An Unwanted Match
THE JYTD 35

Galang stroked the stomach, resisting the hunger that had continued to torment since earlier. Apparently, having Yasa go out to buy food was not the best decision. That Jin Tomang definitely did not grant his wish right now. In fact, he had imagined the pleasure of special fried rice ati ampela ordered earlier. Her lips had dried and wetted repeatedly holding all that back.

"Based on rice fleas, jin abal-abal! She must be getting me now ... ck!"

Galang's mouth was already itching to nag, if only Yasa was in front of him now. He must have swallowed his tantrum. "Don't know what kind of people are?"

Error pressing the call button on the device to contact Yasa. However, it is connected to the operator's service. "It's my intention to get revenge with me." He threw his car to the side. It was enough for yesterday. And he will not begin this day with a vain feeling.

Thea has been soundly on the couch after being forced to sleep. Otherwise, Thea would definitely be awake until tomorrow morning.

"Assalamualaikum, Lang."

Someone came, his broad steps leading quickly to where Galang was. Panic almost filled every move of his body. That's Miss Rini, she came after she got some unpleasant news from Thea.

"Vaalaikumsalam. Mama?" Galang. He hasn't asked yet. Ms. Rini put the bag on the table and then hugged him for a moment.

"Are you okay? Are you seriously hurt, hmh-?

"Ahl. Ma ... sick."

Galang grimaced when Bu Rini's hand accidentally touched his shoulder. The wound hidden behind the clothes made the woman appear slightly trembling. Ms. Rini could guess, the wound was obtained from holding a bullet that would be directed at Thea by Wingky.

"What's this?"

"It's okay, Ma. Do not worry, God's insha will improve soon," said Galang trying to be calm in front of Bu Rini.

"You should never act stupid, Lang. Mama can't afford to lose you the same way your late father used to. You don't know how much your mom's worried right now. You are the most precious treasure in my life, how can you not worry."

Galang smiled faintly. He justifies the sitting position to be as comfortable as possible. "Ma. Can I ask you?"

"About what?"

"Who do you think I look more like? Dad or Mama? I ... forgot how Dad's face is and how he is."

Ms. Rini wiped the tears with tissue, she saw every line on her son's face. The eyebrows are thick and equipped with black-lensed eyes firmly. The shape of the nose is almost perfect with jet black straight hair. Makes Galang very similar to the late Puguh when young.

"You look a lot like your father."

"really?" tanya Galang who was immediately greeted by a nod of Bu Rini. "That means, Mama must have memorized the nature of Dad must have decreased to me."

"If you ask me not to do this 100 times. But I can't keep up with Mom's wishes. Now, I am both a husband and a father. It's my responsibility to protect my family despite the life at stake. If I can't protect my family, then I don't deserve to be in this world. Whatever it is, I'll never pull my own words."

Miss Rini smiled. Happy to hear his heart hear Galang say in such a way. He never thought Galang's thoughts would be exactly the same as his late father used to be. Because, Mr. Puguh always said. "The pride of a husband is to see his family happy." Therefore, when Pak Puguh died as a result of saving his son. He never regretted that one bit.

"Yes, you're right" said Ms. Rini as she rubbed Galang's hair. "Dad would be proud of you. So does Mama."

Galang smiled. A moment later he pressed down on his stomach which made an embarrassing sound at this serious moment. Really, he wanted to curse at his stomach that could not be taken seriously if hungry.

"Why? You hungry?" ask Miss Rini.

Galang scratched his back head with a thin grin. "Yes. I ordered food to a friend. But it looks like he's home."

"Astagfirullah. Why not tell your mom you're hungry? Luckily, my mom bought it on the road. You want?" Ms. Rini lifted one plastic bag off the table. It was placed beside Galang.

"That's what?"

"Same bread sweet tea. Mama has not brought any snacks or cooking, so mama thought this was enough to prop up the stomach until morning. But, if you want rice, you can ask Mang Saswi to buy more. Papa is outside too. Later Papa replacements come here," replied Miss Rini.

