Aira And Aria

13. Heart Voice

“Bu, sorry yes I skipped school today!” I said before I left the house. I thought mom would get mad and come after me, but she didn't.

The news from the Lord Sister had made me unable to stay still while Aira was going to a faraway place that might make me unable to see her anymore.

I've never been to Aira's house before. Even that day where I had to drive her home, it was blocked by Rio's horde. But, I got the address from Brother Dewa.

In an elite housing complex I arrived. A little walk after getting off the angkot, to find a house with an old brown fence. In my eyes the building looks like a palace. It was cold because it looked so quiet.

A security guard met and escorted me into the living room. I waited for a while for the sound of footsteps to approach. I spontaneously stood up from sitting down and put on a happy face because I thought the figure that appeared was Aira. It turns out that I actually met his father, Mr. Pramoedya whose name is often heard in the news.

“You were the one who drove Aira to the hospital that time huh?”

“Iya, Sir. Is there water?”

“What do you need? Now Aira is getting ready. You don't know yet that Aira is moving schools?”

“I know, Sir. That's why I came here too. I want to ask for help so that you do not move Aira from our school,” I said steadily.

I saw Mr. Pramoedya looking at me while speechless. I have seen her face so cold. It seems, now my impression in his eyes has become less good. “You skipped school just to talk like that?”

I nodded my head once. “What Aira needs is not a new place, sir. But he just wanted someone to listen and encourage him. He also needs attention from Father!” I was like a sudden sting to talk like that to the person I just met.

“What do you know about Aira? Her dad. I know what's best for him!”

“But I don't know anything about his feelings! All this time he struggled alone and tried hard even though his father was always busy with work. Even he gave up on achieving his dream because he felt he did not get support from the Father. He only needs to praise him occasionally. Encouraging him when he feels falling. Just as simple as that, sir!”

Mr. Pramoedya seemed to be getting angry. His eyes widened as if he was about to jump out. Of course he did not receive such a lecture by a child who suddenly came uninvited.

“Better you go home now!”

“Who did you dare to tell me? Quickly get out of my house!”

Mr. Pramoedya's voice seemed to be blaring all over the house. This is much more scary than having to deal with some people from the motorcycle genk. But I still want to keep fighting. I don't know why I feel like Aira definitely doesn't want to leave here. Even though I didn't really hear those words coming out of his mouth.

“You were so stubborn!” An annoyed Mr. Pramoedya finally walked over and pushed my shoulder. He forced me to get out of the living room.

“Dad!” I could hear the voice of a woman who knew who. Until I finally realized when Aira ran over. “Well, no,” he said softly.

I saw Brother Dewa had just appeared.

“Yes, Brother Aria is right. I don't want to change schools. I want to stay here, Dad..” added Aira while crying. A beautiful, though pitiful voice. “Now I have no fear because there is Kak Aria. If I move, I'll be alone again. I don't want to, Dad... I beg..”.

For a while, I did not see any reaction from Mr. Pramoedya. Even the situation was silent, only the sobbing sound of Aira facing the father.It certainly takes great courage to be able to talk like that.

“Aira..” Mr. Pramoedya actually hugged the child while starting to shed tears. I didn't even expect that he would respond that way. “Daddy misses your voice. Finally you want to talk again. Sorry... forgive Dad..”.

Maybe behind his hard figure, actually Mr. Pramoedya is just an old human being. She must have tried her hardest to fight alone while trying to give the best for her son. But everyone of course will experience times where he feels he can not get through all. And the absence of the figure of the wife makes it all the more difficult, until it is not realized Aira who became the place of his impingement.

“I don't want to move, Dad..”

“Iya... I'm not taking you anywhere. I'm glad you've been wanting to talk to me again.”

I saw the pair of father and son hugging for a while. It made me not realize I was smiling earlier. I glanced at Brother Dewa who was also smiling and nodding his head. ‘Thank you’ said from a distance.

My ditching time today has been very well used. Maybe I would regret if only today ignored the call from Brother Dewa, and instead went to school as usual. But I am grateful to have made the right choice. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear my story.