Two Lunar Luminaries

The Last Chance's

Days passed and weeks changed, a month had passed since the introduction of the university from famous PTN students. Iris and Laya have become closer, they no longer quarrel and argue, even the sociology presentation of Anwar group goes smoothly. Both Laya and Iris helped each other in the course of the presentation. They also no longer cross opinions when other groups appear.

The conversation about their quarrels faded. Both students and teachers have lost interest in this conversation. Although there were still a few small jostles, but it no longer bothered Iris and Laya. Both focus on their own goals.

Even so, now they seem to care more about each other's circumstances. Laya lent me the book Iris wanted several times, and Iris helped to give her opinion on the essay Laya made. Their loyalty makes people who had been talking about their quarrels switch to gossip about their relationship. Laya and Iris no longer care about people's opinions, no matter what they do, there will always be people commenting.

The last lesson had just finished, the children of class XII IPS 1 flocked to leave the class.

“Mel, Ris cave first yes, byebye!” reski said as he waved his hand and immediately left the classroom. Today is the picket schedule for Iris and Melinda, so Reski went home first.

“Em, be careful on the way! Don't run ntar fall.” Melinda said a little screaming to see Reski who was so antusius to go home to run around small. Iris just smiled a little at the behavior of her theme on that one.

Iris and Melinda immediately start cleaning the class, along with Agata. Laya and Dawn were also part of the picket ration that day. Agata and Dawn lifted the chair, while Laya and Iris swept the floor. Melinda removes the blackboard and prepares to fetch water to mop. Finished lifting the bench, Agata helped Melinda mop the floor.

Iris was waiting for Melinda at the front door of the class when her phone rang, her mother called. He also pressed the answer button.

“Hallo, why Iris?”

“Loh, is this Chrysanthemum? How come mom's HP is in Chrysanthemum? Which mother?” tanyanya was shocked, because he actually heard the voice of his sister and not his mother.

“Mother was in a hurry to go to the place of father, father fell he said.” Answer the sister from the other end of the phone.

“Hah dad fell! Who are you in the same house?” Iris said a little panicked.

  “Self, if Iris when to go home?”  answer it with a sad tone.

“This is coming home, you are not going anywhere yes, wait at home aja.”

“Iya Mbak, spout yes Chrysanthemum laper.” Added.

“Oke, don't cook idly. Wait to go home, okay!” The last time Chrysanthemum was alone at home and tried to cook, he almost set himself on fire.

“Any Boss!”

Iris hung up her phone, looking a bit panicked and confused, she looked left right, and stopped while staring at Melinda, “Mel, cave home first yes, Chrysanthemum alone at home because. Sorry so not so nemenin children journalism lombas.” He said, his face looks pale.

Melinda who saw the panic Iris immediately approached her, “Lo came home what? Duh cave must nganterin children again, can not ngentin lu.” He said, panic.

“Gapa, the cave can ride angkot, greetings to the children yes.” Iris.

“But this hour usually angkot deserted, later lo lama nyampe his house.”

“How come, no problem, cave.”.

“Let the cave anter.” The sound of Ekalaya.

Laya who was also waiting for Agata, had already noticed the gelagat Iris.

Iris and Melinda looked at Laya. Iris counted the various possibilities in her head. Calculate the estimated time if he has to ride an angkot, and the estimated time if Laya escorts him. Accepting Laya's offer is certainly more efficient and effective, but it will provoke a new conversation, even more so it means Iris has to accept Laya at her home, her most private place.

“Oke, previous makasi. Cave first yes Mel.”

“Em, be careful, do not speed Ya.”

“Ati-ati Ya” added Agata who is already beside Melinda.

Iris and Laya nodded at the two. Laya then hints at Iris to follow her to the parking lot. Iris followed Laya without much talking.

***

Laya and Iris arrived at Iris' house, it only takes about 15 minutes if using the motorbike. Laya parked her motorbike in the courtyard of Iris' house filled with plants and flowers. He was quite impressed with the yard.

At the same time two motorcycles stopped in the yard of Iris' house.

“Iris you're home.” Said a middle-aged woman descending from one of the motors.

