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Celebrating Snow

The last day in December, in a few hours the year will soon change. The atmosphere of the turn of the year has been felt since the last few days, continuing the atmosphere of Christmas celebrations that have begun since the beginning of the month.

Aurora had gathered in the basement room with her college friends who lived in the apartment to celebrate the coming of the new year together. Friends from Eastern Europe all chose to return to their homes on year-end holidays. All that was left in the apartment were those who could not possibly go home like Aurora. Most of them are friends who come from Asia and Africa, although there are also those who are not seen in the apartment because they go on vacation to neighboring countries.

The clouds are seen joining Aurora and her friends. The six of them were originally planning to celebrate the new year together in the Cloud room. However, invitations from other friends who live in the same building seem inappropriate if ignored. They finally agreed to join and participate in enlivening the event in the basement. “Create experience,” said Lukas that time.

The sound of music was heard filling the basement room accompanied by the sound of chatter and also laughter and shouting, especially around table football. As usual, those who watch are more excited than those who play. On the table look various types of snacks and drinks that have been served, including beer and wine (wine). The food and drinks were prepared by anyone who wanted to provide them.

Aurora and Saras representing Indonesian friends choose to prepare a simple snack for this event. They make bakwan without shrimp, french fries, and do not forget the spice satay as a complement. French fries called patat are the easiest snacks to find in the Netherlands, perhaps a kind of fried seller in Indonesia. Potatoes can be enjoyed with sausage and mayonnaise alone or added with onion pox, but the most expensive is with a spiced satay (sate). The clouds also carry several boxes of juice packaging as an addition.

Some friends are seen starting to wiggle the body following the rhythm of music that is getting closer to midnight actually tempo faster. Aurora and Saras chose to talk while enjoying the food and drinks, along with several other friends. While the other four Indonesian men are engrossed around table football. Iqbal and Singgih were paired against Ghanaian Nguyen and Bryan.

Saras had complained to Aurora because she could not be with Nelu at this event, because Nelu was returning to his home country, Romania. Aurora herself has not dared to blatantly announce her relationship with the Clouds in front of her college friends. He did not feel comfortable, different if only in front of Saras, Singgih, Iqbal, and Luke, because the four of them did have a share in the relationship between Aurora and Cloud.

Among the excitement of the atmosphere in this basement room, Aurora had caught with her eyes the closeness between Samantha and Clouds. They look fun talking, standing a little away from a group of friends who still continue to boisterous playing ball. Sometimes Samantha is seen leaning closer towards the Clouds and speaking closer to the ears of the Clouds. Aurora was uncomfortable, her heart was broken.

“That's Sam why the hell? Must be really stuck?” Aurora felt indignation in her heart.

To distract her, Aurora goes to pick up a drink and sits down next to May, trying to chat with her friends. Unfortunately his eyes like they do not want to be invited to compromise, always trying to repeatedly glance at the clouds want to ascertain what is going on. His glance had just stopped and his feeling became relieved after no longer finding Samantha next to the Clouds. “Kok me so possessive huh?” inner wondering.

A few seconds before 00:00, all activity stopped, changing focus on TV shows that aired a countdown of the turn of the year. All in the basement were seen standing holding a paper cup in hand with their respective beverage selections, including some who chose beer, getting ready to count following the count inside the show.

“Five... four... three... two.... one.... Cheers!!”

Paper cups and beer cans touched, the grips of the congratulating hands, and friendly embrace was seen between them, overflowing with the sound of deafening fireworks outside the apartment. Everyone present put on a carefree face at once full of hope for the good days that await them next.

The happy atmosphere was still felt until the time showed at 01:00 in the basement and one by one began to return to their respective rooms, including Aurora and Saras. Aurora approaches the Cloud, who is still talking to Luke. “Mas Cloud... Luke.. we first yes.” His eyes were already flushed which clearly showed that he was holding back the drowsiness.

Seeing the condition of Aurora, the Cloud reflex rubbed Aurora's back while saying, “Sana gih, sleep. It looks so sleepy. Careful yes...” Aurora nodded her head in response to the clouds.

Luke who stood beside the Clouds chimed in with a joke, “Do not walk while sleeping ya Au. Entar stray... to room Awan.” He chuckled while the seduced Aurora just opened her mouth wide trying to laugh but it already felt heavy.

