Florianas
Chapter 26: Unblock

His conversation with Farrell this afternoon continued to stay at Flo's head until much later that evening. In the end he agreed on what Farrell said. He should not worry about the feelings of those who have let go. Not apathetic, but it's true Farrell said, it's Genta's feeling, it's entirely Genta's business, Genta's responsibility. Just like when Genta deserves to fall in love, he also deserves a broken heart. If he interfered, it even seemed presumptuous. Even if he is in the position of Genta, he also does not want to be pitied, he does not want others burdened by the feelings he has.

Flo took her eyes off the window, saw the wall clock was already showing at one in the morning. When everyone has gone to dream to touch the fantasy genre, he is still awake in the early hours, thinking about the heart.

Flo glanced at Farrell who had returned alone inhabiting his jar. It looks lonely. He promised to meet him often with Flo later.

After being satisfied to see his betta fish, he got out of the chair with his cell phone between the fingers. Satisfied sighs came out of his lips when his back touched the softness of the mattress. It's cozy. He who was in the chair was fully awake, suddenly coughed for a second after falling. But he did not rush to close his eyes. There are things he will do before swimming in the dreamland.

So Flo's thumb went to enter an app to send a message on her phone. Selected label 'setting', then 'account', continued 'privacy', then 'blocked contacts'. His finger held on to a number until the inscription 'unblock' appeared and he tapped it.

That number is also missing.

***

Farrell Fadillah: Thank you.

It was a message that greeted Flo when he woke up in the morning. The message that was sent in was just a few minutes ago.

I don't want him to smile reading that message. He wondered how Farrell quickly realized that his number was no longer blocked. Did Farrell check his number regularly?

Aishis... That's just not possible. Where could Farrell have at least that job.

Because of waking up at the usual time, Flo is getting ready to go to school with a relaxed tempo. No jealousy can cause panic. He can even help Mama stir fried rice on the stove also serve it on the table.

"Where's school, Flo?" ask Papa who just folded his newspaper back.

"Well," Flo replied briefly, after swallowing the food in her mouth.

"Ballet? When is there another show?" Papa continued to ask.

"Mmm. don't know yet. But in my old ballet academy there will usually be year-end performances, I don't know what my academy is now."

"Why did she grow up about the ballet show, Flo?" ask Mama.

Flo himself was astonished as well. Usually Papa never asks about ballet, school yes, but ballet never. It's not that Papa doesn't care about him, it's just that he doesn't have an interest in ballet.

Papa smiles. "In Papa's office there is a plan to have charity and will invite some singers and dancers to enliven the event. So Papa thought to invite you to participate if not busy."

"When's the show?" ask Flo.

"Front month."

"It's not like next month" Flo replied. "Next month I don't have a show at the academy, but I was chosen to perform at the school's birthday show."

"Oh, yeah, that's okay."

"But if the dates don't clash, it doesn't matter" Flo added. "What's the date at Papa's office?"

"The 25th."

"Ah," said Flo spontaneously. There was a smile on his lips. "Either."

Papa smiled back. "Yes that. Papa less quick ngajak you."

Sometimes Flo felt the three of them were real family while eating together like this. He did not forget his real father, of course. But he thought that Papa was the best surrogate father he could hope for. He accepted it, loved his mother. Honey, his son can't accept this family the way Flo tried to accept it.

He knows it's wrong, it's inappropriate, but sometimes he thinks Fabian doesn't exist. Just the three of them; Flo, Mama, and Papa. They will be a happy family. He knew it was evil, but sometimes the hope just arose in his mind, without being able to prevent it.

After emptying his plate, Flo immediately left for school. Quickly he dispelled the thought of Fabian's absence. Accepting Papa as a father meant having to accept Fabian as a brother.

In his step towards the door, his chest thumped somewhat more enthusiastically than it should, anticipating the possibility of Farrell coming before the fence.

Farrell's still across the street. Makes him wonder, is the code less clear when he has abandoned his request for distance? Did he have to say it blatantly so Farrell could understand?

The phone on my shoulder Flo vibrated. He also turned his eyes from the figure across there, fixed on the cellphone he just took from his pocket.

Farrell Fadillah: Can you cross, right?

Gosh darn. Should Farrell ask? Sometimes he wondered at this man. One time Farrell was very angressive, another time very careful. How confusing.

Me: Whatever.

Farrell Fadillah: 'Whatever' means it can, right?

Ish's... Why did Farrell play so early in the morning? The man should have concluded it himself.

Me: Yeah.

After sending the message Flo immediately turned away and started walking without waiting for Farrell. I don't know why he was embarrassed. His heart is racing too.

Oh, my God, what the hell is that?!

It's just walking together towards school, not walking towards a date spot. The question he asserted was just a question about the business of crossing over, not a call to dating.

Relax Flo... He reminded himself.

"Thank you, Flo," said Farrell, having been present by his side.

"Make what?" ask Flo. He did not turn his head at all.

"Make no more blocks of my numbers, make no more distance between us, make me walk beside you again, give me a chance near you again. Thanks." Thanks."

Flo just nodded small, as if it was not something big. Though Farrell's words had made his heart jump madly.

"Where do you want my bike to go, Flo?" ask Farrell suddenly.

"Uh..." Flo was a bit surprised to be asked that. He was a bit curious because he never saw Farrell with his bike again. But being asked questions like that feels weird.

"Where are you going?" Finally he decided to fulfill Farrell's wish to ask.

"I'm a kalanin" Farrell replied with satisfaction that Flo did not understand. "Follow Genta. Wait old enough."

There was a smile on Flo's lips when he heard Farrell's reasoning. He understands what he means. Genta stopped riding for a while as he listened to her, and Farrell did the same.

"I also promise I won't smoke again. I know you don't like me smoking."

"No, no" Flo lied. "After all your rights if you want to smoke or bring a motorbike. You don't have to do anything just because I don't like it or like it. Do it for yourself."

"I'm doing it for myself" Farrell said. "I did it so I could feel worthy of you."

"You're already great" said Flo timidly.

"But you're greater."

It was hyperbolic, Flo thought. Never mind more remarkable than Farrell, he often even felt not worthy enough to be liked by the man.

"Arrgh..." Farrell groaned, making Flo turn to look at him. Farrell was rubbing his face in frustration.

"I like you so much, Flo. Until it is difficult to control yourself so as not to be too aggressive, afraid you are even uncomfortable."

***