Not Nackal, Nurul!
Meet Rudi's Friend

The afternoon arrives.  Aunt Lupita and Nurul are ready to meet Rudi's invitation.  As Rudi's routine as an artist, he invited Aunt Lupita and Nurul to a theater event built by Rudi's colleagues.  Aunty Lupita and Nurul set off in a private car that their driver had brought.

“Rudi is a good, accomplished, and established man.  However, his wealth is still under Sudarsono.  I want Icha to be a match with him.  Even if you do not match with Icha, I hope Nak Rudi can match you,” said Aunt Lupita.  Nurul smiled insincerely.  Of course, because Nurul did not have any feelings for Rudi, Nurul also believed that Rudi was the same.

Aunt Lupita was sitting in the middle of the car with Nurul.  Talking about the man Aunt Lupita admired was not too bad.  Instead of talking about Icha, Icha and Icha.  A really boring thing.

“You don't have a girlfriend yet, do you, honey?  Oh, yeah.. The boarding kids don't have much time to date, do they? Hahaha.. “ chatter Aunt Lupita.  “Iya, Mother.  Hehe... “ replied Nurul.  “But I'm not a pesantren anymore.  We never know the destiny that is engraved later, let alone me wander in a big city like this,” he continued.

“True... Oh, yes...Your father does not mind if you are not married to people from the pesantren?” ask Aunt Lupita.  “Ga knows, Ma.  Hehe... Nurul never asked the rich thing to the father,” replied Nurul.  “Again, Nurul still wants to go to college first.  Have not thought of getting married in the near future,” said Nurul.

“Lecture?  Wow, nice dong,” said Aunt Lupita.  “I-iya, Mom.  But do not know whether to go to college this year or not,” said Nurul moody.  Aunt Lupita stacked her hands on the back of Nurul's hands.  “Mama understands your situation, dear.  Where do you like college?  Honestly you're like your own mother's son.  If you can help facilitate your college, Mama will be very happy,” said Aunt Lupita.

Nurul's face as soon as sumringah heard it.  “Ah, correct, Ma?” he said with a cheerful tone.  Aunt Lupita nodded and smiled very sincerely.  Nurul hugged Aunt Lupita tightly.  

“Aaa.. Mama is very good with me.  Later I want to study at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Ma.  The plan is to register at public universities in East Java, so it is close to the father,” said Nurul.  “Nurul, you are now self-study.  There is no harm in college in a further place if the quality of the college is better.  Like Mama's son.  We are willing to live far apart for the ideals of Mama's more developed children later.

“Japan, Ma?” nurul.  “Yes.  How else.  Sometimes we have to be willing to sacrifice something in order to achieve something else,” said Aunt Lupita.  What Aunt Lupita said was true, but what Nurul often faced was not sacrifice because there was a choice, but because of coercion or no other choice.  “Nurul smiled listening to the words of Aunt Lupita without much out of mind that might later complain more.

Moments later, Nurul and Aunt Lupita arrived at an art building.  After getting out of the car, Aunt Lupita called Rudi.  Rudi greeted them at the entrance.  While chatting politely, making small talk and greeting warmly, Rudi directed the two of them to the audience seats that were already available.

“Emh, I'm so sorry Aunt and Maria.  Because the VIP tickets here are running out fast, so we have to accept that Maria can't sit a line with us.  Maria sits one row behind us, but can still be close together, which is her seat right behind us.”.  “Really?  So Mama's son is sitting alone, dong?” aunt Lupita was disappointed.

“Take it easy, Auntie.  Behind us is still the VIP class audience.  There are also my friends who can accompany Maria,” said Rudi.  “Maria?  How?” said Aunt Lupita waiting for the opinion of Nurul.  “Ga nothing, Ma.  We can still talk together, because it's not far away.  Maria is behind Mama,” Nurul said.

Meanwhile, the opening of the event had already begun, but one seat beside Nurul was still empty.  While next to the other sat an old man who was so old.  It was very impossible to chat with him, as the man was only focused on the seat next to him and focused on watching the opening show. 

Before long, someone with a hated perlente outfit came over.  His body was very sturdy and tall, seemingly still young.  Maybe this is the friend Rudi was talking about.  

Focused floodlights illuminate the stage, not on the audience seats.  In addition, Rudi's friend was wearing a hat that covered part of his face, so Nurul did not recognize him when he had just arrived.  Semantara, Aunt Lupita had looked back and smiled then this young man gave his respect by nodding his head.

Fifteen minutes had passed since this young man had occupied his seat.  Aunt Lupita was so focused on the show while occasionally chatting in a happy whisper with Rudi in front.  This young man still did not speak.  It is like a living statue.  Nurul ignored his presence.

Slowly, Nurul's hand on the armrest was touched by the young man.  Nurul shook and looked next to him.  The young man opened his hat a little.  From the rest of the spotlight on the stage that hit his face, Nurul could see a familiar figure.  It was Tommy.

Tommy smiled at her and then closed his hat.  “You didn't think I was here?” said Tommy.  “Kak Rudi... “ murmur Nurul.  “Ya, right.  He arranged everything.  He is my best friend,” said Tommy.

Nurul's heart was racing again.  He could not help but be pleased, but on the other hand Nurul was afraid of the questions Tommy might be asking him.  “Did you miss me?  Oh, of course you are, because your facial expression is telling you honestly,” Tommy's tease.  Nurul pulls his hand from Tommy's.  He gave an arch on his lips with a shoe.

“Do not prevent me.  I've been waiting for this time, the opportunity I've always looked forward to being with you,” Tommy said.  “I'm not lustful, sorry,” said Nurul refused Tommy's hand.  Nurul realizes Tommy chased her here just because Tommy wanted to enjoy his body or more terrible is maybe Tommy was so curious about the puzzle that was in front of his eyes.  Successfully solving puzzles may be part of Tommy's self-evidence.

“Come, Nurul.. “ says Tommy.  Since then they had been talking in whispers, but the one word Tommy had just mentioned was very disturbing for Nurul.  “Sst... Don't mention that name here!  Anywhere! Whenever!” nurul was upset.  “Aah... Then you'll do what I ask you not to mention it again,” Tommy said.  “Hei!  You're trying to blackmail me huh?” nurul was upset.

Tommy raises both his shoulders, giving Nurul his full choice.  Shortly afterwards, Nurul talks to Aunt Lupita that he will go to the back briefly accompanied by Rudi's friend.  Aunt Lupita let them both go.  Tommy clasped Nurul's hand, directing her to follow him away.

What Nurul had in mind, Tommy would have invited him into a quiet room, closed and locked.  A room that keeps both of them private.  Nurul was so eager to reject him, but could not let go of Tommy's warm and soft hands.