During his absence, I focus my time on painting once again and checking with my friends for a short talk.
This time, I was about to left the cafe with my friends when I saw my mother-in-law, Heline and my sister-in-law, Iris. They were talking so I figured out I should go and greet them.
"I'll just meet my in laws first" I told my friends which they answer in a nod.
The sound of the bell rings again as I opened the door. Turning down the waiter's help, I proceed to the table from which my in laws is seated.
"Mom, Iris"
They were clearly startled when they saw me but I just smiled to it. Then I was suddenly engulfed by the warmest arms which brought me comfort every time I was held by her.
"My dearest Eiri. How are you? Take a seat. come here" Mother Heline asked me in her gentlest tone while her eyes turned into half crescents from the smile she gave me.
I sat on her right side as she repeatedly look at my complexion as well. I just smiled at her in return which she smiled in response.
"I'm fine mom. How are you and Iris? Still arguing about her supposed suitors?" I teased them while Mom Heline gave a big huff.
"Of course. Mom couldn't wait to see me having a relationship with her best choices aka. the men she recommend to me. Every. Single. Day"
I laughed at the face of Iris pouting as she sulked silently. Mother Heline can only shakes her head and turned to me to complain.
"This child, I shouldn't have spoiled her rotten. Look now, all I could do was to complain to you in fear she would cry her grievances to her father" She said while sighing.
"Of course, dad love me so much he'll do anything fir his precious princess" She said in her sweetest tone that is filled with pride.
"How is dad by the way? Still practicing his calligraphy?" I ask after sipping a bit of the tea that was given to me by Iris.
"Dad is so addicted at calligraphy especially when it comes to writing Chinese words!"
Then the topic was totally change and I was able to divert the frustrations of Mom to Dad's side. I will surely promise dad this week to accompany him to write or paint just to ease this tiny winy bit of guilt on me.
Hours have passed while we talk, suddenly, Iris excused herself to the comfort room. Mom's eyes turned to me, her face full of seriousness as her gaze suddenly went into my belly.
"I'm sorry mom" My voice shook as I tried to control the tears at bay.
"Don't worry, the doctor told you that there's nothing wrong with you. Perhaps time can tell or maybe it's just that one person involved in this doesn't lift his finger" Mom Heline said in a grave tone as she held my cold hands with her warm ones.
"Still.....It was also my fault. I didn't protect my child, maybe it was karma"