Lara's Admirers

Episode 46's

"Thank you, man! This is the helmet, so how many mang?" I said after getting off the motorcycle.

"Ten thousand mbak." The answer.

I reached into my pants pocket and found some five thousand rupiah notes.

"It's mang." I said while handing out two bills of five thousand.

"Thank you mbak."

After my business with the driver of this motorcycle taxi was over, I entered the campus area that looked crowded. Many floodlights are deliberately installed along the road to the building where the race.

Not infrequently I also found marching band groups from various teams that were preparing outside the race area. Costumes with striking colors look so clear at night. In addition, sequin ornaments that look sparkling because of the reflection of the light of the lamp. Rows of percussion instruments to melodists are neatly affected along the way.

There are also some parents who look encouraging and help their children prepare. What a magnificent sight. This place is amazing, once come to this place, people are immediately treated with millions of charm musical instruments.

I miss this kind of atmosphere. A place I will rarely meet. How lucky I was to be invited here by Brother Sendy. By the way, where is that guy. Why didn't I see his nose earlier.

"Has he been inside?" I muttered slowly.

I continued walking down the brick path, while unceasingly amazed.

"Sha!" Someone from behind.

I turned to find out the source of the sound. I found a marching band member complete with his uniform, heading towards me.

Slowly the shadow is getting solid, presenting a creature of God who that night is really beautiful.

"Sister Sendy?" I'm spontaneous.

"Thanks for coming here."

"Yes alike. I'm afraid I know the same mood as this one."

"We're going there yuk!" Said the man while pulling my hand.

He led me to a place on the edge of this street. Took me in front of his teammates.

"Who the hell?" Ask one of them.

They sat on the floor of this brick without fear of their uniforms getting dirty. It seems to be waiting for a turn or preparing.

"Know this Eresha, she's a marching band kid too." Said Brother Sendy.

"Oh yeah?"

"Yes, we used to be a school fit team."

"Holding what tools by the way?"

"The melodic child, more precisely the bell."

I can only grin with a stiff. I'm not the kind of person who adapts quickly to this new environment.

"It used to be a trumpet boy too." Add me.

Actually, it's not just those two tools that I've been working on in the world of marching band. When I first jumped into the world of marching band, more precisely when I was in the fourth grade of elementary school. The first tool I trained was the color guard position. I don't know why the coach put me in that position. But it didn't last long, a few months later I was transferred to the trumpet. And I remained a trumpet player until I graduated from elementary school.

I was out of the marching band world for three years straight. That's because my school at Junior High did not provide extracurricular marching band facilities. And I was a member of the juvenile red cross during those vacancy years.

And it all goes back to how it used to be. Now I find my happiness again in the marching band. I was back on the school team or band. This time I was positioned as a bell player, who held the main key of each song.

"Now still a member of the marching band?" Ask one of them.

I can only shake.

"Why?"

"It just so happens that the school does not have a marching band team. So yeah where to join." I clearly.

"What is our team doing together?"

"Well? Can you?"

"That can be. It is open to the public with a certain age limit. Maximum less than twenty-five years." Obviously Brother Sendy.

I just nodded while making their statement.

"So that means this team member is not pure from the campus student where Kak Sendy attended? It turns out that it can accept people from outside as well." My mind is in my heart.

"So how do you want to join us?"

Damnit damnit! The question left me at a loss for words. I don't know what to answer. On the one hand, I really want to go back to my world. But on the other hand, circumstances forced me to stay away. Either for a while or maybe forever.

I need to focus on my graduation first, and then think about something else. But what worries me more is my health condition that doesn't allow me to exercise like I used to.

"Congratulations?" Said Brother Sendy while patting my shoulder.

"Ah? Not really."

"So how? Want to join us?"

"For now, I don't think so. You want to focus on the end of school exam first."

"Oh, that's okay. After all, no one makes any sense. But if for example you want to join when, we really welcome."

I just nodded at his words.

"Everyone, prepare yourself. After that go inside." Cheers someone from the end there.

His face is not very clear. Because indeed this place only gets half of the lights that exist. But if you look at his performances, it looks like he is the coach of this team.

Brother Sendy immediately put on a hat complement to his marching band uniform. With feather ornaments of various colors on the top as a characteristic.

They immediately took each other's tools and walked inside one by one. I walked with that guy. He looks nervous, it can't be denied anymore.

Until we finally reached the entrance of the hall. He and his team had to turn to the right, towards a small hallway under the stands.

"Spirit!" My word.

He just smiled faintly at my words.

After he entered the hallway, I immediately went up to the spectator stands to get a seat. Of course I don't want to miss the great performances of these talented people.

I confirmed my sitting position while waiting for the cue if the show will start soon.

That hallway earlier, might be heading to the backstage area. And later every participant who entered from there earlier, will come out from behind this curtain in front of me.

Honestly, right now I'm being nervous, I don't know why. But I try to look as calm as possible.

"Good night to the judges we honor, and welcome to the audience."

The host started it immediately.

"Well for this match, each marching band team from various branches will compete in two branches. The first branch is the display and the second is the battle." Obviously the host to all the existing audience.

