Cocooned

JAYA CONFESSION

The two doctors spoke enthusiastically, while Valerie responded more with laughter. Come to think of it, it's easy to make Val happy, even on simple things, like seeing a kitten.

Oh, Val, whoever the guy you're gonna be with, he's very lucky.

The thought struck me and made time stop. There's a sense of displeasure if Val has to be with someone else. Could a friendship that is too tight and in the long term make people feel like they have a best friend? Jaya also thinks so.

With a heavy breath, I turned my body away from Val and walked towards the hospital cafe located on the seventh floor. The sun coming in from the sunroof on the terrace of the cafe, featuring the silhouette of Jaya who was apparently waiting for me.

"Tumben, on-time," I said.

Vape smoke billowed from his lips as he said, "I've been here since morning, no patient has entered. Maybe they've all gone out of town."

There's a point, too, considering it's a week away to the new year. "What's up, Jay?"

I pulled up the chair across from Jaya and sat staring at the hospital view from a height. Suddenly I goosebumps, what if Jaya intends to kill by pushing me down there?

"Val finally accepted my invitation to Linda's wedding. I think I should thank you."

I looked quickly towards Jaya. My blood is turbulent, as Jaya's rude attitude towards Val is imagined. "Are you forcing her again? I've already done it."

"Calm down. Val called me yesterday. I also can't believe that he took me in at the last moment" Jaya casually cut. The victory grin was painted on his face. "What do you want to eat? Cutracts."

A servant came after Jaya waved at him. I pointed to some kind of menu without really being sure that I could eat it. It felt like my stomach was churning, either because of the stomach acid or was shaken with the information just now.

"Susan did not participate in the blessing at the church, but there he must come" I replied when Jaya asked if Susan and I would accompany the event from morning.

"We'll be there from morning."

I didn't bite the thick burger that was waiting in front of my mouth. We were? Will I soon see Val and Jaya standing at the temple? I feel like my chest is squeezed by my invisible hand.

"Hey, you hear me? Val and Susan are gonna be bridesmaids, so don't be late."

"Oh .. okay. What time?"

"The ceremony starts at 18:30, so you have to arrive at 17:30 at the latest." I nodded at Jaya's instructions, then continued eating without taste.

Miraculously, how frustrating it could be to make three large menu packages that I thought I couldn't eat, finally ludes too. When I got home, I threw up. Not because I have anorexia or anything like that, but because of nausea. My body was hot and my path was staggering, probably because of last night's rain.

I closed my eyes that afternoon, hoping to get well soon. Wishing to return to the Wood Hand Church and not say anything silly, and regret it now.

*****

Bro? I was shocked and immediately got out of bed. I found Jaya laughing at me from the end of the bed, while mom stood beside me with an anxious look.

"You're sick in secret, Ter, you're so hot. So I'm calling the doctor. Whatever your complaint is, tell Jaya, let it be treated. I'm out yo so you can have an old conversation."

"Val should have come here, but he told me to. Apparently something happened between you guys." I was just going to refute it, but not when Jaya continued, "Don't deny, Ter, your face is too honest. You like Val too, right? Just be honest."

I'm mumbling. What answer does Jaya expect? Does he really expect me to be honest and admit that I like Val too? With such a weak condition, he can put me to sleep for a long time with a single fist. Besides, I don't want Jaya or Val to be heartbroken. Enough of my broken heart, my old wounds have not healed.

"You were just delirious about his name."

Sh.it! I buried my face in my hand. Now how am I supposed to dodge? "You don't have to worry Jay, the brotherhood rules still apply."

Jaya's laughter grew louder, I looked at her suspiciously. "Forget the brotherhood rules, you're my pal, Ter. If Val is interested in you, go ahead. I just want her to be happy."

I frowned at Jaya's words just now, was my skin in trouble? "Then why did you punch me yesterday?" my protest with a bad mimic.

"I hate cowards. If you really like Val, admit it in front of me. I'm not blind, Ter. I can see the chemistry between the two of you. Val is just as stupid as you are, and you make me angry.

"I know you're a good person and you don't want anyone to get hurt, but it's wrong. Occasionally being selfish is necessary, for your happiness," Jaya advised.

"Take care of you, Jay. You yourself are too selfish, to the point of not realizing it has hurt Susan's feelings."

"Hey-hey! The doctor's prescription should be obeyed, not disputed!" hardik Jaya while sitting.

Damnit damnit! My name is in my heart.

"So how? Tomorrow you're going to pick up Val and I'm going to pick up Susan?"

I'm shaking. "I promised Susan. I can't possibly disavow." I exhaled slowly, then continued, "Jay, I'll let Val choose."

"Whatever. As long as you know, I always get my wish. If you ever die, don't blame me, because women like Valerie Lukman, there's only one in the world."

"If I'm dead, how can I blame you?" grumbling.

"Didih, what kind of patient are you? Denying only. Can I poison you, just shut up?" threaten Jaya while brandishing her fists. Upset, he punched me in the chest, and then we broke up together.

Thankfully, there was no big problem between me and Jaya. Later that night, I had another dream, hanging out with Valerie. A dream too good to be real.