Lara's Admirers

Episode 28's

"Isn't it still here?" I asked in a loud tone to Clara.

"Like it, I don't know this was an empty stool." He answered while folding both hands in front of his chest.

"Those who have already come so you have no right to stay sitting here." Bela Ark.

Clara gave a loud snort, she stomped her feet then moved to the next chair.

It is certain that I will take home the gold medal this time. This time I was really proud of myself.

Mathematics is eighth. Arka can still relax now. But let's see in a minute what his expression will be like.

Arka grabbed my right hand. He held it so tightly. The temperature of his hand turned cold, just like I was.

"Why?" My toot.

He only glanced at me for a moment, not poking at my question at all. I raised his hand that was still tightly clenched. My left hand touched his wrist, I tried to find his pulse. Really, as I guess. This man who had mocked me earlier, now he ate his own talk.

"Well?" Ask her astonished.

"Kan really deg-degan."

"Udah ah diem, I'm in contention."

"That's why don't tell people. It's rasain to eat his own speech."

"It's not even nenangin, it's even mocking."

"Yes yes, here." I then grabbed him from the side.

I rubbed his shoulders. I hope he feels more calm and confident.

***

Ms. Tar had already hinted that Arka would come down immediately and prepare beside the stage with the other members. I'm sure it was the most stressful moment for him.

"spirit." This time it was me who whispered that line in his ear before he left.

Arka just smiled thinly, then moved on from there.

"Spirit of Arka!" Shouting Clara.

I smacked my head against the girl.

Damnit damnit! My hands are now all wet from the sweat of Arka's hands. Totally disgusting, I immediately wiped it on my skirt. But still my hands feel sticky.

Arka is now on her desk. I clapped softly to encourage him. While the girl sitting next to me was always trying to steal Arka's attention.

The first question succeeded in swallowing Arka round. Same with the next question. The opaque paper provided by the committee still seemed empty and just lying on the Ark's table without being touched at all.

Incredibly, did he think of all that outside of his head? It's really great how can he solve it all quickly and precisely.

Until the last question came, Arka seemed to think hard. This time he used his paper. His brain was no longer able to accommodate all the answers, so he had to pour all the answers on the paper so that the important things did not just disappear from his memory.

I looked at Arka expectantly. Hopefully he can solve that and perfect his score.

"Tat!!!"

Everyone was shocked when a bespectacled student on the other end pressed the bell first.

"Five!" Answer with confidence.

"That's right!" Answer the host.

Arka hit her desk several times, showing her annoyance. A little bit more he almost got that perfect score. But this time Goddess Fortuna said another to him.

Though he has failed to answer the last question, he will still come out as the winner. Because after all Arka is the one who gets the most scores among other participants.

Arka returned with mixed feelings. Several times he was seen ruffling his hair in annoyance.

"Liat nih sha, but my answer is exactly the same as what he said. Though I just had to drag the bell doang." His protest was not accepted while showing the opaque paper he brought here.

"Arka, it's nothing. You were great earlier." Connect Clara.

"Nobody told you to talk. So just diem. Before this paper I sumpelin to your mouth." Ketus Arka who is emotional.

"It's okay ka... As you said on the bus, no one is perfect in this world. They are all almost perfect. But what you've done so far has been great. You can score the highest score among the other participants. So now your position is safe." I clearly.

Arka nodded for a while while regulating her explosive emotions deep inside.

***

"Well now by the jury's decision, we've got the names of the winners for the Olympics this time." Said the host.

The atmosphere is really tense now. Everyone can't wait to hear the results.

"For the branch of chemistry..." He purposely hung his sentence and made us more excited.

"The first voice of Clara Anindita, from Nusantara High School!" He shouted with a thunderous voice.

All the participants applauded Clara's performance, including me.

"Second champion Husein from Arowana High School and third champion Yanti Nisya from SMA Negeri 2." Then bring the name of the next winner.

They were instructed to march lengthwise on stage.

"Next for the branch of English subjects, the first Champion is Eresha Caitlyn Ananda from Nusantara High School!"

My eyes were perfectly rounded just after he mentioned my name with the loudspeaker. I never imagined this would happen to me before.

I ran vigorously to the stage, occupying a position next to the chemical olympic line-up. All students of Nusantara High School at that time clapped their hands with a roar. So far Nusantara High School still maintains its position as the first champion.

The names of the other participants are called one by one according to the level and subjects they follow.

"For a branch of mathematics..."

I looked at Arka from a distance. His face was bowed expectantly.