"Oh? There's a battle too? I thought it was just a display game like in general." My mind is in my heart.

That means Brother Sendy will participate in both rounds. For display games usually, all members will be involved. As for the battle itself, it was usually only a battle between percussion children.

Ever since I was a kid, among all the races I've been at I'd love to see a battle show like this. It's hard to describe in words. You have to feel it yourself to know how different sensations are. Added to the sound of drum bases that make your heart feel like it is vibrating.

I sat in the back seat of the stands. Since only this place was left, the front was already in all contents. At least I can still see them clearly later.

The first appearance had already begun, but it didn't seem like they were. I enjoyed the entire performance of the participants, each of whom was given only two minutes of color.

They are all great, not infrequently I goosebumps myself to see their appearance is so extraordinary.

"Now let's welcome the performance of the Marching Band Graha Swara!" The voice-bearer cheers with a passionate spirit.

There was a sound of the rhythm of the stick snare drum that was hit with a regular. This is no stranger to me. This is usually done before the start of the song or even after. At that time the snare drum player was holding an important role in maintaining the tempo and footsteps in rhythmic direction.

The marching band in blue uniforms came out from behind the stage with Gita Patih as the leader. I immediately stood up from my seat, then clapped my hands with the other spectators.

This is what I've been waiting for. It seems that not only me, even all the spectators here seem so enthusiastic when they are about to perform. After their initial formation line was completely perfect, I sat down again.

I immediately pulled out my phone camera to capture the moment. The moment cannot be repeated a second time.

"Klings!"

The sound of the shooter button sinks between the hubbub of the atmosphere.

I steal a glance at that man. He was standing stiff in the back row. His hand seemed to be grasping his quint tom stick tightly. He did not want anything to happen with it and made the appearance they had trained together to be destroyed.

"Band on up!" Instructions of Gita Patih.

All members prepare for their positions. The entire mouthpiece of the windshield has been attached to the lips of their respective owners. Stick holders such as bell players, snare drums, quint tom and bass drums gripped each stick with a stronger. The cymbal player also tightens the grip of the rope. The color guards pose as cleanly as possible.

They have one goal in common, which is to give their best in front of the judges. Whether we win or not is a recent affair. The real purpose of a competition is not to win, but to compete for the best.

This is called "Two Minutes For Forever."

"Tu..wa...tu...wa...ga...pat...tu....wa...ga....pat!"

Again there was the sound of cheers and applause that echoed, combined one in the intro of the song that sounded so jarring. The mood is getting boisterous now.

I captured the moment in a short video.

"Klings!"

I shut down the video footage after they got back on stage. I had a preview several times on the video and even ignored the participants who appeared next.

That look was so short for me. If the race committee could provide a longer duration of time, surely the entire audience would be hypnotized by their performance.

But sometimes behind the two meaningful minutes, there is a long struggle. There are sacrifices that are delivered indirectly. I know exactly how hard it is to prepare all this.

Every day should memorize notes, basking in the broad daylight sun. In fact, not infrequently have to hear the coach's insults that will encourage us to progress violently. But believe me there will be a satisfied smile that is unnoticed later. There will be a feeling of relief after successfully completing this song perfectly.

***

I glanced at my watch which already showed at nine o'clock in the night. I left here at about half-eight. And this is only half of the show. Looks like I'm going home late at night. Lucky all the tasks today I did at school at empty time. So I can go straight to bed later, without having to stay up like I did last night.

"All right ladies and gentlemen. After enjoying the display show of the nation's children who were so talented earlier, now let's see the battle round between two teams at once!" The host cheered with excitement.

This time the participants came from the side doors located on the right and left sides of this building. I just realized there are three doors to the arena.

Damnit damnit! His team Kak Sendy got the first turn. They don't feel exhausted at all. Just a few minutes ago they finished, now they are fighting again.

"Graha Swara's Marching Band Team against Gita Bahana's Marching Band team!"

As usual, the host continued to guide everyone here from the beginning of the event until it ended later. That's why the committee is willing to pay them dearly. Because of his speech skills are often considered trivial for some people.

This time I watched it seriously without recording it at all. I don't want to miss this one, which everyone's been waiting for.

"BAMM!!!"

The sound of a drum base being struck without a doubt made my heart shake violently. It was a sign that the battle was about to start.

The Gita Bahana Marching Band team will start first. I rebuked him with great difficulty. They seem to be equally strong opponents.

Until the abstract blows began to be heard filling the entire room. Do not forget the formation arranged in such a way. As a complement to their performances, it is not uncommon to hear the sound of cheers they create themselves to further trigger the spirit.

All the audience seemed to be crazy about their performances, not least with me. Sometimes I shake my head. I don't know how they can do this. Truly an out of the box concept but still stunning, worthy of a thumbs up.

Shortly after the Gita Bahana team finished the game, then the Graha Swara team began to show their skills that were not less great than their opponents at that time.

