RAINBOW SHAWL, 6 --A Romance Novel

Atmosphere of the town looks like debris, deserted streets, the leaves are moaning, the attitude of fear and mutual suspicion. While Christians endure build their own life with a fellow community, has its own market and social facilities have different characteristics with Muslims. Postal substation with graffiti Obet Palace are the property of Christians, while Muslims build substations same unreadable scratches Acan cottage. Obet is Robert and Acan means Hasan, two names nyong --young male adolescents, which constitute the identity of Christian and Islam--

Two different boy's name because it did not understand what this bloodshed has to happen? Playground has crumbled to rubble, black charcoal, they could no longer chasing each other, playing marbles, kites odds fight broke up and chortle, because things that are funny and refreshing. The kids do not even know anymore what happened to their comrades, which now Obet staying on the right house? Where also the Acan who lives near the market? All scattered like one nyiru --rice plate scattered on to the field by the hands are controlled by hate.

Both Obet and Acan both became orphans when their parents were killed in the fight for the sake of the fight. While Obet and Acan who settled in other villages alike drowned in the sea when a ship laden waves buffeted shaky then tilted, flooded with seawater, disappeared from the surface of the water in an instant with thousands of passengers who screamed in terror picked death. Fragment of the vessel, cargo, and none of the passenger's body was found, the ship and all its contents back to nature when men cry out loud for the most essential rights, namely the right to life!

What else should be told? Even people who are born, grow, mature, and preparing to pick up their old age in the inheritance should run odd jobs for the airport, boarded Hercules to Manado with just the clothes attached to the body or just shorts without possessions. The whole house was burned, the hometown turned into rubble, into dust. Them, the refugees left the house live in sorrow, anger, and fear. They left all the memories, relatives who became the bodies and gets no respect in the cemetery, which is left is lived sobs.

When city life becomes dead, deserted the market, no longer dare to hold a sales trader, for fear of his safety is threatened. Groceries and daily necessities hard to come by, so a cup of tea should be drunk in a bitter, because it is not easy to get sugar. Slowly unrest began to subside, the rioters have again realized that the most important necessities of life is eating and drinking today which can only be met in a safe situation. Market crowded by vendors and buyers, as circumstances permit any person to sell and buy, earn a living as well as the food these days.

Finally, everyone suddenly sat up and pensive, why riots have to happen? Social facilities destroyed by fire. Relatives were killed, displaced, who knows when to come back? Displaced population build makeshift houses on a wooden board with palm leaf roofs and the ground floor with a patch of booths to rest. They stay with the community that can provide a sense of security and confidence, while the fear of explosion of tensions haunt every day. How expensive a sense of security!

Dusk was down in a light golden yellow colour that fell shining face grim city filled with debris. The sound of a flock of birds that across the sky back to the nest even sounded wistful. Creatures that have to re-create a new nest, because the tree where he made a nest and lay eggs were also burned. The street was deserted, the occasional sound of passing vehicles then silence, the roar of the engine, leaving only the smoke that soon perished wind-driven. Doors and windows of the house more quickly locked before the sun sets and darkness swallowed whole golden light.

In the corner of the house, near the fireplace Tian hesitated, she could no longer turn on the stove, because oil supplies are exhausted, she must return to the facility to turn natural fire to the menu today. Riots began to subside, but that does not mean she can freely go anywhere like. Fights for the sake of occasional fights are still divided, she chose the safe path, stay home. Tian missed the innocent protégé in kindergarten, but how hse can teach, school buildings had cracks and smudges. She only once dared to pass in front of the schoolyard and sobbed see her workplace almost to rubble. Cruel war!

Like most people Tian infestation of diseases that originated from fear and lack of opportunities to move freely for survival. Every person has a long barrier that causes the head to be more frequent pulsing, blood pressure continues to rise or decline, and the various circumstances that make the body becomes unhealthy. Tian also will miss the festive atmosphere of the market by a variety of merchandise, she can enjoy life as a family is to get all types of goods he wants and she became happy. Now, even the pleasures of the most little can not be enjoyed, it should be an owl who missed the moon when expecting voice screaming or joke ria of children in the schoolyard.

