Grizzled

Episode 48's

“You are indeed smart and always get good grades in class, but if facing this intrigue-filled world I am much better than you, Shir!” said Eagle.

This crowded corridor suddenly felt desolate. I am not saddened and offended by the words of the Eagle, but the fact that the hatred that prevails over it has made the Eagle reject the truth, feeling the truest. If it is like this then it is true said Sakti. He can't help the eagle. Only the Eagle himself must realize his mistake.

Ah, briefly. Half of me doesn't accept it. What is my right to say Eagle is wrong? Do I feel the most right too? But the truth has not come into existence and my heart is still filled with doubt. I rubbed my tired face. Those white and black soul classifications were increasingly sounding like nonsense!

“I understand why you belong to the white soul. In the rhyme of Sekti writing is said to be white is very vulnerable and can not maintain his identity around other colors. It becomes red near red, blue near blue. That's the kind of person you can trust, but the world is not full of good people, more are just pretending. Few are theatrical into bad guys,” said the Eagle.

“I don't understand what you mean, Lang! Then you are the most special for trying to make a show so evil?”

“Eh? No, Shira! You still think last night was a charade? Although I regret it, but it's not a charade. I was a little annoyed at Sakti .. to you too. It is hard for you to understand!” answer Eagle, “so please, you must not reverse guess which is good and which is not. I'm a little upset you always manage to get tricked. Where are your eyes that can't see the crafty intrigue of an Erik? And don't you think I don't know, you actually disagree when I suspect Miss Lasmi because of her appearance. Yes ‘kan?”

“I have no argument against your opinion, Lang. Although my hunch says not Miss Lasmi, but I hope –walau forced– may your suspicions be right. May your suspicions not be mistaken so that we do not have to bother anymore looking for the devil's disguise.”

It didn't feel like we were in front of the class, but we preferred to stand on the outside porch, looking at the ceremonial pitch.

“But still in the end you only trust me half-heartedly, Shir. Sometimes I wonder how Sakti's words always manage to convince you, as well as Erik who is as easy as it is to fool you. I really don't think out!”

“It's not about who's talking, Lang! In fact, you also always immediately believe the instructions given by Sekti! Just so you know, I don't want you to be prejudiced and suspect the wrong person!”

“Nah, right ‘kan? You don't believe me in the least, but maybe you have your own guess. I can consider it. Just say it, Shir! It will be more upsetting when your hunch rejects my guess but you yourself have not had a guess,” said the Eagle while reaching the leaves of the promontory tree, picking the shoots. There is a frustration that he is enduring. Ah, I thought this was gonna happen.

“You're quiet, Shir? Seriously you really don't have a guess and are so confident that he refutes my guess?!”

“I still don't suspect anyone, but I'll find him soon. Besides, I cannot suspect Miss Lasmi not without reason ...”

“Yes, you can't suspect Miss Lasmi because you think it's too impossible for the old woman to have demonic powers. Too quiet, too weak, so incompatible with the demonic apparitions we've seen. I understand your simple way of thinking, Shir!”

“I also understand your simple way of thinking, Lang! Suddenly concluding that the demon was disguised in the form of Miss Lasmi just because two of the six key positions of the trap were under his control! Just because Miss Lasmi's attitude is strange and different from the other teachers! Just because of that, Lang, really?! Though the important feature of the devil is to always do damage. So far I do not understand what damage has been done Miss Lasmi!”

“Yes obviously, people who never pay attention around are unlikely to know! You will only be agape and trust me when that demon pounces on you first!”

I sighed, tired of this discussion. It's too ridiculous for us to fuss over something that's far from certain. Still the same fumbling, we should have a voice in this important investigation, but it turns out each of us has its own plans and conjectures that do not want to be denied. In the rest of the time before this brief third full moon, there must be something I can prove to the Eagle and he must obey me afterwards!

“Each of us both want to be trusted, but still there must be one path that we take. Instead of us constantly going around in circles with this confusing situation, let's make a new deal!” I said then go to class.

