Dirgan rubbed his hair in frustration when Shana screamed at him. Hand soap dripped down his uniform as Shana hurled a bottle of liquid at him. Fortunately, Teacher Novi, who was nearby, immediately intervened, hugging Shana who was sobbing hysterically.
"Dirgan, take her to the medical room," she instructed. Shana shook her head violently and screamed when Dirgan touched her. He ignored her protests, lifting her despite her struggles. Shana retaliated with a slap and a strong punch to his chest. This was the third time Shana had exhibited such erratic behavior at school. Many students suspected that she was struggling to cope with the trauma of Intan's death, as she was the only one who knew the true circumstances.
The secret she harbored about Intan's death weighed heavily on her. Although she was not the only one who had witnessed Intan's final moments. Joshua, the new student, had also heard Intan's confession, but he waited for Shana to reveal it first, respecting her unspoken claim to the information.
They arrived at the medical room, where Shana continued to moan softly, surrounded by her concerned friends. The haunting memory of Intan's death continued to torment Shana. She couldn't understand why she couldn't forget the memories of Intan falling from the building.
"You don't have to keep this bottled up inside, Shana," Lisa said, hugging her friend. Lisa was also confused, as Shana had also assaulted Dirgan, who was undoubtedly furious.
"It's okay to share this with us," Novi reassured her, closing the door to the medical room and sitting down in front of the weeping Shana. "Intan would understand if you talked to us. Revealing the truth will not only aid the investigation into her death but also help you to find some peace," she explained, gently wiping away Shana's tears. Shana was still haunted by the look of despair on Intan's face before she fell to her death near the fish pond.
"Her parents deserve to know why they lost their daughter. We all need to know, so that Intan can finally rest in peace," Novi concluded.
"But Intan only wanted to talk about this with me. And, I... I didn't listen to her. I-I avoided the conversation because I was also emotionally overwhelmed," Shana moaned.
She relived the painful past, unable to stem the flow of tears. Dozens of minutes passed as Shana continued to sob until her tears finally subsided. Dirgan finally entered the room, having changed into more comfortable clothes.
"Has there been any progress?" he inquired.
"Not yet. Shana has stopped crying," Agus reported. Her four friends were acutely aware of Shana's past struggles in her relationship with Dirgan. They still harbored some resentment towards him.
"Let me talk to her. You can wait outside. Shana needs some peace," Dirgan requested. He gently placed his hands on Shana's shoulders, leaning against Crystal. Shana winced as her friends, including Teacher Novi, exited the room, leaving her alone with the source of her torment.
"I-I'm sorry... About earlier," Shana apologized nervously. She was wary of further escalating her already strained relationship with Dirgan.
"No problem," Dirgan assured her, gently wiping away the tears that had swollen her eyes.
"I will wash your uniform later," Shana offered.
"Deal." Dirgan sat down in front of her, pulling the chair closer and gently enclosing her within the confines of the medical room bed.
"Intan's father erupted in anger at the teacher's office yesterday, demanding answers about his daughter's death. Her mother frequently faints, unable to accept that their daughter died for no apparent reason. This isn't about a secret, Shana, but about the truth. They need to understand what happened to Intan so that she can finally rest in peace," Dirgan explained.
He reviewed his smile when he stared at Shana's trembling lips, which couldn't hold back the tears flowing faster.
"I'm emotional. I-Intan came to me with red cheeks; she seemed like she had been beaten. But... But, I avoided her," Shana confessed, taking a shaky breath.
"When was this?" Dirgan inquired.
"Four days before she committed suicide." Shana's sobs intensified as she uttered the chilling word. Dirgan stood up and gently cupped Shana's tear-streaked face.
"What else?" he asked softly.
"The skirt was bleeding, three days before she left. I-I also avoided her. I thought she had her period." Dirgan felt Shana's body trembling violently. She was struggling to breathe.
"Shana, tell me everything."
"T-tomorrow she was going to talk to me, but I dodged her again. I should have listened to her... I should have talked to her."
"Shana," he soothed.
"I shouldn't have ignored her. This is my fault."
"Shana!" he cautioned.
"She has no friends because—"
"Shana!" he interrupted.
"She is pregnant!" Shana cried out, her confession echoing through the room. Agus, the others, and even Teacher Novi were stunned into silence.
"She admitted that as she was about to jump," she said, "If only I had listened to her." I shouldn't have been so emotional and ignored her. I should have—' Shana groaned, the weight of guilt finally lifting as Dirgan embraced her, rubbing her head gently.
"It's okay... It's not your fault," he whispered.
***
The next day, Intan's case spread again. This time, they questioned who was the man responsible for Intan. The investigation was reopened, and all of Intan's friends were interrogated, including Shana, who was already weak. She finally did not go to school and was advised to rest at home. Dirgan accompanied Shana when she arrived with an uninvited guest: the police.
The police continued to search for any information that Shana knew about Intan. They had to find the person responsible for Intan's child. Maybe Shana could provide more information.
"That's all... All I know," Shana stated.
"Miss Shana, you have to give us a more specific answer. Please don't make it difficult. Say that—"
"Enough, she said that's all," Dirgan interrupted. He stared flatly at the police officer who had just received a little note from Shana.
"Sorry, Mr. Dirgan, we have to—"
"She said, 'That's all.' Didn't you hear? Shana is still sick. Think about her health," Dirgan insisted. The police officer then glanced at Shana, who looked pale. She blinked her eyes slowly, struggling to stay awake.
"Alright, we will come back if we need additional information. Hopefully, you get better soon." The police officer finally got up and left after two hours of questioning Shana.
"Thank you..." Shana murmured.
"It doesn't matter. I don't like the way he looks at you. Too intensely."
"He's a police officer, Dirgan. He is just doing his job."
"Still, no one should stare at you for a long time like that, other than me."
To Be Continued...