A Piece Of Memory

Storia 3 : Just A Concern

I'm not saying my life is fine. Even the incident seemed to just pass after the New Year's Eve story took place. My friends didn't make fun of me as I thought they would. Which I don't think is reasonable. But I was in my room when my friends came into my room. And they entered without knocking the door as usual. We covered a number of things there. One of them is about Erik. He said he was glancing at someone among us. Someone named Melia. Of course, there is nothing strange about the story. But what makes it interesting is because of her status as a woman who is a doctor. While Erik himself is a nurse like us. Indeed, Erik has its own advantages from his life. And that's of course because his family is quite respected. Cotton money.

So, it might say if Erik, he is indeed the type of person who is good at seducing beautiful girls through his wealth. Where he only needs to do that from behind the Honda Jazz he owns. A confidence that certainly will not appear if he does not have anything. Of course, any woman would look at him a little above us. Because you know, women today really like to look at social status in determining a partner of life. A kind of hastening the comfort zone so that the future is a little better right? But I thought the story would stop there when the topic about Erik ended. Before Eddie suddenly diverted the conversation by asking me what I was doing on New Year's Eve with Sarah. Which he even calls a date. I knew he was joking because this is what we used to do. But this is what we usually do when we have fun. And I also can't just let the news spread like that

"We don't talk much. Just an introduction." I said briefly. Hope they don't think any worse.

“Oh, I didn't know that introductions could take hours. I thought you did it to stay close for a long time.”

"s**t! Who says it? She's not my type anyway."

"Huh, I didn't know you had a type of girl now?" Eddie said as he glanced the other way. Which makes all eyes start to look seriously.

Me and my friends surely really like this. And if it's not Otto who is the victim, it seems that laughing at friends can be interesting entertainment. Although it was clear that my time with Sarah the night before had been very brief. In fact, this is the first time we've ever had a friendly conversation. And indeed, nothing happened. But if what is being discussed is ignorance, my friends' brains can quickly fill with creative ideas.

"I guess... I just don't want to spend the whole day at Otto's house." I replied casually, and pretended to laugh. “After all, who can see Otto all the time? I will never even approach his descendants until eight generations.” My tone is full of sarcasm again.

Luckily, my friends laughed too. Which indicates if I'm quite successful. I knew I still needed to fill the conversation with other topics. Maybe something funny. Before I remembered what happened to Eddie a few days ago. When Otto suddenly stormed his house. Even though it was clear that at that time it was still a warm holiday atmosphere.

I could even hear Eddie spilling all his frustration there. Then openly mentioning Otto suffering from mental disorders or something. “A person like him should be long gone. But life is never fair right? We have to deal with him even longer because he is the one who was given longevity.” It's fun too. His tone reminded him as if he was in great pain. And this is where the laughter gets louder and louder.

In my heart I began to imagine how I would get out of trouble. Even if my method is totally unacceptable. But I have no choice. Karma might happen. Although it’s not not for me.

Next, we started talking again about the village, work, things that had just happened in the last few months. Even though I only listened with half of my ears. At least that's what I can do. Until unconsciously the conversation ended.

In the 4th month, when Sarah first joined our office, she suddenly came to give me her sister's wedding invitation. She asked me to come and said the wedding would be a lot of fun. But don't say I intend to go. My only reason, of course, is because of her father again. And if there was any other reason I also think because those times are the right time to ditching my work again. I knew Otto would be busy. That way, we'll have plenty of reasons to laze around all the time. Even playing games all day is fine too.

But night had just fallen. And I haven't done anything since morning. I still haven't turned on the lights in the room. Which makes people think that this house may be being abandoned for a long time. I know this is the best thing we ever do every day. For being able to fool Otto so many times. In fact, there were other people in the house. And he is Franky, my friend. I think I did say that, didn't I, if we like to play video games together? But the situation suddenly turned tense when we heard a motorcycle stop in the front yard.

I glanced at the clock, and it was almost half past six at night. So, there was indeed something wrong with the vehicle stopping in the front yard. Which immediately made us feel anxious, even for a moment the vehicle engine had just been turned off. The minutes went by so slowly during that time. Until finally there was a knock on the door.

Strange things start crossing my mind, and I don't think we did something wrong outside. I meant, we never even put our slippers outside the house. Which might be a sign if someone is inside. I stared at Franky's face for a moment. His expression was almost the same as someone who had almost lost his life. And it wasn't hard to imagine what Otto was doing outside. I thought back to what happened to Eddie a few months ago. Imagine that same thing would happen to me. Not getting a month's salary, or he was the one who complained about it to our higher-ups, after all it was a civil servant's worst nightmare. I encourage myself to say that I'm not the only one experiencing this. At least bearing it together was a bit better than experiencing it alone. In fact, I was almost sweating from all my nervousness. But when the door finally opened, I found something even more surprising outside.

"What took you so long?" she asked, clearly disappointed.

It turned out to be Sarah who had been standing. Of course, I was a little relieved by her presence, although her coming still surprised me.

“No…, I guess who was that?” I said, wiping my sweat. I don't even know if I just broke a sweat.

However, I never expected that the response would be like that.

And then she mumbled, "Oh... you're locking up girls, aren't you?"

"Not. Says who?" I said quickly. "There's only Frank inside."

"Oh," her tone sounded unconvinced. "Then why did it take so long?"

Now she started to look behind me, suspiciously. I know exactly what she's thinking. Which suddenly pissed me off.

I think anyone would hate to be watched. Even though she can still show it with her gentle smile, or maybe she's just joking in his way, but still, it can't make me have to face her without feeling guilty or something. Even when I'm not doing anything. Like it or not, now I have to be honest.

