He's The Unaffordable
Chapter 142 - Too Heavy

“Ma, don't do this,” please Lily who is walking closer to Mama.

“I'm sorry, baby. It's too heavy for me,” Mama said as she took a step back, away from my sister's reach. Not only Lily, I can't believe Mama's reaction either. “A-I'll call you later.” Without looking at us, Mama approached Grandpa's car.

“Mama!” it was Lily who tried to chase after Mama, but Dad immediately hugged her. “Dad, Mom ...”

“Iya, darling. I-i understand. Let Mama calm herself for a while, yes,” persuaded Dad while rubbing my sister's hair. Grandpa's car is moving away.

“Dad, we have to get in the car now,” I said I took her before the other car honked their horns. Dad nodded, then walked after me.

Our journey home was very quiet. Only Lily's occasional snuffling sounded. I didn't expect that mom would take this extreme step. He must have held back since seeing Dad spend the night with Aunt Chelsea. I can't blame him for making this decision. Although I also cannot deny that his decision was very selfish.

We are always taught to solve problems by talking, not by being quiet and moving away. Mama always advised me and Lily who were fighting not to hold on to anger for too long. Because we are siblings. Then why as husband and wife, they can be angry for a long time, even to get away from home?

Dad would not be able to cook anything with his circumstances, so I stopped by a fast food restaurant and ordered each of our favorite meals. Dad was still quiet and Lily was crying, so I didn't talk to them either.

The apartment felt lonely without the presence of Mama who was always agile to serve food, prepare a night snack, and tell us about her day. Hopefully this situation is only temporary. I really hope that Grandpa and Grandma will be wise and not suggest anything bad to Mama. My parents have to make up.

Lily refused to eat dinner, but I forced her. Both of our parents need us, and we need to keep ourselves healthy. They need to focus on improving their relationship, not even watching us suddenly fall ill.

We were just about to start eating when the apartment bell rang. I rushed towards the door and looked at the monitor screen. Uncle Hendra's. I immediately opened the door and let him in who turned out to be coming with his wife.

“Are we interrupting?” ask Aunt Zahara. I immediately shook my head. “Sorry, we came without telling you in advance.”

“It's okay, Aunt. Please sit.” I pointed to the sofa in front of the television.

“Hai, Hendra, Zahara,” greet Dad standing from his seat.

“Hopefully you guys haven't had dinner yet, we brought food for all of us.” Uncle Hendra raised the pouch he was carrying.

“We're just about to eat, Uncle.” I stretched out my hand to receive the bag.

“Let me just. You guys sit down, I'll serve you this meal.” Aunt Zahara took the bag out of her husband's hand, and walked into the kitchen. Lily helped.

Uncle Hendra's approaching Dad. “I'm sorry about what happened to you, Will.” He patted Dad on the shoulder. “Does your meeting with Huber go smoothly?”

“Iya. Thank you for your help. They agree with all the terms we have put forward. Zach will contact us once they transfer his money.” Dad and Uncle sat down, so I sat down with them. “You're right. Gista will definitely give up and leave home.”

“He will also return home after thinking calmly about your mistakes and your marriage. We all know you didn't do it on purpose. Chelsea set you up. I'm sure that Gista also thinks so.” Om Hendra comforts Dad.

“Every wife would occasionally want to distance her husband to be able to think calmly, Will.” Aunt Zahara put a plate in front of Uncle and me. “Moreover the problems you are facing are very complicated.” Lily placed the plate in front of Dad and Aunt Zahara, then returned to the kitchen to take her share.

“Thank you for talking to him, Zahara,” Dad said slowly.

“Don't thank me. I only talk as a friend. I was the one who betrayed our marriage, so I can't talk much about your problems.” Aunt Zahara turned towards Uncle who touched her hand. “Give him time. Gista will definitely be back. We know what you are feeling, therefore we came here.”

“Mama won't leave Dad, ‘kan, Aunt?” ask Lily worried.

“No, dear. Your mother loved your father very much. She will not leave him,” Aunt Zahara replied calming not only Lily, but also me and Dad.