Seeing a middle-aged man having trouble getting off the bike, Laya immediately got off her bike and approached the man. He helped the man by carrying him, to get off the bike.

“Tadi Chrysanthemum nelfon said she was alone at home, so I went straight home. Dad why?” tanyanya immediately approached her mother asking for an explanation.

“Father had fallen in school, but the gapapa had checked to the doctor, thank God no one was broken. This who? Temen you?” ask the mother explain then turn to Laya. Laya who suddenly became the center of attention instantly froze on the spot and could not say a word.

Laya was sculpting while supporting Iris' father by holding one of his arms, assisted by a man who also wore a uniform and looked the same as him. Iris' father who saw Laya's gelagat also took over.

“Let's talk again, let's go in first, the kids must be cape. Give them food and drink first.” Said Iris' father.

Laya and one of Iris' father's students immediately let the father into the house.

 “Mbakkkkkkk.

A small child ran towards Iris just as she walked into the house. Laya could only catch a glimpse, Iris hugged the boy. He was still helping Iris' father into the room.

Iris' father managed to sit casually in her room thanks to the help of Laya and her student.

“Sahid same Adit do not go straight home, eat first. You too, whose name is nak?” ask the father.

“My name is Laya sir.” replied Laya, this time she no longer freezes.

“You too Laya, eat first before going home, thanks for delivering Iris. You guys also thank you for helping dad ya.” Said

“Sama-sama sir.” Say one of them.

“Not a problem sir, we are always ready to help father!” the other word.

Iris's father laughed at her student's joke, “Can you be authentic.”

“Kids eat first here.” Iris' mother called them half-screaming from the kitchen.

Katiga boy was directly approaching Iris' mother to the kitchen. The two disciples from Iris' father looked more luesy and not too awkward with Iris' mother. They sat down at the dining table. While Laya was a bit wry and awkward.

“Iris again help her sister change clothes, wait a minute yes, you just sit down.” Mother Iris said softly as if realizing Laya's awkwardness.

Laya sat down to join Adit and Sahid, before long Iris came out of one of the rooms with her sister.

“So I'm not naughty, not going anywhere, not a prank on the fire as well. I know what dong.” says

“Pinter, tomorrow if alone at home also do not be naughty yes, do not fad out of the house let alone turn on fire.”

The boy glared at the antusius with a big smile, while Iris rubbed her head gently as well while smiling.

“Iris eat first here, take her to eat.” Said the mother.

Iris led her sister to the dining table. He sat down with Laya. Iris sat down with her sister, while Laya sat down with the two disciples of Iris' father. After sitting down, Iris immediately got back to her feet and handed out the dishes to Laya, Adit and Sahid. The three received the plate without saying much and immediately took turns taking rice and side dishes.

Adit was the first to take rice, followed by Sahid and Laya. Then Iris took the rice for herself and for her sister.

“Sorry yes mommy ga sepet cook a lot, eat potluck yes kids.” Said Iris' mother who was still busy in the kitchen.

“This is also very luxurious kok bu, make a lot of food.” Answer Sahid. Adit and Laya just smile at Iris' mother.

Actually the food at the table is quite a lot, there are kale, fried puffer fish, tempeh and fried tofu, lalapan and sambal. Laya actually wondered how Iris' mother could prepare all these foods in a short time.

Sahid and Adit eat voraciously and without speaking, so does Laya, but Laya pays enough attention to Iris. During the meal, Iris helped her sister, from taking rice, side dishes, to helping separate the bones and meat of the fish, so that her sister could eat comfortably. Iris looks very painstaking in helping her sister.

“Mau assisted also misahin fish same bone?” Iris asked Laya, she noticed Laya's intense gaze on her and decided to open her voice.

“Hah? Whahuh? No need to.” Laya answered somewhat.

Iris just nodded and went back to eating. The five children ate peacefully and without speaking. Chrysanthemum ate his food voraciously, he was not picky about food and ate everything that his brother scooped up to his plate. Seeing Chrysanthemums eating voraciously also arouses Laya's hunger. Laya unwittingly eats more than she normally eats.

“Mbak, Chrysanthemum has finished eating, Chrysanthemum can play gak?” chrysanthemum asked as soon as he finished bribing the last meal off his plate.