Tian massaged her head. Increasingly grim atmosphere of the house without the activity of the workers, they are only willing to sell groceries that your hard-earned secretly to people who really know. Doors and windows of the front of the house was destroyed and closed meetings with the board, creates an impression of this house uninhabited. The grass has been riding high, milling cobwebs hanging from the ceiling, the night lights on the front remains extinguished. Beta has been living in a haunted house. Tian groan inwardly.

She stopped massaging her head throbbing when she heard the sound of retching. Tian pensive for a moment, she never hesitated Betani settled in her house in such a situation, the safety of her friend in danger. She really pity on the women initially secure and fulfilling life, but in an instant had become an orphan, without a place to stay. Stomach nausea and cause it to be repeatedly poured all the contents in it, her face growing pale, and her body is weak make anyone knows. Bethany was pregnant. Where is the father of the baby? Tian feel chest tightness.

She was fortunate to have Orin and residence, she was still able to survive without the mercy of others. Still attached in memory when she partied salad while at the Bethany family home amid solemn worship, she could not forget the whole memory of the achievements and beautiful figure of a Bethany. She was so perfect. Voice and gongs enlivening calung customary washing feet on the day of the marriage as if still loud sounds. Bethany decent happy by side with a man who is responsible and loving. But what fate now?

Since the day when Orin carried his unconscious, Bethany just sit at home, she helped Tian doing housekeeping, cooking, sweeping, and washing dirty dishes. But actually Bethany often sitting solitude, mourning the fate once for strength so that she can be a good mother to the fetus, the centre contains. Never once did she quarrel with Bethany, they have understood each other since adolescence, and now that things are changing became so bad and worrisome. Understanding it never diminished. Tian understands the meaning of the right to life, she always tried to do the best for her. Nobody owned Bethany, except herself and his residence turned into an old building.

Tian brew a pot of tea, grabbed two cups cup and then walked over to Bethany who was sat resting her head against the wall. "Beta, drink hot tea, might slightly reduce nausea", Tian sound surprising Bethany.

"Oh Tian, ​​thank you, you are a woman who is very virtuous. What will become of the fate of beta without you have sincerity ", Bethany snapped, she really felt weak, inwardly and outwardly. The fetus in the womb carries tremendous influence, she could not do many things, she has attacked prolonged drowsiness that made her feel very comfortable with lying and lying. Where Lambert, the father of the child? He did not have time to feel happy with the presence of an innocent creature that is now ensconced in the womb. Lambert could no longer feel anything, the dead are dealing with The Creator, the life striving for a better tomorrow after the last day strewn into rubble. How would like to Bethany to visit their home to do the best for the bodies of loved ones, but she knows the situation does not permit. Treat the bodies with properly is the right thing, but the more correct is to save yourself or rather wait for time to do the things you want.

"Drink", Tian pouring tea into a cup then held at Bethany.

"Thank you," Bethany received a cup, feeling the warm tea percolate on his knuckles. There is a feeling of amazement at the behaviour Tian who never stopped stretched goodness sake. While outside people kill each other and screw up, then at home he actually gets all the protection and piece of hope to rebuild her life had collapsed into a pile of sand

What exactly has happened in this place?

Bethany holds a puddle of tears, she had cried for days in a dark corner of the room when it comes, she bemoaned the arrival of Lambert, but even the shadow of men and even then she could not see it. The efflux has flown into the sky, leaving her an orphan. Bethany also lament the house where shelter, both parents must have become charcoal, and all the memories that have been deprived of frenzied violence. However, until she tired of crying consciousness brought in a very real situation, that she had nothing but kindness Tian and Orin. Until when they will be kind enough? Until when she will be sojourners in this house? As good as any, they are distinct persons who have a life plan, and she was also involved in it. In the end, he had to go, picking back pieces and build hope left as it is.

