I'm Just a Figurant
Ch 25 - Pass College Entrance Selection

I told my father the news. He seemed very happy. Tears flowed in the corner of his eyes. A mixture of happiness and relief.

As advised by Ms. Ekha, I prepared myself for the college entrance selection.

I registered my name as a test participant. Just need a certificate to pass along with my credit card, I managed to get the exam number.

The exam will be held next week. I still have six days to study. I gave my father permission not to join him to attract angkot and focus on studying in the regional library. My father, of course, gladly granted my request.

I did the learning and re-learning process. I have to get away, anyhow. I must not waste the opportunity before my eyes.

***

Finally, SNMPTN (National Selection for State Higher Education Entry) was implemented. I enrolled in a college in my city that happens to be a public university. I did not choose an out-of-town university considering the amount of costs I would spend later such as the cost of boarding and eating everyday.

Therefore, I still choose a university in my own city, but also no less competing with other public universities.

I had a dilemma when it came to choosing the faculty and study program I would choose.

Being able to go to college is really not in my dreams this year so I don't really think much about what major I'm going to take.

In the end I chose the Faculty of MIPA and Mathematics study program for the first choice, while for the second choice the Faculty of Economics majoring in Accutancy. I don't know what it's going to be and where it works. All I'm thinking about right now is that I need to be able to pass the entrance exam so that my students can be liquid. If the scholarship melts, then I'll be able to go to college like my other friends.

The test was conducted for two days. The first day is the TPA exam (Academic Potential Test) and TBSD (Basic Study Field Test). While the second day is a test according to the chosen path. I chose the IPA so that the second day would face tests in Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.

Long story short, two days can I pass the test. Now I can only wait for the miracle to come. Hopefully I can get away and go to college like my other friends, amen.

***

The awaited day came. I hurried to the cafe to see the results of my exam. I entered the number of the examinee and saw the results.

Thank God, I was accepted in the first choice of the Faculty of MIPA Mathematics study program.

My heart is like a bouncing into the air. I immediately pedaled my bicycle to the angkot base to inform my father of the news.

My dad is so happy. He hugged and carried my body and shouted my name among the fellow angkot drivers.

"My son graduated!! My son graduated!! My son is going to college!!" As soon as my father's screams were met with applause from his professional friends.

After telling my father, the second person I wanted to meet was Ms. Ekha.

Maybe Alex will be the first person I'll meet, but it's not possible anymore. Hah, again I remember Alex. When can I really forget it?

I still need to focus!! Just one more step, I'll make it to college. Forget Alex stuff for a second.

I went to my school and met Miss Ekha. I delivered that happy news. Ms. Ekha seemed sincerely happy for me. He ceaselessly prayed for me.

Amidst such euphoria, I suddenly remembered something. I want to know who my foster parents are, who are willing to pay SPP, building money, redeem diplomas and other school fees. I will ask that to Madam Ekha, she must know the person.

"Lady..."

"What's Khansa?"

"During this time I did not pay SPP, building money and others. Even diplomas can be redeemed. I want to know my foster parents Mom. I want to thank him, because thanks to him I was able to graduate from this school without thinking about any costs. May I know her address, ma'am?"

Ms. Ekha seemed to smile at my question. He put his hand on the table, looking at me hesitantly.

"Why Ma'am? Please tell me Mom, I'm not going to be weird. I just want to thank him and repay his kindness someday. Please Mom, please tell me about him..." I pleaded with Ms. Ekha as she grabbed her hand.

Yeah, I'm not gonna be weird like asking for more fees or other weird stuff. I just wanted to say thank you and make friends with him. I hope one day I can repay all his kindness.

I pleaded and pleaded with a compassionate voice, until at last Bu Ekha also fell.

"Alright, I'll tell the guy. But I promise you, you're not going to see that person and thank him because I promised to keep his identity a secret, how?"

"Yes Mom, I promise." It's okay not to meet in person, at least I can do something else to thank you.

"You know Khans... He's your best friend..."

"Huh? Good fella? Not my parents, Mom?" Bu Ekha smiled faintly at my question.

"He admires you a lot. He told me a lot of good sides about you. Your independence, your craft, your tenacity, your innocence, everything he told Mom. If you don't remember her having a super pretty boyfriend, I'd think she likes you a lot..."

"Huh? What did Mom mean? Sa-I don't understand?" I looked at Bu Ekha in confusion.

"He paid your monthly SPP. Your building's money. Money textbooks and practicums. Redeem your diploma and also enroll you in this scholarship program. He's all that did it."

"Him?"

"Yes he's Alex, your best friend."

DEG!!

My mind was instantly empty. Miss Ekha's words are no longer heard. My brain is totally clank.

Alex... Alex... Alex...

The name came back to my head. The same name that has graced my days for these three years.

So Alex did it all?! Paying SPP and all?! He lied about the foster parenting problem?! Alex also applied for a scholarship?! Why did Alex do it? Didn't I hurt her so much?!

What's the reason you did it Al?! I've been so mean to you!! Why are you still so good to me?! Why?!

I don't feel my tears flowing so hard. Ms. Ekha looked puzzled at the change in my emotions.

"Khansa, are you okay? The khansa? Why crying? I'm sorry if I mispronounced..." Ms. Ekha patted my back, looking very confused.

"Huuu... Huuu... Hiikkss..." I cried in the arms of Ekha.

"Huu... Wh-how is this Mom? Huuu... I've been evil... I was mean to him... Wh-why is he still good to me? Huuu... B-how does Sa-I have to apologize? Huuu..." I was crying and crying. I really regret what I did. Suppose time can repeat itself, want me to erase those painful memories.

"It's been... It's been... If you make a mistake, apologize quickly. He's very kind Khansa, don't waste a friend like him huh..." Ms. Ekha still patted my back while giving advice. I could only nod my head. My crying has not yet subsided.

Almost half an hour I was in that position. Crying my own stupidity. If I hadn't followed Diana's wishes, none of this would have happened. But it's all his fault. He cannot blame anyone else. He is completely wrong!!

***

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