Rainbow Cloud

Chapter 4's

The day after I saw the rainbow clouds, my day felt normal again. Thanks to my mixed feelings for the two men who came to visit me, or my former enemies to be more precise, I forgot about the beautiful scenery.

No matter how beautiful the scenery is in front of you, if we are not in a condition to enjoy it, we will not be able to see its beauty. And that's what happened. My heart and mind were filled with two men who were different in nature. Too full to enjoy the beauty of nature or the wonders of nature. They have blinded me from the world.

I was so excited to think of the happy days with Brother Andre. Once there are no bullies, I'm sure our relationship will rise to the next level quickly. Brother Andre just needs to express his feelings and we will soon change status from single to dating.

It's not that I don't want to express my feelings first, but since I was a child I've always dreamed of the white equestrian prince saving me and declaring his love. The tales about princesses and princes did affect me too much. I outsmarted it. But after meeting my angel and prince, I always dreamed of a romantic love statement that would make my heart beat so fast and make me feel like the happiest woman in the world.

Only her love statement will make my child's dream come true and I'm willing to wait for her. Have I not been patient for more than 5 years?

But in the midst of it all, somehow I still have space and time to think about my former enemies. He delivered my beloved man so I'm really grateful for whatever the reason. But I still wonder if he came to the island just to apologize to me.

Suddenly I wondered what made him change. Had he been like that long ago, maybe we would have been friends too. I can't stop thinking about that.

I was just about to go home with Bu Tri, the senior teacher who was a native of the island, when I saw such a familiar figure at the school gate. "Sister Andre,” I ran towards him.

"Hi, I thought it would be nice to walk around the island with you.”

“Gis?" Ms. Tri has arrived behind me.

"Ah, Bu Tri, this is my friend from Jakarta, Kak Andre. He just came yesterday.”

"Oh, hello. I'm Gisel's co-worker. Just call Bu Tri,” her greeting while extending a hand. Brother Andre immediately took his place.

Ms. Tri who is married and blessed with two children also has a strong instinct so she immediately let me spend time with someone I introduce as my friend. Even from the look in his eyes I knew that Brother Andre was more than a friend to me. I have to prepare myself with her flirtation tomorrow. And I'm sure one school or even one island will know about my friend because Bu Tri is the most famous gossip.

"Sister Andre has been waiting a long time?”

"Not really. I cooked lunch first for you,” he showed me the food he hid behind him.

"Sister Andre don't bother.”.

"Didn't you miss my cooking? I'm already better now.”

Did I tell you she's perfect?

"Thank you,” I can only smile to receive the food that I am sure he cooked with love. "I know the right place to eat.”

I took her to the beach near the school. Usually students like to play on the beach every afternoon but not many who go there during the day. A quiet and beautiful place to spend time alone with my first love. At least that is my hope.

“Wow," said Brother Andre as soon as we reached the beach.

"Don't I tell you this place is amazing.”

We sat on the rocks under a fairly shady coconut tree. I planned to open my lunch box before realizing that Andre only had one. "Sister Andre didn't eat?”

"So me, Grandma, and Reza had lunch. That I made especially for you.”

Although it does not bother me, the name still appears in the moment I have with Brother Andre. Honestly speaking, it would feel more normal if the man suddenly appeared from behind me. But there's no way I'd miss the distraction.

Come to think of it, he was actually quite popular as well. Ah, who do I want to lie to, that guy is really popular. I don't want to have to admit it. He's tall, handsome, smart, sportsman, and what his fans love most is his ‘cool’ style although I always interpret it as annoying. I never saw him smile.

He captained the basketball team both in High School and during college. He also always entered the top three in High School and eventually graduated with cum laude. In every corner of the school I could always find his fans.

How do I know all that? Did I pay so much attention to him?

Sure didn't.

Okay, just imagine everyone around you is always confusing his name. Always called his name with love twinkle in their eyes. There's no way I didn't hear any rumors about him. I just still can't believe that no one sees the dark side that he has. I think they love him so much that they don't see his weakness.

But strangely enough, he was also popular with men. Are not popular men usually antagonized by other men? I don't know how a guy can have so many friends. Even after seeing his treatment of me, no one hated him. I'm the only one who hates it. Me and my friends.

Back to my story, I spent that afternoon with Brother Andre. He told me about his experiences during his school days in England. About his friends, his favorite teacher, his favorite subjects that have not changed since High School, mathematics, and also some places he visited in Europe. He also said he wished he could visit those places with me.

"Oh yeah, why did Brother suddenly come back?” I know he never returned to Indonesia because his family moved and chose to settle in England. In my heart I wish he would say that he came back because of me.

