The Third Party

34. Especially this?!

I exhaled hearing Mba Eka's story. I don't know why there's no feeling with that family anymore. They want anything up to me no matter, even I'm not hurt. If they don't think of me as part of their family, it's actually better, my life is calmer. But this is not about me, this is about Damar, the son of Handi, the grandson of my in-laws. He deserves what he should have.

My in-laws can hate me, but she shouldn't hate Damar. My in-laws would not accept that Hasan and Aaron would finance Damar's life. She's his granddaughter. There was Handi's blood flowing in his body. Does the blood bond mean nothing?

"What would you expect, Mother? I'm not surprised that my mother's response was like that. I'm just surprised that you think of Damar to that extent. I'm very grateful and very appreciative of your intentions even if they're not done."

"I'm sorry Emma. I tried to tell Aaron that mother would not support this decision, but she did not believe it. She said her mother would be happy with our intentions. And now he sees the results for himself. But don't worry, we will try to give you secretly. As long as you don't talk, it won't be discovered."

I smiled at the words of Madam Eka. "It seems impossible Ma'am. You can smell money hundreds of miles away."

Mama laughed at my words.

"That's it, no need. I'm okay, really. I don't want your help to get me in trouble later. Sorry no offense. But we know what mother nature is. He would have harassed me and Damar if he knew you were secretly giving me money. I'll start looking for a job after this. I could've raised Damar."

Ma'am Eka was silent for a moment. "I feel guilty for you."

"It's Mama."

After a while finally the car Mbak Eka arrived at my house. I offered Mbak Eka to stop by but he refused because he wanted to hurry home. I also entered the house after Mbak Eka's car was not seen.

As usual, after being home alone I always felt an overwhelming loneliness. A different sense of loneliness when compared to when Handi was out of town.

"Can you cry again, son?" I asked while looking into the eyes of Damar who was staring innocently at me. How many times have I promised to be strong and never cry again, but keeping that promise is not as easy as saying it.

Maybe outside I look strong and strong. But the truth is, remembering about Handi a little bit has made me mushek extraordinary.

And I ended up crying again for the hundredth or maybe a thousandth time.

I hug Damar while I occasionally kiss his forehead. For the second time I felt like I was alone. It feels heavier than when I lost my parents. It's really not easy.

I just told Mbak Eka if I believe I can raise Damar, but now the strength to move on. Where am I going to start? Not to mention the new home installments that run a few months. Can I do it?

Her morning....

I'm on my activity as usual. I need to get on with my life soon. The mourning period is over. I should have realized now was not the time to mourn fate. It's time to get up. I can't be discouraged for Damar.

The plan is to send Damar to Aunt RT and I will start applying for jobs at the factory where I work before giving birth. Considering I've worked in that factory, it wouldn't be difficult to get back to work there.

Just when I was locking my house there was a car stopped in the yard. Two well-dressed people got out of the car and walked right up to me.

"With Emma's mother?" ask one of them.

"Yes right. What's the need?" I'm confused there's no clue anything about the two of them.

"We are representatives of PT. Lantern wants to talk to Emma's mom for a minute."

"Oh .. yes," I replied like a confused person. I know PT Lanterna is the name of the company where Handi works. I'm starting to worry from here. Did they come to collect the debt because I had asked Handi to apply for a loan to the company for the down payment of this house.

I nodded as I opened my door again.

"Please ... " I let them sit on the mat because I still don't have a sofa or a chair.

"So just go straight to Emma's mom. We represent the company coming here to give the company's compensation to Ms. Emma. In addition, we also want to inform you that the loan in the name of Handi has also been considered paid off."

I can't believe hearing what they're saying until I can't speak. Do they really mean it?

"So Emma's mom doesn't have to think about it."

"really?" It's not a thank you that comes out of my mouth but a question because I still have a hard time believing it. If this is true, then the company where Handi is really very good.

"This please accept." One of the men placed a thick enough envelope in front of me.

I just stared at the envelope. Touching it just doesn't dare because I still don't believe it completely if it's real. Debts are considered paid off, still given the compensation. Is there something behind this?

"Sorry, is this not wrong? Is this free or do I have to do something instead?" I have a right to be suspicious because this is too good in my opinion. I realized I was not an educated and insightful person. I'm afraid it's a scam because the factory I work for doesn't have this kind of rule.

Or maybe there's something behind Handi's accident? Is this the money to keep my mouth shut so I don't wonder about the accident that happened to Handi? But these two people didn't seem like bad people. They look very polite and educated.

"No ma'am, this is not wrong. This is company policy. This is the compensation of the work accident from the company. When it comes to debt, it's the director's personal desire because the director's father is quite close to Handi's brother" said one of them politely. "Please be accepted" said the man, pushing the envelope closer to my hand because I hadn't touched it since.

I doubtfully received the envelope. "Thank you" I said nervously, between believing in disbelief. Not lost my nervousness, the man took the envelope out of his bag. Even this envelope looks thicker.

Especially this?!