Chapter 4 Someone's Crying at the Pier

"Why?" asked Miora. "I just love surfing." He had a disappointed look on his face.

Maybe not only Miora and Ayana will be disappointed. Barjun had a number of students. Besides the tourists, he also taught several local young people to surf. Exercise every day. Barjun wants Mentawai youths to become famous surfers. And they are excited to practice.

"Sorry. I want to go to Bali."

"Bali?" repeated Ayana. "Bari ni mo ikitaidesu!" he shouted.

Barjon glanced at Miora. Don't know what Ayana said.

"He also wants to go to Bali, he said," said Miora explaining her friend's words.

"I didn't go alone. Invited by friends, " explained Barjun.

"Who with?" asked Miora too.

"May," said Barjun. He didn't even remember the woman's last name. Barjun told that he was invited by May to take part in a surfing competition on the island of Bali. They will practice in Bali before participating in the international competition.

Ayana said to Miora. "He asked who May was. Which person is he?" said Miora explaining Ayana's question.

"American. He's the surf manager in Hawaii."

Miora then conveyed Barjun's words to Ayana. They speak in Japanese.

"He asked can I come with you?" said Miora.

Barjun shook his head. "I can't decide."

When May arrived, she immediately decided that it was impossible for the two Japanese girls to come with them. The reason, he had to stop in Jakarta. Handling paperwork at the US Embassy in the capital. "It's good that we meet in Bali," said May as well.

"Good. We'll see you in Bali," said Miora. This girl expresses her disappointment that Barjun left. He is learning to surf.

"He wanted to be a professional surfer. You have to compete a lot to gain experience," said May, explaining that she would help Barjun achieve his wish. "In Bali there are also many surfing training places," he said.

*

This afternoon they left for Padang.

Some of the young people looked sad. They didn't expect Barjun to leave at all. They ask why Barjun suddenly left.

Barjun also explains his plan. May's plans against him. He said the main goal of the departure was to improve his abilities so that he could become a world-class surfing athlete. Not just for his personal benefit. But also for his homeland which has tourism potential. He will introduce Mentawai to the whole world.

"While I was away you practiced with Parjok," said Barjun. Parjok is a close friend of his who has been actively training with him for the past year. Even though he is not as advanced as himself, according to Barjun, Parjok has been able to train.

Barjun glanced at Parjok who was next to him. "While I'm away you train them. Prioritize physical exercise."

"Ready!"

There are also Miora and Ayana at Mulook Cafe. The two Japanese girls made sure they were going to Bali soon. Like the other surf students, both of them feel lost with the departure of Barjun.

May was talking to Bajak Yudeh in the inner room. Uncle Barjun again reminded May to carry out his plan with enthusiasm. He understands that there will be many challenges and obstacles that will be faced.

Yudeh asked May not only to act as manager, but also as a big brother to Barjun. In terms of age, May deserves to be called brother by Barjun. May 25 years. While Barjun is only 21 years old.

"You certainly understand how managers treat their fostered children. No problem firm and hard. As long as it's meant to improve his abilities," said Yudeh.

May promised to be a professional manager.

"When are you coming back to Mentawai?" asked Yudeh before they headed to the port.

"Maybe in a year?"

Judeh's eyes widened. In his estimation only about a week or two they left. a year? During the? Where have you been?

Barjun was shocked to hear that. He wished Bajak Yudeh would ask more questions.

Yudeh asked May to sit down again. He felt the need for May to provide a more complete explanation about the year. "Why so long?" he asked.

"There are several championships towards the end of the year. After in Bali, there will be championships in Bayuwangi and Lombok. Then in Nias, in Aceh and many other places. According to my records there are 11 championships. That's only in Indonesia. Not yet abroad, "explained May at length.

"Are you all following?"

"If Barjun can do it, why not?"

Yudeh immediately asked for confirmation from Barjun who was sitting beside him. Same with Yudeh, he was surprised by the time of year. I think it's only a few days. He was worried. But the doubt disappeared when he saw the seriousness on May's face.

"Okay! No problem," said Barjun for sure.

The Yudeh Plow still needs to be sure. "Really? Can you afford it?" he asked.

Barjun nodded firmly. "Sure, Jack!"

Then Yudeh reminded them not to push themselves. "Don't push yourself too much. Just follow what you can," said Yudeh, who was worried that it would affect Barjun if he forced himself to participate in all the championships.

May understands Yudeh's anxiety. "I will also train his stamina. He's physically capable," said the woman.

May also explained that each of the championships had a fairly long lag time. The closest is a month away. Will not have a negative impact on the stamina of surfers.

*

May had boarded the ship first.

Barjun greeted the men who escorted him to Maileppet Harbour. Most are student surfers and close friends. Not much was told. Finally, he embraced Bajak Yudeh. Both seemed at a loss for words. They hugged each other tightly and rubbed their backs.

Barjun held back sadly. Barjun sees them. See Mentawai land. He immediately turned around. Hurry up to the pier.

"Bang! Bang Jon!"

Barjun's steps stopped. He quickly turned his head towards the voice calling his name. A girl waved. He stepped quickly toward Barjun. He opened both hands. Immediately link it after Barjun's body is in his arms. The girl hugs Barjun.

Barjun gaped. The reflex of his hand embraced back.

"Careful. Hurry home huh?" he said.

Lucien's name. His close friend when he was in high school. One year below. Always together every time you go to or come home from school. On foot. Felt together in the same village. Muntei Village. It's quite a long walk to the school which is in the capital of South Siberut District. For safety reasons, they always walk in crowds.

Since they were no longer in school, they rarely saw each other. Occasionally meet when there is a traditional party or wedding. Their relationship is nothing more than close friends.

Why did he come to let me go? How did he know I was leaving? Barjun wondered inwardly.

Lusien let go of the hug. "This is my cell phone number," he said handing over a piece of paper with the numbers on it. Barjun keeps in his pocket.

An announcement was heard over the loudspeaker so that the passengers on the ship to Padang City were asked to board the ship because it was leaving soon.

"I'm leaving," said Barjun looking at Lusien. He seemed to see the strangeness in the girl's eyes. His eyes were foggy. Hey, what's this? Barjun's heart wondered. Before he could calm his heart, the announcement was heard again.

Barjun let go of Lucien's hand. He ran to the ship.

Being in the ship, Barjun couldn't hold his head. Looking out the window at a girl at the end of the pier. He waved. With the right hand. While his left hand rubbed the corner of the eye. He cries!

Barjun wasn't sure if Lusien knew his seat. But he made sure his eyes were not mistaken. The girl was still wiping her tears. She cries for me? Sad that I'm gone? Why is it showing now? Why when I'm about to leave?