“Bby, provided that the result of the deal is absolutely nothing like the previous deal which is now live crap!” answered the eagle behind me. There aren't many people in the class. Only a few children seemed busy with their cell phones. I grabbed my diary to doodle.

“Good, look ... there are fifteen subjects. Let's compete healthily to get a higher value in UTS later. The higher value in one maple will get points. The winner is the one who collects the most points and the loser has to follow the will of the winner, whatever it is. You understand?”

my clear.

“Wah, academic intelligence fighting game. It's too on your side! You deliberately chose an easy game for you to win!”

reply Eagle.

“Well, you refused? Aren't I not as smart as you think I am, Lang? Why are you so scared of me now?”

“Who said I was scared?!”

“Rejecting a challenge means worrying about being defeated. You are obviously scared! If you have the guts, no matter how much I can win this game, you will still try to beat me! Hey, wasn't that your goal a long time ago? Or not anymore? You back off and ... ”

“Shut your mouth, Shira!” snapped the Eagle while pounding the table. We became the center of attention of our friends in class. Good, my provocation worked!

“I'll win from you! I'll make you obey everything I want!”

he is full of emphasis.

“Wah, sounds like you agreed!”

“I agree!”

“Good, I can't wait to feel how defeated! Well, only if you can beat me!”

happy answers.

“I've never seen you this arrogant, Shir, but I know you only have four interest maples while the rest are normal. So believe me I still have a great chance of winning from you!”

“Ya, yes! I will also be more busy looking for my guesses than studying. Whatever I guess later, you have to obey it like I win.”

“Do not give in when I mean it! Remember that I will win!” replied the Eagle then left my stool. The friends who had noticed us returned to their respective busy lives after the Eagle stared at them while exiting the classroom.

I'm just smiling. At least I managed to control this situation. The rest I'll think about later. If indeed the Eagle wins, I believe that the guess he thought was indeed the best path I would have to follow. It's a little troubling if I win. There is not a single name for me to suspect as the devil's disguise. To be honest, all I wanted was for the Eagle to stop believing that he was the only one to be sacrificed. That'sallthatis.

 

I cried out in delight when my card ran out the earliest. Next Ardian, gave me a high-five pat after his card had also run out. The plastic basin still lays a hat on his head as punishment as he lost the previous game. Remaining Rehan and Yuanda are still struggling to win the game. The bell back did not interrupt our excitement. Rehan's dominoes were left one more than Yuanda's when the domino chain could no longer be passed. Rehan shows the rest of his cards, a total of five numbers.

“Yuanda apes! Hahaaa!” marvel's taunting that happened to pass by managed to peek. With annoyed bulging cheeks, Yuanda slammed the only remaining card she had, the 5-5 twins. We can't help but laugh. Ardian moved the basin in his head to Yuanda's head while not getting tired of mocking the scalloped-toothed girl.

Fifteen minutes before the bell came home, the last-hour teacher left the classroom with a stack of assignments. Luckily no orders were collected today, again for pre-test practice. Unfortunately I was the ogah-ogahan instead cross-legged on the back floor of the class, joining these three people for fun.

“Ra, home, yuk!” get Yasinta done packing her things. Ah, already bell huh?

“No! Shira has never lost, one more game!” yuanda sewot replied while shuffling the cards.

“You first, deh, Yas!” my answer. Rehan also said he had to go home, but Marvel changed his position. The four of us continued the game.

“Tumben you are not bucin in the organization, Vel?” chirps Ardian. Ah, right, usually this OSIS management member often returns late at night for the sake of the organization and a long series of excretions that he follows.

“No, this Friday is off,” replied Marvel. Oh yes, ahead of UTS. Yasinta also went straight home.

“Eh, if the holiday exkul means soon the classes will also be closed ‘kan?” I'm pretty traumatized because it's very experienced being locked up.

“Just relax, we go after Mr. Aslan has really kicked us out,” replied Ardian.

“Hey, you! Do not forget before leaving class, turn off the fan and close the window west!” said the Eagle seemed to have been carrying his bag on his back, picking up the helmet on the back shelf.

