"Because of Lisa's illness, her uterus is very weak. She can't move much, especially since early pregnancy is very vulnerable. I'm going to ask Lisa to go on total bed rest and not do any work," Arka said.
"Yes, we will help you to take care of Lisa," said Wendi.
Not long after, the sound of a car engine was heard entering the yard. Their little boy had come home from his extracurricular activities at school. His small steps were accompanied by a faint smile. Before he reached the living room, Arka ran to him.
"Papa?"
Farrell was thrilled that his father had finally returned home after his job in Bogor.
Arka immediately bent down to reach Farrel. Farrel was getting taller every year. Even so, Arka still liked to hold Farrel when he missed his son the most.
"I really misses you," Arka said.
"Me too. But put it down, Pa! I'm going to take a shower, it's so hot."
"Don't want to congratulate mom and dad? You're going to have a little brother soon!"
Arka lowered Farrel from his arms. The boy smiled happily and couldn't wait to hug his mama. He ran over so he could hug Lisa. He crashed his body into hers. Lisa was a little surprised but didn't move Farrel away from her.
"What are you doing?!" screeched Frans.
They were shocked when Frans pulled Farrel and threw him to the floor. Actually, Frans was just a reflex because maybe Farrel would hurt Lisa. He did not expect his actions to cause Farrel to fall to the floor. Although initially very surprised, Frans changed his expression to a colder one.
"Dad!"
Farrel was shocked by his grandfather's harsh treatment. Although he wanted to cry, he tried to restrain himself. Arka helped him to stand up, checking if anything hurt.
"Don't be so rude! Lisa is going to give you a grandchild, so please be nice to Farrel!" Arka was annoyed.
Frans remained silent for a long time. His eyes were fixed on Farrel who was still scared as he wiped away his tears.
"Warn him to be more careful. Keep him away from Lisa! I don't want Lisa to get hurt because of his carelessness. You know how naughty he can be, don't you? I don't want him to bring bad luck to my grandchild!"
Frans walked away. Farrell cried and ran to his room. Seeing his father's rude behavior, Arka remained silent. His face looked sad and he kept staring at the door of Farrel's room.
"Dad hasn't changed, Lisa. What should I do? I thought things would get better if you knew you were pregnant. But my son ...."
Lisa didn't speak and hugged Arka. She rubbed her husband's back for comfort. Arka loved Farrel very much. Even though he was going to get a biological child, Farrel was his world since the last ten years.
Unlike the two of them, Wendi immediately followed her husband into the room with an angry look. She yanked on the door knob and found Frans sitting on the bed.
"What is this, Frans? Lisa already proved that she would give you a biological grandchild, so why are you still rude to Farrel? What's wrong with that boy? I know you actually loves Farrel. Why do you keep denying him? What is his fault that he has to bear this much hatred? We raised him from a baby. Can't you think of him as your own grandson?"
Frans was silent. He lowered his head slightly and massaged the back of his neck. "I didn't mean to, Wendi. I was just surprised that he was so careless and bumped into Lisa."
"Next time, please be more fair to Farrel."
Frans didn't care. He lay down and turned his back to his wife. A sigh was all the wife could express for her husband's arrogance that could never change.
*
The dining room atmosphere in the Wijaya family was more cheerful since Frans began to put on a smiling face for Lisa. Happiness was clearly felt in the Wijaya family.
"Here, eat lots of meat. You know our first grandchild is a boy, right?"
Frans placed a piece of meat on Lisa's plate.
"Thanks, Dad."
"Boy or girl, the important thing is to be grateful," said Wendi.
"Yes, it doesn't have to be a boy either. But if the eldest grandchild is a boy, he can be the successor to Wijaya's blood. He can also take care of his younger siblings later," added Frans.
"Ih, just a boy? Arka already, Farrel too. Gosh, I want to see a cute girl who can be petted," Wendi babbled.
They smiled at the happiness that was beginning to be created, not noticing the look on Farrel's face who was very sad and lazily chewing his breakfast.
His hazel eyes looked at the happy bias on his mother's face, making him smile. But when he saw his grandfather's cheerfulness, he was downcast.
'The eldest grandson? So it's true that I'm not his grandson?'
Farrell finished his breakfast, then downed some milk. He was still seriously looking at his parents. Farrell also knew that his father really wanted another child in the house.
'I'm glad you're happy, but you won't forget me, will you? Pa, you won't stop loving me when you has your own child, right?" Farrell thought.
Farrell shifted in his seat and caught their attention. It was time for him to go to school.
"Mom, where's my lunch?" he asked.
Lisa tapped her forehead. She turned to Arka and gave her husband an annoyed look.
"Sorry, honey. I didn't have time to make it, I woke up too late. Papa accidentally turned off the alarm. Hold on, I'll make it."
As Lisa was about to leave, Arka held her back.
"Hold on, I'll tell Inah to make it!" said Arka.
Farrell didn't say much, just got ready with his bag and a book in his hand.
"No need, Pa, I'll be late."
Farrel walked to Frans and Wendi's side to greet them. His face was very glum as he kissed their hands.
"Take care, dear!"
Unusually, Arka and Lisa only waved at Farrel who staggered out to leave with the driver.
Normally, Arka would insist on driving Farrel to school, or Lisa would accompany him to the courtyard. Perhaps the kiss of going to school would start to disappear.
"Farrel's a bit moody, Dear," Lisa said.
"Maybe it's because of the approaching exams, Lisa."