“Boleh, but just one hour yes, out of it go straight home and take a nap, okay.”

“Oke. Mom, Dad, Chrysanthemum play first yes.” Shouted the boy while directly running out of the house.

“The child is more obedient than his mother.” Iris' mother muttered with a small smile, it was obvious that she was not complaining. Laya smiled at Chrysanthemum's behavior.

Slices deftly tidied up the Chrysanthemum's eating marks, he stacked up the dirty plates of Chrysanthemum and hers, then carried them into the sink.

“You're done for that?” Iris asked her three peers.

Adit and Sahid nodded. Iris walked over to them and cleaned up their dirty dishes. He also intends to take Laya's dirty dishes, but Laya instead stands up and walks towards the sink. He stood in front of the tub, rolled up his sleeves and picked up a sponge.

“Let's go to aja.” Iris said while holding the sponge in Laya's hand.

“But right..”

“Let's go, Ekalaya.” Iris said firmly. Laya complied and handed the dishwasher sponge to Iris.

Laya turns around and finds Sahid and Adit looking awkwardly at her, the three look at each other and then smile at each other.

“This is your first tea while eating cake.” Said Iris' mother from the living room.

Without much thought the three children immediately walked into the living room. Laya is once again amazed by Iris's mother's ability to prepare a lot of food and drinks. I don't know when he made all those cookies. There is a plate of sponge cake and a pot of tea complete with three glasses.

“Ah, ngak kok ngak bothered, eaten first the cake abis new at home yes, mom wants

rerapi kitchen for a moment, you guys just have a casual chat here.”

“Makasi many bu.” Say Laya and Sahid.

Iris' mother simply smiled at them and returned to the kitchen. The three children immediately sat side by side on the living room bench. Shortly after Iris joined them, she sat on the very edge of the bench, the only bench that only one person could sit on.

Seeing Iris join them Laya poured the tea into the glass and handed it to Iris. Iris took it and drank it. Laya also gave a signal to pour more tea into the glass to Sahid and Adit, both nodding to accept Laya's gesture. Laya poured her tea back into the remaining two glasses and gave it to Sahid and Adit.

“Let the cave take again the glass.” Iris said and intended to return to the kitchen.

But Laya held back her hands and kept Iris sitting, “Neither need, gua ngak drinking tea if abis eat.” Laya said, Iris nodded, then Laya let go of Iris' hand.

Sahid drinks his tea while paying attention to Laya and Iris's behavior, “Btw you two years ago participate in social olympics is not si?”

“Iya! Do you also participate in social games?” said Laya.

“I joined class 10, Adit joined the class 11, did not expect it turns out you are close, you are different teams at that time.”

Both Laya and Iris just smiled at Sahid, both of whom did not know what to answer.

“Loh You participate in social olympics as well, his face pantesan familiar.” Adit said chimed in, looking rather shocked. Sahid looked at Adit and then looked back at Laya and Iris.

“Loh you guys come two years in a row?” this time Sahid who looks shocked, as if just processing what he heard.

“Laya join two years in a row, if I just fit class 10.” Answer Iris.

“Iris also wanted to come, but fitting we class 11 school mutusin to send a team aja.”  Timpal Laya's.

“Oalah, pantesan Pak Bayu does not want to join nganter when my turn, even though he is very excited to want to nganter Sahid.” Said Adit.

Laya noticed a slight interest in Iris's eyes when she heard this conversation. He looked lazy to talk a moment ago.

“Kalo think about it too, pak Bayu looks more sad when the Iris team loses compared to the school team loses.” Said Sahid while somewhat laughing considering the past.

“So you have the intention to come again not this year?” ask Adit antusius.

“Emang will be obtained huh? Are we in class 12?” laya said back to asking.

“Kanya mah still can, yesterday the teachers nawarin class 12 if anyone wants to register. At most later in the new 2nd semester we can not participate in non-academic activities again.” Sahid.

Laya nodded and looked towards Iris, there was a hint of enthusiasm in Iris's eyes. The fourth chat continued, although Iris listened more and answered only as they were. His mind moved on to something else. It seems like he has found a new purpose. If it was still possible for him, he wanted to try once more. He had set a new goal, this time he had to succeed, no matter how.

