Home For My Soul

132|Together Family

We had dinner together at my family's restaurant. Venny's parents were very happy to see the place was crowded with customers. The dominant people are not Indonesians, but local people. Papa is happy to tell us about our culinary business trip from the beginning until it can be as successful as this.

“You must be lonely taking care of this place by yourself. If we're married, I can help you manage it,” said Venny sympathized.

“About it—” says Mama with happy face.

“There are still a lot of things Theo needs to work on before he accepts a colleague,”. Mama looked at him in protest. “He needs to prove himself to the shareholders.”

“I mean Om, she can't be trusted for making a scandal with her ex?” Venny said. Papa just glanced at me. “How can they believe that the picture alone is still with the ex, Om. We've been engaged for more than a year, he won't put up his picture with me.”

“Ven,” reprimand his mother. “We've already discussed this. It's best not to talk about it here.”

“So, when else do I say it, Ma? This is not fair. Want to see when I'm patient to see him continue to use that old photo?” He sneered.

“Theo is busy working. Unlike you who have a lot of time playing social media,” taunted Matt. He nudged my arm. “Employees lo call, tuh.”

I looked in the direction he saw. Carlos nodded his head as soon as we met a glance. I said goodbye to them, then approached him. We entered the kitchen and after the door closed, I let out a sigh of relief. It was a really boring night.

“What do I call on time, Sir?” tanyanya slow.

I'm nodding. “Thank you. You saved me.”

He smiled broadly. “When you need help, I'm ready to do it.” He looked at the friend who called him. “I'm back to work, Sir.” I nodded my head.

Fortunately, they chose this place as our dinner. So, I can ask one of my employees to call me an hour after we arrive. My guess is correct. The family did not stop talking and interrupted me to eat.

Someone put a plate of pudding in front of me. I thanked him, then ate it. Let them think I'm taking care of my employees. Just a few minutes here, they won't be suspicious. Hm. The pudding was delicious, so I asked for more.

Back at the hotel, I just kept quiet when Venny didn't stop talking. Matt puts on a headset and listens to music on his phone. I read a report from Daisy on Amarylis's last condition. He still locked himself in his room.

Do I need to send anything to comfort him? Because of that woman, Amarylis and I got into a fight. He never let me down like this. I sent so many messages, none of them answered. Damnit.

“Girls generally love jewelry, flowers, dolls, or chocolates. Amarylis likes only one thing, food. Send food only. You've never taken him to our restaurant. Why not send her favorite Indonesian cuisine? Who knows he hasn't eaten because of lo.” Matt was sitting by my side.

The idea can too. Amaryllis was still confined to her room, so she definitely had not eaten. I sent a message to Carlos so he could take care of the food. I even threatened to fire him if he didn't cook well.

“Lo bego, anyway. I told you to be honest. See what the consequences are. Where anyone wants to be lied to.” He changed the television channel.

“If she knew before we got back together, she would be pessimistic again with our relationship. I hate it whenever he's not sure we're getting married.”

“Don't Kak Amarylis. I'm just a pessimist you can get married. You think you can beat Papa and Mama? Awake, Theo. They are much stronger than lo.”

“You mean, you don't want to help me? Can you let me fight alone?”

“Lo who wants to get married, why should I bother? I will also have to fight on my own. What do you want to help me wear?” his challenge. “Gue still supports you getting married to Kak Amarilis because I already consider her like my own sister. That'sallthatis. To face ortu, it's lo.”'s business

Until bedtime, Amarylis did not reply to my messages or tell me about the food she had received from me. Daisy has reported that she has accepted. This lady. He worries me. He must have done it intentionally.

Matt was no longer in his room when I called him for breakfast. I called her phone and was upset to know where she was. I'd rather join them than be with Papa and Mama here. Justright. The five of them were already in the dining room when I arrived.

Venny sat down and didn't stop talking to me. The more I shut up, the more words he said. Can't this woman just be quiet for a minute? Can't take it anymore, I told you to go back to the room.

But I didn't go to the room. When I was sure they weren't looking, I walked out the side door. My guards are waiting in their cars. I'd rather take care of the restaurant than wait for graduation hours in the room, and then the woman comes to interrupt.

Mama could have told him to accompany me in the suite. I didn't want to be alone with him when Matt was having fun with my woman. My sister is so rude. He said he supported me with Amarylis, but he left me alone.

“What are you doing?” scold Mama as we prepare for college. “You said you were back in the room. Why did you even leave the hotel without saying goodbye?”

“Restaurant is my business, Ma. Do I always have to report if I suddenly go there?” I asked back. Right, ‘kan? He must have had the woman accompany me in the room.

“How can Mama know Theo is not in the room?” ask Matt. “The woman whines asking Mama to have Theo accompany her shopping?”

“Matt, polite talk. Venny will be your sister-in-law. You need to learn to appreciate it.” Mama glanced at Papa. “The car is ready?”

“Iya.” Papa put his cell phone in the inner pocket of his suit. “Ayo.”

In the afternoon, I attended a diploma ceremony for us students who got a master's degree. The event is not much different from undergraduate graduation, only our number is less. So, the event did not last long even though we were all asked to say a few words after receiving the degree.

The most heartwarming thing was when the rector who led the event asked the people who already supported us all to stand in place. He thanked for every form of support from parents, husband or wife, lovers, children, everyone who was already involved in our study. Graduates are also asked to stand up to give appreciation.

If it wasn't for my father working hard to raise money, I wouldn't be here right now. Also my selfish mother, but I sure always strengthen me through her prayers every night. My indifferent sister always shows attention in her own way.

Unfortunately, Amaryllis is not here. Because he also played a big part in my studies during his stay with me. Without his strange coffee, the snacks he brought, the water he refilled, even just sitting with me overtime, maybe I was lazy to finish the thesis. Because months of discussing just one topic makes me sick.

We had dinner together as a form of thanksgiving in Papa and Mama's suite. A variety of meals were delivered, so we could choose whatever we wanted. It's the last night they're here, so I'm alerting myself to the presence of the Venny family.

“Well, Venny, I've kept my word. You watched the graduation event Theo,” said Mama. “One more promise I will fulfill later when my son can already leave the restaurant.”

“Iya, Aunt. Thank you,” said the woman blushed.

“Theo is over, why should we wait for next year, Ruth?” Mama Venny smiled meaningfully. “We have time to prepare for their wedding from now on. Won't there be another big event in the near future? Theo is going home to the homeland, ‘kan?”

“You're right too.” Mama clapped her hands. “Ah, but Venny works in Jakarta. If they get married this year, they'll be apart long enough.”

“That's no problem, Ruth,” said papa Venny. “I can prepare a replacement. Venny will help Theo take care of your restaurant. Who knows they can return to Indonesia faster if they work together.”

“Honey, you heard that?” Mama looked expectantly at Papa. “They have a point. If we prepare their wedding now, then there is still time until August later.”

I looked at Papa worriedly. Hopefully he remembers his promise. But papa Venny's offer was very tempting. Papa also hoped that the restaurant business could be completed sooner and I returned to Indonesia to work again with him.

Papa looked at me before he saw Mama. “About that, I have a better idea.”