Chapter 3 Not Coming

Today is Saturday, as Mrs. Santi mentioned. If today, they would return home.

"Ra, what time will Dad and Mom arrive home?" Grace asked.

"Maybe in the afternoon, Sis. Hey, why are you dressed so nicely? Where are you going? Yesterday, you cried because you missed Mom and Dad, and now you're leaving?" Raceh inquired.

Then Grace responded, "Well, Ra, I have a work event in Bogor today. I'm representing the office. Whether I like it or not, I have to attend. But I already informed Mom, Ra. Early this morning, through chat."

As Grace bid farewell to Bogor, Raceh headed to the kitchen to see what dishes Bik Tina, the house assistant, had prepared.

Raceh assisted Bik Tina in the kitchen, preparing ingredients for lunch.

"Bibik, is everything cooked?" Raceh asked Bik Tina.

"Not yet, Miss. I'm confused about what to cook," Bik Tina replied.

"Alright, I'll help you with cooking, okay?" Raceh offered.

"Thank you, Miss," Bik Tina replied.

Today is Saturday, and Raceh has the day off from work, as her office has weekends off. So today, she is at home, helping Bik Tina cook.

After an hour in the kitchen, all the dishes were ready on the table. Raceh felt satisfied with the outcome of their cooking together.

Raceh has enjoyed cooking since childhood, often watching cooking channels and trying new recipes, unlike Grace, who dislikes anything related to the kitchen.

It's noon, indicating that in about half an hour, her parents and their guests will arrive home.

The day before,

"Mom, I don't want to go to Dad's colleague's house!" Zefki said.

"But, dear, tomorrow I have a lot of work with a deadline. Do I have to go, Mom?" Zefki added.

At that moment, Mr. Kenan entered the room, hearing the argument between his wife and son.

Then he said, "Son, you're going to Uncle Fidel's house."

"Why does everyone insist, Dad? Tomorrow, I'm swamped," Zefki protested.

"Postpone everything. It's for your future!" Mr. Kenan insisted.

"Don't trouble your mother!" After saying that, Mr. Kenan left the room, winking at his wife, and Mrs. Clement responded with a thumbs-up, indicating their successful plan.

"Mom is very pleased. You became obedient so quickly," Mrs Clement remarked.

Zefki remained silent, suddenly feeling a pain in his stomach. He said, "Mom, please ask Bik Yati to cook fried rice and bring it to my room. I'm starving." Mrs. Clement agreed and reminded him to set an alarm to wake up on time.

At the Pratista residence,

At half past twelve, Raceh's parents and Mr. and Mrs. Harold arrived at their colleague's house. Bik Tina welcomed them while Raceh was still in her room.

They entered and chatted in the living room while having tea.

"Kenan, I'm very grateful for your help with my company. Without your intervention, I wouldn't have overcome these tough times," Mr. Fidel expressed his gratitude.

"No problem, Fidel. Soon, we'll be family, so don't hesitate," Mr. Kenan replied.

"By the way, where's Zefki?" Mrs. Santi asked.

"Yeah, Jeng. Suddenly, Zefki got a call from his friend, who said it was important. But he'll follow later; I've already given him this address this morning," Mrs Clement explained.

"Mi, where are the kids? They're not visible," Mr. Fidel asked his wife.

"Yeah, Pi. This morning, Grace texted Mom saying she has office work," Mrs. Santi replied.

"Oh yes, Jeng. Grace is our eldest daughter, 25 years old, and the youngest, Raceh, is 23. Raceh is in her room," Mrs. Santi added, introducing her daughters.

Raceh came from the side, half-running, saying, "Mom, Dad, when are you coming? I miss you." She hugged her parents without realising there were other people present.

Then her father said, "Hey, you missed us so much you didn't even notice Uncle and Aunt are here."

"Oh, sorry, Mom, Dad," Raceh apologised and greeted Mr. and Mrs. Harold.

"How are you, Uncle and Aunt?" Raceh greeted them.

Mr and Mrs Harold were impressed by Raceh's beauty and friendly demeanour.

Then Mrs. Clement said, "How are you, Raceh? You look wonderful."

"Fine, Aunt. Thank you," Raceh replied with a smile.

Then Mr. Fidel said, "Since it's already noon, let's have lunch."

They went to the dining room, where Indonesian dishes were already prepared. Raceh served them, and Mrs. Clement was amazed at Raceh's hospitality.

"Wow, it seems our food is very delicious. Who cooked this?" Mr. Kenan asked.

"I did, Uncle," Raceh answered.

"Raceh, are you good at cooking?" Mrs. Clement inquired.

"Still learning, Aunt," Raceh humbly replied with a smile.

"Yeah, Jeng. Raceh is good at cooking. Everything she cooks is delicious," Mrs Santi added.

"In that case, Raceh, would you like to be a prospective daughter-in-law, Aunt? You know, my son is currently looking for a match," Mrs Clement surprised Raceh with her words.

"Well, we'll talk about it later. Let's enjoy this meal first," Mr. Kenan suggested.

Raceh smiled again, wondering about Mrs. Clement's words.

Hanny recalled her mother's words about her father's company situation and someone wanting to help but with the condition that Grace or Raceh would be engaged to that person.

"Raceh, why aren't you eating with us, dear?" Mrs Clement's words snapped her out of her thoughts about the engagement.

"Yes, Aunt. Don't worry; I already had my meal earlier," Raceh replied.

After the meal, they continued discussing business collaboration in the living room. Suddenly, Mrs Clement's phone rang, displaying her son's name.

Zefki: "Mom, love. It seems I can't make it there. Sorry, Mom. I have important matters right now."

Mrs. Clement replied,

Mom Clement: "I don't care, but you must be home by seven in the evening!"

Mrs Clement waited for her son's reply, but it didn't come.

"Oh, this kid!" Mrs. Clement sighed.

"Why, Mi?" Mr. Kenan asked in a whisper.

Mrs. Clement then told her husband their son might not come; he suddenly had an important meeting with his friend. Mr. Kenan got annoyed hearing this.

"Well, Jeng, it seems Zefki can't make it. He suddenly has an important meeting with his friend," Mrs. Clement lied reluctantly.

"It's okay, Jeng. Next time, Zefki can visit here," Mrs. Santi said, slightly disappointed because she also wanted Zefki to be her son-in-law.

"But, Jeng. Can I take some of the fried rice we had earlier home? Our son loves fried rice," Mrs Clement remarked.

"Sure, Jeng. I'll ask Raceh to pack it for you," Mrs Santi replied.

In the kitchen, Raceh was seen busy preparing fried rice to be taken home by Mrs. Clement.

At four in the afternoon, the husband and wife bid farewell to Mr. and Mrs. Pratista. Race, too, accompanied them home to the front door.

Mrs Clement never stopped glancing in Raceh's direction, which made the girl feel a bit uneasy, responding only with a friendly smile.

*) Jeng is a greeting for fellow women.