GO FOR A TIME

It was decided half a year later when Gita was already at the end of her junior high school exam. Only then was Barra allowed to apply. Barra had to be satisfied with the decision of Gita's parents who did not refuse but gave conditional blessing like that.

Whatever decision the Gita family makes, it is solely for their happiness. Letting Gita be happy with her choice, but still directing a good path for Gita's future.

There is nothing wrong with tying up feelings from an early age as long as the bond is not abused by the partner who runs it. That's what the Gita family is currently guarding.

The closeness of Gita and Barra must always be monitored closely. To avoid slanted talk from residents, Barra no longer stays at Mr. Hasan's house. And also if Barra wanted to pick up Gita from school, they had to get home on time every noon.

At least that's the steps that Gita's parents can take to look after their children. No matter how strong a person's determination is, if there is even a little gap for the devil to enter, then that person's determination will run out.

Especially for Gita and Barra, the youngs who are in love who can lose control when they are close together.

However, it seems that Mr. Hasan's family can take some temporary relief. The reason is, Barra got a job transfer from the company where he currently works to Malaysia again.

Barra is a young worker with good performance and is very much needed in a newly established branch of the company, like it or not, Barra must follow the rules.

"Do your best there, Barra. We will take care of the Gita here. Don't make your temporary separation a burden and sadness. Strengthen your will to work better there. What you do will also be good for Gita," Mr. Hasan advised Barra.

"I am not strong, Dad. Will I be strong enough not to meet Gita for that long?" Barra answered honestly. Falling in love makes him a stupid and innocent young man. It was as if he was a teenager instead of Gita.

"You have to be able to endure that longing, Bro! I'm fine anyway. You have to be enthusiastic and hopefully, this is a good thing for your career, Bro. I will support you and wish you well from here!" continued Gita who came with a tray of tea and a jar of snacks.

Gita sat beside her father, both of whom watched the gloomy face of Barra who had just received the news.

"You see, don't you? Gita alone has no problem with your leaving! Are you going to lose to her, huh?" Mr. Hasan said to Barra.

Barra was silent after being teased. Then he smiled after making sure to decide to leave.

"Alright, I'll leave in peace. Please take care of the Gita for me, Dad!" Barra asked with a smile.

"I've never been naughty, you know? Don't be the naughty one!" Gita refused while pursing her lips.

"Dad will be my witness if I misbehave later!" said Barra asking for Mr. Hasan's testimony.

Although it looks weird and funny, that's the best for Barra and Gita. If Barra comes to Gita's house, there will always be a third person accompanying them, so that things don't happen that are not desirable.

What era are they in? When out there, the relationship of teenagers who are dating is too free without limits. But they instead build a strong fence of their closeness to maintain the common good.

The day arrived when Barra's scheduled departure was out of town. Before taking the flight, Barra called Gita to say goodbye.

Although Barra did not see Gita's expression at this time, Barra knew that Gita was also saddened by his departure.

"You can pretend to be tough in front of mom and dad, Gita. But not with me. I know you're sad too but you cover your sadness so mom and dad don't worry, don't you?" Barra said on the phone.

Gita did not answer and only heard the occasional sob in Barra's ear.

"Don't cry, Gita. I'll have a hard time leaving. As you told me, you will be strong enough to withstand this longing because I will also do the same thing in a new place later," continued Barra again.

"You can't be naughty and forget that I'm here waiting for you always!" asked the Gita quietly.

"Yes, I promise not to be naughty and will guard my heart just for you. I'm going first, yeah! The plane is about to leave. Later when I arrive at the same, I will call you again. Assalamualaikum, Gita… I love you…" Barra said softly before saying goodbye and turning off his cell phone.

"Waalaikumsalam, Bro. I love you too..." Gita answered softly even though Barra was not listening to her voice anymore.

Since that day, Gita and Barra have been in a long-distance relationship. Every one of them felt the sadness of being in such a relationship.

In addition to not seeing each other and only meeting face to face even if only by video connection, both of them are committed to trusting each other.

Barra does his job well and diligently. Although many young women his age had started to approach him, he was not tempted.

Barra kept himself busy not wasting too much time relaxing like most young people. Or like his co-workers there. As much as possible, Barra never missed the overtime offered by his boss. And it gives good results.

In addition to getting a fairly large additional salary bonus, Barra also minimizes his socializing to often gather with his colleagues there outside of working hours, especially female colleagues.

Barra only focused on work and upon arrival at home (a facility from the office) he immediately informed his idol who was far away.

Meanwhile, Gita, who was left behind, continues to live her daily life at school with the distraction of friends who like her. However, Gita tries to be patient and not provoke anger even though Gita is very tired of being harassed continuously.

There is still Zaki who always terrorizes her with a cynical look when he sees Gita being approached by his male friend.

But Gita doesn't care and is even lazy to think about the assumptions that Zaki throws at her. Gita just wants to focus on studying and studying.

When after school, Gita always tells Barra the news about her daily life at school, even though she knows Barra will reply to her messages late at night.

Not comfortable, right? But this is the best way that God made to keep their association. Keep their affectionate relationship away to avoid the greedy young lust that will be fatal for both of them.

***

If the rain is longing, that longing is you and I am willing to fall and get wet.

Even though I can't hold the drops, I can feel every drop.

Raindrops are like you. Even though you are far away, I can't reach and I can't hug you.

But my heart can always feel that your shadow always surrounds my heart.

I don't seem willing. I don't want you to stay.

But this step is the best and hopefully, this longing will strengthen us.

Until later when your pair of eyes fixated on me. And vice versa.

Even though your warmth is far away, it's okay because your name is very close and close to my heart.

I'm sick of missing you...

Those are some of the handwritings that Gita wrote as an expression of her longing for Barra. A few months after Barra left, Gita turned into a quiet and more often alone in her room or daydreaming in the tree in front of her house.

Her daily life is only done to worship, serve her parents, and school. It felt like the smile that Gita had brought Barra there.

Slowly, each of them began to accept the distance that was spread. Barra continues to be busy with his work and Gita is busy with her graduation exams.

It's not that they don't miss it anymore, but every time they communicate like that, it reminds them more that there is a big wall that lies between them. Which seems to keep reminding 'you are not by my side in each other's hearts.

"Assalamu'alaikum, my dear Gita... I hope you pass today, okay!" said Barra in a short message sent to Gita's cell phone.

Today is the graduation announcement day at Gita's school. Before leaving for work, Barra always had time to greet his lover. Vice versa. They start the day with expressions of affection even though they are far apart.

"Wa'alaikumsalam, Aamiin. Hopefully, I graduate with satisfactory results, Bro. Good job too, Bro Barra who is cool! Have a nice day for us!" Gita replied with a smile.

This morning at Gita and Galih's school, it was not as crowded as usual. Parents accompany their children to watch their Junior High School graduation day. No exception Gita's parents attended. Because by chance Ganesha was on leave, so he took his official office car to take his family to his younger siblings' schools.

The event after the event took place with wisdom. The atmosphere was also lively with the applause of the parents who watched the show their children put on.

Until the peak event, namely the distribution of graduation letters for their sons and daughters at the end of this school year. One by one the names of the students were called alphabetically from their respective classes.