MYS 12
…
Where did you get jealous, Andi?
Jealous of Hong Kong or the great wall of China?
"You don't have to be so stupid this time, it's like you just want a world war." I scolded Andi after practice was over and many other children had gone home.
"I'm serious Anggi. My feelings for you are not playing games." I Andi so convincingly.
"You know the name of our school's badminton club. Solid Club. It means brotherhood, solidarity is upheld here as a pillar. Then, what's the point of the drama telling you, love? There are no benefits for other club members, right?" my nagging again. Still can't figure it out.
Okay, Andi admits that he likes me. And I've heard that. Point. There should be no clear connection to the confession. After all, we're still in tenth grade. Where do you want to take the school world if you add it to a high school-style romance drama?
"If you don't like it, refuse firmly, Anggi." Amad's advice sounds correct.
"Am I still not firm by not taking what he said?" I said pointing towards the corner of the field where Andi was.
"Clarified again so that there are no misunderstandings," said Amad then left the building. Go home.
I was stunned. Ask yourself, should it be emphasized?
However, when I have made up my mind to tell Andi clearly that I don't have any feelings for him and look for Andi's whereabouts. Instead, what I got was a view of Andi Munandar joking with a girl who I don't know for sure from which class.
So, now I don't feel the need to explain anything to anyone, especially to boys in the class, about anything, especially those that carry the name of liking. Because I'm sure that nine thousand percent is just a mod, just a little bit of bad quality while it's a fad with prizes.
From now on I have to close my heart and strengthen my faith level is facing the wave of class boys' modus operandi. Whenever, wherever, and until whenever.
Angie, you can do it.
Sunday morning I practice badminton at the district GOR. Not all Solid Club children practice here either, only some and most of the seniors live near the GOR. And there is also Amad.
"Amad, how come I just saw you now?" I asked pleasantly as a mixed doubles partner.
"Yes. Usually routine. Only yesterday I had to help Umi Sarah hold a recitation outside the city." replied Amad without looking at me.
Who is Umi Sarah? What is her stepmother?
"Is that so... uh yeah, you're just a kid here, right? Does that mean you've been practicing here for a long time, right?
"Yes. Since elementary school," said Amad briefly. Like not interested and chose to go to the boy on the other side of the field.
Then I realized, not because Amad doesn't like talking to me, but because he's Rohis' child who keeps as much distance as possible from creatures of different species, namely girls like me. In class, Amad also hangs out more with boys who are fellow members of Rohis or who live in dormitories such as Affan, Azka, Lukman, and Ridho. Or choose to go to the library to play chess with Mas Slamet, the librarian.
When Mr. Heru, the badminton supervisor found out that Amad and I were appointed by the school as a mixed doubles pair, he immediately said words of wisdom and support, as if he hoped that we would be like the pair of Lilyana Natsir and Tantowi Ahmad. For me, this parable is only a heavy burden, even though I realize that my playing ability is pretty good and can match Amad's. But still, the expectations of Mr. Heru and the school are too big. I feel depressed.
"The one who is enthusiastic, Ms. Anggi...don't wear it loose until the D day, you know," said Mr. Heru before leaving after the training session was over.
I tilted my head, suddenly had a migraine on one side. Everyone in the GOR, both mentors and other children, had too high expectations for Amad and me.
For Amad, I admit that he is indeed a master level above me but being able to balance when we play as partners is an additional point, which may not be obtained if I am paired with you or other players in the club.
I am more dominant in attacking, while Amad prefers to play a role as a counterweight to me and takes a position two steps behind me. Amad will take a bait that I can't catch easily. This is supported by his tall and bulky body so that it is not easy to sway when welcoming a smash that is difficult for me.
If Amad wants he can become a national athlete just by honing his skills a little more. However, when I asked about this, Amad said that for him badminton was just a hobby and if he could choose he wanted to become an archery athlete but had not received permission from his parents.
Hearing this, I regretted Amad wasting his ability. However, back to the matter of choice and it is Amad's own choice. I was an outsider can only try to appreciate it.
Sewu kuto uwis ...
(a thousand cities I have visited)
I was just one second sticking my ass on the chair when I heard Andi's hoarse, muddy voice lilting so clearly. His gaze was fixed directly on me. Especially?
The school is busy with various competitions to welcome Augustan and the badminton competition is only five days away. I will not respond to Andi and the gang's unclear behavior by going straight to the training ground. Earlier, when I arrived at the gate, the coach had called me to practice immediately.
"An, I'll practice mint first, okay?" I said goodbye to Ana who was busy rummaging through the contents of the bag, looking for something.
"Yeah. I'm going to basketball too," said Ana without looking back, still busy looking through her big bag.
As soon as I arrived at the front door of my class, Stefie was confronted with a bright smile, which was the strangest thing I saw for the first time.
"Anggi, tomorrow I'm going to the GOR again, right?" said Stefie still with the same smile.
"Please. If you can, bring a racket and sports clothes as well."
"What for?"
"Join playing badminton. What else can you try?"
"I'll just be your supporter in the audience."
"Three hours, Stef..."
"It doesn't matter. Instead of me at home with my aunt, I just make peat," said Stefie persisting with that strange smile.
So yesterday's story was that after the training was over, I met Stefie who accompanied her aunt shopping at the market. The distance between GOR and the market is only about a hundred meters.
...
-TBC-