To The Man Who Broke My Heart
20. The First Project in Our Home

Oh. My. God.

I gaped for a few seconds after reading the letter. What the hell's been going on? Lenapa Kak Raya behaved like this?

And ... everything became clear. Why did Kak Raya's attitude change somewhat to me after our last meeting before graduation. She became distant and a little reluctant when I asked to meet, unlike usual. I did attribute the change to his "wish" to maintain a relationship with Bang Riko and maintain alignment with their gangmates. It makes our friendship break up feel easier to accept. However, now ... after everything is clear. After I found out the real reason behind Kak Raya's change, I .. did not know how to feel.

On one side, though, I'm very grateful for what— has done even though I would still be fine if he didn't do that because I don't care anymore about what happened to their group and on the other hand, to be honest there is a bit of a sense .. disappointed in this heart. Because it was so easy for Kak Raya to plant a distance between us without any explanation. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I-i understand. I knew she would prefer her lover over an insignificant junior like me. But still, it is.

Ah, nevermind. I don't want to drag on in the trouble related to them anymore. That's why I called his cell phone number.

Who would have thought that he would answer even before the first ringing was over, right? “Kay!” Kak Raya sounded very excited across there.

“Kakak!” I replied with no less enthusiasm. I deliberately make myself sound as enthusiastic as Kak Raya. “How are you?” I continued by asking the usual pleasantry questions. After hearing his tone while answering the phone just now, I was sure he was in a pretty good shape.

“Not to talk, deh. Did you read my e-mail? Surely already, if not how could you call me.”

Sometimes Raya Ramadhani is indeed too excessive like makeup applied to her face. Where might call me? He's the one who broke our cord. He himself stopped texting me and called me. As a smaller man, I can only obey his greater will. Even though before this estrangement exists, I will directly call him after reading the message "phone me now!" from that girl. “Udah, Brother, already. I just read an e-mail from my brother. Why should I call Brother after reading all that?” Trivia again. Yeah, I want to know, Kayra. What's again?

“I want to know your response, Kay. So?”

Kaaaaan, what did I say. Kak Raya of course wants to interrogate me.

“So what, Brother? That's good, right? Now they know the truth. I have to thank you for it.”

“Continue, continue?” insist Kak Raya even before I can say thank you to him.

“Yaaa, there is no continuing, Brother. Yes, that's it. After all, I have really moved on from them. I live all in that city. I'm sincere, Brother.” What I said was the real thing. Six more months I've been here, with all my new family, work and college, I've learned enough to let go. Derogate.

“Totally?”

Words like this, followed by a question mark afterwards, hinted the questioner was still “angg” with the answer given by the person being questioned. Actually I want to answer “come here and check it yourself” because it is a little offended by Kak Raya's tone, but I express my intention. I don't know what he meant, which I obviously chose to positive thinking. Maybe he was just trying to show me his care. I finally convinced him by answering, “Yes, Brother, seriously. I’m alright's. Never feel better.”

The conversation ended at 10:46 PM. Fortunately tomorrow is Sunday so there is no morning lecture schedule. Only activities with street children usually start at ten in the morning. I'm getting ready for bed.

Kak Raya had shared her plan to establish a dance sanggar. A really good idea because he can contribute to preserving the local culture. It inevitably raises a question in my mind; what can I do, huh?

****

I knocked on the door of Aunt Meli's office. It's Monday, I can't wait to find out what he thinks of the idea I've conceived. “Log.” I heard Aunt Meli answer from inside the room.

I walked in and stepped excitedly closer to the large worktable made of teak wood. I sat there without waiting to be invited.

“What's up, Kay? Looks like you're really happy.” Aunty smiled looking at my expression. It might look funny 'cause I messed up by myself.

“Ng ... Aunt, I want to talk about the foundation.” Believe me, I really have arranged what I will say to Aunt Meli as best I can. However, whatever the power of everything is scum as soon as I get in front of the concerned. I don't know where to start.

“Oh, yes? What was? Say it, Honey.” Aunt Meli is now paying full attention to me. He put down his pen and opened the glasses that had previously been peeked at the base of his nose.

Go straight, Kayra. Don't waste any more time. I support myself in my heart. Alright. “Gini, Aunt. Last night, after a chat with a friend, I got an idea about the foundation. Sorry in advance if I sound presumptuous and pretentious, yes, Tan. But ... what if we make a branch of the foundation in West Sumatra, our hometown?”

Aunt Meli fell silent after hearing that.

I waited while biting my lips.

Okaays. I was getting nervous when I saw Aunt Meli's increasingly serious face. Now he looks at me with his eyes. “You can read Auntie's mind, yes?”

I was really surprised. What does Aunt Meli mean?

“Tante same Om actually already had that plan from the past, Ra, but has not materialized because it has not met anyone who feels right to do this project and can take full responsibility there. Just a few days ago we started talking about this again. You already have you, so Auntie thought the process would be easier. You must have a lot of links and know people who can help there, right?”

I didn't expect my proposal to be like a pair of tit-for-tat dipper. I am so excited! I nodded with great enthusiasm. “I can call some friends, Auntie. They are friends in the organization, so are somewhat familiar with activities like this. They will also later help expand the network for the purposes of the foundation. I tried to make a list of preparations first, after that I just gave a look to Auntie. Yea? After that the material can be discussed together first before being presented in front of donors.”

Aunty Meli's face was split in two by the smile that was splashing on her lips. “It looks like Om and Aunt did not misjudge you. You really look like your papa. Now you already know what you need to do, please start a discussion with the team, yes. Aunt wait for the development.”

After leaving the room Aunty Meli, I immediately invited Mas Bambang, Mas Rinto, and Mbak Eka to discuss what is needed for the preparation of this project. They are happy to know it too.

God, give me the smoothness.

To be continued ....