Faithfulness Ratih And Darma
Chapter 13

The first time I met Mas Darma.

After school I walked down a crowded street this afternoon.

I saw a car in front of my house.

I went into my house. I looked curious about the person you were visiting this afternoon.

"Tumben is a guest, who is it?" muttered.

I entered the house slowly. Unexpectedly, my eyes saw a handsome, beautiful man sitting and looking at me.

I smile. She returned my smile.

"Assalammual."

"Wa'alaikum salutations." Reply Mama and Mas Darma together.

I kissed Mom's hand.

My mother told me to sit next to her.

"This is Darma's son, Ratih. He's my son." Mama introduced me to Mas Darma.

Things are still very awkward.

"Yes Mom. Hi Ratih." Sapa Darma's.

"Ratih, meet this Darma boy he's an employee of the office where Mama works."

I'm just smiling.

"Train this, his son is a little shy." Mama said while stroking my hair.

My first meeting was still very awkward.

Second meeting.

I'm still writing in my room, I'm doing my schoolwork. Every now and then I glance at Meggy, my beloved doll, who always accompanies me. Accompanying my days.

Outside the room, I heard a car stop. I immediately rushed out.

Again I saw the man standing looking at me.

as usual I smiled.

It turned out that the man had brought Mama home.

"Let's get Darma in." ask my mom.

"No need to ma'am. I'm going to go home. Anyway, it's late afternoon."

Darma then left our house.

Crane..kring.

Hape Mama's ringing sound. I lifted it straight away.

"Hello."

"...."

"Yes there.Wait on ya."

"...."

I also ran to call my mom.

The voice must have been from a man named Darma.

***

In the dining room, our family gathered.

"Ratih, you think, how's Nak Darma. She's conceptualized?" ask Mama.

I'm still busy. I was so upset every time I heard Mama's enthusiasm for introducing me to men. I don't know if Darma is the guy I met that Mama introduced to me.

I don't know what's on your mind. It was like I was seeing a different Mama. She's not like my old mama, I don't know how many times she's wanted to find a mate for me.

"Ma, I don't want to! Mama why the same with me. I'm a little Ma, I don't want to think of a marriage yet."

"Honey. Mama just wants you to be happy.You can have an established, handsome husband without you having to work, son."

"But this is not how Ma, I'm not old enough. I want school. I'm going to college. I want to be a successful person. I want to change all my life."

"Son, Mama doesn't want you to be like this Mama. Banting your own bones, make your own money. While your father can't do anything. She wants to rely on Mama. Look, Mama's a scholar. But what, Mama's just cleaning service"

"Ah...Don't be the same as Mama." I sighed in annoyance, I slammed the spoon in my hand. Then I went to my room.

I looked at Meggy. I don't feel my tears dripping. I grabbed Meggy and I got her lap while I held her.

"Why is Mama evil with me. I'm sure Mama doesn't like me. He'll get rid of me slowly. What exactly is my fault. I've always been a burden to her."

Aaaaaagh. I screamed in frustration.

What if my mother's wish to marry me really happened. What I should do. I will be a wife, stay home, welcome my husband, and ah, I will be looked down upon by my husband. Because I'm not equal to him. I'm just a graduate of Junior High. Mom and Dad are scholars. If that happens, life is really unfair.

Unknown number. I slide the green button.

"Hey..." The voices of people there.

"Who is this?" my many.

"This is the number."

"Yes right."

"It's Darma."

"Yes what's wrong? do you know whose number I'm from?" my ketus.

"Em, from your Mama."

"Ngapain called?"

"No, just have a chat."

"I'm sorry I'm busy."

I also forcefully closed my hole.

I'm really upset. He is a stranger I don't know. And what's in it is that he called me.

"Ah This Mama. Why the hell Mama, always just want to recognize me to his friend."

***

A month later, I have received Darma in my life. But not in my heart. I always talk to him and complain to him. He responded so very well.

He's a warm man. Easy to mingle with new friends. I, who knew him, was comfortable with his presence.

He has become the light in my heart. He patiently, became a good listener among my complaints.

After school, I went out with Rani and Yuli. I saw that handsome figure. I didn't think he was in front of my school.

He waved his hand at me. I also approached, followed by Rani and Yuli behind me. I was invited by Darma to have lunch before we went home.

Then we headed towards the cafe. Darma bought us three

"Mr handsome. Accept it for the treaty. A lot of times" said Yuli after finishing her last chew.

Darma. He still seems to enjoy his dishes.

"Yes. We are so happy today. I could eat this much." Rani said while feeding a spoonful of soto into her mouth.

Again Darma nodded.

I can only be quiet. I don't know what's going on with me this time. There was an awkward feeling there was also a feeling of longing.

But I don't know, what I know now, I feel comfortable around Darma.

***

I slowly opened my eyes. I set my eyes around.

"Hospital room.?" muttered.

I saw an infusion hose attached to my hand and a man who was drowning his face on the side of my bed.

I saw Darma sleeping. I glanced at him briefly. I tried to wake him up. Anywhere awake.

"You're sober on the Deck."

"Mas, where am I now? and what exactly happened?"

"Don't think about it yet."

I try to get up to sit down. I feel like I'm not lying down. Darmapun.

I saw how shabby his current appearance was, his shirt that looked crumpled up, his dull face, his pretty eyes.

I saw him look tired, I didn't think he cared so much about me.

I held my head still wrapped in bandages. I remember what happened last afternoon. The tragic accident that took Yuli's life.

And that's where I feel so devastated. Especially when I found out my leg was broken.

I thought I would be handicapped for life.

And in my most desperate moments, Darma took care of me with a tlaten, until my feet healed and I could walk even though I was still a little limp.

But a month of no word from Darma made me even more frustrated. I miss the warm, patient and caring figure of Darma.

One month we lost contact. Darma is like being swallowed by the earth. I don't know how he left. Like I was not as enthusiastic as before.

Maybe Mama and Papa lately, their minds have been diverted to the concentration of his new business. That is opening catering services where he works.

I haven't been to school for three months. I'm like I'm no longer concerned with school lessons.my head often hurts when I think about school lessons.

I don't know why. Otaku is really stupid. Maybe this is God's answer, if I have to accept His destiny. I'll be destined to just pass SLTP.