Giving Birth to My Brother
53. Elin in Sepi Place
"I pay cash" Elin told a ticket seller to Nareswari island. He extended money to Rendra, the driver of the car taxi he rented to accompany him to his destination.
After traveling 2 hours and waiting at the port for about 3 hours, Elin finally boarded the ferry. He was worried if Ariel knew he had left the house and would pursue him. Fortunately, Ariel was not seen until the ship raised its anchor.
Elin fell asleep for thirty minutes on the inter-island journey. And suddenly, Rendra's car has rolled on the streets of Nareswari Island. Elin had gone there with Mirna, Galang and the others. However, that was not the reason Elin chose Nareswari island as her destination. In the past, Elin was just walking around to shoot around the pier. This time, Elin's destination is Serayu Beach.
Ariel may have forgotten, thought Elin. When they were teenagers, they were with all family members including their parents and also Gladis had been on vacation at Serayu beach. Ariel had even promised Elin that one day they would return there for a walk, alone.
It tickled the heart of teenage Elin. He who is in love with his brother certainly can not forget what was said by Ariel. He waits every year to go to Serayu beach with Ariel. Unfortunately, until now, Ariel seemed to have forgotten.
"Neng is going to the beach?" ask Rendra.
"No, Sir. I'm so tired. Take me to the nearest motel" replied Elin. He was already holding a sense of unease in his body. Maybe he got wind, exhausted or hungry. He doesn't know anymore. Clearly, his body felt so crumpled.
Rendra's car arrives at a not-so-big motel. White Rose Motel, Elin reads her name when she gets out of the car. From there, he could already hear the sound of the waves pounding. He can also smell the salt very clear.
Elin's smile grew even though she was tired. With the help of Rendra, Elin went into the motel. He booked 1 room for her at the reception and then paid for the next 1 week. He didn't want to run out of cash so he had to save, he thought. After a week here, he will probably leave again.
"Thank you, Sir. This is the money" said Elin while holding a sheet of five hundred thousand rupiah to Rendra.
"Thank you, Neng. Is this not my papa staying?" ask Rendra.
"No, I'm here" replied Elin.
"OK, Neng. I'm sorry."
Elin nodded. He was escorted by a motel attendant to arrive at his room. Once in the room, Elin immediately ran to the toilet, she vomited until she felt relieved and weak.
"Geez, I'm so tired" he said softly.
Elin remained silent for a while on the toilet before washing her face and lying down. His hungry stomach forces Elin to stay awake. He also ordered the cheapest room service. White rice with chicken krispi plus orange ice.
Elin waited for almost thirty minutes until her order came. He ate the food quickly until it was gone. After that, Elin lay down. He rubbed his stomach uncomfortable because it might catch a cold, or because he ate too fast.
"Baby, don't fuss dong. We were here a few days. Abis it .. we think we want to go where else," he said lirih. Her tears slowly flowed down her cheeks. "We wait for your father, if he finds out we're here and coming, we might be able to go home. If he doesn't come, let's go."
***
"You didn't see Elin, did you?" sinta asked as Ariel returned home looking lethargic. He turned his head to the right to see if Elin was trailing behind Ariel. Unfortunately, Elin was invisible.
"No. I don't know where he is. I've asked my men to run Elin, but there's no clue yet" said Ariel limp. He sat on the sofa and rubbed his face with a huff. "Can you call him?"
"Not active, Mom." Sinta sat next to Ariel with anxious feelings. He doesn't like Ariel to think about Elin, but the situation is different. They need Elin back. He needs baby Elin! "Aren't you trying Galang's phone? Or who ... Elin's friend?"
"If we get caught on Elin, I'm afraid someone is suspicious, Sin," said Ariel. "We don't want all this to come out."
Sinta nodded. "Of course, Mas. We still need Elin with the baby. Did Elin go home to your parents?"
"No, I asked Mr. Jono, he said Elin did not go home" replied Ariel. "Later tonight I'm gonna find Elin again. We can't keep Elin out for long."
"Yes, you have lunch first, Mom. It'll be 3:00."
"I'm not a laper." Ariel passed from before Sinta. He didn't even eat breakfast, but since he couldn't think of Elin, he didn't feel hungry at all. He has no taste for eating.
Sinta breathed heavily. He was getting annoyed with Elin acting up. Didn't Elin promise not to use her feelings on Ariel won't even show that she's in love with Ariel. Why are you acting with the house gone? How frustrating!
"You want what, El? Are you messing with me and Mas Ariel?" muttered Sinta exasperatedly. He looked towards the 2nd floor where his room with Ariel was located. "If this continues, Mas Ariel can long be tempted by Elin's behavior. Even Mas Ariel did not want to eat because he thought where Elin was. How am I supposed to do?"
Until nightfall, Ariel is preoccupied with searching for Elin. Because he did not get any news, Ariel became more restless. There's no way Elin's gone missing without a trace. He decided to leave the house again after dinner.
"Mas, I'm coming. I also want to know where Elin is" said Sinta.
"You're at home. You wait here, who knows Elin came home all of a sudden. You're telling me. Okay?"
Ariel did not wait for Sinta's response, he immediately left the house with his car. He only hopes Soni soon gives him news about the possibility of where Elin is. Unfortunately for hours outside, he did not hear any news.
Ariel pulled her car over on the side of the road. She reached into the dashboard drawer and saw Elin's pregnancy book that she kept there. He opened it and looked at the next schedule of the examination of the womb. Three more days. Ariel took a deep breath. It should be that the sex of the baby will be known tomorrow, perhaps. But now Elin is lost to nowhere.
"Come dong, El, tell me where are you? Don't leave me like a gini. Pli. We have to go to the doctor in 3 days. Hm? Call me if you get this voicemail."