Chapter 1
KRRIING ... Krriingg ...!
"Haahh ?! "Leah Riady, the owner of the hoarse voice, was not yet fully aware." Her soul is still busy wandering the world of dreams.
“Leah, this is Audrey! Are you awake yet ?! "
Of course Leah is awake. Who was picking up the phone, if not Leah? After all, being shouted at in such a loud voice, Leah had become one hundred percent conscious of her long sleep.
"Yes, yes, Audrey Lohia. I'm up. What are you doing on the phone so early? I'm still tired! Leah protested, still hoarse. He only slept at two in the morning because he had to complete a jewelry order from a customer.
“Leah, come with me for breakfast! As well as an important announcement that I want to let you know! ” Audrey Lohia, Leah's best friend since elementary school, ignored Leah's protests. Leah's forehead frowned in confusion. Audrey is unbelievably excited. She still wanted to curl up inside her blanket herself. Leah sighed. "Yes, but I'll take a shower first ..."
"Okay! But it doesn't take long. In five minutes I'll pick you up! "
Yes."
Leah hung up. She got out of bed, stretched for a while, then took off his nightgown. She wandered into the bathroom which is also located in his room. After everything was done, he sat down at the dressing table. Get ready to beautify her face.
Kriingg ...
Leah sighed. It must be Audrey again. This girl was also surprised. Leah has been Audrey's best friend since they were both in elementary school, but until now, when they both turned 30 years old, Audrey's impatience was not cured but instead settled in the girl's person. Leah picked up the phone and immediately grabbed, “Yes, Audrey Lohia. I'm already getting ready ... "
***
" Um, hhaa ... lhooo ... Leah ... "
Leah's heart beat twice as fast as before when she heard a completely different voice from Audrey's voice. explosive. This voice sounded nervous, the one that Leah liked.
"Ehm ... Nathan ... I stopped calling early in the morning. What is wrong? "
" Oohh ... um ... it's okay. Just ... I just want to hear your voice ... "
said the nervous man called Nathan. Even so, Leah was really happy.
"You ... what are you doing? "Nathan asked.
“Get ready again. Audrey asked for breakfast. ”
“ Ooh I see ... ”Leah paused. Run out of talking material.
"Oh yes ... your photo is finished. When do you want to take it?
"Leahsmiled. Nathan is a photographer. Leah's private photographer, to be exact.
Hehehe ... Somehow, if Audrey took the picture of Leah, it
would be great. "Oh ... that time huh? How? Very nice?"
"Yes ... yes it must be good. You ... You're beautiful ... ”Nathan's voice was
gurgling. Like the voice of someone who is swallowing hard. Leah smiled slightly. Secretly enjoying Nathan's nervousness.
" Alright. Later, if you hurry, come home from meeting Audrey, I'll take it "
" Okay if ... then. Hold on ... Until ... see you later ... "
Ting tong...
Still smiling a little, Leah opened the door.
"Morning, Leah ..." Audrey immediately hugged Leah warmly. Leah smiled even wider. Audrey always does. "You're ready, right?" said Audrey, not paying attention to Leah's still enormous smile. Looks like Audrey really has an important announcement to make this morning. Leah nodded. She picked up her bag and walked out to follow Audrey. The streets on Sunday morning were still deserted. It is clear! Who wants to wake up early on Sundays? After a week of crazy work, Sunday is the day of "revenge" for sleeping until you're satisfied!
***
Leah sat next to Audrey. Actually he's still really sleepy. Last night he had to finish the design of a necklace from a conglomerate boy. The order can be said to be impromptu as well, but the pay is pretty good. That's why Leah desperately finished the necklace design until late at night. They had breakfast at the cafe near Leah's apartment. Fried rice and a cup of coffee is serving of latté enough to refresh Leah's eyes. Audrey only ordered a bowl of ginseng porridge. Leah glanced at Audrey's ginseng porridge bowl, then her eyes shifted to Audrey's slender body. Leah shook her head, she couldn't possibly be full if she just ate ginseng porridge like that.
"So? What important announcement? You got a promotion at the office? You won the one billion lottery? You get the prize for traveling around the world? Or even traveling around the Planet Mars? " asked Leah as she took a bite of her fried rice. Her hair fell out of her ears. Falling limply covering his cheek. Leah went back to tucking her hair behind her ear. Audrey smiled. His hands also rose and parted his straight hair. Leah's eyes narrowed. What's that on Audrey's ring finger? Ring? Diamond ring?! Leah glared. His breath caught, his eyes sparkling, catching the joy on Audrey's face. "Audrey ..."
