Lara's Admirers

Episode 66

"Bye, sha! Good night, have a nice dream!" Said Arka while closing her video call.

"Well! What the hell is this kid, even in matiin." Stefani's protest that just wanted to join.

"Sha, guess asked her PJ to be the same." He continued, pointing his hands towards me.

"More..." I replied, returning her cell phone.

Before this girl let out any other rants, I immediately ran away from this place. I walked into the kitchen to get a glass of water, which I needed right now.

While on the way, I suddenly saw a small crowd in the living room. Everyone was still there after dinner. Maybe we're discussing preparations for Renata's wedding tomorrow. It was a once-in-a-lifetime sacred moment that could not necessarily happen a second time, hopefully not so. That is why all things must be prepared carefully, must be perfect to the smallest detail.

"Shaa! Here son!" Mom from the middle room.

"Yes ma!" I said as I immediately ran small towards the crowd of people.

I saw a stranger in the middle of them. I've never seen this guy before.

"Here sit!" Mom's orders.

I nodded in understanding then immediately sat right next to him.

"Know this Aunt Dea, she'll help you make clothes fittings tomorrow as well as all your make-up in." Obviously mom.

"you guys? You mean me too?" Ask wonder.

"Yes, yes." Mama's reply was short.

I don't know how to react. I can only scratch my head that doesn't itch.

"Eresha can make up her own kok ma." I said with a slightly refined expression of rejecting.

"But you can't make up." Reply mama.

"Later to help Stefani." My words are constantly trying to evade.

"Udah, let me make up-in mbak Dea aja, I trust more." Renata Timpal.

"It's up to you." Reply resigned.

Now I have lost a great deal against those who are clearly far more numerous than I am alone. Inevitably this time I was forced to give up again, sometimes it felt like I had to make peace with my own ego.

I actually don't want that at all. If my face was in makeup with a professional make up artist like this, it would have been far from what I imagined. Actually I do not like to use makeup that is too thick, and the appearance is too striking. But everywhere every formal event like this, certainly can not be separated from the makeup like that.

"Okey, nothing sha. Just for a day." My mind is in my heart.

"Eresha to the kitchen first yes, want to take water." I said as I moved from there.

Mama and the others just nodded slowly at my words. Then get busy with their own business. After feeling enough with a little water, I went back up again. Whatever paragraph of scolding the girl threw, I don't care about it at all.

"Sha!" Stefani shouted from the room.

I was just about to open this door. But it felt like that intention had just disappeared after hearing him call my name that way.

I turned my body back to the living room. I paused my intention to enter that place again. Maybe I'll listen to all those grown-up chats over there. It would be boring, but it was so much more than my ears hurting from having to listen to Stefani's shrill voice. Now my position has gone awry like this. I couldn't find a place that was really comfortable for me, even my room which was usually the most comfortable place, was no longer the same as before.

"Sha, wait a minute!" Stefani said, coming after me from behind.

Suddenly the girl stopped my steps by holding one of my hands. I grumbled inwardly, why would I lose so quickly compared to this girl. I should've just run so I could have gotten downstairs sooner. Now I'm caught and can't be cut off at all. I suspect that this girl has been watching me secretly.

"Don't ask PJ to please...." I said without turning my body.

I hope Stefani gives me a chance to get out of here.

"It's not sha!" Reply Stefani.

"Keep what dong if not PJ?" My toot.

I immediately turned my body towards him.

"Let's go with me to the room first." Said Stefani, pulling my hand.

I don't want to have to go with him into the room. I hope he doesn't do anything weird with me. Just look if he's trying to prank me.

"Help me pick dong's shirt..." Say it with a face.

"So that's it?" Manya make sure.

Stefani nodded softly with a hardened expression that he was still defending from earlier. Actually if he wasn't my best friend, I'd really like to punch him in the face with that disgusting expression. It was as if he was asking to be pitied.

I just took a long breath. At least I can breathe a sigh of relief, because he had forgotten the funeral tax he asked for earlier. The one that just happened was not made, but turned it back. Can't he tell the two things apart which are clearly so different.

"Choose dong, which you think suits me." Said Stefani while showing his collection of clothes.

My eyes widened when I saw my bed suddenly become a ship breaking like this. I haven't left this place in an hour. Sure enough, how could all this kid's clothes be scattered on my bed. Is he that frustrating to choose a style.

I can only shake my head to see his behavior. Although my annoyance was already in the crown, I tried to always increase my patience level when facing people like this.

"What are clothes for?" I asked while sorting through the pile of clothes.

"Tomorrow Titan keeps me going." Stefani said while playing her finger.

I immediately stared in disbelief as he said that. The girl only took a few days to conquer the man's heart. I suspect that this girl is secretly using a special talisman for that matter.

