My Own Life
Episode 21

As per the agreement, at exactly 19:00 pm Irene arrived at Square Restaurant to meet with Ricky's family. Apparently, Ricky's family had already arrived at the location. Irene also approached them, not forgetting the friendly smile she also appeared right. Not to attract attention, but only for formality.

"I'm sorry, I think I'm late" Irene said as she arrived before Ricky's family. "Of course not. We just got here a few minutes ago" said Lucinda, Ricky's mother. "Once again sorry, aunt, Ricky. It's made you wait. There were some jobs that just couldn't be left in the office." said Irene slightly bowed, a sign of respect.

"No peeling until it's like that. We understand that. After all, Ricky also often comes home late at night, either doing what in his office." replied Rafael, Ricky's father calmly. "Yes, um." Irene nodded and then, Irene took a seat next to Ricky and was right across from Rafael while Ricky crossed with his mother.

***

19.05, Square Restaurant, Bandar Lampung.

"So, sorry in advance if I'm too to the point of the guy. Actually, what's the matter om and auntie want to see me?" Irene asked trying to look ordinary not to give off her aura of compassion. "Ah... It's not really important that we just want to know what kind of woman Ricky likes. Does this meeting interfere with your schedule or work, honey?" lucinda at once gave Irene a question. "Ah... Not at all, aunt. It's just, I'm a little curious about this meeting, so." Reply Irene with an awkward smile.

Irene and Ricky's parents started chatting lightly. Irene also did not need to be silent much considering, she was the one who was always the target of the question" thrown. "So, when did you start building your own company?" ask Rafael curious. "Since 1st grade High School, om." replied Irene politely. "That company is really a herbal medicine to wake up on its own? Not continuing your parents' efforts?" lucinda did not believe it. "Yes. I built the company myself. The first time I built that company, only my two best friends knew about it. Meanwhile, from the big family only 3 people were also after my company had risen." explained Irene at length.

"You built this company with a purpose?" ask Rafael again. "The initial goal is indeed, rivaling other companies" so that, the Indonesian state is also viewed not only in terms of the struggle for independence but also from economic development. For the school days yesterday, in addition to the purpose... I try to give you a thought. Students are required to learn. But, there is no harm also if we want to build something that has never been realized by a student in general? As long as there is intention, just do it. We ourselves are proud too. For now, my goal as much as possible is that my company continues to improve in the eyes of the world. And, maintaining my current corporate position." explains Irene again.

***

Ricky doesn't talk much. He even listened more often to the talks of his parents with Irene. Apparently, both parents began to like Irene who was the way she was in front of both parents. Irene also actually realized that Ricky was just listening to their conversation. So, he starts passing some questions addressed to Ricky. Ricky who realized it only answered the question of the operand sober only.

"So, how about we meet again sometime? Don't forget to take your dad along too." Lucinda sounded enthusiastic. "Eum... Yes can. Mom set it up later. Fear, if I'm the one who wants the time will not fit." said Irene agreed to Lucinda's speech just now. And again, Ricky's parents force Irene to call them 'mama-papa' instead of 'tante-om' anymore. Irene was actually still a little awkward to call them by that new designation. But, how else? He was asked to call them that.

***

At around 22:00, Irene returned home. The day is already night and the restaurant will also be closed soon. They just decided the day after tomorrow to meet again at Samwon Express Restaurant, MBK. But Irene will also invite Aleng, Angel, and Arnold to take part in the meeting. After Irene has disappeared from the sight of the Ricky family. Lucinda, Rafael, and Ricky are back in conversation.

"Mom agree papa?" ask Ricky who looks ordinary even though in his heart he has deg-deg-an. "of course. What good do you think papa asked Ken to approach her? Of course to test it. Without you telling me, papa and mama already know that you are in love with her "sober Rafael. "Do you know where?" ricky asked in shock. "Without having to find out, you've been found out. What do you think your papa is like? Almost every day you update the status of Whatsapp contains photos or videos of him all." explained Rafael instantaneously speechless.

"Shehehehe...." Ricky who heard that can only be grimaced. He did not know it because his Whatsapp he gave the code "Not Show BlueTicks" which means when he updates the status or send a chat he will not know whether it has been read or not.

***

Because today Irene is going to pick up her parents so she can't stay in the office too long. At about 15:00 he had to pick up his father, Arnold, and Angel. So, especially today he works fast. If you do not have time to do all his work today then, inevitably he must give some of his duties to Cintia. Especially today it seems there are still quite a lot of files that accumulate.

Like yesterday, he immediately sat in his seat of power and sank into his already towering work on his desk. Around 10:00 somehow, Ricky was already in his study. Worse than that even!! Irene didn't even realize that Ricky was watching her busy self!!!

***

"Well!!" Irene shouted reflexively as Ricky was already in front of her. "When are you here!?" irene said after easing her shock. "Even longer. I don't want to bother you because it looks like you're being bothered with your work" Ricky said as he glanced at the pile of files that Irene also finished working on. "so. And again, today you can only work until noon." reply Irene with a tired sigh and back drowned with her work. "Want me help?" bargain Ricky. "thank you. Butno. I don't want to trouble others with my work" Irene said without taking her eyes off the paper before her.

Irene hit Ricky in the head with the files on her desk because, again, she was surprised by moving the file and pen in her hand to someone else. "Can't you just take that file out of my hand?" sulk Irene was upset. "Unfortunately no." Ricky replied casually. Irene shook her head. 'Ga cousin sister, ga adek cousin is the same feeling.' Inner Irene dizzy.

***

Not until 2 minutes Ricky also returned the files that he had taken forcibly from Irene's hands. "Next time ask for my help. Don't think it's gonna bother me or not" Ricky said, putting the file back in front of Irene. "Huh... Yes-yes." said Irene who was still pouting from earlier, but... Irene couldn't be angry with Ricky either. After all, after all he was wrong for forcing to do all his work alone even to push too much energy. "Where are you going?" ask Ricky suddenly.

"To my parents' rented house. I'll pick up my father, my older brother and also my younger sister." replied Irene calmly. "Pick up? Where are you going?" ricky asked confusedly. "The three of them will stay with me from today" Irene replied with a tired sigh. "Well, what's the problem with living in that rented house?" ask Ricky again. "Not a problem with the rented house. But with my stepmother." replied Irene flatly.

Ricky nodded his head to indicate that he understood Irene's intentions. If you're confused about that, Ricky's been figuring out everything about Irene since he first became interested in Irene. So, it was only natural that he knew a lot about Irene. Call yourself a stalker. After all, Irene also did not care if Ricky had been finding out everything about her. Irene also did not feel there was anything special about her family or her. And again, he doesn't think Ricky's a bad guy. So, Irene doesn't care much about Ricky finding out about him.

*****

Finish June 22, 2021

Maap lama up hehehe