Bethany stared ahead, she indeed has lost her father, mother, and husband. But she still has a brother Frederik who have completed studies at Sam Ratulangi and work in a government office in Manado and his only sister, the middle Tifani continue studies at the same university. They must have happened to hear about the riot Maluku through print and electronic media. What is the fate Tifani after parents no longer able to send tuition? Frederik might still be able to bear, but how they felt after weeks have dropped out of contact and do not know exactly what the situation that occurred in residences and its inhabitants? Bethany sighed, her eyes almost blurred, but she knew she was old enough to be a burden on daily life household Tian. Expenses were to be terminated, but what she can do in a weakened state like this. No phone lines, how can she call Frederik or Tifani? Tian was never willing to accept a penny, with answers, she needs. Tian did not lack anything and do not lose anything anyway. Bethany did not deny, how she felt proud, thrilled, and amazed the sincerity of a couple who is becoming a landlord.

"How do you have a womb?" Tian glanced wistfully Bethany with a view, she could not imagine if it happened to her fate, lost her entire family when the baby requires the presence of a father. Will she survive to birthday arrives?

"I have the content is fine, then after passing to a new three month began to decrease nausea. I became a heavy burden of life for this family, forgive me Tian ".

"Ouch, why do you say such, the I did not lose anything you be a part of this family, have not we been friends since youth teenager? Later, after the situation improved you can reconstitute the plan "Tian widened eyes, she did not realize how her face turned more charming when she expressed in all innocence. Woman's hand clutching fingers that seemed Bethany has no more bones.

"Beta wants to see the state of the house, the bodies of mama, papa, and Lambert have not been treated properly. They have not been quiet spirit, is still awaiting burial customs "Bethany sip hot tea and then coughed, she would not be able to see the condition of the body, but she had to do their best.

"Wait until things are completely safe, then you can do the customary burial", Tian tried to control the vibrating voice, she could not imagine when Bethany have to deal with the dire situation, held a funeral when the bodies are now only skeletons infestation of maggots. She must do something to ease the pain of his friend's heart.

"You're here?" Suddenly looked a shadow Orin flashed, the man looked strapping in simple clothing, old jeans and a T-shirt dark colours, in his hand he held a plastic bag. "Fortunately, today I get a tan bag in the market crash, you will like Bethany," Orin handed the bag in Bethany received with a thin smile, Orin know how painful a situation that was suffered Bethany. He thought souvenirs, this simple bit of soothing her. While he sat leaning back in a chair, Tian rushed to the kitchen to get a cup for Orin, thirst after her husband must go see the situation in the city and magically come home with a bag of tan.

Tian intends to immediately hand over the cup and saucer on Orin, but reached the doorsteps stopped, she saw the sights jerking recesses of the heart, both painful and poignant. For a moment she stood unsteadily, Tian even loss of consciousness which is actually a pair of middle leg rests. Was she dreaming?

Within a very close look, Orin middle Betani then grabbed the hand holding it tightly. Tian tried to deny it, but who can resist the instinct that works on the basis of conscience? "I am really concerned over the situation that happened to you, do not be reluctant to settle in my home. House door is even open for you forever, if you do not intend to go from here, nobody can disturb you. If you live happily with Lambert, I shall send you without pain, but look now you have a situation, even for just out walking the streets you do not have the courage. Tell me what can I do so that you have a heart happy? "Orin stared Bethany fixedly, he could not lie to the inner feelings towards her, a feeling that can never be put to sleep, even though he had been married to Tian.

"I want a funeral for mama, papa, and Lambert, I should find out any way to send  Tifa and Fred news in Manado".

"I  shall do all that you want", Orin kissed Bethany palms, as if the storm raging on his chest. On the other hand Bethany stunned, a pair of eyes staring at Orin in awe and nervous, she was not a child, she was not blind, nor deaf, she knew Orin can never give up hope, though he had been bound in marriage while she had become a young widow. Orin is never speechless, but the attitude and the look in his eyes has revealed everything. She is still the only woman who loved, Bethany seemed to fly from the chair where she leaned back, she felt a gust of wind blowing very softly, but the longer turn out to be as if a hurricane. Bethany conscious, she is "other" or "thorn in the flesh" is actively potentially rip the marriage, the marriage of her friend, Tian.