Audrey nodded excitedly. His laughter is so wide. Leah was dazzled by the bright smile.
"Yes! Hadrian proposed to me yesterday !!! "He said excitedly.
Leah's eyes flickered with emotion. Finally! Finally!!! After ten years of dating. After ten stormy years (considering Audrey was drama queen a very emotional). After ten years on and off. Finally they will get married too!
“Congratulations! Leah gave Audrey a hug. " I am so glad! How is the story?
"Audrey Was still grinning. "I already told you, yesterday we took a tour around the Korean Palace ..."
***
Leah nodded. Last Saturday, Hadrian Pangestu, usually called Adri — who because of his busy work with family companies in Japan is mostly located in the land of Sakura — returned to Korea and took Audrey on a tour around the Korean Palace in Seoul.
"When I was looking at the museum, Adri said he wanted to go to the toilet. Then, suddenly, I heard someone calling my name over the loudspeaker. It turned out to be Adri. He uses a megaphone the tour guide's. I was really shocked. He said, Audrey Lohia, will you marry me? 'Then, he knelt before me and opened this ring box. " Audrey shows a very beautiful diamond ring. As a jewelry designer, Leah knew very well the quality of the rings. The workmanship is absolutely refined and flawless. Adri really knows how to win over Audrey. Moreover, the application program that attracted the attention of many people like that. A drama queen like Audrey would love to be treated like that.
"Obviously I can't refuse. I can't say anything either. I was speechless so shocked. I can only nod. Then Adri put this ring and raised my hand, continued ... he kissed me ... "Audrey continued her story while blushing. Her hand rose again, touched her straight hair, at the same time showing her engagement ring. Leah laughed. Even though she blushed, she knew Audrey for sure really enjoy people's attention.
"Everyone sees us like that. Everyone applaud and congratulate us. I'm so happy ... "
***
Leah smiled. He was also happy to see the glow on Audrey's face. This friend is really shining happily. Leah could feel an aura of joy radiating powerfully from all the pores of Audrey's body.
"Then, when is the big day? "
" May next year! "Breathed Audrey happily.
Leah thought to herself. It was now October, which meant only six months left. “Have you started taking care of all the knick-knacks? They said it was really troublesome ... ”
Leah quoted the articles she had read in wedding magazines. According to the article, at least one year before the wedding day, all preparations should have started. Starting from ordering buildings, dresses, churches, catering, this, that ... it's a lot! Audrey shook her head. “Not yet. New also proposed. That's why I need your help ... ”
Leah's eyebrows rose. He caught a certain point in Audrey's tone. "I want you to be bridesmaid," said Audrey, taking Leag's hand. "You've been my friends since we were in elementary school, both runny and still cried when our mothers left us. So far, you are my best friend. You understand me the most. You also know the best about my girlfriend's journey with Adri. You are the most worthy to be bridesmaids. Want it, Leah Riady… ”
Leah sighed. Hearing Audrey's statement like that, plus her pleading gaze and glowing eyes, who could resist it? After all, he would have happily taken part in his best friend's holiday.without being asked to become a Bridesmaid Even, she would definitely help Audrey. Leah nodded and smiled. Audrey smiled wider and hugged Leah tightly.
* * *
When Leah returned to her apartment, it was ten in the evening. It's normal, when you go out with Audrey, Leah won't be able to come home early. There were reasons Audrey had to keep him on the road for a long time. Audrey too. He's staying over at Leah's apartment. They plan to discuss the concept of Audrey's marriage, which is only six months away.
"Eh, what is that? Audrey picked up a large brown envelope from the floor.
Leah took the envelope from Audrey's hand. Before she had time to open it, song was Someday's playing softly from Leah's cellphone. That's a personal ringtone for Nathan.
"Hello ..."
"Ha ... hello, Leah ..." Nathan's nervous voice came over the line.
" Who? "Asked Audrey silently.
"Nathan," Leah replied silently.
"Wh ... where are you? "
" Turn on the speaker phone, "Audrey said to Leah, of course silently. Leah was forced to break her concentration between answering Nathan's question and answering Audrey's question.
"I just got home with Audrey"
"How ... why is it taking so long?
"Audrey shifted in front of Leah. His face looked impatient. "What are you doing?" Leah moved her lips silently while glaring in disgust. Her best friend was somewhat antipathetic to Nathan. According to Audrey, Nathan wasn't the kind of boyfriend that suited Leah at all, but ... what the heck does she know?
