THE MOUNTAINEER'S STRUGGLE
Epsz 17

The school gate is wide open. Looks deserted. Everyone is in the school hall. With haste and teasing Ayu stepped up. The long cloth made his steps difficult. What power is this special day. Just come once. Although complicated I have to do.

"Until you forget, thank you, Mr. Yoga, " said Ayu. His body was clenched as a sign of respect and gratitude.

"Together, be careful." replied Yoga smilingly. Funny to see the barefooted, painstakingly walking in a higheel. The side that is used adds to the difficulty of stepping.

Yoga looked at Ayu in admiration. Have heard many carvings of the achievements of the sweet girl since childhood. How the struggle to go to school. So impressed for him. Justjust wonderful. Limited edition's.

Yoga goes with a smile. Hope to pick white roses from the mountainside. It is still white, pure and natural. Untouched and untainted. Without contamination exposure to pollution.

"Oh my God, Ayu! How can I come late. It's your day, you're the star today. Cook the misfortune as well," cried Irniaty like a geledek welcome his best friend.

"Emang has started?"

"Belom, just afraid the show will dim without the star" replied Eva.

"That's why, always say star. What is a star?I'm just a full moon that's been hit by an eclipse. Dim no light."

"Aiih. You're the county champion. Great always so from SD, right?" Nurasiah Jamilah patted Ayu's shoulder.

Ayu took a deep breath. How tight the chest.

"It's written on paper. In reality. I'm just a fighter with no luck. My steps can only get here. Not like you guys who can still continue education."

"Yes, don't you go to college, Yu?" Thien was shocked to hear Ayu's words.

"And a scholarship. Cook not continue college. Dear scholarship. There are even those who are far away from UGM, all. Take Ayu! you're the only one who got that scholarship." Nurasiah looked sad.

"Tuition fee Alhamdulillah scholarship. But, make daily meals the same cost from where. I feel sorry to see you have to brainwash the cost of school right now. Not yet my sister who is three has started big and must go to school. Where can you finance? College costs a lot, not just monthly or semester fees. It requires a daily fee that is not small. I can't go on another hunger strike to demo the old man. Now just accept fate. Alhamdulillah, finally able to graduate as a high school scholar," said Ayu smiled wryly.

A High School Bachelor. Yes, graduating high school is like being a bachelor. Already graduated as an alumnus of High School is also very happy. That's enough, at least so the first person in his village gets a High School diploma. Hope to wear toga clothes is just a dream.

His four best friends embrace Ayu tightly. It is unfortunate if a girl as smart as Ayu can not continue education. What to say, already suratan, if Ayu should swallow the bitter pill reality. They

embrace together. Sobbed. Hugged Ayu tightly.

A call was heard calling out Ayu's name. It's time to receive the best student award charter. Ayu advanced ahead as the pride of the school. Her achievements make her a fragrant alma mater. With pride Mr. Headmaster gave a charter and a trophy, also a gift of appreciation.

Ayu stepped up with certainty. Podium to witness the mountain girl to be champion for the umpteenth time. A hand clap accompanied his steps. Not happy and in the face. Cloudy sagging, lara pummeled. A single tear accompanied the safe she gave him. This is the last time his charter was held. Awards in hand.

Ayu stood in front staring at the applause of the audience. It was as if the clap was not a sign of congratulations on Raihan's achievements but a sneer clap of misfortune that befell. Lara's heart.

Event after event is smoothly carried out. Everyone seems happy. Turn of the school band performing. Haris Hendra Gunawan is engrossed in drumming, Jejen is picking bass, By strumming guitar as well as being the best-selling vocalist. Eva Fitria momentarily forgot the song kasidah. Singing melodious about classic story songs for the future by Sheila on 7.

All late, feeling confused. The song describes their situation. Today they will remember. It is a classic story that will be forgotten later.

Sundanese cultural scene is not left behind. The humming sound melodious. Students perform their abilities. Rancak gendang also enliven the atmosphere. Everything looks so festive.

Now came the moment all the third grade students appeared in front. Sekar Rampak. The choir sang some farewell songs.

Hymne the teacher hypnotizes the depleted. Piercing hearts. The song pileuleuyan made everything blue.

Pileuleuyan pileuleuyan, nyere pegat simpay broom, pileuleuyan pileuleuyan paturay patepang deui, amit retreat, amit ka jalma nu rea, hayu batur, hayu batur, kumpul salerea, amit kumpulan salerea, pileuleuyan da abdi bade ngumbara.

