Lara's Admirers

Episode 32

I sat in the corner of my room, outside it was raining. I can't go anywhere with a situation like this. I don't know what I'm thinking, I don't even know what I'm daydreaming about right now. I stared out the window, there was no sign that the rain would soon subside. Every now and then I wipe away the fine dew grains that formed there.

Grandma was still lying limp on her bed. Although he had returned from the hospital a few days ago, his condition did not improve. Grandma had been taking medicine regularly from the doctor, but there was no significant change.

"Tokay! Geck! Geck!"

Someone knocked on my door from outside. I don't rub it at all. Then, someone who seemed impatient waiting for an answer from within instantly opened the door latch just like that. Actually curious or not, my head will still reflex turn there.

"Let's eat first." Renata said slowly.

"Yes." Yeah." Ketus.

With a heavy heart, I took my foot out of the room. Actually, it's been the umpteenth time Renata persuaded me to dinner, but I stayed my stance. Now I'm not following him because my heart is broken, it's a big mistake. I would rather just obey his words than see him dozens of times in and out of my room.

We sat together at the dinner table. Aunty is still taking care of Grandma who has not been able to get out of bed. I have absolutely no appetite at this time. I just ate two spoons of white rice and then moved from there.

"Where are you going?" Ask Renata.

"To the room."

"Your food is finished first."

"No taste at all."

I immediately went back to the room then picked up the hoodie hanging behind the door. It seems like the rain has subsided a little, although it has not stopped completely.

"Where are you going?"

Why does this woman always slice my life, take care of her own!

"You'll take a walk."

I tried to dampen my emotions that were already in the crown. I was lazy to argue with him again.

"Where to walk? It's raining."

"She is looking for the wind. It's hot, hot!"

I flicked the hoodie I was wearing.

"But it's raining sha again."

I didn't heed his warning at all. Ever since she lived with me and my grandmother in this house, I feel like I'm not here anymore.

I walked along the side of the road that still left a puddle of water because of the rain. I kicked all those innocent little pebbles, right in front of me.

"Neng, where are you going these nights?" Sahut someone from the security guard post.

I looked towards the source of the sound.

That's Pak Wawan, this security complex. Coincidentally maybe he's on a shift guard tonight.

"Oh, go to the minimarket for a second, sir." My answer.

Actually, I don't know exactly where I'm going right now.

"Oh, be careful then."

"Yes sir, come on."

"Yoo, come on."

I came out of the street of the housing complex earlier. My steps stopped for a moment, I was confused where to go.

"Where am I really going?" I asked myself at that moment.

"Well, where are you as long as you don't squirm Renata's face." I muttered slowly.

***

Renata panics because Eresha suddenly leaves without telling her where she is going. Suddenly his eyes were fixed on a rectangular object that was just located on the dining table.

Looks like Eresha forgot her phone. That means that now that Eresha is not carrying a cell phone, it will be difficult for Renata to find her sister's whereabouts.

Renata fiddles with Eresha's phone which happens to be unlocked. He found the Arka number at the top because it is the alphabetical order starting with the letter A.

"Am I trying to call Arka?" Her muttering.

He called Arka, hoping to ask this man for help.

"Hello sha, what's wrong?" Voice from across there.

"Hello Arka, this is Renata."

"Sir Renata? How's Eresha's cell phone?"

"Eresha again are you not?"

"No, why?"

"So after dinner suddenly Eresha went away and didn't say where she was going. His cell phone is also in residence."

"Jeez, is this really? So Eresha ran away from home?"

"It looks like it."

"Okay, if that's me directly otw nyari Eresha ya."

"Okay, thank you so much Arka."

Arka decided the phone first, he immediately panicked instead of playing.

"Did I call Sendy just once?"

Renata immediately contacted the man who had once been his lover.

"Hopefully he's not busy anymore."

"Hello, sha?"

Everyone of course thought that this was Eresha, even though this was Renata wearing Eresha's number. Renata doesn't keep any of Eresha's friends' numbers, including Sendy's.

"It's Renata."

"Well, ren. What's up, huh?"

"Can't come here right now, because Eresha ran away from home."

"Eresha escaped? How can?"

"I also don't know the penny, mending us here now. We'll find Eresha together."

"OK, I'm going straight. Did you call Arka?"

