That afternoon...
Riyu's car entered the main gate, a woman's tired face stared intently at the main door. Seen one of the waiters approached, smiling friendly and warm.
"Good afternoon madam" the maid greeted Riyu who had just returned from a meeting.
"Afternoon. Oh yeah, is it true that Sam is home?" Riyu handed the laptop bag to the maid.
"Yes, madam," replied the maid politely.
"Casandra?"
"Miss Casandra is also in her room."
Riyu saw the maid's sad behavior, and looked worried. "Tell me, did they fight again?" asked Riyu looking intently.
The maid lowered her head clasping her hands tightly, "Don't be afraid, tell me what happened?" asked Riyu in a gentle tone.
"I... Yes, madam, Mr. Sam and the young lady had a fight. Master also fired Mr. Aji"
"What?" Riyu is shocked, what else has happened to make Sam have the heart to stop Aji! Riyu doesn't understand her husband's thoughts.
The maid explained everything to Riyu. Not intending to complain, but hoping that the young lady is not sad and Riyu can intervene, because the maid knows, only Riyu can calm them down.
"Ouch, father and girl are both stubborn" the gentle woman took a deep breath and massaged her forehead slowly, trying to think clearly to act as a mediator. As usual, being a mother is also a gentle wife and must persuade the two to reconcile.
But what he didn't understand was why Sam had the heart to stop Aji just like that. Riyu walked towards Casandra's room, her hand just touching the door knob.
Ryuu could still hear her daughter's sobs. She couldn't stand it, she wanted to go straight in and hug Casandra. But Riyu gave Casandra some time to calm down first.
"Sam" Riyu rubbed his shoulder warmly. "Did you two fight again?" she asked slowly and attentively.
"I'm sorry, Riyu." Sam looked down. Casandra's crying face was still visible in Sam's eyes. "I just want the best for my daughter," he said again in a low voice. Sorry.
"I know." Riyu said softly with a warm smile. "You are a good father dear. It's just that you are too rude to our daughter" Riyu held Sam's hand.
"Honey. I know your worries, you want to take good care of your daughter because you don't want anything bad to happen to her again. But you also have to give Casandra understanding."
"And let her roam out there? Then fight? That's what you mean?!" Sam looked at Riyu sharply.
"Honey, she fights not to fight over who is in power and not to oppress people. Casandra does it because she helps the oppressed, please open your heart a little."
Sam stared blankly into the room. "You taught her self-defense, that's great, although I actually have a little objection. Honey, Casandra did the right thing."
Sam was still pensive. Yes, Casandra's actions were right, defending the oppressed, but also hurting Casandra. That's what Sam had in mind.
"Okay. I... Will apologize to my daughter" said Sam after a long silence. "But that doesn't mean I cancel my sentence on her" said Sam again. He got up from the couch and headed for the bathroom to clean himself up.
Riyu was still silent looking at Sam's back who disappeared behind the door, she took a deep breath. The important thing is to reconcile the child and father first, then we will discuss about Aji. It was hard to talk to Sam when he wasn't in a good mood.
*****
Casandra's cell phone keeps ringing,
phone calls from Nanda and Sara are alternately displayed on the phone screen. Called the umpteenth time, Casandra answered their phone.
"Casandra. Oh my goodness, it's so hard to call! How are you, are you ready yet?" asked Nanda.
Casandra was silent, it seemed that this time she had to hold back her feelings to attend a birthday party and at the same time disappoint her two best friends.
"Casandra? You still hear me right?"
"Sorry, I can't come with you to the party."
"Why?" Nanda heard Casandra's hoarse voice. Has she been crying? What else happened to Casandra?!. Nanda muttered in her heart.
"Sandra. Do you have a problem?"
Cassandra didn't answer. Nanda understands her character, Casandra won't tell if she doesn't want to tell. "Okay, let's talk about that another time, shall we?" Nanda ended the call.
"How? Casandra ready?" asked Sara, who had just finished her makeup.
"Casandra can't come with Ra," said Nanda sadly.
"Huh? This is the day Casandra has been waiting for so she can be closer to Rio. Why can't she come! This must be Uncle Sam who forbids her to go."
"Emmm... I hear Casandra's voice sounds like she's been crying earlier. Maybe there's a serious problem, Ra." said Nanda sadly.
"So it's not fun without Casandra" Sara was disappointed.
"Well, I hope Casandra is okay. Let's go"
Sara nodded and followed Nanda to her car.
*****
What was on Casandra's mind wasn't Sam scolding her, she was accepting that she deserved to be scolded for disobeying the rules. But Casandra still thinks about Aji, she is sad, because of her mistake Aji was fired.
"Casandra," Riyu said quietly.
Casandra was surprised to see her mother who suddenly appeared in her room, before turning her head, her hands quickly wiping away the tears. "Yes ma'am" said Cassandra with a smile.
Riyu silently looked at her, she sat beside Casandra carrying a medicine box. "How's your wound son?" Riyu asked while stroking Casandra's cheek lovingly.
"It's okay." Casandra lowered her head.
"Here, let mom apply some medicine, okay?"
Casandra looked at Riyu who touched her warmly. "Honey, tell me. How did you fight earlier?"
Cassandra was silent. Will mom scold me too? she whispered worriedly.
"Did you hit those thugs hard? Haha, if mom was there, they would definitely applaud when they fall from your punch!" said Riyu happy and cheerful.
"Mom... Aren't you mad?" Casandra asked doubtfully. She thought Riyu would also be angry that she fought.
"Of course not. Who said mom was mad? I'm on your side."
"But mother is always annoyed when sees me practicing martial arts" the girl bowed deeply.
"Haha dear. I'm very upset, I want you to be a girl who is elegant, feminine, doesn't like kicking and punching" Riyu's words made Casandra feel even more guilty.
"But you know honey? I'm proud of you. I won't forbid you to hit and kick, as long as you bring it to positive things, I will always support you" Riyu gently stroked Casandra's back.
"Back then, mother was a woman who was weak and easily bullied, I couldn't defend myself even if I was in the right position." Riyu looks deep into her past. While Casandra was still silent listening seriously.
"You are a lucky child, you can master martial arts and help people. I'm happy, I'm proud. But you also have to be more careful, don't let your guard down. Because if you get hurt, it's not only me who feels pain. Mahesa's father, mother, grandfather will also feel the same. Therefore, sometimes one of us can't control himself because we love you so much, we are very worried about you. Like your father is doing now."
"I'm sorry mother" Cassandra said shaking.
"I also apologize for your father's behavior dear"
"But mom, uncle Aji..." Casandra started to sob again.
"Honey, your father will definitely make a good decision." Riyu hugs Casandra.