I REPLY TO MY HUSBAND'S AFFAIR

CHAPTER 21. THE HARD DAYS

My fingers are still trembling at the wheel, hesitating to open a message from Luluk at this time or later. I slow down the speed of the vehicle even though it is still a long way to the contract.

"Daddy still has money? If my phone is sold it is also nothing to buy food until the mother payday later" Fahmi said looking at me seriously.

I looked at Fahmi who was sitting next to me with a sense of haru. It felt like not long ago that my hands led her to teach walking, now she has grown into a tough teenager and mature thinking, wanted to be the backbone for me in an instant because of the separation of father and mother.

I shook my head as I developed a bitter smile, feeling sick to realize my son knew our lives were no longer the same. He even willingly wanted to remove the phone that became our liaison when we had to share news from afar.

"Yes, I still have savings. I went to the ATM this morning. Don't worry, God is rich. The sustenance has been arranged with God, even though the father is not home with us anymore but the mother is already working now."

Fahmi nodded in relief, he looked back at the crowded streets and started again directing the speed of my car.

I held my back on the back of the car seat, tired of my soul and body. Kuraih returned the phone from the dashboard of the car, took a deep breath and ventured to open a message from Luluk.

(Sir Kevin wants you to face him this afternoon too, waiting until five in the afternoon. He wants to hear from you for missing work this afternoon. Don't be afraid, to be honest. Good luck)

I raised my eyeballs after reading a message from Luluk. Back big trouble is waiting for me. Now it's almost four in the afternoon, hopefully the road is not getting crowded at school and home hours.

Quickly I reply to Luluk's message with a thank you and ask for his prayers so that all is safe and well.

"Fahmi's tired, huh? Drink first baby" I said as I drove the car.

"Mother should return to the office for a while, there are important needs, but not enough time if you go home first. What if you come to the office?" my connection.

"It's okay Bun." Fahmi replied with excitement.

My eyes sparkle at the sincere face of my son. My heart that had been broken because it was burdened had to come here in a short time, back excited, no longer afraid to imagine the face of my superiors who are ready to judge my mistakes today.

****

"Bu Hani, know what I'm calling because of what?" the loud voice of Mr. Kevin greeted my ears, but I tried to stand up straight in my seat.

"Yes Sir. I made a mistake."

"You see? I have a lot of problems like that. How can you calm down and stay with the presentation tomorrow?" back Mr. Kevin said in a high voice.

"Yes, Sir. I do have family problems. I just separated from my husband, there was another woman in our marriage. My son disappeared from his school days, so I went straight to look for him after my work was done for half." I chose to be honest, as Luluk suggested. After all, I can only trust God.

"Hmmmmm, right? I just need employees who are independent, disciplined and trustworthy. This company needs people who can perform optimally to pursue advertising projects from large companies, so...." Mr. Kevin was silent for a moment, staring at me worriedly.

"I did not get immediate permission from my father, desperate for circumstances. If your son disappears, will you have time to think about anything else besides wanting to find him immediately?" I interrupted Kevin's words before my boss made a decision for me.

Being honest and honest is the only way I hope to correct my mistakes.

"i see's. But rules are rules. I can't discriminate employees. Whatever the reason, you are still wrong to miss work without permission." accused Mr. Kevin very firmly.

I'm a mother nothing is more important than my son's safety. Jobs and money could still be sought again if I had to lose my job.

Mr. Kevin was still silent, just staring at me without blinking.

"I'm not an irresponsible person. In fact, I was determined to put my son's safety first as his mother's responsibility. I make work a second responsibility. I think it was the right action. I have priorities, not that I can't divide my time."

"Is that? What if the job had to be done right then, would you still leave the office?"

"If you were in my position at that time, may I know what you would choose first?" I ventured into negotiating the situation, though it was unlikely that I would be considered right.

"Emmm, me? I will also go find my son first. It's just that, as a good father, it's impossible to have a child who dares to run away from school. I must have educated my son as best I can so as not to trouble me like that." Mr. Kevin turned my question over in a landslide.

I looked down, out of words and could no longer think of seeking a defense anymore. I was clearly seen to remain wrong in the eyes of my boss. 'don't be afraid to be honest,' again imagined the message I read from Luluk, until the courage to survive again.

"Yes, Sir. I just know the nature of my son. A child as good as Fahmi can skip, that makes me feel that something is unnatural to have to quickly find it."

My last reason for defending myself I said, I did not expect and resigned my mistakes can be forgiven or not.

Mr. Kevin smiled broadly, confusing me.

"Bu Hani is quite tough and persistent in maintaining opinions. I love the way my mom works. Regardless of the mistakes you made, it doesn't mean that I'm allowed to quit my job without permission anymore." The man of Mas Bayu's age began to lower his tone.

"Actually Ms. Luluk has already explained everything to me. But I need to convince you to make sure again. Our debate was, deliberately I want to test the calmness of the attitude of the mother in a bad situation." Kevin continued his words.

I was still digesting the words of the not-so-high-statured man from me, then smiling as he asked, "So, sir?"

"Yes, Ms. Hani is still forwarding the presentation tomorrow the day after tomorrow. But there's a condition."

"Alhamdulillah. Yes, sir, yes. What conditions?"

"Condition yourself to stay in a state of focus to be ready for presentation. If there is a problem in the household, I just give advice make sure the children are there to take care or supervise so that Bu Hani's mind can be calm"

I nodded in understanding. "Yes, Sir. I understand what father meant. Tomorrow I make sure everything is ready, and the day after tomorrow I will present to the maximum. Thank you for your trust." shook with joy, staggered words of gratitude.

I have to find people to help me at home and be able to accompany my son while I stay struggling with the busy work. Just one day of my time, the problem is that I don't have enough money. Should I borrow Luluk? but it feels sad because Luluk must also have a lot of needs as a single mother.

Remembering my ornamentation stash that is still left in Mas Bayu's house, I think it could be my way out by selling the jewelry.

Back I gave Fahmi understanding to come with me to his grandmother's house. I have to get to that house quickly before Mas Bayu gets home. Besides being lazy to meet him, I'm sure he'll insult me who's out of money.

Arriving at the mansion that I had occupied for almost sixteen years, I asked Fahmi to wait in the car alone, in order to shorten the time and not make my mother-in-law hold back her granddaughter from staying here.

I knocked on the door and said my greetings, waiting at the door of the house with countless anxious feelings.