With all the awareness Bethany retract her palm, the air suddenly turned into such a cold, she was shivering, she tried to calm her chest rumble with sipping hot tea. More Bethany must playacting, she must be a good woman who had no intention, will, purpose or conscious behaviour can separate a husband from his wife. Bethany knew how hard she had to do it all, but did she have no choice but to be a good woman? Suddenly Bethany really missed the presence of younger siblings, if Fred could pick it up from the rubble of their home, she would not be faced with Orin in this state. How wish she threw herself into the arms of Orin to get pinch strength, but what she may not do things that are not in place. And how the norms that hurt her.

Bethany stuttered when Orin returned grabbed her hand, pulled her up to embrace and then guided her to the backyard which becomes overgrown by foliage. The woman was intending to rebel, but she was conscious, she was helpless. Bethany never understood how not far from where she moved a chunk tub Tian glued stone sculptures, the rest of the force was still working so the cup and saucer in hand did not fall apart. Tian could rob Orin hand so that no circular on the shoulders of Bethany, she was even able to drive her away today or whisper on the rioters to destroy her life. However, her heart another voice, whether when Bethany away or a corpse she would be able to kill Orin deepest feelings?

Was not she married Orin in a consciousness, that the only woman who loved that man is Bethany? She just a woman who volunteered to treat liver injury with a result that ultimately must be borne today. When she witnessed first-hand, Orin obviously could not euthanize feelings towards Bethany. Tian’s step recede into the home, she felt her body half-staggered, with the woman gently pressed the door, leaned her head back, and closed her eyes tightly, she is battling a heart flutter jerking. Woman's tears flooded.

In the back yard is overgrown by green foliage with a sincere heart Orin still embracing Bethany, he knew how heartbroken she was secretly he also felt the same destruction. If he being the groom at the wedding, whether Bethany will feel fate like this? How the complexity of a way of life!

"Everything that ever happened to each man is his destiny, do not be sorry, If it were to be sorry should not be protracted. It was still long, there is still much to be done, you are still very young. One moment you 'll be able to remember everything without pain, there is wisdom in every tragedy, what is important is how you look at all of this. Do not you realize that I remain fond of you? You are not alone, as long as there are others. We will be part of this life," Orin looked at Bethany near intently, he was not aware of anyone's home or the world, he is alone with a woman roommates always present in the dream, he even forget Tian. A moment when he kissed her forehead Bethany, Orin as float in the mist. on the other hand, Bethany transfixed, she felt fragile, so fragile, so that unconsciously he leaned across the fragility in the arms of Orin.

The time froze!

                                                                       ***
Orin keeping promises, he came home to stay Bethany check roommates just debris, silent man's hands trembled. He was accompanied by three workers who faithfully in difficult circumstances and happy. In the dark sky surrounded cloudy, star dimmed into darkness, the atmosphere in about silent without a sound, he seemed middle sank into a rut cemetery. Orin chilling bristling, he will be pinching a set of bones swathed in grey, he had prepared a bag and coffin made simple roommates and left at home.

Fluorescent light flashlight, Orin moving very careful, it is not impossible he apart rusty nail punctured, broken beams, wood or hard objects of any shape. Olfactory senses the man catch a foul smell, he has closed his nose with thick fabric, but the smell was still sharp sting. The four of them kept looking and finally three bodies that had lost its identity is found. Orin not want to remember this moment, the moment when he is faced with the worst situations and horrible. Orin forget any Fears of various kinds of roommates ghost haunts him since his youth age. Ia must fulfil the promise to Bethany, whatever the circumstances that must be faced. With extreme caution, unidentified bodies were put into a coffin tightly clenched and transported by a pick-up truck on a deserted atmosphere back to the residence. Cold streets, without a sound, and grim.

Bethany and Tian was waiting, the night though, faster dissolving than a typical day, the wind rustling creepy. Orin and three workers lowered the coffin around three grave had been prepared. Nothing special except the worship of prayer spoken in the heart of Bethany, she was silent,  could not stem the tears. Everything goes with a mute and blend into the black night, even the wind rustling sound painful. Time seemed to walk with slow, jerking clock ticking down to the recesses of the heart, Bethany closed her eyes, she felt a tight grip on the cold fingers Tian.

After the funeral Bethany sank back into the silent prayer in her room, she chose herself, she forgot all the bustle going on around her. She seemed to not realize that life is even still there. Orin and Tian let every act of attitude Bethany, and Tian wise woman can understand the feelings raging in her chest.

