Papa To Kirana

Chapter 4 Memories

The car overtakes the vehicle in front of me. Split a crowded street. As long as I drove the car, my mind floated still thinking of poor Karina. I still can't believe Karina is dead.

It's still fresh in my memory of how Karina and I met. He was my college friend. Only difference is he from a rich family, while I'm the son of a farmer.

I was lucky enough to get a scholarship at a prestigious University in the country. My average friend comes from a family. I was often bullied just because of my parents' employment status.

But I never ignored the words of my friends. They even made a nickname that demeaned me.

Really, I don't care. Because I feel superior to them in terms of academics. However, it seems like Karina is uncomfortable to see the behavior of others to me.

At that time, I was confronted by five of my friends who most often mocked me. I responded casually. I told them they were cowards.

Five against one. What else is appropriate for them, if not cowards. But my words even ignited the anger of my friends.

“Hey," said one of my friends, Jordan. The gang leader. He squeezed and pulled the front of my shirt. One hand clenched ready to give a fist.

“Said what earlier? A coward? You're your own loser. Poor child*.”

Jordan's four friends heat up the situation.ruled Jordan to immediately land his fist.

“Just dawn, Boss. Make him battered.”

“Bener, Boss. How dare he do us.”

I first shook his hand from my clothes, “Do not call me a poor child, if you are still asking your parents for money," I said still in a relaxed tone.

Jordan grinned, “At least my parents have a lot of money. Than your parents can buy you what? Look, guys, the t-shirt he's wearing. Most t-shirts. Bag moreover. Buy where are you? I guess, it must be in the thrift store.”

“Not. But mulung in the trash" chirped one of Jordan's men.

All the Jordanian soldiers laughed.

Heh. It will never be finished if it clashes with Jordan. Just wasting time. I intend to walk away from them.

But, Suddenly Karina came right in front of me. He's shaking his waist in front of Jordan. I can't believe my vision. I don't know what reason Karina defended me.

“You think you're the greatest, Jordan.”

“Eh, Karina," Jordan's attitude softened instantly. He scratched his head in the wrong manner. “I'm just joking with.. with..”.

Jordan seemed to be thinking. Nudged the arm of the friend who was beside her right and whispered. But I can still hear it.

“Si that poor boy, what's his name?”

“Balin, Boss.”

“Ah yes, Balin. I was joking with Balin. Don't you misunderstand me, Karina?”

“You think I believe. I command you, Jordan. Don't ever bother Balin again! You or your friends.” Firmly Karina while pointing her index finger.

“But why? He's a poor boy. Best made into a mockery. Oops.” Jordan shut his mouth immediately. He had spoken wrongly in front of Karina. Then he clenched both hands in front of his chest. Begging to Karina.

“Karina I beg you. I am your loyal admirer. I dreamt that one day we could get married and have children. Don't cross me off your list of potential husbands.”

I tried my hardest not to laugh. Karina is a prima donna on campus. She is beautiful, meek, smart and from a rich family. Which man does not fall for her.

A lot of friends at college put their hearts on him. Me included. Ever since that incident, Karina and I have become familiar.

We often spend time together. Although it even makes me more often disturbed because many are jealous of the closeness of Karina and I.

One day I was invited to dinner at Karina's house. A mansion that only Karina and her father live in. Karina's mother had died when Karina was a child.

I admire every corner of Karina's house. Including the expensive furniture in the house.

I met Karina's father, a wealthy banker, Indra Irawan. One of the least arrogant rich people I've ever met.

We shook hands and Karina's father greeted me kindly.

We had dinner three. Me, Karina, and Karina's father. Actually I don't know why Karina just invited me. Not inviting another Karina friend.

Lots of good food on the table. I don't want to look crazy but my tongue can't lie. I ate quite a lot.

“What?”

“Why am I the only one invited to dinner at your house?”

“Because you are my best friend," replied Karina briefly.

Oh all this time Karina just thought I was a friend. That'sthat's all. Not more. I am also self-conscious. I'm not a man comparable to Karina.

I decided to bury my feelings for Karina. Rather than Karina knowing the truth, then she kept her distance from me and ruined our friendship.

But as time went on I was tormented by this pent-up feeling. Until graduation day, I decided to declare my love to Karina. I don't know what Karina answered, I'm ready to accept it.

Anyway, I got a pretty good job offer. I'm getting excited to be Karina's partner.

Right after graduation, I was looking for Karina. I found him talking to his father. I called her name and she ran towards me with a radiant face.

Instantly I was nervous when Karina was in front of me.

“I want to talk.. “ say me and Karina together.

We laughed.

“You used to talk, Balin.”

“Oh no. You are first.”

“You first. What do you want to talk about?”

“You used to talk. Ladies first.”

Karina laughs. “Okay, I'd like to say that tomorrow my father and I are going to Paris. I'm getting married to a guy my dad's acquaintance.”

I feel like someone stuck a knife right into my heart. Feels sore and tight. I looked down at the grass I was stepping on. Trying not to let Karina see my expression of disappointment.

“Oh, married ya.” sayku lirih.

“Yes, her wedding day is still a month away. But my father and I need to prepare all kinds of necessities for the party.”

“Why get married in Paris? Is your future husband there?” I pretended to ask. Trying to be ordinary.

“Oh no. My future husband is American but he has Indonesian ancestry. My future husband also chose our wedding venue, which is Paris.”

I saw a smile on Karina's lips. His eyes are glaring. Maybe she was imagining her future husband's face.

Anger is burning inside me. Without Karina realizing I clenched my hands until my fingernails hurt myself.

“I always dreamed of being able to get married and honeymoon in Paris and soon it will become a reality. Oh, Balin. I'm so happy.”

I try to smile, “You've met your future husband before?”

Karina nodded. “We met six months ago, when my father's birthday was. Oh, what did you want to say?”

I'm looking for an excuse. “I... I just wanted to say that I've been accepted to work as a financial manager.”

“You're great, Balin. Hope you can be a successful person.”

“Ya, Thank you, Karina. I can't seem to come to your wedding. Well, Paris is far.”

I assured Karina the reason I wouldn't come to her wedding. Even if the wedding takes place in this country, I will not come.

Karina nodded, “I understand. Enough you pray for the show to be smooth, my husband and I to be a happy family that is enough for me.”

“Definitely. Surely I will pray for you to always be happy.”

“I go first yes. My father's been waiting. Bye, Balin.”

I looked at Karina's back that was getting away from me. I didn't have time to ask Karina's future husband's name and would never want to know.

That was the last time I met Karina. That same day I buried my feelings for Karina forever.