Me Vs Flocking Mommy

Chapters 19. Aunt Sri

“Mbak was really surprised when he heard about your wedding plans. But Mbak was even more surprised, when Ella ran away from home,” said the middle-aged woman. He stared at Ghina sharply.

“I'm sorry, Ma'am. I didn't mean to make Ella like that,” Ghina said.

Sri just stared at Ghina sharply, without saying anything. The woman still gave Ghina time to speak.

“My relationship with Ella has become more tenuous since Albert proposed to me. But it is not my heart's intention to turn away from her late father Ella,” Ghina explained.

“Mbak understands, Ghina. You are young enough to have a new partner. And it's not wrong.” Sri paused her sentence for a moment. “Since Avel Erlangga died, you slammed your bones alone taking care of Ella. You are sick and you are still working. I think it's time for you to rest,” continued Ghina's sister-in-law.

Both of Ghina's eyes water to hear Sri's words. She thought her brother-in-law would oppose her intention to remarry. It was unexpected that the woman was supporting him.

“But Ma'am worried about Ella's mental state. Yesterday she cried when she called me. It looks like he is in shock,” Sri said.

“I'm wrong, Ma'am. She was very shocked when I wanted to remarry with my own employer,”, Ghina said on the sidelines of her crying.

“Ghina ..”

“I'm not a good mother, Ma'am. I'm always busy working without ever noticing.” Ghina wiped her tears with her hands.  “And now, suddenly I ask permission to remarry with berondong who is also my employer.”

Sri leaned her back against the chair. His fingers clasped Ghina's hands, to appease the thirty-four-year-old woman. He let Ghina shed her tears, until the young widow's feelings were quite calm.

“Mbak already knows who Albert is, even though he does not know him well. Who wants you to ask, is he serious with you?” ask Sri. “Can he protect you and Ella later?” add the woman.

Ghina was silent for a long time. He did not dare to answer the question of Sri. Albert looked good in front of him. But is everything he does sincere?

“If from what I see, he's very serious. His attitude is mature, despite his age is very young,” replied Ghina expressed her opinion.

“How long have you guys been in a relationship?” ask Sri.

“It ...” Ghina hesitates to answer. Sri was still staring at Ghina, waiting for an answer. “About eight months,” Ghina said moments later.

“Gosh! It was a long time ago, yes. But nothing happened to you, right?” Sri looked at Ghina's stomach.

“I keep looking after myself, Ma'am. That's why we want to immediately formalize this relationship,” said Ghina. “But now I think twice. I'm afraid of hurting Ella and the rest of the family.”

“Mbak personally can't ban you. You deserve to be happy. But the most important thing is Ella's feelings. He is very valuable to us,” Sri said. “Whatever your decision may be, may it be best for both of you. You remain my sister forever,” Sri said as she shed tears.

“Thank you, Ma'am.” Ghina was sobbing in the arms of her sister-in-law.

“It looks like it's almost magrib. Mama has to go home. You and Ella speak from heart to heart. I'm sure Ella will understand, she's an adult,” Sri said when Ghina was calm enough.

“Good, Mbak.”

Sri then left Ghina's house. Mentari began to hide in the western horizon. The atmosphere in the narrow alley was quite dim, because the lights were still not on.

“Ella, how long will you hide there?” bibi Sri asked in front of the bougenvil flower.