GROWINGS
75

"Assallamualaikum, Mrs Nuriyanti. "

Ms. Nuriyanti looked over. His eyes widened instead of playing when he saw who said hello to him.

"Goddessalam..." Answer with great joy. "How are you doing?" He embraced one by one his students who have graduated and have been successful with their respective fields and jobs.

"Eka?! By Allah, I've got to pangling once with you." Said Ms. Fatma while continuing to look at the bangs teenager who has now transformed into a beautiful woman with her dark brown curly hair. "Tock her hair..."

"You know, ma'am, but I told you she doesn't pant with a haircut like that.." Tita stuck out her tongue at her best friend.

"Hmmm, Tita -- is this handsome guy your future husband?" Bu Nuriyanti asked with a probing look.

Tita's cheeks are red. "It's just an ordinary friend, ma'am.."

"Friends wear a double ring.." Julian Ledek.

"Hi all..!! How's it? You guys ready for today's game?" Ask Eka to her classmates.

"Who is sure." Kinno answered. "As long as they're under my guidance, they'll always bring home the trophy."

Self-confidence is possible. However, both Kinno and his juniors who took part in this annual cooking race -- they were too haughty and high-hearted.

Since the group of SMK Ellite Rovario arrived in the parking lot of Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, they immediately became the center of attention of students from other schools.

Although many students from other schools respect the students of SMK Ellite Rovario, but not a few who do not like the arrogant attitude shown by Kinno and his juniors

The road with your head held high. Never return a smile let alone a friendly greeting from other students.

Upon gazing, they must have stared cynically and lowly, students from other schools.

"Good morning, kids.."

"Grandmother Stevie...!!" I was very happy to welcome the old woman. "I miss Grandma Stevie.." He said while hugging tightly. "Last day, we met at the church during last year's Christmas celebration huh, grandma..?"

"And now, you've changed so much, Eka.."

"Ohhhhhhahhh.." Sheila took a long breath.

"You why?" Ask Tita.

"I suddenly remembered Dafa." Sheila's words, instantly made the aura around them change drastically. "I miss him so much, yeah.."

"Sheila..." Eka embraced her best friend. "I'm sure that now-Dafa is watching us from up there."

"It seems, Grandma heard someone was mentioning Grandma's granddaughter's name..."

"Grandmother Anggita..!!" Eka was really enthusiastic about welcoming Anggita Suryatama and his family.

"Why can we gather all these kayak gini yes..?" Chirped Gabriel while chuckling.

"Yes. I've also felt something strange since I got here.."

"What do you mean, Sheila?" Ask Tita.

"Anything. It's like there's a strong bond that's forcing us all to meet in this place."

"Sorry if you cut.." Ms. Nuriyanti slid forward. "Before I want to apologize to Ms. Anggita and Mr. Ardiansyah.."

"Mother Nuriyanti why should I apologize?" Anggita Suryatama throws a thin smile.

"Because what I'm about to say has to do with Dafa.."

The faces of Anggita Suryataman and Ardiansyah suddenly tense up. But the two agreed that Bu Nuriyanti would continue with her intention.

"Kids, can I just ask for a minute.. "

In just an instant, the bustling and boisterous atmosphere around him suddenly disappeared. Replacing with tense and serious faces.

Not only did the students of SMK Ellite Rovario and the teachers who took us this morning, come closer and pay close attention to Ms. Nuriyanti. But there are also many students from other schools, who also steal the view and hear from the principal of the most reluctant school in the country.

"Before I apologize profusely, if what I say - - offends you." Ms. Nuriyanti took a deep breath. "But I think I need to tell you that."

'To all participants, it is expected to re-register and take the number of participants. Thanks...!'

Ms. Nuriyanti nodded once. Then he resumed his sentence.

"All of you are our most wonderful and wonderful children. But--there's one thing that's very unfortunate." Bu Nuriyanti's voice turned hoarse. "Remember that the wheel of life will always turn. There will always be time. Sometimes we are at the top. And sometimes, we have to accept, when we have to be at the bottom.."

"What Mother Nuriyanti said is true." Ms. Fatma spoke. "The point is this is children, is it so hard, you guys to return smiles and greetings from other school students?" Ms. Fatma looked deeply at her students.

"Mom knows it's your right, to retaliate or not." Ms. Nuriyanti took over again. "But there's no harm in trying to be friendly to them?"

All the students of SMK Ellite Rovario did not dare to distract them from their principal.

"Had Dafa been in our midst, he would have been the first to be so angry about all of you." Bu Nuriyanti said as she wiped away her tears that suddenly pierced. "If you don't believe me, you can ask your senior brothers who are here.."

Eka, Sheila, Julian, Gabriel, Tita, and even Kinno flinched instead of playing. The six of them were like they had just been slapped so hard by a woman they admired and were very proud of in school.

"Have you ever seen Dafa walking with his head turned up and his face sour?" Ask Ms. Nuriyanti.

The six friends had no power to answer.

