The Third Party

25. Finishes Event

I finally stayed at my in-laws' house until the show was over. If I wanted to be selfish, maybe I would follow Handi's invitation to go home. But I still think about Handi's feelings. I can't bear to see her miss her sister's wedding. I can't let him go home while his other family is still here. Let me surrender and hide myself.

I waited in the laundry room until the show was over. But this time Handi had prepared all the food in front of me so that I would not starve. He also made sure that I would be okay.

I had a conversation with one of my neighbors-in-law about Heni's husband. He saw me alone and approached me. He said Heni's husband was from a wealthy family, and indeed Heni had not known him for too long. Actually Heni himself is not steady but my in-laws urge that he get married soon, therefore Heni's marriage seems rushed.

Thank goodness she got the husband her mother expected. So he would not suffer the same fate as Handi, daily told to divorce his wife for being poor.

From that person I also know that the entire cost of this marriage has been borne by Hasan and Aaron.

"From catering, decor, makeup, this rental documentation, everything has been borne by Hasan and Aaron. Your own in-laws tell stories. He didn't spend a dime on an event of this magnitude" the person explained.

"Continue the money he requested from your husband without the knowledge of his other children" he whispered later. "What are they for? Pay MUA? That's lying! The money goes into your own in-laws' pockets!"

"Auntie knows where?"

"Your own mother-in-law told me. Auntie didn't lie. Aunty is here to help, her brothers Handi also pay. Not your in-laws."

My eyes glared in disbelief. Why my in-laws are so brave. He knows how Handi's financial condition is but still asks for money that he doesn't really need. Isn't this like blackmail? Tell me this isn't true or I'm the only one my husband doesn't want to give his mother money to.

Look at our condition. We even had to sleep on the carpet because we didn't have a mattress. That much money should be used to buy mattresses and cabinets as well as other home supplies.

"So aunty's here to help?" ask me to divert the conversation.

"Yes, since yesterday aunt is here until tomorrow after this event is over. Aunty asked to clean and clean. Hasan himself came to aunt. He said to keep your mother from getting tired. But your mother-in-law instead said that she deliberately asked for someone to help because Heni did not want to do homework. She's got a rich husband, she says, not doing housework."

I nodded in understanding. So why am I told to do the dishes if someone has been paid to do it?

I talked to this aunt for a long time until the afternoon of the show was over. Guests have gone home, live the nuclear family, my in-laws and his son-in-law and grandchildren.

Rina and Mas Hasan went home with their children. As usual, the least comfortable Sister Lina linger in this house. Ma'am Eka and Mas Harun are still here while his children have gone home first among the drivers.

I got out of the laundry room and joined Mbak Eka in the living room. While my in-laws were still talking in front of the house with Handi and Hasan.

Ma'am Eka looked at me pity. His gaze wanted to say something but did not come out the words from his lips.

"I'm fine Ma'am." Then I sat down next to Ma'am Eka. "But in hindsight, Handi paid for MUA services" I murmured.

Mbak Eka frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Mak Eka doesn't know?" I pretended to be plain.

"Mother came to the house asking Handi to help with Heni's wedding expenses. Mom says Mas Hasan has helped the cost of decoration, Mas Harun the cost of catering and then Handi rationed help make up costs."

"What???"

"When mother had been told not to ask for money with Handi. You yourself need money. Money is all done. Me and Mbak Rina paid for everything, including MUA services! I need to talk to Aaron! He should know this!" Ma'am Eka was about to stand up to find Mas Aaron but I prevented him.

"Mom, next time. If Mbak Eka talks now afraid there is a commotion. Everything is exhausted."

"You're right too. But I'll keep telling Aaron!"

"As for Ma'am Eka, as long as not now."

"I want to go home now." Ma'am Eka went to find Mas Aaron and said goodbye to his mother-in-law.

"Bring this food, there's a lot." Mother pointed to the gift from the groom's family that filled the table, even some of it on the floor.

"No need Mom, there is a lot of food at home" refused Mbak Eka.

"Just take it, choose what you like!"

Ma'am Eka still refused until finally he came home with nothing. Me and Handi followed suit.

"I'm also saying goodbye, ma'am."

"Yes, be careful."

"I'm going home first, ma'am," said I followed Handi.

"Hmmm ... " That's the only reply from my in-laws. There was no warm answer like the one he gave to Mbak Eka. Moreover, the offer to bring one of the souvenir parcels as well as Mbak Eka who until forced. But, yes, only food.

During the trip even at home I kept quiet. It was so real that my in-laws distinguished me and my sister-in-law. Lying if I don't hurt. Of course I'm hurt.

*

A week after Heni's wedding my in-laws came to the house. As soon as he got out of the taxi he already showed his unfriendly face.

"Aren't you the one who complained to Eka until I was scolded by Aaron?! He told me to give back the money Handi gave me! Is it wrong for me to ask for money from my son?! I raised Handi, I carried her and took care of her from the baby. Don't because you're now his wife and you feel most entitled to her!"

"Get in, ma'am, don't talk on this page. It's not good to see the neighbors."

"I don't care! Here, I give you back the money Handi gave me. You are a great sin for having prevented Handi from being filial to her mother!" My in-laws threw an envelope with money at me and turned around to leave.

"Bus ... Why does Mom hate me so much? Why do you always berate and scold me when you don't take care of me and raise me? What makes you feel like you have the right to do it?"

My in-laws stopped her steps but a moment later she continued her steps towards the taxi that had apparently been waiting for her there since. My words mean nothing.