Taint

Ra, Are you Late?

"Austenance!"

The figure who had called earlier, was now sitting right next to me. The grip on his shoulder is still not released, even I think it is getting tight.

"Ra, you cry, why?" ask the man who is often called Darren.

He is Darren Alvando, a Trijaya University alumni. In the past, he saved the title of the most handsome prince on campus, although I personally never confirmed it. Now, he is a deputy director at a well-known company, in the city of Surabaya. Somehow the fate is so lucky, after graduation immediately get an established position.

"I'm fine, brother." I answered while wiping the tear marks with my palm.

While in college, Darren and I were not too close, because we were not different degrees and majors.

But since last week, Darren's been living in a rented house not far from my house. He has the task of overseeing the construction of shophouses in this city. We met often, and from there our relationship was more intimate. He said I was the same age as his dead sister.

"It can't be okay, you're alone here and crying. There's gotta be a problem, huh?" ask Brother Darren.

"No, brother, I'm just tired. Too many tasks, it feels a little tired," I replied lying.

Although this heart was upset and wanted to throw him away, but I tried to review the smile and act ordinary. I can't make him suspicious, anyway.

"Related?"

I saw his gaze look.

"Yes" I replied with a fake smile.

"There's still a lot of work to do, can I help you?" bargain me.

"No, brother, I know that Darren is busy too" I said in a friendly tone.

"If my malem is idle Ra, tell him if he needs help. Well, even though I never studied Indonesian and Literature, but my brain is pretty good." He said with a big smile, mirroring his white and neat rows of teeth.

"Yes, Brother. But this time .. I still can," I replied.

"I salute you, Ra, very persistent in the pursuit of ideals. I'm sure someday you'll be a successful person." Brother Darren patted my shoulder slowly.

"Don't praise me too much, brother, I'm not that good." I lowered my head, embarrassed by the compliment Darren was making. I'm just a girl, not as good as people think.

"At least you're better than me, Ra." Brother Darren's down.

Behind his black net, I saw a speck of chaos that was difficult for me to settle. I don't know what he's hiding, but it doesn't seem to be a simple thing.

"Since___"

"Why did you come alone, Ra, where was Daniel?" Brother Darren cut my words just like that. Maybe he's afraid I'm asking about his privacy.

"You___"

"Sister Darren why is he here?" I concluded quickly, I don't want him constantly asking about Daniel.

"I just meant to wash my eyes and not accidentally see you crying" replied Darren.

"Mmmm," I murmured slowly.

______

The circular clock on my arm showed at 11:00 p.m., I entered the courtyard with slow steps. No words of hunger or thirst, even though from morning there has not been a drop of water into the stomach.

My body was shaking, cold sweat was pouring down the sweatshirt I was wearing. Staring at the door of the house that was wide open, the fear was squeezing. Let alone to scream, swallow saliva even I find it difficult.

"Assalamu'alaikum," I said raau. It takes a lot of effort to make a sound.

"Getishalight."

I heard Mom's voice talking to me from inside, and then I stepped into the house. Just arriving in the living room, I was already treated to a stifling sight.

Mom was ironing in the middle room. His face was soaked in sweat that was occasionally rubbed with his arms. The tail of my eyes stared at the pile of clothes beside him, very much. In addition to selling cakes, I also often look for wages by ironing, incidentally next door neighbors are laundry owners.

"Mom rest, let me do this." I spoke while sitting in front of Mom.

Mother looked at me fixedly, the wrinkled streak on her face became clearer when she smiled. Then Mom rubbed the top of my head, and tucked my hair behind my ears.

"No, son, it's Mom's job, your job is just to learn. Achieve your ideals as high as you want, it's Mother's obligation to finance your every need," said Mother softly.

I squeezed the end of the shirt I was wearing, as big as Mom's trust and affection for me. So hard struggle to finance my college. But what reply did I give? I replaced it with a very big disgrace. Oh no, how stupid of a person.

"Then I go to the room first, Mom." I said while moving. I can no longer hold back tears, and I don't want to spill them in front of Mom.

"Yes, son."

I started to walk away from Mom and into my room. But not far away I walked, Mother's voice back I heard.

"Ra, are you late?"

My heart was beating fast, as if jumping out of place. Has my body changed, and my pregnancy been seen? Is that how quickly you realize it?

Seriate...