"Dafa, is the only mother student - - all of us - who can bring SMK Ellite Rovario, not only respected by other schools here. But in the international world - he can bring other schools to their knees.." Again, Ms. Nuriyanti wiped her tears. "But---what with that, then make it a proud and arrogant person?"

Ms. Fatma rubbed Ms. Nuriyanti's back.

"You can ask these sisters -- how Dafa helps other students in the middle of the race. And there was not the slightest trace of fear on his face, if by doing so, he would be outmatched.." Connect Ms. Fatma.

"One that mother will not be able to forget, and maybe you too -" Ms. Nuriyanti turned her face to the five students first. "When we first got into a race like this - and we were really shy, low self-esteem - feeling that we were facing a very bad dream.."

"And it was then that Dafa approached the students from another school - introducing us all to them.." Sheila's on the line.

"And there is no feeling of inferiority let alone condescension. No matter what anyone else looks at him.. " Eka chiming.

"Mom didn't ask for anything from you. I just asked you guys to--"

"BUDDY..!!"

Bu Nuriyanti's voice stopped because she heard a voice. A voice that reminded him and some of the people around him -- of that figure.

"Excuse me-excuse me... I want to pass. Sorry..."

Their eyes kept on shining. Look for the owner of the voice.

"Nata!! You're Nata Darmawan, aren't you..!?"

And there, at a distance of not two hundred meters, they all saw the figure.

"If Nata is here, does that mean students from the Nata Institute will take part in this race as well?!"

"YOU GUYS, I'M HERE...!!"

Sheila barely blinked when she saw that figure. "Becch..." Lirih. "Why he... Oh my God, why does he remind me of him..."

"Yes, they're there. I'll introduce them all to you later."

DEGH...!!

Kinno's heart stopped beating. I don't know how many years he and the figure had never seen a face directly, since the incident at the tomb of Dafa at that time.

Nata stopped right in front of Kinno and the other Ellite Rovario SMK troupe.

"Nata..."

Nata turned his face to Bu Nuriyanti. "Good morning. You must be Ms. Nuriyanti. SMK Principal Ellite Rovario." Nata greeted warmly.

Unexpectedly, this very sudden appearance immediately seized the attention of many people. They all immediately crowded together, and pointed the camera at Nata's figure.

"You haven't changed much Mother Nuriyanti.."

"SISTER NATA...!!"

Nata waved his hand at Hassel. Until Hassel and the others came closer.

"Where the hell is Nata?! Are you tired of nyariin?!"

"I just took the number of the participant, Hassel."

"Keep, what number?"

Nata smiled widely while showing a white flag to Hassel and the others.

"Thirteen."

"HAHA-HHH?! HOW ABOUT THIRTEEN?! THAT'S AN UNLUCKY NUMBER, SISTER NATA!!"

"You must not be ashamed!" Sizzle Sandra.

"But it's a real mommy, thirteen's an unlucky number!"

"Crazy, the Nata Institute kids are so cool!"

"If they were to actually participate in this match, I bet, surely SMK Ellite Rovario would not be able to win against them!"

"Nata, may we ask you a question!!" One by one the reporters began asking questions.

The situation that began not conducive to this, made the personal guards Nata take action. They immediately made a barricade, so that Nata did not get pinched.

But here, Nata still looks relaxed and calm. He asked the bodyguards to move away.

"If you want to ask, please alternate.."

"Nata, is it with you coming here - does that mean the Nata Institute will be taking part in today's match?"

Nata nodded. "Of course it is."

"What are your preparations for this annual match?"

"I'm just encouraging and supporting my friends. Convince them, that they should be able to bring out all the best abilities they have."

"Who do you think is the strongest opponent in this match? And is there a special tactic you'll use later?"

"The strongest opponent?" Nata was silent for a moment. Then a smile spread across his face. "All the schools present here - this morning - are the strongest opponents I cannot underestimate. About the special stratagem -- I --"

"Nata, they've arrived." Sandra whispers.

"Sorry I'm delaying you for a second. Because my friends just came."

Nata also asked for a way to approach a large, shiny black bus that looked very luxurious and elegant. Even the operational bus belonging to SMK Ellite Rovario was nothing compared to the black bus.

Nata was on that bus for a long time. Until everyone wonders. Actually, what he's doing in there.

Ten minutes later, the middle door of the bus opened. And Nata, being the first to descend from it.

"Now, let me introduce you all-to my best friends."

One by one the Nata Institute students got off the bus. But everyone's expression, was unfathomable when they saw the figures who had just come down from the luxurious bus.

"They're my friends, who're going to race today."

"Are you guys, aren't they too small?"

"I think they're only 10 or 11 years old.."

"Is he making a joke?"

More and more people are whispering about Nata's words. Because, they all thought that the representatives of the Nata Institute who will participate in the race are, who are now standing opposite to Nata.

But apparently, they were all wrong. Because, the representatives of the Nata Institute who will take part in the race, are those who have just got off the luxury bus.

"Nata, are you sure they can win this race?"