"Udah, she's coming straight for Eresha."

"Okay, I'm walking. Wait a minute."

Renata immediately turned off his phone and prepared.

***

"Where? Any word from Arka?"

"Not yet."

The two of them were still searching for Eresha on the streets around the residential complex. You see, according to security earlier Eresha said he went to the minimarket. They've come to the only minimarket near here, but the results are nil.

***

I decided to stop by one of the cafes that I have been visiting a lot lately. The last time I was here, I was playing with Brother Sendy. I sat at the only table that was still empty at the time. This cafe really gets so crowded at night. Some are hanging out with friends or coworkers, some are busy.... Busy dating means. No wonder also if this place is so crowded, because this memamg Sunday night. How could I forget about that.

"Please, what would you like to order?" Said the cafe waiter who had not been since when he was beside me.

I took a look at the menu list for a moment.

"Hmmm.... Chocolate milkshake with lava choco cake just a mas." My word.

"Good mbak. Please wait for the order."

I just smiled thinly.

Which band will perform here this time. I think this cafe really helps the little musicians out there to grow.

"Oh? Female vocalist?" I muttered as they started to go on stage.

It is rare to find a female vocalist in cafes like this. If only yesterday that I was not invited by Brother Sendy, maybe my name will not be included in the list of female vocalists who have contributed their voices in this cafe.

"This is the order." Said the waiter while arranging the food and drinks I ordered earlier.

I was amazed at how this cafe worked that prepared my order so quickly. The visitors are busy tonight.

My order came in time just before the music started. I reached into my pants pocket.

"Damn! Must have missed."

I grumbled when I couldn't find my phone in my pants pocket. I try to remember where I last put that thing. But free, I still don't remember. I've really sucked lately when it comes to remembering.

***

"Try Arka's phone, we'll see you in the park." Sendy's Command.

"okay." Renata pulled out his phone.

"Hello, Arka. We'll meet you in the park." Renata.

"Oh, okay I'm there right now." Answer from across there.

They're heading to a park near here to talk about Eresha. It really made everyone panic. They are still traumatized if Eresha does recklessly again this time.

The night breeze stroked the fine hair of Renata that was blushed by the wind. It turned out that Arka had first arrived at this place before the two of them.

"Where? Any word on Eresha?" Ask Arka worriedly.

"Not yet." Renata answered almost in despair.

"But it's late at night, if there's anything about Eresha on the road."

Sendy looks so anxious, although basically everyone here is worried about the existence of the unstable girl, but he is the most visibly anxious among the others.

Honestly little heart Arka felt jealous to see the man in front of her was so worried about Eresha's situation now.

"I'm afraid he's doing more than he did yesterday." Said Arka with a slightly raucous voice.

"You don't have a special place that you often go to with Eresha?" Renata asked trying to rack his brain.

The two men in front of him just shook their heads.

"Where the hell. He said his girlfriend." Syndicate the woman.

They both fell embarrassed. Renata's innuendo just now was really about right in their heart. But the truth is, they don't have any of their favorite places with Eresha.

"Last time you had a road with him, right? I don't know where that is."

"Cafe is possible." Arka mentioned the name of the place carefully.

He himself could not clearly remember where they had gone last time with Eresha.

"Yes, right. Last time we went to the cafe was when I was playing." Connect Sendy.

"others? Which time was recently?" Ask Renata further.

"There's nothing like me. That brother?"

"I'm also nowhere with Eresha after that."

"Judah now we check into the cafe." Reply Renata enthusiastically.

Renata glanced briefly at the beautifully circular round-shaped object in her hand.

"It's eleven o'clock at night, hopefully it's not closed yet." Renata muttered expectantly.

All shops should be closed at that hour. That's the standard store clock to close.

They immediately drove away from the place to catch Eresha to the cafe if she was there. That place was the last clue they had for now. If Eresha wasn't there, then there seems to be no hope for them tonight.

***

I paid the bill at the cashier. Cafe visitors also seem to have returned one by one. Slowly this place that was crowded, full, and looks so crowded by the dense visitors now turned three hundred and sixty degrees. I became the last customer still there to pay the bill. This place will soon be closed.

I decided to go home. Besides it's too late, no place is still open this late.

