
Papa and Mama left with angry and disappointed faces. I wanted to catch up with them and meant to say something, but Hendra got in my way. I turned to her and she shook her head slowly, as if saying this was not the right time to do so.
I can't believe that Papa and Mama will stop here. They won't stay silent to see me and their son still together. Moreover, they doubted that this child was their offspring. I deserve it.
“Are you going to be okay if I leave it at home?” asked Hendra while caressing my cheek.
“I'll be fine. Why can you be here? What about your job?” manyworry.
“Abdi told me they were coming. I've asked him to report anyone who comes home to see you when I'm not around,” replied Hendra. “I know that my parents won't say a good thing if they meet you after I'm gone.”
“I'm sorry.” This is all my fault.
He sighed softly, then hugged me. “Everything will be fine. Come on, your friends have come and they brought you so much food.”
Hendra took me to the living room and my friends were waiting for me inside. They immediately approached to hug and kiss both of my cheeks. A greeting that I do not deserve.
“Girls, I leave my wife to you. Treat him well,” said Hendra half-threatening. They just laugh. My husband hugged me, then kissed my hair. “Happy with your friend. Forget about the incident.” I'm nodding.
Hendra's blocking me from driving him. I was still staring at the door when he left. My attention was distracted when I heard the dehemence and the sound of coughing filled the room. I turned my head and looked towards my friends with their drama.
“Stop making us envious of your affection. Come on, we sit.” Qiana pulled my hand to approach one of the sofas. Friends just laugh. We then sat together.
“Please, do not speak in a language I will not be able to understand,” pinta Claudia. We looked at each other and laughed together.
“You know. You make me feel guilty about your good manners. I don't deserve to be your friend anymore,” I said slowly.
“Why did you say that?” claudia asked confusedly. “I cheated on my husband a few times because we had a big fight and almost got divorced. But we got through it and I've been ten years not touching any man anymore, other than my beloved Mason.”
“That's right, Claudia. You cheated so many times from that perfect Mason? He is a man who is very ethical, friendly, handsome, and his body is the dream of all women. I believe more that he cheated on you,” said Qiana did not believe.
“Married to the perfect man just makes you more depressed. Believe this. Because he also demands that I always look perfect. I can't do it. I'm used to performing as I like.” Claudia shrugged both of her shoulders.
“Caused.” Qiana nodded slowly.
“I've also cheated.” Lindsey cleared her throat after making her confession. We looked at him in disbelief. “Oh. Come onl. You don't need to be surprised. Edu loves cars more than he loves me, so I'm looking for another outlet. And I'm not proud of that. My betrayal destroyed it and nearly ended our marriage.”
“My husband betrayed me and impregnated women younger than me. I was happy when the woman miscarried,” Qiana said. As Darla opened her mouth, she continued. “I'm not sure I'll be ready to hear anything you'll say, Darla. Please, don't say that you've cheated too.”
“No. But husband. Gio same-sex enthusiasts,” he said casually. We all took surprised breaths.
“What do you mean? You guys have kids,” asked Claudia did not understand.
“Before he had a dark experience with it. We got married because we loved each other. A few years ago, he met his ex. The man was obsessed with her. You won't believe what he's capable of doing to get Gio to come back to him. A bit much, similar to what last night's men did to Zahara.
“How can you know and report it?” lindsey didn't understand.
“She saw the signs. The driver of the man was young and he was acting a little strange. Gio suspects that his ex is doing something he shouldn't. And he's right. As soon as the police arrived at his apartment, the man was imposing his will on the poor young man,” Darla said slowly. We took surprised breaths.
“So, you see, ‘kan, Zahara? We also have imperfect lives. We've made mistakes and aren't proud of that.” Qiana touched my hand. “You don't need to feel guilty. We are your friends when you like your sorrows too.”
“I know that there is something you are hiding from us,” Darla said chimed in. “Hendra loves you so much, does not want to be away from you, but your expression to him is very cold. You are not happy to be near your husband. Although sometimes I can see you love her so much. Overview.”
“That was before your mammary heart surgery. On that day in the hospital, your gaze on him was very different. We even talked about it when you and your family brought Auntie Anya home.” Darla looked towards our friend. Qiana and Lindsey nodded in agreement.
“You're just a normal human being, Zahara. We fear you because you are perfect. With this one mistake, we know that you are human, just like us. Not an angel,” Lindsey chimed.
“Thank you. Thank you.” I was moved to hear their confession and acceptance.
“Whatever happens in your marriage, we will always be ready to be your friend. You are not alone.” Qiana smiled at me. They hugged me. I can only cry.
Yuyun came with Liando and Abdi, then put down all the food my friends brought. I asked them to take their share as well. It turns out that my four best friends have separated the parts for my workers and for us to eat together. We enjoyed all the snacks while chatting casually.
“Zahara, I want you to know, I still want your son to be the husband of my first grandson,” Claudia said in a serious tone. My friends laughed when they heard it.
“Oh, Claudia. You have no idea how happy I am to hear that.” I reached out and he came closer to embrace me.
“I just give you a suggestion, okay? I am not forcing this match. But you need to know, my daughter doesn't mind my proposal.” Claudia smiled happily.
“I also don't mind.” Lindsey looked at me meaningfully.
“We can often meet them later. Who knows by being friends since childhood, they will fall in love when they are teenagers,” I said expectantly.
Our conversation stopped when the door was knocked. I turned my head and Abdi walked in with a very serious face. “There is a man who wants to meet you, Madam.”
“Who?” many confused. It is not usual for security personnel to allow unidentified people to enter through the gate.
“Men who came last night,” replied Abdi.
“Dare once he comes again after ruining last night's event.” Darla immediately stood up and walked towards the door. Lindsey and Qiana helped me to stand up. We headed to the front room. “Out. You are not welcome in this house. Basic men don't know themselves!”
“Hai, Ra. Are you ready?” aldo ignored Darla's words.
“You heard what my best friend said. Get out of here,” I said firmly.
“I won't let you and our son stay any longer in this house. You've suffered enough, Ra. Come on, let's get out of this place.” He walked over to me. Friends immediately stood in front of me, protecting me.