"Of course." Nata shrugs his shoulders. "I believe in every one of their best abilities. And no matter what happens, I will still support them."

"Nata, what do you think Kinno is?"

Nata was instantly silent. He did not know that he would get a question that he thought was very silly and tickling.

"I think --"

Kinno continued to focus his attention on Nata. He was so nervous about what answer Nata would make of him, in front of journalists and the public.

"He's the best friend-sister-best I've ever had."

Kinno swallowed. He found that there were so many pairs of eyes staring at him.

"I know him, it's a fortune in my life." Nata's voice sounded so calm. "He taught me a lot. And he's also the one who made me stand up like I am today."

"Na - ta.."

"Without Kinno, maybe the Nata Institute would never have existed." Nata breathed a moment. "You may all think that Nata Institute is the best school with a myriad of achievements and awards that we have earned. But from my deepest heart - SMK Ellite Rovario is the best school that can never be replaced.."

Sheila put the two palms together in front of her chest. "What feeling is this -- Why am I..."

"Try now you see them--" What Nata meant was all the residents of SMK Ellite Rovario who were present this morning. "The school was filled with great and wonderful people."

"Is he degrading us?" A student of SMK Ellite Rovario.

"There was Mr. Martin Luther, Mr. Anthony Groobery, Grandma Stevie, Kinno and his five companions, too - highly competent teachers and experts in their fields."

"Is this a compliment from him? Or the opposite..." Murmuring other students.

"And you know, I had to fight alone to raise the Nata Institute.."

"Dafa --"

Nata reflexes to look. But he could not escape when the old, weak and wrinkled hand reached his hand.

The eyes of the two met for a moment. Everyone around them, as if somewhat of a distance.

"You-Dafa my grandson..." Anggita Suryatama's voice sounded very fragile. "Becch..."

Nata took a short breath. His face changed a little. Obviously, the change made Sandra anxious and worried. He was afraid that Nata would do something ----

The young man even half-kneeled in front of the old lady and her wheelchair. "grandmother..."

Anggita Suryatama's lips tremble. He looked at his son. "Did you see Ardiansyah? This is Dafa.."

"I'm Nata, grandma. Not Dafa.." Say Nata slowly but firmly. And back, the eyes of the two met again.

"But--- why are you--- Dafa..."

"If grandma thinks I'm Dafa, I really feel very flattered."

Nata was really the center of attention of everyone that morning. Even though the mouths of journalists and people were locked tightly, the sound of camera shots that captured his figure never stopped being heard.

"But some things you should know.." Nata is back. "Dafa-is the luckiest person in the world.." Nata slightly raised his head. "He had grandmothers, fathers, brothers, friends and people who would always be there to support him." Now he spread his gaze to the people in front of him. Kinno is no exception. "But Grandma Anggita can see me, right?"

"Nata..."

"I only have Aunt Sandra and Hassel." Nata connected his sentence. "And even -- I'm here - stood alone to fight for everything. Unlike Dafa who certainly has Kinno who will always stand side by side with him - and also his five best friends who will never forget him - - until anytime.."

Anggita's tears fell. His old hand was weak, trying to get back Nata's hand.

"But you--"

Nata slightly bent his body. He swept the old woman's tears with his fingers. "Grandmother Anggita don't be sad. Because of my presence here, not to make anyone sad.." Unexpectedly, Nata landed a warm kiss on the forehead of Anggita Suryatama.

"Nata..."

"Oh yeah- sometime, I can play to Dafa's orphanage right, grandma..?"

"Of course, Nata. Please come whenever you want.."

"You guys..." Nata now circulates his views to the students of SMK Ellite Rovario. "Come visit and play games at my school. Because the Nata Institute is open to anyone..."

"Nata, it's time we came in.." Sandra whispers.

Nata also nodded. "I almost forgot.." Nata stopped his steps.

"What the hell is that?!" Hassel.

"Kinno, we finally meet again huh.." Nata stared at the figure fixedly. "My school got the number thirteen. But, you need to know -- I'm going to prove to everyone that this number is not an unlucky number. But a lucky number for the Nata Institute. Because it is we who will bring home the trophy of victory.."

Sheila held her head up. Looking at the goals of the phenomenal figure. "Didn't Dafa ever say the same thing..?"

"Is it possible that he is..." Gabriel gulped. His body creeped out instantly.

"Sir...!!"

Abel suddenly shouted very loudly once.

"Abel, who else call?" Inu asked as he stroked the head of his son.

"Sister, papah. Blue-eyed brother who was ngajakkin Abel at that time Mas Abi walk see dolphins.."

Instantly the attention of those people split. Especially Kinno who was really so panicked was incredible.

When his little heart said strongly that Nata was Dafa. But at the same time, he had to be faced with another figure.

"Where is that brother, baby?" Ask Trinity.

"Disana. He stood behind the man in white. Isn't that right, Mas Abi?"

"Hmmmpp..!!" Abi nodded. "The brother will come, because he wants to see papah, mama, friends, teachers and family.."

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