Chapter Seventeen

"Can't you be more early?" Faye sighed as she saw Andrei had arrived and was breathing hard. Lastly, I understand, especially since he looks like he just chose to run.

Because of his figure, it looks like the lab coat was suddenly removed, and he went straight from the hospital.

"Shut up, Fays. At least I have a gift for Jihan," he replied to Faye and then smiled at Jihan. "Jihan!"

He pulled out a small key from the pocket, so Faye and I immediately inhaled. Knowing how rich Andrei could be.

"My son is only nine years old! Are you really going to give him a car?" I shouted. I ignored the few others passing by.

"Yes indeed! It should be just the mother!"

Andrei immediately frowned and rolled his eyes, something that made us laugh even more.

"What's that, Tito?" We just heard Jihan asking, who looked very excited too.

"Do you still remember when Tito Andrei asked you what gift you wanted if you did great in your class?" Jihan nodded quickly. Andrei and I immediately adjusted, holding the key earlier and then opening the car compartment.

He simply looked at us as if teasing. This jerk. We thought the car was Jihan's gift, but it turned out that the gift was only in the compartment.

"Electric scooter! Wow!"

Because of Faye and I's full gossip, we immediately followed them and tried to see what the gift he was saying.

And you will really be amazed. He bought such a gift for Jihan?!

How much does that cost? Knowing Andrei, I know he does not like to buy things in the country. He prefers those who have always been from his country.

"It's so cool! Thank you so much, Tito Andrei." I already knew that Jihan was speechless. Yes, he is speechless in that situation, especially since my son is very talkative.

He did nothing but hug the doctor.

It was only then that I was able to imagine the previously quiet one with us. I can often turn to just Rod, not far from where Jihan and Andrei are now.

He stared at the child, but the expression in his eyes was very clear—sadness.

•••

"Tito, this is Papa. Papa, Tito Andrei. . . he is a doctor." I stopped at the sudden introduction of the child to the two. Fortunately, Andrei was able to smile at Rod and shake hands.

We decided to find something to eat first because Faye looked like a hungry lion again. However, no matter how much we wanted to exclude Rod, we did not do anything that Jihan wanted.

He wants to be with his father. Yes, I understand. If he missed him or what, when will we let Jihan know the real situation.

"I feel sorry for Jihan, Je. He doesn't know, and he doesn't know what is really going on, so he hopes. . . he hopes for nothing." Faye said directly.

I know that. I just don't really know how to start telling Jihan. He will definitely not understand. . . my child will definitely be hurt - that is the last thing I want for the child.

He doesn't deserve all these. He deserves to be happy. But what am I going to do? To make him believe everything is okay, even if they are just lies, or tell him the truth and let him be hurt?

I was no longer able to answer the friend's question. I just invited everyone to start eating.

And it was a disaster!

It was so awkward that we were still together at a table, but we had to act normal for Jihan.

We did our best! Especially Faye and me. It's hard every time we have to talk as if everything is okay even though the truth is that we are very angry.

There is only one that became my realization of what happened. There was only one thing in my brain that I had to do.

All pretense will not stop if I do not act. If I do not talk.

I will not have to wait long to prepare myself. What we want is to stop as soon as possible. If I prolong it, we and we alone will have a hard time. Jihan just gets hopeful.

There is a party at home, and we also can't just ignore what daddy prepared, so after the meal, I immediately talked to Andrei to drive Jihan and Faye home first.

I have to do it. I have to put it all together right now before daddy finds out and everything gets messy again.

It's good that Jihan didn't ask again before they finally got home. I know Faye will explain. All I have to think about now is the two of us talking about the man in front of me.

"What are we—"

"Quit acting like you're the good guy here. Let's talk. Let's find another place." I said with my forehead high while saying weak prayers that I might not remember the trembling of my hands now.

•••

In the small coffee shop, I thought of entering. The place is no longer important, and the important thing now is to talk. I just wish I wouldn't shout here because I can only embarrass myself more, and daddy might even know it.

"What are you doing, Rod?" my hasty introduction. I tried to direct it to what my purpose was.

I want this to be quick but clear.

"Jewel, I just want to get Jihan back–"

"That's bullshit!" What do I think I will be calm about in this conversation? For Pete's sake, it was my child that we were talking about!

"If you want to get Jihan back, you should not leave. You left us! You leave at times we need you most. Oh, not even me! Even just for Jihan. What are you doing?! Why, Rod?! What did we do to you so that you would treat us like garbage that was thrown somewhere?!" I clung tightly to the table in front of it as if I was drawing strength to move and speak.

"Why did you leave?" I quickly put my palms in my mouth. I can't cry here. I also can't cry, especially since I promised myself I would never cry again. "Why did you leave us – why did you leave Jihan?"

I forced myself to look at the man in front of me. It was obvious that he wanted to speak, but no voice came out of his mouth. Aside from the pallor on my face, I could clearly see the fear there.

"I can't–"

I knew it. Who is left who is still willing to explain? Or if he really has something to explain?

What, he just woke up one morning that he didn't want to be with us anymore, so he suddenly left?

"Fine. I will not ask for your explanation because what if now I know more, 'right? The important thing is what is happening now. . . do not show yourself to Jihan again," I said boldly. I also could not let go of staring into the eyes of its pure flesh.

Why is he afraid? Isn't he the winner here?

"You should be a little ashamed of my son. Never expect him to be able to because you have known yourself for a long time. And never tell me you have a right because since you left–"

I was immediately startled when it suddenly grabbed my right hand holding the table. At that moment, I wanted to struggle, but at the same time, my silence was a sudden weakness.

"I will not bother you anymore. You are right, and I should not expect Jihan to accept me. I am happy to see him, I just did what I wanted, but I'm sorry. You can make me do whatever you want if you want me away, I will go away. . . I will not disturb you, and I will not show up. But I have only one request. "

I want to make fun of him, and I want to make him laugh with the extra thickness of his face to ask for more. But I have not done even one of them.

I just heard him speak that long and seriously, so I can't help but go back to what happened then.

When he said, he was sorry for everything. Did he really regret it, so it left?

"Jewel. . . I will go away. I will not show up, and I will not make trouble. . . but please, never file an annulment. "