Hello, Mr! How are you?
Here I am again in my old school, SMAN 1 Majalengka—a highschool in a small city in West Java, Indonesia. Here all the tiny bits of joys, tears, embarrassments, regrets formed in such a short space of time. I notice that everything is still the same, except the fact that I am now an alumni and I come with a boyfriend. Yes, a boyfriend. No, I mean, my boyfriend. He insisted on accompanying me to get my diploma that I haven’t taken since I graduated about a year ago. I am a bit nervous to be honest, but well I came all the way here, so whatever happens, happens. Let’s go! Let’s do this!
***
We walk through the gate. I see students start staring and I hear them mumbling.
“Hey! A bule!” from my left side. That word, though. Well, bule is a commonly used word in Indonesia to describe a foreigner, especially Caucasian. However, I always find that word somehow irritating. Don't ask me why.
“Look at that! A bule come to our school!” from my right side.
“Wow he is so handsome and tall! ” from nowhere— I don’t really know.
“Who is that girl beside him? She is Indonesian! Are they together though?”
We are. Duh.
“No way! He is too handsome for her!”
Girl… Seriously?
“Hello, Mr! How are you?” shouted a random male student from a far. Alright, the thing I feared most just came out of nowhere, without any warning. He must be so uncomfortable! Oh, he's smiling! Wait, what does that smile means? I really want to ask but no words can seem to come out of my mouth. I just find myself speechless and motionless.
God, this is only the beginning. Okay, I don’t hear anything. I am awesome. Let’s walk to the committee room! Yeah!
***
"Karolin!” shouted Bu Letty, my math teacher. She always mispronounces my name. Well, it’s not only her who does that, but literally almost all teacher in this school, as well as students. Claimed my name is kind of hard for Indonesian, especially Sundanese to pronounce, they pick whatever name that is way easier. I have been annoyed enough, yet I am so exhausted having to correct them every time, so I just accept and try to understand their pronounciation difficulty.
“Bu Letty! You still remember me?” I replied while give her a salaam.
“Of course I still remember you! Oh look at you. You are so slim now! Those chubby cheeks are gone too!”
S..slim? Am I? The word I’ve been longing to hear finally come! Is this a dream?!
“Thank you, Bu. You look awesome too.” I respond to her flattering compliment.
“I heard you are in Jakarta now. Which university do you go to? What major? Why are you here all of sudden? Oh who is this Bule? Is he lost? No? Your friend? Boyfriend? Your boyfriend? What’s his name? Where is he from?” Bu Letty replied.
For God’s sake, I swear she asked all that in one breath! I can hardly remember what she just asked, to be honest.
“I am here for my diploma, Bu. And yes, He is Chandler, my boyfriend.” I said.
