REX AND REN

Happy Birthday's

After finishing dinner and helping my mother wash the dishes, I went up to my room. As usual, I sat down at the study table and started to open the book. There was a sound of Rex screaming.

“Ma, where's my drumsticks?” his screams were accompanied by the sound of footsteps. Looks like Rex is running. Then he opened my door, “Ren, you're in my room, aren't you?”

“Ngak.”

“Serious?”

“Rex, if you want to accuse me of bumping your drumsticks, sorry but not me and I don't know about it.”

Rex immediately snorted, “Casual aja time.” said then closed the door.

No wonder the drumstick was gone, the room was a mess. If you are not diligent inspection, I am sure the room is full of garbage.

Suddenly my smartphone rings.

From Niko of course and I immediately smiled looking at my smartphone screen. Ah, I forgot to say, that my night ritual activities are increasing now. In addition to studying, another ritual is to receive a call from Niko. We talked about a lot of things. From the important to the vague chatter. But whatever it is, it's all really fun to talk to your girlfriend, right?

“Hai.” sahutku.

“Hai.” answer. “What's first?”

“Regular, more knowledge saving for the future.”

“Eh, am I interrupting?” tanyakanya.

Reflexes, I shook my head even though I knew Niko couldn't see it.

“No, kok.”

“Good.”

“Hmm...continue, why call?” my many.

“Kangen. Kenpa emnag? Can't you?”

I chuckle. Look how sweet.

Niko was unceasingly giving me happiness. I feel so grateful about that. Niko knows how to treat a girl and it's one of her advantages that maybe not all guys in this world have. And I really appreciate it for that.

Sometimes every night after I finished talking on the phone with her, I lay staring at the ceiling. Imagine if one day we had a child, then it must be a super genius.

***

One afternoon while I was sitting on the couch in the tv room reading Nicholas Sparks' novel, Rex was near me, sitting on the floor. He played his smartphone while yelling, 'Cay! Hijack! ******!’ I don't know what crazy game he's playing.

Suddenly my mom came out of nowhere.

“Try guess what mama brought?” he said as soon as he got in front of us. I looked at my mother who was carrying a large black paper bag. Looks like mom's out shopping. Rex just stared at a glance then shuddered his shoulders and returned to concentration with his smartphone screen.

“What?” I said.

Mama smiled with sparkling eyes.

“Mama was out of the mall, continued.” mama stopped her words then looked at Rex who was still cool playing the game with annoyance. Although not reprimanding Rex, but I know mama does not like Rex's indifferent attitude.

So I hit him in the head from the back, which made Rex complain.

“Aw! Pain!” Rex seemed to be holding his head. As she was about to get angry at me, Rex realized that she was staring at him with irritation.

“Ah, what was it? What did you bring?” Instantly the jutsus slips it out.

And the thing is, my mom is happy again.

“Mama was out at the mall, keep looking at this. Very funny, so mom bought.”

Mama took out the contents of the paper bag she carried and succeeded in making us gawk.

A pair of Rilakkuma couple nightgowns plus a cute brown teddy bear-shaped hat complete with ears and long pendulum on each side.

“Funny, right?” mother said then.

“I-that's what?” ask Rex who's just as good as me.

“Sleeping shirt couple.”

Mama clucked, then said, “Create the birthday gifts of beloved mama's children, dong.” he replied.

Right, it's my birthday and Rex's. I almost forgot because we never celebrated again. We last celebrated our birthday and had that party when we were seven years old. At that time, she invited all her school friends and friends to our residential complex.

I still remember, mama bought a big mini-shaped tart and Mickey Mouse hugging each other. You know at that age, celebrations and birthday cakes are very important, as well as for me. But Rex screwed it up. Because of his installment behavior, Rex accidentally nudged the cake which then fell to the floor. I immediately cried, while Rex just looked at me with an innocent gaze and then casually returned to playing with his friend's sword. Since then, I don't want our birthdays to be celebrated.

“Means?” rex said again.

“Yes make you guys use later malem dong, Rex.”

“Hah?”

“Funny, right? It must be really cute if you use it later.”

Hurriedly Rex replied, “ Ma, tapikan Rex same Ren is not a Kindergarten boy anymore. We already SMA, where maybe use soan.” ergannya.

“Loh, why? Dipake is only for dinner later. No one, just mom and dad.”

“But, Ma. That's for little kids.” Rex remained stubborn, trying desperately to refuse the ridiculous nightgown.

Well, it's ridiculous but suddenly a brilliant idea came to my brain.

“Ren likes it, Ma. Ren must have used.” I said.

Rex instantly gave me a murderous look. His lips panted as if to say, 'Are you crazy?’ and I only reply with a sly smile.

“Truly, Ren? Wow, really cool mama!” mama girang said.

“Nah, because Ren already want to use, Rex also must.” he continued.

“But,”

“No word but.” firmly mama then go.

“Anaan anyway, Ren?” sorry me.

I stood up and whispered, “Suppose this is a reply to the tragedy of Mini's tart and Mickey Mouse at that time.”

Rex frowned looking thoughtful then slowly he was wide-eyed, it seemed like he remembered.

“Ren!” yells. While I immediately climbed into the room.

So, at dinner, we wore the Rilakkuma couple plus those silly hats. Everyone looked happy, except for the pouting Rex. But mama did not care and instead took us in a camera shot that mama said would be printed jumbo size to be displayed on the wall of the living room. And it succeeded in making Rex more upset at the level of god.

***

When I thought the euphoria of my birthday had passed, I received a special surprise from Niko. Saturday night we went on a date again and as usual we ate super delicious fried rice emperko the other day.

“I have something for you.”

“What?”

Niko seemed to reach into her pants pocket and pulled out a small red velvet box.

“Happy Birthday.” said as he opened the box. Inside is a silver necklace with beautiful interlaced NR letters, the initials of our names, Niko and Ren.

“Sorry, if you're late. You don't like it, do you?”

I hurriedly said, “I really like it. Thanks yes, Nik.” My voice trembled a little, I was moved.

“Can I use?” tanyakanya. I'm menagngguk.

Then I turned around and put away my hair for a little lift up. Niko's hand stretched out, sheathing the silver necklace around my neck.

“OK.” said after completion.

I turned towards her, looked at the necklace on my neck then looked at Niko's face.

“Cantik.” muttered.

I don't know what else to say. All I know is, right now it feels like Niko is showering me with so much love.