The Roof You Promised
Section 11 - Marriage

Aurorae stood in front of the living room window of her house. His gaze was far ahead, glaring. Nothing to see out there. It was late at night, not a single vehicle was visible.

“See what?”

Aurorae.

“No , Father... just can't sleep.”.

“Come.”

Gumilar dropped his ass on the living room couch. Patting his right side.

“What do you think?”

Aurorae.

“Dad.. is this something true?” Looking at his father.

“You have any doubts?”

Aurorae. Gumilar rubbed his hair gently.

“It's not too late to stop Rae , you know.”

“Why did Dad agree to it? Makes Herjuno more insistent.”

Gumilar pulled the head of Aurorae into his lap.

“Dad loves you Rae you know?”

Aurorae.

“Father does not approve of Herjuno's wishes. But give you a chance.”

Aurorae. Staring did not understand. Gumilar only smiled faintly.

“Give you the opportunity to be more confident in making a decision. Do you think Dad didn't notice? Our four months here, you've never lived quietly. Many daydreamed, surprised when there was the sound of a car coming. And always restlessly staring at the phone, hesitant what to contact someone until it often ends up crying silently every night.”

Aurorae. His father knew everything he was trying to hide.

“Dad wants you to be okay, live quietly. Marry her if you're sure. And let him go completely, too if you're sure. Consider it well, you're the one who knows best what you want.” Gumilar held back his cries. It is not easy to let your only daughter marry a married man.

Aurorae is getting sobbing. Then nod in the middle of his stuffing.

“Remember Rae, Megumi did give her permission on the stamped paper, but deep down, she must have been hurt. Your marriage alone has made her suffer so much, don't you add more to the things you can avoid. You understand what Dad means, don't you?” Gumilar recalled that this morning Herjuno had come with permission from Megumi.

Aurorae.

“I have to keep his feelings?”

“Hem.” Gumilar still continued to gently rub his daughter's head.

“From what?”

“Whatever could make him suffer more. Keep your attitude in front of him. Don't try to monopolize your husband. Don't make Megumi a stranger in front of her husband. Always remember Rae, that in order to gain happiness, you are making another woman hurt. Don't be too happy, it's not fair to him.”

Aurorae stood up to herself. His father looked in disbelief.

“I can't be too happy?”

“Hem.. inculcate in your heart, that because of you , one must endure suffering for the rest of his life. Feel guilty, don't cross your line. It's okay, you ruin other people's happiness, so suffer a little. “ Vibrating Gumilar Sound. It was hard for her to say that, but she did not want her daughter to forget herself, forgetting the suffering she gave to another woman.

Aurorae. Hugged his father tightly. Cry broke.

“Dad.. am I embarrassing? I'm embarrassing Dad?”

“No, Dad is just so sad. Daughter Father is the only one choosing the unusual path.”

“I love him Dad..”

“Dad knows.” Gumilar tightened his embrace. His body was trembling, his feelings were raging. Wanting to stop the decision Aurorae, but also unable to see it linger sad. Let it be said that people consider him crazy, the most important thing for him is happy Aurorae.

“If my marriage doesn't work out, will you take me back?”

“Even if the whole world leaves you, Dad stays here. Come back when you can no longer.” Gumilar held back his cries. He did not want Aurorae to see him shed tears. Deep down, he hoped that one day his daughter would give up.

**

Today Aurorae is officially married to Herjuno. Just a simple event, a marriage contract and a reception attended by family and friends.

“Wah.. turns out not a rumor.”

“Pak Juno really married Aurorae.”

“I'm curious, what's the contents of the head Aurorae.”

“As there are no more single men in this world.”

“Blind love.”

“Is he not sane?”

The words that though whispering were still clearly heard in Aurorae's ears. He tries to keep control of himself. Keep smiling, welcome the guests who come.

“Did you see his first wife?”

“Bu Megumi?”

“It looks like he didn't come.”

“Again why come to see her husband captured another woman.”

“Better to cry at home, than here.”

“True. Can big head Aurorae.”

Again and again Aurorae pretended to be deaf. Pretend not to hear the words of his office friends first. As they approached her to congratulate her, Aurorae smiled sweetly and thanked her.

Gumilar stared at him from the end of the room, slightly hiding behind the wreath. He wiped his tears slowly.

“Om alright?”

