Arriving at the house, Reyhan continued to stare at the translated novel he had just bought. He kept his eyes on the cover design which looked very classic. Reyhan is also busy looking for a way so that he can meet Salsa again to give him the book. He kept thinking of many ways until unconscious, he fell asleep on his desk at home, with the novel still in his lap.
The next day, Reyhan ventured to send a short message to Salsa. He resigned whether later the woman would reply to his message or not.
While at Salsa's house, she found her cellphone ringing once. At that time Salsa was preparing to leave for her campus. Sabila and her mother were at the dining table and were finishing their breakfast. Salsa looked into her cellphone screen. There was written the name of a person who had been constantly filling his head. At first, Salsa was hesitant to open the message from Reyhan, but her curiosity made her desperate to open the message.
Reyhan : [Can I meet you later?]
Salsa hesitated again. He was afraid that what happened the other day would happen again. He was also afraid that his mother and Sabila would accuse him of all kinds of things again. However, after a few days the relationship between herself and her mother was getting better, Salsa agreed to Reyhan's invitation. She thought there must be something important until the man asked her to meet. After all, as long as Salsa asked Reyhan to stay away from him, the man didn't break his promise at all. And this is the first time Reyhan contacted Salsa again.
Salsa finally sent a reply to Reyhan. She was willing to spend her time meeting the man. Then he continued to prepare and joined the dining table with his mother and twins.
***
Salsa waited at the place according to what they had promised. A park where at that time Salsa had fallen asleep so sleepy. Because that's where they think is the best place to chat casually, compared to cafes or other places.
Ten minutes Salsa waited. From the side, he could see the man he had been missing for about a month. This time Reyhan wore a plain white t-shirt and black jeans. For a split second, Salsa was stunned to stare at Reyhan. In Salsa's eyes, Reyhan grew more handsome twice. Maybe it was because he hadn't seen her much in the past month either. However, Salsa hastily corrected her facial expression so that Reyhan wouldn't find out if she was admiring the boy.
"Sorry, yes, I was the one who asked, even I was late," said Reyhan who immediately sat next to Salsa. "I just finished work. I'm so sorry," he continued.
Sally shook her head. He didn't mind at all.
"No daddy. I just came quickly, "said Salsa.
Hearing Salsa's answer, Reyhan suddenly smiled. A mocking smile.
"Cie, miss me huh?" Reyhan asked, giggling to himself.
Without babe bu, Salsa immediately hit Reyhan's shoulder. "What is it? It's not funny!" he said, pursing his lips in annoyance.
"Ha ha ha. OK. I'm just kidding. Long time no see, I think you will change a little. Eh, it's not even the same. Stay fierce," said Reyhan again.
Salsa can only be silent said so. He hastily changed the subject. "By the way, why did you suddenly ask me to meet you here?"
Reyhan was silent for a moment. He was afraid if Salsa refused his invitation.
"Hey, there's actually something I want to give you. But, I also want to take you somewhere. How are you? Are you going to refuse my invitation?” Reyhan asked looking deep into Salsa's eyes.
Salsa was a little embarrassed because this was the first time a man had looked at her so deeply. Salsa also found that there was a great hope in Reyhan's eyes.
"Ah, um, where are you taking me? If it's for a while, it's okay. After all, my relationship with my mother has also started to improve.” Salsa answered with a sincere smile ending.
"Well, that's good news then." Reyhan looks very enthusiastic. Inside he was cheering happily.
"Then don't come with me. I guarantee you will like it. In fact, you will regret it if you refuse," Reyhan said excitedly. Before Salsa said yes, Reyhan had already grabbed Salsa's hand. The confused salsa just gave up. The two of them got on Reyhan's old motorbike and headed for a secret place.
The journey to get to the secret place is indeed a little complicated. The two of them had to pass through a potholed road and a forest with tall trees towering on either side of the road. Every now and then Reyhan slowed down his motorbike so as not to slip on a road full of mud.
"Hold it, Sa," said Reyhan.
Salsa stopped enjoying the scenery for a while, then answered Reyhan. ": Yes, why?"
However, Reyhan was confused. He didn't feel Salsa's hands wrapped around his waist.
"Whoa, where? Did you say you got hold of it?" Reyhan asked.
"Yes already. I'm the iron handle behind the seat, hahaha," said Salsa with a chuckle. He knew exactly what he meant.
Reyhan, who felt his intentions were known by Salsa, felt ashamed of himself. In his heart he was very disappointed. There's just this Reyhan.
About fifteen minutes later, Reyhan parked his motorbike at the edge of a lake. Salsa was mesmerized by the beauty in front of her eyes. He just kept staring at the lake whose water was clear blue without blinking. Even when Reyhan had turned off the engine and told Salsa to get off, Salsa still ignored Reyhan's words.
"I've never seen a lake as beautiful as this," Salsa muttered quietly. But Reyhan who was right next to him could hear it.
"Yeah, right, what I said earlier. You'll regret it if you refuse my invitation." Reyhan smiled proudly and looked at the beauty of the lake in their secret place.
The lake was the place where Reyhan and his late grandfather used to play together. Not far from there is a villa belonging to the family of Reyhan's late grandfather. Every school holiday, Reyhan and several of his cousins often visit there. It used to be a tourist destination that was crowded with visitors. For one reason or another, finally now the place is no longer visited by many people.
The water on the surface of the lake rippled with the wind. Its clear color makes anyone who sees it feel very peaceful. Around the lake is also overgrown with mangroves. On the south side there is a tree house that is still solid. Reyhan invited Salsa to go up to the tree house because the sun was starting to sting her head.
"Let's move to the tree house, shall we!" asked Reyhan who was nodded by Salsa. they both started up the stairs made of wood.