"Arsoni?"
"I went to your apartment. The guard there said you had moved out. Can I come in?"
A charming smile appeared on Arsoni's lips. Awkwardly, Sandra opened the door. After all, there was also Bara inside and it was clear that she was not alone.
"Who's, Honey?" asked Bara, who approached Sandra. "You!"
"Oh, hi Uncle." Arsoni scratched his head which was not itchy. He thought this afternoon Bara would be in the office. Didn't expect to meet him here.
"What do you want?" said Bara, who couldn't be more polite.
"I'm just going to see my brother, Sky."
Arsoni showed his neat row of teeth. He was feeling ridiculous right now. How could anyone believe his reasoning?
"Tsk, you'd better go home," Bara said bluntly.
"Huh, already got kicked out here?" Arsoni certainly didn't accept it. "Come on Uncle, it's not just me and Sandra here anyway. There's Uncle and Sky, right?"
"Call Auntie. She's not your friend!" Bara protested unhappily.
Even though Arsoni and Sandra were in the same class, their status had changed. Sandra was now Arsoni's aunt because she was married to Bara. Arsoni should have shown manners towards her elders.
"Tsk, even she is four months younger than me."
Bara could only glare. His mouth had been silenced by a freshly baked sponge cake. Previously it had been blown to make it much cooler first. Not without reason Sandra did it, she just didn't want this useless debate to be heard by Sky and Erlangga.
"Is it good? Less something?" asked Sandra sincerely. She couldn't even wait for Bara's answer, because the man chewed for too long.
"It's delicious, whatever you produce through your hands is always delicious." Bara gave a mischievous grin. Deliberately complimenting Sandra and making out in front of Arsoni. It was time for the boy to realize who he was.
"Did you make my favorite chocolate sponge cake, San?"
Arsoni's words were uncomfortable. Bara even glared in displeasure. How annoying Arsoni was.
"Chocolate sponge cake, sprinkled with almonds on top. It's delicious, San. So I want one." Without embarrassment, Arsoni picked up a piece that was idle on the table. He took it in one go and chewed it. His expression made anyone understand how delicious the cake he was enjoying was.
The chocolate melted together with the savory almonds. Arsoni agreed with Bara's words. Sandra's handmade products never failed.
"How dare you!" Bara exclaimed in annoyance.
Even though he was his nephew, he was fed up with Arsoni's current behavior.
"Never mind. I made it for Sky and Erlangga. They love this sponge cake. You guys better stop fighting. I'll call the kids for lunch."
Sandra left the two grown men who were throwing unfriendly glances at each other. In them, of course, it was clear that one name was imprinted and could not be forgotten.
"You'd better be right about what Sandra said just now, Uncle. Stop antagonizing me. There is Sky who is still growing up. It's not good for his psychology later," said Arsoni wisely. He certainly could reduce the turmoil of resentment towards Bara. This is a good place for him to get back close to Sky and Sandra of course.
Sandra returned with two children following her. Sky's face was normal to see Bara and Arsoni there. Unlike Erlangga who paled and was nervous.
"Hello, Erlangga! Has it been long?" Bara greeted seeing a boy using crutches to walk.
Erlangga was a little surprised and then controlled himself. The thought of being scolded by Bara was gone. For some reason, when he saw Bara, Erlangga was terrified. The man's charm was so strong and cold. It was broken today who greeted him so kindly. Even to the point of smiling.
"Just now, Sir," Erlangga said stiffly.
"Haha, call me Uncle." Bara laughed at the nickname that came out of Erlangga's mouth. "Come here often so Sky won't be lonely," he continued.
"Uh yes. If it's not too much trouble."
"Of course not."
The apartment door chimed again. Interrupting Bara and Erlangga's conversation. Sandra swiftly went forward to see who the guests were.
***
This mature woman was dressed fashionably. Her hair was loose with curls accented at the ends. A beautiful diamond worth a car is perched in front of her neck. A Prada bag was sweetly wrapped around her right arm. She gracefully placed her cell phone into the bag.
"Mrs. Brisia!" Sandra said in astonishment. Why was Bara's brother who never liked her here? Of course, she wasn't an idle person who just wandered into their place. There must be something behind this.
Sandra remembered Arsoni. Is it possible that Brisia knows if her son is inside?
"Why don't you let me into my own brother's apartment?" Brisia said sarcastically.
"That's not it Mrs. Please come in, we'll have lunch together."
Sandra opened the door wide. It moved to the side until Brisia entered.
The woman swaggered in with a swagger. Her intense gaze swept the clean, expensively furnished room.
"Over here, Mrs." Sandra pointed to the dining table where everyone was gathered.
With her haughty steps, Brisia followed the direction Sandra indicated.
"Who's coming, Honey?"
Bara raised his head. His gaze shifted from Sandra to the woman he also recognized.
"Brisia ...."
"Ma ...."
"Arsoni!" Brisia glared at her son who was sitting sweetly with a piece of cake in hand. She shook her head in disbelief.
"What are you doing here?" she asked angrily.
"You'd better sit down and join us for lunch. Don't make a scene in front of the kids." Bara spoke up knowing there would be a big tantrum from Brisia's mouth.
"Sky, she is the big mom, Papa's sister. You can call her Madam. Whatever you want, now pay your respects to her," Bara told Sky.
"Greetings," Sky said briefly.
Brisia snorted in annoyance. It was just as well that she was considered a big mother to a child who would not be recognized by her mother. It was unwelcome for the Hernandez family to have offspring from Sandra's womb.
"Please sit Ma, Sandra's cooking is so delicious. You won't be disappointed." Arsoni pulled out a chair and let his mama sit next to him.
Out of respect for Bara who didn't want any fuss in front of the children, Brisia complied.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Sandra served the dishes that smelled so appetizing. Everyone ate with gusto, including Brisia.
***
Sandra led the children into the room first. She heard Erlangga's words before she closed the door.
"Your mom's cooking is delicious Sky. My mom is delicious too. Unfortunately, she has been too busy lately, so she rarely cooks," said Erlangga honestly.
"You can come here anytime if you want," said Sky.
"Really? I'm so happy to hear that. But by the way, your big mom looks fierce. I wouldn't come if she was around. So creepy."
Erlangga's words were also felt by Sandra. A big question also arose in her mind. What is the Brisia here for? Her hunch began to feel bad. Her steps slowed down to not get to the living room quickly.
***