Gumilar.

“Farhan, are you here?”

“Do you need anything?”

“Farhan, thank you.” He said after Farhan also sat beside him.

“For what om?”

“Everything. Om know you must be disappointed , but thank you for supporting Aurorae until the end.” His eyes began to glaze over.

“What Om happy?”

“Is there a happy Father marrying his daughter to someone else's husband?” He smiled bitterly.

“Why Om give permission?”

Hfff. Gumilar sighed softly.

“You know Farhan, ever since we moved to the suburbs, Aurorae is not okay. Om just wants to give him a chance, so that whatever happens later Aurorae will not regret. At least he'll be sure to take whatever decision it is.” Gumilar.

“How do you think Herjuno?” continued again.

“He's a good man, responsible. I don't know what ultimately led him to betray his wife. As far as I know, Mr. Juno is not someone who rashly takes a decision.”

“Wah.. You praise him?”

“Just badmouthing him Om, Aurorae is married to him.”

They both chuckle.

“Thank you once again , Farhan. Om hope you will be happy soon too.” Gumilar patted the nepuk softly on his shoulder. Farhan only smiled faintly.

**

Praaaa....

Megumi throws a picture frame towards the door. Everything on the dresser had already scattered to the floor. Costly perfume and skincare bottles, a bunch of makeup tools to tabletop accessories crumbled apart.

Megumi gasps. Followed by his body that slid to the floor. His cry broke, roaring loudly heard until the middle room.

“Bu... sorry , can I help Bu?” Bi Lilis dared to knock on the door.

“What's up Mom? Please open the door.” He said again after a while there was no answer. He panicked, afraid that something might happen to his employer.

Her eyes widened to see the messy condition of the room as Megumi finally opened the door. He pushed the door slightly to force his way inside, worried that his employer would change his mind and re-lock himself in the room.

“Let me love to finish Mom... Just wait in the middle room. Can I make you some warm tea?” he said while putting away some stuff near his feet.

Megumi shakes.

“It's okay Bi. Let it go.”

“But Mom, this is a lot of broken glass.”

“It's okay. Soon Haidar returned home from school & may I ask for help bring Haidar to Bi Lilis house until afternoon?”

Bi Lilis did not immediately reply. He was weighing, the weight of his heart left Megumi alone at home.

“But what if Mom needs something?”

“I can myself. Please take Haidar until afternoon Bi. I don't want him to see me like this. Better he play with Zhafran.”

“Good. Be careful Mom, if you need anything, call me.”

**

“What the fuck is Me?” Herjuno stared at the scattered rooms. Staring at his sleeping wife, he turned his back to the door.

Megumi did not answer.

“Me , are you sleeping?”

Megumi remained silent.

“Where is Haidar?”

Herjuno approached his wife. Climb around avoiding broken glass that could hurt his legs.

“Do you sleep?” He asked again, after sitting on the edge of the bed.

“Wake up , it's four o'clock in the afternoon.”

“Me..” this time by shaking her shoulders slowly.

Herjuno sighed softly when again Megumi did not answer him.

“Me let's talk.”

“Moreover what Mas wants to talk about?” answer without looking.

“What are you doing here anyway? Didn't you get married this morning? Should accompany your young wife, no need to pretend to care for me.” Again, still turning his back to Herjuno.

“Thank you for letting me marry Aurorae. I know you're hurt, but let's make peace with things. I hope you and Aurorae can accept each other. I promise to be fair, so as not to hurt you more.”

“Cih.” Megumi nodded slowly.

Herjuno. Gently rubbed his wife's head. He realized, however surely Megumi was injured.

“Where is Haidar?”

“I told Bi Lilis to take her.”

“Why?”

Megumi. It was clear that his eyes were swollen.

“Do I have to show my misfortune in front of my son?” his emotions began to stir.

“Rest. I'll pick up Haidar.” Herjuno. He doesn't want to fight anymore.

Megumi looked at him hatefully.

“Tonight I will stay at the Aurorae house. I'll have Bi Lilis stay here with Zhafran to accompany Haidar.” He said when he got to the front door.

Zhafran was the youngest son of Bi Lilis, aged eight years old, second grade Elementary School. It was like a big brother to Haidar.

Megumi did not answer. He returned to his body after Herjuno closed the door. Her crying broke again.

**