Uncle shifted the subject by discussing what we would do in the last week of our school and college holidays. That way, we can eat our food freely. I was so full because I ate two portions of food. The one I bought and the one Uncle Hendra brought.

They left after dinner, and refused our offer to have ice cream as a dessert. We ate three of them. We don't want to bother like Mama who splits ice on three bowls. We used each spoon and spent a box of ice cream together.

“If Mama finds out, she will be very angry and call us slovenly.” Lily laughed a little.

“Your mama is not fun. Too many rules. This can't, it can't. More fun with me, ‘kan? You can do anything you want, as long as it does not violate ethics.” Dad blinked one eye.

“Because I know I will definitely lose the debate. You've seen for yourself that I can never win an argument with him.” Dad chuckled slowly.

“Listen, tuh, Colin. Do not argue with Dira if you know that you must lose.” Lily laughs. My phone shook before I responded.

“Mama,” I said so read his name on the screen. Because it was a video call, I sat down between Lily and Dad so Mama could see us all. “Hai, Ma.”

“Hai.” The smile on Mama's face disappeared as soon as she saw Lily and Dad. “Oh. You are not alone.”

“Of course not, Ma. We just finished one box of ice cream,” I said. Lily lifted the box so Mama could see it.

“Yes, geez! You guys ate it straight out of the box? Why not split it into a bowl? You guys are so slovenly. If Colin was coughing, everyone would cough. Who will be difficult later? Me,” protest Mama loudly. We laughed when we heard it. Right, ‘kan, our guess.

“Ma, why am I always used as an example of carrying disease?” I did not lose the protest.

“Because you caused me to have to enforce that rule. You shared ice cream with Lily when you had a fever, and she got the flu,” Mama said. “I can't sleep for one week, because take care of you two.”

“Ma, it's been a long time. I don't even know what it hurts. Lily and I are now grown. Just look at it later. We won't be sick,” I said in self-defense.

Mama shook her head. “Have you guys had dinner?”

“Already. Brother bought three big burger packs complete with potatoes and soda,” Lily said before Dad and I had a chance to stop her. “Uups.” Lily covered her mouth with her hand.

“Today is not a weekend, why are you guys eating fast food? Have you forgotten anytime you can eat such food?” protest Mama again.

“Dad won't cook. How else can we eat?” I said defend myself.

“Usaha good, Colin. We both know there is a restaurant on the ground floor that provides a home-cooked food menu. Don't look for excuses anymore,” Mama reminded.

“What does that mean tomorrow we can eat fast food again, Colin?” ask Lily meaningfully.

“It depends on Dad. Will she cook or have another day off tomorrow.” We turned towards him. He looked at me sharply. “Mama is not home, so it is Dad's responsibility to cook. Lily and I have never touched the kitchen.”

“I told your mama you should learn to live independently. How can you take care of yourself after marriage? Especially you, Colin, you're getting married early next year. Cooking time alone you do not want to learn,” said Dad defended himself.

“Why am I to blame? You have always agreed with the way I raised them,” protested Mama.

“I just said my opinion and did not blame you at all,” Dad said.

“Oh, yes? You said that. They are not independent, because I.”

“Indeed the reality is so.”

“If your method is better than mine, then why are you guys buying fast food tonight and not cooking your own food?” ask Mama to challenge Dad.

“Because we arrived home late and I didn't have time to cook. Children can starve.”

“Shortly, Dad. I bought food on my own initiative. Dad didn't say how to cook or. Well, Mama listen, ‘kan? I can be independent. Even I paid for our food money earlier,” I said proudly. Dad and Lily simultaneously tickled my waist.

Suddenly my mother was crying. “Ma? Dear?” say the three of us simultaneously.

“Ma-forgive me. I shouldn't have left. I didn't stop thinking about you when I got to this house. Have you guys reached home, have you guys eaten, I think this will help me to think calmly,” Mama said sobbing.

“What can we do for Mama?” askaku. Mama shook her head, unable to speak from crying. “We're coming now to pick up Mama. I don't care though Mama will kick us out.”