An Unwanted Match
JYTD 28TH

Thea woke up early this morning, the clock on the wall was still heading at 04:30, Azan Fajr had been reverberating about five minutes ago.

"Groof?" Thea mutters. The man seemed to still sleep on the sofa without being disturbed by the alarm that continued to echo in his car.

Thea walked over, looked at him deeply with a once cheerful face and often made her blood tension rise. Not much has changed in physical form. Except ....

"Hm. Is my good looks so alluring? Until you don't blink when you look at me" Galang said suddenly as Thea's fingers touched her nose.

"Who do you mean? Don't geer, deh!" Thea was wrong. He took a pillow that he immediately threw into Galang's face with annoyance.

The man slightly yawned, writhing small as if he didn't care about Thea's anger at him.

"Ck! Because of you I became the misfortune of Fajr prayer."

Thea sculpts. Now the man cursed indistinctly while walking towards the bathroom. "Aish! Why is his attitude getting worse, anyway? As if he were asking me, that's it!"

Thea moved off the floor. He grumbled because he felt neglected. In fact, it was very curious that Thea got the attention of Galang after six years they did not meet. However, it seems that Galang still wants revenge on him.

After showering and changing clothes. Thea followed Galang's steps downstairs for congregational prayers. I don't know why he was so happy. Because they haven't done that in a long time.

The gap remains the same. Never leave the five daily prayers.

***

Thea threw a glance around. He who was sitting on a chair was a little amazed by the sight before his eyes.

This house is very clean and clean. It's not too fancy, but it's more than just big for him. Thea who is now the boss of the accessories artisan center does not have a house this big. Even the new house in the city of Makassar was just paid off two years ago.

"Eat ...."

Thea was still speechless as a bowl of porridge lay on her desk.

"No porridge. I'm not a baby!" Thea pushed back her bowl in front of Galang. He preferred to pull a plate of fried rice that would be the man's morning meal.

"It's not suitable for sick people" Galang said. Pulling the food back from Thea. But it seems that the woman still wants fried rice.

"I've never liked porridge, you know."

"Ck."

Thea smiled triumphantly seeing the man finally resigned with his own bowl of porridge.

"Oh, yeah. If I may know. Whose house is this? Then, are you still the same Bi Esti?" ask Thea. He was quite curious about Galang's life for the past six years. Seeing Galang's great change, something must have happened to him.

"It's none of your business."

"Galong. I'm just asking. Besides, it should be my business too, right. Given our status as husband and wife," Thea said with emphasis.

The man seemed to be casually devouring his breakfast. Makes Thea can't guess what Galang's mind is.

"It seems, there are some things that make you misinterpret me" said Galang.

Thea frowned. "What?"

"First, my name is not Galang. Yesterday, I didn't protest that you called me by that name because I wanted to know why. The man named Prince called me that when we met. I don't even know who he is. But now, do we need acquaintances, so you know what the name of the owner of this house is, Miss?"

"Don't joke. That's not funny. Your name is Galang, what else if not-"

"second. I don't like to talk while eating."

"Groof!"

"Shh."

Thea quits her act of interrogating Galang. He was upset, even though his curiosity level was already at the highest level about the man.

"How can he say his name is not Galang?" Thea sat there while continuing to eat her food.

"Assalamu'alaikum!"

"Waalaikum salam." Thea looked back as she heard a voice crossing her sense of hearing. He memorized that voice. It sounds exactly like her birth mother, Lestat.

"Bi Esti ...."

Thea was fixated for a while, including the middle-aged woman who was not far from where she was. It's not wrong, it's Bi Esti. Only her appearance is different. If in the past Bi Esti clothes were always simple, now it looks more covered with a gamis attached to his body.

"Auntie?"

"Juno .. dia--"

"He was an uninvited guest. Why did mom come here? Not that I told you I'd be home by noon."

Thea increasingly did not understand, why Bi Esti called Galang's name Juno. Or even now the man may have already formalized their status. The name of the mother that Galang had expected earlier, had become a reality.

"Mother is just worried" said Miss Dewi. "When has this woman been here, son? Why aren't you being honest about her whereabouts?"

"I can explain that, Mom."

"No. Didn't I tell you, I don't like it when you meet this woman-"

The words made Thea's tears suddenly run out. He was well aware of his mistake first to Galang, they both hated him. That's for sure.

"I'm sorry, Bi. I realize that what I did was wrong." Thea tried to grab the hand of the Goddess Mother. However, it didn't work because the woman avoided it a little.

"I'm sorry? After what you did to my son?"

"Mr .. please. Don't be mad." He tried to calm his mother. He was heartless and wrong, seeing two women crying in front of him.

"How can you not be angry?! This woman is one of the causes of your suffering! Where was he when you were sick and down?" Miss Goddess sobbing.

Thea then grabbed the woman's leg to hug her. He really doesn't care about his pride anymore. If he has to bend his knees until tomorrow, he will. They both forgive him.

