Around Us
Chapter 27: The Sneak

Trust, a positive affirmation I give to myself and to others. Basically, everyone has a good nature. It's just that circumstances and weak self-mastery can drown out these traits.

I did feel a bad feeling designed by Mas Bimo. But I believe that in a matter of seconds the human heart can change, depending on the suggestions given. Unfortunately, my efforts are not sweet.

My body is soaked and covered in wet soil. Hands and feet are tightly bound. I'm cornered back in danger.

While trying to run from the siege of Mas Bimo and his friends, I fell due to slippery land hit by rain. They quickly caught me. Then, I was locked up in Nining's house like a prisoner.

One of Mas Bimo's friends rubbed a sharp squeak around my neck. “Dek, don't be afraid dong! Consider this OSEK.”

He tried to intimidate. I know that, and try to stay calm. The reason is, if I am provoked by their game, I will be increasingly used as a bully.

Then, Mas Bimo chimed in. “Arya, why should you try running? Try if you were just yesterday, maybe we can discuss like friends.”

Whahuh? Like friends? I thought of him as more than a friend, like my own brother. Even when I knew the ugliness, my feelings in looking at him were still the same. In Sundanese proverbs it is expressed, "The bad teak board: hade fried dulur scarecrow". Meaning good or bad for us, he still deserves an apology. Indeed, we do not have blood relations, but forging a brotherly relationship is the essence of human beings in social life, right?!

Everyone must have made a mistake. Sometimes bad behavior is repeated not because of the heart's desire of the person, but because of the stamp or label given by the person around him. When no one believes if he can change, it is as if motivating him to make bad deeds (deviant) as an identity. Therefore, I believe in the conscience of every person must want to be a good individual.

“Why silence?” ask Mas Bimo again while lifting my chin. “Arya, said you can predict the future. But why did you get into my trap?”

I looked away, still unwilling to respond to his words. Do not let the seed of hatred arise in my heart which later coagulates into revenge.

“Actually I don't have the same heart as you. You are a very good person like me. But unfortunately, you already know my secret, and leaked it to Dani, right?” coined.

I still choose silence. But unexpectedly, one of Mas Bimo's friends dragged me. He pulled my hair very tight. I refrain from the overflow of pain.

He put me in the bathroom. After that, he also kicked my head until it hit the wall quite hard. There, I could no longer endure the pain and moaning.

“Who told you to kick him like that? ****** (jerk)!” Mas Bimo scolded him.

“Sorry Boss, this child because from earlier very strong,” us.

“Awas, move everything!” mas Bimo's orders.

Mas Bimo smirked at me. I really didn't find the sense to have him stop his abomination.

“Arya, how do you make amnesia? What's with your brain? But you'll die dong. I do not want to be labeled as a killer,” his smile is savage like a lion that managed to bend his prey.

I know his mind is in a state of turmoil. It was emanating from his tone and body language.

“Istigfar, Mas!” ask slowly.

“DIAM!!” reply with snarl.

I did not hesitate to face it, instead I was the prettiest to speak. “And I believe that Mas Bimo can change. What makes you feel insecure about starting a new life, Mas?”

“I don't like anyone who knows my secret. If that happens, then I do not hesitate to get rid of it,” he said threateningly, “Although you have helped me a lot, but you can very much damage my image. The image I've built in various ways.”

“Citra? Image as what? Model student? Good guys? Soleh youth? When do you want to act? Is Mas Bimo not tired of cheating?” I'm afraid with questions that hopefully can penetrate the eyes of his heart.

He slapped me slowly. “Wow! Apparently this innocent kid is starting to challenge me. You're getting interesting, my adrenaline's starting to rush. So far no one has dared to even unmask me.”

This time, the satire must be countered with satire. “Why don't they dare? Because they were afraid of being framed and being taken to an empty house and tied up in the bathroom like I am today. Sorry, not because of that. But because they..” my lyrics to 4 friends of Mas Bimo, “They don't care if you want to be a villain or a demon though. For them, as long as Mas Bimo could be used to fill the stomach and provide entertainment, that was enough. They do not want to be friends with Mas Bimo, but only want to be followers. If you are bored, stay unfollow.”

“Do not carelessly talk!” threaten Mas Bimo's friend who kicked me. “We're finished now, Boss. Nih boy long ago so more songong.”

Mas Bimo shifted his eyes. He avoided eye contact with me. “Bos? That's obvious, right? Why not call a name or bro or call the other equivalent? Aren't you the same age? Last night Mas Bimo said they were friends of Mas Bimo. But their attitude is like a boy yes,” I said cynically.

The four of them approached and seemed to be about to throw a punch at me. However, Mas Bimo raised his hand to block them.

