Lu[C]Ka Love
3. FIRST IMPRESSIONS

I looked at myself in the mirror. Well-favoured. I commend myself. I look like a mother who has yellow skin. For the first time I wore a brand of expensive clothes. And I put a little makeup on my face. I don't want to impress the village in front of Mr. Jansen and his wife.

Yep. I finally agreed to accept this match. It's a bit heavy. Because I was so young, and I never knew what my future husband was like. This is all because we accidentally discovered grandfather's will written with Mr. Jansen. In the letter, Grandpa was begging me to accept this match. Plus, the last few days, I always dreamed of being visited by grandfather. Ouch, this is a sign that Grandpa really wants me to accept his will.

Today, Mr. Jansen and his wife will come to see me. I'm so nervous. Am I really worthy of being the granddaughter-in-law of that rich and honorable family? I asked my heart many times. But, even if I am not worthy, I will try to be self-assured.

Accompanied by Bude Sri, Bulik Tati and others, we welcome Mr. Jansen.

"Thank you for coming to our house. It is an honor to us." Pakde Gun opened the conversation.

"Hahaha, don't talk like that. Many years ago I came here often. And indeed, the atmosphere is still the same as before, warm." replied Mr. Jansen.

"Sorry we're interrupting your time. We came here, because we wanted to meet Love." Said Mr. Jansen's wife.

"Love is in her room. Come near Tati, please tell Love out."

I heard Mom's voice telling Bulik Tati to pick me up.

I walked out of the room with a bow. My cheeks are red. I was nervous and embarrassed.

"As I expected. You're so pretty, son." Madame Jansen said as she stroked my hair.

"Thank you Madam." I replied.

I sat next to my mother, and confronted Mr. Jansen and his wife.

"You've grown up, son. From now on, just call Grandpa and Grandma" said Mr. Jansen.

I'm nodding.

"Our arrival here is to ask for Love officially, and also .. Starting next week, Love should stay with us. Because he has to get training from the teachers." he continued.

What?!? The training? It's a serious match, isn't it? Why is there any training?

"Sorry grandfather, what training is it?" I ventured to reply to Mr. Jansen.

"There are a few things to learn when entering our family. Studying tradition, manners, table manner, and business, is paramount. You have to master that, dear.." Madam Jansen's soft voice sounded soothing but it was enough to make me swallow.

Being the daughter-in-law of someone's family was not as easy as I imagined. I tried to keep smiling even though I didn't understand what Grandma said.

"But ... Love is never far from Mom, Cake." I held Mom's hand.

"Don't worry. If you miss your mom, you can come back here or call through a video link." Answer Grandpa Jansen.

Alright. I concur. My first impression of Grandpa Jansen and Grandma Jessi, was that they were very friendly, and kind. I don't know, but I'm sure I feel like I'll be fine if I stay with them.

And come today, the day I'm moving into Grandpa Jansen's house. I just brought the stuff that Jessi's Grandma had bought me back then, and left all my old stuff at home. No more t-shirts and shorts when you sleep tonight. I only have pajamas and a nightgown that I find rather uncomfortable to sleep in.

Mother, Bude Sri, Pakde Gun, Bulik Tati, Teh Rina and Uda Faisal, they all hugged me in turns. Oh my God, I'm gonna miss them so much. I shed tears too. But I immediately wiped my tears.

I remember my conversation with Mom last night.

"Listen Nduk. I don't want to assume this is aji mumpung. Even though all the neighbors were praising my mother.  I'm not gonna listen to a neighbor say he said he sold you out. Granted, I'm sad to be parting with you, but I'm happy too. Because your destiny is different from your mother's. You know, every night I pray that you will have a better fate than your mother and father. You don't have to work hard to sell rice like Mom. Nduk, I'm sure you'll be happy. Be a good grandson to them. You are the pride of my mother. I love you, Nduk."

"Mother ... I will always remember all of Mom's advice. I promise I'll call Mom often." I tried hard and didn't cry.

But in fact, when the time of separation arrives, tears still can not be dammed.

...***...

The trip takes about an hour to Grandpa Jansen's residence. And finally, I arrived at the mansion that made me gawk in disbelief.

Is this a dream? I'm like Cinderella's daughter who got a handsome prince. A handsome? I don't know what my future husband looks like.

"Welcome to the Jansen Bahari residence, Miss Love." a middle-aged woman greeted me.

I just returned with a smile.

"I'm Utari, the butler here. And this, Alisa, she is Miss's assistant who will accompany and prepare all Miss's needs."

Utari's mother introduced a young girl who would become my assistant. Waita! Assistant?! It's impossible. I'm gonna have an assistant? Just be right!

"Let's come with me. I'll show you Miss's room." said Alisa.

I came here in the afternoon at night. And now it's entering the night here. The atmosphere of his house was very quiet. And apparently, inside the house there are several more houses.

Okay fine! I'm getting confused here. There are many ways from one room to another.

Alisa explained one by one in detail.

"On the west side is the mansion of the Great Lord, and next to it belongs to the son of the great master. Then, in the north there is the mansion of the grandchildren of the great masters, and the east is our hostel, the assistants and servants."

Well, I can only talk about hearing Alisa's explanation. Walking from the front of the house to my room was enough to make my legs hurt. How long will it take to get around the whole building in this house?

"Please come in, Miss. This is Miss's room." said Alisa.

"Huh?" I don't believe what I saw. This is not a room. More like home. And even my old house isn't as big as this room. Maybe this is why they call it 'mansion'.

"I'll trim Miss's stuff. Because dinner's over, so Miss will have dinner in the room only. Miss please clean up first. I'll tell the kitchen section to prepare Miss's dinner." explained Alisa.

"Eh, Alisa..."

"Yes, Miss."

"Can we ... talk casually?"

"Sorry, Miss. We are not allowed to talk casually. It's the rule here."

"Oh, so. Yes." I said resignedly.

Maybe because this was our first meeting, so I should also be polite and follow the rules here.

After dinner, my schedule is to go back to cleaning up and get ready for bed. All activities in this house are arranged and have a schedule. Alisa gave me a daily schedule. I want to laugh, but I am afraid of sin. There are too many rules here. Oh my God, am I willing to stay here?

Nine o'clock in the night, and Alisa's back in her dorm. Stay alone in this room. I'm bored. I still can't close my eyes. It must be because it feels weird to sleep not in my own bed.

I decided to leave the room. I saw a fountain park on the way here. I'm going there. Just a minute won't be a problem, will it?

The air is very cool and fragrant here. There are many roses around the garden. I smell these roses one by one. It feels very soothing to breathe in the fragrant aroma of these roses.

"How about getting a big lottery, huh?"

A voice surprised me. I turned around and saw a young man standing tall with a sinister look at me.

Who her? Why is he talking to me about the lottery? Could he...?!

I round my eyes. He must be that guy. The man I'm going to marry!

My first impression of seeing him, was .. he was very handsome and also annoying.

...©©©...

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