Wife Custody (Second Love)

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Julie POV

This morning was warm. I opened my eyes, then smiled looking at the man who was hugging me tightly. I slowly let go of her embrace, then got up to start today.

The first day after our first-second night. You guys understand what I mean? Hanung told me, right?

After the prayer, I went to the kitchen, preparing breakfast for my family. While I was cutting vegetables, I heard the sound of steps heading towards me. Soon, there were warm hands encircling my body. Ah, Mas Hanung apparently.

"Good morning, Mas."

"Good morning, Jul. What's cooking?"

"Otherwise if not.. Your favorite vegetable soup."

Both Keanu, my children, and Hanung really like my vegetable soup. Since Hanung got divorced, he has eaten here a lot. The money is gone, he said. I used to wonder, how can a person whose salary is large enough and widower, living alone, be easily run out of money? I was upset, I accused him of being extravagant, fond of poya-foya. He usually responds with a grin. For a long time, I let it go, until I got used to it. It is strange if Hanung does not eat while visiting this house.

After hearing the story last night - which I heard while half-conscious - then I knew, where the salary went. Plus earlier I heard Diana say "the rights of her children". Ah, nevermind. Could be my emotions later, even so this poison is vegetable soup!

"Can I help? I wonder, what the hell is the secret, your homemade vegetable soup always tastes so good."

I smiled and shook my head. "The name is secret, yes, secret. Can't be leaked. It will not be exciting. Mending Mas wake up the kids."

Hanung pretended to complain. "Ah, Mommy's not exciting." Then he put on a frown. I laugh. This cute guy.

But he turned around, left the kitchen and went to the children's room. He let me cook it myself. Gini is good, I can focus on my cooking.

It didn't take long, my vegetable soup was ripe. I put it in a big bowl and put it in the middle of the dining table. I saw Renata and Darrel walking towards the dining table followed by Hanung. Then they sat in their seats.

That Hanung why is sitting in the seat he usually is, not in Keanu's chair?

"Mas, you're sitting in a chair here. Move yuk."

Hanung. Maybe he needs time to adjust. All this time, after Keanu died, before we got married, he was still sitting in his own chair, in honor of Keanu, he said.

Realizing his current status, Hanung moved up and moved to the chair I was referring to. He then led the prayer before eating.

We enjoyed our first breakfast as a family-new-feel-long. We've eaten together like this a lot, but this time it's in a new status. I-i mean.

Then as usual, we lifted the plates and cups to the kitchen to wash them. Usually, vegetable bowls and side dishes are Keanu rations. Since Keanu was absent, it automatically moved on to Hanung. On this matter, he was no longer awkward. It has been used since that day.

After the breakfast and friends were done, we switched to the back garden area together. I had Hanung and the kids talk a little seriously this morning.

"Mommy just wants us all to take a step forward. From this moment we focus on living a new life. Okay?"

The three of them agreed while nodding.

"We all have to agree, Papi lives in our hearts forever. We should always pray for Papi. Anyone who feels homesick with Papi, can convey it, either to Mami or Dad. We'll go to Papi's grave. Whenever you want."

Renata and Darrel nodded. Then they rubbed their teary eyes. Hanung and I hugged them until they calmed down.

"We continue to. About daily activities. As usual, you go with Mami to college, or to tutoring. Take her as usual too. If tutoring, leaving with Dad, go home picked up by Mami. The rules are still the same. Anyone who is busy or there is a sudden event, should immediately notify.

"From now on, Mami frees up Saturdays and Sundays for the family. Mami started to reduce the schedule of events on the weekend. Learning from yesterday's experience, with input from Dad, Mami wants us to be able to spend more time as a family without being interrupted by work. All are entitled to submit a vacation activity plan, which is important to do together. As always, I can take Faraz and Dinda along."

"Now we have to talk about something quite sensitive. Salary."

I saw Hanung's face suddenly tense up. I held her hand, as if to ask, are you ready to discuss this with us. He looked at me, as if he understood the question I just asked. He nodded then lowered.

