Home For My Soul

94|My name is Amarylis

He squinted his eyes, then swept his eyes across my face. Instead of answering, he was getting more intense looking at my face. He's never been this weird before. Ah, it's impossible. Is he in love with me?

“Why did Chika call Brother with Katelia?” ask her with a frown. Die me. When did he hear the wicked woman calling me by my real name? “A ghost or human? That's why Theo is dating Big Brother, isn't it because you love each other?”

I pretend I don't understand. “What do you mean? I'm Amarilis. Who is Katelia?”

“Theo's betrothed who died of drowning. Isn't Big Brother the same class as Theo at SMU?” The wrinkles on his forehead deepened.

“Oh, that's Katelia.” I cleared my throat slowly. “Do not talk carelessly. He's dead.”

“Because of that, I wonder. Why did Chika call Sister by her name?” He rubbed his chin. “Theo's feelings for Sister are also still a mystery. If it's true Brother is Katelia, then everything makes sense.”

“I don't like the direction of our conversation. I live alone, you better not talk about ghosts.” I looked at the waiter coming to deliver our drinks. “It so happens, I'm already thirsty.”

Matt didn't ask anymore, but he didn't stop watching me. Whatever I did, his eyes did not look the other way. He watched the way I ate, drank, and wiped my lips with a tissue.

I could breathe with relief as soon as I got to my room. Gawat, when did he hear Chika calling me Katelia? Did he hear when I threatened that wicked woman in the campus corridor a few days ago?

It was the last thing where Chika and I were together. I don't remember, but I'm sure there was one time he called me by that name. Matt won't tell you anything about it, so I'm not worried. What makes me bad is that I have to lie to him.

But the less you know, the better. I don't know him as well as Theo. If he just won't tell his sister about me, why would I open my own secret? My life will be quieter like this. Quite a brother and a former close friend only knew about Katelia.

That weekend I spent finishing the last chapter of my script, then meeting with the lecturer for a consultation. He asked for time to study it first and invited me to come the next day.

Hope anxiously waiting, waiting in line for my turn the next day, I finally got some good news. My script was accepted and I was ready to go ahead. I was relieved to hear it. Just one more important step and I can finish this college.

“You are crazy,” said Sonata who I consider a compliment.

“Thank you,” reply me cheerfully.

“It was only a few weeks ago that you faced a problem and today you are taking care of the registration of the thesis trial. Justjust wonderful. I thought you'd take a long time to recuperate.” He walked quickly by my side.

“Sebentar.” I went to the officer and received instructions from him. After everything was sorted out, I met Sonata who was sitting with our seniors on the available bench. “Eating, yuk.”

We passed Matt, so we had lunch three. The young man still looked at me intently, but did not interrupt my conversation with Sonata. We discussed his proposal and heard him confide in the process he was going through.

Although I expected his presence, I did not tell Theo about my side schedule. After all, his sister must have said it. Matt still hopes we make up and get back together. Moreover, Theo has not changed his profile picture.

A surprise greeted me when I saw Chika also present as a trial participant. What do you want this girl? Didn't we agree that we wouldn't bother each other anymore? He presented his final assignment along with me definitely not a coincidence.

“Don't look at me like that,” he said. “We both changed lecturers. My court schedule has been set, but it has to be pushed back because of that scandal.”

I didn't say anything hearing the reason for that. As long as he doesn't touch me or intentionally interrupt my turn later, I don't care if he's here or anywhere. I have to concentrate, because this is a very important stage in my studies.

Getting the first turn, I was very relieved and scared to death. I was so nervous, but at least I didn't suffer waiting for my turn to arrive. My heart was pounding so hard that I had trouble hearing instructions or questions from the examiner.

“Look at your turn later. I'll laugh in satisfaction mocking you nervous ones,” reply me.

“So I'm hungry. I brought my sister's favorite bread and cake. Eat.” Matt gave me a box labeled a cake shop and a bottle of mineral water.

I thanked him and swallowed him. He's correct. I hungry. An hour in that room consumed all the energy I had from my breakfast. I hope my answer satisfies all the examiners. I don't want to get a lower grade than Theo or Brother Jericho.

Chika was not far from me. He got the last turn. I don't want to imagine what he's feeling right now. Seeing him repeatedly turning towards the entrance, I knew who he was waiting for. The poor girl. When did he accept the fact Theo didn't like him?

“Congratulations, Brother!” exclaim Matt happy.

“Congratulations, Amarylis!” sonata said.

I smiled happily with them. I managed to get the perfect score for my script. It's just one easy step, but hard to do. After collecting the revision of the final task, then my task as a student was completed.

In order to save money, I did not return to Medan on a holiday. Moreover, we will need a lot of money to pay for the plane tickets and lodging for my family later. They were reluctant to come on graduation day, but I insisted.

After taking the toga and all other necessities, I picked up my family from the airport. Mama hugged me so tightly, moved by my achievements. Papa and Hercules just shook my hand. This family is stiff. Papa and my two brothers will not hesitate to hug me.

We talked while having dinner at the inn. Since Hercules was already grown, I booked two rooms for them. Papa and Mama are one room, while my sister sleeps alone. It costs more, but I don't mind.

I stood proudly in front of everyone on graduation day as the first person to be summoned onto the stage. I got the title of best student of summa cum laude. Even though I couldn't see from where I was standing, I knew Papa and Mama were proud to look at me.

We did it, Amarylis. One important step we have already taken. We can begin our revenge against the man who killed you and hurt me. Chika is in this room, and so are her parents. They saw for themselves that this poor boy was not an easy opponent.

I'm not sad, let alone jealous to see him surrounded by Theo's parents after we got out of the auditorium. Only a foolish woman delays her graduation to show who gets her blessing. Theo and his family did attend his Thanksgiving, but I know. Theo's heart goes only to Amaryllis.

Matt didn't come to the thanksgiving I was having. His parents must have arrested him. There's only Sonata besides my family coming to dinner together. Circumstances that I am grateful for, because I do not need to spend too much.

“What is your next plan?” ask Mama.

I drove them to the airport the next day. They could not stay any longer, as Hercules had to attend college on Monday. The mother who usually refused to be ushered only smiled as I went along with them.

“After my business in this place is done, I will go home.” We sat next to each other on the bus, while Papa and Hercules sat on the seat to our left.

“Go home? To Medan?” tanyanya surprised. I nodded slowly. “Why don't you find work in Jakarta? Your chances of progressing are greater in this city.”

“I want to help Mama and Papa get your store again,” I said, explaining. They don't need to know my real reason.

“No, Amaryllis.” He took my hand and looked at me seriously. I frowned looking at him. “I can no longer accept all your kindness. It's time you went free to do what you wanted. I don't want us to be your burden anymore.”

“Why is Mama talking so?” I asked, feeling bad.

“Because I knew everything from the beginning.” My heart was pounding faster to hear that sentence. “I know you are not Amarylis, my daughter.”