Lara's Admirers

Episode 44

After the show was over, I immediately rushed back to the room to do the task that I had delayed while at the cafe earlier.

"Dine yuk sha first." Take grandma.

"I have to hurry pr nek, there are still many problems." My reply.

I really wanted to have dinner with them. It is rare that we can get together like this. Usually Renata always has classes until night and is always busy with final semester assignments from campus.

I immediately took my laptop, then prepared to do the rest of my duties. At the cafe, I only worked on two pages. There's still so much material that I haven't moved all of it.

I ruffled my hair, stressed at my disheveled study table. I don't even know where to start.

***

01.26

I glanced at the clock dindinh that clearly sounded his voice that night. It's too late at night, even in the early hours. I didn't think I'd have to stay up all night.

I am finally finishing the last sentence for my job. And.... bingo! Finished too.

I leaned my body on the chair, while relaxing some parts of my body that felt sore. It felt like my neck and waist had almost wanted to be broken from bending too long.

There is still less than four hours left before leaving school. It's good for me to go straight to sleep, to rest my body for a moment. I saved all the paperwork and made sure everything was in order.

After being sure everything was done, I headed straight for the bed with staggered steps. But in my heart I was very happy, because I was finally able to rest.

Suddenly my feet stopped in the middle of the journey which was only less than two meters away. I patted my eel slowly, stomping my feet in annoyance.

"Aishhhh!!!" My grouse.

Why can't I forget there's a math assignment I haven't done yet. Come onl.... I want to rest. I whine while constantly complaining.

With heavy steps, inevitably I have to go back to that sickening place. I had no intention of touching him at all. What else if I have to do it.

As you know, I'm very bad at numbers. In addition, at this time I am really tired, it must be very difficult for my brain.

With a heavy heart, I opened the printed book that I had marked the page of his duty.

"GEOMETRY."

The writing is real there. Write with the largest possible font size. The formulas that were clarified with thick printed writing, as if mocking me.

That night I really tried to exceed my limits. Until I get to the end. Where I have completely lost and given up.

***

"Tring!!!"

The loud voice was sharply audible, suffocating my sense of hearing. I slowly opened my two eyes. Occasionally rubbing it smooth, then trying to feel around me.

After my vision was clear and a part of my life had been gathered, I found myself asleep at the study table. I'm trying to remember what happened last night.

"Damn! I must have slept last night." My mind is in my heart.

With all my energy, I got out of that place and approached the clock that kept ringing.

"Fifth hour..." I said with a loud voice.

I rushed to the bathroom to get ready. Maybe I'll take a bath with warm water today. I'm sure it makes me calmer and fresher. A clear mind is the main key in order to absorb the lessons well in school.

After I finished preparing and wearing my usual uniform, I went back to my study table to include some important things that I had to bring later. At once I also checked all my duties, making sure that everything was perfect. If not, I could have my problem.

Being one of the students who are in the superior class is indeed a challenge for me. In addition to being ready to compete, I also have to always keep up with them. I was a little behind them, so it did not rule out the possibility that I would fail in that class.

"God?! Not finished yet?"

I was surprised not to play when I found my math assignment yesterday not finished. There are still three more things I haven't done out of ten. The number is a little more, more or less my work has been completed about seventy percent.

But the problem is, I'm not sure I can finish it in time. Maybe the answer is only a few lines, but my brain is no longer able to think any further.

I glanced towards my watch, as I continued to rack my brain to find a way out.

"Half six." My mind is in my heart.

Actually still had time to find the answer first before going to school. But again I'm not sure it will work and be on time. If I do it at home, I'll most likely be late for school.

Without a second thought, I immediately finished all the books I was about to bring today. I decided to do the rest at school, just like Stefani did.

There was no other way, this was the only way that came to mind at that time. My way of thinking is indeed very short, without thinking about the consequences in the future. I was indeed too rash in making decisions when pressed. I don't know why I always fail to think clearly even though I have tried.

***

I quickened my pace, ran. The school was not too crowded, only seen some students who were sitting pensively in front of the class because no one from their classmates had come. They are diligent children who always come quickly every morning, or indeed because today they get a schedule of hygiene tasks.

I was in the hallway in front of my class. It still looks very quiet. I hesitantly put my foot in it. Actually, there is also fear inside me. Suddenly this place becomes so creepy when quiet like this. But inevitably I have to go into it to do the job, or I have to be ready for the law.

By gathering all the guts I had, I tried to brave myself. I found a man sitting alone at his desk listening to a song from his earphone connected to his cell phone.

Arka, how could the man be there this early. It's never been like this before. He seemed to have noticed my arrival at that moment. Arka immediately turned her head towards me, then let go of one of her earphones.

"Tumben's coming fast." Arka.

"I.iya." I reply a little awkwardly.

What am I supposed to say? Sure enough, I have to admit if I haven't done the job. To put where my face is.

***

I immediately pulled out a math book and rushed to find the answer, ignoring the person sitting next to me.

