Home For My Soul

19|Not a Thrust

“No one can change within one year. There's no way you could be this smart in such a short time. I remember very well, you are the dumbest student in our class, as well as the bontot number of all students from one school,”, Rahma added.

“Then you get an A on all one semester courses. You must be cheating. Come on, be honest with us. How could you change so drastically?” urged Nisa.

Is seeing the girl they know stupid being intelligent so painful? They must have followed me without me noticing this place. Maybe they asked the security to know my purpose for coming to the house.

“You forgot your secret that I know well?” I was half threatening.

Their faces turned pale. Goody. They didn't fully intend to disturb me. Obviously they don't want all their secrets I've uncovered. Their families can be furious, because all their deeds will damage their reputation.

As long as they can't guess I'm Katelia, then I'm still safe. This way I was forced to take because there was no other way to control someone other than through his secret. Someday, I'm sure they'll be suspicious. But I could no longer be oppressed when that day came.

“Se-preferably we go, friends. I-I don't want my parents to know my secret,” said Rahma who first gave up.

“Do not be weak like this, Rahma. He's just bluffing us, don't be afraid.” Chika looked at me with defiant eyes. “He will not dare to say anything to others.”

“You slept with your sister's boyfriend to get the drug that—” I can't continue my sentence, because he silenced my mouth with his hand.

His eyes were round, not believing in his own hearing. “Close your mouth. If anyone hears it and it reaches my brother's ear, I swear you'll die.”

I pulled his hand out of my mouth. “This is the last warning. You bother me again, then your secret is the first time I'm going to unload, Chika.”

Without waiting for their response, I walked towards the stop. The bus coincided with coming, so I could go straight in and get away from them. I took a deep breath once I was safe. My heart was pounding so fast that my chest was tight.

Dealing with them like this and my age can be reduced a lot. How could they be here too? What was so exciting about me that they followed me? Theo just wasn't as intentional as that with my change. Why are they different?

Oh. Maybe they're not following me, but watching my movements. Maybe they're afraid I'm going to meet the people closest to them and reveal all their secrets to that person. Also true. Why didn't I think so before?

I can't be nervous to answer their questions calmly. Brother Jericho's message I must remember carefully. Don't let my own carelessness expose my secrets. Well, I really have to finish and chase my dreams.

“Just deserve you to be thinner.” Suddenly Chika joined a jog with me as I turned into an alley. Both of his friends did the same.

I took a surprised breath, but could instantly control myself. I'm seriously one year less because of it. “Not that you live in an elite place. What are you doing in this slum?” my words while insinuating.

“For seventeen years you didn't care about your weight. What is it you suddenly want to drop it?” asked Rahma curiously.

“If you want to be accepted as an employee, between the two of us, who do you think they would prefer?” my question, give me a hint.

“What?” chika said surprised. “You've prepared yourself for work??” They laughed mockingly.

“Heh. It is not only the appearance and academic value that is the main consideration of the company accepting employees. You should have a relationship too,” ledek Nisa.

They laughed as they sped their run away from me. Looks like my guess is right, they're watching me from afar. Its alright. I can turn my brain around quickly thinking of the right answer if they ask about anything.

The park on Saturday was very crowded, no matter what moment. I didn't waste it playing my best. Seeing that there were many young couples, I played a romance-themed song. Justright. Those who hear are not stingy give money.

“Your game is great. Do you want to appear on an official show?” asked a young man who had watched me play.

“What's the official event, Mas?” ask me politely.

“My parents are celebrating their wedding anniversary, the show is in a moment. I don't know if you're ready—” he said a little doubtfully.

“Originally there is a list of songs, I can prepare from now, Mas,” I said quickly, not wanting to lose that golden opportunity.

“When the purple color is not a problem—” I immediately remembered with the dress given by Aunt Ruth.

“Perfect! That's Mother's favorite color. Give me your account number,” he said as he pulled out his phone. I frowned, not understanding. “Ayo, fast! This is proof that I'm not kidding. I'll give you the down payment, so you're sure to come.”

“Oh. No need, Mom. I believe.”

“Then, I don't believe you.” He's laughing a little.

I gave up and gave my account number. He did something with his phone before pointing his screen at me. I rounded my eyes to see the amount he transferred. He just laughed. We exchanged phone numbers and the evidence he sent me.

My eyes warmed up when he left. Why is God so good to me? After all the evil things I did, I was given an unexpected sustenance. I was ready to work hard to finance my college, but there was always a way to speed up the money.

It's natural that man transferred so much money to me. The event he was referring to was held the next day. I remember Saturday was Valentin Day. There are so many couples who go to the park at night.

“Goodnight, Father, Mother, brother, kinsman, and best friend all. To cheer us all up, there is a special guest who will surely keep us swept away by her violin friction. Have a nice dinner while enjoying my new best friend's game, Amarilis Josepha.”

The kind man blinked one eye at me. I just shook my head slowly, amused by his overly friendly behavior. We met for the second time, but he treated me like a brother.

The piano began, so I prepared to play my first song. People clapped to recognize the first notes. I smiled, thanked him, then continued the game as best I could.

After the first half hour, I was asked to take a break. The food was already prepared on the table where my things were. I thanked him, then ate the dish while hearing the piano accompanies guests who want to sing on stage.

“Thank you very much, Amarylis,” said the kind-hearted man. I felt my bag shake. “That's the rest of your pay. I am very satisfied with your appearance. Mommy is so happy to hear it.”

“Thank you, Mas,” said I blushed.

“Can I give you your mobile number if there are my acquaintances who would like you to entertain on their shows too?” ask him politely.

“Bby, Mas. But make sure they are as good as you are, yes. I don't want to be bullied or framed by a nosy person,” asked me, be careful not to be offended.

“It's definitely. I will not betray your trust,” his promise. There was a car stop near us. “Well, your ride home has arrived.”

“Oh. No need, Mom. I can go home by myself,” subtly reject me.

“Do not do that. This taxi is safe, you don't have to worry. The fee I paid. If you enter the toll the fee will be charged to me,” persuade him. “Please, do not reject.”

Seeing her face, I gave up. I arrived safely at my place of residence, also able to change footwear before getting out of the car. My housemates could be distracted if I stepped in those high heels.

The purple dress was a bit loose, but I managed to work around it by wearing a small belt. So, I can still perform well on the show earlier. Looks like I have to bring this nice dress to the tailor to fit my current body size.

Satisfied with the results I achieved from the sport every morning, I got even more excited about it. When it rains, I can replace it with gymnastics in the room or steal time in the afternoon and evening where I am free.

“Don't get me wrong,” said Nisa who blocked my path to campus. “We're just curious. How can you play the violin so expertly?”

“Do not lie, because we recorded it.” Chika pointed her phone screen at me before I could respond.

There's video footage of me playing violin in a park. Judging from the color of the shirt I was wearing, it happened on the last Saturday. Even though I was wearing a hat, they could recognize me. We are not good friends.

“Why should I always answer your questions?” I said confused.

They exchanged glances, then looked at me. Chika's next words were like lightning in broad daylight. “Because you wear the violin of the late Kat.”