"How can you?"

"This ..." Elise's face looked confused. She didn't know what to answer and turned to look at Brian asking the man to help her. Elise believes Brian must know the current dilemma she is feeling.

​​

"Mommy knows that you are busy studying and are focused on taking care of Dean right now. But Mommy's friend is begging Mommy for help. So, Mommy is also difficult to refuse."

"Sorry Mom, I ...." Elise was silent, confused about what to say. She looked down and squeezed the hem of her shirt nervously.

"Mom, Elise is still learning to nurture and care for Dean. She must be tired and tired of all the new things like Dean's sleeping hours that are always erratic and waking up in the middle of the night. Or Dean's fuss and cries that sometimes make Elise confused. Mommy can understand. " Brian's words really helped Elise. The woman hoped that Rena would not force her after Brian said that.

Rena heard Brian's words while staring at Elise's face. Yes, Rena does realize that Elise does look tired and is much quieter than when she was pregnant. Rena also often sees Elise daydreaming. Rena even realized something was wrong with Brian and Elise. They both seemed to be having problems in their relationship. Rena even thought Brian had been overtime lately to get away and avoid Elise. But Rena doesn't know what problem happened to the two of them. As long as Rena remembered, they often showed affection and intimacy, even in front of her. But now Rena rarely sees them making out. Never mind, it's a youth problem. Rena couldn't continue to interfere in Brian's household. Besides, her wish to rock her grandchildren has now been achieved. So, she no longer needs to disturb the child's love life. Rena knows Brian is an adult and can handle his own problems.

"Yes, all right. Later Mommy will refuse Mommy's friend's request."

"Sorry Mom." Elise spoke with a tone of regret.

"Never mind, you don't have to apologize." The corners of Rena's lips were pulled slightly. As if to convince Elise that everything is fine, if Elise refuses her friend's request.

"I have to get going." Brian rise to his feet and took his coat and bag. Kissed Rena on the cheek and Elise's forehead quickly then hurried away. As if he'd been lingering for a second, Brian would miss an important meeting with investors.

. . . . ..

Elena is healthy and she has started to resume her life. Elena knew she couldn't wallow in sadness all the time. Life was still on and she couldn't keep thinking about Sean, Dean or Brian. She must be excited again to move on with her life. For several weeks she and Diego continued to survive on the money Mira lent her. Because their previous savings had been used up for medicine and Diego's living needs after being discharged from the hospital.

Currently, Diego is working in a restaurant as a waiters. And Elena doesn't want to be a parasite and depends on Diego alone. She had to help the man make money. So, a few days ago Elena was looking for a job. Luckily a cake shop is looking for employees. And with Elena's expertise she was accepted easily. The cake shop is very simple and small, there are only two employees and the boss is owner. So after making cakes in the morning, Elena also has to serve customers in the afternoon. The working hours are much longer for a small fee. Since Elena currently needs money and work as soon as possible, she can only accept everything and starts to get excited again.

Currently Elena has just served buyers. "Thank you and come back." Said Elena with a friendly smile, escorting her buyers away.

A pat on her left shoulder made Elena turn her head. Anita, a much more senior colleague working here spoke to her, "Elena, you can rest now, I'll be on guard."

There are only two employees in the shop, so Elena and Anita have to take turns when they want to take a break.

"Are you done?"

"Yes, rest."

Elena nodded and smiled broadly. She hurried back, picked up her bag and walked out the side door. The pastry shop where Elena works is not far from the restaurant Diego works. So, to save money, Elena would usually eat lunch together with Diego. Because Diego works in a restaurant, of course he gets food rations and a few additional side dishes from customer food that are still hygienic and fit to eat.

Elena walked for about ten minutes before seeing the restaurant Diego worked. She walked towards the side of the restaurant. There is a special place for parking and employee breaks behind the restaurant. And Elena already saw Diego who was waiting for her to come. Also some of the other employees are already enjoying their lunch.

"Darling," called Elena with a bright smile as she stood in front of Diego.

"No wonder Diego hasn't eaten his food since earlier. I thought he didn't like our lunch menu today, it turns out he's waiting for his crush." Tease a man sitting not far from Diego.

Elena smiled shyly. She's actually a little shy about coming here to lunch with Diego. But considering their only small amount of money at the moment. Make Elena have to make a bold face.

Diego glared irritably at the man, the man who was none other than his friend, Fajar. He also helped Diego to be easily accepted into this restaurant.

"Come on, just ignore him. Let's sit down and eat." Diego patted the seat beside him. And put the food container right in the middle between him and Elena. And there are some extra fried chicken and tempeh untouched by customers, which Diego keeps and wraps in paper towels for their lunch additions.

"Let's eat." Invite Diego while giving the spoon to Elena.

Previously Diego had brought two spoons and asked for more rice rations. And the employee's menu during the day is omelet, sauteed kale and fried chili sauce.