Lacara

Section 22

Still can't believe that her father will be overseas. Though Zeline just replied to long after returning from Jakarta. "But, Pa. Why hurry up gini. Just yesterday Papa returned from Jakarta. We should go to the zoo to see the zebras."

"Yes, Papa knows. Later after Papa comes home, Papa can take you to the zoo as much as possible," said Setyo while putting his suitcase into the car seat. He also did not want to leave his 10-year-old daughter. But he promised that he would finish his work there as soon as possible.

"Of course, Zeline will be home alone."

"And there's Bi Ratih who takes care of Zeline, who will find Zeline toys also sleep at night." The 10-year-old Zeline folded her arms in front of her chest while turning her young away from her. Ordinary, child's style if again cranky.

Setyo can understand the attitude of his daughter. Since childhood life without a Mama and consider it like Papa also Mama. Making him a confiding friend when ridiculed by his friends at school. Make him a playmate and a soldier to look after him. Due to a sudden assignment from her boss, Setyo is forced to go abroad to complete business there. If only his one superior, Heri, had not been in trouble, perhaps he would not have been assigned abroad by force. But it feels strange. It was not usual for his superiors to force him like this. And the matter about Heri, she still can't check it out. Said Budi's right hand, all the evidence points to Heri. If only he didn't have this task, maybe he could figure it out.

A car stopped in front of the house number 36. A man in a neat shirt came out and walked towards her as their eyes met. "Well ready? You left this afternoon, right?"

"Yes, sir."

Suddenly, her daughter hugged her hand tightly. "Om the one who told Papa Zeline to go abroad, huh? It's so evil. Papa Zeline is not going abroad. Zeline has no friends at home. Bi Ratih is busy cleaning the house and does not understand when invited to play. So Zeline won't let Papa go."

"But Zeline, Papa you have to go abroad. You will have friends. Zul, here!" Budi told his son to approach with a hand signal. Hugged his son as he stood nearby. "This is Om's son. He'll be your friend. Because from today Om family lives next door to your house. Zul, take Zeline home to see Mama."

The 11-year-old boy hinted by hand for the 10-year-old girl to follow him. The two entered the magnificent house and sat on a chair on the terrace of the house. "Said Papa I'll go to school with you."

"In my school, the children were naughty. Every day I'm always being pilined."

"Why not fight?"

"They're in a group. While I'm alone. I want to grow it if I'm home schooling."

"Eh, Zul has friends?" Ningsih came out to approach the daughter who was talking to her son. "Famous name Aunt Ningsih. You're Zeline, right?"

Zeline nodded. A 40-year-old woman kneels in front of him. Seeing Aunt Ningsih, Zeline wanted her mother to be present and know her growth. Although Zeline knew, there her mother always noticed her.

"Zeline can, loh. Call Aunt Ningsih Mama."

"Can, Auntie?"

"Mama."

"Ma-Mama." Zeline smiled and hugged Ningsih. Although Ningsih is not her Mama, Zeline is happy that someone wants to be called Mama by her.

 

~•~

 

One with a napkin on his shoulders, came to bring him 3 warm teas, and left. It has been almost 1 hour Zeline told the beginning of the arrival of the Zul family who are like his family. She never felt any warmth in the family. But with them, Zeline was never afraid to close her eyes at night. Because if there's something that scares him, he just keeps yelling and then Zul and Mama Ningsih will come to calm him down. "Gue can only tell that story."

"Keep bokap lo? How long has he been abroad? My bokap, only you have proof," asked Cara trying not to push Zeline too much. Zeline didn't want to say anything anymore.

"1 month after that, Papa calls if he can't go home. He said he was now assigned to foreign affairs. Until now, I have not gone home. So I can't tell you anything else" Zeline replied with a sad face. He also felt what Cara felt. Left by a father for a long time. The difference is Cara is still a little lucky because once a month can still meet. Zeline was only able to meet via video call. How to know if Papa Zeline's return was deliberately slowed by Om Budi. He is sneaky.

"If I want to ask you about what ever Brother Zul told you, hmm. I feel you..."

Cara and Raca were surprised when Zeline suddenly stood up with a face like she did not like it. This was already the 2nd time Zeline had acted like this. An act that even makes Cara and Raca suspicious and sure if Zeline is hiding something.

Raca stood up and said for Zeline to calm down. Instead of sitting back, Zeline instead told her guests to leave immediately, aka expel. "My fence is over there" said the girl and went inside.

"Come, Ra, go home. You can't make him. The information he gave today was as early as this. Tomorrow I will be here again," said Raca slowly when he found out if Cara actually wanted to know the facts from Zeline.

Raca's words have a point, because it's How to follow. Just closing the fence, Zeline's door opened. Happy way. He hoped that Zeline would change her mind and tell him a fact.

"Gue just wanted to tell me that Zul likes to take medicine to let him calm down. Lo as her little friend might be able to help her get away from her addiction" Zeline said, then slammed the door a second later.

~•~

In Raca's shackles, How to be quiet. Unlike usual where the girl can't stop talking. Lately the girl has changed. Not happy as usual. Therefore Raca is eager to help How to solve problems that can be said to be complicated and large. Raca wanted to see the cheerfulness back on Cara's face. He wanted a way that always entertained him. So remember, how the beginning of their closeness first.

It all started because Ms. Dania told me to pair up with my boyfriend. Raca knew that the girl whose name resembled her did not like her. Probably still upset by last week's Mos time.

"Why did the universe predestine me to meet you? Especially until a group." Cara's lips were manyuning and kept writing the group tasks that were on the board. It's day 3 and he's still pissed off by the guy next to him.

"Where is the way you stay away from me, it still will not be possible if the universe predestines us together."

Getting upset when guys mengeselin who why their names can be similar to it constantly say if they are destined to always be together. Cara just hopes that her homeroom teacher will change seats so she's free.

Raca cheered happily as the homeroom teacher kept her sitting next to him. "Tuh, right. Let's just stay together again."

"Now I'll stay away from you."

"If you can."

The proof is even the opposite. 1 month sitting together, Cara even closer to him. The girl also often invites him to joke, even throw food if he goes to the cafeteria. In fact, they both cannot be removed. Wherever both. The cafeteria, the mosque, the two of them went home to school. Coupled with jokes while walking in the corridor. Their closeness makes many people assume if they are dating.

"My grandfather, every time you look the same way with your fans."

"Gue too. Every time you go the same way, you must be called a girlfriend. Where do I want to date you."

"Idihh, I'm also dating you. No need to be handsome."

"I'm a handsome man."

Remembering it made Raca laugh. You could say their closeness is funny. Friends but too close. Funny thing again, Cara used to say she didn't like him. But the jacket was not returned immediately. I don't know what the girl did to the jacket.

A head rested on his shoulders. From the rearview motor, Raca could see it. This is the first time I've done this. Usually the girl just holds her bag or clothes for fear of falling. Now, however, courageously wrapped her hands around her stomach. So don't focus on driving if this is the story.

"Gue's tired, Ka. Sleepy. If you get home, yeah."

Not wanting Cara to fall, Raca tightened Cara's embrace.

 

~•~