Yenny was still staring at Clarissa who was smiling in front of her. She wasn't sure if Clarissa really liked the lecturer. All she knew was that Clarissa was the pickiest with guys. How many times she did turn down the guy who told her they fell in love with her. And she did it in a less human way. She pretended to have fun with the boy’s love, but then she kicked away the guy who spelled it. Hanging out together, as if Clarissa gave hope, then as soon as the boy confessed, with a mocking smile, grin, Clarissa left the boy.
"Are you sure what you say?" Yenny hasn't turned away from the sharp gaze at Clarissa.
"Very sure. He's different from any guy who I ever know, Yenny." Clarissa looked up at the classroom ceiling. He returned to imagining the face of his new lecturer.
"He's handsome, with a good sharp nose. His chin is firm but not fierce. His smile, not sharp. His posture, oh, no ... Yenny, for me, he is the man of my dream." Clarissa caught her cheeks.
"How could you?!" Yenny held Clarissa's forehead as if checking her friend's condition. "Are you sure, you’re just fine?"
"Obviously. If I am sick, I am better having a sweet sleep, why do I have to sit for long in class like this," said Clarissa.
"Clay, don't be weird, please. Mr. Diaz is our lecturer. You can look at the other students. If you want to see the mature one, find our senior level. Many of them are okay too. Don't go too far away. It can be dangerous." Yenny reminded her friend.
Clarissa played the ends of her hair. She twisted and then he let go again. She didn’t wonder Yenny would say this.
"I am a quality girl. I can definitely win Mr. Diaz’s heart. So far, I have refused the men, from those who came voluntarily, or those who did bring in my mother, because she longed to have a businessman son-in-law, nothing got involved. This time I couldn't hold my heart. " Clarissa held her lungs, it felt like a soft rustle creeping in talking about Mr. Diaz.
"Oh, Clay ... At most a week and two weeks. Then you will not care about it anymore." Yenny shook her head, still unable to understand her unique friend.
"We'll see, the kind and generous Yenny," said Clarissa. He patted Yenny on the cheek.
Class continued. Clarissa couldn't enjoy the class. Her mind was really disturbed because she remembered Mr. Diaz. She will find out about the handsome lecturer. And she would approach him, very soon.
Until classes finished that day, it felt like Clarissa was still in another place. She didn't know what the lecturer was talking about that day. As soon as class was over, Clarissa immediately drove back to the boarding house. Good, Yenny had an activity that day, Clarissa would not hear a boring speech from her friend.
Clarissa went into her room, took off her shoes, put down her bag, and quickly opened social media. She was looking for a Diaz Wardhana account. The name was unique, not a common name, it would be easy to find it. Yes, it didn't take long, Clarissa already got three accounts on different applications.
Clarissa started scrolling, looking at the gallery and what the professor's posts were. The main thing that Clarissa wanted to confirm was that the lecturer was still single. It wouldn’t be funny if he turned out just been married or had a girl. It is supposed to be safe. There was no status about a special relationship. There were no photos of Diaz with a woman. Clarissa was sure she could approach the lecturer freely.
"Ahh ... I'm so happy. Mr. Diaz Wardhana, you have a huge fan. Just wait, I'll give you lots of surprises. And surely you will turn to me." A big smile appeared on Clarissa's thin and tiny lips.
Clarissa's mind continued to spin how she could have a chance to communicate with Mr. Diaz. Indeed, the lecturer has already provided a cellphone number, and email address as well. But she had to be elegant in his non-offensive way. She had to do it in a classy way. And one way started popping up in her mind. Hopefully, it can be done soon.
*****
The library was not that crowded. Only a few students seemed busy there. Clarissa came to the library that afternoon because of a schedule to return the books she borrowed. Though she didn't read them right either. She wanted to look such a diligent until she got home, it was more fun staring at a film on a laptop or scrolling through social media to see what was fun there.
Clarissa just finished and was getting ready to leave the library, the handsome lecturer walked in. Clarissa's lungs rumbled. So cute, oh my. Was this coincidence or what? In fact, the plan has not been executed, good luck on her side.
"Good afternoon, Sir," Clarissa said hello first. And she didn't forget, she was in the library. Clarissa said in a half-whisper.
Diaz turned to the quirky student. This time her hair was purplish red, according to the clothes and bag she was wearing. Diaz wanted to laugh. This girl was just like a mannequin in a clothing store that can be changed the hair color with a wig and match the clothes to promote.
"Good afternoon," replied Diaz. He stopped his steps.
"Uh, can I ask for suggestions about books?" Clarissa found a way to communicate with her lecturer now.
"What book? The lecture I teach? Or what?" Diaz asked back.
"Both are fine, sir. It must be very helpful for me." Clarissa looked at Diaz with a dazzled gaze. His voice is not that heavy, but nice to hear.
"Okay. We'll step aside there, so we don't disturb the others." Diaz stepped to the right side of the library. There are tables and chairs for those who want to work in groups and have discussions. The room is bordered by glass walls where no one else can hear when they are talking.
Clarissa smiled broadly as she walked following Diaz. What an unexpected day. They sat there, facing each other. Diaz started asking what book Clarissa was looking for. Clarissa didn't hesitate to speak. And Diaz turned out to be very kind. He was friendly and did not hesitate to give information, explaining clearly.
He was very smart. Whenever Clarissa asked about a topic, he would know what book Clarissa needed and where to find it. It seemed that this lecturer has memorized all the locations of the books in the library. With great pleasure, the first nickname Clarissa gave Diaz was The Walking Library.
