Love is Not Finished

CHAPTER 9: Between the Two

Sunday afternoon I had an appointment with Ratna and Dice.

They want to play at home. Mama and I plan to go shopping in the morning. We'll cook some seafood for noon.

"Zanu, let's get up. We go to the market" said Mama from under the stairs.

"Okay Ma, for a minute, you want to get ready first" I replied.

I hurried to wash my face, brush my teeth and change my clothes. Then down to the bottom approached Mama who was taking a shopping cart.

"Let Zanu take Ma with him" I said, taking the basket from Mama's hand.

My mom and I were ready to go shopping. The car drove towards the market. But before that Mama stopped by TPI (Fish Auction Place).

There are many boats and boats that have been anchored on the beach. There were already seen many people waiting for the fish to be dropped from the ship.

All the fish are still fresh because it was picked up by fishermen in the sea. And it's much cheaper than the one at the fish market.

"Zanu, are you waiting in the parking lot or are you in the car?" ask Mama.

"In the parking lot, Ma, long in the car can be crowded," I replied.

"Yes, Mama went there first. Don't stay away from the parking lot. Here's the car keys," Mama gave me the keys and walked straight to the beach.

"Okay Ma,"

I saw more and more people coming, but it was only six in the morning. I walked slowly on the path to the beach while watching the busy people passing by.

Brukk....!

Suddenly something hit me and my body rolled to the side. I felt someone grabbing my body quickly.

When my face was close to the crashing figure, my blood gasped at the look in those eyes. The same look I felt. He looked at me like he was worried about something.

Brother!! It turned out to be brother.

"Zanu!?" said brother a little loudly with his shocked expression.

Maybe he was no less surprised to see me. I am now right in his arms. I don't know, this scene is like Indian style in my opinion.

"Eh, yes Bang," I answered in a drunken manner and only realized that I was still in his arms.

Brother instantly reflexively released my body and kept a direct distance of about a meter from where he originally stood with me.

"Why are you here? Who are you the same?" tanyanya.

"Zanu with Mama Bang, buy fish. Wait in the parking lot and while walking see people passing by" I replied.

"You should go with Mama shopping, don't be here alone! How will someone kidnap you? Can make your family bother," he said.

"Lho, who wants to kidnap me? I've grown up Bang! After all this is my territory, home is also not far from here," I replied with a small laugh.

Why does he feel bothered? Huuh...! Started to squish!

"Yes, Brother stay here until your mother returns,"

"Emang Abang no other activities? Don't bother Bang, soon Mama's done too,"

I tried to reject his offer. I was afraid to see a lot of people and later they thought Brother was my girlfriend, iihhhh upset..! It's still morning.

"Again take a walk while exercising. Usually routine every Sunday and through here, because Abang's car parked here too, tuh there," he replied while showing his parked car not far from here.

Huuff...! He was waiting for me, his car was here. I took a deep breath. He had to be together with her. Mama, hurry back dong! Pleases...

A few minutes later.

"But! Bang..! It's Mama!" I shouted happily while pointing towards the front of the road.

"It's usual for Zanu, you don't yell that way" he replied with a small smile.

Duh, Alhamdulillah, thank goodness Mama is coming soon. Otherwise, I would be bored by this play boy!

"Here, there Bang! I don't need to be accompanied anymore, thank you, yes" I said cuek basi.

"What the heck are you, Brother said it used to be with Aunt, if you were going to wander," Abang road heading towards Mama.

I'm more upset with him, why do you argue with Mama? It hit me, but there's no apology.

Huh...! Watch out later.

"Eh, there's Angga. Has Angga been here long?" ask my mom to be friendly.

"Just Bi, just saw Zanu in the parking lot. Coincidentally Angga car also parked here. So yes, we're talking while we wait for Aunt to finish" he replied happy.

"Yes, Aunt can not be long, want to go again to the market. Afraid not to hunt because we want to cook a lot. There are friends Zanu want to play at home this afternoon," Mama rushed to open the car door and put the luggage.

"Okay, please, auntie,"

"Later at home dinner alone, Auntie cooks good, seafood,"

"Yes, God willing. Angga go home first Bi"

"OK,"

He went to the car without looking at me.

Why the hell did Mama let her have dinner at home? He could manage my life for a long time.

Arggh......!

"Ma, why are you invited?" ask me to Mama.

"Lho, it's okay Zanu. Today Mama cook a lot, we have to share, than later the food does not run out. Mubazirs! Let's go to the market" replied Mama.

Mama and I went to the market to buy vegetables, cooking spices, chicken, meat and fruits. Do not forget Mama buy orange syrup, which is usually served to guests.

********

After we finished shopping, we went home at eight in the morning. Zuri is awake and ready to help Mama cook.

"Zanu, Zuri, you have breakfast first. Mama wants to finish the groceries, yes," said Mama.

"Okay Ma" I replied.

Zuri and I had breakfast at the dinner table, after which Mama followed. While Papa, at five in the morning, has gone out to meet his friends.

