How Can I Not Love You?
9-Rachel's Story

~If it were my destiny to love in this way, I would. Although my heart hurts~

_Rachel Alanasari

Meanwhile, Saga is treating a small cut on Rahcel's lip in the UKS room. Saga treats Rahcel gently and slowly.

"Aauu! Slow down dong!"  Said Rahcel while grimacing in pain.

"Yes yes, ''

Saga is back to treating Rahcel's wounds. The wound was not severe, but the blood always came out. And what makes Rahcel can't stand is the pain that makes him grimace.

"Aau! My saga says slow down! You know what?!" 

"Yes.. "

The pain continues to be felt Rahcel due to alcohol dropped Saga.

"the saga! Slow down! About this! Uh! If you can't do it don't..!"  Rahcel protesting while hitting the Saga softly.

"Yes yes.. It was slow too this time. Really slow though. You said you were a strong girl... Not weak.. Butwhat? Just this way you've been whining in pain" 

Said the saga while insinuating Rahcel.

"Gue is not a weak girl. It's not how painful, just a matter of getting alcohol know! "

After cleaning Rahcel's wound, Saga cleaned the P3K box and returned it to its original place. Saga sat next to Rahcel. Saga stared at Rahcel with a meaningful look.

Saga's hand slowly crept on Rahcel's thigh and clasped Rahcel's hand tightly. Rahcel also looked at Saga fixedly.

"Lu why the hell did I do all this?" Saga asked as she continued to look at Rahcel.

"Gue just said what I should do Sag, " replied Rahcel.

A soft voice came out from Rahcel's lips. Unlike usual, Rahcel who always looks fierce and grumpy in front of many people now looks very graceful in front of Saga.

"Lu still loves Erlan?" 

"Saga, Until ever, I'll still love Erlan. I can't forget him"

"But your love is clapping Hcel's hand, are you going to be strong? While Erlan herself doesn't know anything about your feelings"

"Gue will continue like this Sag. I'll stay this way. Until whenever I'm gonna be like this. You know I've liked Erlan for a long time? And I'll never turn away from him, you know that, right? So I hope you'll support me huh..."

"But what if Erlan is not sensitive to your feelings and consider you just as a friend doang? Do you still want to fight for him?"

Rahcel bowed. Tears slowly flowed down her cheeks. He recalls his time with Erlan. Erlan cared so much and loved him, Erlan was always there for him. Love grows slowly in his heart. He knows Erlan only considers himself a friend, but he cannot control his feelings for Erlan. Until that love thrives in Rahcel's heart and is nurtured until now.

Saga pulls Rahcel into her arms.Saga gently stroked Rahcel's hair and occasionally kissed the tip of his head.

"Rahcel, Lu will definitely get a man who loves you sincerely. Although it was not Erlan, but the man was definitely better" murmured the saga inwardly.

***

Elsewhere, Erlan and Alicia sit on a bench on the edge of the school's basketball court. The scorching sun shone on those who were calming down after facing such an emotionally draining event.

They both fell silent. No one wants to talk until Alicia finally opens her voice.

"Lu ain't papa, is he? Is there a wound?"  Ask Alicia.

Erlan simply shook her head without looking towards Alicia.

"Sorry Arka... I shouldn't have done rich"

Erlan nodded slowly, also without looking over.

"Lu laper no? We eat yuk! There are still hours of rest, "

Erlan shook her head.

"Well, you must be worried about Rahcel? He's your best friend"

Again Erlan just nodded slowly.

From earlier Erlan just nodded or shook his head. Alicia felt ignored so she decided to leave and let Erlan go with her silence.

"Erlane.. I'll go first"

Alicia slowly walked away. Not far away he walked suddenly there was a basketball that floated towards him and almost hit his head.

Fortunately Erlan swiftly ran towards Alicia and fended off the basketball while hugging Alicia into her lap.

A sharp look was again shown by Erlan. While looking at Erlan who was right in front of him, covering his face from the sun so scorching and making his face shady Alicia saw Erlan's sharp eyes.

Long enough they throw each other a look like that. A strange vibration crawled through Erlan's heart, sweat started to pour out from her forehead from the intense heat. His sweat dripped right over Alicia's pointed nose.

Alicia's heart was racing at the sight of Erlan's sharp gaze. What else when the sweat dripped down his nose made his heartbeat even more uncontrollable.

"Ouch! Wipe it? How can I hide gini? Erlan's beating my heart isn't it?" Inner Alicia was afraid.

"Lu why?" Erlan asked astonished to see the look on Alicia's face that was getting nervous.

Alicia shakes.

"What sound is that? You're not horrifying?"  Ask Erlan again.

Alicia nodded back. Erlan let go of his embrace as one of the basketball kids picked up the ball that was near them.

"Eh, sorry yes. I didn't mean it" said the basketball boy. Then leave.

