My Love Is Stupid's

Chapter 19's

Fara turned around again looking at Erika. This time with more courage. ''We'll be graduating High School in a few months. Most likely I won't see you and Niko again. I can't promise not to talk to Niko that long, but I promise to stay away from her.'' After that Fara steps out of the room.

Erika dumbfounded. He did not expect a girl like Fara could say such a bold thing to him. Though Fara is not a popular girl who has many gang friends like her. Erika is weak. He knew he should feel relieved, but why did his feeling say he had lost to the KAMPUNG SCHOOLGIRL?

 

***

 

In the months that followed, Fara did not have time to think about her feelings for Niko. His life was filled with school, lessons, practice questions, and study until late at night. He needs to prove to himself that he can pass the test.

When the try-out test scores performed by the school are distributed, Fara scores no below 6. Mr. Bambang who shared the value with Fara looked at him with a smile, "You really have worked hard. Prove again the results of your hard work on the national exam next month."

Fara nodded. "Thank you, sir. I will try hard to graduate with satisfactory grades."

"Congratulations,” Niko said with a smile as Fara would turn to her seat.

Fara smiled back. "Thank you."

Fara learns that Niko's value is far above her. Sometimes Fara is a little jealous of the clever Niko. It seems like the guy doesn't have to study too hard to get good grades. A few months ago, during an impromptu retrial, all 3rd graders of IPA 1 scored poorly except for Niko.

Niko can always give the right answer to every question. Until Fara ever hopes to get half Niko's intelligence. But of course it's impossible. There are people like Niko who are born with a smart brain.

Days change weeks, without feeling the national exam has come. Almost all third-graders were nervous about it. There was always a feeling of fear coming to their minds. Afraid I can't do about. Fear of not passing the exam. Afraid to repeat. Afraid failure.

"Hopefully it works" Niko told Fara as they were about to face the test.

"You too" replied Fara.

The following days were really very hard for Fara. He did not want to repeat the test. Sometimes late at night, Fara wakes up and can't sleep anymore.

Mama caught him one night, calming his daughter. Mama brews hot milk for Fara and tells her to calm down.

"Whatever happens," said Mama slowly, "you still have mama. Mama believes you can get through your exams well. Mama trusts you."

"Thanks ma," said Fara. Mom's words calmed her heart.

When the exam was over and the third grader shouted in excitement, Fara also cheered in relief. Next is the waiting period for the test results. Indeed, the test results are still a few weeks away, but Fara feels confident in herself and her abilities.

***

Fara came home with a feeling of relief. He does his daily tasks at home more calmly. But in the afternoon, my mother arrived with shocking news. Mama will be transferred to the head office. And that means they have to move house.

"They asked Mama to leave immediately" she explained, "but she asked them to wait until you got your diploma first."