“OK, boss!” yuanda answered opening the first card.

“The front zipper is not yet closed!” my word tells. Without even returning a word or just turning her head, the Eagle closed the zipper of her purse I was referring to as she continued walking out of the classroom.

“No, it is basically an Eagle like that ‘kan?” I threw out one of the cards. It's Yuanda's turn.

“Iya, anyway! But earlier I clearly heard you two making a fuss,” said Ardian.

“You eavesdropped?!” my many.

“Ya wasn't my fault for accidentally hearing it. The eagle hit the table like that. The one in the class must have heard the words Eagle. He's the one who definitely won or whatever it was!” reply Ardian.

“Yes, I'm not in class, but I heard from Diana. Looks like all the friends already know, Ra,” timpal Yuanda. I really can't figure out how quickly information spreads.

“Wah, indeed Shira and Eagle are betting?” marvel asked still confused about choosing the card he would throw away.

“Iya, it looks like competing gets the highest values in UTS later, yes ‘kan?” yuanda said again.

“Of course, it really doesn't matter to you guys. So, forget it!” I don't want them to talk about this more, worried they know there's another problem with the challenge.

“Seriously, Nda? Who is challenging? The hawk? How dare you challenge Shira! What are the consequences if the Eagle loses, Ra? Take it easy, I support you!” marvel is enthusiastic and continues to talk about it.

“Oh, right! I can make youtube content, right! The class leader is looking to die challenging the class star for brain dilution! Who will win? Why does this challenge exist? Watch his vlog on youtube channel XI MIPA 1!” said Ardian got applause from Marvel and Yuanda. Only I who pat the eel can't stand their cunning. Instead of making something like that, shouldn't they learn?

Lucky Mr. Aslan immediately disbanded us. Classes should be vacated immediately because there is no activity. Our game was not finished and the chatter did not need to be extended either. Ardian offered me a ride home together, but I prefer Yuanda because I know very well Ardian's habit of driving a motorcycle that is like an evil person. No, I don't want to die yet. I have to stay alive until the mystery of the gray world is solved.

Yuanda's motor came into my yard. Alas, I'll take him to stop by for a second.

“Still, Ra! Next time I'll play here!” yuanda.

“OK, thanks also yes!”

“Anu ... Ra, sorry yes, I am more supportive of Eagle,” Yuanda said before I entered. Well, discussed again.

“Ah, yes ... up to you,” answered me grinning, “aku and Eagle instead of being seriously hostile let alone to have to find support. Really, it's just a trivial matter! Tell friends not to have to think about it!”

“Can't, nih! I've been thinking. Challenging you like the Eagle did was actually my idea from long ago, but I was never really as brave as the Eagle. I don't really like that guy, but since he stole my idea, I had to help him. I'm sure there are many who support Shira and believe that Shira will win while I always wait for the opposite. I want to see you lose once in a while, Ra! It's okay ‘kan?” yuanda asked so innocently. At the most up and down in the second or third rank every semester, it is natural that he wants to occasionally see me lose.

“Oh, it's okay .. right yes, help Eagle!” my answer. Hopefully that annoying guy can take advantage of his alliance.

“Sure, me and the Eagle will defeat you in the healthiest way possible!” yuanda replied excitedly.

“Good! Oh yes, actually I was the one who challenged the Eagle, not the other way around,” I told.

“Eh? So you? Wh why? Actually what's the matter between the two of you, anyway?”

“Already, just go home there!” my answer went in.

“Ra! Tell me first! Anyway later if I win I want you to tell me everything!” yuanda. His voice disappeared as I walked into the house. I'm glad someone wants to beat me, but that doesn't mean I'm going to give up or be defeated. Just yummy!

The wall clock in the central room shows at half-three. My sister, Maurin, fell asleep with the television still on. Stupidly, I've told you many times not to watch tv while sleeping if you're alone. If I came home in the afternoon, I could imagine how much electricity would be wasted. This is not a big sin because it does not cause fatal things. He had forgotten to heat the soup sauce and then left to listen to music until he fell asleep. Lucky before the kitchen caught fire, the smell of the charred immediately invited my suspicion ... Eh? This scent?!

