He's The Unaffordable
Chapter 159 - Proposal for Mama

*Colin*

Two days and three nights accompanied Dira preparing for the fashion show she participated in was really exhausting. I am glad to see him working again. Too bad, I'm a man. So, I can't get behind the stage and see what he says is exactly like war.

After learning Laras' secret at last week's training, Dira and I didn't discuss it anymore. It's none of our business, so we try to forget it. Baras is no longer a child who can not distinguish what is good and what is bad for him.

But I repeatedly almost missed seeing her behavior that did not stop reminding Dira that she fell during the audition. I know my limits while I'm in this place. I can see, but I can't interfere. Fortunately, Vikal was a quick-witted assistant. He defends Dira whenever his strength is needed.

“You're okay, baby?” ask me after he finishes training. Today is the last day. So, he already did not need to come to practice anymore. The show will be held next Saturday.

“Iya. Next Saturday is the last day I meet Laras at the same event. Hopefully we don't meet again on the same project. He really isn't a good friend. It is easy to be provoked by others.” Dira sighed softly.

“If you are tired, you should go home with Vikal only.” I helped carry her bag. He immediately shook his head.

“My face is not that late. I just achieved hearing Laras keep mocking me. We're already in the last day of training when he hasn't been able to work well with me?” Dira hugged me as we stopped next to my motorcycle.

“Honey, we can't stand here too long. Night is cold, you need to get home as soon as possible.” I put a jacket around her body. He frowned, because I kept his body away from me. “You can still hug me all the way home.”

“But you can't return my embrace,” he said sulking. I put a helmet on his head.

“Once this fashion show is over, we have plenty of time to cuddle up, baby. Tonight, your top priority is rest.” I got on my motorcycle first, then helped him. After putting on the helmet and feeling him hugging me from behind, I rode my motorcycle out of the parking lot.

I hugged him for a moment as soon as we arrived at his house. I waited until she got into the house, then went home to my family's apartment. Such a peaceful atmosphere was indeed very pleasant. We can focus on our future. Dira with his lectures and work, while I with thesis and preparation fulfill Hadi's invitation to work in his family's company.

But that peace has not yet spread to my house. Dad and Mama were still sitting far apart when I walked into our apartment. Lily was sitting on Dad's side, while Mama was on the sofa where Lily and I used to sit side by side.

“Hai, Son,” greet Mama standing from her seat. “Are you hungry? I'll make bread for you.” Mom walked into the kitchen.

“No, Ma. No need,” reject me quickly. My mother looked at me confused. “I'll take a shower, then go to bed soon. Tomorrow I'll meet the lecturer to submit my script repair.”

“You get to bed soon or want to quickly call Dira?” seduce Lily. I just laughed. He knew that his guess was correct, so I didn't need to confirm it.

I woke up in the morning when I heard the alarm on my phone. Although still sleepy, I forced myself to wake up and turn off the alarm. In less than thirty minutes, I had already bathed, dressed, and made sure my luggage was complete in the backpack.

As usual, Mama was already busy in the kitchen and the delicious aroma of cooking soon entered my smell. Dad was nowhere in the living room or kitchen. Maybe he was taking a bath in the bathroom in their room. Despite not sleeping in one room for a while, Dad can still access their bedroom fully, except when resting.

“Good morning, Colin. What are you drinking this morning?” mama asked as she approached the upper closet door where various sachets and beverage powders were located.

“Dairy coffee, Ma,” I replied while sitting on one of the chairs at the kitchen counter. “Sepagi this Mama has cooked a troublesome menu. Why not make it easy? I don't mind eating toast with peanut butter.”

“You and Lily will definitely get hungry fast. Please choose what you want to eat. I've prepared toast, eggs, bacon, sausages, and pancakes. You will meet the lecturer and Lily will follow the flag ceremony, so you need a lot of energy.” Mama put the plate with all the food on the counter, right in front of me.

Mama sat by my side and filled her plate as well. “How is your relationship with Dira? You guys okay?” ask Mama slowly.

“Iya. He can't wait to prepare for our wedding. Whereas Uncle and Aunt have said that they will take care of everything well.” I lifted both my shoulders. “Mama knows for herself how easy she worries.”

“We will not be able to provide time to help prepare everything, if you refuse the services of a wedding organizer. Dad had to lead the school and I was accompanying my perfectionist boss,” Mama reminded.

“No need, Ma. Let Uncle and Aunt take care of it. I want this marriage to go the way Dira expected it to. So, it is better if they prepare it,” I said. Mama nodded her head. “Then how is your relationship with Dad?” ask me who does not want to waste the topic opened by my own mother.

“You do know take advantage of the situation, yes.” Mama ruffled my hair. I laugh. “I learned that forgiving is not as easy as receiving everything back to how it was. What Dira feels for you, I can understand it now.”

“Dad will understand, Ma. Take as much time as you need. I'm sure Dad and Mama's relationship will be better after this incident. Because Dira and I also experienced it.” I grabbed Mama's shoulder. “If this can help, why don't you take Dad for another honeymoon?”

“You're.” Mama nudged my arm with a flushed face. “Pak Mahendra is busy until early next month. I'm not sure he'll give me a sudden leave.”

“Staying a night or two on the weekend will not interfere with Dad and Mama's work schedule. I could talk to Dad and propose that he pick up Mama from work, then stay at the hotel. I'll take care of Lily, Mama don't have to worry. I promise, we will only order food from the restaurant in the lobby,” I said making a suggestion.

Mama seemed to be thinking. “Wait. Isn't this Saturday a fashion show that Dira will follow? We want to attend too. Mr. Mahendra gave an invitation to the three of us. I'm sure Dira has invited you.”

“Mama and Dad can come to the location from the inn. If necessary, stay at the hotel where the event is held. Beres, ‘kan?” I said I didn't want to until the plan failed.

“Good.” Mom smiled. “If you manage to persuade Dad to do that, I agree.”

Persuading? Dad will jump for joy once I tell you this plan later. He longed for Mama and wanted to come back the way he used to. Hopefully this plan will work. I also miss seeing them get as friendly as before.

When Dad and Lily joined us for breakfast, Mama left us and walked towards her room. It's time for my mom to get ready for work. I used that opportunity to tell Dad about the outcome of our conversation. As I expected, Dad smiled happily knowing that Mama had already said yes.

My footsteps on campus felt very light. I hope my meeting with the lecturer goes well too. I waited for his arrival with other students who became his guidance student in the department office. My job today is to hand over chapter two of the thesis that I have fixed. When that chapter is finished being examined, then I will have a long discussion with him.

But I really hope there are not many more revisions to this chapter so that I can move on to the next chapter. The third chapter is the hardest, because it's the core of the research I'm working on. What will take a lot of time is when processing data later. Thankfully, I have plenty of time until the end of the year.

“OK. Meet me on Wednesday morning in this room. We will discuss your second chapter again,” said my guidance lecturer when receiving the chapter repair.

“Good, Sir. I'm sorry,” I said politely.

I got out immediately so the next student could meet him. I glanced at my watch. Dira must be resting after following two courses since this morning. Very precise timing. We could have lunch together.

“Colin!” call someone from beside me. I haven't been able to look back, she's been hugging my body tightly. “For once not seen you!”

“What the fuck is this?” I said trying to get out of his arms.