Substitute Mother
Chapters 170. Uneasy
A little surprised, Judith looked at her old room at Jeanno's house. He never thought there would be a day when he returned to that room full of memories. By the way, it was his original plan to accompany Aera for three days. However, because given the condition of Aera who is still limp, then according to his promise he will accompany the little one until Aera is declared fully healed. At first Judith slightly objected to Jeanno's offer to come home with them, but with the reason to be able to accompany Aera closer, then readied her old room during Judith's stay.
“There are still your clothes covered. Not how. If there is less just say”
Judith shakes. “Taste enough. Thanks, tuan”
“Ya, happy resting”
Since last night's incident, Jeanno's relationship with Judith has been a little awkward. Jeanno who as much as possible did not interact with the girl, while Judith who was busy turning her face if she was in one room with Jeanno.
After the handsome master died, Judith closed the door, leaning her back there. Circulating a room full of likes and wounds. There is a warmth where she shares her story before bed, or after a hot romance session. Wrapped as if each other became the last backrest. But on the other hand, there is a pain left behind. Still fresh how his last night was here, when he chose to leave after forced intercourse that not only hurt him but also harmed their child.
One long breath, Judith tried to smile. “You're strong, Judith. You can definitely”
Again he echoed his intention to be here, for Aera's sake. For Aera. Not more. Once Aera is fully recovered, she will leave as soon as possible. Removing wounds that have not dried up, forgetting the love that has not been extinguished.
After this, Judith is determined to completely move-on.
**
“Many of your customers asked me when they stopped by Coffe Shop”
*
Judith changed her position by moving the phone to her left ear which was flanked with her shoulder. Because his two hands are busy cooking chicken soup Aera requests.
“They asked what?”
“They ask why your shop is always closed. That means four days. You didn't write any messages on the door either. Even my mom misses your pastry”
*
Judith chuckles. “I left very suddenly, so I haven't had time to write any messages there. And for Auntie, after coming back from here I promise to make a special pastry for her”
“Really? mom will definitely be very happy to hear it”*
Incorporating chunks of carrots and cabbage, Judith grabs the spatula, stirring it occasionally.
“You when to go home, Aleta?”
“That's. I don't know yet, Owen. Maybe the day after tomorrow, or it could be more”
There was no response for a few seconds there, as if Owen was busy with something. “Oh, then let me know if you come home. I'll pick up later at station”
“Ya, thank you very much, Owen”
“See you, Aleta”
*
Judith put her phone back on the kitchen counter when the connection was cut. During his departure, Owen was indeed intense in maintaining communication with Judith. Either in the form of a message or a phone call. It was enough to comfort Judith when she was drowning in her gala.
“Gosh!”
Judith almost dropped her spatula when she just turned around, seeing the figure of Jeanno who was standing next to the refrigerator. The man simply looked at her grudgingly, then opened the refrigerator to pick up the cold mineral bottle and returned to his room.
‘Since when the master stood there. If it's been a long time it means she heard my conversation with Owen’ Judith impinge. The question mark in his mind turned into a slug, if Jeanno had indeed heard the conversation why? There's nothing wrong. He and Owen are just friends, and if they're any more connected, isn't Jeanno's place to judge, right?
**
“Oh, so Owen is your close friend in the city?”
Judith nodded as she rubbed Hannah's belly which had started to bulge. She was with her husband that afternoon visiting Aera, ending the little one engrossed in playing in the park with Oma and Opanya.
“Mmm.. Yes, he's good. Almost, ah no. Every day he delivers me food. Either it's from his mother, or he accidentally bought”
“From his mother? You close to his mother?”
Judith chuckles. “Yes, but you could say not really. We've never met. But his mother really likes my pastry. So in return Aunt left her food to give to me, through Owen”
“Wah, it seems like in the future it will not be difficult” Do not understand the meaning of Hannah's words, Judith's forehead shriveled. “What?”
“You've got the green light from his mother, baby. Is it okay if we expect more?”
Judith only understood when she saw the expression of her friend who was smiling seductively. “Do not talk carelessly. Owen and I were just friends. Besides I don't know his status, who knows if he already has a lover, or even a wife?”
“Yes, you can judge for yourself, baby. How he treats you, how he looks at you. I'm sure you're actually aware, but you still deny”
Judith fell silent. Hannah said, not that she was unaware of Owen's preferential treatment of her. Judih could not judge how the man was in front of other women. But as far as they know each other, there is no discussion of lovers. Which may indicate Owen is still alone.
“Entahlah.. Hannah”
Mark who had been silent, cleared his throat to ask. “Life must keep going, Judith. If it's time to get up, do you want to continue with that Owen-Owen?”
Returning pensive, Judith still did not think anything about a companion. For indeed the way to heal in the dryness of the wound is long. Especially when he still loved Jeanno. Judith who has just felt in love, does not know how long the process of someone is able to forget the beloved forever.
After all it is evil if he has a lover while his heart still belongs to another man.
“I don't know yet. Maybe I want to focus on my store first. Besides my way is still long, companion problems can be found later”
Hannah stretched out her hand, toying the side of the sidekick. “Can I see the photo? I'm curious once”
Judith nodded, a little laugh. “See, Brother. Your wife started flirting with another man” Mark replied with a small pinch on Hannah's cheek.
“I took from her profile photo only, yes?” Judith held out her cell phone to the couple. A photo Owen took in front of his Coffe Shop.
“Not too bad. I think even handsome, although still much more handsome my husband”
Judith pulled her phone away before getting involved in the ‘prahar’ household of her close friends.
**
“So so, mr Jeanno”
Jeanno glanced sharply at Mark who finished his story accompanied by a ignorant grin. “Do not tease me”
“Who is flirting? I'm just giving you the information you want about Owen”
His conversation opponent was wasting a rough breath. “Keep speaking loudly until others hear”
Mark laughs. Laughter until she held her stomach. “What's wrong, my God? You're really as sensitive as a labile teenager. You're gonna ask me about a guy named Owen who's close to Judith. And I'm giving you information that comes directly from Judith. Then why should cynics be so?”
Jeanno threw her back on the body of the sofa. Luckily his study room in the house is soundproof so that his chatter with Mark will not be heard by others out there.
A few seconds passed, Mark's laughter finally subsided. “What's up, Jean? Didn't you tell me last night you said you took it off?”
The cousin looked at Mark's afterimages. “I really intend to release it”
“About? Jeanno, he's not an animal that you can let go of as you please and you take it for dear. Not like that way of treating women”
“Yes, I know. But seeing her keep her distance and look scared of me, I think it's time I let Judith go. For her good”
“Now I'm back. You alone, do you want him to stay away? I asked about you. So don't answer for Aera. We both know how Judith loves Aera and Aera loves her”
Jeanno took a breath and exhaled it faintly. “I still can't recognize my feelings. I was glad to see it within my sight. I hate it when he talks to other men. But I'm afraid to hurt him again. Surely the regret and guilt are still there, Mark. I find myself hard to predict, I'm afraid of losing control and ending badly as I've already”
“So you're ready if Judith ends up with another man, including Owen? Because from Judith's story, I can conclude that there is interest from Owen”'s side
Jeanno closed her eyes. Letting his mind play a role between ego and feelings.
“If they end up together, can you guarantee that you won't act out of your mind to separate them?”
Neither Mark nor Jeanno understood how stubborn Alexander's son was. If anything doesn't suit his heart, Jeanno will step in straightening. It's always like that. There is nothing to guarantee that he will remain silent if he is jealous to see Judith with another man.
Jeanno opened her eyes. “For the time being.. I chose to let it go, Mark. For now..”.
**
