
“Ah, finally they came too,” Official said as me and Zach returned to the living room. Everyone is looking towards us. “I almost went to the toilet to pick up my beloved husband who did not come back. Does your stomach hurt, baby?” Papa, Mama, and Hendra laughed.
“You really can't get away from me, yeah. I'm gone a little while already miss.” Zach sat down by his wife's side, then kissed her cheek. Official laughs amusedly. I reluctantly sat down next to Hendra. “So, don't you mind your name being used for the dog's name?”
I narrowed my eyes to him. “What still needs to be discussed?”
“Did Brother hate Ara so much that he gave his name to your pet dog, Hendra?” Zach smiled meaningfully at his former sister-in-law. And of course the puppy barked when his name was called.
“He doesn't hate me.” I answered faster than Hendra. “Instead he still loves me and can't forget me, then he gave that name to him.”
“Ha.” Hendra snorted loudly. “It only exists in your dreams. I told you, I mentioned so many names, he just responded with that name.”
“Indeed how many names have you mentioned before he responded?” I crossed my arms in front of my chest, challenging him.
“Yellow. Luna. Lemons. Girl-girl. Cathy. Cherry,” said Hendra mentioned the names he knew. Ara was just busy herself playing with the kids. “Ara.” The dog looked and barked happily. His tail even moved quickly. All the adults looked at me with faces holding back laughter. Irritatingly. “Zahara.” The dog barked again. Hendra smiled with satisfaction.
“You two are so annoying,” I said annoyed.
“Do not blame Ara. He has the right to choose any name he likes.” Hendra defended the dog that barked happily. “So your assumptions were wrong. I don't love you anymore or still think of you so give that name to him.” Those words somehow hurt so much. But Yuyun helped me by going into the room and asking me to follow her. There are things he needs to discuss with me.
I begged myself. Yuyun took me to the kitchen. “I know that the daily shopping schedule is Thursday. But the groceries are running low and I wonder if I need to go tomorrow morning to shop?”
“Good. Just make a note of what needs to be purchased, do not forget to include dog food in the list. Buy the same brand and taste as the packaging that Kafin carries. Buy some snacks for him. I'll give you my debit card tomorrow. Please, remind me if I forget.” I checked every contents behind the closet doors in the kitchen, as well as the refrigerator. Yuyun's right.
“Is there anything else I need to buy again, Mistress?” tanyakanya. I thought for a moment.
“Nothing. Do not forget to also buy coffee, snacks, or anything you need for the next week. Don't hesitate. Okay?” I smiled at him.
“Thank you very much, Mistress.” Yuyun lowered her head. There's nothing else she needs, I'm back in the living room. But when my hand touched the doorknob, I changed my mind.
The words Hendra spoke now felt very painful. He doesn't love me anymore. Is Zach playing tricks on me by saying that we both still love each other? Did Hendra also just want my body by hugging and kissing me as she pleased without involving any more feelings?
“Mama?” Hadi's voice came from behind me. I'm turning. “Why is Mama just standing here?” He seemed to be coming from the direction of the toilet. “Mama crying? Why is Mama crying? Did Mother Yuyun say something that made Mama sad?”
“Oh.” I didn't realize I was crying. I quickly wiped my two cheeks that turned wet with tears. “No. Yuyun's mother only talked about groceries.”
“What is it because Papa and Mama got into a fight?” ask again. I immediately knelt before him.
“There's nothing you need to worry about. Mom just remembered the sad thing. It wasn't because of Bu Yuyun or Papa. Okay?” I tried to give him his understanding.
I returned his embrace. “No, Hadi. You make me sad, but I understand. Mama also apologized for making you cry.”
“I promise, tomorrow I will go to school and not fight Mama again,” she said. I rubbed his head, then we went back to the living room.
My family said goodbye when the kids were sleepy. Zach turned down my offer to ask Liando to drive Papa and Mama home, him and Rasmi to take them. Mama gave me her sharp gaze before getting into the car. I'm just pouting.
Hendra held Hadi who was sleeping on the sofa and took him to his room, while I took care of Dira. I sat on the edge of my daughter's bed for a while and looked at her who was already sound. He looks very peaceful now compared to last night. A lot has happened in twenty-four hours.
The door to Dira's room opened and Hendra entered. He walked over to the bed, then kissed his daughter's forehead. He sat on the edge of the bed staring at me. “Are we bad parents?” tanyanya slow. I shook my head.
“We are parents who are still learning.” We were silent for a moment. “What should we do next? Are you sure you can convince them that this is only temporary?”
“I don't know either. This is new to me.” He took a long breath. “You're right. I shouldn't have just disappeared. I have caused my children to miss their papa figure for too long. I'm very selfish. All I think about is myself.”
“I'll be in the room now. I have to sleep so that tomorrow is not too late wake up.” I stood up, then fixed the location of Dira's blanket.
Hendra didn't follow me out of our daughter's room. I let him be inside by himself. After cleaning myself and changing clothes, I laid my body on the bed. But I did not fall asleep immediately. Maybe because I took a nap, my sleepiness didn't come as fast as usual.
I turned around and saw the digital clock on the nightstand, it was already midnight and I was still not sleepy either. Pimply. I can wake up in the morning. I intended to get up and pick up the phone, but the sound of the doorknob being moved left me speechless. Who came into my room? The door closed again and I felt like I was no longer alone in this room.
The whole lamp was gone, so I couldn't see who was coming. From his footsteps, he walked towards the side of the bed where I was lying. He pulled up my blanket, lay behind me, and covered us both with it.
Hendra's? What the hell is he doing here? He inserted his hand under the blanket and placed it in front of my stomach. Then her lips kissed the curve between my neck and my shoulder. And he's not moving anymore. Is he not kidding? She sleeps here with me?
...*******...
...~Author's Note~...
Good day, guys. ♡
I forgot to tell. During this month I will have trouble publishing this follow-up story as much as usual or 3 chapters/day. My sister came back from overseas and WFH until the end of the month. I will try to keep publishing the follow-up 2 chapters/day, more if possible.
Thanks for understanding, yes. Because of this change, Hendra and Zahara will greet every day at 12:00 and 18:00 WIB. Thank you for the support until now. (´_` )♡
Greetings dear, dear,
Meina H's.