Between Me and Brother

chapter 8

The new Pesantren cottage

Since then I've been with Brother Tery still fine, until on time this Monday morning I was getting ready to go to Tanggerang to continue my discipline.

Suitcase, small bag, and all the tools I need have been prepared by Umi since night. I smiled happily because I could study at the cottage again.

Although I taught there is always a failure but there are also friends who will be good to me, not necessarily also. I was a new student there, later. I'm so ashamed of that.

"Sir, you don't come?" I frowned, grabbing his hand.

"No, Dek, mbak batiri Umi neng omah" he said while embracing Umi's shoulder.

Instantly I stared at Umi for a moment, visible on Umi's face like very let go. Umi is very difficult to guess, sometimes looks sad, sometimes not.

When I was first in the cabin, I was the first person to cry all night. Said Abi. I was the most relaxed person at the time.

Today, even the reverse.

Umi smiled widely while teasing me for not being able to go home except for a long holiday. Brother Tery who feels free without me, he could always be spoiled with Umi, very upset if imagined.

Abi called out to me, approaching the three of us in front of the porch. Abi smiled and said that the car he ordered had already come next to the highway.

Hearing that Umi and Brother Tery, they immediately lifted my things and took her away. Just now I was about to say to leave, it turns out they were more initiative to hurry me away.

Gawking, sure. I was still on the porch staring at them carrying my stuff. I only carry a carry-on bag that has been on my shoulder since. Arriving in front of the road, umi, abi, brother Tery was looking at me.

"Deck, mengo yen koe wes sampe neng kunu. Koe ngabari yo!" Said Brother Tery.

"Come, but yen ngabari ojo a week ping pitu likur¹ dawek. Hahaha" Canda Umi.

"Iishh, umi mah kok yo seneng really ngledek adek anyway" I said as I puffed my cheeks.

"Iyo wes, iyo wes, umi Mbak Abi lan Adek died dik yo. Mengko Abi kabari maneh" Abi said finishing our joke.

After saying goodbye, I rushed into the car with Abi. Umi waved her hand with a happy smile. I looked back still to see those who saw me in the car that drove away.

As far as the eye can see, finally Umi and Kak Tery were already invisible. Abi held my hand gently.

"Dek, learn zinc diligently yo. So dadi anak seng dakdak maring wong tuo." Abi's advice broke my daydream.

"Hehe. In the Lord, bi. Adek will take Abi's promise" I replied smiling.

***

Arriving in front of the gate of Pondok Pesantren Darussalam. I stared at the goal around the building. Pretty big. And many of them are doing activities like the teachings in my boarding school, in Jojga.

Abi and I began to move into the cabin carrying things. There, there were some disciples who looked at me and greeted me with smiles.

There was also a passerby in front of me while bowing his gaze and greeting me and Abi. It is very friendly for his students. The children of Santri were very polite to welcome us.

After passing through several rooms, finally Me and Abi entered the room for registration. While waiting, I went out for a while. Saturated also if I hear them talking about this payment.

I was sitting on a long green wooden chair, in front of me was a very large field, and there were some Brotherhoods playing football.

Cheers for cheers are heard in my ears, even the whispers they murmur I can listen. Santri women who were watching the small tournament were supporting each other's heroes.

"Eh.. You know, the Indra play too"

"Yes, I want to see this"

The conversation of the lady who passed in front of me shocked me. I wish it was a misunderstanding from me. Suddenly Abi came out of the registration room with Ustadzah chatting with each other.

"Come on deck," Take Abi.

"ah! Iyo-iyo"

After arriving in front of the room that I will stay, he said I will share a place with some students here. One room contains 6 children. And the bed is also on the floor. Just like the time I was in.

I opened the door slowly, there were 4 girls who memorized their reading books, there was also while sleeping and closed their eyes.

"Assalamu'alaikum's chat... These kids have your new friends. Please greet and introduce yourself to each other" said Ustadzah with a smile.

"Vaalaikumsalam. Na'am Ustadzah" They answered simultaneously.

"Well, deck. Wes yo's. Abi staying. Studying zinc diligently koyo koe learning neng cottage in Jojga. Why?" Said Abi while stroking my head.

"Come bi. Greetings to Ms. Tery lan Umi yo" I said a little nervously.

Then, Abi turned around and left with Ustadzah earlier. I looked back at the door, seeing Abi walking while discussing with Ustadzah getting away.

"Hello! What's your name? I'm Ara" said one of the santri surprised me.

"ah! A. L'm.. Me, I'm Mery" I'm getting nervous and shaking.

"Oh yes, mery. Introduce them my roommates names Princess, Lela and Willy. Now you're our new friend. Hehe" Ara replied as she pointed at her one-to-one friend.

Then I who was nervous and hands felt cold like ice cubes, suddenly melted with their friendly welcome. Their faces were happy with my arrival.

I was also very happy with their welcome. Ara's face looks friendly, Willy looks sweet when smiling, Princess looks cute but what I see is good, and Lela, from earlier she was silent and just looking at me wildly. I don't know, he's sort of seeing subtle creatures.

"What did you learn again? Can I join?" I asked a little bit.

"Come, here sit next to me. You just put the bag in the corner." Answer Willy.

"Eh no!" Lela cried out, stopping me from walking towards her.

"Why La?" Ask them simultaneously. "Did you see anything?" The princess approached him.

"Ah.. The eng! Sorry Mer, I didn't mean that." Lela folded her book and went out of the room.

I was surprised by his attitude, why he shouted to refuse me to join. It's as if I'm the bad guy who's going to hurt them slowly.

I was a little moody, with Lela's attitude towards me. However, the Princess approached me who was standing back at the door.

"Mery, don't be sad. He is such a person. At first I knew you too. It's hard to get close to her." Princess' advice while stroking my arm.

"Yes Mer. You just be patient. He needs calm now so we don't have to bother him" continued with Ara's voice.

"Udah, if there is a new theme even sad. Haha, come Mery join us to memorize Surah Al-baqarah verses 10 to 15." Said Willy simultaneously disperse my sorrow.

I smiled and joined them. Although I have memorized all the Surah Al-baqarah but I have been advised by Umi not to be arrogant.