He scratched his head and blushed. "I wanted to surprise you. My friend and I are planning to open a business in Indonesia. I've also decided it's time to see you. I really miss you.”

If I dream, I wish I could stop time and not wake up from the dream. I wish my time had stopped in that second when Brother Andre said he missed me and how happy I was to hear it. Simple and happy.

"So Brother won't return to England?” askaku expectantly.

“No," he said after a long silence.

"Seriously? Serious brother?” I don't knowingly hold both of his hands.

Brother Andre laughed, "Yes. Whatever happens, I will always be by your side from now on.”

I'm sure my cheeks are flushed red because those words are what I expected. Brother Andre grasped my hand that was holding it and then I realized my situation. My heart is beating faster. I asked and hoped if it was time to listen to the statement of love I was waiting for.

Everything's perfect. What a beautiful beach. The blue sky. A clear, clean ocean that reflects the sky. The smell of the sea I like. My first love is in front of me. His hand held my hand gently. Our eyes were locked on each other as if we were the only two in the world.

All perfect. As per my childhood dream. He just needs to say love and I will happily return his love. I know he loves me and he knows I love him. Nothing else stops us.

But until the color of my cheeks returned to normal, Andre didn't say anything. If I told you he ruined that romantic atmosphere, he did.

"Nobody else wants you to say?” weak pancake.

Brother Andre just patted my head slowly and took me home. I almost screamed for her to declare love but I managed to stop myself.

I don't understand why he didn't say it. Back in High School, I could still accept it because there was always a demon bothering us and we rarely spent time together. After all, Andre was focused on the exam so I could only encourage him.

After that, Brother Andre went to England and I decided to wait for him because he promised to come back for me.

I can accept he doesn't want a long-distance relationship for fear that our relationship is broken. He even encouraged me to open my heart to other men if I found a man who made my heart shake. Even though I was too stubborn to wait for him and didn't want to open my heart.

All of that I can accept. But I don't understand why he didn't reveal it either. I'm afraid his feelings have changed. But I'm sure, every time she sees me, I see the same thing in her eyes as when we were in High School.

Just that time I was hoping my former enemy would come bothering me and Brother Andre. At least I can blame him as usual. At least I can vent my anger on someone. At her.

"What do you want for dinner? As long as I'm here, let me do the cooking,” Brother Andre opens another conversation but I'm too disappointed to talk to him.

"So much Brother.”

Suddenly he stopped and pulled me to see him. "Are you angry?”

"No. What am I angry for?” I looked away.

“Gis," he called me soft and I had to see him. He always used that tone if there was something serious, like when he told me he was going to England.

"There's something that still bothers me and I have to think about it. But I will say what you have been waiting for and what I have always wanted to say. I just need a little more time.”

"What bothers you brother? Why doesn't Brother say it now? Does Brother want me to say it?”

"Gis, there's something beyond my control. Before I find the answer, I can't promise you anything. Therefore, can't we enjoy the next few days as much?”

"What needs to be resolved? If you tell me, I'll understand. And I can also help,” I still don't give up.

"I don't know how to explain it to you, Gis. Me...”

Brother Andre is still looking for excuses but I'm too emotional to be patient. "Does my brother still love me? Or Brother loves another woman?”

"Gis! I just love you. I always loved you. You don't know how hard it is to hold back my longing for you,” Brother Andre gripped both my shoulders. It was also her declaration of love but that was not what I expected.

"Then why can't you say that?! Sister just needs to say that!”

"Because I don't want to promise something I can't keep. I'm in no condition to promise anything. I don't want to give you hope just to destroy it. I don't want to hurt you, Gis.”

"This is what you always do. When I wanted to go to England, I told my sister that I loved me but asked me to forget. Brother says he doesn't want to date long distances and wants to keep our relationship good. Big brother is not confident with long distance relationship and I accept it. But did Big Brother never think of asking my opinion? I don't mind long distance relationships. I also don't mind waiting.”

"I object,” says quickly. "Don't I explain it to you. If we date but I can't do anything for you, if I hurt you, or if I make you sad, I don't know how I can forgive myself. If I can't be a good boyfriend, I'd better be a good friend. I don't want our relationship to be broken just because you want courtship status.”

Can you believe what he said? Dating status? I can't believe all this time he just assumed I wanted a courtship status. Isn't it natural that I want to date the person I love. Why is everything so complicated?

"OKAY. If you want to be a good friend, you become a good friend. I don't want courtship status either. Is Brother satisfied?!”

"Gis, that's not what I mean,” Brother Andre held my arm.

I pulled my arm out of his grasp. I don't have enough patience to continue this conversation.

"I don't care. If you are clear what you really want, then we will talk again. Before Big Brother makes a decision, I don't want to talk anymore.”