Crush On You's
Jefri To Bandung

Part 8's

I tried to smile today. As much as possible cover the incision - incision wound that is still gaping. Smiling at the students on campus. Not many just a few passing by. There was an educational seminar. Smile at Bu Laras to trick the disappointment.  

“Do you not enter the Hall?” tanyanya as sweet as possible.

At that time I was still smiling standing not far from Ratna. The girl was the chairman of the seminar committee and a cousin of Bu Laras. It is certain that he is the busiest person taking care of the seminar or maybe imaging. And finally smiled sincerely to Bening. She was wearing a soft pink shirt with a polka-dot motif and a long black skirt. I texted you last night to meet. There are small vibrations in the chest. When I see him smile.

“Sign first before login” Bu Laras command. His eyes glanced at Bening.

“I did not attend the seminar,” Bening nodded politely. “I want to meet Mister .…”

“Yes, we better not talk here” said quickly before the girl mentioned my name. Bu Laras' face turned a dead red. It was great to see his expression.

The office closed, there was no teaching activity. But on campus it is never empty. Some SMEs seem to be discussing. Some attend educational seminars. We were sitting on a bench not far from the library. Under the tree, the most quiet and comfortable place. But if the rain here is damp and cold. Green grass cover. I pulled out the yellow map. “Yesterday, already partially checked. Your writing and Iskan are quite reasonable. While others are terrible.”

“Mata Kuliah writing previously taught by Bu Rahayu. He focused more on vocabulary and free writing. To make it easier not to structure/grammar.”

“Really?” I pointed out one of the bad writings based on my observations.

Bening. His eyes were fixed on the paper in my hand. “Bu Rahayu has never discussed it in this detail. After collecting the task means finished.”

“Have it then,” I sighed softly and took out the inscription Iskan. “This one what do you think?”

“Perfect,” answers cheerfully. “From semester one Iskan is always superior. She used to live in Pare, Kediri”

I told him to check some of his friend's worksheets. As he concentrated on the sheet, my eyes were free to observe every move and look at it for quite a while. ‘Non-troublesome girl. Ah shit! I forgot to return the dictionary’ whispered me in my heart.

As for the purpose and purpose of asking him a discussion is to want to test it to what extent the writing skill he has. Two sheets he checked for five minutes. Too long. It should be faster.

Never once did he attempt to steal a glance, stare for a long time or seek attention. Again with his head down and squeezing, his fingers. The reader may wonder. What's Bening like? He is classic and simple. Without thick makeup like girls in general. The war is timid and calm. He is a good listener and knows himself. Why could that be? Because he was never noisy, troublesome to others or himself. His thoughts and desires are not easy to read. Every now and then, I try to understand his character through writing. Although not all my conclusions are correct but at least close. The clear is innocent. Moreover, from the way he spoke, it seemed that he was not a cunning oppressor. While that's just a little conclusion about him.

“Excuse me... It is afternoon, it is time for me to go home.” he said glancing at the watch then stared briefly and nodded respectfully.

I let him go. Who did he come home to? What if someone bothers him? Or how do you respond when faced with a problem? Again, I kept thinking little things about him. Sometimes a little bit of anxiety.

***

Night is about eight o'clock and five minutes. I decided to resign as a language teacher for two Bule boys, the care of Mr. Surya. He was surprised and tried to hold me back. The whole effort was put in. The two Bule also regretted my decision.

The rule book and the motor key, I put it on the table. Mr. Surya and his wife looked at me questioningly, “Do you intend to leave this city?”

“No, lately I am often busy.” I replied reasoned.

The man in glasses massaged his temple. From his tone of speech, expressing disappointment and regret. And give up the last paycheck. “Do not hesitate to play here, if you have free time.”

“Thank you, I'm sorry.” I stepped out and stepped out. Now no one can underestimate me. The business with Bu Laras is done. If I remember his words yesterday, it shakes me. I rubbed my face with both hands. How very aware, that the current situation is not worthy to be with anyone.

Once entering the fence. I was struck by the figure of the owner of the honey pinastika smile. Which I admire with all my heart. He's sitting on the porch.

“The decision you took was quite surprising,”. Unmistakably, the information of resignation must have reached his ears quickly. “I want to know the reason?”

“There are times when a decision does not require a reason” I replied flatly stepping in.

The woman kept following me. His hand took my hand. I managed to pull over and did not look even for a moment.

”Well, I'll find the reason soon,” he said cynically. “Take care and see you.”

Bu Laras came out of the house in a huff. And found nothing. This time he had to try harder to get what he was looking for. His ingenuity will help, but not in this second.

It's really not as easy as you might think. Me and Miss Baras are close enough. But I won't repay all his treatment. This disappointment was enough to make me reflect a lot and swallow it myself in silence.