"Yes already. G—gue back to class yes. Arka must have been waiting for me"

Alicia said, then she ran off the field. While Erlan remained standing in place while putting on a look of astonishment.

Saga rubbed Rahcel's shoulder gently. Really am! Rahcel's heart was really hot looking at that scene. Seeing Alicia being hugged by Erlan made her very angry. His face turned red.

But they can't do anything. They could only see Erlan and Alicia from the balcony on the second floor. Rahcel had just come out of the UKS room and was heading to his class, but he stopped in his tracks when he saw it all.

Feeling upset, Rahcel quickly walks to his class and is followed by a saga behind him.

***

All the way home, Alicia kept imagining the incident. The incident when he was saved by Erlan from basketball, especially when Erlan stared at him with a sharp gaze and made Alicia deg-degan.

A sweet smile began to crack on his face. Without realizing it, Mr. Budi noticed it from the rearview mirror.

"Why the hell non? Smile to myself. Falling in love again?"  Tempta pak Budi.

"Ih, Apaan is Budi sir. Is it wrong to smile?"

"It's not wrong, it's just weird"

Alicia's speechless. He opened his car window slightly and looked out while enjoying the air that afternoon.

Alicia feels very lucky to have people who care and care about her. Arka always defended him from all the threats he got from Rahcel. While Erlan has always been able to protect her and is always there when Alicia needs protection.

Now he has a new friend who also cares for him, Celina his name is. She is not only beautiful but she is also kind. Even Alicia was comfortable with Celina.

***

Arka slowly stepped into her house. Looking around, he hoped that his mother would not see him, but dear. Mama caught him when she was about to step up the stairs to the second floor.

"Arca... Why is that the way?"  Ask mama.

"Eh, Mama. Arka just don't want to disturb mama aja kok" replied Arka while grinning.

"That's your cheek why? How did it get bruised?"

"No papa kok ma. Be ordinary! His name is also a boy"

"Do you fight at school?" Ask Irma—Mama Arka with full search.

"No, no ma. This was Arka falling from the motor" replied Arka lying.

"Yes already. Now you take a shower there. Mama wants to cook for you"

"Yes ma"

Arka stepped up the stairs. He went into his room and shut the door.

"Whoops.. Thankfully, my mom was not my intro. If that happens, what do I have to answer? Answer me if I fight with Erlan? There I have to be angry with my mother" Grumpy Arka.

He put his school bag on the desk. Then take a towel and go into the bathroom in his room.

***

So is the time of celebration of successful companies over their business. There must always be a celebration party. And during the party usually the company directors of various companies bring their families, especially their children who are considered to continue their parents' business.

Like when Erlan's papa company won a tender, her papa celebrated by throwing a fancy party at a luxury hotel. Not to forget also he invited his business partners including Alicia papi who has been a business partner papa Erlan since long ago and including being his oldest partner.

Alicia and her papa comply with the invitation and come to the party held by Erlan's father.

Dressed in a white knee-length dress and matched with black high heels, Alicia walked while holding her papa arm.

The party atmosphere was very crowded. The party that was held on that Sunday night looked very grand. With all-white decoration it makes the party look more luxurious let alone the main lights in the room is very large. Whoa! It was really a very festive party.

"Alicia" Sapa Erlan who was already standing beside him.

"Erland"

Erla watched Alicia from head to toe. Alicia looks so beautiful.

"Lu gorgeous Al," Praise Erlan.

Alicia looked shy. A faint smile began to appear on his face.

"Thank you" Alicia answered briefly.

"Erlane... Congratulations yes. Your bokap is great! He can win this tender" Alicia said as she stuck out her hand.

"Yes. Thank you" Erlan replied as she welcomed Alicia's hand.

Soon the party began. The host had already opened his voice and asked the guests present to sit on the seats that had been provided. A word of welcome was said from the honored guests who attended the party, including Alicia papi.

"Sorry I'm late..!"

Said a woman neatly dressed as Alicia's papi had just finished with her greeting. The woman seemed to be hastily walking from the door leading to the center of the event venue followed by a young man behind her. It looks like he was one of the guests on the show.

"Congratulations?"  Alicia looked shocked as she saw Arka the young man walking behind her. Means the woman who walked in front of him was his mama Arka dong.

"Sorry I'm late. I'm really sorry. Can we continue the show?"  Mama said Arka while sitting on a chair that was already available to her.

The event continues. Everyone seemed to ignore the delay of Mama Arka.

"Hai Al, "Sapa Arka on Alicia while the show is running.

At that time the company celebrities were talking. So they have time to talk relaxed.

"Arka, Lu is here too" Alicia said politely.

"Yes, Nyokap I became one of the leaders of the company who expressed his welcome here" Reply Arka.

"Oh.. That way. Why was it late?"

"Ah.. Usual. I overslept" replied Arka with a cry.

Erlan who was with Alicia at that time did not care about the presence of Arka. He was busy playing his phone.

