Love Lavender

PRELIMINARY

There is a wonderful time to see the sun. In addition to the twilight, the morning sun is also charming to see. That's why I'm always excited about my activities every day, every morning.

Arriving at the Caffe Consina courtyard, I parked my favorite matic motorbike and reached for the key of Caffe.

I was the first one to open it every day, and prepared to wear a mask and uniform to start cleaning the Caffe area. Sweeping the yard and corner of the room, mopping, glazing, washing dishes and glasses.

I'm the only employee who wears a mask, not because I'm ashamed to work as a cleaning service. But, the owner of Caffe, who was none other than my friend since High School named Mika Ambar Consina, obligated me to wear a mask every day and change my real name.

🍁🍁🍁

It all started in High School. Mika and I used to be so familiar with each other. Mika is a beautiful and intelligent student, having a friend like her is a matter of pride for me.

However, when the presence of a new disciple named Ema, everything changed. I thought that Ema's presence made our friendship lively, I tried to get the two of them together, but Mika didn't like to be friends with Ema for some reason. Mika also chose to stay away from us.

In the end, I became the bully material of Mika and her new partner. He used to humiliate me by dousing the water in his uniform, cutting my hijab, or tearing up all the textbooks. Why didn't I complain to the school or my parents?

All that is just in vain, Mika's parents are the biggest donor of funds in the school foundation, of course the school will defend her more. While my parents, always busy going back and forth to work, no matter I have eaten or not, happy or not.

When I was down because both parents were gone and left a lot of debt, Mika came to my simple house.

His arrival was as if a fresh wind was hitting his face. I think, Mika my best friend, has returned.

“My father opened a new caffe branch, I managed it. If you want, work there. I will pay you, and help pay your parents' debts,” Mika said three years ago.

My eyes were round as if I could not believe his words. How not, I who only graduated from High School can get a job easily, plus my parents' debt paid off. Without a second thought, I nodded many times due to the spirit.

“But there are conditions,” cetus Mika.

“What Mik?” I'm just impatient.

“First, you must change your former name Lavender Violetta, to Lani. Second, always wear a mask or veil when you work with me. Third, do not chat with other employees or customers. You can only nod and shake if they communicate with you. How, agree?”

Like a bolt of lightning hearing his words. If I have to wear a mask or pretend to be mute is still natural, but changing the name that was embedded from birth, the only parent in me, I have to cancel, it feels tight.

“Mik, I agree to both of your terms, but if I had to rename my parents, I can't.”

Mika stood up from the seat, holding her expensive bag.

“If you don't want to already. It's good you I help, but even protest. I'm leaving, eventually here just wasting my time.”

Apparently, Mika has not changed. My eyes glazed. On the one hand, I need money to support my sister and Aunt and pay the debt. One side, I had to drop the name my parents gave me.

“Eh, wait Mika. Alright, I .. I agree.”

Mika smiled thinly.

“Oke, tomorrow morning come to my Caffe, here's the address. Later there will be employees who will tell, whatever your duties.”

I received a Caffe address card.

“Good, I'll come.”

Mika goes and rides her Mini Cooper.

Since then, my life test has increased.

_Flash back off

🍁🍁🍁

When I finished cleaning the whole room, I smiled with satisfaction.

While waiting for another employee to come, I used to sit at the customer's desk by the window, while carrying a purple mushaf to start the tadarus. When quiet like this, I can recite the verses of Allah by making a sound, where no one has entered this Caffe.

The small bell above the door began to sound, a sign of people entering.

the first ones who came after me were the managers and the employees.

I stood up and bowed to them, something that Mama used to teach me during her life.

I nodded to tell you the good news. Without him knowing, I answered his greetings with a soft look.

Then soon another officer came, and did the same to me. Greeting with friendly. I was lucky to have good colleagues.

I shuffled into the kitchen, and went back to work, put the mushaf into the locker and pulled the vegetables out of the refrigerator.

“La, you're in a meeting this afternoon?” ask Verra, a fellow Caffe employee and my current close friend.

Verra's the only one who knows, if I'm not mute.

I'm nodding.

“Then your sister, who was picked up?”

I hinted by swinging my hand, and patted my chest.

“Oh, Bi Inah,” says Verra.

I nodded with a smile.

“Yes already, I am ahead first yes, continue slicing it, be careful the knife is sharp.”

Apparently, Verra kindly greeted customers, Verra was originally friendly and sweet, I was proud to have friends as good as him.

Drrrt ... Drrrt ... Drrt

The flat thing in my shirt pocket trembled, I reached into it. Apparently Bi Inah called, I was confused it was impossible to make a sound in this room. After all, Bi Inah knew, that during work, I could not take a call.

Finally, I closed the connection and chatted through whatssapp.

[Assalamu. Bi, I can't lift it, what's up?]

A few minutes later.

[Waalaikum. Sorry Neng had to call Auntie. Anu, Mas Roy has come home first from school, delivered by his teacher, his nose is bleeding. He said he fought with his friends]

I was shocked, my blood was boiling.

[Can't fight anyway? Yes, I'm home now.]

I put my phone back in my pocket. Oh God what's wrong with Roy, he's not usually like this.

Then I went to find Mas Andre, Caffe's manager.

After knocking on his room, I said it was my business to ask for permission to go home.

“What's up?” ask Andre.

I thrust out a cell phone, revealing my conversation with Bi Inah.

Andre nodded his head.

“Alright, but if the afternoon is over, come back here again, yeah. Miss Mika will hold an important meeting. Anyway, can be present or not immediately notify me.”

I nodded in understanding.

"Hopefully your problem is resolved soon. Spirit," Andre added, clenching his hands gave me spirit.

I bowed.

Then leave to Verra and the other officers.

Back I ride the bike with a roaring heart holding back the emotions on Roy.

Next.

(Hopefully like😘 please like, comment and vote yes. I want to be more passionate about writing. Thanks. Happy reading😘😍💕)