"Eh .. don't. That's enough, Ma. I can eat this."

Galang immediately opened the plastic bread that was brought by Bu Rini. Without much protest, he ate his bread so greedily because his hunger was unbearable.

***

It was the afternoon when the clock arrived. Everyone came to see Galang in the hospital. Ms. Rini also deliberately did not enter work just to accompany Thea and Galang there. Mr. Yahya is also still there, and will go to work after the big hours are over.

"You're home ...." Galang deliberately put on the clearest face he had ever shown Thea. His arms were coiled around his wife's waist. It did not matter if the woman was fretted by the sight of her in-laws sitting on the sofa.

"Ih. What the hell are you, Lang. Don't be a rich kid, dong. Shame to know, Mama and Papa are still here to know," said Thea. He tried to get Galang's arm off him.

"Belvin. Anyway I want to go home. I won't let you go until you comply with my request."

"Yes, I know. Egoist! But you've been horrified by yourself the doctor said what this morning. You can just go home later in the afternoon, so they can check your condition first," said Thea again.

Thea feels that Galang is now turning into a big baby figure who always wants to be obeyed. His attitude was strange and astonishing. Moreover, usually Thea who always nausea and vomiting. But, since morning, even Galang who vomited and whined wanted to go home. Not to mention his small desires make Thea's head feel tingled want to scold him.

"I'm fine, Thea. I know my body better than the doctor. Do you have the heart to see me this way, huh? I'm gonna sleep in my room. Ahhh .. You're so mean, Thea."

Thea chuckled amusedly at the pale face of Galang who looked up at her. His two eyes turned livid with pitiful pale lips. "I am the heart. Because I love you! If you want to go home, then stay here first. It's just till later in the afternoon, Lang." Thea pressed down on Galang's nose and slightly pushed him. Until the man's embrace is released.

"Ck. Try if mom's here. Mother must obey my will," said Galang ketus while leaning in his place.

Thea laughed again. "Damf. Yeah, had. Say there same Mother Goddess. I'm sure, Mom would support me. My mom and dad support me too. Wlee ...."

Galang. Thea was satisfied after feeling victorious from him. If only they knew, Galang really hated being in this place. Already from childhood he dealt with the hospital. And continue to bring it to bitter memory. Facing fear alone.

"Udah. Now you eat again. From the morning you vomit and not what laper? Here I got a delivery from Mama. There's the same vegetables pepes your favorite goldfish."

Thea opened a rantang and lined her container on the table. When inhaled the typical fragrance of fish pepes seasoning accompanied by a strong aroma of basil leaves, making Galang saliva mountainous. His stomach was getting coiled up, holding the hunger from the seductive pleasures.

"I'm going on a hunger strike!" Arms fold arms on the chest. He was a little sorry why even that sentence came out of his mouth.

"really? It's really good to know."

"Ck. Not mempan! I'll eat when we're home. Point."

Thea. She would love to curse with her words of mutiny now if she did not remember her husband being sick. He closed the chain again, but Galang waited for Thea to take the meal for him. That way, he might not refuse.

Before long, Prince and Aida came. The situation was getting crowded, making Galang slightly forget the pain in his body. Fruits had filled the table, yet all of them had almost vanished half eaten by Yasa.

"I'm sorry for what happened to you, Lang. I didn't think Wingky would have made it this far" the Prince said. He deliberately set aside a little time to visit his best friend after hearing from Thea in the group WA this morning.

"Yes. I thought he had changed. 6 Years have passed. But it turns out, he's even more so. I feel guilty for supporting him first" Aida continued.

Galang and Thea smiled faintly. I don't know what way they're gonna reveal this. When friendship is broken by blind love, and holy love must be tested by violent means. Now all that's left of them is the breakdown of the bonds of friendship they forged during High School.

