He's Not A Good Man

What I fear before came true when I was talking with Andrew, Mian Mo, my brother's girlfriend saw us when she was inside the car with my brother. They were kissing when she saw me but my brother did not notice me because he was facing the other side.

I only knew she saw us because when my brother returns home, he asked me about my whereabouts. I was startled when he asked me those questions, so I just said that I went to the pharmacy and make a quick stop at the seashores. I also said that I met with the new neighbor below our floor and I just simply exchange greetings with him.

I didn't dare to tell my brother the whole story as I was in the living room where my parents eyeing me like an eagle eyeing their prey. What I said is not the whole truth but it also not a lie, so I at least didn't feel guilty for it. Little that I know, this is also the beginning of my lies to my parents.

Hearing my reason, my brother didn't say anything afterward but my father gives me a little warning. "Don't get close to that man. He's not a good man." He said.

But I wonder, why my father say something like that? How did he measure someone's 'goodness' if he didn't even know the man? Is it because he had a tattoo on his body that makes him look bad? Or is it really an accurate accusation just base on his experience of life?

However, I'm a coward that only nods my head when my father warned me. I am a good girl that always listens to my father. So I don't want to dwell on that matter anymore. After all, I know he's a man with a good heart. If not, why he bothers to talk to me? A weirdo.

"I heard from a community group, that the man is involved with a gangster and he had a big figure to back him up. Anyway, he's up to no good. I also heard, he brings a lot of women to his house every night and those women will be gone at dawn. He must be a gigolo too." My mom also joins on Andrew's gossip that has been running around the neighborhood.

I couldn't deny it as I saw the woman who walks out of his apartment last time. She was gorgeous and sexy. 180 degrees from me, who don't know fashion and makeup. Somehow, I feel down with the fact that the man who I 'probably' has a crush on already had someone he loves.

I know a person like me will never ever be with a man like him. We're like heaven and earth. Like an eagle and a worm. I am the worm. Staying deep on the ground while he was soaring high in the sky. That's how our difference is.

I took a deep breath and look at the window, not intending to hear the other gossip about him anymore. I was immersed in my reading before my father once again remind me about the blind date for tomorrow. I nod my head before I went to my bedroom.

My bedroom is like my own small world where I could do whatever I want inside without being criticized and condemn by my brother's tongue. At least I could wear anything I want such as short and took off my bra when I want to sleep. Ahh~~ it feels so refreshing when I can be myself.

...

The next day,

I woke up early than before and I bathe with flower petals that my mother prepare for me. She said it was for the luck for someone like me who lacks in appearance. It also said can repel bad luck. I think it's a bit funny when I heard it from my mom. But, of course, I didn't laugh.

I cooperate with my mom's methods. It's her way to make sure I am able to get a suitor. Once I'm done showering, my mother called her friend who works as a masseuse to give me a massage. I feel like I'm going to a bride instead of just going to the blind date.

She is also done my make up. Because my mom's friend is older, I think she did my face with the trend of her era as she keeps telling me about her younger days. How she met her husband and what makes her husband fall for her.

I could only smile when I hear those stories. She was beautiful in her younger days I thought. Her story feels like fairy tales and unreal to me. But to not show it how I feel, I give her a sweet smile and respect her in every way I can.

After the massage and makeover on my face, I wore the dress that has been prepared by my mother. It's a classic white dress with a drape on the shoulder to below my chest. Maybe this dress is old like my mom's age, but I didn't voice it out. I feel like I'm a hundred-year lady in a new era of fashion.

That's okay, I still look good though. My hair is braided into two sides and I let my bang cover my forehead before I finally check on my looks in the mirror. Hmm, it's not that bad, I think? The makeup looks more natural except for the eyebrows part.

It's darker with black color and a little bit thick. But isn't it a trend now? Hmm, well... I'm ready to go now. I check the time on the clock and it's almost time for me to meet him at the famous cafe in this town for its coffee. I hurriedly took my sling bag and wore my boots which I didn't check the color of my boots and saying goodbye to my family who already awaits me at the hall.

My father keeps reminding me about being polite and show a good attitude towards my date while my brother keeps smirking at me, telling me I look like an old lady and lame. I ignore it even if I know it's true. It was my mother's choice and since when do I have a voice in this house anyway?

I took a taxi to go to the meeting place. It's only taken twenty minutes' drive from my neighborhood. When I get off the taxi, a few people at the sidewalk looking at me with a weird expression on their faces. But I didn't care less and just walk into the cafe.

The lady at the counter smile at me. I don't know either it is a sincere smile or a mocking smile but she still asks me politely, "What would you like to order, miss?"

"Umm, one cup of ice latte?" I said while I'm not sure is that really what I want to drink or not. My nervousness makes me hard to breathe right now.

"Okay, that'll be 12 euros." The girl at the counter said and I rushingly open up my sling bag. Because I pull the zip a bit rough, the zip got stuck and I am so embarrassed. I try to pull it out a few more times. "I'm sorry, just a moment please," I said before I try again for I don't know how many times I pulled the zip. I lost track of counting it.

"It's okay miss. It's been paid." The girl at the counter said before she handed me my drink. I was a bit startled. Who paid it for me? I want to ask but the line behind me already long and they look at me like they want to eat me alive. So I forget about asking the girl and take the drink from her with a smile.

"Uh... Thanks.." I said and went to find my date. I roam around the cafe before I finally spot my date who sit alone at the next of the window seat.

"Um... Excuse me, are you...Darian?" I asked the man who wearing a white-collar shirt and round glasses. He's a bit chubby than I imagined. Maybe food in the overseas are all delicious?

"Who're you?" He squints his eyes while looking at me. Well, I know that look. He's judging me.

"I'm Sha Sha," I said politely before I bow my head slightly to him.

"Oh..so, you're Sha Sha?" He asked again and I nod my head again. "Hm, have a seat then."

I carefully put my sling bag at my side before I slide into the seat. I suddenly become mute as I don't know what I should say to him. His expression shows that he was disappointed about something. Is it me?

After more than five minutes we both silent, he finally let out a deep sighed before he starts asking me a question. "Do you work?"

"Yes, I work as a clerk at the sardines company." I feel like I'm being interviewed right now. The tone he uses..sounds so cold and bit arrogant.

"Clerk?" He sneers a little before he slowly shakes his head. "Do you have any hobbies?"

"I like reading." I honestly answer all of his questions even though I know I've been criticized by him.

"Reading? Do you even know how to read?"

I was surprised but I held it back. He was just insulting me, isn't he? I try to open my mouth but he asks a question to me again, "What is your goal after you get married? Resign your job and be a full-time housewife? Be a madam of the house?"

"I-"

"Oh, don't bother to answer me. I know what kind of women you are. Your species are all the same. You all women like money, aren't you? So you aim to find a man like me to be your husband and leeching off my wealth? I'm actually didn't mind it if you..a little more pretty, but aren't you aim too high? Don't you have a mirror at your house? Look at what you wear, it's so old-fashion like an old lady who-"

Splash!

My hands were still trembling from holding back my anger and my tears stream down my cheeks. I take my sling bag and ready to go, but I was startled when he suddenly yanked my hand and ready to slap my face. At that moment, I squeeze my eyes hard and squirm my body a bit. I wait for a few seconds but why he still not hit me yet?

I peek a little and saw someone was holding his hand from slapping me. The vein on that man's arm was so manly and that moment I saw the familiar tattoo on the man's arm before I gasp a little.