Home For My Soul

18|Can Be Dependable

My heart was pounding hearing that sentence. Moreover, the person who said it was not just anyone. He knew very well my achievements in our school first. I gulped heavily before looking back at me.

Chika, Nisa, and Rahma looked at me and the notice board in turn. The three people who for a few months only passed each other or saw me from afar, were right in front of me, looking at me in full search.

“You barely went to class because your academic grades weren't enough. You can pass the national exam only we consider it a miracle.” Chika glanced at the announcement paper. “How can you even get an all-round A and A plus in the first semester of college?”

“Do you pretend to be poor, it turns out to pay the lecturer to buy value?” nisa asked suspiciously.

“That's impossible, I don't believe the morals of all our lecturers are that low. He must have stolen the exam, then prepared the answer. So, when the day of the exam, he can answer every question perfectly,” said Rahma, accusing haphazardly.

“You heard what they said?” The voices of other students.

I turned my head and saw the accusations of these three envious women had already attracted the attention of other students who were my age. They whispered to each other while staring at me cynically. The purse theft business is not yet fully completed, I instead have to deal with new allegations.

“What did I say? There is no way he who sits at the very back can get good grades. He must have prepared the cheat during the exam.”

“You were right too. Moreover, the lecturer does not always supervise us during the exam. When they let their guard down, he could have peeked at the answer he had prepared.”

“It turns out not only his body is fat and his face is ugly, it turns out his brain is also rotten.”

Chika and her two friends smiled satisfied to see me become the subject of gossip people. The three envious. Just because they couldn't get a grade as good as me, they accused me without proof. But this is my fault too. I should have been careful.

Ah, naw. Why am I being careful? My academic grades will affect my career. I don't want to get a mediocre GPA that causes me trouble getting accepted in good company. My dream is big, not just to be an employee at a regular company.

If they want to accuse me, let it go. The lecturer who checked my own answers and knew very well my qualities when we discussed in class. They won't be affected by this false accusation like when Chika complained I took five hundred ribs.

“Do you guys not have anything more important?” The voice of my savior I knew. Everyone looked towards him. “She got an A, then what's the deal with you guys? If you want to protest, just ask directly to the lecturer who gave a value.”

“Why are you talking so?” chika was offended. “You know for yourself he's the dumbest guy in our class. Where anyone gets smart overnight.”

“He prepared himself for one more year until he could enter this campus, you still ask? How else could one pass the entrance selection if not studying hard? A jockey? It was impossible to do because the test used an identifier,” Theo said, defending me.

“I just found out you can be naive like this.” Rahma snorted loudly. “For what cases have jockeys been caught if that is impossible?”

“Because the evidence is already in front of you,” replied Theo. “If he wears a jockey, how can he get a perfect score also while in college?”

They were silent, could no longer refute Theo's remarks. I held back my smile so they wouldn't get angry. It turns out there's a point in being Matt's private tutor, too. Thank you to Chika who has bullied me so that my relationship and this handsome young man is getting closer.

He is not only a good friend, but also a reliable defender. I need to be careful that he doesn't get angry or disappointed in me anymore. His role was very important during my studies here so that my true identity would not be revealed.

Chika closed her lips. Both of his friends approached and were seen giving him support. The girl tried to think about her next sentence, but she was at a loss for words. Poor thing. He must be upset that he couldn't get Theo to agree with him.

“Come, Amarylis. Don't be with people like to be envious,” Theo said while holding my hand.

People were surprised to see that. Let alone them, I was shocked to feel him holding my hand. Not caring about everyone's attention, he led me past them away from the place.

My heart was slowly beating a little faster. Something made me feel the flow of electricity from my hands to my back. Whatisthis? Why do I feel this strange thing? My face was also hot until I was worried that people would see it.

The other students who passed by us set their sights on us. I pulled my hand, but Theo didn't want to let go. He asked me to get on his motorcycle, so I refused.

“What else is it?” tanyakanya.

“Where do you want to take me?” I asked back.

“Lunch,” answer is short.

“I told you, not anymore. You no longer need to treat me to eat.”

