Chapter 2 Like Winning in a Bet

It's not hard to nod your head or say "Okay!" Move your head a little. Or just open your mouth a little. All answered. But Barjun shook his head. It wasn't that easy for him.

He had to first talk to Yudeh, his mother's younger brother who was usually called the Bajak Yudeh. Bajak (uncle) is the one who accommodates and supports him since his parents died. Bajak Yudeh who paid for his schooling until he finished high school. Barjun has made Bajak Yudeh as his parents.

Bajak Yudeh has a drinks cafe on the beach. Barjun helps out at the cafe. Since he graduated from school, his days are mostly spent in cafes. If he doesn't surf, he helps what he can at the cafe. The place where they were sitting now was Bajak Yudeh's cafe.

Bajak Yudeh is not in Mentawai now. He was shopping in Padang. If there is no other business, maybe he will come home tomorrow. This important decision must be approved. Barjun dared not decide for himself.

"I need to ask Uncle's permission. He is now shopping in Padang," explained Barjun after searching for the right words to describe. He decided he had to tell May the real reason.

"When is he coming back?" asked May immediately.

"Maybe tomorrow."

May nodded. "Okay! We are waiting for him to come home," he said later.

In his heart Barjon prayed that Bajak Yudeh really came home tomorrow. Barjun's prayer was heard by God. The next afternoon, Bajak Yudeh returned from Padang.

After bringing in all his groceries and Bajak Yudeh taking a coffee break, Barjun told Meylane's offer.

Bajak Yudeh listened with interest. But he didn't believe it. He wanted to meet the woman in person. Bajak Yudeh plow told Barjun to call Maylane. The woman was staying at a resort not far from their cafe.

"We'll just have to wait. He's definitely coming," said Barjun who wanted to talk a lot with Bajak Yudeh before May came.

"You really want to go with him?" Bajak Yudeh asked Barjun's heart.

Barjun expressed his desire to accept the offer. For him, the offer was one of the doors to realizing his dream of becoming a surfer. It has become his determination to take advantage of the potential of the beaches and waves in the Mentawai to support himself.

Mentawai has a lot of tourism potential. In the sea, beach and forest. Many have been managed. But not maximal. And it's more used by other people. Barjun needs to come along. I don't want to be just a spectator.

One thing that Barjun believes is in accordance with his desire is to become a surfer. Become a professional surfer. He wants to be determined to be the first Mentawai youth to become a world-class surfer. "That has become my determination!" he said.

"If that's your wish, I support it," said Bajak Yudeh.

"I really want to, Jak. Since a long time ago."

"Are you ready yourself? Mentally ready? Everything ready?"

Barjun quickly nodded. The heart is fixed. However, there is still a bit of a wedge. "I still can't believe the offer. Can they be trusted?"

Bajak Yudeh laughed. "I haven't even met him yet. How could you believe it?" His teeth were black from smoking.

Added with a serious face. "But I need to remind you. Whatever the choice, must be carried out wholeheartedly. Truly."

"I will always remember that, Jak," said Barjun which made Bajak Yudeh's heart relieved.

Soon May came. A young blonde woman. Short half neck. Wear a light, tight sweater. With knee-length shorts. The body is proportioned with a pronounced bulge in front.

She walked like a model showing in door on the beach. Bajak Yudeh waited with unblinking eyes. May smiled when she was in front of their table.

"Please!" said Bajak Yudeh pointing to a chair.

Maylane sat down after greeting Bajak Yudeh. "I have been in Bali for a long time. Can speak Indonesian," he explained with a laugh.

Bajak Yudeh laughed happily. "Wow, that's good. We can speak fluently."

May confirmed. "Yes, yes."

"You're a surf coach?" asked Bajak Yudeh to the point.

"Not a coach. But I really like the sport. "

"How come you know Barjun's abilities?"

May opened her lips. "I live on the beach too. On Makapu'u Beach. It's the beach with the best waves for surfing in Hawaii. I know all the surfers there " explained May as well.

"You're their manager?"

Maylane laughed again. Wider. "Yeah, that's it," he said with a few nods of his head.

Bajak Yudeh was not wrong. "What do you think of Barjun's potential?" he asked, glancing at the young man next door.

May sipped coffee. Barjun looked on with round eyes. Waiting for the woman's mouth to speak.

"So much potential!" May looked at Bajak Yudeh and Barjun in turn. "I only saw the video. His abilities

are extraordinary."

Bajak Yudeh glanced at Barjun out of the corner of his eye. He believed in May's judgment. His nephew really likes surfing.

"Just a little practice, well, he will win!" May said again.

"Then what is your plan?"

Maylane explains the program. Barjun must try the waves on another beach. Apart from the Mentawai. The plan is to go to Bali. May has several coaches there. Barjun could test his skills in Bali. And the beaches in the surrounding area. Lots of great places there. Practice under the supervision of a professional trainer.

"In the next two months there will be a competition there. World level competition. Well, Barjun needs to come along. We'll find out what he's capable of. The competition was his first test," said Maylane, ending her explanation.

"Then what kind of cooperative relationship do you want?" asked Bajak Yudeh again.

Maylane smiled with blinking eyes. "I prepared capital for six months. To practice, eat, drink. For all. After that rely on the operations of the results of the race. Fifty-fifty of the prize distribution for the competition. That's my plan." Maylane raised her eyes at Barjun and Bajak Yudeh.

Barjun, who had not made a sound since sitting down, expressed his agreement. But only in my heart. Bajak Yudeh agrees with Maylane's plan. To him it was a sensible program. Acceptable. But he couldn't decide. He needed Barjun's approval.

"Have you heard? How do you feel, Jon?" Bajak Yudeh did not glance. He even turned his face and body. Completely on Barjun.

There wasn't much to think about Barjun anymore. He immediately conveyed what was stored in his heart. Agree! Barjun nodded his head repeatedly confirming his agreement.

"Do you agree?" asked Bajak Judeh. He needs talk. Not just a nod.

"Agreed, Jak!"

Maylane let out a breath. Her face is whiter and brighter. He didn't hide a smile. His eyes turned to Bajak Yudeh. "You agree too?" May asked.

Bajak Yudeh grinned happily. His right hand patted Barjun's shoulder. "If he agrees, I certainly can't refuse. Is that so?"

Not only Bajak Judeh. Maylane and Barjun laughed. The three laughed happily. They are like winning bets.