After breakfast, Zuri and I helped Mama cut vegetables, onions, tofu, etc. While Mama cleans chicken, meat and fish.

Today my mom really cooked big. And I make sure Mama's cooking is the best.

It's all good, anyway!

Twelve o'clock in the afternoon, the cooking work is done. Zuri and I took a bath, after which we immediately performed Zuhur prayer.

"Papa's home!" papa said from the front porch.

Mama who happened to have finished bathing and getting dressed, immediately approached Papa.

"Alhamdulillah Papa has arrived home before Zuhr. Can Pa fish?" ask Mama.

"Can't Ma, ha.ha.ha.., " replied Papa with a laugh.

"Ha.ha.ha..," Mama also laughed.

"It's okay Pa. Today Mama's been buying fish, Mama's cooking a lot,"

"Well, looks like there's a party at our house?"

"The friends of Zanu will soon be here Pa, Mama has also invited Angga to dinner at our house. There Papa take a shower first, pray and get ready yes,"

"Okay, dear Mama,"

Papa went inside, while Mama took Papa's fishing line, and took him to the kitchen.

********

Finally the long-awaited arrive, Dice and Ratna have arrived at my house.

Mom and Dad invited us to lunch together. The lunch went well and was fun.

After the meal, I took Ratna and Dice to chat on the top porch beside my room.

"Crazy! Your mama's cooking is amazing Zanu. I like it very much, you know," said Ratna enthusiastically.

"Yes, want to add but already full. Like chicken soy sauce, taste the spice," Dice chimed in.

"You can eat again if you want. Or play here again sometime, so you can try my mama's cooking,"

"Wahh, we come here often Dice, ha.ha.ha.,"

"Oh you Ratna, shame on you! But it's okay, ha.ha.ha.,"

"ha.ha.ha..,"

We laughed together. It was great to visit these good friends of mine. Dice is a tomboyish tone and Ratna is very feminine. Kloplah has them.

Me, Dice and Ratna had a lot to talk about. We ate a snack with cold syrup water that Mama bought this morning.

"Zanu, you know what, Vincent's girlfriend got angry at last farewell. They had a big fight, until her boyfriend cried. Because of you," said Dice suddenly.

"Lho, you know where?" my many.

"When you get the coupon, we'll talk for a minute. Keep me to the toilet. Fitting again in the toilet, I heard the sound of people who were angry again. I was looking out it was Vincent with his girlfriend, then I nguping dong," said Dice.

"Keep her boyfriend why is he angry?"

"She doesn't accept that Vincent is near you anymore and Vincent also just told me that you're his ex. Yeah surprised dong his girlfriend. There's something even more poignant," replied Dice enthusiastically.

The mood was silent for a moment.

"Vincent said that he still likes and loves you Zanu. Her boyfriend immediately grumpily did not accept. Then he left,"

"Hhmm..," I interrupted for a moment.

"Emang Vincent yesterday said what to you Zanu?" ask Ratna curiously.

"He will wait for me until I am ready" I replied softly.

"Well...! He loves you very much Zanu," said Dice Sumringah.

"Yes, such a man is rarely there, right, Dice,"

"Yoi.. If we can be like Vincent, no need to wait to be ready, now also ayoo.., ha.ha.ha..,"

"Gee.ha.ha..,"

We laugh together again.

********

After Dice and Ratna left, I went into the house. I immediately cleaned the dishes, glasses and teapots that were used to entertain Dice and Ratna earlier.

After that I took a shower and prayed ashar. Keep helping my mom in the kitchen.

*******

Nightfall.

After the magrib prayer, I helped Mama again prepare dinner. The four of us were waiting for my brother to come.

"Assalammu'alaikum..," came the sound of greetings from the front porch.

"Waa'alaikum hail..," I replied as I opened the door.

"Hi deck Zanu," said Abang.

I smiled flatly. I saw Abang being with a beautiful, long-haired woman.

Maybe this is the woman who made you rush at that time. Replace her boyfriend from the previous one.

Huuff...! Lots of girlfriends, can change every time I want to go to my house.

"Come Bang," I said.

They came in and sat in the guest chair. I rushed inside to call Papa and Mama.

After talking for a while, Mama invited them to dinner together. I saw him clutching the woman's hand while taking her to the dining room.

Zap up! Like there was a rumble in my chest, I don't know what it was. I felt uncomfortable seeing that scene.

We all eat voraciously, I admit once again, Mama's cooking is really good. Seen from the face of Brother, who really liked dinner this time.

Once he saw me on the sidelines chewing food.

"Assalammu'alaikum..," came the sound of greetings from the front porch.

I rushed to the terrace, I happened to have finished eating.

How shocked I was, it was Vincent!

"Waa'alaikum greetings, Vincent..," I replied happily.

"Hi Zanu, I'm sorry for the nights I've been here. I happened to be passing by, is it okay for me to stop by?" ask Vincent.

"It's okay, let's go in, please" take me to the living room.

"Sounds like a guest?" ask Vincent.