“Today is my birthday,” he said, making me feel bad. “Are you going to reject too?”

A waiter took us to a room, and I felt uncomfortable about being alone with him in that closed place. But I was again surprised. Aunt Ruth and Matt were already inside waiting for our arrival.

Stupid me. Why would I suspect Theo would take me to this luxurious place to eat alone? It turns out that today is Matt's birthday, it's worth celebrating with his family. I sat down by Aunt Ruth's side, while Theo was next to her sister.

“Papa you just left. I've been scolding him. Always put more work than his own son,” complained Aunt Ruth with an annoyed face.

“It's okay, Ma. It's mundane. After all, Papa works for us too,” said Matt wisely.

“Ng, it's a family event. Why am I invited too, Auntie?” tanyaku.

“Of course because you are part of our family,” replied the woman who turned carefree. “Matt is ranked in his school thanks to your help. My husband is very proud to see his son change. So, whatever our family activities, you always take part.”

“Aduh, Aunt. I'm not feeling good. Matt studied hard, therefore he's a champion,” my pretext.

“Before with you, he never got a rank.” The door is knocked, then opened. “Well! Our food has come! You eat a lot, yes. I noticed you kurusan.”

“Ah, yes, Aunt,” my word blushed. I looked towards my private student. “Sorry, I didn't bring you a gift. I don't know today is your birthday.”

“Kakak already gave more than I needed.” He blinked one eye. It's kind of weird to see this nosy kid turn nice.

Almost four months of exercising and keeping the portion of the meal, I lost ten kilos. I still need to lose another ten kilos so that my chest is not tight and my legs do not bear the weight of the body too heavy. That is the ideal weight according to health books.

I didn't dream of being as lean as Katelya. All I wanted was a healthy body, so I could be comfortable doing activities. If necessary, people no longer insult me fat, fat, or rhino. Enough of that I experienced at school.

The world of work will be very cruel, according to some of the movies I watched. Appearance determines a person's career, not just their brains and skills. It just so happens that the job I am looking for will require its employees to look attractive. So, I have to succeed on a strict diet.

“Sorry, I always trouble you,” I said when we arrived in front of my residence.

“What can I do. Mama won't stop talking until I take you home.” He took the helmet from me. “Gue can occasionally come to invite you to eat?”

“I told you—” I said, reminding.

“Only eat, not treat,” he said, confirming.

I was stunned for a moment. Did he take me out to eat because he had a special feeling? We were going on vacation for a few weeks from college, so we wouldn't meet. I don't have to teach Matt for two weeks either.

Ah, you better not. I'd rather hang out looking for money than meet him. Anyway, my revenge plan is still going well. Theo prefers to spend his time with me and has absolutely no interest in Chika.

“Alright, if you mind.” He concluded, not waiting for my response. “Happy holiday.”

Even though we had almost a month off from college, we still had business on campus two weeks before the even semester lecture schedule began. So, I make good use of every day to find a strategic place to busk on weekdays.

Several times I faced with a PP satpol or local thugs who drove me from their place of power. But that experience was a valuable lesson for me. I really appreciate the money I used to underestimate.

“Yes, geez, Brother!” Matt suddenly hugged me who had just entered their house. “Gue kangen heavy! Two weeks is a long time!”

“Matt! Oi! Don't hug girls people carelessly!” reprove momma.

“Gue seriously kangen, Ma!” said, affirming. “Every day of study for months, uh, not meeting for two weeks is heavy.”

“Already. Not much drama. Sana, take your teacher to your study room,” urges Aunt Ruth.

As soon as I entered the library room, I also felt the longing he said earlier. It was only two weeks, but it felt so long. Even so, I was careful if he prepared a trap for me. This kid is good only temporarily. He who is real is he who likes to be nosy.

Theo wasn't home and I was reluctant to trouble Matt, so I refused to be escorted home. The distance of their house with a stop is not far, I can travel on foot. Aunt Ruth relented and let me go home alone.

“It turns out you are close to Theo because of his sister,” said someone from my front. I stopped my steps and raised my head. “You can lie to everyone, but not with us. Why would someone as stupid as you be his private teacher? Who are you exactly?”