THERE'S ALWAYS A LEANING PLACE
Part V

Sunday morning was a busy day for the people at Via's house. Since the sun had not yet risen, they had already packed up.

Ratna helped Via pack his clothes. Two suitcases full of Via clothes.

Some of Via's clothes that were rarely worn had been put into cardboard a few days earlier. So did the clothes of the late papa and his mother. Via leaves only a few sets for mementos. The clothes were donated.

They ordered food for their breakfast. Because the house will be vacated, it will be complicated if you have to cook.

It took them almost four hours to pack all the stuff. By 11 all was well done. They immediately cleaned themselves before Bu Aisyah and Pak Andi came.

Five minutes before the short needle pointed to the number 11, two cars entered the yard. Ms. Aisyah and Mr. Andi got out of the car.

"Are you ready, Vi?" ask Ms. Aisyah.

Via nodded. Then he turned his head towards the driver and his ART.

"Pak Yudi, Pak Nono, Bi Inah, and Mbok Marsih how?"

"Let me drive. Via and Ratna went with Bu Aisyah" replied Mr. Andi.

"No need, sir. Let us take the freight, "Bi Inah refused.

"Indeed why? Don't worry. My mini bus is still comfortable if it only carries 4 passengers and such goods," said Mr. Andi.

"Come, let's get things in the car!" take Miss Aisyah.

No more than 10 minutes all items have been in the car. They are also ready to go.

"Mbak Via, we beg you. Take care of yourself, Miss Via!" mbok Marsih said with a trembling voice.

"Mbok. Forgive Via for having been troublesome all this time. Thank you for the help of everyone," Via could not help but cry. He hugged the woman who had been his nanny since Via was a child. Then, Via instead embraced Bi Inah and greeted Pak Yudi as well as Pak Nono.

Inevitably the scene made the other three people carried away. Their eyes were also glazed.

After that, they got into the car. Via and Ratna headed to Bu Aisyah's residence.

Thirty minutes of time it took Ms. Aisyah to drive her car home. After parking the car in the garage, Bu Aisyah took her two students in.

"Welcome to Mother's house. Sorry, this house is not as big as your house. Let's go to the room," asked Ms. Aisyah.

"Then I'm sorry. I was so grateful that Mom was willing to take me."

"Accommodate? Kok like a bum," ledek Bu Aisyah.

Ratna immediately heard it. Via's hand hit his friend's arm spontaneously.

"Ups, sorry," Ratna said as she closed her mouth.

"Haboo," hissed Via.

"Oh, come here! While you occupy this room. Actually this is Farhan's room, Mother's eldest son. He still completed the S-2 in Jakarta. Once a month he comes home. Sometimes even more. Tomorrow, when your room is renovated, you move to that room. So, your clothes don't need to be taken down. God willing, the day after your room is ready."

Via and Ratna put the suitcase and bag into the room. The room was narrower than the room Via had left. However, it is still very roomy for one occupant. Moreover, there are no trinkets in the green painted room.

"We pray first, yuk! At least they'll be home soon. We can have lunch together" Ms. Aisyah said.

"They?" muttered Via shriek but still caught Bu Aisyah's ear.

"Suami and Mom's second child. There was an event at the hospital this morning. Possibly now it is finished. They must have just returned to the mosque. Go to the back!"

"I'm sorry, Mom, I. I was." Via seemed hesitant.

"Oh, are there any monthly guests? Yes already, I'm the same Ratna praying first. You wait in the dining room."

He went into the dining room and sat down. His eyes swept the room. The dining table is empty, there is only fruit.

Since then Via did not meet anyone at the house of Ms. Aisyah. There was no ART in the house. Via also imagined living with the family of Bu Aisyah later.

"Dreaming, huh?" ratna's crashing sound accompanied by a pat on the shoulder successfully made Via startled.

"Huh, what the hell?"

Ms. Aisyah smiled looking at the two students.

"Can you help me prepare lunch?"

"Certainly ready," replied Ratna quickly.

They followed Ms. Aisyah into the kitchen. Via looks awkward. He was not used to doing such homework. Usually all done by Mbok Marsih and Bu Inah.

"Via confused huh? Never knew anything like this, did you?" Ratna mocked.

"Can you?" Via asked back.

"Ish, what the hell can Ratna do? I can be private."

"Jiah, thanks for the offer. Most also mode,"cibir Via.

They laugh together. Warmth and familiarity seemed to surround the three.

"Duh, who was happy again to the point of not hearing anyone salute," said a middle-aged man.

The three of them were shocked. Bu Aisyah hurriedly approached and kissed the man's back.

"Sorry, Dad. Forgive us, especially Mother," said Ms. Aisyah.

"Yes, yeah, it's okay. Uh, is this Via?"

"Yes, Dad. This is Via and this is Ratna Via's friend. Via, Ratna, meet this Mr. Haris, Mother's husband," Ms. Aisyah introduced them.

"I'm not known, Bun?" suddenly a guy slapped.

"Aaah, yes. This is my stubborn mother's son. Her name is."

"Yeah, Mommy don't be so honest about why. Make the market even bigger," the guy whipped.

"Relax, I'll help the masarin" said the father.

"Tos, Dad!"

"Where do you want to be in the market? Mother market?" Mr. Haris continued.

The speech was followed by the laughter of four people who echoed. While one can only scratch his head while turning his lips.

"Already, let's eat first," finally Ms. Aisyah mediated.

They also obey. Soon silence was created in the dining room. Only the sound of the spoon clashing with the plate was occasionally heard.

Something caught the attention of Via. Before and after the meal the family of Bu Aisyah seemed silent as fervent prayer. He never met her in his family.

"Let Ratna clean up, ma'am. Via, help! This is the first lesson for you" Ratna said, staring at her best friend.

"Yes" said Via, wiping his lips.

"Really?" Miss Aisyah looks doubtful.

"Yes, Mom. Leave it to Ratna. I am a professional, really. Wait for the certificate. All of us teach Via nih."

Miss Aisyah smiled. There was relief emanating from his face.

Ratna and Via moved from their seats. They brought dirty dishes to the kitchen. Ratna's dish-washing lessons were taught to Via. Fortunately, Via is deft and can learn quickly.

Finished in order, Via and Ratna to the living room. Ms. Aisyah and Azka were watching the broadcast of the badminton match.

"Excuse me, Mum. Ratna please let me go home first."

"Don't accompany Via first, Rat?" ask Ms. Aisyah.

"Via is brave. Isn't that right, Vi?"

Via just nodded.

"Yes already. Azka, please take Ratna home, yes!" Ms. Aisyah ruled over the guy who was busy watching television.

"Stay, Bun. It's again exciting, again chasing points. Finish this number."

Finally, Miss Aisyah and Ratna relented. They wait for the match to finish and Azka takes Ratna home.

"Wear your car only. Don't speed!" a Message from Ms. Aisyah.

"Ready, boss!"

Azka also drove Ratna using her mother's car.

***