1000 Season of Dream Chasing

part 6's

Two days later, Laura found herself in the marching band room. Erika asked to meet. Now, Erika was looking at him sharply. Deep hatred there.

''So, ''' he said starting the conversation, ''I heard my 2nd friend, you were alone with Niko at the picnic on Sunday. Why did you do it? Though I've obviously-2 forbid you from approaching Niko.''

Laura took a long breath. He really doesn't know how to explain it. Erika would not believe that their togetherness just happened. Unplanned, “Niko likes you, explained Laura slowly.

Erika smiled cynically. ''Your words do not answer my question.''

''I don't have any answers that can satisfy you, '' said Laura honestly. ''I didn't plan to be alone with Niko. I know he's your girlfriend. We're talking about you and we both admit you're a great major. Nothing happened what-2 between us.”

Erika laughed short. ''You think I'm stupid? I know you're trying to make Niko like you. You think I can't see that you like it?''

''You're not stupid.'' Laura looked at Erika's eyes straight-2. ''You're just jealous.''

Erika looked at Laura closely. ''You are so smart. Of course I'm jealous. Anyone would be jealous if his girlfriend threatened to be taken by someone else. Just admit. You like Niko.'' Laura decided to come clean. ''Yes, I like it.''

Erika did not expect Laura to admit it in front of her, without feeling guilty. ''You.., ''' his anger is unstoppable.

But Laura interjected first, I'm not the one-2 girl who likes Niko. Almost half of the girls in our school liked it. He's very popular. I think you know I'm telling the truth. But it doesn't matter, does it? No matter how many girls like it, Niko likes you. He chose you. You should have trusted Niko.''

Erika knows that a lot of girls like her boyfriend. But it was Laurel who severely threatened her position next to Niko. Erika is afraid that one day Niko decides to be with Laura. Erika turned that fear into anger. ''How dare you teach me how to maintain our relationship?''

Laura got up from the chair. ''I'm done giving an explanation.''

Erika stood up and held one of Laura's hands. ''I'm not done yet.''

Laura let go of Erika's hand in the other hand. ''I won't give you any explanation other than what I said earlier.''

''I can make your life in school not fun!'' erika really-2.

Laura laughed slowly. Erika doesn't know that her life has been more than unpleasant. Liking someone who doesn't like you back is the saddest thing. ''Just do what you want, said Laura unconcerned as she turned around.

''You will regret it, '' Erika said slowly but surely.

Laura turned around again looking at Erika. This time with more courage. ''We'll be graduating High School in a few months. Most likely I won't see you and Niko again. I can't promise not to talk to Niko that long, but I promise to stay away from her.'' After that Laura steps out of the room.

Erika dumbfounded. He didn't think a girl like Laura could say such a bold thing to him. Laura is not a popular girl who has many gang friends like her. Erika is weak. He knew he should feel relieved, but why did his feeling say he had lost to the KAMPUNG SCHOOLGIRL? 

**

In the months that followed, Laura did not have time to think about her feelings for Niko. His life was filled with school, lessons, practice questions, and study until late at night. He needs to prove to himself that he can pass the test.

When the try-out test scores done by the school are distributed, Laura's score is not below 6. Mr. Bambang who shared the value with Laura looked at him with a smile, "You really have worked hard. Prove again the results of your hard work on the national exam next month."

Laura nodded. "Thank you, sir. I will try hard to graduate with satisfactory grades."

"Congratulations,” Niko said with a smile as Laura would turn to her seat.

Laura smiled back. "Thank you."

Laura learns that Niko's value is far above her. Sometimes Laura is a little jealous of the clever Niko. It seems like the guy doesn't have to study too hard to get good grades. A few months ago, during an impromptu retrial, all 3rd graders of IPA 1 scored poorly except for Niko.

Niko can always give the right answer to every question. Until Laura once hoped to get half Niko's intelligence. But of course it's impossible. There are people like Niko who are born with a smart brain.

Laura has fulfilled her promise to Erika to stay away from Niko. He never spoke to Niko other than in class. When the lesson ended, Laura went straight home.

Days change weeks, without feeling the national exam has come. Almost all third-graders were nervous about it. There was always a feeling of fear coming to their minds. Afraid I can't do about. Fear of not passing the exam. Afraid to repeat. Afraid failure.

"Hopefully it works" Niko told Laura as they were about to face the test.

"You too" Laura replied.

The following days were really tough for Laura. He did not want to repeat the test. Sometimes late at night, Laura wakes up and can't sleep anymore.

Mama caught him one night, calming his daughter. Mama brews hot milk for Laura and tells her to calm down.

"Whatever happens," said Mama slowly, "you still have mama. Mama believes you can get through your exams well. Mama trusts you."

"Thanks ma," said Laura. Mom's words calmed her heart.

When the exam was over and the third grader shouted in excitement, Laura also cheered in relief. Next is the waiting period for the test results. Indeed, the test results are still a few weeks away, but Laura feels confident in herself and her abilities.

***