"The first voice in the name of Arka.... From Nusantara High School!"

I clapped for him. It

Raising his head, that wide smile rose on his face.

"Congratulations." I said as he passed in front of me.

He looked at it for a while and then nodded. An Arka was too excited to take first place.

***

"And here are our winners this time!" Called the host.

For the umpteenth time I heard the sound of such a lively clap filling the entire room. The most applauding spirit is the students from Nusantara High School, we are too happy because our school came out as a general Champion in the Olympics this time.

Our school managed to get the highest score this time. We all really can't believe it. I was so happy that the tempo of my heart rate increased drastically. That's common in biology. Your heart will pump blood faster when your emotions are excessive and it also affects your tension.

***

We came out feeling very happy. How many times have I told you I'm happy?

Arka stopped my steps. Both of his hands cupped my cheeks. His face turned serious.

"You believe the same thing we just got."

"You think?"

"I can't speak anymore sha." His word.

"You think you're the one who's so Arka? Uh, by the way I managed to get a higher score than you, that means....."

"Yes-yes you won." Pasrah's answer.

"Eh, what if I buy you in Ancol. We all have lunch. How's it?"

"May also." Answer me while nodding my head.

"But before that we take a picture of dong." Bring along.

"Eh, please take photos of dong!" Arka stopped one of the students and asked for her help to take our photo.

"okay." Answer's short.

Arka took her phone out of her pocket and gave it to the man.

"Ready huh! One! Two! Three!"

"Guard!"

We posed while showing off the medal we just got.

"Where's the outcome?" He approached us while showing us the results of his shots.

"It's good. Thanks, bro." Said Arka while patting her shoulder gently.

We went back to the bus to go home to school with this happy news.

***

"I picked up a motorcycle in the parking lot." He said shortly after getting off the bus.

I nodded and said his words, then pulled over. The medallion that was wrapped around my neck I immediately put it in my bag.

"Yuk ride!" Arka came up to me on her motorcycle.

I then went up and put on the helmet given by Arka. We immediately left the building to replenish the energy that had been drained out of having to think hard.

"We stopped by the gas station first." He said on the speeding motorcycle.

"okay." Answer's short.

Arka pulled her motorcycle over to the gas station. I got off the motorcycle so Arka could open the oil tank.

"The contents of that two-liter bag are yes." Say Arka while opening the tank cover.

"Okay mas."

Arka is seen removing some paper money from his pocket. I immediately prevented his hand and returned the money into his pocket. Arka looked at me confused.

"Let me pay." My words then took out a sheet of fifty thousand dollars.

"Who? Sha. Why, let me. You even pay." His protest.

"It's mas." I gave you the money.

"So soon I'll take the change."

The seller reached into his pocket and gave me his change.

"This is thanks a lot." He said while giving me my change.

"Yes, you're the same."

Arka scratched her un-itchy head.

"Yeah!" Take me and then get back up.

Arka's forehead was still frowning in confusion. I smiled a little at the reflection of the man's face from the rearview mirror.

"Udah hunted, laper nih." I patted Arka's shoulder slowly.

"Yes yes." The answer was short and then turned on the motorcycle.

***

Arka parked her motorcycle for a while. I was waiting for him at the entrance. We walked into the restaurant. Our steps halted for a moment, we circulated our gazes to all directions in search of an empty seat. This place is quite crowded because it is now entering lunch time. Not a few office workers who stopped by here for lunch.

"Full all ka." I said a little disappointed that we didn't get a seat.

"We sit outside in the gazebo." Bring Arka.

I just follow.

We left the restaurant and ate in the gazebo.

"What do you want to eat?" Ask Arka who is looking at the food menu.

"As far as you are."

"What about seafood?"

"Seafood is expensive." I then snatched the menu book to see the price.

"It's really expensive." Connect me.

"It's nothing, anyways make us win."

"Jaudah is up to you. I'm just following you."

Arka nodded, she called for a waiter then ordered the food we had agreed on together.

"Mas, the seafood-saving package is two yes." Arka.

"Oh, okay, I'm waiting for ya." Reply in the service then immediately record our order in his little book.

"Sha's."

"Yes?"

"So we why you even pay for me."

"Yes nothing. Can't that be it?"

"Yes that's not it. It even troubles you. I'll change it."

"Eh, what the hell is the pack in exchange for everything. It is no doubt that the name of the courtship people must complement each other. Yes, I'm not good if I keep getting paid with you." I clearly.

"That's so sweet of my boyfriend." He said while pinching my cheek.

"Arka's sick!" I hit his hand slowly.