Even this time Graha Swara's team show was much more appealing to the audience's sympathy. How not, they had done acrobatic movements that were somewhat impossible to do while playing a musical instrument. But in fact they managed to do it perfectly. Highlight their eyes sharply staring straight ahead, as if they were challenging the opponent in front of him. Their game ended with the pose of folding hands in front of the chest, while looking down on the Gita Bahana team.

This show really made my whole hair stand up straight. A fierce competition between two equally strong parties. Their performance just now was enough to make the entire audience, even the judges here were glued together.

I feel no regret accepting Brother Sendy's invitation at that time. All of these shows have really satisfied my entire passion. Even though I can't play with them down there, I think it's more than enough.

It turned out that sitting in the stands was much more stressful than when competing down there. From this we can see the entire formation being so incredible. Which is able to make all his opponents turn pessimistic. A line that was stacked and trained for months. But that was not worth the time of their show.

***

10.45

Now we've arrived at the end of the show. Decision decided by the jury. Time to prove who is the best of all the best. The moment that makes the whole heart in this room beat fast.

I squeezed my hand, holding back the nervousness I was experiencing. Actually the performance of Kak Sendy and his team is quite perfect in the eyes of the audience, including me. But I don't know with the jury, the way he thought he always couldn't guess.

The jury will judge every single thing that the audience is not even aware of. They will count every inch of mistakes made during the appearance.

"Alright I already hold the names of the winning candidates." Said the host.

His way of speaking successfully made us even more impatient to wait for the results. I hope everything is as I expected. Hopefully what I say, will soon be revealed. May the universe hear my hope tonight.

"Congratulations for Mega Symphony which ranked third. Representatives please step up to the podium." Said the host.

I clapped my hands slowly, appreciating their performance.

"The next one that will occupy the second position is....."

Damnit damnit! Why is this always the case every time an announcement is made. I also experienced something like this at the Olympics yesterday. They always hang their sentences to play the emotions of the audience and also the participants.

"Congratulations to Gita Bahana!"

There is still one more position that has not been debuted who the owner is. I hope there is still a chance for Graha Swara's team to win the position. They are not less good with the Gita Bahana team, they should be able to bring the thropy tonight.

"Congratulations to....."

Please don't do that again, just announce it.

"Graha Swara!"

My eyes widened for a moment after hearing the sentence just now. I clapped my hands proudly. Finally they came out as runers up in the competition this time.

After the delivery of the thropy and other entertainment prizes are completed. The Gita Patih who are representatives of each team, saluted with great grace as a thank you.

The show was finally over, with a lot of satisfaction for me. A really impressive night. Today I was very happy, even though I was only in the stands. My soul that has thirsted for tone as if thrashing earlier.

I rushed out of this hall building with the other spectators. I stood beside the entrance while waiting for Brother Sendy to come out of this place. I can't wait to congratulate that man.

"Finally...."

Suddenly Brother Sendy came from next to me while taking off the hat that tied his head.

I hugged her, then whispered something in her ear.

"Congratulations!"

Sweat flushed all over his body, making his clothes wet. Some were seen dripping then flowing down his face. I immediately let go of my embrace because of it.

"Geez, that's disgusting!" My mind is in my heart.

I used to be that way too often. But why am I protesting now, you know.

"Super brother just now. Congratulations again."

I continued my words that had paused.

"Ah time anyway? By the way thank you very much."

"Seriously, even more powerful than I've ever known."

"What was I not good at playing quint tom?"

"Yes.... How yes..."

"Haha.... Fuck up!" Said the man while ruffling the top of my head.

"Go home yuk!" Take me and pull his hand.

"Eh. wait a minute." Preventably.

"What else? It's over with the show." My complaint.

"Just congratulations? Nothing else is that, what cake..."

I scrunched my forehead not understanding the meaning of his words.

"Huh? Meanin?"

"Aren't you willing to give me something other than congratulations?"

"I don't understand, my brain if it's been a gini night has been invited to think. Gini, just tell me what you want."

"Anu...."

"What the hell is that?"

"That's what lupain is!"

His facial expression changed immediately. I can't catch what he means. His lips went forward a few centi, he must be upset because I did not understand his words.

"Anged huh? Sorry..."

"No, I've missed it."

"Jaudah. Make Nebus my mistake, what if I treat tomorrow? All that to count to make a victory big brother, how would you like not?"

"No need, mending the money you can save."

I don't seem to have succeeded in persuading this man with food. I'm the stupid one after all. He is not a child anymore, which immediately melted his heart if given candy.

I'm trying to rack my brain to persuade this one guy. I honestly hesitate to do this one. But there is no harm in trying.

I briefly peeked at the man's forehead with all the courage I had. Somewhat impressed maybe. But if this can improve his mood, why not. Although I had to do it on my tiptoes because he was much taller than me.

Both of his eyes were perfectly rounded right then and there. The man was glued to the spot with a blank look. I feel guilty for doing this to him. I honestly felt very stupid at the time.

"Let's go back, let me take you home." Said the man while pulling my hand.

Did I not see wrong? He really smiled again just now. It's me who's gone crazy or something. I need someone who can explain this situation to me.