Not Just Love
Chapters 18. Longs

Smoke, in front of the store. Ansel fanned, with burning coals. On top of the coals, there is a pufferfish, which is yellowish-brown. Baked in iron clasp.

Maya busy making sambal dabu-dabu, mixed basil leaves. There are cucumber defaults, cabbage, long beans and round eggplants. The special fragrance of grilled fish, attract the attention of visitors who want to go home.

"Baked fish, two."

"Mas, I'm also well, two servings."

"We are too, three servings. But, one portion is wrapped.

They ordered and took a sitting position.

Ansel was still hah, hoh, had not had time to answer. He ran into the house.

"How's it?"

"It's okay. Sneak, don't be rejected."

Be, Ansel the fish burner, that afternoon. The plan, just tasting, turned into an impromptu menu. Fresh fish that have been seasoned, landed back on the grill.

Maya serves a plate of warm rice and a glass of iced tea, while waiting for the fish to cook.

Brownish-baked fish served with lalapan and sambal dabu-dabu on a plate. Maya is waiting for a response, customers.

"Enak, Mother. Moreover, the one who burns the handsome man," praised one girl, with a hopeful look at Ansel.

"thank you. Please enjoy."

Maya serves the same menu to Ansel. The man, overheated by fanning his face.

"Here, for you."

Glek, glek, glek, glass of iced tea almost toilet. Ansel again fanned his face, which was filled with sweat.

"You have to find employees, to bake fish. You can't do it alone."

"Later. I just opened up and the customer is still a little. The income in this place is not settled. Sometimes there's, sometimes a little bit, it depends on the visitor."

"All right. I understand. But, my pay is very expensive, to burn fish for you."

"Sir," call the customer and Maya comes right up.

"40 grand, Ma'am."

One by one, the customers leave. Maya's shop, back to sleep. The sun has also sunk. As always, Ansel will help to tidy up plastic chairs and tables.

A glass of coffee landed on the table, to warm the night, which was cold due to the sea breeze.

"You don't want to move, May?" Ansel sipped his hot coffee. "You can make a restaurant business in the city. There are many customers, because of its strategic location.

"I can't. A place like this, better for me."

"Why should you hide, May? You guys broke up, what are you going for? Can't you live each one?"

"It's not that simple, El. We didn't break up, he dumped me." Maya firmly, pressed her sentence. "Sorry, I can't tell you yet."

"It's okay. You can do it later."

The sky was dark and the darkness was down to the earth. There was only the sound of the waves roaring, without being able to see them.

A glass of coffee was up, and the atmosphere was getting quieter.

"I'm home. Remember, to wash the door."

"This is for you." Maya puts the bushel on the table. "I made it this afternoon and you haven't had time to enjoy it."

"Well, thank you. I brought!"

Ansel waved his hand, before disappearing in the dark.

In a narrow room, Maya sits cross-legged on the floor. The notebook and pen are ready. He started writing financial notes today. Starting from spending to the market, then income from the store.

The little thing that excited him. It's been a long time, he hasn't touched a book. Maya unloads a suitcase, there are many books in college. He also saw a pile of HVS papers, containing proposals that he would submit later.

The new book contained financial records, he kept them neatly. Now he moved on to another notebook, containing his future plans. There is a lot of writing inside and more and more, because he continues to write every day.

🍋

🍋

An apartment, which used to feel warm and full of laughter. Now it leaves only silence. Zamar stared blankly, at the engagement photo that was displayed in the middle room. All the items, which belong to Maya and have memories of Maya, are tucked away in this apartment.

Before coming, Zamar had already sent Sandra a message. He used work as an excuse to avoid it.

"Master. Aunty would come every morning to clean and prepare breakfast. Do you need anything?"

"I want to build a villa on the beach. Call the best Architect, to design it. Also, ask them to see the location. Weekend, I want to see it."

"Good, Sir. I'll ask him to see you tomorrow."

"Hm."

"I'm sorry, Sir."

In the past, he had promised Maya, would make a house on the beach for them. Maya likes the sea, she says there to calm her down.

Then, why? Didn't you throw it away? For what, to build a memory, which even the person will not see?

I just miss him. Missed him so much.

Zamar stood on the balcony of the room, staring at the star-studded sky. Hold a coffee cup, which is still warm.

"When I'm pregnant how?"

"I'll take responsibility. I'll give you the grandest wedding."

"You're not gonna throw me away, are you?"

"Hahahaha.you're so funny."

At first glance, their conversation was in this place, after they had spent the night together. Maya who hesitated and was afraid, finally willing to give what had been her honor all along.

"This is your son, Za. You're the only one who ever touched me."

"Please trust me, Za. You can test her DNA after she's born. I beg you."

"Are you not so outrageous? Why do you trust strangers more than me? What's the point of you loving me, if you don't believe me?"

"Za, please, trust me!"

"HIMMA!!"

Prang.

Coffee cups are now landing on the floor into glass fragments mixed with black water. Zamar squeezed out her rumbling chest and her heart was racing.

It's been almost a month, why is he still haunted by Maya's shadow? The woman, crying and begging to touch her feet.

"You made me like this, May! You betrayed me first." Zamar kicked a glass shard.

"believe it? How can I believe it? SAY, May! SAY IT!" The tiny shards of glass, now trampled again, became as small as sand.

Anger and longing, mixed in, racked Zamar's heart and mind. It's like crazy, with this situation. On the one hand, he misses Maya. On the other hand, he was angry and hated for treason, the girl.

Zamar's body, slowly taking care of because of prolonged inedible thoughts. He was not taking care of himself, as he had been. Every day, there is only work and work. Dining schedule, often reminded by the secretary. At home, Sandra and her mother will remind her.

Live, with your heart and mind elsewhere. Like, living without reason. He only lives because he is still breathing, but feels dead, because he feels nothing else around him.

I missed you, May. Please, return!

Last words, before Zamar closed his eyes, to sleep. Every night, he would say the same thing. The next morning, he said otherwise.

🍋 Connect.