"It hurts!" Ketus ku while stroking my reddened cheeks.

"Excuse me, this is the order." Said a waiter approaching our table.

He placed two servings of squid and shellfish cooked in oyster sauce, complete with rice and vegetables on our table. Then lemon tea as a drink. Just looking at it made the worms in my stomach protest, it's a shame.

"Good fun." Said the waiter kindly.

"Thank you for that." My reply.

We immediately ate the dish in front of us. None of us opened our voices. Come on, please understand we are very tired and need intake to get back excited.

"Later to yuk beach." Bring Arka.

Arka breaks the silence of the atmosphere.

"Well?" I asked with my mouth full.

"I have a surprise."

"What surprise?"

"Just a surprise. I'll continue to eat it up we're there."

***

Arka pays the bill provided by the waiter. I finished the rest of my drink. Arka immediately pulled my hand down from the gazebo. I'm trying to align my steps with this guy's. Suddenly he stopped my steps.

"Try closing your eyes."

"What the hell are you doing?"

"It's closed." His order.

I just follow this guy. He stood behind me and his hands covered my ears.

He led me to walk forward. I can hear the waves around me. My feet retreated suddenly, I was shocked when the sea water touched the tip of my foot. He took me further and further up to my knee-high. I could feel the waves sweeping my feet a few times.

Arka took her hand out of my eyes. I opened my eyes and scrunched my forehead. The sunlight was too sharp piercing my vision that had been covered by the black.

"Gapain we're in the middle of here." Ask wonder.

"Attent. Echem... Hmm..." He cleared a few times.

"If anyone asks who I am. Honestly, you told me...." Arka sings as a song.

I never thought before if this guy had a decent voice either, not bad.

"Don't say, don't say. I'm waiting for you, just wait for the time to talk..." Connect me.

"You know the song too?" Ask Arka surprised.

"We sing together." Bring along.

"One... Two... Three..." The instructions.

"Let love be this way... We are both in the same feeling... You run, I follow... You go I'm looking for

... Let our love be this way..."

Let love be like this - HOST. Ananta

***

"There's so much Arka for today." I said sincerely.

"What am I doing to you today? until use ngapin thank you all."

"It doesn't need to be discussed anymore. It's his helmet." I'm trying to shift the conversation.

"I'm going in first." My pamit.

Arka just nodded and stayed there until I came in, she was always like that.

My eyes were wide open when I found the gate locked with a large padlock. Is grandma leaving? But usually if it's going they always tell me where the spare key is. I checked down the flower pot to find the usual key that was placed there. But nothing was brought there.

"Well?" Ask Arka wonder.

"Bi! Auntie! Grandma! Grandma!" I shouted from the outside, hoping that someone inside would hear my voice just now.

"Geez!" Someone patted my shoulder from behind.

"Yes Ma'am?" That's my neighbor's Ms. Wati.

"So I saw an ambulance coming here." Tell me.

"The ambulance? Who's sick?" I panic.

"Lacking to know about that mom mah neng. But just now I saw the writing on his ambulance belonging to Medika Hospital neng if not wrong. Try to follow me there, because at home there is no one." Obviously Mrs Wati.

"Oh yes, thank you mom." My word.

Who's sick, what's grandma? When I got to Grandma's room this morning, she was fine. What is now his condition is declining. I immediately turned towards Arka, lucky that man had not yet moved from there.

"Arka, let's go!" I said while patting Arka's shoulder.

The man in front of me was getting confused at my behavior.

"Why is this panic happening?" Ask Arka to make sure.

"Grandmother in the Hospital." Obviously brief.

"Which Hospital?"

"Medics. Let's go hunt you." I kept pushing Arka.

"Yes-iya yuk ride let me anterin."

We went straight to Medika Hospital, through the millions of drops of water that fell to earth. The city of Jakarta was raining heavily at the time when we were in the middle of the trip.

"Damn! Jammed again!" I'm clucking bitterly.

Why is the universe never fair to me, just once.

We had to stop between the vehicles. Lucky I was still wearing a hoodie back then, so it wasn't too cold.

"Where is this?" Ask Arka in an indistinct voice because it was disguised by the rush of rain.

"There's no rat road?" Ask me with a stronger voice.

"Nothing. We're stuck in traffic." Reply Arka pasrah.

I let out a long sigh while still turning my brain to get a way out.

"Hand." Say Arka suddenly.

"Why what?" Just hold it.

I don't want to ask any more questions, I'm just following Arka's words. I clasped Arka's jeans tightly. I don't know what he'll do this time.