One by one greet the teacher and pinned a medal sign alumnus school. All crying sobbing. All three years of travel.

The beginning came without knowing each other. Together happy, sharing a joking laugh. Sometimes fights are peppering. Struggling. Together doing juvenile delinquency. Colonizing friends or just skipping school. Intermittent tasks that are not stretched. Sometimes bully each other. Everything is in memory.

"We're going to split up today. Keep promising there is no distance that erodes badturahmi," said Nurasiah after the event and gathered at the school gate.

"Whoever we are. Maybe someone will be an official or just a citizen. Rich people or our papa will forget that status. What we remember is not that moment. We remember the day of the three years together." - Ayu.

"We'll be together forever despite the distance" Thien's hand stuck out in a circle.

"Every month or only once a year we get together to share everything. Must be. Ok!" Irniaty has not lost action. His hands are piled up on Thien.

"So much I can, I can."

Eva laughed and added a pile of hands on Ayu and Nurasiah. The five companions made a hand formation in a circle.

"Allahu Akbar." they cried loudly.

All the students have gone home. Only those who deliberately want to separate themselves. Stay longer before they split.

"Don't forget me, man. The saddest thing is to lose you, not get out of this school. Best friend of my life," said Ayu glazed over

"We have not promised. Whatever we are in the future. We're forever five friends ain't gonna change." Thien stroked Ayu's shoulder.

Everyone eventually had to separate. Some Kodak snapshots marked their memories of the day. Nur promised if it was washed, then all will be divided evenly. The results of the camera shots will be a memory of their safety.

\*\*\*\*\*\*

The lush old banyan trees on the north hill were so coldly stroking Ayu. A book in hand is not a read. He floated out of nowhere.

As far as I can see the beautiful blue sky. Migrating birds dance in the air. Sometimes the king of space comes to disturb them. Hawks. His voice is so blaring. Scared the swarms of rats that ran here and there under him. Fear of being a victim.

The breeze blew the clothes and hijab that Ayu was wearing. The old root that coiled like a snake became his seat. Clean-skinned women with wide hijabs and books in hand are engrossed in exploring the world by befriending the charm of nature that stretches to spoil the eyes.

In front of him the ball field with a large size appears surrounded by clumps of weeds. The banyan seems to be a stopover for everyone who is tired of exercising there.

"May I sit here?" Yoga came and asked for permission to sit next to Ayu.

"Please, sir, I happen to want to go home" replied Ayu stood up and intended to leave.

"Will not accompany me?"

"I'm sorry, I can't talk to a non mahram without a third person."

"Ooh, yeah, all right. He said Ayu now teaches in Elementary as an honorary teacher huh?"

"Yes, sir, starting Monday. Just help a little, my knowledge is not qualified if teaching, I am only a High School graduate. The school is short of two teachers. I guess I can help a little. Sorry, I have to say goodbye," Ayu said as she left.

Yoga pensive itself after Ayu. Tomorrow we leave the village. Why it feels heavy. Really don't want to go. Already covered feet and hearts in the village nan Asri. Fascinated at the sweet girl. Village girl with a different charm.

You're like a pigeon. Tinnocent but hard to get. Looks soft but hard-hearted. Always uphold the principles.

\*\*\*\*\*\*

Yudistira Hadi Wijaya. Young doctor handsome crazy job. Frustration over loss is redeemed by devotion. The whole time was just to devote to the profession.

During the day and night, almost twenty-four hours were in the hospital. I don't know why I'm not interested in finding a partner. Although, every day become bully coworkers. Handsome but single. Cute but not good.

Don't want to bully. It's up to people to say what. I'm the one who goes why I have to hear what people say. It's hard to get a girl like Ayu. Cindy called repeatedly. Sorry to want to reverse. No more hearts to return. One chance is enough. Spit out the taboo in the lick again.

A bus stop caught his attention. A girl with a stature like Ayu seemed to be calming down the crying little girl. Is that really you Ayu?

From afar it looks different from Ayu the MOUNTAIN BOY. This girl is whiter and well groomed and not black like Ayu Lestari.

Ckiiit. The brakes are forced to stop the car. Not a fantasy or a hallucination. That girl Ayu. Looks graceful with modern dress and makeup. So pretty. Her skin is clean and white.

"Just ...!!!" call out to him with a trembling voice resisting longing.

Still think it exists. Not lost by reality even though Ayu may now belong to people. Must have got a man who is quite established economically so that Ayu can take care of herself. It's not Ayu geeky who doesn't even recognize powder or makeup. Now Ayu looks like a girl who can take care of herself.

