I Can Be Happy Without You, Mom

Chapter 2 Tired That Pay Off

"God, you still think about cigarettes in the middle of our lives that have been like this" said Rania.

"I'll change if it's payday" her husband replied.

"Always you say that, let's see that you owe so much. That's just the big one that I noted, already a million. You should understand I'm not an office worker anymore, the money is borrowed instead you use and you don't pay" said Rania upset.

"Yes already if you do not want to give," Alif replied disappointed.

Rania felt so upset, all this time she always could not bear if her husband asked. As long as he had money out of work even from borrowing he always gave it. For a long time she felt her husband did not really love her, but just because he wanted to use her.

Actually, he had not been able to stand for a long time, but considering his two children made him always undo the intention to divorce. But the mistakes that her husband made were always repeated, making him not to be out of thought with the way his husband looked. Her husband was 5 years older than her, but his attitude showed no maturity at all. This was the result of the upbringing of his family who overindulged him.

"I want to go first" said Alif.

"Where are you going, he says it's still working late in the afternoon?" ask Rania.

"Go ahead, just a minute" replied Alif.

He pulled out his motor and rushed away. While Rania began to organize her wares, she took out a table to put all her wares. All the snacks he put together neatly. Rania makes milk first for the Stars so she doesn't fuss.

Fatigue began to cling to his body, but he continued his work. He began to arrange fried foods that are ripe, buyers also began to arrive. Her husband had been gone for about half an hour but had not returned.

"How much does it cost?" ask a buyer.

"Everything's a thousand, ma'am," answered Rania kindly.

Thank God that many of his trades were bought, Rania was very grateful.

"It's over, Nia?" ask Alif who just came.

"Not all I fried, some of it to keep warm when someone buys. Mas said it for a while but almost an hour," answered Rania.

"Yes, I accidentally met a friend in front so talk first" said Alif.

"Say I don't have money, how can I buy cigarettes?" ask Rania wonder.

"Borrow a friend" replied Alif.

Rania was very surprised to her husband, if he borrowed to buy cigarettes he certainly can and does not feel embarrassed, but if he asked to borrow for home affairs he often said there was nothing. Once upon a time when the Star was not even a year running out of milk, when Rania had no money at all. She asked her husband to buy her Bintang milk but her husband said he had no money, but how hurt it was to know he could buy cigarettes for himself.

"Please take care of my wares, I want to take another bath my body feels sticky" Pinta Rania.

"Yes, but not for long" said Alif.

"When have I had a long bath, Mom? Just entered the bathroom for a while the stars have continued to call me," replied Rania.

"Yes, I mean do not need to be holy in the future" said Alif.

Rania did not answer her husband and went straight to the bathroom. He felt like he had been living in prison, leaving for a while already told to go home. Every go is obligatory to bring the children. Every take her husband for a walk always refused on the grounds of wasting money. Even if he invites away, he must be the one who spends money.

"Nia, quickly shower this many buyers. I was confused at serving them" cried Alif.

He rushed to put on clothes, without powder or make up he began to serve the buyers. Because the fry is almost gone he starts frying again.

"Mas, it's time for Alisa to go home from school, don't let her wait too long" Rania said.

"Yes,"

The task of dropping off and picking up Alisa is Rania's responsibility if her husband is at work. She would ask her husband for help if he was busy with anything else, like this.

"Your trade is selling well, how much?" ask Alif.

He saw his wife was counting money when he just arrived, it seemed like his wife's merchandise was selling well.

"Alhamdulillah Mas, already got 200 thousand," replied Rania happy.

"Hopefully continue like this huh, Nia,"

"Amen,"

The day was a little fried lunch, Rania left her wares for a while to eat. His stomach was starting to feel hungry because it had not been filled with rice at all. Actually he has ulcer disease that sometimes relapses, but the busyness always makes him forget to eat. Even sometimes the afternoon can touch the rice.

"Mom, said the teacher of all students must buy LKS books, the price is 167 thousand" said Alisa.

"Yes son, tomorrow I give you the money. You are studying diligently, son, in order to become a useful person," replied Rania while stroking her daughter's hair.

Alif just kept quiet to hear them talk, all this time it was Rania who was more concerned about whatever happened in their household. When Rania does not hold money, her husband rarely helps her, but when Alif does not have money without hesitation or embarrassment, she must borrow and even ask Rania. Just wanted to break his body someone called his name.

"Rania," call him.

"Oh, Santi, what's wrong, ma'am?" ask Rania.

"The frying pan is still there no, I need 50 seeds because there will be guests later" replied Santi.

"There's Mom, but I have to fry first,"

"Yes it's okay, later please be delivered to the house. Just mix the fritters, yeah, here's the money,"

"Good ma'am, I'll drop you off later,"

Rania is very grateful that today her trade is selling well, being able to pay for Alisa's book and capital for tomorrow's sale. He rushed to fight with his fried food back, tired he did not heed anymore. It felt so hot in front of the frying pan, his face that had been refreshed was sweating again. She used to be a fashionable girl and always keep the appearance, but as the demands of life are getting heavier she is willing to give up. For him at this time the most important thing is how his family can be fulfilled.

"Mas, please take care of the stars. I want to take the fried to Santi's mom's house first," said Rania.

"Why does it have to be in between anyway, why isn't it the guy who came here?" alif asked annoyed his sleep disturbed.

"So he was here, but the count was up so I had to fry first" replied Rania.

"Well, let's not stay sleepy for long,"

Rania rushed to Santi's house, but only a few steps her son Bintang had whined to come along. Actually, Rania did not have the heart, but what can make it impossible for her husband to be asked to drive her. Alif persuaded the Bintang not to cry, but it seemed that his efforts were not fruitful. Rania could still hear the cries of the Star from a distance, making her speed up even more.