Galang did not deny that at first Wingky was a good person. She became like this after her love for Thea was unrequited sweet. And they obviously cannot blame the love that pervades their hearts. Because they should have been quite prepared for the reality that could have been bitter by love itself.

Unfortunately, Wingky was too greedy. To think that everything in this world is a must for his will.

"Aishis. Is true! Anyway, you have to take care of Thea. Let it be later, if your child is born and is female. I can be fooled by Daniel."

"Eh, what the fuck. No match-making with both of your children! It was clear who would be the soul mate of Thea's child me! The catet! Y-A-S-A!"

Everyone looked at him with shocked looks. While the anger Galang already in the crown to the man, until he accidentally threw Yasa's face with a pillow quite hard.

"Heh, jin abal-abal! What is this vampire story? My son is big, you already smell the ground, woy! Ngaca, dong sebelom by the way!" maki Galang is pretty loud.

Thea did not want to lose, a small but painful pinch made Yasa grimace with her plea of forgiveness that was definitely not granted. "Again that way, your skin is off, nih!"

"Lo are both at cruel very same me. Sick tau!" Yasa stroked his arms, his eyes slightly watering due to the pain from Thea's pinching.

A warm and full of laughter filled the room. Before the big time is over, they fill it up by telling stories about the past that were never preached and must have been fun to share.

"Where are you going, Lang?" thea asked as Galang tried to get out of bed.

"To the bathroom." He forced his own body. He felt nauseous again after his hunger strike did not produce results. The sweat has been pouring behind the clothes, even though the AC of this room is still on.

The usual thing that happens when you have a heavy wound is, the pain will be felt a few hours later. And it happened. Galang's body feels sore, cold hot. I really want him to sleep well and comfortably. But this room has never been quiet. And he'll wash his face to dampen his drowsiness a little.

"Would you go to the bathroom by yourself?" ask Thea.

"Why? You want to accompany me in the bathroom? Can ...." Galang grinned meaningfully.

Thea's lips were blabbering indistinctly. Galang had been dirty-minded in this crowded place! Thea was a little troubled while helping Galang get out of bed. His small body was not quite able to withstand the weight of Galang which was indeed a little more contained now.

"Do you want me to help you?" tawar Yasa's.

"Relieve it!"

"Let papa help." Mr. Yahya approached. He swiftly helped Galang down from his place.

"Pa .. is not necessary. I can do it myself." Galang rejected Yahya's subtle offer. Not without reason, but the grin of Yasa, Prince and Aida plus Thea who seemed to be mocking him. "The son of Papa ...." The grapevine of the tattered sound reached Galang's ears. Making his blood tension seem to surge up suddenly.

Pak Yahya took off his grip after receiving Galang's refusal. "In a moment the police will come to question the three of you. I hope you can explain it as best you can so that this case can be finished soon."

He stopped hearing that story. Considering Mr. Yahya is a lawyer who will guarantee the case he faces.

"Yes, Son. Once this problem is over. Mama wants you and Thea to stay at mama's house, yeah. Mom doesn't want this to happen again. If you're at home, you won't be this worried" Ms Rini added.

Prak!

The sound of falling things spread their words. A parcel containing fruits rolled on the floor. Galang's eyes immediately centered on a figure of maroon-coloured dynamic woman who looked startled at the doorway.

"Mother?" The shock itself. The Goddess ma'am came faster than he expected. Moreover, he came when Miss Rini invited him back to the big house again. His mother must have misunderstood.

The Goddess ma'am sauntered away quickly. Bringing pain from what he saw just now. As he ran out of sense, he couldn't possibly let this misunderstanding continue for much longer.

"Astagfireullah! Don't do it, son." Miss Rini is worried.

A little blood flow came out from the back of Galang's hand as he forcibly plucked out his infusion needle. No matter what the repercussions would be, what was on his mind now was the Goddess Mother.

"Groof!"

"Don't, Rin. Let them both go." Mr. Yahya prevented his wife's move from following.

