Forced to endure

Chapter 26

I went back to work as usual. I busied myself so that my mind would not constantly remember Likha and Eva. But it seems like good luck has not been on my side. I saw the two men in the parking lot in front of the store where I was working.

The two of them were giggling as they walked into the store. I don't know if it's just my mind, but I'm sure they both came to this store not for shopping.

I saw that around me there might be a gap to hide and avoid them. But after I thought about why should I avoid the two of them? Just face it, what other insults will they throw at me, I am ready.

I continued my work and pretended not to see Likha and Eva enter the store. Though it is clearly visible from my place now because the front of this store is all made of glass walls.

"Hi Jeng ... " Eva's flirtatious voice greeted me.

I turned towards Likha and Eva pretending not to know the arrival of the two of them.

"What's wrong?" ask me without further ado also without a smile.

"This ... I'm here to go to Jeng Likha. We need to be with Jeng Winda" Eva replied again. While Likha looked to observe the surroundings of the shop.

"You really work here Win?" asked Likha with eyes still sweeping around.

I intentionally did not answer Likha's question knowing she was just insinuating me.

"Here, the donation money from Arisan's friends last night." Likha thrust an envelope at me.

"Last night why rush home anyway? I'm going to bother having to send you here!"

I just stared at the envelope in Likha's hand, hesitating to pick it up.

"Take no shame, I know you need it."

I don't know where the fault lies, I do need money, but I think Likha's words are a little unpleasant to hear.

Should he say that? Even if he wanted to give me money, he could go home and give it properly to me and Mas Adji was not in a public place and a lot of people were like this.

But what am I who is now a place of humiliation and considered to have no self-respect. Maybe because I'm poor now and then they feel entitled to demean me.

"Well, Win, no prestige! Take the money!" Once again Likha thrust the envelope. His tone was as arrogant as we had never been close before.

"Let's take jeng, pretty good for the medical expenses of Jeng Winda's husband."

I truly feel my pride being trampled by these two people.

Then Likha grabbed my hand and forced to put the envelope in my hand. Not enough to get there, then Likha told Eva to capture this moment.

"Jeng Eva, help us both in the photo!" Likha did not want to take her hand out of my hand. So it looks like I'm shaking hands with him.

"Oh .. yes for a minute." Eva hurriedly pulled out the phone from her bag.

"Smile Jeng ... Jeng Winda don't be so stiff."

They really don't realize that what they're doing right now makes me uncomfortable. I saw some shopkeepers start to notice us.

"Have .." said Eva after she had finished perpetuating this incident. And I can only look at them both like I'm a fool.

"Now a selfie jeng .." Likha orders Eva.

"Jeng Eva is coming too. Let's see if jeng Eva's sending this money. It's like a witness, "he continued.

"That's for proof that I've handed you the donation money. Later I send her picture in the group," said Likha after we finished taking pictures.

I can no longer speak with both of them.

"Yuk Jeng Eva." And without further ado, Likha immediately sauntered away from me and Eva.

"Dah ya Jeng Winda .. excuse me first, there is still the same event with Likha."

I didn't have time to answer, Eva was gone. I didn't even get to say anything to the two of them.

I looked at the envelope in my hand and then I looked around me to make sure I wasn't being a spectacle for the shopkeepers.

Then I looked towards Shanti who I was sure was watching me from earlier. I pointed at the back door as a sign I wanted to rest for a while, and she nodded catching my point.

In the employee room I looked back at the envelope Likha had given me. With this envelope they managed to trample on my pride. I kept looking at the envelope until my tears almost melted.

Strengthen your heart Win ... What else would you cry over? The self-esteem you don't have? Strengthen your heart Win!

I immediately put the envelope in the bag without opening it before my tears actually dripped. I don't want to be more hurt by Likha and Eva's treatment of me.

Back in the store, Shanti came straight for me.

"Winda is okay?"

I'm nodding.

"If Mbak Winda is not feeling well, Mbak Winda can rest first in the back. Let me take care of myself."

I salute Shanti, even though she saw and heard everything, she did not want to know. Shanti gave me space to myself.

"No Shan, I'm fine. Later if I want to break something I'll talk to you." Shanti nodded and returned to the cashier's desk.

Wouldn't it taste better like this? The world will feel peaceful if it is filled with people who understand and care for each other, without wanting to interfere in the affairs of others.

I went back to my work. Arranging items that have just come from suppliers, cleaning shelves that already look dusty also check the expiration date in food products. I made myself as busy as I could in order to forget what Likha and Eva did to me until it didn't feel like it was time to go home.

"See you tomorrow Ma'am" Shanti said.

"See you tomorrow Shanti" I replied with a smile. "Thank you for being a good co-worker for me," I thought. Then I paddled my bike home.

Arriving at home I was greeted by my husband and son with a face. The two of them were working together to clean up the house that made me smile. Then Mas Adji came up to me, kissed my forehead and hugged me.

Keisha looked at the two of us while dumbstruck.

"It's been a long time Keisha hasn't seen papa and mama hug rich gini. Are Mom and Dad no longer alive?"

I frowned slightly at Keisha's question. I never told her how I and her dad were doing all this time. I don't think he'll notice. But apparently he can feel and interpret for himself what he saw.

"Who is Kei? Mom and Dad never got around." Mas Adji defended himself.

"Whatever papa please." Keisha hugged me too.

And when I was enjoying a moment that I had not felt this for a very long time, the message notification on my phone continued to sound, as if there were dozens of messages coming in simultaneously.