I stopped on a bridge to the way home. My legs hurt suddenly, especially in my knees. This includes the long-term effects of the accident. I decided to take a short break there, waiting for the taxi to pass. I don't think my feet can walk anymore.

I'm holding on to the bridge. The sound of the river flowing beneath him that was so rushing made me curious. Actually, if I'm honest, this place is pretty awful. This place is surrounded by bamboo trees that grow towering along this bridge. Not only that, the sound of the river flow is so swift added with the sounds of night animals add to the impression of haunted this place.

But I can't get out of there. I hope the taxi's through soon.

"Why try to get through here." I grumbled over myself.

How foolish I have chosen to go down this road. I can wait in front of the cafe. Besides there is not too quiet, there are still quite a lot of vehicles that pass by. I'm sure there's still plenty of taxis going through that road.

Now how can I go home. How could I forget to bring my phone.

Now I can only go with the situation.

"Bodoamat lah, if you have to sleep here tonight is also nothing." My mind is in my heart.

Suddenly there was a bright light that boldly pierced through the pitch. I thought it was a taxi passing through this area. Apparently not, it was two motorcycles that stopped right in front of me. Will I be kidnapped, or begal. I immediately imagined a thriller scene, where the main character was kidnapped and killed. My brain was completely poisoned by the movie.

They came closer to me, I tried not to panic. My feet took a few steps back from where I was standing. Damnit damnit! I almost fell into this river. Quickly, one of them caught my body. A little more, if they were a split second late, maybe my life would be beyond help. My legs feel so limp, I can feel such a great fear inside me.

"Eresha."

That heavy voice elegantly caressed my ears.

"How does he know my name?" My mind is in my heart.

The man took me away from the lips of the bridge of death. Then they opened their helmets.

"You guys?" Confused me.

The person who helped me was...... The arka? The man hugged me tightly.

He stroked my back, trying to calm me down.

After feeling calm, he started asking a few questions.

Not only Arka who was there, there was Kak Sendy and also.... Come on, I don't want to say his name. All right, he's Renata.

"What are you doing?" Ask me first.

I can see there are millions of questions they want to ask me.

"You know, we're worried you're running away from home." Renata answered innocently.

"Who's running away?"

I am more confused by their accusations against me.

"Keep what are you doing here? Want reckless? To kill myself." Renata Tunding

"All of you why?" I don't understand what they're talking about right now.

"Why are you, sha, running away from home?" Tanya Arka then cupped both of my cheeks.

"This is it, first I didn't run away from home." I clearly.

"So then why do I ask you where you go, you don't answer." Tunding Renata again.

"Listen yes!" Answer me in a higher tone.

My patience is over with my brother's behavior. He kept accusing me of all the assumptions he had without knowing the truth.

"And I've clearly said that I wanted to go for a wind."

This time my emotions could no longer be ignored.

I know it's not appropriate to speak rudely, especially in such a tone to an older person. Today I have tried to accept her presence at home and be nice to her. I had dinner with him and said goodbye before I left. But why does he always make me hate him back when I started trying to forgive him.

"Sorry, I'm just worried you're doing something."

Renata's face bowed limp, the words he said just now sounded so sincere.

"I'm sorry too." Repalasku.

"Judah, you guys are fighting, let us go home." Persuade Brother Sendy.

I nodded my head.

I was with Arka, while Renata was with Brother Sendy. For some reason, when he saw the two of them that close, there was a groaning heart inside. It was as if Renata had snatched Brother Sendy away from me, but me and that man were just friends. How could that sense appear suddenly for no reason.

***

Arka follows a motorcycle in front of him that also goes to the same place as Arka. He was still thinking, still thinking about the incident. Although he knows if it is not good to daydream while driving, but this is all orders from his subconscious.

Arka wasn't sure tomorrow the plan would work. Renata was even fussing again with Eresha. Arka is afraid that this girl will hate her because she indirectly forces Eresha to forgive her brother.

Everyone also knew that this man's intentions were good. No one can guess this girl. His feelings changed too quickly, he was still so unstable.

But even though Arka already knew the consequences, he would not give up just like that before trying it. He wouldn't know what it would be like if he hadn't tried it himself.

"Sha's." Call Arka with doubt.

"Yes?" Answer the girl he was hugging.

"You don't think the saying goes that effort will never betray results."

"It's true, but...." He deliberately hung his sentence, seeming to think for a moment.

