The dim cafe lights shone on my face. Sad songs played to accompany the cloudy earth at this time. I can't believe it, I've been Senyo's wife for six months. And during that time, he often left me at home alone because of Clarin. Senyo only came home when Mr. Johan wanted to visit our house.
I looked at some of the food menu that was served in front of us. Tonight Mr. Johan invited his immediate family to have dinner together.
"Nara, are there any signs of pregnancy from you?" Suddenly, Mr. Johan stopped our eating activities.
So far, Mr. Johan has often asked about pregnancy. Honestly, I'm tired of keeping this big secret too. If only Mr. Johan knew that Senyo and I had never slept together, even Senyo had married Clarin. I'm sure he'll be furious with me, and Senyo too.
"Not yet, sir," I replied resignedly.
Mr. Johan sniffed the heavy air. He looked at Senyo who seemed to have no ears. He continued to eat. Whereas Madame Runi didn't care at all. She couldn't even have a grandson from me.
"Why aren't you pregnant yet? Is there something wrong with you guys?" he asked angrily, chuckling in annoyance.
"Maybe it's not enough, sir,"
"Senyo, you must try your best. Give Nara healthy food, if necessary, you just join the pregnancy program," suggested Mr. Johan. This time Senyo took notice.
"Yes, Dad. So far, we've done that too. Maybe Nara is not fertile." Senyo just casually said that.
My teeth gritted, my hands clenched on the table. He's so outrageous. I don't want to be considered sterile by Mr. Johan.
"Yeah well, Dad. That's their business and we can't force it." Mrs. Runi chimed in. Try not to keep Mr. Johan demanding.
"You just take care of the children from the orphanage, who knows after that Nara could get pregnant,"
"Hah, no-no! Why take strangers, Dad? After all, we just got married six months ago. Yes, it's only natural that Nara is not pregnant yet," said Senyo. He shook his head.
I don't mind if we raise a child. Count it will be a cure for my heart in lonely times. However, I will never be able to get pregnant as expected by Mr. Johan, because indeed we have never touched.
"It's up to you. The important thing is I want you to have children soon. I can't wait to have a grandson."
Mr. Johan still wanted to talk about my pregnancy, but neither of us responded. Dinner continued with mutual silence.
Senyo and I got home at exactly ten o'clock in the evening. I vaguely saw a potbellied woman perched on a chair on the veranda of the house. Her blonde hair lit up in the shimmer of the lamp.
"Clarin?" I muttered to myself.
Senyo hurried down after parking the car in the garage. He came to Clarin with a worried face.
"Honey, what brought you here? And, why are you carrying a suitcase?"
I also questioned the two silver objects that Clarin brought.
The woman smiled as she rubbed her growing belly. If it is calculated, Clarin's content is already five months old.
"Honey, from now on we're living here three of us, okay,"
Clarin's words invite heavy shock for me.
"So what?" asked Senyo who was equally surprised.
"I've sold our house. Don't worry, I will save the money for our children's future. Come to think of it, it's a shame that a house this big is only occupied by Nara alone,"
My forehead wrinkled while muttering inwardly. Is Clarin said true? What will happen if we live under the same roof?
"Why don't you let me first?" Senyo swept his face.
"What do you need permission for? The house is in my name. I'm free to do what I want," replied Clarin calmly.
"Where's the money now?"
"It's at my ATM, Honey. You don't need to be afraid, I'll save the money for our child's future." Clarin's smile adorned her oval face.
Senyo carried the two suitcases into the house, followed by Clarin. They really don't recognize my existence. Senyo should have asked if I agreed or not. I feel a new problem is coming.
The next day after finishing working with the kitchen, I saw that Clarin's face was not as bright as usual. His lips were dry and his eyes were so sad. I assumed it was the effect of her pregnancy.
"Madam, is Madam not feeling well?" I asked as I brought the chicken porridge and served it on the dining table.
"Not of your business!" Clarin replied curtly. After that, I did not dare to ask again.
"Are you sick, honey? Your face looks pale." Senyo poured Clarin a glass of water.
"I think I have a common cold,"
"Then rest first. I don't want anything to happen to you."
"Let me work as usual,"
Not wanting to see Senyo care about Clarin for too long, finally I went to the kitchen. It seems that Clarin is really sick. I heard his voice was a little hoarse. I took the initiative to make herbal medicine for people who are not feeling well.
Before lunch, I went to Clarin's office. I happen to know where she works. I have to give this herb before it really drops. Poor fetus.
I've never entered a tall, towering building like this. I don't know where to find Clarin. Therefore, I decided to ask the security guard at the main door instead.
"Is there anything I can help you with, madam?" asked the well-built man as I approached him.
"I want to find an employee named Clarin. Where can I find her?"
The security guard was silent for a moment. Suddenly from the opposite direction a tall woman appeared.
"What's the matter, sir?" She asked.
"This lady is looking for an employee named Clarin. I don't know anyone who works here."
"Oh, Clarin? My desk is next to her. Who are you Clarin?" The woman in the black coat glanced at me.
"I… her sister," I lied. I can't say that I'm her rival.
"Clarin is eating in the canteen. I just saw her there."
"Um, I don't know where the canteen is. Can I take you there please?"
"Let,"
Me and the woman whose name I don't know walked to the other side. Leaving the security guard alone. On the way, she asked me something.
"What business do you have with Clarin?"
"I want to give you herbal medicine because Clarin is sick. I feel sorry for the baby-to-be."
"WHAT? Baby-to-be?" The woman's eyes widened.
"Yes. There is something wrong?"
"Is Clarin pregnant? Isn't she still a virgin?"
"Clarin is five months pregnant," I answered honestly.
"Five months? Clarin's stomach should be big, but why is it still flat?"
I frowned. I think this guy is delirious. How could Clarin's belly, which was so bloated, not be seen by her?
"Come on, I'll show you something!"
She pulled my arm. I was forced to quickly follow her. The woman immediately showed Clarin's position. She seemed to be standing in front of the cashier counter. One thing that surprised me, Clarin's stomach was not bloated at all. In fact very different from what I've seen so far. I looked at the person next to me. My guess that she was delirious was a big mistake.
"C- Clarin? Why her belly flat?" I asked nervously. My whole body was sweating cold seeing it.
***
Continued