Bittersweet Arrangements : A Sugar Dady Affair

Today is the last day of Elena’s national exams, marking the end of the gray-and-white uniform era. In just a few months, Elena’s status will change to that of a college student. A new life that makes Elena’s soul scream with joy because, at that moment, she will no longer be addressed as a child. However, before this new world begins, Elena wants to ensure her feelings for Devan first. Only then will she make new plans-whether to stay in Yogyakarta while harboring her own heartbreak or to go far away from the man she loves. It’s a difficult decision for Elena, as everything will change at that moment. Elena hopes her family will never find out. It’s enough for her, Devan, and God to know.

After returning from her cousin Kia’s house yesterday, Elena did a lot of thinking, reflecting on everything that had happened. Especially the relationship between her family and Devan if they were to find out about her feelings. Elena was afraid that if her misplaced feelings ruined the friendship between her parents and Devan, and she didn’t want that to happen. The decision to keep everything a secret turned out to be the right choice. So, Elena decided that after school, she would meet Devan. Whatever the outcome, Elena had prepared a plan.

Elena’s lips repeatedly clicked. Not because the science exam in front of her was difficult, but because the image of Devan’s face kept haunting her computer screen. Elena only realized that falling in love was not as beautiful as she had imagined. Instead, it changed every aspect of her life. Before falling in love, Elena only thought about how to break free from the gilded cage created by her Daddy. But after gaining the freedom she had longed for, Elena found herself trapped in an unfamiliar feeling that imprisoned her even deeper and tighter.

Forty questions were finally completed smoothly. After clicking on the word FINISH, Elena quickly tidied up the writing tools she had used to calculate and then went outside the exam room. Outside the exam room, it turned out that Citra and Melodi were already waiting for her. The two girls looked satisfied because they had completed their final duties as students. However, it was different for Elena, who still felt uneasiness in her heart. She had to deal with a heavy burden today.

“Where are we going today?” Citra said enthusiastically.

“Let’s go… I’m fine going anywhere as long as there’s food and drinks,” replied Melodi, equally enthusiastic, while fixing her bangs.

Elena took a deep breath and managed a faint smile. She felt reluctant to reject her two friends’ invitation. After a moment of thought, Elena made a decision.

“Okay, I’ll go wherever you guys go.” Finally, Elena chose to spend time with her two friends.

Starting tomorrow, they would rarely meet. The long holiday would begin tomorrow until the graduation announcement. Even if they came to school, it would only be to handle the administrative tasks required to get their diplomas.

“Ugh, not fun!” Citra grumbled at Elena’s unenthusiastic response. “What’s up with you, El? Lately, you’ve been gloomy all the time,” Citra asked curiously.

Elena shrugged her shoulders and walked away without saying anything. Grumbling, Melodi and Citra followed Elena, who was a few steps ahead of them. They then put their arms around Elena’s shoulders, walking together toward the school parking lot.

***

After exploring the city and enjoying culinary delights with her two friends, Elena intended to go straight home. However, her heart and mind were not in sync. They were not harmonious. Instead of driving towards her home, Elena headed to The Doctor’s Car auto repair shop. Not wanting to waste time, once she arrived there, Elena quickly got out and looked for Devan. After getting information from Lucky that Devan was in his office, Elena went to meet him.

Not entering immediately, Elena lingered for a while. She stared straight ahead at the silver door in front of her, with her heart starting to beat irregularly. It was always like this every time she met an adult man inside. Elena’s hand rose, and she knocked on the door repeatedly.

“Come in!” the man inside responded.

Taking a long breath, Elena reached for the doorknob, pressing it firmly until it produced a creaking sound, and the door opened.

“Good afternoon!” Elena greeted softly.

“Afternoon, come in, El! What’s up?” Devan replied, only glancing briefly at Elena before returning to his work, counting the essential items needed for the workshop in a long note.

“Is Uncle busy?” Elena asked in return. The courage she had built up earlier instantly evaporated with the cold air in the monochromatic-themed room.

“Not really. Why, what’s going on?” Devan looked back at Elena and then instructed the batik-uniformed girl standing at the door to sit.

“Are you busy, Uncle?” Elena asked again. The bravery she had built up earlier disappeared with the cold air in the monochromatic-themed room.

“Not really. Why, what’s going on?” Devan looked back at Elena and then instructed the batik-uniformed girl still standing at the door to sit.

Elena’s heart pounded even more irregularly upon hearing Devan’s question. Should she say it directly or postpone it? Elena quickly sat on the sofa as she felt her legs starting to weaken.

Not receiving an answer from Devan, he looked at Elena, who appeared restless. Suddenly, Devan remembered something. He pulled a drawer under his desk. With a smile, Devan took Elena’s watch and called her to come closer. This morning, when he dropped off Vanessa’s car at her house, he got information from Rizky that Elena was upset because she lost her favorite watch. Seeing Elena still not moving from her place made Devan exhale sharply. The hazel eyes of the girl conveyed a feeling that made him uneasy.

“El!”

“Uncle!”

Silence. Only their eyes now locked, delving into each other’s feelings. Elena’s gaze could undoubtedly penetrate Devan’s deepest emotions. She was so naive. There was no way she could hide her feelings in front of Devan. Then Devan approached, sitting next to Elena. He took her white hand.

“Is this what you’re looking for?” Devan said as he put the watch on Elena’s wrist, who could only be stunned in place.

