Bittersweet Arrangements : A Sugar Dady Affair

Jeremy massaged his throbbing head. He didn’t know what to do anymore. Devan and Elena’s actions had gone too far. And the time he had set was still so far away. If left unchecked, everything would spiral out of control. Marrying them both wasn’t the right option for now. Elena was still too young to start a family. Too young to understand the true meaning of love. Separating them wasn’t a wise decision either. They loved each other.

Jeremy got up from where he had been contemplating for the past 2 hours. The beautiful view of Yogyakarta city this morning turned out unable to hypnotize him. The warmth of the sun that used to embrace him now meant nothing. All of this was only because of his own friend’s actions. A friend to whom he had given full trust to take care of his daughter. From the beginning, Jeremy had disagreed with Vanessa’s decision to allow Devan and Elena to date. And what he had feared all along had now become a reality. Jeremy couldn’t deny that he had made mistakes himself. That’s why Jeremy wanted to protect his children. He didn’t want them to fall into the sin pit like he did when he was young.

He had committed various sins. From drinking alcohol, being a lover of one-night stands, trying drugs, and even killing. So, was it wrong for him to want to protect his three children from all of that?

Jeremy then grabbed his jacket and car keys. He went to meet someone he could always rely on. Someone who would never disappoint with his advice.

In just 25 minutes, Jeremy arrived at his destination. In that luxurious two-story house, his three friends were there, waiting for him. Earlier on the way, Jeremy had called ahead, and fortunately, they were gathering at the moment. Jeremy was actually surprised as to how the three of them managed to make an appointment, especially since Anton had settled in Surabaya. As Jeremy’s brother-in-law, he didn’t even know about his arrival. But Jeremy didn’t want to think about it now. He needed someone to talk to right now. Trying to find a solution on his own was not the right choice. He had many friends who would willingly help him solve his problems.

“Good afternoon,” said Jeremy standing in the doorway.

“Afternoon Jeremy.” The three men who were gathered in the living room answered in unison.

Seeing Jeremy’s crumpled face one of them asked, “Why else Jeremy? Don’t tell me about your old widower and your virgin girl again?”

Jeremy took a deep breath as he landed next to Arfan, his bitter-tongued friend. Of the five members of the Cogan Club, Arfan is the one who is the most spicy when he speaks. Anton is actually the same. But as a brother-in-law, of course Anton held his tongue a little when talking to Jeremy. In fact, the relationship between the four of them is like a tangled thread. It’s hard to decipher and explain. Everything is related to each other.

“Come on, Jeremy, just marry them as soon as possible. “Rather than having to worry about it later,” added Anton casually. “I feel sorry for our friend too. It’s a weapon that doesn’t rust, it’s been lying idle for 10 years and has never been used. “I can’t even get a week’s quota and I feel like I’m going to die,” continued Anton with a chuckle.

“You are a cursed brother. Give me the correct advice. How dare you hand over your own nephew to Devan? I really feel sorry for EL. Why is Elena playing with a widower?” Jeremy protested to Anton who had never provided the best solution. But it actually makes things worse.

“Just make random accusations!” Anton was annoyed.

“Devan is our friend, Jeremy. Not someone else. We all know what he does. So why bother? Get married! That’s it!” continued Anton.

“I love my daughter. How would I like to see her become a young widow.” Jeremy’s statement immediately invited laughter from the three of them. Didn’t think Jeremy could think that far.

“Jeremy, what do you mean?” Ardan asked, starting to get annoyed by the inconsequential chatter of his three friends. Joke please but not carelessly.

“You know, Jeremy. Talking about how come you don’t notice gray hair!” said Arfan while shaking his head. “Look at your gray hair, it’s almost overpowering Mas Ardan,” continued Arfan with the rest of his laughter.