***

The day after, what Iris was waiting for really happened. Ms. Irma's homeroom

they reported that the 12th class could still participate in the Olympics.

Anyone is welcome to sign up if they have any interest. Iris realized that this

will be his last chance at High School, then without a second thought he

go straight to the teacher's room during the break.

Arriving in the teacher's room Iris only found a pak Idris prison teacher and Widia's mother history teacher, while to register for the social olympiad Iris had to meet pak Ibrahim a sociology teacher. Even so Iris did not want her efforts in vain. He approached Widia's mother and asked her whereabouts.

“Excuse bu.” Say hello to Iris to Widia.

“Eh Iris, what is it worth nak?” replied mommy was friendly to Iris.

“Sorry, sir Ibrahim today came to school no yes?”

“Pak Ibrahim? Last morning the seinget mom was there, just her wealth was out for a while, what is it?”

“This is ma'am I want to register social olympics.”

“Oh it, a minute yes, I found the form.”

Ms. Widia also stood up and walked towards the long table where the files were collected, there were various files there and usually the race form was also placed there.

“Loh you are not already in class 12, why are you still in the race?” ask Mr. Idris from his desk not far from Widia's mom's desk.

Iris just smiled at her teacher's comments, “Iya sir.” The answer is flat, but still try to be polite.

“Oalah you who often become the champion of the general baerng Laya is yes? Not that you have never participated in the Olympics also yes new entry, which together with Laya also that, but Laya won.” Added again.

“Iya sir, I've been in class 10, but did not win.” Replied Iris, with all her might holding back her rage.

“Well that has never been woven, it is already now mah focus just the same UN and SBMPTN, no need to follow that, a waste of time later. Moreover, it has failed also, right, not bu Wid?” he added when he saw Widia's mom walking towards them.

“Ya nothing sir, the name is also a business, will not be in vain too, even if it fails can still be a learning material.” Answer Widia relaxed. Mr. Idris immediately fell silent to Widia's reply. He did not add any more comments and was again busy with the newspaper he was reading.

“This form, please fill out, if it is finished immediately submit to Mr. Ibrahim, likely after the second break he has returned to school.” Widia said as she handed the paper to Iris.

Iris immediately received the paper and held it tightly, “Good ma'am, thank you so much” replied Iris with a smile to bu Widia. Then Iris paved with salim to Pak Idris and also Miss Widia.

This social Olympics will be Iris' last chance at High School. It will be a tough fight for Iris, it might even be heavier than the previous fight. The school has won this Olympics for two years in a row, they certainly want their third victory. Laya who has received both victories certainly has more points in the eyes of the school than Iris. It was likely for him to lose even before entering the arena. For that Iris must focus, and devote all her energy. He had no intention of giving up.

***

Today Iris managed to submit a social olympic registration form to Mr. Ibrahim, lucky in the second break there were not many teachers. This time there is only Widia and Ibrahim. Mr. Ibrahim certainly supports Iris' desire to register, only Mr. Ibrahim asks Iris to focus on the Paper Writing Project (PWC). Previously the school was more focused on Social Science Quiz (SSQ) but according to Mr. Ibrahim, Iris would be superior if he followed the PWC because writing is one of the advantages of Iris. Iris will think carefully about Mr. Ibrahim's advice.

Today Iris decided to go straight home from school. He will prepare for the Olympics. First of all he will take into account which one has a greater chance of winning between the PWC and the SSQ, to find the answer he must take into account what is needed, the book he must read, about the Olympics he can find, as well as the availability of the internet. After that, he had to make a study schedule, see what tasks needed to be completed immediately so that later it would not interfere with the Olympic process, and divide the time to learn daily lessons and the Olympics. There's a lot he has to do.

While waiting for an angkot in an ordinary place, a motorcycle suddenly approached Iris.

Laya opened her helmet when it stopped right in front of Iris, “You go home right? Let anter cave.” He said while handing the helmet to Iris.

“Hah?” Iris asked confused by Laya's sudden presence. He was not in trouble, or in a hurry, there was no reason for Laya to drop him off or for Iris to accept Laya's offer.

“Let's go up, happened to cave there also need to be same nyokap lo.” He said again, with a big smile on his face.

