-I am what you have in mind. Fine, if your prejudice is good towards me. And it can be rotten if your prejudice is against me. Yes... I'm that simple.-
"Arni, your mother?!" I asked what Manis must have heard, the little girl, and also Arni, who was now rushing closer to me more like a squeak.
The little girl nodded, then she hugged her mother tightly.
"Yes, skipper, she is my mother!" she said proudly.
"It's a real loss that you have a mother like her. No wonder your uniform is shabby, and your appearance is shabby. Apparently, descended from her mother," I said.
Manis looked glaring, then she patted my head. Of the people I know, I think only Manis dares to be so rude to me. And, I kept quiet.
"Hus! What, after all, what you said, Juna. That's not good. Demeaning people like that. I, yes, the one you didn't insult was also hurt, you know," she was angry. In fact, I didn't tell her to get hurt. "Forgive what skipper Arjuna said, Arni. He is like that. But believe me, he is actually a good person. It's just that his words are a bit like that. Sure!" she exclaimed as if to convince Arni. I'm still silent.
"It's okay, Manis. It can't be helped, after all. It's true that my condition is like this,"
This woman is really great. I'm not mad at what I said at all. I cleared my throat a few times while tying my hands behind my back. For some reason, I feel weird.
"Sorry, skipper, if earlier Ningrum might have been rude to you. Really, I'm sorry."
"She hasn't done anything wrong. In fact, she looks so cute," I said honestly. Arni looked down. Did I say something wrong? Did she think I was also praising her for giving birth to such a sweet offspring? "However, it's a shame, as daughter as this has to wear shabby clothes. Moreover, she looks like a kid who hasn't bathed in a week."
Now, it's not only Sweet who is glaring. But, Arni too.
I reached into my trouser pocket, opened my wallet, and then took some money. I threw it at Arni's body. After she looked at me, she hastily lowered her gaze.
"Master, what are you doing, after all? It's really disrespectful to my mother! Come on, apologies!" angry Ningrum. I like this girl. She really has no fear.
Arni silenced Ningrum's mouth to keep her son quiet. Then she picked up the money that was scattered on the ground. Handed me the money.
"Sorry, skipper, I can't accept this. Me and my children, don't need your mercy," she said. I'm sure she's offended by my behavior.
"Tch! You don't have to be so big-headed. Who has pity on you? That is your reward for picking tea leaves this morning,"
"But, skipper--"
I immediately left, so that Arni wouldn't refuse my gift. But, still, the slum girl chased after me.
"Boss--"
"If more you can buy clothes for you, your children, or you buy food."
"But--"
"And if you don't want the wages, you can throw them away."
"It's a lot, Master."
"Well, it's up to me anyway. My money, how much do you want to be paid, why do you bother!"
"But--"
She immediately stopped when I glared. "Said but still don't touch you."
She immediately shut up, not daring to refute my words again. At the very least, I can help buy the cute little girl's uniform. Poor her had to wear a shabby uniform when her friends wore new uniforms.
My body suddenly staggered backward, apparently Sweet had pushed me so hard. She smiled widely, until the row of white teeth was visible.
"Master Arjuna is cool!" she said.
I smiled, hearing her flatter me. Then I saw her leave, approaching the other tea pickers. Join them to do the same work.
*****
This afternoon, when the children were carrying their flocks home, even with the herons that flew back to the contest. Likewise with me, who wanted to go home after Berjo. However, my intention to go home seems to have to be delayed a little longer because Uncle Junet's motorbike can't be started. I also don't know how it happened. Even though this rotten old motorbike was fine. She walked bravely. But now....
I exhaled in annoyance. Look at the orange tinge that glows beautifully on the western horizon of horizon. The color is so contrasting with the expanse of the tea garden that stretches. However, they look beautiful when united in the corner of the view.
"So, how long will uncle want to wait for this useless motorbike?" I asked, already getting annoyed.
All this time, Junet's uncle tried to justify the motorbike. In fact, he said, it would soon be over until he said it over and over again. But what, that useless motor, it just stayed where it was. Never mind the road, just don't want to light up.
"Patience, after all. Maybe this motorbike is angry," he said. "It's because of you, just try it if you haven't been angry earlier. Surely my motorbike won't sulk."
"Your ugly motorbike doesn't sulk, uncle. It's basically just, it is a wreck that you take care of. Yes, it turned out like this," I said disapprovingly.
From the start, I told him to bring a car or just use my motorbike. But, this basket-boy is stubborn. He insisted on taking me to the jog with this rotten motorbike. Duh, even though my stomach is really hungry. This uncle Junet is a stump!
"Oh, Juna, it's raining!" he screamed.
I exhaled again. What about this? After the motor broke down, now it's raining? In the evening too.
"So how's it going, Juna?" he asked for an opinion.
"Let's go home, just leave your stump here, uncle. We're going to grandma's house," I said, giving me an idea. Romelah's grandmother's house is not so far from this road compared to mine. Even though it's true that the house can't be called closely.