Giving Birth to My Brother
54. Elin Met Galang

Elin woke up in the middle of the night. He felt dazed instantly because of the different atmosphere of his room. It took a few seconds for Elin to remember that she was already quite far away from Ariel's house. He had run away and now he was in a motel near the beach Serayu.

Elin sat down on the edge of the bed. He looked at the window and opened it. He can see in the distance the waves of Serayu beach are not so big. His memory suddenly drifted to a few years ago when he was still Junior High and Ariel was already in college. He remembers running there with Ariel and Gladis while their parents would scream to stop running.

Gladis will usually obey because he always felt left out when Ariel with Elin. Elin and Ariel would still run there, then Ariel could reach Elin's waist easily. The teenage girl also collapsed with Ariel on the sand and small waves hit their bodies.

Elin could not forget the sweet smile exhibited by Ariel in between the hunting breath.

"The floor is good" said Elin.

"Good, it's not rame here so the sand is still well preserved." Ariel seemed to agree.

"I want to come here again sometime," Elin said without taking her gaze away from Ariel.

Ariel nodded. The 22-year-old man stared into the vast blue sky. "Ehm, we'll be here again. Both. You want?"

Elin certainly nodded happily. "When? I graduated abroad again. It won't be possible anymore."

Ariel pinched the tip of Elin's nose in a fit of anxiety. "Tomorrow if you're on your birthday. The 17th or 20th. We can go here. Both!"

"Promise?" elin asked excitedly.

"Promise!" Ariel rattled the top of Elin's head in agitation.

In the motel room, Elin took a slow breath as her memory faded. A promise that is only a promise. Even after 9 years, Ariel forgot her promise.

Elin closed the window when she felt the cold night air. He decided to take a shower for a while because since yesterday he had not taken a bath, but he had a good trip.

After taking a shower, Elin wanted to type the script back. The quiet atmosphere was perfect for him to pour out ideas. However, he considered checking his phone first. He was a little afraid that if his phone was on, Ariel would know of his whereabouts.

"I why the hell?" mumbling Elin. Half his heart hoped Ariel would know where he was and then suddenly came, but half his heart said he did not want to see Ariel again.

The hesitant Elin finally decides to save her phone. If Ariel had to know where she was now, certainly not now. He still wants to enjoy his time.

***

2 Nights passed and this was the third day Elin left home. Out there, Ariel is still too busy looking for where Elin is while Elin is so quiet staying at the motel.

"Geez, my snacks are over" said Elin that night.

Elin checks his wallet, he doesn't have much cash left so he's worried it won't be enough until the weekend. If he withdraws cash or uses debit, he is sure Ariel will soon find out.

So, that night Elin tried to perpetuate her hunger. However, he could not stand it. He really should eat something. Quickly, Elin took the jacket, put it on and walked out of the room.

Elin had to walk about 50 meters from the motel to arrive at the 24-hour minimarket. He chose a variety of flavored bread, packaged milk, tortillas and some biscuits. Elin was wondering whether the money was enough or not, because suddenly the basket was full of snacks.

"Elin's? What are you doing here?"

Elin gasped when she saw Galang's figure in front of her. "Oh, Mr Galang?"

"Yes. You're on vacation?" ask Galang.

"Oh, yeah. Mr Galang has a job here?" Elin was nervous. It is a tourist spot, but not so popular. It is a bit strange to go on holiday to this place.

"Yes. New survey locations. It turns out that it's really good here. Though deserted," replied Galang.

Elin agreed. "Yes, Sir. Just who, sir?"

"Sama Dimas and Satya. But they're on the field. I am thirsty to get a drink. You?" He stared at Elin's shopping cart. "Jokan?"

"Yes. I'm easy laper because," replied Elin nervously. He could see Galang was staring at his stomach which was still flat until his reflexes rubbed him. "Udah wants 17 weeks but not yet seen."

"Ehm, that is," said Galang not good because he was caught stealing the face. "You're the same as your husband? Where's your husband?"

"Aah!" Elin gasps. True too, it would feel even stranger if he said he was on holiday alone here. "At the motel, sir. He's tired."

Galang just nodded. He had brought a canned drink. "I'll pay first."

"Yes." Yeah." Elin also followed Galang. He forgot to put back some of his snacks until he arrived at the cashier.

"Everything is 135,600, sister," said the cashier who counted Elin's groceries.

Elin was a little surprised. Because he only wanted 50,000. Why it turned out to be that reason. Though his cash was 200,000. next to him, Galang saw the confused gesture of Elin.

"I pay" said Galang, holding out his card.

"Eh, no need, sir," said Elin unwell.

"No papa, guys. You don't bring money?" tanya Galang prank.

"Ehm, there's the hell, sir. But it seems less. I'm not aware of the stall" Elin said. He waited for Galang to complete his transaction and received a bag of food.

"No papa, I understand. I think pregnant women are different." Galang raised his chin and then they came out of the minimarket. "Where are you at the motel?"

"White Rose, sir." Elin answered quickly. "It's me changing sometime, sir. Tomorrow I transfer."

"No need. You're hunting back to the motel. This is the night you're looking forward to your husband."

"Yes. Thank you very much, sir."

Elin soon passed leaving Galang who was still standing near the minimarket. He stared at Elin's back, which became increasingly invisible. He didn't want to be suspicious, but Elin looked strange. If Elin was pregnant and with her husband here, why did Elin have to buy snacks alone? Why isn't her husband shopping. It was almost 10:00 p.m.

"Is Elin lying?" galang.

Galang shook his head slowly. He doesn't want to care about Elin, but he can't. Serayu Beach is also not a popular beach that can be visited by many people. It feels a little strange to see Elin here.

"Hopefully you're not in trouble here, Elin."