GROWINGS
66

One year passed. Nata now has 10 branches of Nata Pattiserie spread across Java and Bali. The plan even he will open new branches again in Kalimantan, Sumatra, and even Irian.

No one is not familiar with Nata's cake business. Delicious taste and premium taste, really can not be forgotten just by every tongue that has ever felt it.

Who would have thought, a small business that only capitalized a few hundred thousand, by using the kitchen of his small and simple house, it will grow into a business that continues to advance and grow rapidly.

His busyness is also increasing. Evening makes it day. There was hardly any time to rest for him. Because his brain keeps thinking and working. He has to make more and more money.

Kinno, someone who faithfully always accompanied him, became his busy life. He had even forgotten his status as a student at a private college.

Where there's Nata, there must be Kinno. They both are always seen on various occasions. Starting from the tumpeng cut event in each new outlet opening. Until dinner at the tent stall, they are always seen together. Very compact and solid.

Sandra. This woman has now officially resigned from her place of work. Though decades he struggled to reach the position of manager in his company. Compete with colleagues, as well as new children with fresh graduates from renowned universities.

It was his office friends who suggested that he focus more on Nata's business. Even until the director in his company also gave advice to him.

"You know Nata is very young. He is only 20 years old. And you did that to let him alone take care of all that business? Help her, Sandra. Because besides you, who else could he trust?"

Days changed by week. And weeks changed years. Who would have thought, time would go so fast. Now, Nata already has 8 more new branches, which he opened at several points in the capital.

His financial coffers continue to grow. The turnover of the month now is not hundreds of thousands or even just millions. But even hundreds of millions of them can collect.

But Nata is still a simple Nata and what it is. His appearance never changed. Favorite t-shirts that are often used are light blue t-shirts. Cheap shirts that cost not even more than a hundred thousand rupiahs.

There were no tens of millions worth of watches coiling around his wrist. White sneakers given Sandra two years ago were still faithful to be her toe friend. The car parked in the garage of his house was just an old Sandra sedan, an old mini bus, and five catering cars.

Tonight is Sunday night at the end of a cold November. Nata, Sandra, Hassel, and Kinno are seen enjoying their warm and happy dinner. Mbok Sumirah was also invited to sit with him, but the old woman refused and remained busy here and there with agility.

"Aunty..." Nata opened his voice again.

Sandra threw a smile while sipping hot tea with her favorite black honey.

"I want to open a Nata Pattiserie in Singapore. According to Auntie, how?"

Uhukks..!! Sandra chokes. What was feared finally happened as well. But he remembered one thing. He could not forbid anything Nata would do. Because he made that promise himself.

"Hmmm, but -- rent in Orchard is expensive."

"Hassel has savings, sis.." Hassel cutting.

Nata was silent. He knew it was a big decision in his life. Because, opening one outlet in Orchard, it is the same value as opening 5 branches in Jakarta. Obviously, renting a place in the most famous shopping center in the country is very, very expensive.

But Nata doesn't want to just stay in place. In a sense, he did not want Nata Pattiserie only known in Indonesia. He wants the outside world to know that Nata Pattisirie is his cake business, which is second to none.

"Is the mall here running out of free space?" Sandra answered carefully.

Nata. His resolve is round. But he doesn't want to borrow money from the bank. Because in the past, he tried to borrow, but all local banks refused. At that time, Nata was in desperate need of money.

"I know who might be able to help you." Tukas Kinno's.

Nata held his head. "Really?!" He looks enthusiastic.

Kinno nodded. "Do you want to meet him?"

"Hmmm..! When?!"

"Tomorrow in the morning, how?"

"okay."

...##### ...

The Stevie Wallerima House...

A warm and sunny morning. As usual, Stevie Wallerima was spending her time in her front yard letting herself be exposed to the sun. Accompanied by birdsong and the sweet aroma of the wet green grass.

"Derrian.."

"I, Mrs Stevie."

"Sit down next to me.."

"Married. How long will you wait?"

Derrian. This is certainly not the first time he has heard that phrase from a Stevie Wallerima.

"Maybe this year is my last." Stevie Wallerima looked at the sun. "There's no one else that makes me have to survive in this world." His face looks sad. "Both people mean so much in my life --they've been gone, far --once..."

"Mother Stevie is still strong. Never go against God's will."

"Are you insulting me?!" Stevie Wallerima glared. "To lift the cup of tea, my hands are no longer able."

Both the other generations were silent. There are many thoughts that pervade each other's mind.

"Why has God not yet taken my life..." Said the old lady. "Married. Don't mind me anymore. Find a good wife. Who can give birth to your offspring. Love him until you get old. Live a happy life, Derrian. Don't be like me who's languishing in this."

"Mother Stevie.."

The conversation halted because a black fortune stopped right in front of the small, fenced-off house.

Stevie Wallerima was a bit surprised to see who came down from inside. "Kinno...? Oh my..."

"Good morning, Grandma."

Stevie Wallerima hugged the young man tightly. "Kinno, Grandma thinks you've forgotten."

"Sorry Grandma, I've been busy lately..."

Stevie Wallerima let go of the hug. He slapped his hand on Kinno's. "Why don't you ever tell everyone?"

"That's-- hmmm.." Kinno was wrong. "Oh yeah grandma, my friend wants to meet grandma."

"Friends..?" Stevie Wallerima's forehead wrinkled. Then he realized that there was another figure who had come along with Kinno.

"Nata, meet Grandma Stevie. Grandma, it's Nata."

Nata thrust out his right hand. "Good morning, Grandma Stevie.."

Stevie Wallerima. Especially when he welcomed the pale-white young man's hand.

'Good morning, Grandma Stevie!! Grandma Stevie looks so beautiful!'

Stevie Wallerima's body is shaking. The shadows of the figure, again filled the memory space in his head.

"Becch..."

Nata pulled his hand. He looked at Kinno. "Am I really that much like him?"

Kinno explained his intentions and arrival to Stevie Wallerima. Everything he told me was very detailed and clear. Until Nata was ashamed of himself. Because according to Nata, what Kinno told me was that there was too much and made up.

"Is it worth it, your friend who is a wealthy businessman, asking old people like me for help?"

"Come on. My grandmother used to help Dafa. In fact, Dafa is also a very rich man." Kinno insisted.

Stevie Wallerima was clearly stunned. But what Kinno said was there was a point. It's just that Nata and Dafa are two different people, and also the conditions are not the same.

"In that case, I'll go home first huh, grandma."

"Nata, wait a minute..!" Kinno.

Nata. "I'm sorry that my arrival has disrupted Grandma Stevie's time. Excuse me."

Nata walked first back to the car. It was only after Kinno who still wanted to hold Nata so that his conversation with Stevie Wallerima, was not cut off just like that.

"Already, Kinno. Don't be too forced."

"But, Nata..."

"If I were him, maybe I would do the same. Moreover, I'm just a stranger in his eyes.."

...##### ...