The Untouched Heart

Chapter 193 - Two Guests

Nora and a woman got out of the car in front of us. Papa's driver stopped the car right in front of the terrace. Papa helped Mama to get out, while I took Dira's hand to the house. My mother invited the two women to come in with us.

“Mari, Aunt. I help.” Nora approached Mama. My mother-in-law looked at Papa for a moment then let go of her hand and gave it to the woman. They walked to the front room. My dad and I exchanged a look. Then I smiled to see his face.

After helping Mama to sit down, Nora sat by her side followed by her mother. Papa and I sat side by side with Dira between us. A female servant entered while carrying a tray filled with warm drinks and snacks. Sensing Nora's eyes, I turned towards her. He looked at me meaningfully.

I smile at the smile. Does he think I care about the competition for Mama's attention? He can do anything he can. But he won't be able to get what he wants. Hendra has chosen me and we are back together. Nothing can break the bond between us. Even though she has Mama on her side, Mama won't be able to influence her son to leave me.

Our first farewell was also no interference from anyone. Hendra himself decided to end it because he thought that I didn't love him. She was tired of fighting alone in our marriage so assumed that I would be happy with the man of my choice. At the time, he did not know that he was the man.

Mama's not stupid. He might be reckless to make a decision based on his feelings. And I can't blame him. It was her natural response as a mother protecting her son. But my mother will not hate me forever. He and I just need time to repair our relationship. And Nora will not be able to stand in the way of my intentions.

“How is Auntie doing now?” asked Nora with a face full of sympathy. Mom smiled.

“I'm fine. Thank ye. The operation went well and we went to the hospital to remove the hose they had placed near my left chest. I just need a lot of rest to recuperate.” Mama didn't pull her hand when Nora touched her.

“I'm sorry, Auntie. There are a lot of things that have happened lately that make me unable to accompany Auntie's treatment. Dad was slandered and is fighting for his rights with our lawyers. Then there are the bad guys who want to seize our family company,” Nora said with a sad face.

“Iya. I followed the news on television. How are you guys doing now? What did they take?” ask Mama to know. She looked at Nora and her mother in turn.

“They took everything, including my mother-in-law's house,” replied mama Nora slowly. The mother and son put on sad faces.

“Oh, yes? Where do you live now?” mama looks concerned.

“Nelson has a private apartment in his own name. We live there now. We didn't fully have any difficulties as there were still jewelry and personal savings. We can still survive.”

“I will also find work elsewhere so we can get up again,” said Nora.

“Good. You have to take care of your mom and dad. They have sacrificed so much for you.” Mom smiled. The door is knocked, Papa lets in. A waiter came in to tell him that lunch was ready.

Nora and her mother were invited to eat with us. I just smiled looking at Papa who was staring at me with his emotionless eyes. Mama is still chatting with Nora and her mother. I listened while helping Dira eat. Whenever he wanted to add vegetables or meat, I gave it to him until he felt enough.

“Honey, you take care of Dira and accompany them for a while, yes. Zahara and I will be back soon.” My mother stood up and extended her hand to me. Papa nodded his head.

Papa slowly sighed in relief as we walked into the room. I smile at the smile he made. She must be tired of waiting and not know what to discuss with the mother and the child. I helped Mama back to sit next to Nora and her mother. The woman looked at me with a dislike face. Ignored him.

“Tante did what?” asked Nora to know.

“Six is light to help speed up my recovery. I need to keep my shoulders, diaphragm and left arm functioning properly after surgery. Since I just removed the hose, I need to be careful not to aggravate my injuries.” My mother smiled at me. “My husband helps me in the morning and at night, while Zahara helps me during the day.”

“If Auntie teaches me, I can help from tomorrow. Zahara must have his own business. Moreover, he had two children that he had to take care of. I'm still waiting for a response from the job application I sent. So, my time is more flexible than her.” Nora offered her help. Mama nodded slowly.

After seeing Mama yawn several times, Papa finally took over and invited Mama to rest in the room. Nora and her mother used the opportunity to go home. Mama wants to take them to the terrace, so Papa does not forbid.

Nora's back to help Mama walk up to the front door. They stepped carefully. Then stop on the porch. Me and Papa, who were holding Dira, stood behind Mama. Papa gave Dira to me so he could take over holding Mama.

“Thank you for coming. Also for the flowers and fruit you have brought,” Mama said sincerely.

“Sama-sama, Aunt. Hope Auntie recovers soon, yeah. So that we can shop, go for a walk, or prepare for a charity concert again.” Nora glanced at her mother. “Iya, ‘kan, Bu?”

“Iya,” replied mama Nora. “We will be holding a charity concert next month. The preparations were still fifty percent, but every showman had already started practicing. We are all waiting for you to join us.”

“Thank you. I'm also looking forward to busying myself again and meeting the people who receive our help.” Mama's eyes stared longingly. He must be bored just being at home and can no longer move outside as usual.

“Then, we leave now. I'll come again tomorrow afternoon to help Aunt do gymnastics.” Nora looked towards Papa. “If there is a reference video, please send it to me, yes, Om. So that I learn, so tomorrow I have memorized it well.”

Papa looked at me and Mama alternately before returning to see Nora. “Of course.”

“Nora,” Mama said with a gentle smile on her lips. “I am so grateful for all the attention you have given me, my husband, and my son. You have given the best you have to us.”

“That's nothing, Auntie. I'm glad I could do it.” The woman smiled happily. “See you tomorrow, Aunt.”

“No. You misunderstood,” Mama said again. Nora frowned. “I'm not praising you as an invitation so you can come help me tomorrow. I was saying goodbye. You no longer need to come to this house. Also don't greet me beyond a casual acquaintance when we meet outside someday.”