Suddenly he drove on without giving me any prior warning. I tighten my grip. Arka quickly read the opportunity and opportunity to overtake the vehicle in front of us. His mathematical knowledge was really useful in situations like this. He quickly measured the accuracy of the time and determined how much chance he had of overtaking.

After Arka's efforts just now, you're finally free of that traffic jam. Arka is driving the speed of his motorcycle. I closed my eyes while still holding on to Arka.

"This is a dead chick yes." My heart is in horror at the manner of Arka.

He braked suddenly, and it succeeded in making my heart almost dislodged. I set my hunting breath.

"Und through." He said calmly without any guilt.

I was a little surprised to hear Arka's statement just now. I ventured to open my eyes and make sure we were there. I was relieved that I was already in the hospital. I thought Arka had hit someone on the street due to a speeding and that's why she was picking up all of a sudden. Fortunately, it wasn't all what I imagined.

The rain had stopped, while the sky was still cloudy. All that seemed was rain water left and still dripping slowly from the top of trees and roads full of puddles. I was even surprised not to play when I saw a pair of shoes filled with mud from the splash of Arka motorcycle tires.

We went inside the hospital then headed for the administration desk.

"Excuse me madam, which patient on behalf of Sumiyati?" My toot.

"Oh, just a minute, ma'am."

The treatment then checks the desktop on his desk.

"In room number 34 mbak. From this hallway, just straight. The room is at the very end." Evidently.

"Thank you mbak." My speech.

I immediately headed for the room that the nurse had told me about, regardless of Arka walking behind me.

As soon as I got to the front of the hallway, I stopped my steps. I ignored my intention to walk further there. Are all the lights in this hallway being broken?

I turned my body around. The arch left behind in a few steps behind me raised next to his eyebrows.

"Why?" Ask her when she is next to me.

"You go first." I answered while pushing Arka's body forward.

I followed the man from behind while flanking his arm.

"This is the room?" Ask Arka.

"Yes, try to get in first." I started to vent.

"grandmother?" My leg while running towards the old woman who was lying limp.

Meanwhile, Arka followed behind me.

His condition is not so bad at this time, he is eating food assisted by his aunt.

"Grandmother why?" I'm anxious.

"Grandma's blood sugar dropped earlier. But now my grandmother's condition has improved said the doctor." Obviously aunt.

"This is your boyfriend?" Ask grandma.

My eyes widened when I heard Grandma's words just now.

"Where are you from?" Much

"A cheerful aunt same grandma." Reply to aunt innocently.

I patted my eel.

"What's his name?" Ask grandma.

"Arka grandma." Arka answered kindly and kissed Grandma's hand.

"Handsome son, Eresha's pantesan wants to be with you." Praise grandma.

I lowered my face hiding it between my broken hair. I'm really embarrassed in a situation like this.

"You go home first change clothes, then later if you want to come here again. If there is nothing either. Later enter the wind of wet-basin gini." Grandmother's orders.

I looked up my head at Grandma. Then immediately say goodbye to grandma after that directly dragged Arka out of the place, even before he had time to say goodbye to grandma.

"Why in a hurry?" Ask Arka.

"Cold." I'm trying to find an excuse.

"Jaudah sent us to my house first huh. My house is near here anyway. Let not later on the road, later even the wind will be." Tawar Arka's.

"Keep if I go to your house, what will I change?"

"Just be calm, later you can wear my t-shirt with my training pants."

I accepted Arka's offer. If you think it is true also the word Arka just now. I can catch a cold because it's too long on the way.

***

"Let's go in." Bring Arka.

I opened my shoes that were getting muddy.

"Eh, Arka. Are you home, son?"

We were greeted by her mother at the door. Arka kissed the woman's hand, and so did I.

"Who is this?" Ask Mama.

I lowered my gaze, not daring to look into Mama's eyes. His eyes were so sharp that they stuck towards me.

"Oh, know ma. This is Arka's boyfriend." Arka spoke honestly to Mama as if without burden.

It's not like I'm afraid to admit that to grandma.

"Oh, so this is what you often tell Mama?" Mama Arka said with a big smile until all rows of teeth are seen.

I looked up in disbelief.

"In the Arka story?" Ask wonder.

"Yes, Arka often confides to Aunt about you. Aunty will tell me everything. Go in first yuk, pity wet gini." Release Mama.

"Well, don't share Eresha dong ma." Rengek Arka's.

I followed her mother into the living room. He invited me to sit and wait for Arka to take his clothes for me.

