The Adventures of the Goddess of the Night

CHAPTER 5

The clock did not show at 21:30 Wib. I immediately rushed to help Madam Su to close the stall. Washing dirty cups and cups, and sweeping away the litter of snack wrappers strewn under the bamboo cots where the young men had been relaxing.

After all the work was done, I immediately laid myself in my bed. My body hurts all the time, because it's the first time I've done more than usual.

Indeed, this work is not heavy, just making and serving drinks whether it is ice, soda, or warm drinks. Last afternoon, Mother Su also taught me to mix coffee so that it can produce a delicious blend of flavors. Besides that I also clean all the food waste whether it is on the couch or on the floor and wash all the cups and glasses. Sister Su painstakingly helped me because this is also the first time I work. Maybe after a few days I'll do it myself. I have to get used to this job without complaining.

Even though I still feel uncomfortable, if I have to sit and chat with men, especially I do not know him. But how else, it became part of my job. If I do not want to accompany the customers, of course they will be disappointed and it will make Mbak Su stalls become deserted visitors.

In this area there are many stalls almost along the road. That's why the competition is getting tougher. Where there is a beautiful and friendly waitress, then that's where the men will spend their free time even though just enjoying a cup of coffee and a pack of cigarettes.

Even in front of the Mbak Su stall there is also a coffee shop that is guarded by two beautiful women. But the owner is not here so Mbak Su does not know him, only occasionally greeting each other if accidentally met when the person visited his stall.

"Dek Erin, this is Ma'am buying fried rice. Eaten yes, you must be hungry, from this afternoon have not eaten" said Mbak Su who is now standing in the doorway while carrying a pack of rice.

"Yes, thank you, Ma'am" I said, receiving the package.

"May you be at home Deck here,"

I just smiled in response, Sister Su returned my smile and returned to her room.

Although I am not at home and feel uncomfortable working here, but I am not happy to say it. Ma'am Su seems like a good person. I've only been working here a day, too. What people say if I'm not home yet. Especially my parents, they would be angry because I just work already home especially if I go home without bringing money.

I immediately opened my package, prayed, and devoured it quickly. My mind is still thinking of my parents at home. Remembering my friends at school. Are they worried about me? Do they feel sad without me standing by their side? but now I realize I'm not someone to cry about when I'm gone.

I've also been used to being indifferent, but I'm not used to being away from home. I miss my family even though my heart is still disappointed in their selfishness that left me stranded here. Mom, Dad, I want to go home and go back to school like I used to.

My tears came back, falling between the grains of fried rice that I now enjoy with no taste.

*****

I woke up this morning feeling my shoulder hurt. I was really tired because the stalls were a bit crowded yesterday, so I paced back and forth to deliver orders, and also accompanied them alternately.

Ma'am Su said it was natural that the stalls were crowded, because I was a new waiter, so many were interested in stopping by just wanting to see or even know me. If they like me, then they will be regular customers and if they do not like it, then only once they stop by. That applies every new waiter so Mbak Su is not surprised if the stall will become quiet, maybe other stalls have new servants so many are there because of curiosity about the servant, he said, not because the coffee is addictive.

I shower and get ready for work. My eyes were a little swollen because last night I was carried away by the feeling of crying for so long that I finally fell asleep. But the swelling is not so visible, disguised powder that was bought yesterday by Mbak Su. He had a chance to shake his head when he found out that I had no powder or handbody. I was just embarrassed at the time

After breakfast I went ahead. Warung has been opened by Mbak Su but is still quiet because it is still working hours. I immediately joined Mbak Su and Pak Imam who were sitting on one of the cots.

We chatted while waiting for customers. Even though they are a boss, they are very friendly and supportive with their employees. It makes me feel awkward to ask her to joke.

"Dek Erin, she still really wants to go to school?" mba Su asked, surprising me because she knows what I want.

"Actually yes, but yes. I work here now, so where can I go to school" I said softly, my heart ached when I remembered this.

I was surprised to hear it. I really wanted to accept it, but I didn't want to rush into deciding. I have to remember who I am here and what my parents say if I know I am here to go to school even more at the cost of the Imam.

"Mmm.I'll think about it sir. The new school year is still four months away."

I was suddenly excited, because the hope of going to school again was still there. I never thought there would be another chance for me to go to school. At least all my lost dreams, I can start knitting back.

*****

At lunchtime, a red motorcycle was seen entering the courtyard beside the stall. It was seen a young man wearing a red shirt in a blue jacket got off his bike after lowering the standard first. He immediately took off the helmet he was wearing and put it on one of the rearview mirrors.

I smiled when I recognized who was coming. He is Nobel, the man who came with Aris yesterday, but now he comes alone. Nobel immediately sat on the western couch, precisely under a mango tree that was quite shady and cool. I'll approach her immediately.

"What do you want to order?" ask me when I'm standing in front of him.

"Es cappucino is like a seger. Oya don't call me dong dong call me a Nobel," he said with a smile.

"Okay, wait a minute, I'll make it up first,"

I immediately went into the stall to make the Nobel order. The guy was very friendly and polite. Yesterday he had told me a lot about this city, but I did not really like Aris who seemed arrogant. Thankful he didn't come here.

I immediately put a glass of iced cappucino on the tray and gave it to Nobel.

"Where do you work, Bel?" I sit in front of him. Nobel is the first person I consider a friend here, the rest are just customers and servants.

"I work in my uncle's brick factory. Why are you working here yourself?" ask Nobel while stirring his ice cappuccino.

"My boss came to my village to look for employees. My mom finally forced me to work here. I couldn't resist it even though I wanted to run away from home. I still can't take Bel, because I have to drop out of school and work like this. I'm actually shy about working like this, but I can't do anything,"

A single tear soaked the end of my eye, but I immediately wiped it, not wanting anyone to see me cry. I immediately raised my face hoping that the tears would not come back.

Nobel looked at me in silence, sipping back his half-glass ice cappuccino.

"I'm sorry if I made you remember that" Nobel said.

"No papa. I was even relieved, could slightly let go of the burden in my heart. I don't have any friends. I dare not tell anyone. All this time I've been holding everything in hope that this pain will go away on its own. But what I feel is even more tight chest." I said softly.

"If you have a burden, you tell me the same thing as Rin. I'll listen to you even if I can't help you. Let's just say I'm your friend, yes" Novel said with a smile and then immediately sipped the ice cappuccino.

"Thank you, Bel, you want to be my friend,"

****