20 Years Adrift
Chapter 5. Forced to Lie

"What do you mean, Faya? We ... we ...." Affan did not want to stay one room with Aira for now. They are not ready to share a place.

"We're not ready!" sahut Faya fast.

Affan.

Faya got up from her seat and walked over to her father. His hands were neatly folded on his chest. He looked like a teacher watching his students who were caught cheating.

Aira is not struggling. In this matter he could only give up. His condition was still very dazed because of the problems that plagued him.

"God does not forbid divorce, but He hates it, Father. What other woman are you looking for? Isn't mama Aira a very perfect gentle woman. I know you two haven't been able to accept yet, but how will you learn to accept if you stay apart?"

Affan and Aira look resigned. What Faya said is true. Although this marriage was not planned and could be said to be coercive, they could not deny that they were a couple. Their status is valid in the eyes of God even though they have not recorded their marriage on civil records.

"Alright, Faya." Affan relented then turned to look at Sumi.

"Bi, please move Aira's belongings to my room. Aunt put her clothes in the corner closet. My clothes are there not much, aunty can put them together in the middle cupboard," Affan explained.

"Good, Sir." Sumi left with various questions raging in her heart. All this time he knew Aira as Faya's best friend. Today she was very surprised when she heard about the news of her marriage to her master.

After everything is done with breakfast, Affan takes Faya and Aira to school. There was actually a driver who was hired in this house, but Affan always took the time to take Faya to school and the driver who picked her up.

Faya sat in the front seat beside her father while Aira sat in the back. After being on the quiet streets, Faya started talking.

"Dad, you'd better have your wedding recorded on the civil record. Siri's marriage has no legal force." Faya looked at her father with a serious face.

Affan looked relaxed in response to Faya's words. They just got married last night and not much is known about their second marriage. If the marriage is registered legally, fear the school will find out. All of that would be bad for Aira.

"I've been thinking, honey. Now you focus on learning. The final exam is coming soon, think about it first. I will never run away from my responsibilities as a husband. I promise you I'll take care of it as soon as you finish high school."

This time Faya confirmed his father's words. They are still high school students, the school will not accept married students to attend school there.

Aira was busy reading her book. Even though his mind was in a state of turmoil, he had to keep learning. Today he has a daily review of English subjects. She had not opened a book to study last night.

Time passes so fast. Affan's car has arrived in front of their school gate. Affan came down and opened the door for his son and wife.

Awkwardly, Aira follows Faya who kisses the back of her father's hand as they part ways. His hands were cold because he had never come into contact with a man. That's what made her feel so scared when Rehan forced her to make out.

The arrival of Faya and Aira who depart in one car invites curiosity for his friends. They were astonished to see the two walking together past the disciples standing in front of the gate.

Aira's face looks lethargic with puffy eyes. They suspect that he has a problem and stays at Faya's place.

Faya and Aira are in the same class, class 12 IPA 1. Their seats are close to each other.

Before her father and Aira came, Faya had learned so she just had to repeat the subject matter that will be repeated today. Unlike Aira who has not learned much.

"I'm not sure I'll get good grades. My mind was in a mess, it seemed like I couldn't focus on a repeat" Aira said.

Faya tried to calm down and encourage Aira. The English language will start soon. His nervous attitude will only make his concentration crumble.

"Thank you, Faya. I hope I can do this easily."

They learn as they normally do after the repetition is over. The two were not used to going to the cafeteria in the first break. In the second hour of rest they also rarely go there because they feel not hungry.

Before living with Faya, Aira never used her pocket money. He always saved it. Today, Affan didn't give her any pocket money. As long as he knows Faya gets a special ATM card for his school needs, maybe he will also impose the same on him later.

During the second break, Faya and Aira sat in the garden behind the library for a breath of fresh air. In a shady tree there are benches to rest.

"Assalamualaikum, Aira, Faya" said a male student named Gusti. He's son 12 IPA 2.

Despite not saying it blatantly, Faya knew that Gusti liked Aira. Before Aira's move to this school, she very rarely greeted him. However, ever since Aira moved to that school, she had always greeted them.

"Wa'alaikum salam." replied Faya and Aira almost simultaneously.

Gusti noticed Aira's eyes. His white face was flushed with a clear eye circumference.

"Has something happened to you, Ay? You look like you're crying." Gusti showed his concern for Aira.

Aira looked at Faya. He couldn't have said everything he'd experienced to anyone. They will think nothing of him and think this is not true.

"I miss my late father and mother so much that I cried" Aira lied.

In his heart he felt sinful with his lies. Actually not completely lying, lately he really misses his parents. It's just that last night she didn't cry for it.

Faya clasped tightly onto Aira's hand trying to strengthen her.

"We wish them all the best, Ay. Don't be so sad. There are friends who always support you."

"Thank you, Gusti."

They could not chat any more as the bell of the break ended had rung. Aira and Faya breathed a sigh of relief as they did not need to answer many questions that would force them to continue lying.

No one is suspicious of the closeness of the two because before Aira married her father, they were close friends.

"Back school we go to the supermarket first, yeah. There are some things I have to buy" Faya said as they packed up after the lesson ended.

Aira nodded. His throat was choked and it was hard to swallow his saliva. He currently holds no money at all.

****

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