"Yao what?" Ask Arka.

"But sometimes, even the results themselves betray our efforts."

Arka was silent for a moment, thinking about the girl's words just now. The sentence was able to silence Arka's mouth.

His fear of failure returned making him hesitant to continue with this plan. But Arka is still an Ark. The mentality is too strong to be knocked down by a little fear that means nothing.

He will carry out this plan tomorrow. There will always be an ease that God gives for every good plan. Arka became more confident and confirmed her intentions.

***

The two motorcycles stopped right in front of Eresha's house. The four of them looked like lovers who had just double date.

***

"Tomorrow I'll give you a surprise." Arka.

"What surprise again?" I asked while returning Arka's helmet.

"There you go, tomorrow I tell you."

Honestly, Arka is getting curious.

"Jaudah. I'll wait for tomorrow." My hand to Arka.

"Good night, little fairy." Said Arka while peeking at my forehead.

I was staring in place.

"Hey, it's in there. It's school tomorrow night."

Arka made me re-conscious.

"Ah? Aye." Yeah." My reply was a stiff smile.

Damnit damnit! Why did I become this misbehavior in front of Arka. The red glow appeared instantly on my face. I want to disappear right now from his presence.

"Eh..."

Suddenly I felt like I was forgetting something, I was sure something was wrong.

"Why?"

"Tomorrow Sunday, you want to go to school alone?"

"Yes I said that so you go straight to sleep."

"That's home." I told Arka to leave in front of me.

"I was cast out of the story?" Ask Arka with a flutter.

"Sister Sendy! Let's get out, we're kicked out here Ama has a house." Ark sahut on a man behind her.

"OK on." Sendy said her sentence just now.

The two men turned on their motorbikes, preparing to get out of there. It's too late at night, it's not time to wander the streets for them. Arka put on her helmet.

"I'm home." Pamit Archa's.

I just nodded, saying his word.

"Be careful on the road." Connect me.

After the two of them had completely left here, I ran into the room. Even I didn't care about Renata in the least, I just left her without a word.

I was too happy for Arka's treatment of me earlier. It was all like a dream that I never expected would actually happen in my life.

His emotions quickly changed. He'll be angry for a while, and cold to me without me knowing why. She'll be so sweet to me soon. I suspect if the man has a disorder, some kind of bipolar maybe..... Ah, but it doesn't seem to be. I'm still sure he has his own reasons for changing like this.

***

On his Sunday, though,

I tried to close my eyes, I tried to fall asleep. But it can't be at all. I let out a long sigh, staring at the ceiling of my room.

It's two in the morning, but I'm not sleeping either. What's wrong with me?

"Come on, I don't want to be late tomorrow."

I hope my two netizens will understand my situation now.

Suddenly I remembered the mysterious figure. Why until now I have not found the answer, I do not even know for sure what makes it go away and disappear from my memory. Where he went, I was looking for him and hoping he would return to my memory soon. I want all my curiosity about him to be answered. Was it fate to leave my memory. Perhaps after this departure, he will still be a mysterious figure who never returns to answer all my questions about him.

Perhaps also the figure I had known in the past would still hide his identity from me. And maybe his face will remain a secret that has never been revealed.

I began to doubt all the things about him that were just present in my head. My little heart asked me if it was in the real world or if it was just an image I created myself.

***

Mondays,

I ate my breakfast at the dinner table with Renata. Inevitably I have to coexist with this woman, and I must somehow be able to accept her presence.

"Tin... Tin... Tin..."

I heard a loud horn from out there.

"Ah, maybe neighbor's times." My inner.

I went back to my unfinished breakfast.

Renata started to enter the campus today. I don't know what's going on, I don't want to question that unimportant thing. I finished the remaining milk which was still half a glass again. Then I picked up my hoodie and school bag. I put my dirty dishes in the sink.

"Bi, later if grandma has woken up please tell me that Eresha has left already." Say to aunt.

"Ready man." Short reply.

"If so I go first." Pamit.

"Yes, be careful."

"I'll go first." I said to Renata.

After all he is my brother, even though he sucks I still have to respect him. If the unwritten rule had never been established in the history of mankind, I probably wouldn't be doing this now.

Honestly, at that time I did not turn my face towards him. I was just looking straight ahead, so I didn't know exactly how she reacted at the time.