"I thought it was your father... Besides, it's not usually people to visit at this hour..." I replied. Still can't hide my annoyance. But it just made her smile to herself.

“That's because you like to run away from job! You should be working right! You guys get paid for that, anyway right?” She said again, raising his eyebrows too. But I can't answer right away. And don't ask me why.

All around us, the twilight light made the situation so contrasting. Because like I said, I haven't even turned on the light since she came. And she just kept standing there without saying a word. I guess Sarah was confused by her own words too. Even though she was the one who decided to come here.

“So… how do I owe this pleasure? I meant what do you mean by coming?” My question immediately brought her back to her senses.

“Oh, this… I… I just wanted to bring you this.” she said. While our eyes are focused on the parcel in his right hand. Even I can already guess what it's like.

She brought me a parcel. The one she said was from his sister's wedding. Even I can still feel the warmth from the outside of the wrapper.

"Why? You don't like it?" she asked again.

"Not. It is not like that. But… you don't have to do this either, do you? I mean, trouble myself!”

"That’s fine. After all, I only brought food. That's because you didn't come earlier!”

She put a little emphasis on what she just said. When she says I'm not coming. But I tried to ignore it.

I muttered again. “But… there is Frank inside. I mean, you don't mind if I share this for him?” Then I asked, subconsciously again. But Sarah was silent for a while before finally answering. It was as if she had just left his doubtful impression.

“Actually… I brought that for you. I didn't know he was home. But no problem." she said. While I began to question the direction of her words.

And that's when I started getting suspicious.

If you want to know the truth, actually bringing food to Welmina is a common thing. Which is generally done to show familiarity to people they just met. In fact, most of us are often treated like this. But that sort of thing of course only happened in the first season we came. Besides, I've been there for over two years, and I don't think I can convince myself not to think like that. Indeed, it is still too early to conclude that, but every action must require a reason, right?

“Ehm…, ​​you didn't stop by for a while? I mean go inside?” I said. Even after almost fifteen minutes of standing outside, I just had the thought of asking her in.

"Better not."

“Oh… Ok. So, you're going home soon?”

"Yeah, I guess." she said. Then move her legs for a while. I guess my brain processed it a little faster this time.

“Um… did your father send you here, Sarah?”

She glared at me in surprise, laughing herself. “No, not really? Besides, if he knew you were here, he could be mad at you!"

I know what she means.

"He called you irresponsible. Especially you. It seems my father has a little sentiment for you.” She continued.

Next, she started walking towards her vehicle. While I looked up at the sky around me. Finding it completely dark now. In fact, I had no idea that we had been standing there for almost half an hour. And just to talk. Then with a smile in her eyes, she immediately disappeared from my sight. Which brought the brief meeting to an end.

But I should tell you, if that incident wasn’t the only beginning of her concern for me. Because not long ago, Sarah almost always did the same kind of kindness. If this time she brought rice and side dishes, tomorrow she might bring fruit, bread, or even some raw vegetables, some of which she even cooked herself. "I just cooked it this morning, you must not have eaten right?" she asked. A concern that once again I think will not happen without a reason.

For a moment, I might prefer to think of it as a kind act. Because that's the Sarah I've known all along. Moreover, she really likes to do good to everyone. I think I'm one of them too. And again, the fact is I can't refuse all that kindness without hurting her feelings, right? But of course, I had to keep it secret. So that's why I told Sarah she'd better call me before coming home. Although the plan is actually not always successful.

I might not have bothered too much if it was a mere coincidence, but I guess it was her fault who never really wanted to listen. Meanwhile I also can't stop my friends from coming to my house. So, it was not uncommon for them to find us alone on the terrace for minutes or more. Because I can't just throw her away, right, after she willingly does good for me? Even though what she was actually doing was just delivering food. The only problem is there are few facts that you really need to know about Welmina. In such a small place, when you were often seen alone with someone, it could easily provoke unpleasant speculation. I, may be able to escape the gossip that I avoid so much, I mean from the locals, but I have never escaped the conversation of my friends. Those who in my opinion are not very smart in every way can catch all these signs easily. Before making it a new joke with their gossip. Even the story became a very misguided thought among us. Erik for example, he even said openly that I had met Sarah's father and then proposed to her. Which is confirmed by others. I don't know where their hallucinations came. But it's things like that that make me feel uncomfortable when spending my time with them.

I've actually explained it time and time again, really. I did as much as I could, but because my friends were born impudent, they never took my excuses for granted. They quickly made this the hottest topic between us, trumping our bad-mouthing of Otto every day.

Actually, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. After all, there is nothing wrong, right, with the name of loving each other? But what really pissed me off was the fact that the rumors were completely untrue, but Sarah never did anything to straighten it out.

I'm not saying she's enjoying it, but with her seemingly casual demeanor, it makes the attacks I receive feel even worse than I can bear it. Especially if you remember what we did before. And when I imagined that I was the one who was the most sarcastic towards his father so far, it seemed to make me swallow my own words. Lo and behold, just because of the food.

I never said Sarah's kindness had any meaning. At least not yet. Then, of course, I also don't want to say that I have feelings for her. I still rarely talk to her. In fact, almost never. The time we spoke was only when she was coming to my house, that's all. Even then, I couldn't respond her with my enthusiasm. Because of my friends' teasing or something, and stuff.

You must be imagining that I should hate her, right? But strangely, I can't do that either. Lately, I've started to question myself more often. I think what I did was purely because I was afraid to disappoint her, that's all. Moreover, shouldn't it be, good for bad? A simple lesson that makes me have to be more open-hearted. Even if you look at it from anywhere it will still be sad for me