Iris did not want to make a scene especially in the streets that began to be crowded, so Iris accepted Laya's offer. He picked up the helmet Laya gave him, then climbed onto the Laya motorcycle. The two drove quickly towards Iris' house.

Laya parked her bike in Iris's yard. Iris got off Laya's bike, then took off her helmet and handed it to Laya. Laya got off the bike and hung her helmet on the handlebar. Iris looked at Laya who was standing next to her with a face filled with confusion.

“Lo want to come in?” Iris asked Laya.

“Iya, nyokap you there right?” laya answered with a face of sumringah and without sin, making Iris could not bear to throw him out.

Iris walked first into the house and Laya followed her, carrying something in a small cardboard box.

“Mbaaakkkkkkk.”

The chrysanthemum came out of the room and immediately greeted his brother and sister's friends. He ran towards Iris and immediately hugged Iris. Iris of course returned the embrace of Chrysanthemum.

“Eh no mas also.” Said Chrysanthemum while smiling jail towards Laya.

“Iya no mas nih, salim dong sama mas Laya.” Iris said to her sister.

Laya is a bit shocked to hear Iris calling her Mas Laya, but she just smiles and

received the hand of Chrysanthemum outstretched to him, asking for salim.

“Eh no laya boy, come in here son, have you eaten yet? Definitely not yet, here the grandson continues to eat. I've cooked a lot of nih.” Seruni's mother said as soon as she saw Laya, they had a chat yesterday. Laya knows quite a lot about plants and flowers, so it is easy for him to talk to ma'am Seruni.

“Makasi many laughter ma'am, but it seems I can not. I'm just going to deliver

this, I did not accidentally pass through the plant store and mother inget, seinget me too, in the garden here there are no flowers Seruni, so I want to give this to mother.” explained Laya while giving a package in the cardboard she was holding earlier.

“Yeah, make a lot of tablets son, you can think of mom until buyin all.” Said bu Seruni looks very happy with the gift of Laya. Laya also smiled happily to see that Seruni maam was happy to accept her giver.

“You really don't want to stop by. Just eat here for a while, the abis follow the seedling mother.” Tawar bu Seruni.

Laya glanced slightly towards Iris, and Iris caught Laya's glance. He blinked his eyes as if giving Laya approval.

“Yes yes mom, I definitely need help for her plants. Okay to bu.”

Bu Seruni looked very happy to see Laya accept her offer. They entered the house and prepared to enjoy lunch together.

That day Laya had lunch at Iris's house without feeling awkward, even though there was only herself without Sahid and Adit. It looks more free to move. Iris watched Laya without much comment, how she had a close conversation with her mother, or occasionally chimed in Chrysanthemum rants.  He looks happy and comfortable in the middle of the Iris family, no matter what makes him feel so, Iris does not find the answer, no matter how hard he tries to understand it.

Iris watched Laya without much talking. He lets Laya choose a side dish for Chrysanthemum, lets Laya clean the dirty dishes, even lets Laya wash the dishes that should be her duty. He didn't stop Laya, nor did his mother. Whereas all this time, Iris was always taught to serve the best possible guests. But her mother let Laya do the dishes.

Finished eating Laya directly helped Iris' mother to plant the flower seeds she brought. Chrysanthemums join them even though he usually doesn't care about plants. Her mother was not making merchandise so Iris had more free time at the moment.

Iris watched Laya, her mother and Chrysanthemum from the door of her house, for a moment she was amazed at the sight before her. Laya somehow, looks like part of this family. His presence between his mother and sister seemed to be a normal and normal thing that had happened. Standing at the end of the door of the house while looking at her third back, Iris felt she was the one who was the outsider. For a moment Iris was surprised by her own thoughts. But now is not the time to be upset, it is not the time to falter.

Iris had to focus on her initial goal. He doesn't have much time and this is his last chance. The Social Olympics were in sight and Iris had to prepare for it. This was the war she had been waiting for. He must prepare himself as best he can, making sure that he uses the best armor so that no one can touch him at the fingertips. After realizing that Laya is no longer his guest, and he is not the host Laya wants to meet, Iris leaves the three, heading for her own battle.