"Totally long." Said someone who suddenly appeared in front of me.

I reflexively stopped my steps back then.

"Have you been here a long time?" I asked while tightening my shoelaces.

"Lumayan." He answered casually behind the pillar.

This man still has not changed his bad nature so far. Why did he have to appear suddenly without telling me first. Maybe it was an ingrained habit with an Ark that I knew.

This morning we went to school together. My current position yesterday was replaced by Clara without me knowing why until now.

***

"Eresha Caitlyn Ananda."

Tumben once Stefani mentioned my name in full and the correct pronunciation. Usually he always interrupts the way of pronouncing my name with various accents from other parts of the world. For example, he once called me by name

"Alisha."

And he said it was the correct mention according to the traditional Chinese script. My name is actually mentioned with an English accent.

"Irisha Keitlin Ananda."

Most people call me by name

"Eresha."

Including those of you who are reading this, must also call me that. Even if it's totally wrong. It's just the writing style, and not the way it's mentioned. But from childhood I was used to being called that name. No exception to the teachers who every morning mention my name in absent class.

"What's wrong?" Ask fast.

"Liat economic duty dong, hehe..." He said while raising both his hands.

"Take yourself in the bag."

I'll hand over my bag immediately.

With this bringas the girl immediately reached into the entire contents of my bag. Hunting for an economic lesson exercise book that seems like a fugitive to him.

Stefani wasn't always doing the job. He did all the work he could, and the rest he looked for answers in school. But he often does not do the job.

I sat next to him, tidying up the loose bonds of my hair.

"That's a hand or a race?" Ask me.

I was amazed to see Stefani's hidden talent that the universe hadn't realized. He is so fast in terms of copying, his speed exceeds the maximum speed of a racing motor and is equivalent to three times the speed of a cheetah. How could I have been unaware of that all along.

"Drrt."

My phone shook briefly.

That must be a notification coming in from one of the apps. I checked it immediately.

"Get out a minute."

So the sound of a short message sent Arka from WhatsApp.

"Is he outside? Why don't you just go in?" My mind is in my heart.

"Stef, I'm staying tight."

I just got out of there without waiting for Stefani to answer. After all he was too busy with his unfinished economic tasks.

Suddenly a hand pulled me over from the door.

"What's wrong? Why not just go in?" Ask me.

"It's not good, and then even see your classmates. It's just here to catch." Evidently.

Classes are crowded, almost full. I was leaving a bit late, anyway, so it's only natural.

"So what's going on?" I asked to the point.

"Ah, until I forget. I want to tell you about the surprise."

"Surprise? What did you mean yesterday?"

Arka nodded her head in excitement.

"So tonight I'm gonna take you to the night market." He said so excitedly like a child who had just gotten a packet of candy.

"Night market? Why?"

"Yes, take a walk." Arka ruffled the top of my head with anxiety.

"We double date." Whisper in my ear.

"Huh? Double dates? Same who?"

That means it's not just me and Arka who will be there later.

"Same Sister Sendy." Speech with innocence.

"Sendy's sister has a boyfriend?"

I don't know what else is going on with me. Again my heart felt so sick hearing Arka's statement about Brother Sendy just now. Why should I be jealous of every single thing about Brother Sendy. After all he has his own life, and I have no right to interfere. To this day I still do not understand myself.

"No, not yet." Answer Arka.

"How do you say double date?"

"Yes it should be just me, you, same Sister Sendy. Only Brother Sendy does not want to be a mosquito. So yes, he asked me to take another one. Let him have a chat." Arka Clear.

"Keep if you join me, who else?"

"Sir Renata."

"No!" I refused quickly.

"Let's sha, will ya."

"The others can't do what? Why Renata?"

I folded my hands in front of my chest while grunting.

"I want, we all want your relationship with Renata to improve again like before. We want you guys to get along like we used to."

"We never got along in the past either." My timpal.

But it's true. Since the first meeting with the woman, the first impression we created was not good. Until finally we both knew if we were siblings, after that every day became a bad story that was painted in my life. The world moved away from me, even the star cluster in the galaxy turned hostile towards me.

The matter between the two of us is not that simple Arka. It's all too complicated for you to understand, even I still don't understand. Our relationship has also been too tangled to get back straight. Now no one can do anything. Including you Arka.