MARITA

A Reason to Stay (Part 3)

"Can I guess who that person is?" asked Mama Vina carefully.

Diah was baffled. How could she possibly know Hussein?

"Is it Frank?" Mama Vina asked.

Diah's jaw fell opened in shock. Frank? Why Frank? She knew she crushed hard on Frank but what in the world made Mama think that way?

Mama Vina reached out to hold Diah's hand. "I am sorry, if I am wrong dear. But I have watched you around Frank since our dinner at the restaurant. The looks you gave him, the glances and all... Frank obviously care about you. The way he is being courteous to you."

Diah gulped and blinked several times to calibrate her brain to understand the situation here.

"Honey, the heart wants that they want. And love has no boundaries. But, as someone you've considered as your mother... I must remind you that Frank is Christian and, You are a Moslem. Your mother will turn in her grave if I did not remind you of this," Mama Vina squeezed Diah's hand to show how earnest she is.

Diah felt her eyes wet at the mention of her mother. She bit her lip to choke back the tears.

"I am sure you know the teaching of Islam against marrying non-Muslim. And Honey, I do not want you to be tangled with that" She caressed Diah's Cheek.

Diah's tears fell. She imagined her mother will have the same discussion with her. And here, her other mother was doing what exactly any mother will do. The fact that Mama Vina cared so much about her following the teaching of her religion meant more to her than anything now. She lunged herself forward and gave Mama Vina a big hug as she sobbed in her arms. Mama Vina hugged her back and patted her shoulder to comfort her.

When she was able to contain herself in this heartfelt moment, Diah remembered what she needed to do.

"Thank you, Ma" she said pulling herself together. Mama Vina helped passing some tissue and wiping her tears. Lucky for them their seats are behind a pilar so they were somewhat blocked for other customers eyes.

"Diah, honey... look at me"

Diah looked up to Mama Vina. "Tell me honestly. Do you have feelings for Frank?"

Diah Nodded. It is better for her to take this bullet rather than Mama Vina found out about Marita's feeling to Frank 2 months before her wedding. That will devastate her more.

"Oh darling... I am so sorry. What are we supposed to do?"

Diah held Mama Vina's hand. "Ma, Yes. I did have feelings for him,....." Diah was confident in saying this because this is not a lie. She did have feelings for Frank. "But it was in the past."

Mama Vina Put her other hand on her chest in relieve. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, Ma. I have been putting my feeling aside for the last few months. I think I am getting better." Diah made sure she looked into Mama Vina's eyes as she was saying this. This is the truth after all.

"What about Frank? Did he also have the same feeling for you? I saw he treated you with care"

Diah smiled. "I think it's only me, Ma." This is the truth Diah said to herself.

"... aaaand.. Frank is always polite and courteous to all women, Ma. He is always like that. I guess he has great parents who raised him well" continued Diah. This is also very true. One thing that made Frank stand out and beat any other guy.

"Alright then. That's a relief. I am sure you know what to do dear. I will pray for you."

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