"Are you gonna apply for the debate competition?"
I pulled my head up. Half-heartedly. My right hand was still filling in a short form. And Iqbal popped up out of nowhere and took a seat besides me.
"Hi, Bal! You just came from home? Any classes to attend?" Smiling outside while being grumpy inside is not a big deal at all. I manage to do it like almost all the time.
"Introduction to Literature. Class B. So, is this the form for the competition?" He asked again.
I nodded. "When I was in high school, I used to join this kind of competition. So, I think it will be a good way for me to use the wits that I have. Are you also interested in it?"
"No. But Aruna is. I think she's a strong candidate. Everybody encourages her to do so."
Iqbal was really insensitive. But how could he become sensitive if I have never told anything about it?
"Sure! She's the perfect candidate, but.. err, I met Miss Intan yesterday and she questioned why I wasn't applying, so I decided to give it try. You know. Nothing to lose." Thanks, Iqbal. You made me lie. Wish he would never clarify my statement to Miss Intan.
"Well, if that's the case, I wish you luck, Desiree. You also have the potential."
"I'm flattered, Bal," I said, trying to sound thankful.
"Frankly speaking, I personally vote for you instead of Aruna. I don't know exactly but.. since she becomes closer to Mazmur, I sense something has changed with him. He is not Mazmur, the one that I knew before. Do you feel the same, Desiree?"
Imaginary flowers poured down over my body.
"Really? In what ways has Mazmur changed?"
"I'll tell you something. But please keep this secret. I trust you."
For the next 30 minutes, complaints were flowing from Iqbal's mouth. He was being honest. And I was being a good listener. As always. While he was speaking, I was making a mental note. Perhaps, I now have a new company. For the second time, rain of imaginary flowers fell.
[D]
