Home For My Soul

104|Berbagi Rezeki

I smiled at the queue in front of the merchant cart. It turned out that more and more people knew about his wares. Thank goodness my efforts worked. I asked Hercules to stop by and pretend to buy his food, and take a picture of it. Just like the parent bakery business, I also posted this breakfast menu on social media.

“Good morning. What message do you want? Eat here or wrapped?” asked the mother kindly when my turn came.

“Lontong only, Mom, no side dishes and don't be spicy, yes,” I replied. “Eat here.”

He obeyed my order, then gave the plate he had filled to me. I sat down and ate a meal that still tasted just as good. The air from the car passing by in the morning feels cool, making the cuisine feel more delicious.

I waited for the quiet atmosphere to return the plate. He did not stop serving the buyers who came. They are not only students whose schools are nearby, but also office employees who come in their private vehicles.

“Thank you very much, Bu.” I returned the plate. “How much all?”

“Seven thousand only, Son,” he replied. He took the money from me, then gave it back. “What are you new here? I have never served you before.”

“If my body was fat and playing violin here, would Mom remember who I am?” godaku's.

He looked at me for a moment, then his eyes were round looking at my body. “You Amaryllis??” tanyanya did not believe. I'm nodding. “What's wrong with you? Aren't you eating enough?”

I laughed amusedly. “I deliberately lose weight, Mom, stay healthy,” I.

“Wah! I became envious. I don't have a thin body anymore.” He rubbed my arm. “Are you done with college?”

“Already, Mom. I will continue school again.”

“Good it. While young must be in high school,” praise. He looked next to me, someone came to buy his wares. I used that opportunity to give it a break.

But just a few paddles, he called out my name. I ignored him and kept moving my bike away from him. I accidentally put money in an envelope under the plate I was wearing. Not much, but enough to help.

I entered a restaurant and ordered their snacks that I knew tasted so good. Waiting for a while, cake and drinks were delivered to my desk. This place does need entertainment to feel more alive. I don't know who's now entertaining the guests here.

Satisfied with eating and paying the bills, I took my violin out of its place. There were not many guests who came after lunch. It seems like this dining room just needs a little new color for more and more to come.

All eyes turned their heads as I played the first note. I bowed my head in greeting to them, then finished the first song. The first person to come out of the kitchen door was the head chef who had saved me, followed by the restaurant owner.

Their eyes glazed over watching me play my best in front of everyone. I played only three songs, then ended it by bowing my body to everyone. Hands filled the restaurant.

“You from anywhere?” the restaurant owner was surprised. “You're different now.”

“What is your lecture done?” ask the head chef.

“I can not take long, just want to stop by for a moment to greet the two fathers,” I said.

We chatted for a moment to let each other miss, then I said goodbye. The kind-hearted man offered me some money for my appearance, but I refused. The head chef drove me to the bike in the parking lot. I used that opportunity to insert an envelope in his apron bag.

I took my bike fast so he couldn't catch up to me. His body was still fat, so he could not run fast. I looked up and waved my hand at him. May those who have been good to me always be guarded by God.

The last weeks of being in Medan I made the best use of it. I split the time between the Andriyana Family and Wibowo. On weekdays, I stay at the Amarylis house, then at Katelya's house on weekends. I love both of my identities.

Both of my mama cried more and more as the day of my departure drew near. Happy day when opening the bakery Mama again even filled with crying. People think they're just moved, but that's not the reason.

Although I felt bad, I did not delay my departure to continue my studies. Just two years, then we can meet again. I could have taken a one-year program, but the college doesn't suggest that. According to them, the two-year program is much better.

“Take care of yourself, yes. Often our phone,” said Mother with a tearful face.

“Yes, Mother,” I replied with weight, trying to hold back my tears.

“Thank you, Mother.”

“Why do you have to leave so soon?” Her crying broke, so I hugged her. “I'm not satisfied chatting with you. I also still want to buy a lot of stuff for you.”

“Darling, don't do this,” persuade Dad. “We can visit him there. Let him go quietly. Don't even make him worry.”

Mother also according. I looked at Father, Brother Nolan, Papa, Mama, and Hercules, remembering their faces, then walked towards the examination queue to the waiting room. I stepped lightly, unwilling to be burdened with the people I left behind.

Brother Jericho was waiting with Matt when I came out of the arrival terminal. Matt didn't wait until I got close to running to find me. Instead of taking over my trolley, she hugged me tightly, then embraced me while approaching Big Brother.

“Basic men do not know ethics,” nagging Brother Jericho. “You should bring the trolley.”

“There are lo, why do I bother?” reply Matt casually.

Although both of them were annoying, I missed the atmosphere. Moreover, I only saw this for only one day, then parted with them for two more years. Therefore, I did not attempt to break them.

We talked to each other on the way. I'm glad to hear Matt's been able to do well in college. He was also active in his orchestra. Too bad, I can't attend their closest concert.

I was surprised to see our destination. Why didn't Matt choose the mall as his usual or the restaurant as Brother's custom? The closer to the lobby, I understood. There was already a beautiful young lady standing there.

“Sonata!” I was happy when I got out of the car.

“Amarily!” his reply. We hugged each other for a moment, missed each other. “You're crazy. You really went abroad!”

“Hey, hurry in! I'm hungry!” call Matt who's waiting on the side of the car.

We shared our stories while having lunch at a nearby restaurant. Sonata is sad not to be able to come with us, because she has to go back to work. Me, Brother Jericho, and Matt continued our activities by watching movies, relaxing in the cafe, then I stayed at Brother's apartment.

I had to get up early in the morning to get to the airport. My brother escorted me and waited until I got into the cabin. He was the last person I saw in his face. As soon as I sat on the plane seat, I cried, sad to leave the country.

The long journey was exhausting, especially during transit. This was not my first twenty-four-hour flight as Katelia, but my first for Amarylis. So, I had to pass a strict inspection, especially when entering the United States.

Being alone in a strange place is not a problem for me. This country is a place I used to visit. But the campus kindly sent people to pick me up at the airport. Unfortunately, I didn't see a single person holding a board that read my name.

My phone is connected to the airport internet, but I feel reluctant to contact the campus to ask for the contact number of the person who picked me up. Just sec. I can't call anyone because I'm still using an Indonesian number. Idiotically.

“Ah!” Someone nudged my arm so that the phone I was holding slipped out of my grasp. Matt's expensive phone glided freely to the floor, but someone caught it quickly. My heart almost stopped imagining the precious tool was almost broken.

“Oh. I'm sorry,” said an annoying bule who didn't have those eyes.

“Please, be careful when walking,” I said, holding back emotions.

Actually I would love to say, have eyes worn, but I remember I was in the land of people and needed to maintain an attitude. I turned towards my helper, and my heart pounded even faster when I met him. Am I dreaming?

___

~Author's Note~

Who did Amarilis see? Usually, those who make deg-degan meet a tall guy who is creepy because of the fuss or handsome really seem to fall from heaven.