***

It has been two days to get used to everywhere having to take public transportation and walk. A little tiring, considering after eleven o'clock in the afternoon should be ready to teach on campus. Walking at that hour must be really draining energy, even though the distance between my residence and the campus is not too far. The glare of the plenary light. Again, both eyes were a little tortured. When sweat on the forehead drips and hits the eyelids plus hot light passes through the glasses. Perfect. Water just came out, not tears. It was a sign that my eyes were tired.

In the middle of the silence of the class was only the sound of books behind, the paper in the ripped and scratches pen. They really work hard to correct and find the non-conforming paragraphs and copy them back correctly. It was all they had to pay, after yesterday doing the task with origin and rush.

After sitting and resting your back. My eyes are looking for Bening. Why didn't he come? He should be in class at the moment. Half an hour passed. I was standing by the door, maybe he was in another class. Or have some business. Let's hope he doesn't forget that yesterday's task had to be completed today.

“Today you're too late for lessons. Try to arrive on time next time” I forbid him from entering class.

“I'm sorry ...” he said scared.

Without trying to hear the reason. I entered the class and closed the door. Clear still outside. Indiscipline is a waste of time. The process of learning in class has rules. Every moment is precious. Anyone must abide by the rules. He was twice too late. This time I could not tolerate it.

One by one the advanced students gathered the assignments and got out. Orderly and courteous. It seems that the task I gave them made them depressed. After class, I walked out. Steady standing by the door.

“Excuse me...” the sound is slow. Then handed over the task yesterday.

I can't read the expression. He's down. If only he looked up a little, maybe I could have directly guessed what had happened. My words sounded unfriendly, it was because of his mistake. He should be able to appreciate the time. I followed him from behind until I reached the library.

He put the bag in the locker. Not looking.  Then take a small note and pen. Stepping in, showing the library card to the officer .Fill out the visit list. Decak his feet stop and reach for the book ‘titled La Tahzan Don't Be Sad.’

“Don't grieve like a hurricane that breaks the weather, spills water, changes the sky and breaks the blooming flowers in a charming garden,” I'm closer in front of him. “La Tahzan Don't Be Sad, Page 19.”

Our eyes meet. His feet slowly retreated. While his hands shook and squeezed the book. Then quickly - quickly put it back.

I continued to advance towards him slowly but surely. Trying to figure out what's going on. Looking at his pale face.

Sometimes he gets scared. Until his back was against the wall. “Stop, don't go forward anymore” he said nervously and shook his head.

“You scared?” ask me to press forward.

He nodded quickly and said, “Sorry...Mister. Please back off a little.”

Kurogoh little dictionary in pocket. “This is yours? Take ....”

Sweaty pliers. His fingers shook grabbing the dictionary from my hand.

“Make sure it doesn't fall on my head.” I whispered slowly in his ear. This time I could see his expression. Silence was fixated, tense and depressed from dealing this close.

I backed up a little and then turned and left. This incident will definitely make him to be more careful. After looking around, it turned quiet. This place can make it better.

The business with that girl I consider done. He has done the work and the dictionary has also been returned. I hope I never think about it again. At three o'clock in the afternoon I was supposed to be teaching, but I'm currently staring at the laptop screen in front of the desk. They have KKN debriefing so the schedule is changed next Saturday. Cell phone's ringing. Incoming call I press the answer button. “Ok, I'll be out” soon I replied along with a quick step towards the parking lot.

A tall, short-haired woman came down from the vehicle. “This letters along with her contacts,” she said sumringah. “Monggo, directly test drive or want to see first”

“Ah, Bu Sakinah can aj” my hand received the letters and keys of the vehicle.

“Introduction yes sir. It's time to teach,” he said cheerfully. “But later anterin I go home pak.”

I'm nodding. This bike belongs to a neighbor of Sakinah's. The condition is still good only the paint is a little peeling. And the price is under five million rupiahs. I bought it to make it easier to travel to work. There is always an intention to buy a good and expensive motorcycle. But soon I observed that intention, living as frugally as possible is a principle. Because I won't get anything if I don't work. For that savings or emergency funds are used to a minimum. Realize that living alone must be really good at managing finances.

The motor takes me around town. Suddenly, these eyes were hot. Memories of the late Father are back. In the rearview I saw a glimpse of myself. It was very similar to the deceased, with a tapered face, round eyes and neatly combed hair. ‘May you get the most beautiful place on the side of the Almighty’ lirihku slowly. After a round-trip down the city streets. I'm back at college.

“Monggo sir, later to night” invite Sakinah bu.  

Bu Laras cleared his throat loudly.

There is no intention at all to be friendly with him. Or rebuke. I really am still hurt. My hand grabbed the bag and walked past it. Let alone to glance. A little I refuse.

