#ONE

{SARAH POV}

===

"Richie!" He ignores me.

He was busy glancing at the last watch at his gold cellphone, at his watch again then back at the cellphone, which lay pitifully on the table.

The straw on my ice Americano is also out of shape because I was waiting for someone who since an hour ago - made an appointment - with us here, never showed his forehead.

"Are you sure he's coming?"

Richie glances cynically at me. The gaze was a kind of hunter bee which targeted its intruders.

I, who have been friends with him for more than twenty years, can only hope that he won't eat me here.

"Oh, come on! It's been over an hour. You're sure he -"

"I'm worried!"

I was surprised to hear him scream in frustration.

"You know? He brought his car here."

I can only silently interrupt. What's wrong with driving his own car?

"Doesn't he have a driver's license?" My insinuation got a hard flick on the forehead. Richie seemed unable to accept my words earlier.

"He -"

"Richie!"

The baritone voice cut off the curse Richie was going to do to me. This twenty-nine year old man looked back to find the person who had called his name.

I was too busy observing the tall man in the perfect suit who came to us.

With a pastel shirt that he accidentally opened the top two buttons, adding to the relaxed impression he displayed.

Richie made a shy smile and welcomed the man's helping hand.

So is he the one we're waiting for?

"Are you going to say that the tarmac isn't wide enough to get your car here faster?"

The man with the pointy jaw and sharp eyes of the eagle smiled stiffly in response. But from there, his handsome level drastically increased compared to his silence without speaking.

I gasped as he glanced at me briefly -

"I'm lost -"

And yeah ... God is fair enough to present physical perfection with his foolishness. Isn't there a GPS now?

"Who is she?"

Maybe he had been curious who the mosquitoes which had been sitting watching across the table.

Don't forget.

I had noticed where Richie's hand was tied to the body of the tall, slender man who was stroking his back and had so far not wanted to let each other go. Honestly, I was amused to see them doing that right in front of me. This is my first time seeing a relationship like this.

His shy smile makes me want to cover my face with a menu book immediately.

I know Richie is gay.

But I'm not ready to see that boyfriend.

And this was the first time since Richie had stated firmly in college that he liked men over women.

There was a disappointment when I learned that fact.

But I also can't force him to change if it's his choice.

Maybe heartbreak is more appropriate when I know he will never welcome this feeling -

"She's Sarah -"

Richie pointed at me with his chin. Without turning to his lover. Richie continued, "- my future wife."

 Deg!

For some reason, that phrase so knocked my heart.

What do I expect from men who refuse to like women?

I will be the protective wall of their secret relationship.

A relationship that all life won't give them their blessing.

"Sarah, this is Alex that I told you about -"

The one being talked about chuckled softly after he watched me for a split second in all parts of the face that I had.

Alex smiled as he held his chin staring at us alternately -

"You guys are a good match."

Either it was a mockery, or he was telling the truth. It feels like a joke that makes me want to be angry on the spot.

I think Richie also takes that seriously.

"Don't be childish. I want you to hear our explanation—"

Alex chose to cut Richie's words. Pressing his chin while looking at him seriously, "I agree. I know this is all difficult for us. And I don't mind Richie."

Richie's eyes softened. From being afraid of turning into calm.

Again, his shy smile made me stifled.

"Excuse me."

They finally turned to me. Patiently waiting for me to continue my words.

"What benefit do I get if I am used as a mosquito net in your relationship?"

Richie began to be serious, "At least, there are things we must discuss here -"

"Richie only needs to be married. Like me, who has become a widower."

And hey ... Why is he so proud of that?

"After you guys get married, Richie and I will get married too."

"Then? Where are my advantages?"

"If you don't mind, I will be a sponsor for your efforts to develop your graphic design to the world," He said casually after giving me a business card.

The offer was enough to make me swallow hard.

He is the CEO of the developer of the anime and interior design world that has a strong connection.

I need that for my project !!!

"I'll have a two-year contract to be my wife -" Richie continued.

 Although it sounds cruel, I steel myself to listen to his words again, "- after that, we get divorced, and you will get the full support and money we have prepared."

My tongue is empty, but I can't show my sadness for too long.

Although this is not fair, this is the only way I can do to help my childhood friend.

At the same time, my first Love.

"And during that time, we'll be living together."

Alex added without being noticed by Richie.

He and I are both hysterical to hear other requirements from the thick browed man in front of me.

"WHAT?"

#

"Sarah Watsons! Why haven't you left for work?"

My mother's loud voice. . Always can deafen eardrums every morning.

I strolled toward the sink with a toothbrush pressed against my mouth. My bright eyes widened, along with my confused thoughts about this stupid marriage.

Sarah remember! You're going to marry a man who likes men! And you will live together. Why did you take this stupid situation? - my monologue.

"Mom -"

My mother snorted to answer my call. I saw that she was busy making pancakes which I would give later to the Dalton family. Oh yeah, mom's pancakes are the best in town.

"What did Aunt Dalton tell you? Why did you accept that invitation?" I whined.

Mother is still indifferent, "How about you? You accept that, right?"

"I'm forced to!"

"What is Richie's lack of? You two have been close and know each other? He is rich and kind."

But he's gay mom ... Gay! - I murmured in my heart.

"But I'm not ready -"

At the very least, I want to marry an ordinary person who loves me too. Ah, at least that guy can learn to love me after marriage.

"Everything will be easy later."

My legs have become jelly because I do not get her support. It's no use talking to mom. Aunt Dalton must have bribed her with a lot of money. Err ...

.

.

CONTINUED