"Auntie. Please, I realize the stupidity I made first. I'm mistaken. And the mistake was so great, even every night I kept being haunted by nightmares because of my own mistakes .. hiks." Thea hugged tightly the legs of the Goddess Mother. The woman fell silent. "All this time, I've been looking for you two on my own escape. I was really forced to do that, because Wingky kept threatening to kill Galang. I really didn't mean to leave Galang in his old state. I beg ... I'm sorry, Bi. I have no one else but you in this world."

Madam Goddess who had been holding back anger had started to slowly melt down. Seeing her son's gaze on Thea. He knows Galang still loves women who bend their knees in both legs. After all his efforts kept Galang away from those who made his heart suffer. It all feels a little pointless. Because he cannot also blame the fate that brought Galang and Thea back together.

"Stand, son." The Goddess ma'am grabbed Thea's body underneath. There was a deep sadness from Thea's eyes behind sobs.

"I'm sorry .. sorry." Thea was out of words again. He felt, all the sentences that would be thrown from his mouth locked watching the two people in front of him speechless.

"I'm sorry for all my stupidity, Lang. Or if you're not satisfied, you can take it out now. I'll take the punishment if you want me to, '" Thea said. He grabbed Galang's palm and placed it right on his cheek. He resigned if he had to get a penalty of any weight. For she had left her husband at the most fragile moment.

Thea waited for a while before the palm finally grabbed her nape back and pulled the body into a warm embrace. Well ... warmth that has long been lost. Now he felt again how comfortable it is to be in the arms of Galang.

"Don't say much anymore, you idiot. How can I be angry if you're like this, hmh?"

Thea tightened her embrace. That sobs changed into full happiness. Now he got an answer even though the man did not say later.

The Goddess Mother could only watch with that sight. Two people who have been separated for years. Now they meet again and seem ready to take on a new life. Although the bitterness may come back, but Miss Dewi can not deny that the greatest happiness in Galang is with Thea.

***

Thea was sitting right beside Bu Dewi when the middle-aged woman told in detail the journey of her life with Galang after leaving the house of Mr. Yahya.

A sudden decision was forced to be taken by Bu Dewi when Galang received inappropriate treatment by his own biological mother. It was taking Galang back as a child and taking him away.

"Since our departure from that house. Still trying to find you. She couldn't believe that you left her just because of another man. He strongly believes that it is just someone's scheming to separate the two of you," explained Miss Dewi to Thea who continued to listen.

"But, on the other hand, the mother realized that Galang had reached the limit of his ability as an ordinary human being. After his quarrel with the woman, Galang daydreamed more. He suffered so much, and I felt like a fool who didn't know what to do." The Goddess Mother occasionally wiped her tears as she recalled the incident in mind.

"When Galang was admitted to the hospital and his condition was declared to be getting worse. I made that decision ...."

"When Galang woke up after the operation. He does not remember his mother or anyone else at all" said Miss Dewi. "On that basis. Mother chose to use the state of Galang to erase all memory about her mass. Because I thought that memory would only bring back the wound again."

______________________________________

Six years ago.

"Juno ... What's wrong? Why are you daydreaming here, son?" asked Bu Dewi when he saw Galang pensive in the front seat of their new house.

The young man looked over at the name that had been pinned on him. Juno Aswanda, it was a name given by her late husband to their son.

After Galang's memory was erased. Madam Dewi thinks that this is a good opportunity to start a new life. However, it does not seem to be going well. Because he saw Galang still daydreaming every day.

"Mother, is there anything you haven't told me? I don't know why, I feel like something is missing. And it means a lot, but I don't know what it is."

The Goddess was silent. Heard this from the mouth of Galang. He was confused what to say.

"Every day. The shadow of a beautiful woman with a beautiful smile continues to be present in my dreams. But that smile made my heart hurt. And stupidly, in that dream I kept chasing him. I feel like this feeling is incomplete without her. Do you know who she is? Or, did I have a boyfriend? Say, Mum. Because this feeling is very torturous," said Galang again while slightly squeezing the chest.

"It's just a sleeping flower. It's not real, Juno. Accept your situation now, there is still a mother who loves you. Right now, you can get everything you expect. Go to college, work or whatever you want to do. I'll be there for you, baby."

The Goddess rubbed Galang's hair. The puda's thin smile wailed out for a moment with a soft nod. There is disappointment there. However, he was sure Galang was able to get through it all without fearing the crafty people intruding on his life again.

________________________________

One year later, Miss Dewi remarried a convert from France. Therefore, she decided to come with her husband and brought Galang there after changing all Galang's identity.

Miss Dewi no longer intends to bring Galang with Bu Rini. Because the woman herself wants it.

But somehow it came from. He found Galang who had remembered Thea. It was evident since he found a piece of Galang and Thea's wedding photo in his wallet.

The Goddess felt. If true his efforts failed about Thea, because the love in Galang's heart is difficult to be erased even though time and distance separate them.

"I'm sorry that I was selfish towards you. It was all because my mother loved Galang too much and did not want him to get hurt again.12 years is not a short time. And all that time he suffered in his own mother's house."