“I noticed it looks like Bu Laras wants to chat with mr”

“No bu”

“Bapak is still single, Bu Laras too,”he's digging for information. “Is there nothing like that between you.”

“Something or Nothing?”

Sakinah chuckles. And I drove him home. During the trip there was no conversation. The woman was busy with her cell phone until she got to the front of the house. The motor entered his yard. The sound of children singing the little Indians song.

A little boy about six years old. Run towards us. “Mama .…”

“Zahra!” Sakinah hugged the little boy.

“Ohya, recognize this mama's friend,” he said glanced at me. “He is an English teacher.”

“Hi .. hat's your name?”I stroked the boy's head.

“My name is Zahra. And you?”

Before I answer. Someone called Zahra. I'm turning.

The deg! The girl again. He's walking towards us. Views doubtful. Then welcome Ms. Sakinah kindly. He did not look at me or greet me. I was in a hurry to get the little boy in.

“Monggo pinarak,” greet the man in the form of a fishnet from the front door “Where does his motorbike strike or not?”

“No sir. Even if the strike may be just a small problem” answered me entering the living room.

“Thank God if it is,” he said is friendly.”How to stay in Block D No 7, safe?”

“So far it's still safe”

“Surely safe” sahut Bu Sakinah brought two cups of tea.

We finally relaxed. The wife-husband in front of me is very friendly and likes to joke. It didn't feel like it was almost six in the afternoon.

“Ma, Miss Bening wants to go home” said Zahra running and sitting near her mother.

I saw the girl at the door. Suddenly I shiver. And no longer want to deal with him. His face was plain but undisciplined. “Then I excuse me first”

“Where are you Mr Pur?” ask Mr. Soni. “Monggo all dinner here.”

“Shortly yes sir, I prepare first,” said Bu Sakinah then pulled Bening into the kitchen.”Come on in ning .…”

Dinner with a menu of chicken, fried, and boiled eggs. My eyes looked at the plate in front of Bening. There is only rice and soup. Portions are a bit too. He ate without making a sound or looking. Slow down and calm down. After saying thank you, I decided to go home.

The girl led the bike out of the fence. Then start pedaling. So lost from sight. Remembering Devi. But no, Bening is not similar at all. They're very different.

***

The next day, when the lesson ended. I used to go to the library for a while. There are some books that need to be returned. Some students followed me from behind. As I turned around, they pretended to stop and were busy opening books. Can you guess who they are? Yes Della and Vita. Their behavior will not succeed in fooling me. Girls like them are only worth taking to parties, shopping and sightseeing. The woman must be tough, deft, independent and reliable. If it's just beautiful, sweet and funny it's a Barbie doll, not a human.

Without caring for them, I quickly walked out of the library and towards the next class. Suddenly I had to stop and turn around for a while. There was Bening and his friend out of the classroom. As soon as they pass. I followed him slowly.  

“Duh! Who yesterday did not attend the seminar,” chirps blue hooded girl elbowed her friend's arm. “Find the same Mister Purwaka on the long bench under the tree. Aging again.”

“Oh ... that, coincidentally. He gave the task yesterday”

“What task?”

“Duty writing and as always have Iskan always perfect”

“Eh, you know? Mister Purwaka there is something similar Ma’am Laras. Continuing again in the third semester there is a deck as well. Two more girls,” he said enthusiastically.”cek enggak,e.  Felt saucy most yo .. whereas not mbois blas”

“Mosok?” ask Bening curiously.

“Iya .. Ning tenan kui. You think piye?”

“Gak eroh me. Wes ta lha upholj pacapa”

It feels like I really want to reprimand both. But that's not a good idea. It could be clear that the fear is extraordinary, if I am angry it is not clear. Related to these little things. I'd better enjoy listening to their silly talk. I took a breath and cleared my throat hard.

Both looking. Instantly rush to run. I put my shoulders up and smiled. ‘Weird basis, can-can gossip’ whispered me in the heart. Then go to class. Time to teach semester one. His students are smart and sweet. My smile still expands when I leave the classroom until I enter the lecturer room.

Some paper I put in the bag. Then take a tissue to clean the glasses.

“It seems that the discussion with the poor student yesterday was interesting,” exclaimed Bu Laras turning his chair. His hand plays a pen on the table. “Asmarani Clear semester five.”

I glanced at it briefly “Fun and it made me curious”

Bu Laras stood up and tidied up his clothes. “I think too young, naive, troublesome and noisy”

“As long as I feel fit. All that is not a big problem,” said I lightly justify the location of the glasses. “Thanks for the attention. It's very precious”

Readers can imagine the expression of Bu Baras. When I came out of the lecturer room. His forehead wrinkled. Yeah, like that woman, always competing. Without knowing what really happened. Little laughable.

Wes ta lha jok pacapa – has not much to say