Behind the Grey Cloud

42 New Friends

This morning I have finished preparing all the necessities that I will bring during the week following the Olympics outside the city.

All the school administration has also been prepared by the school.

I also prepared everything carefully.

Today, I will be picked up by the school car that will take me and Miss Retno, my escort teacher, out of town.

The journey from my city to the destination city is approximately 5 hours by private car. If you ride a public vehicle, of course, the time taken will be longer because you have to change vehicles.

At exactly 08:00, the pickup car has arrived. Inside it is Miss Retno.

I asked Ms. Yasmin and Aunt Mita for permission. I hugged them and asked for their prayers.

After saying goodbye, I immediately got into the car. The car immediately left the yard of Aunt Mita's house.

On the way, Ms. Retno told me to rest so I wouldn't get tired later.

I also chose to put my head to the back of the car. Closing eyes that do not want to be closed.

In silence, I saw the shadow of Zen.

After looking at him yesterday, I don't know how he is.

I did deliberately move a little away so that Zen could also forget about me. I don't want him to keep expecting me.

I also saw Ali's shadow.

The man who had expressed his feelings to me a while ago.

The man I love. A very understanding friend.

I knew she was hurt because I had accepted the love of someone else. But, I also cannot lie to my heart that I do love Zen.

All those shadows popped up and danced in my brain.

I got nervous about it.

'God, help me to finish everything. May I not be wrong in my decision.' My prayer is in my heart.

I don't think my eyes are starting to fall asleep either.

***

I opened my eyes when Ms Retno rubbed my body slowly.

"May we've arrived. Let's get up."

said Ms. Retno.

"Eh Oh yes Ma'am" I replied, opening my eyes. Tidying up your hair and rushing down from the car.

It turns out we have arrived at a guesthouse that became the place where the Olympics were held.

The reason the committee chose this guesthouse is because here there is already a place to stay and there is a hall large enough to accommodate the participants of the race.

I also walked following Ms. Retno into the guesthouse area. We stopped in the lower lobby to check in. Apparently many have come and some have started to enter their respective rooms.

After checking in, we also looked for rooms according to the number given by the guesthouse officer. One room consists of two schools, which are 4 people. One participant and one companion.

It just so happens that at this time in the room we will occupy, no other participants have entered. We also rested in our room.

The opening ceremony will take place later tonight after Maghrib prayers.

There is still 4 hours for us to rest while preparing for the race day.

"You cleaned up first by May, after that you just rest" Ms. Retno told me. He tidied up a small closet to place some of his clothes.

"Good Mom."

I went to the bathroom to clean myself up.

The water from this flowing water is so fresh to cool the body.

Make the mind and body excited again.

Not long after I finished and got out of the bathroom.

I saw that Miss Retno was preparing to clean up too.

While waiting for Ms Retno to take a shower, I also read a guide book that will be used for the Olympics.

Every day, the Olympics are held from 8 am to 2 pm. The rest we were allowed to rest.

At night, there will be a workshop in other learning to fill the empty time.

At this workshop, will be attended by lecturers from several well-known campuses.

There are also training courses to be able to enter foreign universities.

As I was reading, there was a middle man knocking on the door.

tok tok tok tok

"Excuse me..."

I stood up and opened the door.

Two men with bags and backpacks behind the door.

"Yes mom. Is correct. Are you and mom in this room too?" I said to that mother

"Yes son. We just came because there was a bus that broke down." explained the mother to me.

"Oh let's go in ma'am. Let me help you get the bag." I'm letting a mother have her permission.

They seem very tired.

After bringing their bags in, I closed the door again and went back to my bed.

Here there are 4 small beds that we will use to sleep later.

"Mom looks so tired. If you can tell which school you're from?" I'll say a sweep to the mother and the girl.

"Yes, son, we had already left early in the morning. But we had to scramble for buses and some angkots, so we arrived late. We are from Diponegoro High School. Private High School in one of Tulungagung Nak district. Where are you from?"

"I am from SMA Negeri 48 Jakarta Bu" I replied with a smile.

"Oh yeah, what's your name? Introduce the name of Saudah's mother and this mother's son, Aini."

"My name is Mayang Bu. Greetings from me yes. Oh yes, it means this mother is a companion teacher and mother of Aini yes Ma'am?" I asked Bu Saudah.

"Yes Nak Mayang. This mother works as an honorary teacher at Aini school. I've served 20 years in school, but it hasn't been a fortune. Until now there has been no force to be an ASN for mothers." explained Ms. Saudah with a light laugh.

I also replied with a big smile.

"Oh yeah, you're on your own?" ask him again.

"No Ma'am. I was with the teacher as well. But he's still in the shower." I replied.

Soon after, Ms. Retno finished the bath and they shook hands and introduced themselves to each other.

***

At 18:00

We are currently enjoying the dinner menu at a small restaurant owned by the guesthouse.

The four of us chose a seat in a corner of the pool. Here the atmosphere is cooler because the wind can freely enter from the outside.

We also brought a plate filled with rice and friends.

We enjoyed this dinner with a light banter.

And it did not feel the committee called us all to immediately enter the hall to attend the opening event.

We sat on the middle bench a bit ahead. Because the front bench is filled by other participants.

This opening ceremony did not last long.

The committee welcomed us, and explained about some of the rules and schedule of the day's Olympic Games.

The organizers also shared a small note containing schedules and materials for besuk learning.

After that, we were all allowed to rest. Remembering from us there are some participants who just came.

Arriving at the room, Bu Saudah and Bu Retno decided to go to bed immediately. Aini and I chose to sit on the balcony outside the room.

We talked about our school.

Aini told me that her father had died a long time ago. He only lives alone with his mother.

All this time, his mother fought hard for his school. His mother wanted Aini to continue school and be a successful person.

Initially, the headmaster at Aini school did not agree that he attended the Olympics. Not because Aini is not smart, but because the distance from the city to Bogor is not close. Not to mention the cost of travel is not small. That was the reason why the headmaster of Aini had originally banned. However, Aini's mother convinces the principal that they will use the self-service fees for transport and other accommodation. Finally the principal agreed and gave a little help for travel expenses.

Aini told a story while slightly sobbing. I was so impressed with Ma'am Saudah. He is very much fighting for education for his children. He is passionate about pursuing education.

I hugged Aini. Give her spirit.

"You're lucky to have a mother who loves you so much Ai" I told Aini.

Ah, I'm jealous of Aini. I was even left by my real mother.

Letting me live the rigors of this life alone.

But yeah, that's it. There's no point in me constantly remembering everything. It will only make me more and more sick.

I invite Aini to rest so that we can be more excited to live this Olympics.

______________

Hello-hallo Mayang loyal readers.

Sorry long time no upload. You see, yesterday was busy preparing for this fasting month.

Oh yes, the author said congratulations on fulfilling the fast of yesss for those of you who run. Sorry too late to say it. hehehe

Thank you for waiting for the verita update from Mayang.

Author's criticism and advice wait.

greetings

from the author who was in a storm. 🤭