Jeremy ruffled his long, flowing hair. I want to tell you about what Vanessa witnessed yesterday at Devan’s workshop. But Jeremy was doubtful. Worried about exposing the disgrace of his friends and his own daughter. Jeremy wouldn’t be willing if they became the laughing stock of his three friends. Even though they are already their own family. But according to Jeremy, what Devan and Elena did was something sensitive and private.

“From the start I told you Jer. Just give them permission to get married. Moreover, Devan is an old player, you know. He’s not a snotty kid who’s new to love. “He’s played a long way, the proof is Erick,” explained Ardan precisely with what was bothering Jeremy. “I’m sure that’s what you’re worried about, right? If you and Devan agree, I’m not sure it will work. After all, we all marry young girls. Just give me your blessing. Let them be happy.”

Hearing Ardan’s advice opened Jeremy’s mind a little. Then, he reached for the drink in front of him. Take a sip of the dark, caffeinated liquid to calm your mind.

“It’s Ardan’s turn to say, shut up, Jer,” annoyed Anton. “Just so you know, Mommy and Daddy have known for a long time. “It’s useless for you to hide it,” continued Anton, which immediately made Jeremy choke on his drink.

“I already told you Mommy and Daddy not to find out.” Jeremy chuckled. Annoyed with his sister-in-law who begs for mercy. “You must be the one who told me, right?”

“Oh, sorry, Jeremy. Why am I saying that? Your beloved sister is the one telling the story. And what’s worse, my two daughters have known about it for a long time. “He said it was right when Devan came with you to pick up Elena to Surabaya at that time,” explained Anton. Of course, Anton didn’t want to be accused of being a snitch. Even though Anton never spoke a word about Elena and Devan’s relationship in front of their parents.

“Whatever you decide, think carefully Jeremy. Do not regret in future. “Don’t just follow your ego and ignore the feelings of many people,” said Ardan as he looked at Jeremy who was massaging his head.

***

Elsewhere. Elena was locking herself in the room. Elena didn’t dare to appear in front of everyone, especially her parents. Even Elena ignored calls from Devan since last night. Elena wanted to be alone. Calm his troubled heart. Suddenly Elena’s stomach made a loud noise. Protested because since last night he had not had a single bite of food.

Elena lazily got out of bed while looking at the tray on the nightstand containing her breakfast menu which of course was already cold. But Elena didn’t want to get sick. Don’t want to bother everyone. Elena slowly shifted her body then lowered her legs. Intending to go to the bathroom to wash your face to feel fresher and at the same time wanting to urinate. But for some reason Elena’s feet stepped towards the balcony door. Srekk… The sound of the curtains shifting. Suddenly the sun broke into the room. The warmth hit Elena’s face, which looked pale after crying almost all night.

“Mommy,” Elena muttered in surprise when she saw her Mommy swimming. Elena spontaneously glanced at the wall clock in her room which showed 10 am.

“Does Mommy happen to be swimming at this time?” Elena added, her eyes starting to fog up. Feeling guilty because he disappointed this woman. His mother must have deliberately not gone to the boutique just to watch him at home.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

Yesterday was the first time Elena saw her Mommy angry. Moreover, even physical violence. Elena was sure that the slap of her mother’s hand on Devan’s cheek would not be able to hurt her lover. That’s not the problem here. However, it was the embarrassing act he and Devan did that made Elena sink into regret. After a night of contemplation, Elena finally decided that she would end her relationship with Devan if it was able to erase the disappointment in the hearts of her parents. Even though it’s hard, Elena will do it. Elena realized that, in fact, her father had not really approved of their relationship all this time. Elena wants everything to return to the way it was before. Especially the friendship between his parents and Devan.

***

After midday prayers, Elena ventured out of the room to meet her parents. Intends to convey his decision and apologize. However, the faint sound of people talking could be heard from the living room. Elena’s feet continued to walk down the stairs, towards the source of the sound. Elena’s body suddenly froze when she saw three adults staring at each other.

