The Love Story of Arka
CHAPTER 17
At 15:00 Tia could just get home from work. He changed clothes first before going home because the uniform smelled and wet with splashes of water used to wash dishes.
When he came out of the bathroom, Farel was already waiting at the door. Tia was surprised to see Farel in front of her. He smiled politely and lowered his head as he passed by Farel.
“Tia wait .. “ says Farel. Tia stopped her steps and turned to Farel.
“Iya Sir?” tia Sahut.
“You want to go home now?” farel asked as he approached Tia.
“Iya Pak .. “ replied Tia politely.
“Bareng me only,” bargain Farel while smiling.
“No need sir, thank you,” subtly reject Tia.
“It's okay. Come ... “ invite Farel while pulling Tia's hand without awkward. Tia was shocked as she looked at her hand that Farel was holding.
Tia felt bad about the other employees looking at her. It's only his first day at work, but Farel has treated him differently from other employees.
“Come in!” farel said with a smile as he opened his car door and told Tia to come in. Tia lowered her head and got into Farel's car. After Farel closed the door, he ran around his car and got into the steering wheel.
“Where is your kos-kosan?” asked Farel while putting on his seat belt and then start his car engine.
“Not far from here Sir. Crossroads in front turn left,” replied Tia while holding a seatbelt on her chest. He felt very nervous. This was the first time he had ever been in an expensive car, usually on public transport.
Farel drove his car in the direction Tia pointed out. Not until 15 minutes they have arrived in front of the Tia boarding house. Tia thanked him and immediately got off Farel's car. Not long after, Farel drove his car away from Tia's boarding houses. Tia watched Farel's departure and she was shocked by the clap on her shoulder.
“Enak yes, luxury car ride .. “ said someone who tapped his shoulder. Tia looked over and how surprised she was. He widened his eyes and his heart was pounding.
“Arka .. “ said Tia while holding her thumping chest.
“Why be surprised like that?” ask Arka while smiling.
“You surprised me .. “ replied Tia as she walked to her room and unlocked the door.
“I contacted you since morning, but no answer. So I came here,” said Arka. Tia sighed after hearing Arka's words.
“I didn't have time to touch Arka's phone. You know for yourself my job washing dishes,” replied Tia while putting her bag on the table after entering her room.
“Why can you get home by car?” asked Arka after sitting on the edge of Tia's bed.
“Oh that Mr. Farel who has cafe Arka. It happened to be the direction we went home in, so he offered me to come home together,” Tia replied as she poured water for Arka. He had no food or drink other than water.
After that Arka did not discuss Mr. Farel anymore. He believes Tia will not cheat. He comes to Tia because he feels homesick and Tia cannot be contacted. They used to be able to meet every day at school, but now they are off and just waiting for graduation.
Meanwhile Mr. Farel drove his car to his apartment. He was kind to Tia because he felt sorry for her. He knew what it was like to be an orphan and live in an orphanage. He also used to live in an orphanage. When High School he began to learn to make money by selling food so that he could have the cafe he now has. He could find out Tia was orphaned from the job application letter Tia handed over this morning.
***
One week passed
During this one week, Tia always came home with Farel. Some officials started talking about Tia and Farel. Tia knew that, but she pretended not to hear it. Right now he just wants to work and earn money to connect his life.
“Who accompanied you graduation?” ask Farel.
“No Sir. I also did not follow the official event because I did not have the money to rent kebaya,” replied Tia lowered her head.
“Cute only. Let me pay for it,” Farel told Tia.
“No need Sir,” reject Tia.
“Consider your debt. You can return it anytime after you have money,” Farel said with a smile. Tia raised her head to look at Farel. His eyes were glazed over because he was too happy. He had resigned to not attend the graduation ceremony because he did not have money.
“Thank you Sir,” said Tia excitedly as she shook Farel's hand.
“Iya, equally. Can I be your guardian at graduation?” farel asked while raising his eyebrows.
“Bby Sir. I will be very happy if Mr. Farel wants to come,” replied Tia while smiling.
“Alright, I will come then,” reply Farel.
Meanwhile Arka at her parents' home is preparing for her departure to America next week. Not the joy he felt, but the sadness of going to part with Tia for a long time. Until now Arka has not told Tia that he will go to college in America. She was afraid Tia was sad. He wants to go to America for their happiness in the future.
The night before going to bed, Arka called Tia. Usually Arka will make a video call, but this time not. She did not want Tia to see her unhappy face.
“Hallo Archa .. “ greet Tia with her excitement as usual.
“Hallo dear .. “ sahut Soft arc as usual anyway.
“Tumben no video call?” ask Tia.
“It's okay. Ngirit quota,” replied Arka jokingly.
“Ah you, where can any rich person run out of quota? Hahaha,” reply Tia then laugh.
“Are you going to graduate the day after tomorrow?” asked Arka while half lying on her headboard.
“Iya. My boss is very good Arka. He wants to lend me money for my graduation fee,” Tia said happily.
“Why don't you just ask me?” asked Arka while wrinkling her forehead displeased.
“I don't want to trouble you constantly Arka. I want to be independent,” reply Tia while smiling.
“Ya. It's night, hurry up to sleep,” said Arka because the wall clock in her room had shown at 23:05.
“Okey. Good night Arka .. “ said Tia.
“Goodnight dear, may you have a good dream,” reply Arka.
After disconnecting her phone, Arka opened a photo gallery on her phone. There are many photos of Tia and herself while playing together. Arka held her chest that felt tight. Suddenly his face was hot, his lips were shaking, tears were coming out of his eyes as he closed his eyes.
“Please wait for me to go home, baby .. “ muttered Arka.