Secret Alit

Naya - Part 1

"It's still 5:45" I said, looking at the clock on the wall.

Today, I woke up too early. At this time, I finished my shower and breakfast. I decided to leave and enjoy the fresh morning air in the park.

"Alit went to school yaa," I say goodbye to papa, mama, grandma, and Kak Luni.

"Tumben, very early in the morning" said Kak Luni.

"Yes, I'm sure, when else," I replied, waving my hand.

I also walked casually while breathing fresh air that has not been exposed to pollution. I sat at the bus stop waiting for the public transport that never came. Moments later, Arlo is riding his motorcycle.

"Eh Alit, are you here? Just picked her up at home. With yuk, I'm anther to school" said Arlo.

"Yes, I woke up to hehe. Good thing I haven't ridden an angkot yet" I said as I rode on his bike.

Arriving at school, the time still shows at 6:10. Because it was still too early, I stopped by first to the stall near the school where I used to gather with friends.

At the shop, I met a girl who was about three or four years old. She's so pretty, so cute. I imagine how much fun it would be to have a sister, I would definitely spoil her a lot.

I am indeed a bit lonely because Luni Kak is often busy with her friends. Even at home, Luni sometimes treats me like a child. I was often told to come here at will. Exasperated, indeed. But I still obey and it's hard to argue.

"Aren't you dumb?" Suddenly the voice of the girl. "Mama's word, can't last long if you're dumb. Is brother dumbass again? Why bengong?"

The girl's words surprised me. I was thinking of the right answer for him. That question is hard to answer. From a little boy like that. I crouched down to look at the face with the little girl.

"What's your name?" My toot.

"Naya, Brother. I live near here, "he replied.

I don't answer it anymore. Too stunned by her cute and adorable face.

"So don't shut up, you're dumb again?" He said with a tone and voice that was no less cute than his face.

"So, you're silent because you look at your face, it's funny!" I said, slowly pinching her cheeks. "It's a smart kid, yeah."

"Naya is often alone at home. My house is quiet, brother. Brother want to play at my house?" Said Naya.

"Well, would. Yuk," I said.

Naya grabbed me and led me to her house. Apparently, Naya's house is very close to the school. At the most, it's only about a three-minute walk from my school.

"This is my home, sister" said Naya, pointing to the small brown house in front of her.

"You said, Naya. It was his house," I said.

"Yes. Now you know my house, fooling around, huh Brother. Mama work, new afternoon home," he said.

"Ready, Naya. Now you go back to school, next time you play at your house" I replied.

I say goodbye to Naya and rush back to school. I want to get to class to put the bag on my desk. The first lesson will start in half an hour. Lucky this morning I left with Arlo, so I had plenty of time at school.

This morning it was a lot of fun to be able to get acquainted and chat with Naya. I feel like I have a sister who needs her brother's attention. What an interesting experience. I feel like a big sister when I'm with Naya. I thought about introducing Naya to Arlo.

"Arlo, I met you today. Can you come to my school at about 13:00?" I asked Arlo through chat.

"Ok, meeting at the stop yes," replied Arlo.

***

At 13:00, Arlo arrived at my school stop on time. I also met him.

"Lho, where are you going? Kirain wants to go straight home" asked Arlo.

Arlo followed me to Naya's house. I looked outside the fence, and Naya was sitting on the floor playing with a doll. He's lookingat me.

"Eh, Brother! Come on in, brother. I'm playing" said Naya.

"This is Kiko" he said, holding and reaching out to meet Arlo and me.

When I held the doll's hand, I felt the small hand firmly shake my hand.

"It's weird that Kiko is just a doll" I thought.

Arlo looks surprised to see Naya's behavior, but she also shines a hand of the doll. I haven't told Arlo about Naya.

"Arlo, this is Naya. This morning I met him at the school shop," I said introducing Arlo to Naya.

"Naya, this is Brother's friend, his name is Arlo. I just want to stop by, I want to know Naya to Arlo" I told Naya.

After they met, Arlo and I went home. I intend to stop by Naya's house again the next day.

***

Arriving at home, I immediately went in to pick up a drink for Arlo who had escorted me. Arlo followed me in.

"Siang, Grandma," said Arlo to greet and kiss Grandma's hand.

"Alit and Arlo, eat first yuk. Grandma made soup, fried tempeh, and crackers" said grandma.

Arlo came to the kitchen to help serve lunch and we ate together. After cleaning the dining table, Arlo and I went to the terrace to chat.

"Alit, who is that girl? How do you look familiar" asked Arlo.

"Just this morning I was acquainted with Naya, but I felt like her sister," I smiled and Arlo smiled as well. We looked at each other and the same2 smiled but had different meanings.

Arlo must not be able to feel the way I feel because he already has two younger siblings. So, Arlo used to respond to my story about Naya. While I just felt the closeness of a spoiled little boy, holding my hand because I wanted to be accompanied. After that, Arlo and I changed topics and talked about Aciel.

"I haven't seen Aciel in a long time. Chat also not bales," said Arlo.

"You find Aciel, come here. Afternoon around four o'clock I'll see you. Almost every day I go home. Just wait here if you want to see him" I replied.

"I have eskul at 3 because I want to perform music. I bought you two tickets, for you and Luni, for you" Arlo said.

"Oh, okay good luck! I asked Kak Luni first. I'll call you via chat later" I said.

"Sip, now I'm saying goodbye, yeah. Going to school again" Arlo said as he walked into the house to say goodbye to grandma.

***

After Arlo left, I told Naya about Grandma even though it was just a glance. I don't know much about Naya.

Grandma smiled as she mocked 'Ciee Brother Alit'. I smiled as I hugged my grandmother's arm and leaned my head.

"Tomorrow morning Alit will go to Naya's house again, Grandma. Oh yeah, Alit saw the doll Naya played with. He gave me Kiko's name. I think there's something weird, Grandma, with Naya's doll. He treated the doll like a human being" I told him.

I feel sorry for Naya. His daily life is more often accompanied by a doll he talks to like a friend. Little children, often alone at home.

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