The Untouched Heart

Chapter 146 - Standing Together

Then the piano is played and the background singer sings a happy birthday song. The moving candle from the side of the stage is brought to the center. The lights were pointed towards Papa and Mama who were in the middle of the hall about to head for the exit.

I really don't remember it. Today is Papa's birthday too. All the guests sang along to wish Papa a happy birthday. Gista and a man I know is Papa's assistant helping them to come forward to the stage.

The lights are turned on one by one until the room is bright again. Papa looks very happy. I saw Hendra who was still standing hugging me. He kissed my lips. “You're surprised?” tanyanya.

“Very. But it's a nice surprise. Papa must be happy.” I tightened my embrace.

“And he will remember tonight for weeks to come. Papa really likes surprises, especially those aimed at him.”

Hendra took my hand to the stage. We congratulate Papa and receive his second piece of cake after Mama. Zach then comes along with Hadi and Dira. I was surprised to see Papa give the next piece of cake to them. The children cheered happily to receive the chocolate cake. The guests laughed to see it.

The show was short, but it meant a lot to me. Seeing me and my family being in the same place as Papa and Mama in front of so many people. My two in-laws went back down the stage and walked towards the exit. Papa received every helping hand wishing to wish him a happy birthday.

Zach returns to the stage to take Zeph, Charlotte, and Colin to receive a cake that has been cut into pieces by Gista. The host declared the celebration over, and the male singer entertained the guests again.

“Honey, guests will not go home as long as the singer is still singing,” I said amusedly. We walked together towards the backstage.

“Indeed the plan is so. So the guests are not jostling at the exit.” He blinked one eye. I finally understood.

Stay half an hour longer, we leave the kids to Zach and Officially. We promise to pick them up soon, then Hadi and Dira want to come with their om and aunt. I don't trust Will completely yet, so I don't dare leave them to him.

We headed to the police station where the two men were detained. Kafin took the line carefully and made sure that no journalists were following us. After mustering all my courage in recalling the incident I wanted to forget, I finished giving a statement. Hendra only testified to what he saw when he arrived at the scene.

To complete our report, I checked myself in the hospital. Both of my wrists showed me the marks of their very tight hands, the marks of their hands around my mouth and cheeks, the marks of the nail scratches on my thighs as the man lifted up my dress skirt, also the bump on the back of my head as they slammed me against the wall.

I was so tired when we got home. Hendra asked me to get ready for bed, he'll change Dira's clothes. I comply. I was no longer able to change my own clothes. But I forced myself. When I saw my reflection in the mirror, I almost screamed in fear. Yeah, God. My face and wrist. The situation tomorrow will definitely be worse, this former will be bluish.

I quickly brushed their faces away as the shadow bothered me. The more days I've been through the worse. Starting from insults, touches on my body, and now someone intends to force his will on me. How else do they have to be satisfied? I don't get it. Right or wrong the news they hear, what gives them the right to touch or excite me?

The two men were completely beyond my expectations. They were honorable men, businessmen who were friendly with Hendra. Then why would they use such a lowly way to obtain my body? They felt so proud to touch me.

Someone hugged me from behind, making me surprised. I looked in the mirror and saw Hendra. “Why haven't you taken a shower yet? Hm? You waiting for me?”

I smiled, then turned my body. “Good idea.”

After taking a bath together, we got dressed, then sat side by side on the bed. He helped dry my hair. No one talks between the two of us. But I feel peaceful. I could hear Hendra giving words of support through the touch of his hand on my hair. He was careful not to hit the small bump on my head.

That night I had a bad dream. I woke up several times crying. I didn't want to think about it, but the shadows of their faces appeared in my sleep. Tiredness forced me to fall back asleep only to wake up again from a nightmare.

I was in Hendra's arms, so why was there another man in my dream? I am grateful to see him not awake. He must be exhausted with all the preparations for the company's anniversary which is now under his leadership.

The thing I was really looking forward to that day was Claudia's arrival. Liando drove me and the kids to the airport. He didn't leave my side for a second while at the airport. My friends are coming too, even Lindsey's bringing Charlotte.

“Grandmother!” greet Charlotte. Claudia squealed happily.

“Hai, Princess. You're getting pretty.” Claudia carried him and showered him with kisses. The little girl laughed happily. Mason hugged his wife so they could carry their only grandchild. I could see tears on Claudia's face. We looked away, unable to see the sadness on his face.

“See, what are you doing, baby. You even make a happy atmosphere sad,” Mason joked. Claudia pouted hearing that.

“It's okay. You can take as much time as you need to remember your daughter,” Darla said slowly.

“No, no. Mason's right. I don't want to ruin our happy mood.” Claudia looks towards Hadi and Dira after Mason takes Charlotte out of her arms. “Hai, Hadi! Dira!”

“Hai, Aunt Claudia,” greet them simultaneously.

“Yes geez. This little one can already greet me properly.” Claudia looked anxiously towards Dira. “I have many birthday gifts for you, baby.” I felt the blood stop flowing to my face hearing that sentence.

“No, Claudia. No need to give gift.” I immediately remembered the gift he gave to Hadi before his birth. We no longer have a place at home to accommodate all the children.

“Is there a gift for me too, Aunt Claudia?” ask Hadi expectantly.

“Of course there are. Don't you try to ban me, Zahara. I've been five years not giving any gifts to this young man.” Claudia hugged Hadi tightly.

“Are you guys hungry? I prepared food at home. But if you want to eat around here ...,” Lindsey said.

“No. We'll eat at your house. Don't be here.” says Claudia. He was staring at us all. “You're coming, ‘kan?” We nodded our heads. His face is cheerful again.

We walked together to our cars not far from where we met. Charlotte was still in her grandfather's arms. Mason refuses Liando's offer to carry his suitcase. So, he pulled it himself.

“Isn't that shameless guy?” tanya Darla looked towards our left. I looked in the same direction.

“Finally the opportunity to talk to him came as well.” Before she could prevent it, Qiana had already walked over to the man first.

...*******...

...~Author's Note~...

For the great moms out there, Happy Mother's Day! For those who are waiting, may the little one be born safely. For those who are expecting, may the Lord soon grant prayer, which is best for all. Thank you for all the love, care, and sacrifice for our next generation.

Greetings dear, dear,

Meina H's.