I WASN'T...

Proud Woman

I sat on the front porch of my house on a rather overcast morning. But there was still a reckless sunlight breaking through the gray cloud. The cold morning wind blows slowly, making my hair bristling. I put a blanket over my shoulder.

"Son, it's gonna be raining soon, you better get in," Mother appeared from the front door.

"Yes, Mom.. In a minute."

"Mom's gonna clean up the backyard before it rains. Don't stay out too long, yeah!"

I have a mangosteen. My view was diverted to the box of goods that appeared at the turn of the road towards my home. The car was moving slowly. The person sitting on the passenger bench let out his head, wailing here and there.

"Can you help, sir!?" I cried from the terrace, without flinching.

The man in the passenger seat looked up. "House number thirty-eight, which one, Neng!?" he shouted back.

I looked to the left, towards the empty house next to mine. Is he the new guy who's gonna live there?

"Thank you, Neng!" the answer.

The box car passed through the street in front of my house, then stopped in front of an empty house next to mine. Two men got out of the box and put on gloves. They talked for a moment, then sat on the sidewalk. Their gazes headed in the direction they had been in, as if waiting for something to appear from there.

I followed him to the right, to the paved road that was a little hollow in some parts. They don't have keys to get in the house, do they? Maybe they're waiting for the locksmith to come.

I went inside the house, poured two large glasses of warm tea and brought it out with a tray. The two men were still sitting on the sidewalk.

"Sir! I have a warm tea. Drink it first," I thrust warm tea on a tray into the front of their noses. The scent of lavender flowers definitely captivated their sense of smell, so they unhesitatingly picked it up. "Well, who wants to move into this house?"

"Oh, no, Neng!" answer the Passenger. "We are from the service of moving house. It's just the one who's got a house coming."

I'm a mangosteen, sitting on the sidewalk. "It's usually the house that comes first" I commented. Actually do not have the heart to see them sitting outside in this cold air condition.

"The one who owns this house, the rich man, Neng! Very busy, said our boss."

"Yes, Neng!" the driver went in. "We just brought something important. The others will follow. If not wrong, there are five more box cars for tomorrow to come here."

"Gee.. Pantes could buy a house this big. Though until last week, this house has no news if anyone wants to buy." I put my hand in the sweeter bag. "What do you think, sir?"

"We've only seen a glimpse of him in our office" replied the driver.

'He'?

"He was tall, his skin was pale, his hair was rather long and messy. Still pretty young."

'He'? Meaning an? One guy?

"Name as Gilang."

I immediately thought of the author of a mystery novel that was often in demand by teenagers. I even went to his fan club. Ah, but it's impossible. The time of the famous writer moved to this housing. Buying an all-hungry house?

"Well, that's the car!"

I looked up as they both stood up. A black sedan car with shiny paint came over to us. I'm standing up.

After the car stopped, someone got out of the car. The lha? A female?

"Sir!" the woman pointed a key at the driver, which was immediately taken. "Quick, yeah! Everything must be neatly arranged as in the plan you received!"

I swallowed spit. Gosh darn.. This woman is so fierce! But he's not what these gentlemen describe.

She high? This woman is only as tall as me.

Pale skin? Oh, my God, the makeup is as thick as the dust in my shed. She wears a bright red lipstick and looks greasy.

Long and messy hair? It was far from a picture of him. The woman had hair along her shoulders that was neatly combed.

Young one? Well.. About twenty-five to thirty years.

He looked towards me. I immediately froze looking at his sharp eyes. "Who are you?"

"Yes the neighbor next door" I replied nervously. His eyes are like eagle eyes. A serem!

"Nwg... Nothing needed, anyway.. I just drank some warm tea because the gentlemen were sitting dumbly on the sidewalk. Afraid perspiration."

"Well, if you don't have to, please raise your legs!"

I turn right, step forward! Judes is asking for mercy! I'm not going to that guy's house anymore! If I give me fried chicken three times a day to a week, I will not want to!

"Debbi!" Mom said hello when I came home. He was sitting on the sofa, folding his clothes. "Where are you from, son?"

"Without a new person who lives next door, because just saw a box of goods coming," I replied. I went to the kitchen and washed the glasses.

"Have you met?"

"Already, Mom."

Mom didn't ask anymore. It seemed like waiting for me to finish in the kitchen and come sit with him in the living room. When I finished drying the glass, I joined Mom to make a gibah. "Where are the people?"

"Don't go there anymore!" i shudder.

"Why, Honey?" Mom smiled amusedly looking at my giggat.

"That guy is so fierce! Like a hungry tiger! Debi was kicked out even though he only gave tea to the fathers who brought his things!"

"Gee.. That cocky?" Mom doesn't believe it.

"Mom make sure of yourself. But Debi won't go there!"

"What's this?" my heavy voice came from behind me. We looked up at the stairs. Dad came down, still wearing his nightgown. "You've been a little early in the morning, Deb."

"Debi just met a nice neighbor," Mother defended.

Dad sat on the couch. "Whose neighbors? The feeling of all the adem-ayem."

"Oh, yes. I forgot to tell Dad. The empty house next door, today there is occupying. Debi went there for his life, but was expelled." Mom tidied up the clothes that had been folded. "Wait a minute, yeah, Dad! I made you some coffee," Mother added, standing up, then walked into the kitchen.

"Where are you?" ask Dad. Apparently the news about the new neighbor did not catch Dad's attention.

"Good, Dad. Debi just has to rest until tomorrow." I moved to sit near Dad. "How's his dad doing?"

"Busier. Next week we have to start meeting with the directors to rise to office."

I didn't answer. I don't know what Dad said. To be sure, those directors must be important people to Dad. "Dad's getting busy, huh?

"Yes. Hence, you should take good care of yourself. Don't make your mom worry."

"How long is my dad at home?"

"Later on, Dad's leaving again."

"If you step up, will you be transferred here again?"

Silent dad. I dare not answer, because I am uncertain. Dad was a hard worker a long time ago. There are achievements he wants to achieve. I can't say anything, because I support him.

Mother walked back into the living room, carrying a cup of coffee and two pieces of toast, complete with chocolate jam. Dad's Favorites.

"Mom, for breakfast, I just want fried rice, so Mom's not too complicated for him."

"Not complicated, Dad! I want pizza, too, I'll make it." Mom massaged Dad's shoulder. "What do you want for breakfast?"

"Boiled chicken salad, ma'am." I got up from sitting. "Debi help make it, huh?"

"Aren't you going to rest more?" cut Dad.

I shook my head. "Debi's back hurts from a long fall. Debi just cut vegetables, so it won't be too tired."

***