When I Should Choose

Chapter 25 Can Be Sad

The toughest days were felt by Holy and his family. I can't open a chicken noodle shop alone without my dad. Sesy who is very close to the father is more often alone in the room. Holy also often daydream when at home or on campus.

Holy still often remembers the habits of his father, who every day always eager to open a chicken noodle shop and every night always invite his children to eat together. Eating together at the dinner table has become a tradition in their family.

He was grateful that their extended family helped a lot to support the economy of their families who were slumped because they could not open a stall. Heidy who was already working also could not help much for her mother and sisters, because she was preparing for her delivery.

Holy sometimes wanted to stop college and help his mother at home to continue their chicken noodle shop business, but his mother always forbade and hoped Holy could finish college soon.

It will take him two more years to finish his studies. Rere as his best friend gets closer to Holy he does not want his best friend to despair and chooses to quit college. Rere encouraged Holy to take part in competitions and events that could increase his salary and might help him pay for college.

Rere so often visit the Holy house, sometimes if Holy allows Rere will sleep and stay in the Holy room. Rere's arrival brings joy in the Holy family, as Rere's sociable and sociable attitude makes him very close to mother and Sesy.

Slowly Mother, Holy, and Sesy became more cheerful at home and more enjoying the days, because they had already foreseen the departure of his father.

Artyo who promised to always be there, also became one of the sources of Holy spirit. Artyo is never absent to encourage the Holy and never gets tired of sending soothing words.

Sometimes Holy gets a package from Mother Artyo which turns out to be a gift from Artyo. Artyo who has not been able to return to Indonesia, only often sends packages for his family and also for Holy. Artyo once gave chocolates, shoes, and a beautiful dress to Holy.

***

Holy several times won the design competition, without leaving his college assignments he could remain active in his community. Until the last year of her college when she had to compose her thesis, she still often represented her community to attend competitions and fashion shows.

Holy design began to be known by many fashion lovers, and by capitalizing on the design and sewing machine given Holy tantenya received several orders of stitching. The original design and neat and authentic stitching make the results of Holy stitching paid quite expensive.

From there came his confidence, who wanted to open a boutique to sell his works. He was determined to finish his studies soon and open the boutique of his dreams.

***

"Holy you already know yet if there is the biggest fashion show event next month? Which is not a famous fashion company from the Netherlands. Anyway you and I should come along." Rere showed his HP.

"Let me read first" said Holy, noting the terms and gifts posted on a picture post on Instagram.

"The main champions will get two holiday tickets to the Netherlands and the design will be mass produced by a well-known company called Zare."

"Where is the prize?" rere said with great excitement.

"What a great gift, Re..." Holy suddenly fell silent as if thinking of something.

"But what about my script? Next month is the last month of data collection for the thesis."

"Let's still have time, Ly. College does not have to be four years, because four years and a half can still pass with good grades," said Rere who tried to instigate Holy to participate in the race.

"Oiya and you still have me who's gonna do the thesis. I'm sure we can graduate next year. Okay?" continue Rere again.

"Best friend after Artyooo" Rere's tease.

"Hahaha you guys are just as good," replied Holy who did not let go of his smile.

***

Arrive at the eagerly awaited moment, Holy assisted by Rere finally completed their design in time. With the theme of batik that can be used in formal or casual events but still elegant, they are very confident in the results.

Their work wowed the judges and the audience in that place. The camera blitz is unceasingly following the model that is drifting on stage.

Holy and Rere were very happy, as they were very struggling in creating that design. Until they often stay up late and are willing to ignore their thesis.

In accordance with their expectations, Holy and Rere also won the race. They get a prize money of ten million and are entitled to the main prize is a vacation to the Netherlands and benefit from the production of their designs.

***

"Artyooo, I have good news!" exclaimed Holy who shouted in front of his HP.

He was calling Artyo via video call, when Artyo just woke up early.

With a face still confused and eyes that had not been opened wide, Artyo was quite cowed at the sound of Holy thundering.

"Well what is this? Early in the morning I woke up screaming, " said Artyo while tidying up her hair that was strained using her fingers.

Artyo's hair was still long, it seemed like he was already comfortable with such hair. Maybe because he feels like his face looks like a Korean artist so he doesn't want to cut off the flap again like he did back in High School. She only cuts her hair when her hair is already covering her ears even when she practices college at the hospital she only uses hair gel to make it look neat.

"Uwuw your hair shifts my world," murmured Holy who stared fixedly at Artyo's face which always managed to make his heart beat fast.

"Hey hey focus Ly, what's the good news? I'm curious."

"Yeah! So Rere and I won a design competition at a fashion show held by a Dutch company. And we got a gift for a holiday to Holland for five days... Oohoo..." Holy spoke slowly but clearly so that Artyo who was listening could catch the Holy intent.

"Yeay congratulations my dear, you are great! I'm so proud."

"Thank you dear! We have to meet ya in the Netherlands, because I know Germany to the Netherlands is not so far away and can be reached in a few hours."

"Let's be calm, I will empty all my schedule and will always accompany you while in the Netherlands. I wait for your arrival dear," said Artyo very sweetly, making Holy even more impatient to depart.

The two of them also knit longing for their meeting to be more meaningful.