“Jer, I’m sorry, I swear I didn’t mean it,” said Devan, trying to explain with a look full of regret. Yesterday was the biggest mistake he had ever made to the parents of the girl he loved.

“Shuttt…!” Jeremy’s index finger stopped at the corner of her lips. Order the person you are talking to to be quiet. Lock his lips tightly. The pair of copper brown irises flashed with emotion. Even his facial expression had turned dark.

“How should I make amends for my mistake?” Devan begged as he approached the husband and wife in front of him.

“It is clear. You have broken the promise we agreed to.” Jeremy’s voice started to rise. The atmosphere is getting tense. Vanessa, who usually defends herself, was only able to remain silent, locking her lips tightly.

While continuing to listen to their conversation, Elena approached. The footsteps seemed hesitant. His whole body felt cold and shaking. Even with the fast rhythm of his heart’s work.

“Sorry, I made a mistake,” Devan whispered as he closed his eyes with his hands clasped across his chest.

Jeremy’s hands clenched tightly, his jaw tightened, and his blood boiled when he imagined what the man in front of him had done to his beloved daughter. He thought that after meeting his three friends, his heart would start to calm down. But in fact it’s not. Just looking at Devan’s face, all the advice from his three friends just disappeared and was replaced by burning anger.

Bukkk…. One of Jeremy’s hands hit Devan’s jaw hard. The man staggered because he was not prepared for Jeremy’s sudden attack. Jeremy ignored Vanessa and Elena’s screams. The man went crazy and attacked the only object he was aiming at.

Bukk… Not only once did the blow hit Devan’s body, which was full of submission.

“Darling stop it! stop it!”

“Daddy that’s enough! It is my fault.”

Jeremy had dark eyes. His heart was blinded by the emotions that continued to roll in. Creating a violent explosion within him that had been stored for quite some time. Not satisfied with just beating Devan with both hands, Jeremy stopped for a moment. He gasped and then just walked away. Seeing her Daddy leave, Elena immediately approached Devan. Hugged the man with tears in his eyes. His heart was so sad watching this painful event.

“Uncle, you should go now!” said Elena looking at Devan blankly.

“What Elena said is true. “Go before Jeremy gets even more angry,” added Vanessa, who helped Devan to his feet.

“We have to end this all.” Suddenly Jeremy returned with a gun in his hand.

“Honey, stop all this!” said Vanessa as she approached her husband slowly.

Devan let go of Elena’s hand from his body and took a step. Approach Jeremy without the slightest fear. The two men nailed each other. Show each other courage without the slightest fear or doubt.

“Enough Daddy. Stop it!” Elena asked, collapsing on the floor. His body was no longer able to watch the people he loved fight just because of him. “El promises to obey all Daddy’s wishes. Including breaking up with Uncle Devan.” Elena’s words momentarily succeeded in diverting Jeremy’s aim from his target object.

“No EL, I can’t live without you. I beg you not to do this.”

This time Devan felt defeated. His courage collapsed, replaced by the fear of losing the person he loved again. Her tears fell suddenly. Erasing all the hopes that have been burning in the soul. His hopes of being with the girl he loved so much were shattered.

Then without hesitation, Devan continued his steps until he stopped right in front of Jeremy. “I’ll entrust Erick. “Take good care of him,” asked Devan then pointed the gun in Jeremy’s hand right at his forehead. His eyes closed in preparation for what was about to happen to him.

The sound of Elena and Vanessa’s cries did not in the least break Jeremy’s heart which was consumed by anger. The vision was getting darker. There is not the slightest feeling expressed there. Jeremy, who was gentle and affectionate when he was with the two women, was gone. Now in front of them was just a man who was thirsty for blood like a cold-blooded monster who was ready to prey on anyone who dared to disturb him.

Then the next second the sound of gunfire rang out. Mastering a tense atmosphere.

Dorr….

In that instant the sound of screaming broke out, deafening.