"Mother don't apologize. I understand why you did that, and I'm determined that you start right now. I won't leave Galang again under any circumstances. I-I love the same Galang," said Thea while reaching for the hand of Miss Dewi in order to calm her down a little.

"Certainly that?"

A sudden voice came from behind them. It turned out to be Galang. He stood behind the sofa occupied by Thea and Bu Dewi with a squeak on his forehead.

The body of the Goddess Mother stiffened. He was afraid that Galang heard all his talk with Thea just now. Because until this moment, he has not spoken honestly about his mass. Especially if until Galang knows that he deliberately held back Galang's memory. His son would be furious.

"Youtdoor? Since when were you there?" ask the Goddess.

"Say it again. If you love me," said Galang, who stared intently at Thea, the woman seemed nervous.

While the Goddess was relieved. It seems Galang did not fully hear their conversation.

"Enh ...."

"Come on. Didn't you say we're husband and wife? So, there is no way that there is no love between us."

Thea's lips pursed. "Ih! Really forced! If you are afraid why do you have to repeat it? I'm video, there's a re-broadcast!"

Thea snapped a little. Really, he was embarrassed to admit it. Because they were married long ago. Just this time he expressed his feelings out loud.

The man smiled as he put on a leather jacket. "Hhh. It seems our relationship was not very good. Because my ears hurt hearing that."

"Yes. Our relationship was never good. That's because you're snoring. Not before, not now. You're still mengeselin," said Thea.

Madam Dewi just shook her head slowly watching their quarrel. Just one day we met. "Where are you going?"

"I'm going to the restaurant, Mom. Today, I'm going to inaugurate a new menu there." Galang kissed the back of the hand of the Goddess Ma's.

The woman nodded in understanding. He knew Galang was a little busy with the French restaurant he managed. Because since joining him, Galang always followed him cooking in the kitchen. All food menus were tried, including menus from the home country of his adoptive father. With that skill, he also worked in one of the French restaurants for several years.

I don't know since when Galang likes to cook. But, it does seem that he is proficient in that field.

"Follow!" Thea suddenly opened her voice.

"No-"

"I want to come! Wait a minute, I'll change my clothes first." Without Galang's approval. Thea quickly ran small towards the second floor.

"Mom! Does he always do that?!"

Stumbling rough body on the sofa. While Miss Dewi just laughed a little watching her son's annoyance.

***

Thea clung tightly to the seat belt that coiled around her body. He was a little nervous, it had been five minutes since he and Galang got in the car and started driving on the streets of the capital Jakarta. However, not a single word came from the lips of the two of them.

Really, it is very annoying if Thea has to admit that she feels like she lost the figure of Galang first who is always flat and talk flat.

"Stupid. Why do I even think that, anyway?" Thea nodded while patting her own forehead. He should be happy, for the man will not disturb his composure any more.

"Why? Is something bothering you?" ask Galang.

"G .. eumh. Nothing" answered Thea. He was confused as to what he wanted to say. "It's still far, huh?"

"Lumayan. Wh why? If you want to go home, I can drop you here."

Galang's answer made Thea's eyes glare sharply. "I think I'm going home like that. Wh why? Afraid that you won't be able to get a girl there because there's me?"

Thea folded her arms around her chest, she was annoyed. Galang's question seemed so uncomfortable he tailed up at the restaurant. The man smiled slanted.

"Yes ..right. I'm afraid you're jealous. Because my employees are mostly beautiful women. And most of them aren't married."

"What?" Thea frowned.

"And they know that I'm an unmarried single man."

"Galm! So, all this time you've been saying I have a wife?! Wh why? Didn't he say you wanted me?" ask Thea bertubi. He was suddenly annoyed by this statement. All the bad thoughts slipped into his head. Don't you think the guy already has a girlfriend? Or, remarry?

Thea bit her lower lip and left a sore there. He was worried that the thought would come true.

"I never admit that. But they themselves think I am. Besides, even though I remember your face, I don't fully remember how we were together."

Thea was fixated on returning Galang's momentary gaze to her.

"The first time I saw you. I thought you were a cruel woman who could leave me blind. Because basically, a blind person can figure out a situation by fingering themselves."

"Galange .. I don't mean that ...."

"But I'm grateful we can still meet. At least I can prove you're real. And my feelings are real for you."

Galang stopped his car, leaving his gaze fixed on the owner of the beautiful tanned eyes that had for a long time been forcibly infiltrated in every memory of him.

Thea bergenit. Her tears suddenly fell uninvited. "Thank you."

"Make what?"

"Because it has survived so far. I'm grateful you're alive ...."

Thea could no longer deny her feelings. He repeatedly cursed the man, but in fact the real happiness he felt was greater. His body warmed up as Galang hugged him again. And Thea wasn't quite able to resist her husband's current warmth.

"Never do that stupidity again. Promise me never to leave me ...."

Thea nodded quickly hearing Galang's whisper beside her ear. "Yes .. I promise."