Shana was speechless. She didn't know how to react. Intan, a bright and innocent girl who spent her free time in the library and had few close friends, had just confessed to being pregnant.
"H-how is that possible?" was all Shana could utter. It had never crossed her mind that Intan would become pregnant.
"At least someone should know," Intan said, closing her eyes as the screams of the other students and Shana's rapid footsteps faded away. She reached for freedom, a sense of peace washing over her until she opened her eyes to find herself dangling precariously. She looked up at Shana, who was nearly pulled over the edge, thankfully caught by Joshua who steadied her.
"Let go of me, Shana," Intan demanded.
"No, we can talk about this. I'll listen to you," Shana insisted.
"It's too late, Shana. Don't pretend to be a good class leader. If only you had listened to me earlier, this wouldn't have happened," Intan said bitterly. She pulled a folding knife from her pocket, startling Joshua.
"Let go of Shana!" Joshua urged.
"I'm sorry, I'll listen. Hold my hand tightly. I will—Argh!" Shana cried out as the knife sliced into her upper arm. She called out the name of a female student who fell, overwhelmed by the tragedy unfolding before her.
Intan just needed someone to talk to, but Shana didn't listen to her.
***
"Welcome!" The students chorused Dirgan greetings who flashed a perfect smile. Two days earlier, the school had been shaken by the tragedy of Intan's suicide, a case still under police investigation. However, the planned welcoming event for Dirgantara's return to school was not canceled.
The festivities were lively, featuring a shared meal and an impromptu soda-drinking party during class time, much to the students' delight. The school, however, offered no public condolences for the deceased student. This striking figure, with jet-black hair and dark brown eyes, was absorbing every detail of the story of Intan's tragic end.
His firm jaw, thin lips, and sharp nose captivated many female students, though Dirgan's affections were fixed on a single woman who had not visited him during his illness. They had been estranged for a year.
"Is Shana injured?" Dirgan inquired.
"Yes, some students witnessed it. Shana, with a new student, tried to prevent Intan from jumping, but Intan pulled out a knife and injured Shana's arm, causing her to lose her grip," Ari explained. Dirgan nodded in understanding. He then proceeded to the theater hall, accompanied by several students eager to see their leader.
Shana was undergoing a brief interrogation, having received permission from her family and the principal. However, she did not provide any information that satisfied the investigators.
"Who is the man with her?" Dirgan asked.
"Ah, that's a new student named Joshua. Shana was introducing him to the class when the incident occurred," Redi explained.
"How do you know?"
"Joshua has described everything he witnessed, but Shana appears to be traumatized. She fainted yesterday after a hysterical crying spell," Redi explained.
Dirgan sighed. He paid close attention to Shana, whose appearance had changed little except for a shorter hairstyle. She looked even more beautiful now. The pink blush on her lips particularly captivated him, prompting an immediate urge to embrace her, who was currently struggling on the stage.
"Answer! Your testimony is crucial, Miss Shana!" the impatient officer snapped. The investigation had yielded no significant results since Shana had remained silent. Shana thought of Intan, her friend, who had confided in no one else. Intan had wanted to confide in Shana about many things. Shana couldn't reveal that Intan had committed suicide due to an unplanned pregnancy. And then, Intan had lacked a confidante because Shana had refused to listen.
"She seems to be deeply distressed, Captain. Are you going to speak with her?" Ari inquired.
"No, I want Shana to meet with me first. Leave it be. This will be a valuable lesson for her if you interfere in others' personal affairs. Shana should not feel obligated to prevent people from taking their own lives."
***
"You've just been annoying me lately, Shana," said Agus, ruffling Shana's hair. The cheerful woman had been unusually moody for a week.
She wasn't eating and had withdrawn from her usual activities, leaving her friends Bayu, Lisa, and Crystal deeply concerned.
Shana was still haunted by the tragic image of Intan's death. She vividly recalled seeing Intan's lifeless body, her legs, and head battered by the falling water from the school pool shower. Shana remained silent, lost in her thoughts, tears streaming down her face.
She should have talked to Intan, instead of avoiding her friend. Shana's parents had even contacted Dirgan, as their daughter had withdrawn into herself, refusing to eat or speak.
Dirgan, who had been anticipating his triumphant return to school, entered the Social building. He approached Shana, who was surrounded by her friends. Agus and the others quickly stepped aside, giving Dirgan space to try to comfort her.
"Hi, Dear..." Dirgan greeted her. Shana rolled her eyes listlessly, recognizing the unwelcome presence of the man who had become a source of torment for her. She almost forgot that he was back at school.
"Long time no see. Let's talk," Dirgan suggested, gently taking Shana's wrist. She winced as he accidentally touched her injured arm. He quickly released her hand and led her to the canteen.
"You... When did you return to school?"
"It's been four days. I thought you'd be among the others, welcoming me back," Dirgan said, pulling out a chair for Shana.
"What do you want to eat?" asks Dirgan.
"I'm not hungry," she replied.
"Really? You look ugly now." Shana remained silent, refusing to engage with Dirgan's teasing remark. He usually elicited a sharp retort from her, but this time, she remained unresponsive.
Dirgan chuckled, then ordered two portions of Shana's favorite dish along with a mint chocolate drink, her usual beverage of choice.
He sat facing her, his gaze fixed on her intently. Every moment, all he could think about was Shana. Their high school romance was well-known among the student body. Perhaps some had assumed their relationship had fizzled out, especially after Dirgan dropped out of school and Shana seemed to grow closer to Veri. Veri is a new student at the school Winter, who had joined after Dirgan's absence, was likely unaware of their history.
Dirgan continued to observe Shana intently, though her attention was drawn elsewhere. Her gaze drifted towards the roof of the Social building, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Her reverie was interrupted by the arrival of their food: two plates of cauliflower chicken rice with extra spice, her usual order, and a bowl of meatballs accompanied by her beloved mint chocolate.
"Eat," Dirgan commanded.
"I'm not hungry," she replied.
"Eat, or I'll force you," he insisted. Shana sighed and picked up her spoon, scooping up rice and mixing it with the meatball sauce. She quickly devoured the food, knowing that Dirgan would force it if she didn't comply.
Dirgan handed her a fork. She speared a meatball and impaled it, then split it in two. Suddenly, the delicious food lost its appeal. Shana stared at the scattered pieces of meatball, the image of Intan's lifeless body flashing before her eyes.
"What about the fetus? It must have been torn apart by the impact. The baby inside might have been crushed, just like the minced meat she was looking at." Shana dropped the spoon and fork, overcome by a wave of panic. Her arms trembled violently as she clutched the glass of mint chocolate, her throat tightening as the water inside turned a dark, blood-red color.
Nausea surged through her, and she rushed to the sink behind the canteen, vomiting up the food she had just eaten. Dirgan, who had followed her, understood. He knew that Shana would be consumed by grief and guilt for a long time. He would need to be patient with his girlfriend, who was experiencing a mental crisis.
He gently stroked her back, surprised by the lack of warmth in her reception after such a long absence. Shana wept for Intan, her stomach churning with nausea.
"Shana, you must—"
"Argh! Stay away from me, you bastard! This is all your fault!"
To Be Continued...