"I want to hear what he said," Audrey replied silently, smiling wickedly.
"Yes, usually Audrey. If you come out it will take a long time, ”Leah spoke to Nathan again. Audrey grabbed Leah's cell phone and pressed the button speaker phone. Audrey heard Nathan's voice clearly.
"I ... I went to where you were ..." Nathan was silent, looking difficult to catch his breath. Audrey giggled with amusement at Nathan's Monday-Thursday breath.
“Audrey! ”Leah whispered, glaring sharply at Audrey.
"I ... I've been waiting, already ... it's been almost two hours, but ... but you don't come home."
" Two hours? During the? Leah was surprised. "Why don't you just call me?"
"Oh, yeah ... I didn't even think about your call ... Hehe ..." Nathan's laugh sounded awkward.
"What do you want to do to my house?"
"I ... I want to send your photo. This morning I already said your photo was finished ... "
" Then, where is the photo now? "
I ... I was already slipping under your apartment door. There's still one more, but ... but I forgot to bring it ... ”
Audrey was still giggling. Now on top of that he was imitating Nathan when he was nervous, blinking his eyes quickly.
"Oh, I already received the photo. The brown envelope, right? " Audrey grabbed the brown envelope that was still in Leah's grasp.
"Eh ... yes. That's right. The brown envelope, ”Nathan parroted.
Audrey still giggled with amusement.
Leah pinched Audrey's thigh. It was quite loud that the girl screamed.
"Awwww !!"
"Why ... whose voice is that?"
“Ooh ... um ... that's Audrey. Her eyes are twinkling ... ”
“ Winkling? What wink? "
"Elephant twinkling!" said Audrey irritably. Why are you still being asked for a flicker? Yes,
flicker is usually dust. Have there ever been other mischievous people?
"Now the elephant is out?" asked Nathan.
Haah ?!
Audrey giggled again. This Nathan is really bad! How could she just believe Audrey's nonsense?
"No ...," Leah said, trying to save Nathan. "Audrey If you go
likes to joke too far," he added, glancing irritably at Audrey.
"Okay, sometime I will take another photo of mine."
"O ... okay. Good night, beautiful Leah… ”Nathan said softly.
Okay, that's it! Unable to hold it any longer, Audrey burst out laughing. Leah
glared at Audrey as she hastily switched off her cell phone.
“Audrey! What are you doing? Why are you laughing at Nathan like that ?! ”
he growled.
Audrey was still laughing. “Leah… Leah… where did you find such a guy
magical? Nervous, thin body, not sexy at all Then?Leah Beautiful?! Well, that's so sweet... but in the forties! " Audrey laughed again.
"Oh, come on, honey ...," said Audrey when she saw the cloud on Leah's face. “How come there
is a guy these days who seduces girls with words like that? I wonder, how come you still feel at home with him? " Audrey frowned with amusement. "Beautiful Leah ..." he snorted.
***
Leah was silent. Indeed Nathan was somewhat unique. Well, arguably a bit out of
date. But, why? Leah likes Nathan. Nathan was able to make Leah look beautiful through the lens of the camera.
Leah met Nathan for the first time two years ago. At that time there was an exhibition
gold jewelry at the university where he studied first. Leah received an invitation plus a ticket to Japan. Not wanting to waste that opportunity, Leah also attended the performance. There he met Nathan, the awkward photographer who happened to be invited to cover the event. Unintentionally, Nathan aimed at Leah with his camera.
The next day, Nathan was desperately looking for Leah to give him his shot. For Leah, it was a very romantic experience. Even though Nathan was extremely nervous at the time (he even dropped his expensive camera!), The shots were incredibly beautiful. In the photo, Leah seems to be seriously paying attention to one of the jewels on display there. Her natural beauty shines strongly in the shot. They had been in touch ever since, and from then on, Leah had fallen in love with Nathan. Leah smiled slightly remembering her meeting with Nathan. When he came to, he glanced at the brown envelope that was still in his grasp. Slowly
opened the brown envelope. Leah held her breath. The photo was taken by Nathan when the boy suddenly came to his apartment one morning. At that time Leah was busy making breakfast for herself. In the photo Leah is holding a pot and a spoon is tucked into her smiling mouth. Leah remembered that she was tasting the ginseng porridge she made. Leah smiled. She looked so beautiful in the photo ...
