Blooming At It's Time
²³ Bali Bersemi

It had been almost a month since Alden and Alora were married, but only this time they were traveling. Both have resigned to the circumstances, and intend to enjoy a free vacation from Giri. In hindsight Alora was lucky to be married to Alden, the heir to the Adhigana family. When else can he fly with a first class plane, to Bali as well. Apart from her surprise, Alora is also happy to be able to vacation after so long just work, work, and work. It was even clear that Alora was the most excited on this trip.

On the plane, Alora was already very busy looking out the window with a big smile. His cheeks were blushing, it seemed that he was very happy. Arriving in Bali, Alora is busy photographing, and bothers Alden to photograph her there and here. Almost one airport was captured in a photo by Alora. It looks like he's only been to Bali for the first time. Not only that, when they just arrived at the room of one of the beachside hotels that had been prepared for them, Alora was again busy taking pictures with her cellphone. Again Alden was bothered to photograph Alora in every corner of the room. Though Alden was the one who brought all their luggage, he was also the one who had to be bullied Alora. If Alora looks like bright sunlight, Alden is better suited to be likened to a roaring cloudy sky.

"I slept in a mattress, you were called a couch." Said Alden, while laying down his tired body on a king-size bed. Alden did not care about the rose arrangement on it, he had to snatch the property on the bed from Alora.

"Okay!" Alora exclaimed cheerfully.

Alden then woke up, and saw Alora who was walking up and down to the balcony which immediately presented the view of the beach. Perhaps the woman was too excited to be conscious of having to sleep on the sofa. Alden was so surprised, because Alora did not fight over the spacious and comfortable bed. Looking at the bed matter that finished quickly, Alden felt a little dissatisfied. So he repeated his sentence again to clarify his thing.

"I slept in a mattress! Beware of you if you want to sleep in a mattress!"

Alora doesn't care, she's busy with her cell phone camera. Occasionally see the results of his photos, then return to photograph.

"You slept in-"

"Yes yes! So onion anyway?! The sofa is big. I'm a little girl!" Alora cuts Alden's sentence, then gets busy with her activities admiring Bali.

While Alden, back to lay his body in bed. Alden looked up at the sky-lagit room, resting his body. His eyes closed, hoping to take a nap but failed. His body moved to the right and left, but he could not sleep. At this point, Alden was bored. Finally he woke up, and just sat quietly on the bed. Just then, there was the sound of Alora humming from the terrace. The tone sounded very soft, very soothing as if carrying a tired body playing on the beach. Alden drifted in Alora's humming.

Alden's trying to find Alora. He came out of the room, towards the balcony. Alora was sitting in a chair, humming while playing her phone. Alden did not rebuke the woman. He just stood in the balcony doorway, leaning against the open door, staring at Alora. He did nothing, but his heart seemed to be fighting inside. Tough roaring, with a rhythm that is very comfortable to enjoy. Alora's voice not only entered Alden's ears, but his heart as well. That afternoon, whether it was just a hallucination or because it was carried away, Alora became visible to shine in Alden's eyes. Until the man raised his lips involuntarily.

"Whose better? This or this?"

"Delicious of all." Alden said, deliberately mocking. Then Alora clucked and looked at Alden annoyed, while the man just laughed.

"Aren't you hungry?" Ask Alden.

"Oh! Let's go!" Alora clapped her hands, almost jumping in excitement.

"I'm hungry, why go for a walk?" Complain Alden.

His lips were indeed complaining, but Alden still followed wherever Alora went. They go to clothing stores, souvenirs, to handmade trinkets that the majority of sellers are local. Both of them walk down the crowded streets of Kita with their own uniqueness. They had not had lunch, but were already feeling full with the snacks bought from the street vendor. Walking while snacking, is one of Alora's favorite activities. Maybe Alden's starting to like it too, going for a walk while snacking. Alden was completely hypnotized by Alora, until she was willing to follow and obey the woman's request.

"Oh? Someone's selling flowers." Alora then approached the old man who was sitting on the side of the road with a few red roses in a bucket. Alora looked very carefree and friendly while conversing with the florist.

Looks like Alden really got carried away. His heart rate is now uncompromising. It could be that he was fascinated with that very ordinary Alora. It could be her heart beating fast for a woman like Alora. This time, Alden was completely hypnotized by Alora. We felt very calm in Alden's ears, as he stared at the smiling Alora. The woman thrust a red rose at Alden.

Alden blinked a few times to make him conscious. Of course he did not want to look stupid with such a look. Alden received the rose, without asking. Though many questions that arise only because of a red rose. Why did Alora buy this rose? Why would Alora give it to Alden? And why-why the others. But without asking any questions, Alden simply followed Alora's steps. Alden followed Alora up several steps, until the woman stopped in front of the monument bearing many names.

After Alora placed a rose in front of the monument, Alden checked his surroundings. Alden read the names engraved there, none of the many names he knew. After a while, Alden realized they were at Ground Zero, a monument built to commemorate the 2002 Bali bombing tragedy. Alden turned to Alora and saw the woman close her eyes as she folded her arms around her chest. Alora was praying, very quiet to look at. Alden smiled, no longer dizzy with his feelings. He was amazed by the woman, that's all. At least Alden decided to just be amazed by Alora.

Alden took the rose given by Alora and prayed. He has visited Bali several times, but never once stopped by this place. Several times he visited Bali, either with his friends or Shella, Alden never once went out to snack. Alden never once walked down Kuta. Alden never once felt this happy, this comfortable.

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