How could a man like Titan easily fall for a girl like Stefani. A young girl who has no feminine side at all, not even rarely she is rude. Love can never be guessed. This is how love works.

"Seriously?" I don't believe it.

The girl just nodded her head saying my words while bowing down in embarrassment. Slowly but surely, the pein turns into a blush.

"Ciieeeee......" Ledek.

"What the hell!" Reply with a shy smile.

"Udah buruan pickin gih!" Further.

"Mending wait for Renata, I don't understand this." Obviously I was getting dizzy from seeing the pile of cloth.

"Well, I'm sorry I called you here." Stefani said with disappointment.

"Sorry...." My reply.

While Stefani was busy with her affairs, I lay beside the pile of clothes while playing my phone that had just finished charging.

Sure enough, there were over twenty video calls coming in from Arka about twenty minutes ago. I can't stop thinking if that guy's really this artist. I let the notification go, because in the end the man called Stefani and our business was done.

But by the way what about Brother Sendy. About a week ago, he had no news of Sam once. At least post something on social media. But not at all this time. The man had completely disappeared just so without a trace at all. Suddenly it disappears from everyone. There is a problem what makes him have to go back there, to leave the activities on the campus. Plus, it wasn't a day or two there. I have to find out about him, anyway. At least to make sure if Brother Sendy is in good condition.

I tried calling him a few times, but the results were nil. The number's been dormant for the past week. What's with that guy. Honestly, right now I'm confused as to how, I'm worried if something bad happens to him. I was thinking of going to see him to the boarding house, who knows if Sendy's brother has come home. But it's late at night, so it's not possible if I go there now. In addition to being quiet, it must also be prone to begal. For now it feels like I can only hope that the man will come to Renata's wedding tomorrow.

I stared at the short message I sent a few minutes ago. A gray one tick mark, not a good sign for me.

"Sister!"

"Where's my brother?"

"I heard you're back in Siantar, right?"

"Why brother?"

"Now aren't you online?"

"Sister...."

"Aren't you all right?"

"Oh, yes I went to the sister's boarding house yesterday. But her brother and sister Rayhan aren't at the boarding house."

"But I've nitipin something with the hostess."

"Don't you read the invitation?"

"Wouldn't you come tomorrow?"

"Eresha please, reply sister!"

All the messages I sent were useless. Those writings have not been accepted by someone I am referring to. If only I had a sixth sense that could see where it was, it would all feel easier. I hope he replies to those messages, or at least just read them. That was more than enough for me.

I lay myself down on the bed with a rough sigh. In retrospect, why am I being so selfish. In fact, the man and Renata were one in a love story they created themselves. And all of a sudden I came, bringing a threat to their relationship. I felt like an uninvited guest who was the climax of their story.

Even though I really loved him a lot, it's okay that until now I had to be his secret admirer. He should not have known about me. Because in fact, loving in silence is much more fun. Although sometimes there must be a matter of his own responsibility. Not speaking does not mean not feeling.

A forced taste will not be good. It might sound so beautiful if suddenly someone you admire becomes turned to like you. But if it were all for compulsion, there would be millions of cries waiting in the future.

Maybe God has destined me to be a secret admirer. That man I'll never reach, let alone hold. He must have run first, or maybe disappeared. Sometimes I hate being in love, because I'm not ready for the pain.

"What if you leave, I'll keep you here." My mind is in my heart.

That man was the only person who ever made me love someone so much. Yesterday I met him there, that day we became one in a song. Sendy has come in a good way, maybe now is the time to go in a good way.

***

'Kriett!!!'

Someone just opened the door to this room. I can guess who he is, just from the smell of the fancy perfume he used. Although in fact it was just a famous perfume sample that he got for free in various ways. The woman stood in the doorway. His mouth was wide open from seeing the mess we were making. Not us, the mess Stefani created more precisely.

"Yes, geez!" He screamed while holding both cheeks.

Stop that! People can guess if this woman is doing why. It could be all the people in this house, immediately running around here to see what it really is. There is no need to be that lebay, after all.

"Kok messy gini anyway?" Asked Renata who was still surprised.

"Never be worse." My word.

"His son, I'm always neat!" Rigorously.

I knew he was trying to defend himself. He may want to be vilified like that in front of others.

"Sister Renata....." Stefani Whining.

"Help pickin' dong's shirt." Further.

Renata could only shake his head at the young girl's behavior. At first, he thought we were going to sell all the clothes we had. Selling half-use items, which is still good of course.

"What clothes? Where are you going?" Asked Renata who then sat on the edge of the bed.

"Make-date!" My dream is from behind a pile of clothes.

I got up from my position, then sat on one side of the bed. I pulled away some of the cloths that almost hoarded me alive there.

"Seriously? Who's it gonna be like?" Ask Renata.

"Euhmmmh..... Same....." Stefani answered while playing her finger.

"Ah, long! Same thing as yesterday." Connect me.