That afternoon both were sitting in the backyard with a pot of hot tea and cup in hand, r wind chill. "Bethany, sorry if I ask, but how about you have a womb? Are not you give birth to children who will require you alone?" Orin opened the conversation.

Silence.

Sun lesions only limited light and dark, time seemed to hang from the ceiling, a mute, reluctant to leave. A group of birds fly cracked the sky, Bethany wake of silence. She was not alone, she had undergone bitter things in life when she had lost loved ones. How cruel reality, but how much she had enough to curse. There is a heavy burden to bear all time, was inevitable. The fate of the baby to be born, innocent creature who is entitled to all the affection, the sound of a sigh.

Orin went on to say, "I want to say something, if my words have any suppose never say anything, if these words are true, it is desired. However, whatever words you should be heartened ".

"What would you say, Orin?"

"Bethany,  the baby needs a father, could you raise yourself in a situation like this. If you are not able to, I willing to wholeheartedly become father to a baby that you bladder. These words as well, that my propose ", Orin’s voice so quiet, flat, without turmoil, but in Bethany ear sound was turned into a hurricane blowing an increasingly devastating blow with her whole body shook. The woman's hand trembling, she secretly adhered to the back of the chair. Bethany was unable to utter a word nevertheless. Her heart was so amazed, could she dismiss the application Orin in a state she had no one for leaning back, also the father of the fetus was she carrying. Her honesty would not be able to reject the proposal, but Orin bound official marriage with her best friend.

What is true of a friend, when she secretly treacherous? Can she became the third person in the life of Tian, ​​is there a wife who so
sincerely accepts the presence of her husband's second wife? Bethany smiled vaguely, now is not the time when a woman is only the second part in the marriage, no longer objects getting silent, anything that would have made her husband, including when he married another woman for the sake of the fetus. Ups, life ....

Bethany sighed repeatedly, she knows how tense Orin'll answer it, but the mouth of  Bethany locked, she could not say anything, she could not resist also can not accept her dead-end. Behind the curtain Tian record conversation with throat choked, she was not surprised by the words Orin, although the speech was no different from the blades that are tearing her solar plexus cruelly. Tian slowly exhaled, she felt so tense waiting for an answer Bethany. What words the hell was going to say she was?

                                                                                  ***

COVER


Longest night though it would be up to the dawn nevertheless, is not so wise circulate ray universe? Difficult pleased as does the roar of the sea shortly afterwards receding tide. Even if not entirely gilded dawn light, sufficient light sheen that makes Bethany smiled and breathed a sigh of relief, she will put an end to all these disasters and start a new life. Today Tian handed a letter in a crumpled envelope, cover it does not mean much, the more important is the content in it. Hastily and excited Bethany opened the letter, she immediately recognized the handwriting Frederik, in that letter there is also carbon paper which saves some money. The letter was brief.

Sister,

I am waiting for you in Manado, there is some money to buy a ticket. Begin a new life.

Regards,
Frederik

"The letter from your brother?" Tian opened the conversation.

"Yes, I've sent a letter to Manado, I guess the letter never-up, the magic that can bring a letter I has a brother comes here. Thanks Tian, ​​"Bethany looked at Tian with gratitude not agonizing, she had enough request of women and enough of everything up here.

"O yes, I also heard the conversation Orin and you the other day, you have no reply to this day. If you accept the Orin’s proposal, I did not also object, for the sake of the baby that was your bladder. Indeed," Tian looked at the pale face of Bethany, she could not even guess how real thrill, sad, happy, anxious or miserable, she is only willing to follow her heart, whatever the answer of Bethany.

Silence flying in the middle of the room as if the air were moving silently, yet alert to pounce. Bethany sitting help, she looked at Tian with foreign views, she did not think that Tian heard her conversation with Orin  the other day. A conversation that must have been very galling –if  she was Tian-- can she hear the conversation without the slightest anger? This time Tian even volunteered for the ability that answer, the baby was she carrying. Are there any women being playacting?