"Well, sit here first. Let Aunty make some warm tea for you both." Said his mother Arka.

"No, don't bother Auntie." I feel bad for your mother.

"I got you a shirt first." Said Arka then entered his room located next to the living room.

I nodded my head.

He soon came out with a few pieces of clothing.

"Here, the shirt and here's the pants." Said Arka while showing it one by one to me.

"You don't have to tell me, too, I already know. Everyone also knows which shirt is which pants."

"Udah do not have much protest, the hunt there replace. The wind will catch." He said while pushing my body.

"Eheheh.... Wait for. Where's replacement?" I stopped my steps.

"In the bathroom, I was in the room. You lock the door to his room." Evidently.

"Then in your room." My protest.

"And I said in the bathroom I was in the room. I'll lock the door to my room." Obviously once again.

My eyes looked straight at the man with a snide look. I would rather just obey the man's words, than have to argue at length with him.

I'll go to Arka's room immediately.

"Don't look! Just be careful if you get caught." Acamku.

"Eat her the door to my room in Eresha's lock." Arka seemed almost desperate to remind me of it.

I then closed the door of Arka's room carefully and then locked it as requested Arka.

This guy's room.... Wahhh.... Really awesome. All the stuff here is neatly arranged. Even the bed was tidier than my bed. I turned my eyeballs towards the figura, and I went up to him. It's a picture of the Arka family, just like the one I saw in the mansion back then. It was just that it was smaller in size and he displayed it on his study table. It turns out he still keeps the photo. I'm sure he still loves his father. If only his father had not gone that fast, maybe Arka's happiness would have felt more complete.

I don't want to make Arka wait long out there, afraid that Arka will misunderstand me. I immediately changed my clothes that were not actually wet because I was wearing a hoodie, only my skirt was soaked. I took off the black shirt that Arka gave me, and the gray training pants. His clothes are a little too big. Naturally, Arka's body is indeed bigger than mine. But that doesn't matter, because I myself am the type of person who likes over-size clothes.

I'll be out of Arka's room.

"Where?" Ask Arka

"Where's what?" Means back.

"Well, the clothes aren't they?"

"Yes slightly. But not bad." Reply while putting my uniform in my bag.

"Eh, have you changed your clothes?"

Mama Arka suddenly came with a tray.

"Udah Aunt." Answer me carefully.

Actually Mama Arka is kind, friendly. Far from my previous shadow.

Arka and Mama live here alone. Of course as you already know if Arka's father has long died.

"It's drunk." Give Mama Arka while putting two cups of warm tea.

"Yes Aunt."

"Oh yeah Aunt almost forgot to tell me about that."

"What just now?"

Understandably if I forget, I was too nervous when in front of Mama Arka. I'm afraid of mistalking or misbehaving.

"What about Arka often confides to Aunt about you is you."

"Oh yes Aunt."

"Oh ma.... Not in the story dong plis... I'm ashamed of it..." Cut Arka.

"It's okay Auntie if Arkanya does not want to tell a story. Besides his privacy, everyone must have privacy that does not want him to publish Aunty." Connect me.

"Judah if you don't want to be in the story, Mama just kind of. Than later Mama's favorite son crank."

Arka ruffled her own hair.

I gulped down a little of that reddish-brown liquid. In fact, the drink was able to warm my body.

"Eh, what if Eresha all had dinner here with us." His Mama Arka's proposal suddenly.

I gasped in shock, almost choking while enjoying the warm cup of tea he served.

"No need for aunty, I'm not good." I said while scratching the nape of my head that did not itch.

"Udah come, want dong. Just this once, yeah...." Please Arka.

That man was the most clever at seducing me and making my heart melt. I smiled at the man.

"You want?" Ask Mama Arka once again to make sure.

"Jude de Aunty." Reply resigned.

***

"What do you want to cook, Auntie?" Ask enthusiastically.

"It's a simple fried rice, huh?"

"By aunty, how are you?" I asked the opinion of this one child who is busy playing online games on his mobile phone.

"What a hell. Mama aja who cooked already delicious, especially this Mama same Eresha who cooked. It's gonna be the best dinner." Clearly Arka at length.

"Let's get better, mending you help us here." The orders of Mama Arka.

"Okay ready, get it done." He said with a humorous tone.

In fact, Arka immediately turned off her phone and did what her mother told her to do.

"Crazy anyway! This is a very obedient child with his nyokap. But it's natural. He's still good at it anyway. Much the same as I did." My mind is in my heart.

My feelings immediately turned sad, but I tried not to show it.