Anger Towards Her (2)

"Re, did you know that there is a new assistant professor?" asked Hanung, Redi's best friend.

"I did," Redi answered briefly and sounded curt.

Hanung, who was sensitive, was then surprised to hear Redi's cold answer. He raised his eyebrows and glanced sharply at Redi. He seemed unable to believe what he had just heard. Naturally, this morning Redi looked cheerful when Hanung picked him up at his apartement. Redi didn't show any anger at all.

"What's wrong, Re? Why do you respond like that?"

Red was silent. His hand that was originally painstakingly writing notes then stopped. Redi took a deep breath.

"You want to say that she is a widow?" accused Redi still curtly.

"What?!"

Hang was surprised. His whole body turned towards Redi. It was clear that Hanung did not accept the accusations that had suddenly been pinned on him. But, Redi was ready to face Hanung's reply. He also put his body towards Hanung.

Lala, who was sitting between Redi and Hanung, finally had to give up her time to mediate the fight that almost happened. Lala clapped her pen hard on the notebook. Redi and Hanung cowered.

"What are you doing?!" Lala snapped. The whole class, although not full, was surprised to hear Lala's scream. However, everyone was silent, including Redi and Hanung, no one dared to answer Lala.

"You started it, Re. What's wrong? Hanung's just asking about Mrs. Gya. Why are you so cold?" asked Lala to defend Hanung, her boyfriend.

But it's true, Redi's face looks different since he cameback from the lecturer room. Actually, Lala realized that, but was reluctant to ask Redi about the reason. Lala was too busy with notes to write.

"I am annoyed. Everyone who asks me about her, they will definitely discuss about the widow status. I don't like it,” Redi replied, his hands clenched on the table.

The sight confused both Lala and Hanung. They have been friends not only for a year or two, but for 6 years since middle school. Ever since Redi transferred schools, they naturally blended in and became close friends. Uniquely, all three of them took the same major in college. In short, they know each other well.

"Sorry, I got carried away by emotions," Redi said, realizing his mistake. “I suddenly remembered the people who used to insult his family. You guys remember? Many people insult my mother and sister just because they are widows.”

Upon this recognition, Lala and Hanung became awkward. For them, Redi is someone who rarely expresses how he feels. Whether he's upset, sad or happy, if Redi doesn't tell him through his own mouth, Lala and Hanung won't be able to understand what Redi is feeling. And his confession was truly unexpected.

Indeed, in the past, there was a condition where Redi hated the term 'widow'. It's all about her mother and sister, who are being bullied just because of their 'widow' status. There have always been bad thoughts for them. Not to mention the naughty temptations from many men. This made Redi so sensitive to the nickname 'widow' to this day.

“Re, I really don't have any intention to say anything bad about Mrs. Gya's status. I'm just worried that you don't know who Mrs. Gya is and that later you will have troubles with Mr. Young's course work. And also Mr. Young is your mentor, "explained Hanung. "You know that he is a disciplined and rigid person."

The three of them were still silent. Lala snorted indignantly as she shook her head nonstop. Then he let Hanung explain to Redi. Lala resumed her writing activities.

“Besides, I'm honestly afraid that you suddenly get carried away with the other kids. You know how their jokes, right? Especially to Mrs. Gya. But, after seeing your response earlier, I'm sure you've seen it for yourself," Hanung continued.

"Yes, I have. I've seen everything before. I apologize. I know I overdid it."

Lala and Hanung were surprised again. The two looked at each other. Their worries had been realized sooner than they had expected. Redi is very sensitive about issues like this.

"But, you're okay, aren’t you?" asked Lala who stopped her activities again.

The question was only answered with a nod of the head by Redi. Hanung and Lala knew that this was not a good sign. They were sure that Redi was trying to quell his anger.

Lara bit her lip. Actually, there is something Lala wants to say to Redi but she is still weighing her decision. Lala convinced herself, once again, to tell a story about Gya. But soon, she finally decided it.

"Mrs. Gya. I know him Re," Lala said slowly. Redi then turned to Lala, as well as Hanung. Both looked at Lala in surprise.

"What do you mean?" asked Redi who was really curious.

Lala took a deep breath.

"She was suffering. No, she is still suffering."

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***