Waking up when the day is light, Aurora and Saras choose to relax lazily in their unit. Lunch was cooked potluck, just making sure the stomach could fill and not protest. As the afternoon approached, Awan came to visit Aurora in his unit. Together with Saras they chose to sit and chat in the kitchen.

“This new year to how many in the Netherlands, Mas?” ask Saras.

“Mmm, the first was not in Holland. At that time I was with friends traveling around Italy during the holidays.”

“Waaah, so good it to Italy.” Aurora interrupted. “Continue, last year where?”

“Last year I went to Germany, with my friends. That's Au, the James.he has a brother living in Stuttgart. So this is actually my first year in the Netherlands.” Cloud then quickly added, “Dan which is definitely the first one is the same Aurora.” His eyes flirted.

“Adeeeuuu..” Saras seduces Aurora.

The conversation continues with Awan, which tells of his experience enjoying the new year in different places, including memories of snow that are also not the same.

“The first time winter was here the snow was just thin, but it also made us excited. Understandably, the first time to see snow,” clear Clouds while smiling considering the memory of the first time meeting snow. He continued, “But last year the snow was quite a lot fitting early January gini. This year is probably the same.”

“Cool itih a rather thick section of snow. Exciting as it is...,” Saras said as she stared at Aurora asking for approval.

Aurora answered Saras with a joke, “Why, Ras.... want to make shaved ice using Marjan syrup, yes?” Laughter filled the kitchen.

The words Cloud are true. Two days later it snowed thicker than the previous days. Five Indonesian students who have never been showered with snow for life choose to go out of their apartment to enjoy the snow on their feet, body, and head. Although the snow is not as thick as the snow commonly seen in movies to make snowmen, they look very excited to play snow like a child playing in the rain. Of course they are happy because this is the first experience of their lives.

The clouds noticed the joy of his friends while scoping and leaning against the walls of the apartment. A big smile was on his lips, and he laughed at the behavior of his friends.

“It turns out Au his behavior can be childish as well yes.. Usually see him attitude mature, today is different.”

Cloud's eyeballs looked closely watching every Aurora's motion. “You're so sweet, Aurora..,” murmured Clouds slowly. Her heart was filled with happiness to be Aurora's lover.

After being satisfied playing snow and starting to feel cold, they moved to gather in the Cloud room. As planned, they will have lunch together on the last day of the holiday. Aurora and Saras started to get busy in the Cloud-assisted kitchen, while the other three men sat back and watched TV while chatting.

It does not take long, simple dishes in the form of chicken soup, fried chicken, and croquettes are available. As a complement, from the Singgih unit has been brought sambal oelek, shrimp crackers, and juice packaging. In the cold daytime due to snowfall, even a simple side dish feels delicious and gives a different sensation. Moreover, because they can eat together in a carefree atmosphere and full of familiarity, even though far from family.

After the meal, it was Luke and Iqbal who took over to wash the dishes and dirty glasses. Singgih tried to free himself on the grounds that the kitchen would be too crowded with the presence of the three of them and there was nothing he could do because it had been done by his two friends. “Reason!” Lukas only answered briefly with an annoyed mimic but a witty grin.

The excitement in the Cloud room continued. This time they choose to play simple playing cards in the form of hoes, solely for exclamations. Clouds and Iqbal don't come into play, they just watch and wait until someone loses and have to come out for them to replace. Occasionally the Clouds point to the cards Aurora holds giving input on which cards to play.

“Mas Cloud!” heard the voice of Saras protesting, “Don't help Au, huh! Cheating!”

Clouds and others laugh while Aurora makes a quick sound, “Enggaaak.

“Awas if you're still pointing!” Threatens Saras at Clouds while bending her lips pretending to be angry.

The sounds of laughter and jokes between them continued to be heard until the late afternoon. Snacks provided by Awan already look unceremonious, one of the signs of the gathering must be ended. Stop being self-conscious, he immediately picked up the dirty glasses and rose to the sink. This time it was his turn. After cleaning and cleaning the Cloud room, they prepared to return to their respective units.

“Au, want to go back or want to stay here first?” asked Saras while buttoning his jacket zipper.

Aurora turned to the clouds, trying to find an answer.

“Ajay, Ras,” said. The clouds seem to understand.

While walking towards the door following the others, the Clouds embraced Aurora's shoulders. On the doorstep, he took the time to stroke Aurora's head fondly while saying, “Break yes, tomorrow start college.”