Seventeen

And this is what happened.

Tama who was flanked by Eshika and Laura, both stood in front of Mrs. Linda, who elaborated on the reason for summoning the three of them. Of course because of what happened in the cafeteria earlier. Mainly because the commotion had shattered some of the cafeteria equipment.

"This has absolutely nothing to do with Eshika, Ma'am," said Tama. "Indeed the first to fight were Eshika and Laura, but it was all my fault. Eshika is the victim here instead."

Eshika glanced at Tama who said next to her. In her heart she said.

Don't think you talk like this, it means I'll forgive you, Tam.

Mrs. Linda took a deep breath.

"So, what's your real problem?"

Tama glanced at Laura to her right. "Laura is jealous of Eshika, Ma'am."

Mrs. Linda's eyes closed dramatically. She nods. "Scramble over you, Tam?"

"No, ma'am!" replied Eshika quickly.

Mrs. Linda, Tama, and Laura immediately turned to Eshika who immediately raised her hand in front of her chest while shaking her head repeatedly.

"Tama and I are fine, ma'am. Really, ma'am. Oath! I'm not lying, ma'am."

Mrs. Linda stared.

"I really didn't take Tama away from anyone," continued Eshika. "Laura is the one who misunderstood me."

Mrs. Linda's hands waved in front of her face. "I have nothing to do with your love story. What matters to me is that because of you the school canteen became a mess and some equipment had to be replaced."

Mrs. Linda looked at the three of them in turn.

"Who do you think should be responsible?"

"In my opinion, who ruined it, ma'am," answered Tama confidently.

Because obviously, Eshika couldn't have been angry so blindly that she damaged the school cafeteria facilities. And indeed, it was all Laura's doing.

Mrs. Linda sighed. Puts a white envelope on her desk.

"Laura, here is your parent's summons. Remember! Parent! Not a hired guardian like the one you brought last time when you messed with Kiki first."

Eshika's hairs growled.

Wow! Really. I think this time Tama got a psycho girl fan.

She gulped.

"But don't think the three of you will escape social punishment," said Mrs. Linda. "After school is over, the three of you have to clean the school canteen. Including washing dishes and mopping the floor. Before it's clean and tidy, don't expect you to go home. I'll have the school security guard watch over you later."

The three students raised their faces in unison. Intend to appeal.

"It's Laura's fault, ma'am. I'm the victim here."

"I'm just helping Eshika, Ma'am. Why are you being punished too?"

"I already called my parents. Isn't that enough, ma'am?"

Mrs. Linda shook her head. "This is a lesson. So that all of you can think twice before acting and causing chaos at school."

There was nothing the three of them could do but nod obediently to accept Mrs. Linda's punishment. When they came out of the BK room, Eshika immediately confronted Laura.

"What's the use of a pretty face but an empty brain huh?! It's like a lowly girl just messing around because of a guy."

Laura crossed her arms. "What's the use of a smart brain but not beautiful? So you can only tease guys, right?"

"Wow!" Eshika exclaimed as she advanced towards Laura. "How about one on one, Lau?"

Tama immediately grabbed Eshika's hand. "Esh…, we are still in front of the BK room. Just got out, not even five minutes. Is it time to come back in?"

Eshika furiously jerked her hand away from Tama's grip. "Watch out, Tam. Just look!"

Tama's brow furrowed.

What should I see?

Until then, Eshika decided to leave from there. Leaving Tama who immediately berated Laura.

"I really tried to speak in a nice way, Lau. Once again what are you doing Eshika like before, I really don't stay silent. Hell, how would people say that."

Laura choked. "You really like her?"

"I don't like her!" growled Tama. "But ..."

Argh!

Tama swallowed her words again.

"If you don't like her, why are you protecting her all huh?!"

Tama took a deep breath. Trying to calm himself in the face of Laura. Until then he said.

"According to your brain, Lau," he hissed. "How can I not protect her if you've been physically playing with her huh? In all his life, she had never been humiliated like this. Do you know what you did to her? You humiliated her in front of everyone. And you made her called a BK teacher."

"That's my lesson for her."

Tama on her hips. "Are you dumb or tli? I told you I don't like you, Lau. And I have another girl that I love. Got you?!"