Arka looked towards the busy Erlan. Seen from his gaze, Arka seemed to miss Erlan's figure. It had been a long time since Celina had gone to Bandung that she had never communicated with Erlan. Erlan's old best friend has now completely changed. He who was once kind, considerate, Humble, friendly, and so friendly has changed.

Now Erlan turned into a figure that Arka no longer knows a figure far from his best friend. Now Erlan is more often with Rahcel and Saga. He became a cold and ignorant person. Arka really no longer knows the nature of Erlan now.

Arka really wants them to get back together like before, but that's impossible. Because there is a wound that has been scratched Arka in Erlan's heart and makes him will always hate Arka. Tragic, but that's the truth. Arka will always be the one to hate all of Erlan's life.

***

Meanwhile, Mama Arka and other company leaders are busy talking business issues with other colleagues to not pay attention to their children who are also busy with themselves.

Mama Arka approached one of the company leaders who was celebrating the success of winning the tender. Papa Erlan's.

"Sir Adi. Can we talk to you for a second?"  Said friendly.

Mr. Adi just complied. He left his conversation and went to a quieter place.

"What's wrong?"  Ask mr. Adi.

"How's Erlan doing? He's all right, isn't he?" Ask the middle-aged woman.

There was a clear longing of his tone.

"Yes. She's kind. Even better than before when his mother was still there"

Mama Arka bowed lethargic. Regrets for the mistakes he had made re-remembered in his mind. His eyes began to glaze over.

"Did Erlan ever miss her mother?"  Ask her again.

"No. Since his mother left, I became Erlan's parents completely, I became his father and mother. He never asked his mother"

Tears that had been collected in the eye pelupuk instantly spilled when hearing Pak Adi's words. Ms. Irma could not help but cry. He's really sad.

"Sir Adi. Can I meet Erlan?"

"Erlan was busy with her friends. He better not be disturbed."

"I beg you sir. I would love to meet Erlan."

"I'm sorry but I have to go. There are many guests I would like to meet"

Pak Adi went to leave Mama Arka alone with his sadness. As you can see, Mr. Adi does not want Ms. Irma to meet her son, Erlan.

He did not want Erlan to go back to see the woman and again break his heart. Enough's enough! Erlan had suffered enough. During these seven years Erlan had suffered greatly, it took a long time to restore his broken heart and understand the circumstances he did not want at all. Mr. Adi does not want Erlan to experience it back in his life. Erlan can't suffer anymore. Batin Pak Adi is firm.

***

Math lessons are always successful make Alicia dizzy seven circumference. All the formulas and ways that his teacher taught him seemed like bablas passed through his head. The arka? Yes, he understands and is able to do his job. But he was busy teaching Celina who also did not understand the lesson about Pythagorean theorem.

Usually to avoid a lesson that is difficult to digest by her brain, Alicia ditched into the UKS room. To be unsuspecting, he pretended to be sick. Arka always understood Alicia's point of view. Until he let her do the habit.

That day the UKS was deserted. Alicia is alone. He lay in bed playing his cell phone. Suddenly the doors of the UKS opened, someone came.

Alicia immediately pretended to be asleep.

"What pain?"  Ask the person who just came in. Erlans.

"Gue's a little dizzy. I think I have a fever" replied Alicia, rising from her sleep.

Erlan approached and touched Alicia's forehead.

"Not hot" he said flatly.

"Actually ... I'm not okay"

"Keep doing you in the UKS if you're okay?"

"Oh..! Don't see me rich! I'm so uncomfortable" said Alicia who felt uneasy with Erlan's sharp eyes piercing towards him. But it was ordinary.

"Gue just pretended to be sick in order to avoid math lessons today" explained Alicia Lirih.

"Lu truant? How many times?" Erlan asked in a flat tone. Not forgetting her glaring gaze stared intently at Alicia.

"eeumm. 4 to 5 times" replied Alicia casually.

"Why did you skip?"

"Hm.. I don't understand the maths lessons that teachers teach. I got dizzy myself. My males. That's why I skipped the UKS. Uh, but you don't tell anyone if I'm truant"

Erlan let out a long breath. He looked into Alicia's eyes again, with a deathly look for sure.

"Basic slackers..!" Erlan said as she ruffled Alicia's hair.

"Ih! Don't mess with my hair dong, "

"You pay attention to the lesson, but you don't understand it either. What else if you're truant! I don't know more about ntar.. What is your exam? Want to nyontek that?"

"Yes, but I can't understand the math lesson at all!"

"Yes already. From tomorrow you go to my house" Erlan said as she moved from her seat to return to her class.

"Well?" Alicia asked in surprise as she raised her eyebrows.

"Udah is coming. Do you know where my home address is?"

Alicia nodded slowly. Then Erlan left while re-shuffling her hair. An irritated Alicia could only fold her hands on her chest while turning her lips.