I Can Be Happy Without You, Mom

Chapter 21 Paying the Contract

"Dad.. This is the key to the bike left behind," call Rania.

"Oh yes, thank you Nia,"

"Together Well,"

Rania turned to go back to her husband's room. She did not expect if her husband had an idea to threaten suicide to his mother, amused to imagine a man as weak as that. Yes, I know that Alif is not a firm figure to be a man, but it never occurred to him if he could also act like a drama in the soap opera. But let him enjoy it, quite there is also a free spectacle. At least he became calmer because he would not fuss with his mother-in-law.

"Nia, I want to eat" Alif said.

"Well, do you want to eat alone or do I bribe?" tanyakanya.

"What are you cooking?"

"Your favorite, stir-fry kale, omelet same grill fish,"

"Well you remember my favorite dishes, I want that. Bored of mom's cooking,"

"What are you cooking for?"

"Kare chicken with mackerel fish sardines,"

"Isn't that your favorite dish, too, Mas?"

"Yes, but I want to eat my wife's cooking,"

"All right, I'll prepare,"

"Ehm, may I ask for a bribe, my hand still hurts,"

Rania immediately prepares food for her husband, she knows that Alif only reasoned to attract her attention. She knew her husband wanted to approach her and seduce her again, so that he would not talk about divorce until Alif was healed. However, he is a man who still has a heart and feelings, it is impossible to close his eyes when the father of his children is hit by a disaster.

"As always, your cooking is always good" Alif said.

"Thank you, then eat a lot to get well quickly,"

For a moment their eyes clashed, but there was no more tremors in Rania's heart. It seems that love has completely disappeared somewhere. There is only compassion as a fellow human being.

☆☆☆

A few days later.

Today Alif can go home, Rania and her two children help her pack. Her father and mother-in-law also came, but her sister-in-law never showed her nose. He did not visit at all when his brother was sprawled in the hospital.

"I just take care of the administration first yes,"

Rania steps out, but her father-in-law prevents her.

"No need for Nia, let all the dads pay,"

"But, Dad..."

"It's okay, you keep your money. Alif's still our responsibility, too,"

Of course Rania is happy not to spend a lot of money, she can save it to buy divorce papers later. She had hoped her husband would pay for it himself, but it seemed that the man was either penniless or pretending2 had no money.

"Rania, you shouldn't have stayed at our house first. Poor Alif has not healed properly," said his mother-in-law.

"No ma'am, I just want to go back to my house" Alif said.

His mother looked pouted, it seemed like she was not happy with the decision of her son. But he could do nothing but accept it.

"Are you really riding a bike, Lif?" ask father.

"I have to try Well, I also have to get to work quickly. You know I'm just a day employee, so I have to try to recover,"

"Well, be careful on the road,"

Rania went home first with her two children, while her husband went home to his parents first to pick up his motorbike which had been repaired by his parents.

Rania and Alif until almost the same, because Rania riding the bike is not too tight. It turns out that in front of their house there is Susi's mother who has a contract, it looks like she will ask for the rent money for the next.

"Eh Bu Susi, let's go in, ma'am" said Rania.

The woman obeyed Rania's words, she immediately sat in the living room.

"I'm sorry, I know Alif has just been hit by a disaster but I also need money. What about the rent money, if you can't afford it, I'm forced to contract it to someone else" Susi said.

"Relax Mom, God willing, in 2 more days I give the money," Alif replied.

Rania glanced at her husband at a glance, her inner doubt if Alif could pay the rent. But Rania kept quiet because she did not want to embarrass her husband.

"Good then, I'll wait another 2 days. But if you don't keep your word, I'm sorry you have to vacate this house immediately,"

"Yes ma'am, God willing, we'll take care of it,"

After Susi's mother left, Rania immediately approached Alif.

"You don't have to pay Mas's rent, you won't stay here anymore. You better use that money to take care of our divorce,"

Alif looked at Rania sadly, apparently his wife still wanted a divorce with him. He has tried to improve everything, even his mother's attitude has now also been gentle to his wife, but why he is still firm with his decision.

"Nia, why do you still want a divorce? I've tried to be a good husband and father, even my mother's attitude is also gentle on you, is the door of your heart really closed for me?"

Alif clasped Rania's hand and gently stared at the two female beads that had been by her side for the past 11 years. He really hopes to change his decision, he really is not willing to lose himself. All this time he had been used to living with her, it was hard to be happy that they were facing together. He could not imagine his life without Rania.

"Sorry, it's too late. You should have done that a long time ago, now my heart hurts. Your mother is also not sincerely changed, she is just afraid of your threats to commit suicide. I can't keep living with you. We used to be together so I hope we can part ways well, too,"

Rania releases Alif's grasp slowly, she can't lie to him anymore. She used to love Alif so much, all she was willing to do to stay with him, she was always patient to face all the trials in the hope that her husband could change for the better and responsible. But for years he waited in despair, now he has given up. He could not fight any longer.

"That's how you feel about me, Nia,"

"Here you go, I don't want to fight anymore. I have a little business, please take care of the kids,"

Rania soon passes, leaving Alif in despair. The man continued to watch his wife until she disappeared behind the door, feeling completely fragile. His feelings were swayed by the pseudo-expectations his wife gave him.

While Rania no longer wanted to grieve, it was enough for her for many years to suffer the feelings and energy of her marriage. Now he must be strong to look to the future.

"Assalamualaikum," said Rania upon arrival at the destination.

"Waalaikum salam, you know Rania is here? Do you want to cancel to continue the contract?" ask Susi.

"I'm here to pay the rent, ma'am, please accept. But you don't tell anyone, if Mas Alif will also pay, you just take it and give it to me,"