Echoes of Love and Deception

Chapter 2 - That person 8 years ago

It felt like time stopped as Alder saw the person who just entered. His eyes, his face, and everything, it's him.

Memories rushed inside his head. A lot of buried memories he wanted t forget surged like pouring water once again.

But instead of reminiscing, he felt a sudden wave of pain in his stomach. He twitched from the pain but brushed it off and was forced to welcome the customer with a smile.

Alder still stretched his smile, "Its been a long time...How have you been?" he asked back

The man was wearing a formal suit. Tall and handsome that the remaining customers couldn't help but give look, his total appearance didn't suit the place after all.

And by just standing on the counter, he already emitted a domineering aura that even Alder could only take hold of himself in facing him because the person he knew from the past can no longer be traced to the current him.

The man stared at him for a while then at the menu displayed on the counter, he bent down to see it close and with this gesture, Alder saw his face closer.

It's him.

"Spare ribs is the best seller?" he asked.

" Y-Yes, spare ribs are our best." Alden was in a daze for a moment.

"Then I'll take one." The man said as he straightened up.

Alden started to input it for the receipt," Dine in or take out?"

"Dine in."

Alder tensed from his answer but he just nodded, "Please wait for about 5 minutes."

"Will do." the man answered and turned. It took him a few moments to choose a table.

"1 spare ribs." He called to the kitchen window

Alden had a lot of questions floating in his mind on the sudden appearance of this 'acquaintance' but he was more surprised seeing that the man sat right on the table nearest to the counter.

Alden felt the sudden wave of pain in his stomach once again.

If only he could just leave...

But he suddenly remembered that his phone was still on call. He quickly took it and turned away, "Hello? Are you still there?"

He spoke in a low voice but the man on the table heard it and turned towards his direction.

"Who was it? An acquaintance?" Lance was waiting for him.

Alder was surprised that he even heard the short conversation that they had.

"What kind of ears do you have?" he asked back.

"None, I just got the futuristic gadget to hear even the slightest growl in your stomach even a hundred miles away." He joked

Hearing his voice made the sudden relief in Alder again, as if he was brushing away the black clouds that were hovering in his mind, "Okay Mr. Doctor I appreciate your futuristic gadget now rest, I have a customer."

There was a short pause on the other line but Lance then spoke, "Okay~ My baby is working hard, I should too~ I love you."

Alder smiled with his childish voice, "Love you too."

The call ended the same time the spare ribs was ready to serve. The aroma on the well seasoned soup complementing the flavor would make anyone drool. Alder has always been proud of this recipe, wanting to show it always but at this moment, he really didn't want to.

But he has no choice since Diane and Dylan was still resting. He took the tray and went towards the man's table.

"1 spare ribs and a cola." it was a set, "Enjoy."

"So it came true." Alder stopped and turned to him who suddenly spoke.

"What?"

The man looked at him then to the spare ribs, "You once said that you will make this a business...you did."

Alder was confused at first but then remembered something from the past, he opened his mouth then sealed it close.

He was about to turn away when the man spoke again, "I'm glad you are well."

Alder trembled but remained composed, "Thank you."

After Dylan and Diane's break, Alder left the counter and helped in the kitchen instead.

It was already 5 PM when they closed. After Alder helped with the kitchen for hours, when he came out, he was no longer there which made him exhale in relief.

He was now walking towards the bus stop when his cellphone rang.

"Hey, you're done?" He heard Lance's voice.

"Mm... Done bit early today, you?"

"Ugh, another council meeting." Lance was obviously frustrated

"I know you're tired but don't forget your dinner." Alder reminded

"Babe~ I want you~~ Gimme kiss kiss..."

Alder was smiling listening to his coquettish voice when he stopped on his track upon seeing a car and the familiar man ahead of the road. The man was leaning on his car but when he saw Alder, he straightened up as if he was the one he was waiting for.

Alder now can define his unsettled feeling as fear.

They never saw each other for the past 8 years, and their farewell was a horrible memory.

His past with him was years of love that turned into hatred by just a second.

And it was Alder's turning point in life...

"Babe~ Why are you not responding~"

Adler snapped back.

"Lance, I'll call you later."

Hearing the sudden tension from Alder's voice, Lance stopped from joking around.

"Why? Did you meet someone again?"

Damn, this man is too fast.

Alder massages his forehead, "Yeah," he replied shortly then decided that he didn't want Lance to overhear any of their conversation again.

"I'll end the call for a moment, it will be quick." Alder said

There was second of silence on the other line, "Okay. But make sure you call me after."

"Okay, be right back." Alder ended the call without waiting for Lance's respond since the man had already reached him.

They stood there for a while, facing each other in the setting sun.

Now that he is up close, staring right at him, Alder can now feel his hands tremble. The surge of pain in his stomach was lingering and he really didn't like the situation at all.

"What..."

"I heard Grandma Loren has died," the man spoke, "I want to visit her."

Alder was surprised but then understood. His Grandmother, his lovely Grandma Loren was a very special person not only to him but to also to Khalid. She was there at the start and end of their relationship.

She died last year.

And at her last breath, she wanted to see Khalid again.

Alder shut his eyes, he didn't want to be emotional in facing Khalid.

"She died last year. But if you want to visit her, I can give you the address where she was buried." Alder apologized in the back of his mind. He can also visit her but not together with him.

Khalid didn't show any expression from Alder's answer, "Okay, then I can give you my contact."

"U-Uh no need, I can just write it down..." Alder started to take some paper and pen on his backpack. Yes he is carrying necessary things for moments like this.

He carefully wrote down the details and gave it to Khalid, "It's a street away from the gaming center." he said even though its also Khalid's hometown.

But he just considered it since he heard that Khalid spent the years in abroad, in case he forgot some streets.

Khalid accepted it, "Thank you." he said without hinting of any emotion.

Silence appeared after those words.

Alder broke it, "So, um, you can go there anytime." he said pointing at the paper. " I'll be going first. It's good to see you well." he forced himself to say those words and walked on.

He never turned around afraid that the person may see what kind of miserable expression he is making right now.