I WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU

Arriving at the rooftop, the man immediately emZephaniah took the woman's hand and led her upstairs. He did not want them to be the center of attention. Ziona was still crying and Zephaniah needed a quiet place to calm her.

Zephaniah pulled Ziona and hugged her. "Calm down. You are not alone. I am here. I will always support you no matter what," Zephaniah said while hugging Ziona.

Zephaniah's words did not necessarily make the woman stop crying. Ziona was crying until she sobbed and could not get the words out. When will her parents be able to love her unconditionally? She had tried to give up her dream for the sake of her parents' wishes, still her mother and father were not satisfied. The longer Ziona felt lonely because she was not considered in her family.

Zephaniah did not say anything either. He only gave her peace of mind by hugging and rubbing her head.

Ziona's sobs began to shrink. "Have you calmed down?" Zephaniah loosened his arms. He wanted to see that tearful face. "I know you are a strong woman. You can cry if you really need it." Zephaniah's fingers wiped every drop of liquid that still wet Ziona's puffy face.

"They never loved me. They always demanded to do this and that. I could not do what I wanted but they let my sister do whatever she wanted. I didn't want to be what they wanted me to be but I did it. At least I got attention from them but I never got it. They never change. My parents always put Abira ahead of me."

"I will never understand how you feel because I have never been in your position. But I promise I will never leave you. You are not alone. I told you, right? Keep following their wishes and don't forget your dream. There will come a time when you can explain everything. Rebelling against one's parents is not a good choice." Zephaniah hugged Ziona's body back, hoping the woman calmed down.

"Thank you, Ze. I don't know what I will do if you are not here for me." Ziona's puffy face and sad eyes stared intently at the man's face.

"You wait here, okay? I will take some food for you. You must be hungry."

"What about lessons?"

"We can continue tomorrow. Now you need some food, drink and time to calm down. No need to worry about lessons."

Ziona took a deep breath and let Zephaniah go to take some food. Maybe she would be in a good mood if her stomach was full.

Ziona sat on a long chair made of wood. The man not only strengthened but he advised and taught her many good things. Zephaniah never blamed Ziona's parents but he also did not defend her actions that wanted to rebel.

"Lord, may I ask this one thing? I want to be with Zephaniah forever? Will my parents allow us? Please take over my family." Ziona looked up to the sky and spoke to the Great creator of heaven and earth.

After a few minutes Zephaniah came with a smile. His hands carried a tray and his back carried Ziona's backpack. He had put all the books scattered on the table into the backpack.

"Let's eat first." Zephaniah placed the tray on the wooden table and lowered the bag from his back.

"Your book has been damaged by your scribbles," Zephaniah said while arranging some food in front of Ziona.

Yes, Ziona's book was torn because the scribbles were too strong. She vented her anger on the innocent rectangular object. Even though she was satisfied after doing it, it did not lessen her anger. Only Zephaniah's embrace could give her peace.

"It is okay. I can buy a new one. It's not hard to find the same book." Ziona replied casually. Money was not a big problem for Ziona. Her monthly living allowance already exceeded Zephaniah's living expenses for one semester

"You don't have to buy a new book! I have the same book. You can use my book. Besides, I will be graduating soon and you are still in your first semester. I will give it to you?"

"You are going to graduate? When? It means you will leave me here." Ziona gave a rain of questions on the man sitting beside her.

"I will graduate but it doesn't mean that I will leave this country. I will always be with you. I promise." Zephaniah's eyes stared into the woman's eyes. His palms also gave a warm touch on Ziona's face.

"Promise?"

"Yes, I promise. I am starving, let's eat first."

"I want to be bribed. I am tired. Crying drains my energy," Ziona whined in her spoiled style.

"You spoiled girl!" Zephaniah smiled and pulled the nose of the woman who was acting cute in front of him.

"Besides being spoiled, I am also beautiful," Ziona answered confidently.

"Yeah, yeah, I admit that you are a perfect girl."

"Thank you for the compliment, but I've heard it too many times," Ziona chuckled.

Zephaniah ruffled Ziona's hair. The girl's cheerfulness was back and Zephaniah was happy to see her.

"Are you busy this Saturday?" Ziona asked while her mouth was still chewing fried noodles.

"Lately Riko has let me go because I have to focus on preparing research for my graduation. After all, he already had two employees. So what?"

"I want to take you to some place. I have been here for three weeks but I have never been around this country. Do you want to accompany me?

"Saturday?" Zephaniah tried to remember his schedule. "How about we leave at noon? In the morning I have to meet with the supervisor. I want to consult about the title of the research I will be doing."

"It is okay. I will be waiting for you at the restaurant."

***

Abira felt her chest full and she had difficulty breathing. Alana panicked and immediately contacted the doctor. Her husband was having an important meeting and it was impossible to disturb him. "Calm down, honey. The doctor will be here soon." Alana wiped the beads of sweat that wet her eldest daughter's temple.

"Honey, hurry home! Abira needs you." Alana could only mumble to herself because her husband would not hold the cell phone during the meeting.