Tarnished Before Accident
Chapters 10. Seeking Rindi

That night, the rain suddenly fell to the ground. The hotel room I occupied had a balcony at the back. I extended my hand there, reaching for the water that splashed into my face.

From the raindrops I learned constancy. He always fell many times, but never once blamed fate. He continues to carry out his role, providing water supply for the benefit of the earth creatures.

Down there, I saw the mother bird was taking shelter under the lush foliage. There were children whom he protected with his wings from the torrent of rain. The nest was made with a low level of security, but he continued to fight to protect the baby despite having to feel the cold bites of the night rain.

The wind swung the branches of the tree, moving right and left. Must have been the shock felt by the mother bird is very great. She looked undaunted, still hugging her young children.

Without feeling my tears wet my cheeks. Maybe I'm in the same position. With all the limitations I have, I must protect my son, my flesh and blood.

My stomach was still flat, and immediately a warm feeling enveloped. I felt a sudden sense of affection infiltrating, encircling. I love my son.

The night wind is getting colder. My hands crossed, wiping both my arms. I went into the room and closed the balcony door.

The suitcase I left behind turned out to have been sent by Kak Rey along with my motorbike key. Only my phone was lost in the rain. Perhaps, I accidentally dropped it on the river back then. Rey replaced it with a new phone. His personal number was written there if I needed his help. And now, I'm back to the fact that I'm nobody. I'm only here because of Rey's interference. But, if it wasn't for Rey, maybe I could still stay home and live a quiet life.

Rey, why should I meet you?

...***...

This morning I prepared myself to continue working. The morning sif became the beginning of my new page. I didn't see Rey after the man sent me my leftover things. I don't give a shit. It's better that he doesn't appear before me at this time.

He lives in the presidentsuite room of an international five-star hotel, but works as a janitor with a simple matic motorcycle. Maybe I'm the only one who can do this.

I shook my head to realize the flipside of my life. Immediately ignite the motor and rush off to make a living.

After parking the motor in the employee parking lot, I immediately walked into the workplace. Nothing too special, but this is all I can do.

"Alea, are you okay?" Brother Saci, my sif teammate patted me on the shoulder slowly. I answered with a smile.

"It's better."

"Good." He put the bag in one of his private lockers. I also got ready for my work uniform. "Oh, yes, I heard Rindi resigned today. Where's he going?"

At once I stopped my activities, looking at Saci who spoke while combing her hair. "Rindi? Risign?" many ensure.

Why didn't he tell me? What the hell is going on?

I forgot my phone was missing. I don't live in my mom's house anymore. Suddenly anxiety crept over me. What happened to Rindi?

I decided to rent it out tonight after work.

...***...

My feelings are more anxious considering Rindi always talks a lot with me if there is a problem. No way, no, he decided to resign that fast. All I know is that she has two younger sisters to bless and a sickly mother. Sometimes I help him by giving some of my salary when his finances are falling. I don't mind about that. I have no dependents and my salary is more than enough to meet my daily needs.

I tried calling Rindi's phone number after trying to remember her. I tried several times to get it wrong. I don't really memorize individual phone numbers. It's all because I kept it on my old phone.

I finally gave up. However, I still clearly remember the address of Rindi's parents' house which was located outside the city. Should I come to his house?

I exhaled a rough breath, slightly scratching my hair. However, I finally decided to find Rindi to her parents' house.

Armed only with a matic motorbike and a hoodie jacket made from fleace, I went to Rindi's parents' house outside the city. My feeling is anxious considering that there are many things that are certain at this time Rindi is passing through. I used to complain about that girl. We are more like brothers than just friends.

That afternoon breeze I broke through with this matic motor as fast as I could. Several times I looked up at the rearview mirror, feeling that someone was following me. I don't know, I got rid of that bad feeling as soon as possible. In my mind just wanted to meet Rindi, asking her the reason for her sudden exit from work. We are used to being together. I can't lose my only friend.

Almost two hours away, I finally managed to enter a village where Rindi lived. I saw the clock showing at eight o'clock in the evening, at least not too late for a visit. Maybe, later I can stay overnight and peegi before dawn.

I've never been here. Just armed with the home address that Rindi told me in the past. I asked some of the surrounding residents who happened to be on guard at the patrol post.

"Rindi's son Miss Salamah?" I hesitated. I forgot to ask Rindi's mother's name. "Which is going to marry Grandpa Sugi tomorrow?"

My heart suddenly skipped a beat. Be married? With grandparents?

Oh, my gosh, Rindi? What the hell is going on with you?

"Where's the house, sir? I'm his friend."

The middle-aged man wearing a slanted peci with a glove hung over his shoulder stretched out his hand, pointing at a house at the end of it that had light blue walls. I nodded in understanding and thanked the father very much before finally resigning myself.

The matic motor ignited, immediately rushed towards Rindi's house. After pulling over and parking the bike, I stepped into the yard indicated by the father.

The old model house that has not been renovated is my first assessment of the condition of Rindi's house. Rindi's house is a little far from the neighbors. Many vacant lots were unoccupied on the left and right sides of the house. I don't know who it belongs to, which certainly doesn't belong to Rindi because all I know is that Rindi only has her grandparents' house.

A pair of doors were not closed and the living room lights were brightly lit indicating that the homeowner had not slept. I take off my shoes, climb the terrace of Rindi's house while saying hello. However, when this mouth opened and had not had time to make a sound, there was a shout from within.

Obviously that surprised me. Perhaps this is my ugliness for acting on instinct without considering the consequences. I barged inside, and at that moment I was shown a soul-stifling sight.

Rindi was confined, witnessed by some burly men who watched the biadap show. Meanwhile, Rindi's mother and two sisters cried with each other's hugs.

There with my own eyes, Rindi was harassed by an old man who was more deserving of being her father.