The Third Party

18. Relented

How am I not happy? Others can go home to their parents to escape the torment of their in-laws, while I can't go anywhere. Where to run if the only thing I have is Handi. Want to go home relics my parents are also quite far away.

This is my chance to take a break. Restarting my heart and mind from the madness I have been experiencing lately.

I've actually been feeling a lot better since Damar came back into my arms. I can think clearly and no longer. You could say I'm back to being myself. But if there was a chance not to meet my in-laws for a day or two I certainly wouldn't turn them down.

"Later in the afternoon after work I'll take you there. Just get the stuff you're gonna bring."

"Keep you how? You stayed at Madam Eka's house too, right? You don't have a city outing this week."

"I'll sleep at home. Poor mom, she's not well."

I was sad to hear Handi's reply. My relationship with my in-laws is not very good but that doesn't mean I'm happy if she's sick. Especially seeing a sad Handi like this. I feel so guilty even though I haven't fully believed it if my in-laws are really sick.

"Then I won't have to stay at Ma'am Eka's house."

"Why?"

"I can't leave you to take care of mom alone. If you take care of me, then who will take care of you?"

"I can take care of myself. Later every time I come home from work I will stop by to see you and Damar. Then I'll be home tonight."

Sandy tried to convince me but I didn't answer. Actually I was a little hesitant to leave Handi at home with her mother. Is it true this was purely a suggestion from Mbak Eka or is this just a stratagem of Handi and Aaron to keep me away from his mother for a while now. As Aaron said, to avoid conflict.

"Does Ma'am Eka not mind me staying at her house?"

"No, it was he who asked. You can have fun at Ma'am Eka's house later." Then Sandy looked at her watch. "I have to go now."

"Be careful," I replied while kissing the back of Handi's hand.

Moments after Handi's departure, Mas Hasan arrived. But he came alone without his wife, Ms. Rina.

I'm going out to open the door. "Alone Mas?" my broom.

"Yes, Rina is busy with her work." As far as I know Mbak Rina is a successful businessman and Mas Hasan is involved in managing his business.

"Where's mom?"

"There's a room."

"Yes, I went straight to the room." I also nodded.

Mas Hasan is very to the point, directly at the core without stale bases. His quiet carrying made him look wiser and more authoritative. Really look grown-up. Maybe it was because he was used to nurturing his younger siblings.

"Hasan, you've finally come to see your mother." My in-laws voice sounded weak but I thought it was a little far-fetched. I didn't want to hear their conversation so I decided to go back to the room.

I felt something strange because this time my in-laws did not cry out roaring like when Aaron came. I didn't hear so much of the conversation that I was almost sure my in-laws were really sick.

Moments later Mas Hasan called me from the living room.

"Yes, what's wrong?"

"Sit down, I want to talk to you for a minute." My feelings are starting to get bad. I walked over and sat in the chair in front of Mas Hasan.

"So I talked to my mom. He complains about your attitude towards him." Mas Hasan started the conversation. "It's actually Handi's business as your husband. But because I said that Handi was more defensive of you, so I had to interfere." Somewhat hesitantly Mas Hasan said it.

"Please help you improve your attitude with mom, Emma. Mom is old. If he is a little fierce with you I beg you who are more patient, you just give up. I understand that your mother's attitude towards you is quite harsh, but it would be nice if you don't fight back. This is solely for the health of the mother. You know for yourself, there are just a few direct mothers hypertension."

It took me a long time to digest Mas Hasan's words. He knows how his mother behaved to me but still I was told to give up?! I can't believe it! Hasan is the same as Aaron! It turns out he's not as wise as he looks. I have misjudged it.

"You shut up Emma? You understand what I mean, don't you?"

I'm mute. I clearly understand what Mas Hasan said. I just don't understand how he could say that to me. If she knows her mother is wrong then why not her mother who was reprimanded? Why didn't she tell her mother to be softer with me? Why am I the one who was told to be quiet?!

"I don't blame you. We all know the nature of motherhood. If mom says anything, or offends you, please shut up. I'm the only one whose biological children do not dare to fight against your time which is only a daughter-in-law even brave? To be wrong to be right, mother is your father-in-law, the mother of your husband. Shouldn't you respect him?"

Seriously?!! Do such parents still deserve respect?

I don't know if I'm the baperan and sensi, but I feel the words of Mas Hasan feel bad in hearing despite the subtle speech.

"Do I also have to be quiet if you tell Handi to divorce me and marry the woman of mother's choice?" ask me with a hoarse voice.

Mas Hasan was stunned to hear my question.

"Those words do not enter the heart. Understand, parents if angry often origin talk. Even though thousands of times I told Handi to divorce you, if Handi didn't want you you guys wouldn't divorce. Then where's the problem?"

Mas Hasan said so. I feel like a fool here. This family is a collection of people who have only life but no brain and no heart. Sandy is the only sane person in her family.

"No, no problem. It seems I was wrong," I replied with teary eyes. I can survive the pressure from my in-laws, even I dare to fight back if it is too much. But if all his children cornered me as I am now, what should I do? Will I be able to last forever?

"This is obvious, right? Whatever you say or do, please be understood. The younger and healthier you give up. For the good of all of us."

I feel like crying. It is not for the good of all of us but for the good of his own mother. At least they don't think about me, my feelings and my mental health.

"Yes, then I'll go home now."