Substitute Mother
Chapters 123. When Things Get Complicated
Nayara's mouth agape at the apartment that ‘given’ boss, it was not just a small flat that he could reach. No, but the apartment is quite luxurious – is not as luxurious as Jeanno's - but maybe two types below. What is clear is that Nayara did not dare to imagine the rental price. It could be his salary of five to ten years if it should be equated with the cost of rent per year. Not to mention the deposit.
*
The girl pressed the passcode given by her superior, then replaced it with a new one before entering. The inside condition looks neat, with complete and clean furniture. Nayara prancing in excitement. He is unceasingly grateful to the Power for His goodness.
“Thank God, thank you..”.
*
Nayara is determined to take care of this place as well as possible, until in time to return to the original owner. As if it had become routine, the girl grabbed her phone. Ready to record voicemail as usual, but stopped because he remembered that he still kept secret about the scholarship, also the place where he lived from Jeanno. Nayara keeps her phone, deciding to keep it a secret until they meet.
*
I don't know when.
**
Judith had finished dressing the wound in Jeanno's fingers. During that time, no one spoke. Jeanno complied when the woman told her to sit in bed while her wound was treated. As for Judith, she chose silence not to dare to ask. Just let Jeanno tell him himself, if that's what he wants.
“That's years. They still do not accept Nayara.”
Judith raised her gaze, looking at Jeanno with her blank gaze that was somehow focused. For nearly 6 months of knowing the man, this was the first time Judith had seen Jeanno's fragile side.
“You know? I felt like a failure as her husband, because until she breathed her last, until our daughter was almost 7 years old, she still did not get the word ‘maaf’ from my parents”
“I have no regrets about being born Alexander. I only regret why Alexander should have such high arrogance. We're married, we have children. Do they not love us more as a family, than the ego that is not brought to death?”
“I still remember, how Nayara was humiliated in front of many people. Denigrated her self-esteem, labeled as a woman who only targets my property. But he..he still wants to smile at me, he says he has forgiven everything”
“If it is like this, I would rather not be considered a child forever. Better not come back and see me if the ending is always the same. I don't want Aera growing up and knowing how her papa family treated her late mother. He will definitely feel hurt. Also hate me because I can't protect her”
“Ssh, Aera can't possibly hate tuan”
Jeanno looked down, for the first time in his life, Judith saw a tear streaming down his high nose.
**
Judith awoke from her sleep when she heard the door knock. Slowly he put away Jeanno's hand which was wrapped around his waist. He saw that the young master was still asleep. Let it be, Jeanno needs to calm his mind. The girl looked at the clock, already showing it at 3pm. He immediately opened the door before his knock interrupted Jeanno.
“Oh, Aunt Maria. What's up?”
The graceful woman smiled, but Judith could see the anxiety in her net. “Jeanno, is he okay?”
Judith rewinds her body, giving way in case Maria wants to enter. But the woman stayed in her place. “He looked a little down earlier. After finishing pouring his emotions, Jeanno fell asleep. Until now still pulas”
Maria took a breath. “I shouldn't have to tell my sister about Mark's wedding. I don't think they're going home, baby. It turns out they came and. Instead of making peace with Jeanno's past, they actually further aggravate the atmosphere. Fortunately they were already on their way to the airport to return to Australia”
Judith's hand stretched out, rubbing Mary's arm as a form of support that this was not the fault of Mark's mother. “Not wrong Aunt. I'm sure Jeanno doesn't blame Auntie here either. Sorry if this had to happen on such an important day as now”
“Auntie is very grateful to you Judith. Your presence is really like an angel saving Jeanno's family. If there's no you, Auntie doesn't know how Aunt's niece fates. Keep it like this, huh? Aera deserves the love of her mother that she has not had for so long. Jeanno.. Jeanno needs someone who will stand by her when she falls”
The face of the lady smiled softly. He himself wants the same thing. But does the universe allow it?
**
“Judith?”
Mark stepped a little in his direction. Leaving Hannah greeting some guests.
“Oh, hi kak”
“Is she okay?”
Judith knew exactly who Mark meant. The man must have heard the unpleasant encounter between his aunt's uncle and Jeanno. And the fact that Judith and Aera both went down to the reception Ballroom in the absence of Jeanno, is enough to prove that it was not a pleasant meeting.
