The Girl With
Girl With [ Book ] #1

“Lu why don't you say, if you like to read books.”

That sentence, the beginning of the closeness that I had with him. For a moment, I never even thought that we would be this familiar. Telling stories to each other, arguing even he turned into a safe place for me.

Listening to him told me a story, as if he wanted to make me know everything about him.

“What's your first book?” again he asked.

What, huh?

I think the Darren Shan comic book by Takashiro Arai. The book I first found in the attic, on a pile of cardboard there. Yeah, that's my first book.

I forgot the details. However, as I recall the book told me about a high school boy who had everything. Friends, attention, things he likes, even a harmonious family. Unfortunately, it did not last long. His life changed after he went to watch a circus show with his friend. A pretty weird and terrible circus in my opinion.

Upon his return, he became thirsty for blood, and his behavior and nature changed to resemble that of a vampire. I don't like the ending of the book, I don't like parting. However, I guess it is a reality of the world that can never be eliminated. Destiny brings together, then fate itself separates.

“Komik Darren Shan,” I replied.

I saw his face, he looked happy when he found out there was someone who had the same hobby as him.

“Lu has the book? Come tomorrow tukeran book,” invite him, with an enthusiastic facial expression, “gua has one good book that is special for you. Tomorrow the cave take."

“Bener, yes?” my words were convincing, which was then answered by a nod.

“Let's go there again, Saturday,” take me.

Right after I said those words, his face turned back flat. “Lu menggeledek cave?” hatchlings.

In the meantime, I started laughing when I saw his face. A funny face, I thought. “No, this is real,” I said convincingly while trying to stop this laughter.

“Ga will be obtained. In the past, the cave had many books, and the father of the cave was all burned. Gua ga tau why,” story.

When I heard it my heart seemed to be hurting. Even though he was telling that with a full smile and laughter as if it was all a common thing.

“Gua unplug first, yes. Tomorrow bring the book do not forget.” He got up from his seat and left me. Meanwhile, I continued to stare at him from a distance until his shadow disappeared blocked the corridor wall.

...ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...

Damn it, why didn't that goddamn alarm go off earlier, anyway?!

Two days ago, Tuesday. I went to the museum with the intention of completing the troublesome group task, and the museum was closed. Second, after returning from there, my battery ran out when I got out of the station which made me almost unable to go home. Third, there are still other tasks waiting with tomorrow's deadline.

3 Minutes left!

I ran towards the gate as fast as I could. While hoping that there is still a chance for me not to be late. With a loud breath, I ran into the gate.

Finally, it felt like there was freedom in my life, thankfully it was still there, I thought.

After a few minutes, I just stood there, bent over, trying to catch my breath. After that, I took my foot to class. I hope no teacher has started teaching.

“Tiaaa, I thought you weren't in.” Rani seemed to wave her hand towards me.

His habit of speech has not disappeared even though we are familiar, and I hope it will continue to be so. Word ‘I — You’ is more suitable for him.

I returned a wave of his hand, took off my backpack and then sat down at my place.

“Arif emang ga in? Kok you sit in his place,” my question.

“Then Arif told me to sit in my place,” selak Dera who was sitting next to Rani.

I stared at him silently, while my eyes surrounded and analyzed around. Oh, I see, he wants to be close to Rian who is behind him. After 6 months we were friends, it seems like he was always like this, huh.

“Good morning!” greet the teacher with a loud voice, which is enough to make the whole class surprised when they hear his voice.

I quickly confirmed my sitting position. “Good morning, sir,” say class simultaneously.

The teacher showed a smile like he usually does today. “How are the news? Who is not in today?” his hand is seen picking up a pen and absent book.

“Arif same Rajwa, sir,” sahut Dera.

Rajwa, my friend is sick today. To this day I have to sit alone. Meanwhile, Arif had no news at all. Honestly, I was waiting for him.

Why hasn't he come yet?

He promised to exchange books with me yesterday.

Did something happen to her?