Tarnished Before Accident
Chapter 76. Farewell

Before Kak Rey answered Mama's words, a voice sounded to distract the three of us.

Rena siuman. She called out Rey's name the first time she opened her eyes.

"Rey, why am I tied up?" He jerked his body and legs, muttering after noticing both his legs and hands were tied. "Rey, help me! They're all cruel."

I also could not bear to see the condition of Kak Rena that so. I looked away, let Rey calm her down.

From the tail of my eyes, I saw Brother Rey helping to remove the cloth that tied my brother's hands together. And as soon as the rope came off, Sister Rena hugged my husband.

"Rey, I knew you wouldn't leave me. I knew you'd stay with me." She cried while hugging Rey. And with my own eyes, I saw Brother Rey return his embrace, trying to calm the woman down.

I know this is a form of empathy for Kak Rena's condition. But for me, Rey's heart is still attached to her. Maybe this is how it ends. He was with his true love.

I ... give up.

***

The argument obviously happened before we decided to split up. Yes, I was selfish for not being able to endure the pain when my husband was with my brother. Maybe this is the way. Our marriage, which has not yet been legalized by the state, has to run aground today.

The big suitcase was dragged by Mama and also the driver I was driving me to the airport. I left the house that Rey bought as our home. There Mother has been waiting with Father-in-law. I saw the disappointed look that was shown to me.

I know my decision will hurt a lot of people. However, I should have done this a long time ago without having to involve feelings. However, all of them have already entered into a circle of disappointment.

I was holding Althaf up to Mother who was staring bitterly at me. I regret it as a sign of my respect, alternating with Father-in-law. Althaf was taken over by Dad. The tiny body was debilitated and was smacked in the right and left cheeks many times.

They do it in turn. It was as if today was the last day of meeting with Althaf.

"We can visit, right, Alea?" ask Mother in a hoarse voice.

I'm nodding. "certain. My door is wide open for Mother and Father." I saw the ring embedded in my ring finger, and then took it off.

It was the ring that Mother gave when she went home at that time. The wedding gift she said, wishing me and Rey could last until death separated. I handed the ring to him. I feel unworthy to get the valuable item that previously gave Father-in-law to Mother Salwa.

But Mother did not take it. He held the ring in my hand and hugged me.

"Mother already thinks of you as her own daughter. Jaga Althaf's. We'll visit in the future often."

I'm nodding. Tears I can't stand anymore. Rey's family is very warm to me. I have no power to part with them.

Rey hasn't come yet. He didn't drive me. He hasn't spoken the word talaq to me either. I'm looking down inside. Looks like my desire to see her last time was dashed already.

My departure is still about fifteen minutes away. Airport officials have issued a warning. I'm going inside, taking Althaf out of Father-in-law's hands. They cry, and so do I. I know my decision was selfish. But, I really want to forget Brother Rey, free from the shackles of the complicated relationship between my husband and brother.

As I was about to reach the door where the security was about to check using the metal detector, my steps came to a halt from hearing someone call me.

"Sir Rey!" He ran towards me while shouting my name.

Tears that had stopped shed again when the sturdy figure stopped with a little frenzy in front of me. He took over Althaf, hugged the two-and-a-half-month-old baby, then kissed her sleeping face many times.

Rey's sister shed her tears when she kissed Althaf.

"Papa's son is great. Watch Mama! Don't let anyone approach her. Okay?" He whispered softly in Althaf's ear, but could still be heard by me.

The little baby was given to my mother. And now he's looking at me.

Our views meet each other. It was as if the world had stopped turning. It's just me and Rey. No words came out of both of our lips. Only the eyes translate feelings.

Then, he hugged me.

Enough's enough! Can't say that again. I can't leave him anymore.

He raised my face, then kissed my face many times. And lastly, my lips.

Rey didn't care if we were watched by a lot of pairs of eyes. In fact, he was deepening his kiss right now. I pushed his chest when my breath was cut off. I hate this. I enjoyed that kiss.

He looked at me, then put his palm on my head.

"Alea Hinata, from today on I'm your mane."

This is what I expected, the word talak from him witnessed by his parents as well as my mother. I thin my lips trying to smile. But, for some reason my lips trembled withstanding the heavy sobs on my chest.

"Take care of yourself. Live happily with Sister Rena. I'm leaving!"

I nodded at Mama to head to the entrance immediately. While gnawing on the suitcase, I left Rey without looking back.

When we were inside the waiting area, I hugged Mama. I was crying there. My body was really trembling feeling pain in the chest.

Rey, goodbye.

***

Five Years later ...

"Academy ...." A small voice heard this afternoon made me divert my attention from the activities of decorating the cake.

Althaf smiled slightly grinningly when she saw me a manyun because she brought the toy home again.

"Say "Assalamualaikum", Althaf. Not tadaima!" I poked his nose. His face became more and more like his father. From hair color, nose, lips, and eyeball color. How can I forget Rey if her face is always in my memory.

"Assalamualaikum, Okaa!"

He teased me again. I kissed her puffy cheeks, making her laugh even louder.

We previously lived in Surabaya. However, I decided to move to Japan without the knowledge of Rey's family. I don't want to disturb and be a shadow of Kak Rey and Kak Rena's household. I am sure they are married and happy.

I set up a small cake shop with Mama. Lucky I have Mama who always supports me, accompany me when I was alone and down. He always encouraged me to raise my two hearts.

Yes, after my departure from Indonesia, I turned out to be pregnant. My last night with Brother Rey produced one more child. I don't know what my relationship is called right now. Obviously, I'm happy with my kids.

"Bring another toy?"

I see these toys must be expensive. Althaf chuckled again. "Papa's Giving."

Oh, geez. Either how many men are called Althaf with the name Papa because several times someone has come to approach my two children to get permission to marry me. I can only breath facing him.

"Don't accept gifts from others. Mama will buy it."

"But, Ma. Al bought two. One for Aylin. I'd love to." The little hand opened his school bag, then showed Berbie's doll to me with a fluffy smile.

God, which other man should I face this time.

...****************...

Kira2, who is that guy?