But apparently, Mas Bimo even pulled my hair to force my head to look up at the ceiling. “Now you have started to be good at reversing words. Where's your old manners? Or are you curious about your destiny?”

“Arrkkkkh..” He pulled my hair firmly. The pain that was previously still gawking is growing.

Seeing me groan in pain, he let go of his trap. “Sorry, I forgot. It still hurts, doesn't it?”

“Aware, Mas! Your behavior is out of bounds.”

He turned his body. “Search scissors, fast!”

He had his 4 aides look for scissors, what for? My heart is starting to calm down.

“This is Boss use celurit,” say one of them.

“I want scissors. Cepet search!”

There is no hope of escaping. Only prayer can I send to heaven, asking God for help.

“Do not, Mas! Istigfar!” I asked as he held the scissors in front of my face.

“Kok you are scared like this. You were so loud.”

Yeah, I couldn't hide the panic when he started cutting the clothes I was wearing. His gaze was so cruel. “Don't kill me, Mas! That's a big sin. I said it'stigfar, Mas. Call it! You are possessed by Satan.”

“Quiet! I told you I wouldn't kill you. It doesn't mean you're going to kill you directly. I'll make you like Nining. Dead in a state of insanity.”

He pulled my hair back. Slowly, the scissors turned around in my head. I tried to avoid it by shaking my head.

“Enough, Mas. Stop!”

“Why? Are you afraid you don't look handsome anymore?”

“Take me off, Mas! I beg. Again, release me!”

Mas Bimo also stopped shaving my hair carelessly. The person I thought was good, was able to blur the trust I had instilled in him.

He and his friends are already planning this stow. I also try to be steadfast, because regretting not following the heart will not change the situation.

“You should have begged before the idea of eliminating you popped into my head.”

Suddenly the door opened and closed itself. Followed by the sound of objects falling to the floor. They all looked shocked and appalled.

“We'll go home, Boss. Looks like the waiters of this house began to appear,” invite one of them who tied me with rope mine.

I closed my eyes and set my breath. I recite prayer in my heart. This is not the end. I must believe in His power.

I was shocked when I saw the shadow of Mas Bimo having an accident. Although I was upset with him, but I could not ignore my intuition.

“Besok morning I'm here again to bring you food and we play around again yes,” he said while standing, “So, tonight is not a problem to sleep in a dark place like this? You used to see astral figures. Ask them for help so you can get out of here. Or you call Nining's spirit so you can talk all night. Hahaha.”.

“Mas, please don't go home now. I have a bad feeling about you on the road.”

“Oh, would you like to be cemented? Then beg with words that can make me pity.”

“I'm serious, Mas.”

“What am I going to do? The accident? Die off? You talked about it a long time ago too. The proof is that I am still fine, right. Eh but, thanks to the banter from you too I became more careful. Thank you yes, my dear sister,” he said mocking by patting my cheek twice.

They're goin. My energy is drained. I can only sleep and hope for a miracle. Not only did they tie my hands and feet, they also covered my mouth before leaving.

Obviously, I don't want to end up like this. I am sure there will be a helping hand from God.

The human heart is like a river. Although the surface seemed calm, but within it there might be a strong current. Thoughts can appear from the surface of the face, but traits can be very manipulative – is hard to guess.

The atmosphere in Nining's house was indeed terrifying. I caught their presence. I hope they just pay attention. I will not be tempted to ask for help other than God.

Ah, I better try to sleep so that my cells can recover. I ignored all the bitterness, darkness, and disappointment.

I never thought I could fall asleep without lighting. Waking up when he heard the sound of a cock crowing. Unfortunately, I can't count the time and see the dawn.

My body started shivering violently. I tried to crawl out of the bathroom, looking for a warmer place. However, the effort I put in was just exhausting. Never mind, I resigned. I should be able to use the rest of the power efficiently.

Then, the sound of the door opening. Then, the footsteps beat step by step. Is that Mas Bimo? Or someone else? I strengthen my hearing.

“Tos lami left behind, earth tea meni random kieu (long abandoned, the house becomes a mess like this),” he said.

A woman's voice. Who her? I tried to lure through a voice that I could use as a code to call out to him, like banging my head and banging my body against a wall.

“Nining, sorry Mama ya!” he continued with a sobbing voice.

I reaffirm my call. His steps sounded closer.

She was hysterical when she found me sitting in the bathroom helpless. “Saha maneh (who are you)!”

I nodded my head to let him open my bond first. But instead, he ran out.

Before long, he came back with a man. Quickly the man let go of all the bonds that locked me in.

“Aa who? How can it be here?” mother Nining asked with a panicked face.

“Udah don't ask first. Si Aa looks really weak, we take it to the clinic first aja.” The man carried me in the car and took me straight to get treatment.