'BRUKK!!!'

In fact, the girl threw a pile of clothes that she was holding onto my face. Instead of thanking me, throw me with these rags. Basic don't know thank you!

"Oooo, yeah I know." Said Renata while nodding in understanding.

A second later, his eyes began to sort the clothes before him. With the skill he had, Renata picked up a few pieces of clothing of his choice. This seems very easy for him, it is only natural because this one woman is always concerned with appearance. Unlike me and Stefani, we wear any outfit as long as it's comfortable. No matter the color combination or not.

"I've chosen several looks, try to choose or try one-on-one." Said Renata while thrusting some strands of fabric of various colors.

Stefani nodded enthusiastically, then immediately accepted the item. So excited, he tried to take off the clothes one by one in front of the mirror. Stefani saw his own appearance from the reflection of the object, occasionally rotating in various directions to be able to see the details of his overall appearance.

His expression looked so bright at that moment. I also smiled to see the girl find her own happiness. Hopefully he will continue this way all day, love has really driven him crazy. But I hope for this time he does not feel how hurt, even though it is most likely that it will happen.

There is something that makes him so sure to fall in love, namely Titan. The man managed to conquer the heart of this girl. Someone who is not easy to fall in love all this time, for fear if you finally have to be disappointed. But this time, the man was able to answer all his doubts.

"What does this feel mean to betray the friendship of the six?" My mind is in my heart.

I'm not sure if my relationship with Arka, Stefani and Titan will be okay. Given all this time we all became one in a circle of friendship. I'm afraid Clara was disappointed with my decision. I once let the girl down because I couldn't keep my promise, and now I don't want to let her down for the second time. I'm afraid our friendship would be at stake. Everyone would not be ready if this friendship should run aground.

***

After finishing the business of choosing clothes for a date with Titan tomorrow, we all just sat on the bed. Even because it was too late at night, Stefani no longer had time to clean up the mess. He simply stuffed all the clothes originally into a plastic bag, then placed them under the bed. At least now there is a little room for the three of us to rest.

Tomorrow must be a tiring day for everyone. However, on the other hand there is happiness that cannot be described. But still for now we have to go to sleep, because tomorrow we have to wake up early. Tomorrow I have to be someone else for the whole day. Being a feminine girl, always wearing skirts everywhere. I hope I can survive in that situation.

It was a story-filled night, and my last night with Renata. Because after marriage, this woman will leave this place. I will definitely miss him, even though he occasionally pisses me off and even hates him.

"Good night everyone!" I said while confirming my blanket.

"Good night!" Reply Stefani and Renata simultaneously.

Let me sleep this time in the night. Drowning in a sea of dreams, which makes me feel comfortable. When the full moon is hugging the stars, whisper to her if I miss her so much. Give my longing greetings to him, the person I cannot reach right now even for good. The night wind, the delicate caress of her hair with great affection. Make him fall asleep in the lap of the night.

***

"Shaa! Wake up!"

"Geez!"

"Wake up!!!"

The noise of where it was, where it came from. Hmh! That heartless rude comment of humanity had kept me awake from my sleep. I could feel a hand shaking my body violently. Sometimes he also slapped my cheek slowly. I was fully aware, only that my eyes were still reluctant to open. I still want to stay asleep here for a while. I promise it won't be long, but the noise and all the distractions keep trying to wake me up.

"What the hell!" I screamed with half-open eyes.

"Buruan get ready, soon the show is about to start!" Say someone I can't recognize in the face.

At will, that person pulled my hand so that I would wake up immediately. Inevitably I had to get up, and sit at the end of the bed. With a not so clear view, I tried to gather my whole life. Slowly but surely, I was finally able to see the whole object in front of me real and clear.

Turns out that annoying voice that sassy disturbed my sleep earlier was Stefani. The girl was almost perfect in her kebaya suit. Looks like I missed something here.

"Why is everyone getting ready so early, what time is it?" I muttered slowly.

"Hour half six sha!" His screams were right in front of me.

While my brain was processing the sentence that Stefani had said earlier, I tried to look at the clock on one side of my room, rubbing my eyes which still felt heavy. My eyes were wide open when I finally started to understand what the girl was saying. Sure enough, I was already half an hour late than I expected.

With a staggering step, I staggered without heading to the bathroom. I need to get ready right away if I don't want to miss this important event. With lightning speed, I did everything quickly and in a hurry. There's not much time left. I remember my mom's message yesterday, she said we should all be done by six in the morning. Because at that hour, all the women in this house will be treated in such a way by Mbak Dea who yesterday came.

"Dead me!" Thought.

After finishing with the affairs in the bathroom, I immediately came out with a towel that was still wrapping my head. In a hurry, I tried to find my kebaya the last time I remembered it was still in the closet.

"It's my clothes that I'm ready for." Stefani was drying her hair.

