Home For My Soul

197|Family Arrival

I was hungry and wanted to eat soon. When food is available, I calm down. Well, if I have to order and wait for the cook to cook, when else do I eat? Suddenly the lights came on, making the situation in front of us bright.

“Happy birthday!!” the cheers of those who swarm in front of me.

My heart was beating so fast in shock. Looking at the faces I knew, I calmed down. It turned out that my family from Medan came. I don't remember my birthday at all. Ooo. So, this is why Theo gave me a surprise. He gave me a birthday present.

Mother approached, carrying a cake with a small candle lit on it. I followed the instructions according to the lyrics of the song they were singing. Blowing candles, cutting cakes, and sharing them. Of course the first cut and mouthful I gave to Theo.

Just a short show, then we could eat. I did not wait any longer and devoured the food that was already available in front of me. They all laughed at my behavior, but I didn't care. Everyone also ate their meals while chatting leisurely.

It turns out my family stayed at the hotel for one night. But they will come home with us and stay for a few days. They should have been able to spend the night at our place, but did not want to spoil the surprise they had prepared. Just-there's.

After having a full stomach, I could feel happy being among my family. The misfortune I experienced was fortunately also. They came here to celebrate my birthday. And I'm fine. I can handle everything with Theo.

“News about you being with that shameless man finally sank too. Reporters are now busy discussing the case of the cart office official.” Mother laughed with satisfaction. “I was restless because your father didn't find a way to suppress the news.”

“Theo have more connections, I'm up to surprise.” I looked proudly at my husband. “He who got confidential information about the official and executed him. If I had known there was this way, I would have done it.”

“Papa knows Om Winara well. It's better Theo is acting than Papa,” said Kak Nolan. “So, he met an opponent he was afraid of. We can be hard if they take revenge.”

“They won't retaliate as long as I live. I'll take care of Dad's company, Papa's bakery. No one can disturb my family. If they're still reckless, I'll teach them a lesson.” Theo sipped his drink, then continued eating it.

We all stared at him because of his extremely cold tone. I could see Rahma gulping heavily. Goody. Hopefully after hearing this, he will think twice about spreading my situation to other people or journalists.

“Ng, Jericho.” Mother saw Big Brother who immediately returned his gaze. “Why is he here?”

“Ah, yes. My mother knew Rahma. He's my girlfriend,” said Big Brother, indifferently.

Everyone was suddenly silent. The sudden silent atmosphere made my ears ring. It was only a few seconds ago that everyone was talking to the person next to him about anything. As soon as Big Brother mentioned the word girlfriend, they directed attention to her.

“Pacar?” ask Mommy, confirm. “You didn't say you already had a girlfriend.”

“Now Mama already knows.”

Rahma smiled seeing all my family watching her. My best friends glanced at me, not knowing how to behave. I pointed at their plates with my eyes so they could continue eating. Me and Theo are too.

“She's been mean to Katelia and Amarylis.” Mother glanced at Mama, then looked back at Rahma. “I don't want you to be in touch with him or Chika and Nisa. Have you forgotten what the two men just did to Amaryllis? They sued him for being.”

“Sorry, Aunt. Me and Brother Jericho are serious about our relationship.” Rahma held the hand of the older brother on the table. “We love each other.”

I choked on my food. All my family saw, then frantically spoke to Theo to help me. Though enough coughing for a while, then my throat will be relieved. They're overreacting like this because I'm pregnant. Otherwise, they will act ordinary.

“Quiet, I'm fine,” I said, smiling at their behavior.

“Jericho, come with me,” said Mother who stood up and got out of her chair.

The brother followed him obediently. Rahma looks wry left alone with us. Yet we simply continued eating and chatting, ignoring his presence altogether. The one who knows for sure knows what's going on between them now. Therefore, Father and Brother Nolan remained silent.

Edrick tries to melt the atmosphere with his silly jokes. Me, Mama, and Sonata laughed at it, while the men just raised their eyebrows. His sense of humor is somewhat unique, but able to make the stomach tickle.

Mother and Brother returned a few minutes later. Looking at Mother's face that was crimson, I knew things were going badly. We all looked to Rahma. He also realized something unpleasant was going to happen to him.

“Nak Edrick, Sonata, I'll take a minute, yes. I have something to talk to this girl about. You will not like the choice of words I use,” said Mother held back anger.

“Good, Aunt. Just relax. We'll have coffee and a snack inside,” said Edrick. He grabbed Sonata's hand and held her towards the inside of the restaurant.

Theo and I exchanged looks. He held my hand, then turned to look at Mother. I looked at Brother Jericho who was standing not far from Mother. He doesn't usually have a flat face. They must have fought hard inside. I looked at Father and Brother Nolan. They just shrugged both shoulders.

“It turns out you are still a hobby of lying, yes,” said Mother sharply. “How dare you say you love each other. Do you think I don't know my son? She won't fall in love with a woman like you.”

Rahma closed her lips and clenched her hands. “Women like me? So, so. Jericho says he doesn't love me? How did Auntie know I was lying? It could be Aunt's own son lying to avoid his mother's anger.”

“I'm his mother. Of course I know what kind of woman can attract his attention,” reply Mother. “Bundung, likes to manipulate people like you will never get my blessing. And Jericho won't want to go against his own mama.”

Rahma laughed a little. “Tante, Katelia who plunged me into this world. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be a bully,” he said, defending myself.

“Don't mention my daughter's name with your mouth full of tricks. You learn what in school if you can't tell good from evil. How dare you blame my beloved daughter for your evil deeds,” said Mother Angry.

“Be careful, Aunt.” Rahma glanced at Brother Jericho. “I can unpack the state of Katelia who has just had a birthday to everyone. Does Aunt want him forever to be a trial subject because of the miracle that happened to him?”

“What did you say?” ask Mommy. “Did you just threaten me?”

If I were Rahma, I wouldn't challenge Mother. He seems to have forgotten what my mother really was. Though he has repeatedly seen Mother out of control. I glanced at Brother Nolan who was also looking at me meaningfully.

“Serah Aunty wants to call this what.” Rahma stood up and raised her chin as she looked at Mother. “Tante will give his blessing or not, Jericho will marry me. Auntie try to block our intentions, then I will go straight to the press and unload everything.”

Mother walked quickly to the front of Rahma. The woman was surprised, not expecting Mother to do that. “One word just came out of your mouth about our daughter, I swear. You, your family, even your grandchildren will suffer as long as we are alive. I remember everything you and your two friends said to me when they accused Amarilis of killing Katelia.

“Only five of you are on board. Amaryllis splashed and she pulled Katelya into the lake with her. Now the question is, who has pushed Amaryllis? Do you think the police will believe your talk about body exchange? Please, if you want to try.

“But everyone, including the police, is more trusting that you, Chika, and Nisa are already trying to kill our two daughters. I'm telling you. The expiry of attempted murder and premeditated murder that you have committed has not been passed. If we sue you now, you will definitely go to jail.”

Rahma laughed nervously. “Don't forget, Aunt. We were teenagers then.”

“Rahma, have you forgotten who I am,” Mommy smiled cunningly, “and what can I do to people who dare to fight me?”