My Mom Wants to Mate
9. Don't Make a Promise

***

"Ma, Koreng asked for ART."

"Well, if it's okay, why suddenly ask for ART? What do you think he is, Ken?"

"She said she's kind of in a fuss with Tora."

Mama Puri took that answer for granted. While Kendrik has not been fully satisfied with his brother's answer.

***

Ren's Writer's Office

Some days Karen and Tora haven't called each other. Karen felt something was missing.

"She, do you think that if your girlfriend made a mistake, sorry? Or broken up?"

"I'm sorry. Look, boss, we ordinary people must have made a mistake. If every wrong keeps breaking up, when will it stop? Cook want to keep changing?"

"You're a real expert, Nda. It's not wrong for me to choose you to be my right hand," said Karen who was enlightened with her subordinate's opinion.

"That means ... raise the salary?" Inda Sumringah hopes there are additional coffers of money.

Karen immediately scowled. "Huh, wait for the time to be there alone if you want to raise a salary!"

"Hish, Kirain Boss Karen wants to raise a salary."

"The salary can not be raised, which can be a motorbike, car, bus, pedicab ...."

Inda is now the one pouting.

I'm really worried about his salary, boss. Uh, apparently not. Disappointed spectators. (Industry).

What was yesterday called a mistake? But he didn't call me to apologize. (Karen).

Karen weighed in to forget the events with Tora back then. Finally, feelings defeat logic. He contacted Tora first through Chatsapp.

📱Karen: Tora ...

📱Tora: Yes, Ren?

📱Karen: Busy what?

📱Tora: Not busy with anything, just the preparation of the same judiciary graduation.

📱Karen: Oh ...

📱Tora: Want to meet?

📱Karen: Can ...

📱Tora: Later in the afternoon I will go to your house.

📱Karen: Okay.

Karen's feelings are jumbled between joy and fear. She's fidgeting. He called Kendrik.

📞"Halo ... why, Koreng?"

📞"Ehm ...."

📞"Son Ren, what's up?"

📞"Nothing, Ken. Kangen. Yes yes, tomorrow Sunday I'm home."

~

In the afternoon Tora keeps her promise to visit Karen's house. He was amazed because in front of the house Karen had mounted gazebo. Before long, the homeowner came out and let Tora sit in the gazebo.

"I wasn't told to come in?"

"House is a mess. It's just here!"

They talk stale. But no word of apology came out of Tora's mouth. "Ren, I'm hitchhiking to the toilet for a second, dong!"

Karen's heart rippled, for some reason. "Ehm, yes, just go in! I'm waiting here."

Tora went inside the house and used the toilet. Long time he did not appear, 30 minutes to 1 hour Karen waited, no sign of the man out of the house.

With so forced Karen entered and found the man who would never do insolent was watching television. Karen stood by the door and kept it open.

"Tora, why don't you come out?"

But I will enter your room just enter, nothing. As for you, yesterday your hands have started to get out of control. (Karen).

"We're out, Tor!" Karen insists on asking Tora out.

Tora approached Karen and then closed and locked the door.

"Don't lock it!"

Suddenly the 23-year-old man squeezed Karen's body into the wall, his hands clutching Karen's hand. "Today I'm sorry you, Ren. Now there is no mercy!" Tora starts kissing Karen with force.

"Hmmmppp .. stop! Just stop! Tora!"

Tora paused for a moment. "Why? You said we liked each other yesterday, right? We're getting married, right?"

Tora continued her action. Karen kept trying to fight back. Before long, there was a sound of the motor stopping and pounding the door of the house.

"Sister Ren! Brother Ren! Openup! Open door!" Kendrik's voice shouted from outside.

Tora stopped and smothered Karen's mouth with her hands. "Shhhh ...." He gave the code for Karen to be calm and quiet.

After Karen nodded, the man freed the clot and its grip, then opened the door. Kendrik and Tora looked at each other sharply. The three of them did not speak at all.

Kendrik went into the house. "I want to talk to my brother, it's important! Family matter. Can you ask us to stay?"

Tora nodded and left.

Kendrik looked at his sister who was currently panicked-faced. "What were you guys again? Why is Brother's hair tangled? Why is the door locked?"

For a moment Kendrik thought Karen was doing something non-voluntary. If so, she would scold her brother all-out. Forced or voluntary, both must be completely prevented.

Karen couldn't hold back tears. Break that cry too. She wanted to tell a story, but was hesitant and ashamed of her own sister. Kendrik asked Karen to sit on the couch. She patted Karen on the shoulder, calming her brother who was crying out in fear.

By looking at some details of his brother's circumstances and response when asked, Kendrik seemed to know what happened. Moreover, Karen cried, meaning she was not happy with Tora's treatment.

Basic baj*ngan, dare to be rude to my brother. (Cendric).

After Karen calmed down, Kendrik spoke straightforwardly. "Sister, as long as you don't have ART yet, you stay with me and Mama! I am the head of the family, you must obey my words! After this, pack your clothes!"

Karen nodded. Usually he will be angry if arranged, but this time he was grateful and felt safe with his sister and mother. "Ehm, Ken, don't tell Mama! I'm afraid Mama's worried and I don't want to live in my own house."

Kendrik. "Later, if you're ready, tell me everything, brother. Don't be abandoned."

"Keep what?"

"Well, what are you worried about? Worried that I'd beat up your girlfriend?"

Karen nodded.

"You're still worried about him?!"

"Not worried about him, but worried about you, Ken. I'm afraid that you're arrested for playing violent."

"Sister, the one to worry about is you. Your safety and security is more important. But relax, I'm still sane. In the meantime, I'm not barbaric."

Kendrik soon helps Karen pack up to move while into the house.

Oh my God, thank you for still saving me. (Karen).

Karen was silent on the way. He was busy thinking about what reason he was going to tell his mother.

Arriving home, Mama Puri was waiting.

"I used to stay here, Ma! If no one has helped me, I am overwhelmed taking care of my own home. I don't dare to be home either."

"Yes, you can stay here as long as you want. Your house too."

~

At night when Mama Puri was asleep, Karen came to Kendrik who was watching television.

"Ken, thank you for coming on time."

"My feeling wasn't good from noon, brother."

It's time for Karen to clarify the incident this afternoon. He knew his sister was thinking negatively about him. "That afternoon was not what I wanted, Ken. I never agreed to such a relationship."

Kendrik. "I know. I'm glad you still have principles. So, did he already ...?"

To be continued...

Jogja, April 9th 2021

***