"Yes, again eat together inside" I replied.

"Oh, I came at an inappropriate time dong," Vincent felt bad.

"Just relax, I'm done eating" I replied.

I saw Abang with his girlfriend passing by to go to the side room. Uh, the brother turned to my place, ignoring his girlfriend.

I'm shocked! Especially boyfriend.

"Zanu, who do you know?" asked like investigating.

"Eh, this is Vincent Bang," I replied nervously, as if to disbelieve such a brave brother.

"Ooo.. His name is Vincent. I am Angga," he replied firmly as he extended his hand towards Vincent.

"Vincent Bang," replied Vincent while standing up and greeting Brother.

"Yes, please continue talking. Zanu, you're here. Permission first with Auntie if you want to get out, okay!"

Whoa!! It's true that I guess, he's starting to live my life. Oh, yeah..!

I kept quiet and looked at him straight away, indicating I was unhappy with his way. She looked back at me sharply, that look as if saying that she was jealous.

Yep! He's jealous of Vincent here.

Brother remained silent and immediately turned towards the side room.

She must have been talking to her boyfriend.

"Zanu, can I take you out? Let's get a drink, juice or whatever you like. A short walk here" asked Vincent.

"I asked Mama first, yes" I replied straight inside.

Mom came out of the kitchen to the living room. Vincent immediately asked permission to Mama and thankfully allowed. But only on condition of one hour.

Vincent and I walked out looking for a place to sell drinks. Incidentally near the house there is a minimalist cafe. We ordered the menu that was already listed.

"Zanu, when did you start college?" ask Vincent to open the conversation.

"hasn't started. Papa's plan to register me first in Azkia. Why Vincent?" I asked back.

"You're the one I've been with to take you on the stand" Vincent replied with a smile.

"Papa wants to find me a hostel near the bimbel,"

"I can't get between dong,"

"Sometimes you can visit me,"

I saw Vincent's happy face with what I just said.

"Oiya, who was Zanu?" ask Vincent.

"not nobody. He's one village with Mama, coincidentally assigned near the area here," I replied.

"I'm your kirain family,"

"No,"

After talking about a few things, Vincent took me home. We both walked towards the house. I see in front of the house there is still a car.

Hmm... Why is my old brother so, not as usual. It's strange!

"Zanu, I'm going straight home huh..," said Vincent.

"OKAY. But tell me I was with my mom. Hold on, I'll call you,"

"Sip, I'm waiting here,"

I rushed inside to call Mama, apparently chatting with her Brother and Girlfriend.

"Ma, Vincent wants to go home" I said to Mama.

"Yes, son" answered Mama as she stood towards the front porch.

I saw a glimpse of Brother staring intently at me.

When I glanced at her boyfriend brother, I somehow felt dislike for his presence.

Wretched me?

"Ma, Vincent went home first" Vincent told Mama.

"Yes, be careful on the road. Thank you for playing here" replied Mama.

"Sama-sama Ma. Yuk Zanu, I'm going home first huh..,"

I nodded with a smile. Vincent, greetings to Mama.

Then Vincent went home.

********

I sat on the front porch alone remembering the story with Vincent. While Mama went to the kitchen while carrying trays and glasses.

"Zanu! Why are you out the same nights Vincent, your Mama's permission hasn't?"

I'm shocked! I looked back, it was my brother! He stood near the entrance and was looking at me deeply.

"What-what the hell is a Bang! How could I go out without Mama's permission, let alone it's been this night!" my answer is getting upset.

"I'm just asking" he replied.

"Why did my brother ask? I like where I'm going, who, what!" ketus.

He went inside and did not answer my question.

Huh! Why is he the kepo? Why is he jealous of Vincent? He knows who Vincent is. He's his girlfriend now.

Not long after, a voice sounded from within. My brother came home with Mom and Dad.

"When to play here again," said Mama while delivering them to the front porch.

"Yes Aunt. Thank you for the dinner. Auntie's cooking is delicious, he.he.he.," she replied as she turned to me for a glance.

I kept quiet, pretending I didn't know he was going home.

"Let's Bibi, Zanu, let's go home first" said his girlfriend.

I smiled slightly while nodding my head. But I still don't want to look at you. I was still upset by his attitude.

They went to the car and went straight home.

"Zanu, Mama look, why are you so cute with Angga?" ask Mama.

"She's starting to chatter Ma, Zanu doesn't like being called. He's not Zanu, either" I replied a little annoyed at the way Brother was.

"Zanu, maybe he already thinks of you as his own sister. So he started to care about you. Come on, now go inside and help Mama beberes,"

"Good Ma,"

I closed and locked the door. Following Mama into the kitchen cleaning dishes and glasses.

After everything was done, I headed to the second floor. Then lay down for a moment on the bed.

I don't know why, I remember the blue diary. I hurried to take a diary and write something down.

Write,

Two people came to the house today. My ex Vincent and the one who started my arrangement was Brother.

I felt sleepy and wanted to sleep.

...****************...