"Not finished?" Arka.

I just nodded with my face down.

"Take a look here."

Suddenly Arka immediately snatched away my book and ballpoint. As far as I was surprised not to play, I had to finish it immediately but he was joking like this.

"Not funny at all, let's give it back quickly." I murmured in my heart.

I'm trying to take back what belongs to me that the man took forcibly.

"Prophe dong, I think first." Said Arka so calmly.

His forehead wrinkled, his eyes squinted sharply staring at the matter that had become his daily food.

A moment later he immediately wrote down a cluster of numbers and variables and some mathematical terms on the white paper.

I could only watch her carefully, because she would not allow me to help her at all.

"Well, it's all done." Said Arka while smiling with satisfaction.

I put my hands to this man.

"Why?" He asked while glaring at me with a strange look.

"Reverse my book." My speech's flat.

"Hm.... Sure can. But there's one condition." He said with a sly smile.

I sizzled violently in front of him.

How could he behave like that. Even he had absolutely no right to take my book by force.

I let out a long sigh, trying to increase my patience level to deal with this child. Inevitably at this time I have to obey my wishes, rather than my value that must be the bet.

"What?" Ask me with a higher tone.

"Thank you dong, you've been helped."

"That's doang?"

"Eits... Yeah, it's not."

"Keep what dong? A lot of time."

"Where are we bartering? You're doing my English translation job tomorrow. I will send the file later. How, okay?" Tawar Arka's.

"Not long is the text?"

"About a hundred and fifties that's a word."

I thought for a moment about his offer.

"okay." Short reply.

"By the way thanks for the help." Connect me.

***

The buzzer that the first lesson hour is about to begin has echoed throughout the school. All students scramble into the classroom, ahead of the bell that continues to hunt.

Today the man saved me. His heart was so sincere to help each other, without remembering the grudges. Our bad past is no reason for him to hate me.

He was different, rarely able to meet people like this. Most people are easier to remember than a thousand good things that have happened before. But that doesn't apply to Arka.

***

14.30

Last year, I usually went home at this hour. But this time all the twelve grade students had to follow the tutoring for the preparation of the final exam of school. This guidance is carried out for the next one eight months, which means that during the deadline that has been determined I must be willing to go home longer than usual.

Me and my friends cleaned up our stuff that was just scattered during the last lesson. After that we combined several tables into one. Enough to accommodate a maximum of six people.

One day before, my two friends and I had agreed to bring each other supplies and share later. Me, Clara and Stefani sat face to face while taking out our food boxes.

While Arka is busy with her friends. They seem to be talking about a very interesting topic. The three men sat on a table with one of their legs raised.

Just look at these three people, if at a glance ordinary course indeed. Impressed as an exemplary and polite student. Moreover, they hold the title as superior class students.  But look at his behavior now. It is no different from other boys, who in general do seem "files."

I shook my head to see the behavior of the children.

"Buruan yuk eat, laper already!" Stefani.

Clara nodded in agreement with Stefani's words just now.

"Jude." Short reply.

We opened each box, then put it in the middle of the table. Boiled purple yam as a simple carbohydrate source how to serve, provided by myself.

We had indeed split the task before, I brought the main meal. While Clara brought fruits that have been processed into fruit salad. And of course protein should not be missed. Stefani brought her own tempe bacem.

"Good meal." Say us at the same time.

Without us knowing it, it turned out that our voices invited those people to come. Who else if not Arka and his close friends.

"Worse yet, eat nothing." Said Adit while stroking his stomach slowly.

"Well, we're also laper times." Titan Timpal.

"The seat is fit for three people." I said with a sharp tone.

I honestly wouldn't have had to share lunch with them. I also need to recharge my energy to think harder later.

"A little bit..." Said Titan with a face.

I shook my head quickly as I chewed on the leftover food in my mouth.

"Gini deh, tomorrow replace us who bring food for you." Bargain Arka while folding his hands.

"Well, I agree!" Stefani's reply was enthusiastic.

"Well?!" My timpal.

"Udah deh sha, yes. Anyway at my hostel the food was-it was mulu. Ntar you guys are bosen again." Stefani.

"Shit up." Short reply.

The three men immediately grabbed our food with a brandy, without needing to be ordered again. I almost choked in surprise.

Right now I can only let out a long sigh, while continuing to grumble bitterly towards everyone before me right now. Even now my appetite is gone.

"Why not eat?" Ask Arka.

"No, you've eaten." My reply was as if nothing had happened.

"We're disturbing you?" Connect Titan.

I shook my head quickly. Even if it is, but I don't want to hurt their feelings.

"If you feel uncomfortable we're here, it's okay, we can go." Further.

"Nothing, seriously. I'm going to eat it." My eagle.

I still feel bad if I should offend them. That's why I avoid it.

"Judah, tomorrow I'll bring you a chocolate sponge." Reply Ark.

My eyes immediately widened to hear Arka's words just now.

"Seriously?" Asking back.