Laura fell silent again. Tama who saw the girl could only growl repeatedly. Argh! I don't know why it's all messed up like this.

Meanwhile, Eshika, who returned to her class, ignored the task given by Mr. Marwanto before he left because of an urgent business. Come and come, she just sobbed. Velly surprisingly welcomed Eshika in his arms.

"Eh…, what are you doing, Esh?"

Eshika was really crying. The girl was confused. From being embarrassed in the canteen. Plucked and smothered in orange juice. And when he retaliated, he was beaten. And as a complement, he was even called a BK teacher. And it all happened because of one person. Tama!

The whole class compactly looked at Eshika. More or less they could understand Eshika's feelings. Yes maybe. The model student was finally called by the BK teacher because of the boy problem.

Velly slightly unraveled Eshika's embrace. Give the girl a tissue and help Eshika wipe her tears.

"Ta-Tama.... That boy...." Eshika tried to speak in between her sobs. But, her throat suddenly became fiber.

Velly went to get the drinking water in her bottle, but it was gone.

"This ...."

Eshika and Velly instantly looked at the one outstretched bottle. Alex offered with a faint smile.

"Your throat must be dry," Alex said understandingly. "Just drink. Let your feelings also become more relieved."

Hesitantly, Eshika reached for the water bottle. Open it slowly and drink it slowly. It didn't take long for the water to slide down his throat. It calmed her down a bit.

"So how was it? You weren't scolded by Mrs. Linda like that, were you?" asked Velly.

Eshika shook her head. "We were told to clean the school canteen when we got back. Only Laura has to bring her parents."

Velly and Alex nodded.

"Yes," said Alex as he rubbed Eshika's upper arm. "Don't think too much about it. People also know how Laura is."

"Yeah…, but still. She bumped into me because of a misunderstanding. And until now she has never apologized to me."

Alex cleared his throat. "Misunderstanding?"

"Yes, of course! She accused me. She said that I snatched Tama from her. Of course she didn't use her brain anymore. Just talk about it," Eshika chirped with emotion. "It really just annoys me."

Velly smiled grimly as she wiped the drops of sweat that were running down Eshika's face. "Stop it. Then she'll be tired of herself."

Eshika pouted. "A psycho girl like her is crazy! It won't stop if it's not finished. But, watch out. She's looking for trouble with me next time, I'll beat her up for real it's a girl."

"Well, that's why," said Velly. "I'm even worried that she won't stop until there are facts that lie in front of her that confirm that you really have nothing to do with Tama."

Eshika's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

"Yeah, just look for a girlfriend, Esh. But, yes, don't go out with Tama. That way Laura will definitely back off on a regular basis." Velly smiled as if she was proud of the idea she just said.

While Eshika just shook his head.

"How's it going? My idea is good, right?"

"That's the worst idea," replied Eshika wearily.

"Why?"

Eshika and Velly turned to Alex who was asking.

"Isn't that a good idea?"

"Ha ha ha ha."

Eshika laughed stiffly. She shook her head sheepishly. As much as possible she glared imperceptibly at Velly, but her best friend was the type of person who was insensitive to her surroundings. She didn't understand the hint given by Eshika.

Velly actually looked even more enthusiastic when she offered the benefits of his brilliant idea.

"Esh..." Alex said then. "After school, how about we go for a while?"

"Eh?"

Velly next to Eshika seemed to wink at the gaping Eshika. Eshika looked more and more awkward.

"I-I have to clean up the cafeteria."

"I'm know. I will help you. Let's finish quickly."

Eshika didn't know what to say, especially since Alex then returned to his seat.

Lowering her hand, Eshika pinched Velly's thigh.

"Ouch! Why the hell, Esh?"

Eshika growled. Whisper softly with full emphasis.

"What are you doing talking about that in front of Alex?"

Velly frowned. Moments later, he gaped in horror. "Sorry. I kind of forgot that in the past he shot you."

Eshika's eyes closed.

"I don't want him to suddenly think I'm going out with him, Vel."

Velly showed his guilty face. Just when Tama entered the classroom with a face still showing annoyance.

Suddenly Velly asked quietly.

"Rather than with Tama right?"

*

tbc ....