I immediately rushed into the kitchen. Worry Maurin repeated the same mistake . The aroma that I smell is not a scabbard –sedap even once. Almost slipped on the doormat in a panic, a second later I was glued to the kitchen door to find something I saw. Someone stood back to my position, from his movements seemed to be holding something. The pans on top of the pot seemed to be reflecting smoke that carried the delicious aroma earlier. I believe that all I saw was an illusion before the man turned and smiled.

“Oh, hi, Honey! I know today you came home early!”

My eyes haven't blinked. This for real?

“Lunch will be ready after you wash your hands and change clothes! I know every Friday you never bring supplies. So, hurry up your stomach!” said again. Well, you know what.

 ***

Saturday night, there was my favorite music show on television, but the mother who suddenly came out of nowhere mastered the living room, watching her favorite show. I was just lying in my room, still watching over my mother from the half-opened door. Maurin, who I should be wondering about is out buying gum. Shit, I have absolutely no idea why mom came home all of a sudden.

“Honey, than you secretly pay attention to mom, you better come and chat!” mother said without turning her head, her eyes still staring at the television screen while she sneered at the corn chips of my supplies. I'm just according to, join sitting on the folding bed in front of the television.

“How is your school?”

“Why did mom suddenly come home?” ask me straight to the point, not paying attention to Mom's question.

“It looks like you are disturbed by the presence of Mom huh?”

“Bu .. not so,” answered me half lying. Something unusual was indeed a bit disturbing, at least until I knew the reason. Last year when grandma was critical in the hospital mom still couldn't go home, but how miraculous today –less than a month since her last return when I entered the hospital– mom was here for no urgent reason. Obviously something is not right.

“Mother is no longer working on a cruise ship ‘kan?” my guess. My parents' eyes narrowed when they smiled

“Yes, actually after having a child, mom never again worked there. Sorry for lying to Shira all this time."

“Yeah, I never bothered about Mom's work, but ..”

My heart was pounding asking the next thing.

“... but all this time mom to anywhere?”

“Although not on a cruise ship, mother remains a workforce abroad.”

“Still there is a contract agreement that should not let mom go home or come back at will. Be honest with me, Where do you work?”

There was a long pause filling the atmosphere. Mom's gaze fell into her hands on her own lap, realizing she couldn't cover anything from me anymore.

“Mothers working at a hospitality resort in Singapore belong to an acquaintance of Mother's when she was in college. Yes, there is an agreement, but he prefers to hire Mom on the basis of trust.”

“Introduction that I mean ... Mr. Lee?” I was careful to mention that name. I hope you answer no, but yes. I wanted to ease my anxiety by continuing to wonder before my sister showed up throwing my rations of gum. Protesting him because he bought me a taste I didn't like, I started to noisily want to exchange for his. The conversation was as if it was sinking and forgetting. Let it be, I don't want to talk about it in front of Maurin.

However, that doesn't mean my anxiety disappears afterwards. Until late at night I tried to guess. Is it true that nothing is expected of a working relationship on the basis of trust by Mr. Lee to Mom. I don't know the person's full name, I only met once when I was a kid at an amusement park. The ethnic Chinese man also seemed to know Father, evident from how familiar they were chatting at the time, but shortly before there was a problem between Father and Mother, Mr. name. Lee was mentioned.

Really, even though it feels like something has happened, I still hope that I don't.

.Seriate.

Uh, it's too late, but I have plans to make an illustration of Shira, Eagle, Sakti. I'll be up in the first episode. It really is! Just finishing up. Sorry that you have read so far but only have the illustration, because well .. make the picture longer than typing the story:v author is not too talented hahaa. And I'm not stopping to say that I'm so sorry for loyal readers to this episode, for all your support. I feel supported! Thanks a lot, everyone! Love yes!