The man just nodded while chewing the tempe bacem belonging to Stefani who was brushed out by him.

I was immediately excited when I found out Arka was going to bring me her mother's chocolate sponge. It's been a long time since I tasted that one snack.

***

The extra hours of successful lessons stress me even more. Not to mention Sekaa was almost afternoon, it felt like my eyes felt really heavy. However, I cannot disappoint those who have given me this opportunity.

I kept trying to focus during the lesson hours. Although I admit it is very difficult to do. It's not the right place for people like me and Stefani. It will be difficult to grow here.

***

18.10

Finally finished too. I hurried to clean up my stuff that was strewn on the table. I want to hurry home and get home.

"Eh... I borrowed your book. I missed the note, tomorrow I'm back." Said Arka while holding one of my hands holding a book.

I just agree, don't want to linger.

"Thanks." -." The reply then stuffed the thing into his backpack.

The sky was not as bright as before. The light dimmed, the sky began to fade. There are some traces of bright orange color that are painted beautifully up there.

I've been thinking everything in my head while waiting for a taxi to pass. All the activities I will do after this I have scheduled in such a way.

On the one hand this additional learning program is good, but on the other hand there are also small losses that are often considered trivial.

Stefani, for example, had to be willing to turn her work hours into nights. Or I can't rest for a while at home. But this is not the time for me to relax anymore. This is my last year of school, I have to take it seriously. Because real life will only start when we graduate.

"So, prepare!"

No need to wait long, that one public vehicle has come. Because it is the location of our school located on the side of the highway. So no need to worry about transportation, this road is always crowded for twenty-four hours.

***

The atmosphere in the house was completely quiet, silent, silent and so calm as never before. Grandma and Renata just flew to Medan this morning. Because our hometown is one of the smaller cities, so there are no airfield facilities for aircraft there. So that grandmother and Renata had to transit in Medan, then continue the journey by train or other public transportation.

I found my aunt watching tv in the living room. He seemed to be enjoying his day.

I immediately headed to my room to take a shower and then went back down to the kitchen for dinner. After that I also have to go watch the match Brother Sendy.

Warm water is always the main solution to calm the mind and eliminate fatigue all day. Nothing better than this one.

I immediately put on a hoodie suit and black trousers. So finish eating later, I can immediately leave without having to go upstairs again to change clothes.

Going up and down stairs is healthy, but not for someone like me.

"Watch what bi?" Ask pleasantries.

I decided to have dinner in front of the tv while accompanying aunt to watch.

"This is a mbak, an Indian film. Romantic to know. It's like Arka's mas." Obviously the woman.

I almost choked to death. Luckily I hurriedly sipped a glass of water in front of me.

I could only smile wryly at the words just now. Why be associated with me and that man, even at a time like this. I finished my dinner while watching the movie.

Like Indian films in general, which are loved by the complex mothers. I don't know why this time I got carried away.

After I finished filling my stomach, I continued to wash the dishes. There's no harm in helping your aunt. Let him at least take a break this day. Look at her expression that was so enjoying today. Because Grandma and Renata left, so homework is not too much as usual. Like laundry cloth or dirty dishes for example. I don't need to cook much today either. Just enough for both of us.

"Bi, I'm gonna go out for a second." I said while putting on my shoes.

"Where are you going, mbak?" Asked the middle-aged woman while turning her eyes away from the tv.

"You're watching a game in the hall of the campus near the school." My reply.

I approached him to say goodbye, then kissed the back of his hand.

"Eresha left first ya bi." My pamit.

"Well are you there? It's this night."

"It looks like a bi, ride a motorcycle in front of the complex."

"Jaudah, aunty, call me first."

"No need to be bi, Eresha can go ahead. It's close by."

"Let aunty call them."

But the aunt insisted on calling one of the gojek brothers who were acquaintances. I choose to obey. Bibi does know almost all the motorcycle taxi drivers in this complex. Every day they are the ones who always take aunty to the market to shop for kitchen needs. No wonder he was so familiar with them.

"Hello, cup! Now go to the house. Anterin Eresha to the campus hall near Nusantara High School." Aunt on the phone.

Shortly after, he hung up without me hearing an answer from across the street.

Auntie drove me forward while waiting for the ojek to come. This woman is kind and attentive to us. She has been serving her grandmother for eighteen years. I wasn't even born at the time.

Aunty had no children until now, even she had never been married. It is only natural that he loves us as much as his own children.

"Well that's it the Ucup has come!" Aunty cheer.

A motorcycle then stopped in front of us shortly after aunt said that line.

"Anterin he's up to his destination yeah cup." Aunty.

"Yes, it's Mpok."

I immediately climbed on his motorcycle, not forgetting to make sure that the helmet was attached to my head.

"Alright if until this geulis scuffed, you run out." Threatening aunt seriously.

But still, no matter how serious the expression was, it sounded like a joke between a pair of friends. A close friend more precisely.

"Be careful, ma'am."

"Yes bi, Eresha go first huh."