Secret Alit

Without Words

As far as I know him, Arlo is a calm and relaxed person. My relationship with Arlo was mediocre, there was never a big fight that mattered. You could say, we always support each other.

I don't know, we're dating or not. There were never any words that said we were dating. But my friends always say we're dating. Naturally, maybe they often saw me picked up by Arlo after school. Usually, I always take public transportation to go and go home from school. Now, once Arlo picks up often, they so automatically label us 'dating'. Especially when I was first caught with Arlo by school friends. The rumors are going wide!

Arlo and I are not dating. But when people thought we were dating, I didn't dismiss her. I let them think of Arlo as my girlfriend.

For me, spending time with Arlo is one of the things I've been waiting for. Talking to him was fun. Many topics that we can discuss, ranging from music, movies, artwork, we have the same taste. At times, Arlo and I also exchange stories about personal matters. But, even though he was arguably a calm person, I also liked being annoyed with Arlo. His ignorant attitude is sometimes outrageous! He likes to tease me, even once when he pulled my hair ponytail to release. I know, he's just kidding. I'm not really angry either. It's just that, if the jokes have started to go too far, I will pretend to be mutant. After that, Arlo will immediately apologize with compassion and guilt. And then I laughed at her behavior.

After a few months I knew her, never once, neither I nor Arlo, spoke words that confirmed we were dating. I've never been in a relationship myself. So I don't know what exactly is meant by courtship? But according to stories from my friends' experiences, usually the title of lover begins with an agreement 'okay, now we are dating, yes' or anything that confirms the seriousness of the relationship. Even though there were no words, it didn't mean that Arlo and I weren't serious, I knew that. From his gestures and manner of speaking, I was sure that he was only close to me. So do I.

***

Once, I met someone from my friend. He was a man who was much older than Arlo. Romi. He works as a martial arts coach and is famous for his karate skills. After getting acquainted, he seemed to be interested in me. He chatted and called a lot, but I only answered soberly. In fact, she once suddenly showed up at school to pick me up. I rejected it subtly and chose to take public transport. Not bored, he came back to pick me up at school the next day, and I refused to take him back.

Disturbed, I told Arlo. I don't mean to complain, just want to take out the grunts that are in my head. But apparently, Arlo took it too seriously. He waited for Romi in front of my school at the time of the return hour, and intended to invite him to meet.

"Go home first, yeah. I want to talk to him" said Arlo.

Though thinking, I obeyed him and went home first. I wonder what will happen when the two of them meet? Both of them are good at fighting, I was afraid to imagine it. That afternoon, the atmosphere became very stressful for me.

A few minutes after I got home, my phone rang. Before I picked up the phone, tears rolled down my cheeks so scared of her. Could Arlo give you some bad news? Did he go to the hospital after being beaten up by the man? My mind raged, while my phone was still ringing. I held up my phone hesitantly and trembled a little.

"Hello, Alit," Arlo said on the phone.

I was silent, not answering.

"All right, shut up, why?" Ask Arlo.

"I'm afraid you're fighting with Romi" I said in a slightly trembling voice.

"There's no fighting, Alit. Romi even apologized, both people," said Arlo laughing.

I was also relieved when I heard that the two of them did not fight jotos. But I didn't ask much. Still trembling with my excessive fear.

I rushed out to greet him. Arlo smiled to see me. I approached her to see more clearly, was there a wound on her body? Apparently not. Arlo is fine.

I didn't expect Arlo and Romi to meet. But I also can't bear not to tell stories, because I feel disturbed. Just imagine, two days in a row he waited for me in front of the school without being asked, even after I turned him down. After the story to Arlo, I immediately realized and felt guilty. Fortunately, everything is in order. The two spoke well, and Romi was supportive.

"Thank you, yes, Arlo," I said with a grin.

After that incident, Romi never appeared again. I don't know what Arlo told him, I didn't ask him. The Arlo I know is a strict and honest man. So, I believe that he won't talk strangely to Romi.

***

One day, Arlo went to my house not on his motorbike. He rode the vespa this time, not as usual.

"My motorbike is in the workshop, about two hours just finished service," he said.

"Yuk, walk," I said.

"Ngga, ah, at home, wait for the motor to finish. If Alit wants to leave, I'll drop you off tomorrow" Arlo replied.

"Well, I'm going to try a Vespa. Not to be," I said with a frown.

"Alit, don't be angry, dong," he said

I laughed when I heard Arlo blaspheme like that. I never could have if Arlo was feeling guilty.

Arlo explains that the vespa belongs to his brother. He only borrowed about two hours, because the bike was broken, to stop by my house. Arlo always kept his word. He had to return the vespa within two hours, according to his promise.

After hearing the reason he refused to go with the vespa, I remembered my advice in choosing a friend. Papa says that 'a good friend is someone who speaks the truth, and does not always justify your words or attitude'. So, I appreciate Arlo's attitude.

My mom and dad never limited me in choosing friends. But, they always remind me to choose good and honest friends.

Granny, papa, and mama never forbade me to be close to Arlo. Though in my opinion, he is stiff and less alkaline if he goes home. Grandma who met Arlo more often during the day, so more know his nature. If I go home from school, grandma always asks, 'where's Arlo?' As if, Arlo is more awaited than my return.