before she really goes crazy.

It was still too early when Elena arrived at Citra’s house. His best friend was still busy bathing his two pet cats. Coincidentally, both of Citra’s parents had already gone to work. So Elena and Citra can tell stories or do whatever they like without worrying that other people will hear.

“Why does your face look like that?” Citra asked when she saw Elena’s bent face.

“It’s complicated, Cit, I have a headache,” replied Elena without explaining the main problem.

“Why do you have to worry so much, Miss Princess?” Citra taunted with a chuckle.

Seeing the expression on Elena’s face immediately made Citra finish her work quickly. Gegas Citra dried the fur of her two cats with a towel and then continued using a hair dryer. After making sure their long feathers were dry, Citra immediately put them in the cage. For now, leave your beloved pet safe in the cage. More precisely, so as not to disturb his conversation with Elena.

Not long after, Melodi arrived using her favorite automatic motorbike. So the three of them are now sitting on the terrace floor of Citra’s house. Deliberately wanting to enjoy the sun that had just left its bed. The gold glare wasn’t as bright as usual. This morning it was a little cloudy as if I understood Elena’s mood.

“Why else is this princess? Don’t tell me the emergency was because she broke her heart?” said Melodi who had just sat next to Elena.

“Yeah, like that!” Citra said with a chuckle.

Elena took a deep breath before telling what had been bothering her lately. Starting from the rejection of the man he was targeting, to the change in his father’s character who allowed Dirg to come to the house. Citra and Melody were shocked. But Citra became increasingly curious because Elena never once mentioned the name of the man who broke the girl’s heart. Everything felt vague and strange to Citra.

Start in her mind the image of guessing. Elena said the boy was the son of her parents’ best friend. So it’s very likely that he knows this man. Citra cast a searching gaze at Elena, feeling uneasy about all the girl’s outpouring. Citra is sure that Elena is hiding a big secret. I don’t know what the reason is, it’s definitely not good.

“El, who is that guy? I wonder what model boy would dare to reject you!” Citra inquired, impatient to hold back her curiosity.

“W.. what the hell! So curious!” Elena answered haltingly.

“Yes, yes, I’m also curious how handsome that guy is that he dares to reject this princess!” said Melodi, confirming Citra’s words.

“Never mind. You don’t need to know,” said Elena, still hiding her secret. Only himself, Devan, and God know. Don’t let the world laugh at him. “Let’s go on a trip to Paris while it’s still early and not on the weekend.” Elena immediately changed their conversation before she went too far.

“Come on, it’s definitely fun,” said Melodi enthusiastically. “But I didn’t bring a change of clothes. Besides, you guys didn’t tell me I wanted to take you to the beach,” Melodi protested because she didn’t make any preparations.

“Just wear my clothes. I think it will fit if you wear Mel.” Citra is no less enthusiastic. During the week of school holidays, Melodi hasn’t hung out at all.

The three girls were finally ready to leave for Parangtritis Beach or commonly abbreviated as Paris. One of the most beautiful beaches is the main destination for local and foreign tourists. Because Elena had never driven a car outside the Malioboro area, Citra was at the wheel. Throughout the journey the three girls sang along to the lyrics of the song being played without caring about the notes or discordant voices between them. About 55 minutes passed and they arrived at their destination.

After parking the car and buying entrance tickets, they immediately ran towards the beach. Don’t forget, they also immortalized moments of togetherness that will never be forgotten.

***

Since last night, Devan has felt uneasy because he really misses Gita. Memories with his late wife have trapped him. If it’s like this, all Devan can do is visit Gita’s grave. There Devan was able to express the longing that had been tormenting him. Missing you endlessly. A longing that will never end. Sometimes Devan feels tired. He wanted to follow Gita. Be with him in eternity. But he couldn’t. There was Erick who he had to look after. Educate their children according to Gita’s last will. His task will be completed when Erick grows up and is successful in his career. At that time, Devan could leave in peace.

