The Third Party

33. Family Meetings

I got out of the car along with Ma'am Eka. Then we both walked into my in-laws' yard. My in-laws immediately greeted Mbak Eka kindly while I was ignored. There was also no desire of my in-laws to touch Damar who was in my arms. Me and Damar were invisible in his eyes. But it doesn't matter to me, I'm used to it.

I sat down to join the guests who came to attend this prayer send. Some of them looked anxious and wanted to carry Damar. Some also stared with pity, both at me and Damar. Of course they pity. They saw for themselves my in-laws' blatant attitude showing their dislike for me.

The event was solemn. After almost an hour the show was over. Guests began to say goodbye. It's time to go home, but I don't feel ready. I still want to be here. Maybe this is the last chance I can be in this house. My in-laws will definitely not allow me to come here again because he thinks I am no longer part of this family.

"We're going home now?" Ma'am Eka approached me.

I nodded despite the weight.

"Wait a minute, Eka," stop Mas Aaron.

"What's wrong?"

"There's something to talk about with Emma. You remember our conversation back then?"

"Oh ... Yeah, Emma, we'll go home later." Ma'am Eka invited me back into the house.

In the living room, the whole family is gathered. Looks like there's going to be a big meeting.

"So this is Emma ... " Mas Hasan began to speak. The whole point of the conversation was that I did not have to worry about Damar's living expenses because Mas Hasan and Mas Harun would bear it. They are ready to finance all the needs of Damar until he goes to college.

I was so moved and almost cried hearing it. I haven't had time to thank my in-laws for speaking out.

"No, I disagree!"

"Why do you disagree? It's not for Damar, mother's grandson?"

"Keep him Hasan!" My in-laws pointed her index finger at me. "Let her work to meet the needs of her child. Handi used to work hard to support her. I can't take it if he's living good on Handi's death!"

My in-laws talk as if I'm happy for Handi's death. If asked to choose of course I do not want Handi to die, I also do not want to be a widow. But this is not an option. This is not my wish. It's something I inevitably have to accept. If it turns out that behind the death of Handi there is good, maybe it's the reward I deserve because there is always wisdom behind an event.

"If Emma's son gets alimony from you, then my son will also be entitled to alimony!" Heni also did not accept.

"It's different Hen, Handi's dead. Your husband still exists. Still healthy sane. He can still save you. After all, why would you expect alimony for a child who doesn't already exist? Just get pregnant yet but you've been expecting alimony for your child?!"

"What difference? Heni's son will be your nephew!" My in-laws added. Mother and child are one thought about money.

"Yes dong Bu ... "

"I don't accept it until Emma's son gets alimony while my son doesn't!"

"Do you really want your husband to die so that your child can get benefits like Emma's?" cut Mbak Eka.

Heni shrieked at Ma'am Eka's question.

"Listen Hen, Emma didn't want Handi to die either. Emma didn't ask for this either. We feel like we have to do this to replace Handi."

"Mother understood, still it was unfair because his younger brother Hasan and Aaron were not just Handi. Heni is also their sister." My in-law's tone changed to very subtle when talking to Ma'am Eka. But despite trying to lower his tone, the face of my in-laws is still visible.

"Mother still disagrees with your decision" my in-laws added.

Mas Hasan rubbed his face rough. It is hard to give understanding to his mother. Sister Rina did not speak a word. He was just sitting here but his mind was like being in another world. While Mas Harun and Mbak Eka seem to have given up on facing my beloved mother-in-law. I prefer to be quiet and enjoy this family drama. Let Hasan and Aaron know how true his mother is when it comes to money.

"Mother why? Emma didn't ask anything from mom. Nor is he asking for money, mother of all who bring it. If you don't agree we're helping Emma, at least give Emma her right."

"Mother is more entitled to the money because Handi's body is buried in this house. The host mother, so the rightful mother!" My in-law's tone that had softened again rose.

Impeachment money, money from mourners I believe the amount is quite good because many colleagues from Mas Hasan and Mas Harun who came. Not to mention from Handi's superiors who also gave an envelope of grief. Again, I say, I don't want it. Isn't this embarrassing? Fighting for alms money right on the seven-day anniversary of Handi's death.

"Here you are, do not be fussed, embarrassed if anyone hears. The money is for mom only. I don't want it. Regarding the cost to Damar, once again I am very grateful. But if it ends up causing problems for this family it is better not to, I do not want to accept it. I'm gonna start working. I'm sure I can support Damar with my own hard-working money. Again, I am very grateful for your good intentions. I really appreciate it." I finally opened my voice.

This talk is a waste of time because the result is certain my in-laws will not agree to it. I better go home because this family drama is no longer interesting. It's predictable if my in-laws finally win.

"Mak Eka, can you take me home now?"

Ma'am Eka nodded. He also looks lazy.

"Excuse me everything I'm going home first" I said.

"I went straight home after dropping off Emma, not coming back here again" Ma'am Eka told Mas Harun. Aaron also nodded.

"Actually me, Aaron, Mas Hasan and Ms. Rina had talked about financing Damar's needs before. It was unexpected that such a mother's response. If we knew it would be better we wouldn't have to tell Mom. We can give the money away secretly" said Mbak Eka when his car began to move away from my in-laws' house.

"Heni is the same. He's been financed until graduation, he hasn't got a job and we still give him monthly money. Even yesterday married we were out of charge. Time still wants to envy Damar. He said his son should get alimony later?! Where's logic?!"