* * *
Leah looked at the list they — she and Audrey — had made. It was late at night, Audrey was already sleeping exhausted after discussing her wedding party ideas. Leah turned on the laptop and checked e-mail. Routine before bed. He was also browsing the site bridesmaid.net. She had been trusted by Audrey to be her bridesmaid, so she had to do her job as best she could.
From this site Leah learned that a job bridesmaids is not only to help the bride and groom on the wedding day. Long before that, a bridesmaid was in charge of helping the bride prepare her party. Well, okay. That's been done at this time. She notices the scribbles on Audrey's wedding party designs. He began to feel comfortable with this assignment.
***
A bridesmaid must also be the best friend in the moments that will probably be the most emotional moments in a woman's life. Leah frowned. He glanced at Audrey, who was fast asleep on the sofa. Hmmm ... looks like this is going to be a pretty difficult one.
On a typical day, Audrey was already an emotional person. On the eve of her marriage, she is bound to be very, very emotional, double emotional. And being around the emotional Audrey would be very difficult. Leah sighed. Audrey was her best friend since childhood. She would be best friends by being in Audrey's hardest times. Leah returned to reading the writing on the site. Oh yes, he also had to prepare himself. the bridesmaids must also look beautiful at the wedding. Hey ... he just found out that a bridesmaid is dressed in a dress similar to the bride and groom to outwit an evil spirit that might harass the bride.
What?!
So that is, if there are demons that will disturb the bride, then to be stricken is bridesmaids hair?! Leah shivered in horror. Expelled the thought from his mind. He has accepted this assignment. Honorable duty for a true friend. And he will carry out his duties as best he can.
* * *
“Come on, Leah! Hurry!" Audrey half tugged at Leah.
"Wait a minute, Audrey ..." Leah just resigned her hands to be pulled by Audrey. Actually he was already running above his normal speed, but still for Audrey it was still not fast. The first thing they have to do, according to Audrey, is hunting wedding dresses. Therefore, today Leah is accompanying Audrey to look at the wedding gown. This has become one of her duties as a bridesmaid. Audrey took her to Bride's World, the most complete bridal house in South Jakarta. He said, Audrey got a recommendation from a friend who recently got married. Leah was a little pounding too. She has never been to a bridal house before. She's guessing what bridal looks like.
“Good morning, Miss Audrey. Welcome to Bride's World. How are you? My name is Brianna. I will help Miss Audrey here, ”said a beautiful girl wearing a Bride's World uniform.
Audrey immediately kissed Brianna's left and right cheek. One habit that Leah didn't really like. In fact, Audrey, just like Leah, was the first time she met Brianna here. Why do you also kiss the left and right cheeks? The impression is really familiar. If she is already familiar, Leah would prefer a warm hug over a small cheek kiss like that.
"Fine, fine ...," replied Audrey, smiling broadly. "Eh, this is an introduction. Leah. She will be the later bridesmaid. She's my best friend ... ”
“ Good morning, Miss Leah… ”Brianna was already leaning forward, ready to splash with Leah. However, Leah immediately held out her hand. Brianna looked a little surprised, but with a sweet smile on her face, she returned Leah's helping hand in a professional manner.
"Today I want to have a look at wedding dresses ...," said Audrey.
"Oohh ... let's go ahead." Madame Alma is waiting upstairs ... "
"Madame?"Leah whispered softly, annoyed by the nickname given in front of the fashion designer's name. "How come it looks like a fortune teller call?"
"Shh ..." Audrey glared at Leah. "The person is rather unique."
Leah nodded her head. As she climbed the stairs, she tried to guess what the face of Madame Alma, which Audrey thought was unique. Brianna led them to the second floor of the building. The door was knocked, and a middle-aged woman opened the door from inside.
"Hi, Audrey dear ...," said the woman in a hushed voice.
"Hello, Madame Alma ...," replied Audrey, no less friendly.
Leah gaped. This is Madame Alma ?! This middle-aged woman wore a Gypsy girl's outfit, complete with a bandana that covered her hair. Her neck hung layers of necklaces. Not the layered necklace that is in vogue lately. The necklaces look scary. There are necklaces that resemble snake fangs, sharp rose thorns, and skull motifs. Not to mention the make-up on her face, Madame Alma framed her eyes with dark eyeliner. His lips were covered with electricity which was also black. With a makeover like this, it seems Madame Alma is not suitable as an experienced wedding dress designer. Madame Alma, hmmm ... Madame Alma might be more appropriate, more suited to being a psychic! Hmm ... maybe that's why she's called Madame Alma...
Audrey elbowed Leah in the ribs. Leah woke up and closed her mouth, which had been wide open.