Bethany smiled thinly and almost laughed, but her intention frustrated, she caught the eye gaze Tian sincerity. The girl is not playing around, goosebumps Bethany, she realized silently clasped hands trembling letter. Bethany was not sure who would Tian, ​​whether she is a woman who is really good? Or just acting above the theatre life after the fate of the "poor", or just a servant of God who has compassion, because in her have there is also a woman who fell in the middle of the beat hard life?

Silence still hang, break not long afterwards when Bethany sighed deeply. She did not have found the answer? She stood, clutching a pair of Tian hands, staring at the inside, then hugged her. Bethany feels nothing,  eyes wet, as sobs.

                                                                             ***

Today, just as the case days -- Manado-Kao Merpati flight came in late, drizzle fall in soft water flow as tears thousand fairy. Insistence wind blowing then screwed a bunch of black clouds, giving the opportunity for the solar cell to glow as a harbinger for the colour of the universe, the sky is not always dark. Bethany sat quietly in the lounge with a bag and a suitcase that has been filled with important objects are definitely needed, her heart was made, she had to take leave life in the homeland have been destroyed. Tomorrow is still there, she could still, as well as hope for the fetus. Is not water always trickles down and then look for the shape and character according to the container available? What to fear except fear itself, and she has gone beyond what is actually afraid of? Finally, she had to fight to regain courage. Life is still a challenge.

"You mean it was leaving Bethany?" Orin's voice hoarse, he was as if he were faced with moments of difficulty, as they have lost a loved figure forever. What is not easy to lose, because time will be banging the liver into the void without a word. He still has a residual power to stem the tears, he was a man, he does not need to cry.

"If I can still survive living in this place, but is not possible. Let that has happened over, humans pick their own destiny ".

"So you reject my proposal?"

"If time can be rotated retreat, but how unlikely. Wholeheartedly loves you, but let that love just memory, because I should go and will never forget you. I will remember you both forever, that the child was born male I give name Orin, if the child girl I give name Tian. Allow my memory of you both in peace forever, not in pain. "

Then came the roar of the plane landed, around the runway was silence and thatch grass still wet after a drizzle, the rest are not trimmed lush forest. All the passengers get off, then passengers are already preparing to leave headed to the plane. Orin was complete silence, pain indefinitely, and the vacuum was perfect when Bethany's hand and then kissed her pair cheek. He did not want to release this woman out, but should, Orin only see shadows moving blur when Bethany hugged Tian then both waved say goodbye.

A moment later the aircraft back growl and rumble to bring the figure fell silent Bethany and another passenger on a seat attached seatbelts. From the window of the plane, Bethany can see Orin stood unsteadily and inky face clouded, in addition, Orin was Tian. She stood with courage and face is hard to describe. Bethany chest tightness, choking her neck, her eyes slowly into the shadows when she could no longer stem the tears. Too much to be abandoned, but is there she will be able to settle down?

A roar started the Twin Otter was leaving the runway, flying in the sky as if pigeons seriousness. Bethany closed her eyes, Even if she was a poet, she was not even going to be able to arrange the words for this separation. And she felt the weight of her body floating and darting into the heights without end. Orin and Tian shadow disappear into the mist.

On the edge of the runway Orin still motionless in the sense of giddy, he stared at the rate of motion of air with heaviness and shoulders seemed buried hill. Cold wind whistling seemed very disturbing, Orin knees shivering. His body was limp and almost collapsed, but suddenly he felt a warm grip on the palms of his hands were trembling. Grip suddenly gave him the strength and the absolute consciousness, he was not really himself, he even did not miss anything. Orin turned and his gaze immediately mesh with a pair of eyes Tian. A pair of eyes which sustained strength and matchless fortitude,  should he ask about love? What is not obtained from Tian, ​​when Bethany can not give anything, even when he had asked her.

How quickly the human feelings changed, between being and not, between hope and fear, between solitude and togetherness. Everything just as a colour change from dark to light, from the storm, subsides towards, should not change reaches headed. Slowly gilded ceiling above the light, the rest of the Ferris wheel at the limit drizzle calling finish dark sky. Orin still fixated his gaze so intently, so that he can see the shadow rainbow on a pair of eyeball Tian refracts as if the seven colours of the rainbow shawls of angel.

Finished

Agats - Asmat, May 22nd, 2012

Notes from a trip to Halmahera