I immediately ran to the bed, to pick up the kebaya that had been laid on it. The most stressful part is when I will wear kemben and batik cloth twining. These two items are not very suitable for people who are in a hurry like me.

"Stefani help dong!" I said impatiently.

"Basic! So don't make it!" Reply while clucking.

Stefani helped me to wear a batik cloth as a skirt, which I didn't even know about. But not with this girl who is so shrewd and skilled. After finishing with a fairly complicated kebaya business, we finally immediately went down.

What I feel right now is as tight as being pinched. But again I can't do anything. At least I will only wear this outfit until the wedding procession is complete, after which I will change my costume in a dress.

While waiting my turn to make up her face, I dried my hair with a hairdryer in the corner of the room. It was clear that everyone was getting ready with their clothes on. After waiting for about ten minutes, it was finally my turn for Sirias.

I sat in front of a portable dressing table that was deliberately brought by Ms. Dea from her home. Occasionally I justify my sitting position, with legs wrapped in batik cloth. Slowly but surely, Dea began applying some thick, colored liquid similar to the skin, which they referred to as foundation. As the name implies, it is used as a base for the next make up. Then continue to provide color details that reinforce each side of my face.

While me and the others were in makeup, mama and papa welcomed the guests who had started to arrive in front. For Renata himself, he was being groomed in a different room. With a different make up artist, of course. Because the woman needs a more prominent look than the others, that's why to make up alone takes almost three hours.

Not to forget besides putting on my face, Madam Dea also added other ornaments as sweeteners. He wears silver earrings with a touch of gemstone as a complement. This woman also styled my hair in such a way, with the look still left unravelled, but given an artistic touch with some beautiful intricate twists.

Several guests had been waiting in front, to witness this sacred moment. For the wedding ceremony, the family of the two brides decided to be carried out at Renata's house. Meanwhile, the next event will be held at Kak Reksa's house.

Stefani and I got out of the house immediately after finishing their home, to welcome some guests. Besides, my friends who got the invitation have also been waiting in front he said. It might be more appropriate to call him a friend.

"Eresha! Stefani!" Clara coming from a distance.

I waved my hand towards the girl who was walking towards here. He didn't come here alone, Clara came with the three men. Looks like they all just came. We met yesterday at school, on the weekend. But still, we always hugged each other to let go of each other.

"Almost pangling, hehe..." Clara said with a small laugh.

"You two are so beautiful today." Add Adit who is amazed.

"Liat tuh ka! you're a pretty girl, ckckck...." Said Titan while nudging Arka's arm.

"She was always beautiful, not just today." Reply Arka while smiling sideways.

"Take it as you go." Handed them over.

"By the way, you're also pretty stef." Said Titan while scratching his non-itchy head.

I cleared my throat while smiling towards the two of them. There were two hearts flying into space right now. Soar high, without care will fall or stay floating.

"Yeah, in!" Take me.

We walked towards the main hall of this place, as the location for two people to pledge sacred vows to each other. I saw Kak Reksa and his family coming in through the back door. It seems like they are all getting ready.

Me and the others, sitting in the back row. The first reason is because the whole family and guests will meet the front row and so on. But there is one more reason that makes me and these five people choose the back row, of course we want to lean against the wall during the event. We are too lazy to stay sitting upright, maybe after our backs even become sore because of too long straining.

With great difficulty I tried to sit in these clothes. Really bothered me. I folded my legs back, like a Japanese sitting down. I can not deny if my legs will feel sore, because too long sitting in a position like this. I'm still not used to sitting like this anyway, because normally I've never done this before.

"Oh, yes. Where was your mother, how was she not seen from before?" I asked Arka who was sitting next to me.

"Well, mama's helping Reksa get ready." Evidently.

"Ohh..." I said with a perfectly round mouth.

But I didn't see a woman through that at all. Maybe because I'm too busy with them, so I don't pay much attention to my surroundings. But yes, at least the woman came here.

For the umpteenth time, I thought back to that man. Why won't he come, or maybe Brother Sendy won't come here. For the umpteenth time, I went back to checking my phone. The message I sent yesterday, he never read. It seemed that the man had indeed deliberately moved away from this family. The family that had given him so many wounds.

I tried calling him a few times before the show started. But still, the results are always the same every day. It feels like all the effort I put in right now is in vain without any results.

"Whose phone was that? It doesn't seem so calm." Ask Arka who seems to be aware of my emotional change.

"Sister Sendy..." Answer me carefully.

"So that's what makes you so nervous like this?" Ask Arka again.

"That's not you....." Reply me.

As I expected, this man would feel jealous if I did that. But on the other hand, I hope he works with my current position.

"Since a week ago, she's lost contact with you." I was obviously trying to give him some understanding.

"So that's why you're looking for him?" Ask her for the umpteenth time.