While Galang himself followed the run of Bu Dewi who was fast enough for his rigid steps. The woman cried, Galang did not stop forcing his weak body to face this situation.

"Mother!"

"Mrs .. wait!"

"Mr ...."

Galang called the Goddess repeatedly. But his mother did not look at him one bit. Or maybe he didn't hear her voice. Until Galang's steps slowed down when his mother disappeared far in front of him. He was self-conscious, his body was not too strong to run around.

"Basic weak!" He cussed at himself, one of his hands propped up against the wall so as not to drown. His breathing was stingy, the pain in his back shoulder felt directly piercing the bone. If only he could hold on a little while longer, it was possible that he could catch up with Lady Goddess.

Shortly after, Galang felt a gentle pull from someone who helped him stand firm again. Soothing fragrance inhaled in the nose. Although not face to face, Galang knows who came. He was led to sit in the waiting chair nearest them.

"Why do you always act so recklessly?"

"Because Mom's mad at me. How could I possibly allow that," Galang quickly replied. Staring at the eyes of the Goddess Mother who had been glazed over, wet on her cheeks wiped many times hiding that bit of sadness.

"Sorry, Mom. I didn't mean to lie to Mom. I'm just waiting for the right time-"

"Waiting for time so you can leave mom? Do you want to stay with them and forget about mom?"

"Bu .. not that." Galang grabbed both hands of the Goddess Mother. He did not deny the mistakes he had made for months. Her relationship with her mother has improved. "I was too afraid that Mom would get angry and leave me. And I know what I did was wrong for keeping this a secret. I'm sorry, Mom."

Madam Dewi was silent. Every breath is blocked by crying and thinking. If Galang already knew everything, why didn't he hate him for keeping them away for 6 years?

"Mom. I remember Mom used to say that I had to have more than one hope in order to survive. Fighting for what I was supposed to fight for, until I could finally make it all happen. I know, maybe this sounds greedy. Where I want Mom and Dad in my life. If you ask me to choose between you. What am I supposed to do? In fact, Mom and Mama are the most important part of my life" said Galang.

"I knew. There is no medicine that can heal wounds in the liver. And I can't understand Mom's feelings right now either. But as a child, am I wrong to want your complete affection? My mother was my mother, who took care of me from infancy, taught me to walk on my own feet, and even all the life lessons I planted would never forget. And Mama Rini, Mama was the one who took care of me from inside her womb. Loving me even before I was born into the world until I finally existed and met Mom."

Gorge tightened their handrails. Putting great hope in every word spoken from her lips, Miss Dewi was able to accept the small hope that was embedded for dozens of years.

"I beg you, Mother. Don't ask me to choose. For until this very moment, I am glad that God has sent two mothers to me. I can't resist that happiness even if I try my hardest."

"What if you don't choose, it makes you happy? How can you say that after mom separated you from your real mom? You should hate mom-"

Galang shook his head slowly. "No. I never hated Mom or anyone. For hatred will only inflict wounds, and I cannot take any advantage. I also have no other reason to hate anyone, because I am still alive to this very moment. And all my life, too, there will only be affection I remember from the people around me."

The Goddess finally collapsed. Galang could feel the gentle touch of the woman's warm palms in her hair. The pull on both corners of her lips signified that that speck of hope had come true.

"Mommy loves you very much. I'm grateful God gave you a son like you."

Galang smiled. The face of the Goddess Mother in her memory was always full of sweet memories. Memories of their past finally answer all those questions.

About what the child means. About the relentless struggle. Love is constantly tested. It is also about the heart that cannot lie. Maybe some people can read their face and hand lines to find out what they want to know.

But what they don't know is. Man cannot dive to the bottom of one's heart. Feelings that bring genuine love, will lead them to a place where love can meet. Between parent to child and vice versa, or man to woman.

Is that as complicated as love? There are many notions about love. And Galang has had enough to take lessons from the life he spent nearly 26 years living.