Forced to endure

Chapter 21

Today I started working. It's really nice to feel. I woke up earlier than usual to clean the house and prepare breakfast.

Mas Adji, who had been sitting at the dinner table, kept watching me as long as I prepared provisions for me to bring work. I didn't understand the meaning of his gaze just that it felt strange.

"I've cooked breakfast at once for lunch. You can take it yourself later if you want to eat."

Mas Adji did not reply, he kept looking at me. I think now we talk more through our eyes.

"I'll take Keisha to your mother's house. So you don't have to worry about him."

I put the provisions in my bag and then I approached Mas Adji who was still looking at me. I give my hand to say goodbye.

Mas Adji received my hand, then I kissed his hand. The atmosphere felt very clumsy. Somehow I felt nervous and did not dare to look into Mas Adji's eyes.

"I'm leaving first Mas" I said in an indistinct voice.

Just as I was about to step up, suddenly Mas Adji pulled my hand until I fell into his lap and then hugged me.

It was very desirable for me to return Mas Adji's embrace but my pride overcame me. I did not return Mas Adji's embrace but also did not attempt to release him. I just silently felt the warmth of Mas Adji's embrace, a warmth I hadn't felt for a long time.

"Mas ... I have to leave now," I said so that my feelings would not get more upset because of this hug.

Mas Adji let go of his embrace, but before that he kissed my forehead. I don't know why this heart is pounding. Immediately I stood up so as not to get more wrong. I trimmed my clothes and started to walk away.

"Be careful Win ... "

I nodded without seeing him again.

Before leaving for work, I drove Keisha to my mother's house first. It just so happened that he did not go to school because of the long holiday closing the school year.

...****************...

I worked with such passion that it didn't feel like a week. My job is pretty easy, like a typical shopkeeper. It's true that sometimes I have to pick up a pretty heavy item in the warehouse and bring it myself to the store, but I can do it.

Yesterday I had my day off and today I started going to the day shift. I was preparing my provisions and, as usual, Keisha, I delivered them to my mother's house. Mas Adji sat in the kitchen chair while continuing to pay attention to me.

"You tired of Win?"

"Capek's not tired of having to work, right?" reply without concern for Mas Adji.

"We need money to buy food and also the cost of your foot therapy."

Mas Adji is no longer in therapy because the money I have used for the cost of Keisha hospital.

"I'm just a burden to you."

"Deg!". I was stunned to hear Mas Adji's words. Was he offended by my words? I really didn't mean that, I just said what was on my mind. I stopped my activities and looked at Mas Adji.

"Sorry ... I didn't mean ... "

"It's okay, I'm useless."

Mas Adji stood up and walked away from me. I could only look at his passing with guilt.

I rushed to work before it was too late. I do what I do at the store. There were so many things coming today that I was so busy. I did not have time to pay attention to the buyers who came to the store unless there was a question or ask for something to be taken.

"Jeng Winda ... ?"

Someone called. I know that voice but I wish I was wrong. I turned my body to face the source of the voice, and rightly my guess.

"Jeng Winda is also shopping? How could this happen? But ... " Eva hung up her sentence. His face looks plain.

He watched me then observed my friend standing behind the cashier's desk in turn. I didn't know she was this innocent or just pretending.

"But how is his shirt the same as the one guarding the cashier?" continued without sin. Coincidentally the cashier table was clearly visible from where we were standing.

"This is Jeng's uniform ... I work here now," I replied directly without hesitation. I'm not ashamed to admit it.

"Ooo .. employment ... Isn't Mas Adji the money is a lot of why Jeng Winda is still working?" ask Eva again without hesitation.

"Kok Jeng Eva can tell that my husband has a lot of money?"

"Yes ... He used to give me more money when he massaged me." Again Eva spoke without thinking about my feelings.

The shadow of Eva was groaning over Mas Adji's body back across my mind. The anger is still there but I can control it.

"That was Jeng, now my husband is not working. Where's the money?"

"What time?"

"It's not like Jeng Eva knew my husband was sick that he couldn't walk. My husband has nothing Jeng. This is proof that I have to work."

Eva was silent and again observed me from head to toe.

"Jeng Eva still wants to be with my husband if she knows he's poor now?" ask me without further ado.

A few times I met him made me understand his character.

"Yes not really, even though handsome if poor is useless. I'm gonna have to work as a masseuse." Eva muttered but I could hear her.

"Yes Jeng, I'm looking for someone else" Eva replied again with a sinless expression.

My eyes glared in disbelief. He talks like that as if I'm not Mas Adji. I was amazed by Eva's behavior.

"I'm first Jeng Winda ... "

I saw Eva's departure and could only gawk. I can't believe what he said, my brain still can't fully digest, How could he say that to me?

I continued my work after Eva's departure. Today my work is pretty much done so I don't have time to think about Eva.

Time passes by so quickly when we are busy. It doesn't feel like it's nine o'clock, the time for the store to close, which means it's time to go home.

It wasn't until twenty minutes that I got home. I deliberately brought a spare key so that Mas Adji would not have to open the door for me.

After putting the motor into the garage, I headed straight for the refrigerator to get some cold water. I want to drink a lot of water.

"Have you gone home, Win?" Mas Adji's voice surprised me.

"You must be tired, I've heated the water if you want to take a bath."

I was a little surprised to hear that. I thought Mas Adji was angry because of what I said this morning, but instead he heated the water for me to take a bath.

I don't know how he can do it considering Mas Adji still can't stand without using a crutch.

"Keisha's been among the mothers or staying there?" I started the conversation.

"He's sleeping in his room. It was my father who delivered."