“You should go home. Sorry, Uncle is busy with work today, so I can’t accompany you,” Devan continued, accompanied by a smile. Honestly, he felt bad for having to drive her away. But this time his intuition was not good. Perhaps before, Devan could dismiss the notion that Elena liked him. But this time, Devan’s heart confirmed that belief.

Devan got up from his seat. But before his feet could move, a hand stopped him. Elena’s small hands were tightly wrapped around his stomach.

“Uncle, is it wrong if I like you?” Elena whispered, successfully freezing Devan’s body. “I don’t know why this feeling has to be present. And stupidly, why do I have to fall for my parents’ second best friend,” Elena realized her mistake.

How could the girl he considered his own daughter like him? Devan remained silent. He still tried to dismiss his assumptions. Surely, Elena liked him as a daughter to her own father. It was perfectly normal considering he had been following Elena’s development since she was born. Slowly, Devan untangled Elena’s hands from his body and turned around. Facing the beautiful face of the girl.

“Of course not, El. It’s normal for a daughter to like or even idolize her own father,” Devan replied calmly, trying to make Elena understand.

The gentle yet poignant words immediately struck, tearing Elena’s heart. Was this what a broken heart felt like?

Devan’s facial expression turned dark as his sharp eyes locked onto her hazel eyes, which now seemed to be teary. Slowly, Elena’s lips parted. She seemed to tremble greatly as she uttered a word.

“But… but El doesn’t think about Uncle, Dad. El really likes Uncle,” Elena honestly said while holding back the pool of water that was pressing on the corner of her eyes.

“You misinterpreted those feelings. You are still very young and too innocent to understand all this,” said Devan, who continued to stare at the girl’s sad face. For the first time Devan saw sadness in Elena’s beautiful eyes.

“Maybe Uncle is right, but what is certain is that El’s feelings for Uncle are different from El’s feelings for Daddy, Father, Papi, Papa, or even Uncle Anton,” Elena honestly expressed all that was in her heart. Elena no longer cares if their relationship changes after this confession.

“Dear El… listen to Uncle.” Devan cupped Elena’s face with both hands, trying to explain that the girl had misinterpreted his feelings. “Uncle, please don’t cry, El, I can’t see you like this,” said Devan as he wiped the tears from Elena’s cheeks. His heart was touched to see the usually cheerful girl sad like this. Devan’s affection for Elena is no more than that of a father towards his own daughter.

Elena could no longer speak, only her tears flowed as an outpouring of pain in her heart. In the dimness of her vision, Elena continued to stare at the man in front of her. He wanted to save every detail of Devan’s face in his memory because after leaving this room everything would change.

Elena slowly removed Devan’s hands from her face. Then he closed his eyes for a moment while wiping the wet trail on his cheek with the back of his hand.

“Ok, pretend El never said anything to Uncle, forget everything!” Elena said firmly then rushed out of Devan’s office carrying the pieces of her broken heart.

Devan closed his eyes with his jaw tightened. His muscular arms dangled at his sides. Then clench tightly. Devan still couldn’t believe everything that had just happened a few seconds ago. Real or just a dream? He wasn’t worried about himself but the girl whose heart he had just broken.

“Elena!” Devan muttered when he remembered that the girl had come alone. Devan rushed out of his office and ran to catch Elena.

For the second time Lucky was surprised. Elena had just left in a hurry with red eyes and now she saw her boss running outside in panic.

In her car, Elena sobbed uncontrollably. His chest was so tight as if it was being squeezed by something very large. He gasped for breath, feeling the pain he had experienced for the first time. So is this real heartbreak? The pain is undeniable. Can’t explain it. It turned out that the heart he had prepared since last night couldn’t bear all the pain.

“El, let Uncle take you home!” Suddenly Devan knocked on his car window. Suddenly Elena was shocked. Elena briefly glanced at Devan. Then start the car engine and just drive away.

Devan ruffled his hair roughly. Feeling frustrated. Lucky and the employees who witnessed this immediately returned to work when Devan came back in. They all felt confused about what really happened between Devan and Elena.

“Lucky, where’s Blacky?” Devan asked Lucky who looked increasingly confused. How could Lucky ever know anything about his boss’s retro motorbike? The jet black motorbike is Devan’s only favorite motorbike. Devan has owned this modern motorbike with a classic design and retro style, unique and iconic since 10 years ago. So unfortunately, Devan even gave him the name Blacky.

“Aren’t you the only one who holds Blacky’s key?” Lucky answered while scratching his head which didn’t itch.

Devan took a deep breath then walked hastily towards his office. After getting the motorbike keys, Devan rushed after Elena. He had to make sure the girl got home safely. It didn’t take long for Devan to find Elena’s car. But Devan didn’t show up, deliberately following Elena’s car from a fairly long distance so that the girl wouldn’t increase her car’s speed. After Elena’s car entered the large white gate, Devan left quietly.

Before getting out of the car, Elena first checked her appearance through the rearview mirror. Elena sighed in resignation when she saw her messy condition. Then Elena straightened her hair and school uniform. For her puffy eyes, Elena already has her own reasons if someone asks her. Right now all Elena could do was get out of the car. Entered the house and threw himself on the soft bed which was his favorite place. Elena’s goal was realized because the house was quiet. So Elena can go straight into the room without having to bother preparing an excuse.

Sleep is the only effective medicine for Elena right now.

“All this must be just a dream!” Elena muttered as she fell down with her eyes closed.