Giving Birth to My Brother
41. Understanding Elin

"You know. Elin was also a cooking pinter," said Sinta who did not want Ariel to know he was angry with Elin.

"Well, did you eat yourself, do I want a bribe?" ask Ariel.

"I eat alone, you have to check the work, Mas?" ask Sinta.

"Yes. Bentar. I haven't had this shower either." Ariel raised strawberry and pineapple jam. "What do you want me to taste, let me put it on his bread first."

"That strawberry, Mas." Sinta tried to taste the porridge made by Elin which taste turned out to be quite good. "You haven't had breakfast, have you?"

"Yet. It will be easy." Ariel still smeared jam on Sinta's toast. He glanced at Sinta who was eating porridge made by Elin.

"This hour you usually eat, Mas," said Sinta. "Eat first."

"Yes, just calm down. I'm not a laper." Ariel cupped the two loaves of bread she had smeared. "Well. You want to eat this now or later?"

"Now. Here's my porridge, I'll be full." Sinta shifted the bowl of porridge that still left a lot of it. He took Ariel's toast and went back to eating.

"Yes, it's me who finished breakfast," said Ariel while taking Sinta's bowl. "Tomorrow I work."

"OKAY. I'm healthy, though, Mom. I'm just careening a little."

"Ehm. Tomorrow afternoon, I'll take Elin to the doctor. It's time to control the content again," said Ariel. In front of him Sinta stopped chewing food. "Within 10 weeks."

"OKAY. You can anterin Elin. We should also know the condition of the baby." Sinta returned to eating with restlessness. If Ariel is going to go with Elin, it means they will be alone for a decent time.

"Ehm, that's why. It's been 2 months, right? Soon the baby will be enlarged, we will also know the gender. I ... have the feeling of a baby girl" Ariel said with a smile.

Sinta also smiled faintly. They had already lost their baby girl and if this time Elin were to have a baby girl, of course, she would be very happy.

"Hopefully, Mas. But the important thing is that the baby is healthy" said Sinta.

"Aamiinu. I'll report the results tomorrow."

Sinta nodded. "You're not going anywhere if you want to check the content?"

"No. Dr. Ridwan practices rather late Maghrib abis so that the queue may be a bit late coming home," said Ariel.

Sinta looked at Ariel unsettled, but she had no other choice. He also wanted to know how the baby grew. However, it would be strange if he also went to the obstetrician. He does not want Ariel and Elin's secret marriage to be uncovered.

"I turned this down first huh," Ariel said as she and Sinta had finished breakfast.

On the 1st floor, Ariel no longer finds Elin. Budhe Sarti had already come and was preparing to wash their clothes.

"After, Sir! You're not healthy yet, Mom?" ask Budhe Sarti.

"Ehm, it's very lucky that Bu Sinta has a husband of concern like Mr. Ariel," said Budhe Sarti in a cheerful tone.

Ariel just clenched her hand. He did not know if the words were meant to praise or condemn him. Because Budhe Sarti also knew, he had done a marriage with Elin.

***

"Where are you going, El?" ask Sinta to Elin who looks well dressed and brings a totebag.

"Ehm, today's schedule check, Ma'am," replied Elin awkwardly. Ever since his quarrel with Sinta, he felt that there was a wall separating between the two of them. Whereas before, he and Sinta were very close like brothers or best friends. However, since they both loved the same person, it felt like they could not get back close.

"It's not that you want to go with Mas Ariel," said Sinta. He glanced at the clock on the wall. "It's still afternoon, why are you leaving at this hour? You want to go for a walk with Mas Ariel?"

"No, Ma'am," replied Elin unwell. "I want to meet someone. So, I'm going alone. I'll chat Brother."

"You sure? You're not lying?" ask Sinta with a suspicious tone.

Elin shook her head. He did have an appointment with an editor of a book publisher. He entered the script two months ago and today he was contacted.

"So much sis is still working. It's not possible that I'm the same as the big brother on the street" said Elin. "I went to the doctor myself, let Brother go straight home when he finished work. Just calm down."

Elin did not speak anymore because she did not want to fight with Sinta. Moreover, Budhe Sarti is still in this house. He also did not want his mood to deteriorate even though he wanted to come to a meeting that was quite important for him. He may have lost his dream as a film writer, but he may still be able to publish his book.

Sinta took a deep breath as soon as she saw Elin's departure. He didn't know why he could hate that much with Elin now. Weakly, he walked towards the sofa and sat there. Sinta straightened her hair. Has he gone too far with Elin? Is it wrong if he is angry?

"Bu Sinta why?" ask Budhe Sarti.

"No papa, Budhe. I just kind of thought of something" replied Sinta. He looked at Budhe Sarti and said, "Budhe, if you're done going home, don't you."

"Yes, I want to finish the kitchen first, Mom," Budhe Sarti said.

Sinta looked back. Because of his jealousy, he had already behaved unpleasantly to Elin.

'Elin has loved Ariel for a long time. She knows her love is forbidden, but until now she still wants to be close to Mas Ariel, Sinta's inner self. 'He must have been very hurt all this time because of his love clapping one hand. She was even willing to get pregnant for Mas Ariel and me.'

Sinta shook her head hard. He was too afraid to understand Elin's feelings. Keeping feelings for years is painful. He was often jealous of the closeness of Elin and Ariel after the marriage. Does Elin also often feel jealous of him?

Sinta stuck her back on the back of the sofa. If Elin likes Ariel, it might not be a big deal. He can understand it someday. Elin promised to leave after the baby was born.

However, Sinta is also afraid that if Ariel will fall in love with Elin, she is afraid of being abandoned. What if Ariel would choose Elin who could produce offspring for her?

Sinta cupped her face with her palm. He can't allow that. He will not be willing if Ariel falls in love with Elin. Just imagine, it has made Sinta crowded.

"No, I can't" he murmured. "I have to make sure Mas Ariel doesn't love Elin."