From Duren Down To The Heart
Chapters 15. The Wrong Strategy

Ririn called me early this morning. He told me he was leaving for Lombok today.

Ah..

Maybe I'll be lonely for a week.

Actually I had quite a lot of friends when I was in college until my last place of work before I was in PHK.

But they're just ordinary friends. I meani.. It was just for a general chat.

Different from Ririn. I can tell him anything. Everything I experience, I always tell it. Even all complaints and secrets. Although it does not always get a solution in every problem, but it is enough to make me feel more relieved, and not burdened alone.

Yep! I trust him so much. Maybe it's because we've been friends even from before kindergarten school.

He was always there when I needed him. And I always did that to him. We complement each other, and we always support each other.

Am I talking too much now?

But indeed, having such a loyal friend was very pleasant.

Oh, yep! Today I will meet my mother. It makes me happy, but on the other hand, it doesn't. I really miss Mama, and I really want to meet Mama right now. But there she is, Mama wants to meet me, wants to talk about my matchmaking with her aunt Riana. It made me less comfortable and even I felt a little lazy.

Mama was going to meet me at the boarding house, because Mama wanted to know what my place was like after leaving Mama's house. Is it worth it or not? and Mama also wants to make sure that I keep eating well, getting enough rest, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

I know Mama is very worried about me. But I feel, now is not the time to tell my place of residence to Mama. Know it? Mama would visit me every day if you knew where I live. And I'll be uncomfortable with that.

I want to be independent.

We finally decided to meet at the cafe for breakfast. Because it's still 8 in the morning.

I saw Mama waving her hands on the terrace of the cafe, smiling as I just got off the online motorcycle. And I approached him.

"Assalamu'alaikum.." greet me, while kissing Mama's hand.

"Alaikumsalaamen.." Mama hugged me. "Mama misses you, you miss Mama?"

"yes kangen dong Ma, only this time we separated for a long time since I was born." I returned Mama's embrace, and Mama rubbed my back.

"Mom why haven't you come in yet?" askaku while taking off the hug.

"mama is waiting for you." Mama took my hand. "well, let's go in!"

I just nodded and smiled.

We chose to sit in a chair in the corner. To be more comfortable and free when talking about something that is quite privacy.

After ordering the food, Mama asked me. Eh, wait! This is more suitable to be called interrogating me. Yes, Mama launched so many questions about my life right now. Mama looks so worried that I don't get a good enough life after leaving Mama's house. But I tried to convince Mama not to worry about me too much.

"you're going home, son?" bring Mama. "Mama promise will not prevent you from selling, if you really like it. But you stay with Mama. Mama just wants to make sure you're okay.."

"sorry Ma.. But I want to be independent. It's the same lie that I stay at Mama's house." I replied. " Had, Mama don't have to worry too much, I can take care of myself.. I'm already a big Ma, I can vary which is good and which is not. Mama believe me?"

Finally the food came. I've been feeling very hungry.

Mama seems to be thinking. "is that right?" I'm nodding. "Ah. but this makes Mama quite relieved.."

"why Ma?"

Whahuh? Did I not hear wrong? I've done so far to avoid that match. But why did it become like this?

Turns out you've got the wrong strategy, Clara..

Ish's..

"mama mean?"

"now that you've grown up, and maybe it's a good time for Mama to let you get married. Mama is sure, with your thoughts are quite mature, you will be able to be a good wife and mother. It really calms Mama down.."

I was quite confused by this situation. I have to answer what Mama is? Finally, I refocused on eating, as my stomach was really hungry.

"Clara.so how?"

"hm?" I raised both my eyebrows.

"about your matchmaking with aunt Riana's son.. Have you thought about it? It's not wrong, if you get to know him first?"

"that's.mmm, that's. I haven't minimized it Ma.. I don't think I'm ready yet.."

Mama gave me a picture, "if you just look at a photo, would you?" I immediately held it with my hand and pushed it without even glancing at the photo.

"for that, I'm not ready, either.. Sorry Clara ya Ma.. Clara just wants to focus on selling now."

I saw a very disappointed look on Mama's face. But I really don't want it right now.

Even in my mind at this moment crossed Keisya's face. What about the kid? Is she okay?

"if you are not ready. My mom is not that selfish. Mama wants you to be happy with this matchmaking and not make you feel forced. So, just do everything slowly, okay?"

Do these words of Mama seem to be forcing me subtly? I mean, Mama's gonna keep me engaged, sooner or later. Depends on my readiness.

Again, I could only nod in response to Mama's question, because I was too confused to answer with words.

"are you selling today?"

I nodded again. "yes Ma.."

Even though it's too late at 10:30, I still want to sell today.

"that's Mama Anter yes, Mama will come here with Pak Daud, Papa's new driver." invite Mama.

"no need Ma, thank you, but I've ordered an ojek online, and now again on the way.. Mama, be careful, Ma.."

"yes, you too.. Say the same brother ojek, don't speed!" mama said while peeping my forehead.

"yes Ma.."

Finally my mom left. But Mama's words haven't gone out of my mind. I'm so confused what to behave like? And I have to respond to it how?

My mom was amazing. His attitude and manner of speaking was indeed meek, but behind it kept a fairly firm statement, which made me unable to dwell.

Haish.. Mamma..