Ayu. Why is the sound always ringing in the ears? Disrupts. It's been almost five years without seeing each other, still not disturbing. The hallucinations call his name.

"It's true it's you, I guess the wrong guy."

"Sister Judis." cried Ayu in disbelief.

Ayu turned the body. Seen in front of him was a handsome doctor who disturbed him day and night. The man in his great white coat. He looked handsome and stared intently as if he did not want to let go of his eyes.

Both silent. I forget that there are not only them in this world. A moment late in an intoxicating sight.

"Papa, Sisil wants to go home." The cry of the little girl who was with Ayu shocked the two.

"Yes, kid, we're going to find Papa, okay?"

"Your son, Yu?" ask Judis

"No, brother, I found this kid here"

"Ohh, so this is a missing child huh. Deck what's his name?"

Sickness is on Judis' face. The arch cannot be hidden. Want to taste koprol and cheer. Celebrating the status of a child who was originally suspected by his son Ayu.

"Sil, Om. I miss papa. Want to go home .. huaaa." the cry of the child broke again.

"We need to get this kid to the police station. It is very difficult to find his parents if he does not contact the authorities. Let's go there now! " bring Judis.

"Yes but .." Ayu replied hesitantly.

Always dodging, today why should meet him. You should also accompany us to the police station. Don't you! Pekik Ayu in the heart.

It is difficult to arrange the heart so that it no longer bleeds to think about it, why should we meet. Seeing him makes it sick. Stifling together. But, avoiding can't. The little girl clung to him tightly.

"But .. we'll be overnight." Samber Yudis immediately pulled Ayu's hand in. After Sisil also entered the car.

Ayu's face was red. Hands shaking. His blood flow was unusual. Cold heat all over the body.

Judis smiled feeling a subtle tremor in Ayu's hand. Still with the same taste. It turns out you keep feeling.

Ayu was silent without a word. Still in shock if it is close to Yudhishthira. Avoiding the young man's gaze by gently stroking Sisil who looked exhausted, sleepy and asleep.

Judis peeked through the rearview mirror. Amazed by Ayu's change. Now it looks white and well-groomed. Her face was so beautiful with a simple makeup polish.

Ayu was clumsy, feeling that Judis was watching. Get the book in the bag. As if the book was read. The book was only stared at without a word in the book.

"Great, it's only the first time someone has read a book upside down. Ohhhh, I forgot that you're a nerd. If while koprol also certainly able to read."

"Astaghfirullah, ouch." said Ayu.

My face must be ridiculous in front of him. Why is it always reckless if it is near Judis. Ayu bit her lower lip hard.

"Bloody watch, Yu,"

"Huh ...." Again Ayu turned Judis upside down.

"Having been married is still as silly as ever and afraid to be close to the Brotherhood. You're so funny."

"Who's getting married? Me?"

"Yes, two years ago I saw you walking your fiancee. You're mismatched. I think I have a child."

Ayu smiled. Judis was stunned to see a beautiful face with a charming smile. Really loved the property of people.

"I'm married? with who? Even flies don't want to go. How many children does Judis have?" ask Ayu with a ketir. Pain in the heart asks that.

"You're not really married. Then who was it that was piggybacking you. I saw that you were wearing a kebaya and neat maybe a school farewell."

"Ohhhh. That Pak Yoga. Thank God he helped me to drive me to school otherwise I would have bad luck on my farewell day.

"Stupid," said Judis.

"Who? me?"

"not you. Sorry I said the wrong word."

Judah laughed to himself. God seems to have misunderstood. Years of saving lara turned out the rose was not married. May there be a glimmer of hope. His spirit is back.

"Brother married why not invite?"

"Who am I married to?"

"Cindy"

"If marrying her there must be news in the newspaper, I am single. No way" replied Judis smiling.

Ayu also smiled. I don't know why it's so happy to hear Judis is still single.

"Sister Judis was low. It must be ready to go to the guarantee with the candidate. Don't forget to invite me if you get married." The word glides smoothly on the tongue but bitterly on the heart.

"I don't have a candidate yet. Want Ayu to be my candidate ?"

Bleppfp. Ayu face like a ripe tomato. Red blush. Brother, why joke. To me your candlesticks aren't funny. Don't joke about the heart. If injured, the pain is not as good as stand up comedy.

"Sister, that's his police station up front."

Ayu pointed at the police station thirty meters ahead. Distract and calm the heart as if running from position.

The car slowed down into the parking lot. Carrying two hearts with unrelenting thump.

To be continue~