Substitute Mother

Chaptre 50. Her trust

Both Renatta and Hannah were shocked to see each other. Hannah has just come from the kitchen while Renatta is coming home. For a moment the awkwardness seemed so obvious to be the atmosphere around them, considering that so rarely the two interacted as before. But Hannah rebuked him with a gentle smile as usual.

“Ren, my God. I finally met you. Where have you been all this time? We live one roof but it's hard to see you”

Renatta did not return Hannah's smile. “It... I'm just exhausted lately”

“Judith says you have a problem. Want to share it with me? Perhaps it would be better”

Renatta stepped into the living room, followed by Hannah. “Judith doesn't tell me what my problem is?”

“Not” Hannah shakes her head. “She said that it was not her realm to tell stories. He wants you to tell me yourself that”

“What if I told you, then you wouldn't hate me?”

“You mean?”

His opponent sighed. “I'm sure you already know. Moreover, you see that there is pregnant mother's milk in the kitchen that is clearly not yours, nor does it have Judith. So yeah, who else has it?”

True, Hannah had already guessed this beautiful friend was two-bodied. But he wanted Renatta to confess himself. “With your lover?”

Rena nodded stiffly.

“Then ask for accountability. Don't you love each other? If it's like marriage is not a difficult thing, right?”

Renatta smiled cynically. “I've asked for it. But it's not that easy, Hannah. Ah, Judith hasn't told me that I'm just an affair?”

“What?”

“Yes, I am only the third person in my beloved household. He's a married man, I've known from the beginning that we were in a relationship. And right now the fact that I'm carrying her child, isn't that complicated? He ignored me for days, Hannah. Makes me feel like I want to die”

“Do not talk carelessly, Rena”

Renatta leaned his head on the sofa, dizzy every thought of the worst possibilities of his relationship with Jeffrey.

“I can't if she leaves, Hannah. I love her so much. He is my life. If he chooses his wife and dumps me, I swear I will end my life and this baby”

Hannah fell silent. Realizing that in such a situation, no matter what position Renatta is in, there is no point in blaming, advising, let alone scolding his friend. Providing support is also useless if all Renatta needs is only certainty that comes from the man. So there's not much Hannah does other than shut up, be a listener.

“Why is my life like this, Hannah? Why should I be in love with a married man. It would have been easier if he wasn't. And you know what? his wife is very beautiful, graceful and smart. One profession with him, both specialists. They have a good reputation as the perfect couple in the hospital. While me? I am just****** who works as an erotic dancer. Obviously nothing if juxtaposed with his wife”

“Ren, don't lower yourself”

“I'm so stupid, keep playing with fire even though I know there will be a time when I will burn. But to stop is hard. Until that time bomb really exploded, I was alone in the confusion looking for a way out”

Hannah nodded. “Sorry to leave you at a time like this”

“No dear, don't apologize. You deserve to pick up your own happiness. I'm fine, just need support to fight for certainty from my lover”

“Hannah”

“Ya?”

Renatta's hand rubbed his stomach which began to take shape. “Do you hate me?”

“Of course not, baby. You might be wrong. But I don't hate you, at all. You remain my best friend Renatta who has been through time together since the last five years of this”

“Thanks Hannah. Your words mean so much to me. If I need a friend to go to the gynecologist, would you like to accompany me?”

Hannah smiled, a smile that was said to be able to calm her interlocutor. “Of course. You can call me whenever you need. Even if you want me to accompany you every night, I'll stop staying at Mark”'s place

“Eh, no need. I'm not gonna interfere with your relationship with Mark. Just do what you and your heart want. But still my best friend, okay?”

Hannah's hand pulled Renatta into her arms. The two friends shared a greeting, without a word but it was enough to show concern for each other. If only Judith were here, it would be more complete.

**

“It's impossible Johnny, how can I always be late in ticket purchases? Though I've been booking long hours like before”

Mark didn't really listen to Johnny's explanation across the street. The mood has already deteriorated due to many times failing to get a seat for erotic dance performances. It makes little sense because it's usually not that difficult to buy a ticket. While one reason after another was thrown Johnny with an apology uttered in his distinctive flat tone.

“Usakan for me next time. I hope the cooperation, Johnny”

Mark hung up his phone unilaterally without needing to hear the Victoire manager's response. A week of crazy work, thankfully every night she shared a blanket with Hannah. The simple thing that can lift his fatigue, makes him the reason he works quickly because he wants to go home quickly to meet the idol.

Jeanno himself was on vacation with his family, enjoying free time due to the busy week. The man initially invites her, but Mark refuses because Hannah is not on holiday. If only her lover got a vacation, maybe it's better that she agreed to Jeanno's invitation.

Back to Johnny and Victoire. Mark felt something was wrong. Usually Johnny always welcomed him with open arms, even though his tone of speech and facial expression were flat, but he was always treated well. But lately it's been different. Johnny seemed to see Mark as a man to avoid because he had no money. The man who should be kept away from Victoire for fear of being screwed up. He knew it might be just prejudice, but hey, Johnny's change of attitude was too obvious. Is it possible that he is indeed included in the guest who is blacklisted? But for what? As Mark recalled, he never made a mess like harassing dancers or fighting with other guests.

Then Mark remembered Hannah's strange expression every time he picked her up. The girl always hugged him tightly as if seeking refuge. Then if in the past he always told me what kind of men who booked his private dance, this time there is no insertion of the story. Hannah tells little about the course of public performances, sometimes telling fellow dancers.

Mark promised to wait for Hannah to open up. But the man did not deny if he was curious. I wonder what her boyfriend is hiding. Is it that serious? is there a ‘game’ behind Victoire related to not being allowed to enter as a guest?

Does anyone want to keep her away from Hannah?

*