"Even though Mommy and Dad are married, it does not mean that our family income increases. We have to remember that I have Brother Faras and Dinda. Father's money is their right. While Renata and Darrel are entitled to Mami's money. But Mami and Dad will be trying to pioneer the business for extra income. It is important that we live as usual. Simple, makeshift. Just buy what we need. If there are things you want, consider first, whether you need them, and you will use them until when. One in, one out. Don't hoard stuff."

Hanung lifted his face and looked at me softly. Then he whispered, "Thank you," without a sound. I smile. For now let it be like this first. To be safe and not trigger a commotion with Diana's side. I want something safe.

"Home duties remain as usual. Wash each plate, Mami's cookware, Daddy's bowl. Sweeping and mopping, Renata. Glass-tasting, Darrel. Organize books, kids. Caring for the display, parents. Washing clothes, each. Clean the bathroom, alternating every week. Car wash, man. Gardening and caring for the garden, women. Monthly shopping, all are required to participate.

"If anyone has a problem, feels confused or uncomfortable, must convey to anyone closest at that time. You can't keep the problem alone, you have to convey it. Finish that moment, too. Don't delay.

"Not much has really changed. Just a habit for Dad to replace Papi's duties. The three of us have to help Dad adapt. In addition, there will be many obstacles that we face after this. There is a potential for turbulence. No matter how it shocks, we must hold on tight. Understandable?"

The three of them nodded. "Yes, Mum!"

This is what I do to keep my family stable. Sit down together, discuss our plans ahead. Everyone in this house must be open and express their personal opinions. Plus I asked everyone to be patient listening first, thinking calmly, just commenting. This is to maintain calm and comfort in the family.

When did I start that process? When we were together with Keanu before we got married, we sat together like this. Ever since Renata was a kid, I've done it too. Explain some simple things consistently, no matter if he has not understood it perfectly. And so is Darrel. So, what we do in this family has become a habit, not just an image.

Maybe for some people who see us, they say we are a cool and fun family. Believe me, to form an atmosphere and habits like this, we need a process that is full of discomfort.

Like now. You guys probably saw us doing fine after Keanu's departure and Hanung's arrival in this family. We still look good and stable. But behind all that, what not many others know is how hard I and the children have accepted the fact that our captain is gone and suddenly replaced by his co-pilot. The shock we felt was so hard. Almost freefall hit the ground, but we were able to rise slowly and fly back.

Do I sound boring? Sorry, I am very serious if I am healthy. I hope you're used to my style.

About Hanung's presence. Again, I'm discussing this in front of you.

Although Hanung is not a new person, we are all familiar, it is very difficult for me to turn my heart to him. For children it is also difficult at first, changing the status of the father's best friend to become a father. But Hanung's sincerity made their eyes open. The kids started calling him Dad a few months ago.

I also slowly fell because of it. I accepted Hanung for the kids. I was young, they were very young too. We need someone who can take care of us.

Perhaps in the eyes of some, six months was too soon for a widow to be left dead like me to remarry. Like the word, the grave land is still wet, the tears have not dried, have switched love.

Is six months too soon? Yeah, indeed.

Six months is a very short time for me to start changing this family's course. The backup plan I ran for six months certainly can't last forever. There must be a new plan that is more certain and guarantees the safety of our steps forward.

Six months is also a very fast time for me to open my heart to Hanung. I'm sure last night he must have met Keanu in his dream. I'm sure, he must be just as confused as I am who is doubtful over our status. I am the wife entrusted by her best friend. Am I worthy of being a full-fledged wife to her?

I'm sure he's as good as I am, can we be happy after we just lost Keanu?

Seeing her expression last night, I decided to start. Indeed, I wanted to postpone. But I realized, I want to see when. The result will remain the same: now I am his wife, and he is my husband. It's wet, just smash it all together.

I received a hug and his hand rubbed against my back. Quite comfortable and not scary. There's a feeling of security I feel. I accept his touch and soft words. In every movement of his body, I felt there was calmness there. I believe he can take care of me, as well as protect our family.

So this morning I started with a new intention. Six months is enough to mourn. It's time we got up and walked with a revived soul. We have to live life as a living, passionate and soulful human being.

As the sun rose, we shared warmth, kept our steps and home among rays of affection.