With unsteady feet, Devan stepped into the cemetery area. Towards his wife’s final resting place with a bouquet of Gita’s favorite white roses.

“Hi darling,” said Devan softly before squatting next to the tombstone that read Anggita Fitria. Put the white rose there.

“How are you dear?” said Devan again with a smile. “I really miss you,” said Devan with what he was feeling at the moment. “My best wishes to Naysila, our daughter, tell her that I love her too.”

After expressing all that was in his heart, Devan started reading Yasin’s letter and continued with the tahlil reading. Only after that will Devan visit Gita’s favorite place to remember their love story.

***

“El, let me buy a drink first, okay? What do you want?” said Melodi who was currently playing in the sand beside Elena.

“Whatever, I’m the same as you guys,” replied Elena while playing with the sand carried by the beach water currents.

Currently the three of them are playing on the beach. Make sand castles and their favorite cartoon characters. The three girls really enjoyed themselves even though the sun was very hot this afternoon.

Elena’s gaze wandered far away. Following the small ripples running across the vast blue expanse. The sky and sea seem to blend together to create true beauty. Then Elena got up, shook off the sand that was stuck to her body and then walked closer to the sea water. Playing there seems like a lot of fun.

From a distance, Devan, who was walking along the beach while reminiscing about Gita, suddenly widened his eyes when he saw a very familiar figure standing not far from him. Devan sharpened his eyes to ensure that the object captured by his retina was not Elena. The girl he made broke his heart.

“It can’t be Elena, what is that girl doing alone on this beach?” Devan muttered to himself. Then, to make sure again, Devan closed his eyes for a moment while pumping oxygen into his lungs, which had been feeling short of breath.

Devan was still calm because he thought he was just looking at the wrong person. However, when he opened his eyes again and the figure he saw was still the same, Devan immediately ran as fast as possible. Devan quickly grabbed Elena’s body, took her to the beach.

“Don’t do this El!” said Devan with his heart racing. Devan felt extraordinary panic at this time. Imagine if he hadn’t arrived on time what would have happened to Elena. What will he be responsible for to his two friends if something happens to their daughter because of his actions?

Elena, who was in Devan’s arms, could only remain silent. Shock. His body froze. Logically trying to digest what was happening. Elena closed her eyes and smelled the citrus aroma that she really missed. Trying to deny that what is currently happening is just a hallucination.

“Why do my dreams feel so real?” Elena muttered, still not believing that what she was experiencing was real. Not a dream or hallucination as he thought. As Elena remembered, she had come to the beach with Citra and Melodi, her best friends. Not with the man who was currently hugging her tightly.

“Why are you doing this crazy thing? Remember, there are Mommy, Daddy, Ivand and Viero who really love you,” said Devan, tightening his embrace. Devan was really scared. The image of Gita’s departure looms in the corners of my eyes. There was enough guilt that shackled him over Gita’s death. Don’t add to the feeling of regret.

Not far from there, Citra and Melodi are now stunned to see the extraordinary sight that makes them shocked.

“Cit, please pinch my hard arm! So I realize that this isn’t real, right?” said Melodi who was still unable to move her body. It was as if something was holding his body very tightly. Even Citra still couldn’t believe what she saw.

“Step on my foot, Mel, I swear my foot suddenly got cramps. I can’t move,” said Citra, who couldn’t stop staring at the two objects in front of them. The couple from different generations looked odd in his eyes.

Suddenly Elena’s eyes opened. The loud pounding of Devan’s heart succeeded in pulling Elena from her reverie. Then Elena forcefully pushed Devan’s chest away from her. Elena’s face lifted, staring closely at Devan’s face which was only a few inches from hers.

“Oh, what are you doing here!” said Elena as she took a step back. Still confused about what happened to the two of them.

“Uncle is the one who wants to know, why are you here alone?” Devan asked back with a look full of concern.

Elena then looked around in the direction where her two friends had gone to buy drinks. He found the two objects and then pointed at the two girls who were still frozen there.

“El with Citra and Melody.”