“Bad. He was seen hit once and had time to injure his hand by hitting the bathroom glass until it broke.” Judith slightly whispered, worried if Aera heard their conversation.
Mark breathed a rough breath. “Shouldn't have met”
“Sorry if this ruins your happy day, Kak” Mark quickly shook his head. “No. Don't say it like that. Then where is Jeanno?”
“Still in room. He slept long enough to wake up and complain that his head was dizzy. Then I took her medicine and told her to rest. He said he would follow if his head was no longer pening”
Mark nodded in understanding. “Thanks, Judith”
“What's that bad, brother? their treatment of Nayara.. Jeanno did not stop blaming herself for feeling unable to protect Nayara”
Judith hoped Mark would shake his head, but the answer he received was inversely proportional. The man nodded. “Yes, pretty bad. Until it makes me grateful that my parents are not like that”
**
Time rolls, bringing hours into the day. Day becomes week. Sunday becomes the month. I don't feel like I've been on the fourth month. Almost half a year without Jeanno on his side. Weight, of course. But thanks to Mark for the man accompanying her, bridging her to ‘meet’ with Jeanno. Acting as if like a stalker observing from afar. Without her knowing it, Jeanno did the same to her.
*
The walls were so high, making it difficult for the two to come together. Jeanno still needs time, Nayara still gives him time. One wants certainty, while the other is still worried. Afraid that he would step over the line.
*
“Welcome to Daisy Floris, with me Nayara can I help you?” Nayara welcomes the visitors with a friendly. Who was a man in a neat suit with a gesture full of arrogance. If visitors mostly go around to see what kind of flowers they are looking for, then the man chooses to set his sights on Nayara.
*
“Master? Can I help you?” Nayara of course felt unwell when stared at with a sharp and flat expression. But professionalism encouraged him to stay friendly.
*
*
The man's voice was so heavy and intimidating. The man reminded him of someone. But who..?
*
“Betul I Nayara. Do you know me?”
*
His opponent smiled faintly. “How can I not know what my son's lover looks like”
*
The girl's body froze. It took him a few seconds until his consciousness returned and he lowered his head, greeting politely to Jeanno's father. His face reminds me of someone. It turns out that the assertiveness and charisma that existed in Jeanno was derived directly from his father.
*
“Sorry Mr. Alex, I don't recognize you. Sorry if I'm not polite”
*
Thomas Alexander shook his hand. “You don't have to apologize. I'm just here to see firsthand the girl my son is proud of”
*
Nayara raised her face. “Mean.. sir?”
*
“Jeanno sounds really happy when it comes to you. So I want to come here to meet you directly”
*
Nayara smiled kindly. “It is an honor for me to meet you, Mr. Alexander”
*
“It just so happens that this week we will have a small party to celebrate Jeanno's birthday. I want you to come. Oh, no need to force what to wear. Wear what you have. That's more than enough”
*
Hearing Thomas's permission, Nayara was flabbergasted. “Really? really sir... allowed me to come to Jeanno's show?”
*
“Of course. You're her lover. I also want to make this a surprise for my son. So. I'm asking you not to say anything and to anyone until H day. Understand?”
“Understanding” Nayara nods her head quickly. “Understanding. Thanks sir, I will definitely come”
*
Thomas Alexander nodded at a glance and left after giving an invitation to the place where Jeanno's birthday will be held. Nayara did not stop smiling since then, imagining meeting Jeanno in person after a long time. In the end, the wait paid off.
*
**
Judith awoke from the tumult that was pressing on her stomach. He immediately opened the bathroom door, spewing out the obstructed, even though in the end all that came out was water. But it does not immediately resolve the nausea. His stomach was being torn from the inside. Make him spend the next few minutes with his head tilted to the toilet.
After pressing the flush, Judith reflected. Seeing his pale and lethargic shadow. Mark and Hannah's wedding two days ago, then took care of Jeanno whose health declined, making Judith exhausted and ended up catching a cold.
Just as he was about to step out, his stomach rebelled again. Making Judith should return to ‘worshippers’ toilet.
**