"How? Anything else?" Diaz asked again.
"Hm, that's enough for today. I've recorded everything. It's so nice to meet you. It feels like dry land splashed with water, so fresh." Clarissa smiled.
"You are funny, Clarissa." Diaz pulled his lips and smiled too. He admitted that Clarissa was very beautiful. Even though her appearance was a little different from the average student's, it was still good.
Diaz was sure, there was something about this girl, why she acted like that. He might be able to understand and try to help. One of the things Diaz liked about being a lecturer was not only about sharing academic knowledge, but also sharing life experiences. Diaz was satisfied to be able to provide direction so that students he knew how to live the life he had to go through.
"Next time when I need help, I hope I can come to you again, Sir. I want to be a successful student," Clarissa said.
"Yes, anytime. But don't feel anything, if I do not reply to your messages quickly. At that time, I am sure I have a lot of work to do. When I am free, I will respond," explained Diaz. The man stood up, who left the library.
Of course, Sir. Understood, "nodded Clarissa." Thank you so much for today. "
Diaz once again smiled. And made Clarissa unable to hold back her heart from rumbling again.
"Ah, Mr. Diaz. This is true, I'm crazy about you." Clarissa patted her cheeks. Now she headed to the bookshelf. At least she would borrow the two books that she wrote down from talking with Diaz. And the book was a must, connecting, with that charming lecturer.
Clarissa stepped over to the shelf she needed. She looked at the row of books, then Clarissa smiled. She found the book. Just as Clarissa's hand was tugging at the book, there was another hand, also holding the same book. Clarissa turned quickly to the boy next to her.
The guy in front of Clarissa smiled. His slanted eyes looked smaller. His hand was still holding the book that Clarissa was holding, too. On the other hand, he raised his slightly drooping glasses. "Let it go," Clarissa said sharply liking the boy. "Okay, lady first." The boy's hand let go of the book that Clarissa was also holding. “Adimasta. Adimasta Cakradinata, The Nerd Cold Boy. How lucky I see you here." Clarissa's eyes were still sharp at the boy. Adimasta smiled faintly. The special call from Clarissa he heard again. It wasn’t really good, but Adimasta was glad that Clarissa did it. "Yeah, just take it. In two weeks when you're done, I'll borrow it. Tell me, okay?" One by one Adimasta said the word he spoke. Calm, slow, light. Clarissa wanted to laugh when she heard Adimasta speak. He was just like being careful and afraid of being wrong. Sometimes Clarissa couldn't wait for him to finish saying the sentence he wanted to say.
Clarissa's eyes didn't blink at Adimasta who was sitting next to her. She wanted to laugh! It turned out that Adimasta had the same fate as her, was invited to a social event, then given free time to get acquainted with the children of the mothers. It could be that Adimasta was also a victim of coercion to get a mate or an arranged marriage at a moment like this, right? "Why are you dumbfounded? Sit down." Adimasta patted the chair next to him asking Clarissa to sit down. Clarissa obeyed, immediately she sat down. And immediately she leaned closer to Adimasta and whispered, "How many times have you been invited to events like this? Why have I only seen you now? Have you ever been betrothed to, hmm?" Adimasta looked at Clarissa. Beautiful. Very beautiful. This time her hair was light brown, which suited her perfectly. With a ponytail, Clarissa makes Adimasta was even more charmed. Adimasta raised his glasses, then replied, "What do you mean? I don't understand. This is my first time
That afternoon Clarissa deliberately wanted to meet Diaz after the lecture was over. Clarissa walked towards the lecturer's office hoping Diaz was there. The approach must be intensified. A few meters before reaching the office door, Diaz was seen walking out of it. Clarissa's smile widened instantly. Again, luck was on her side. And Diaz looked at Clarissa. Diaz was sure this quirky student was looking for him. He understood the gesture of the girl who wanted to approach him. "Good afternoon, Sir." Clarissa greeted warmly. She put on a sweet smile for the teacher to pay attention. "Good afternoon, Clarissa. Not going home yet?" Diaz asked. "I want to meet you first. Can I talk with you?" Clarissa asked back. "About what? I'm in a bit of a rush." Diaz answered while looking at his watch. "Oh, no. Are you?" Clarissa was disappointed. "I wait for my taxi. If you can be patient, tomorrow you can meet me at over two in the afternoo
Clarissa could understand if Yenny disagreed with her. Of course, just like any other friend, if they found out that Clarissa pursued their new teacher’s love, there would be sneers and sarcasm. But Clarissa was better to change her name if she would give up just because people saying. "Yenny, the first step I got my point, so I will just keep going. Hm? I'm sure I can melt the hearts of our lecturer." Clarissa patted Yenny's cheek. "Clay, it's better to focus on studying, you know. Don't think others. A lecturer, like Mr. Diaz, definitely wishes an elegant woman, not being silly, it's a little unclear like you, sometimes." Yenny's open mouth started to get out of control. "Whatever you wanna say. Today is the first step. Everything leads to a noble goal, side by side with the ideal man, that I hope. Why should I think differently? Challenges are natural, make the struggle more meaningful." Clarissa moved to pinch Yenny's nose. "Hey, keep your hand. Y
"Clay ..." That voice made Clarissa even more nervous. Calm, soft, and soothing. She used to hear a voice like this from her father. "Everything you've been through has taught you to be a strong girl. Rest assured of that." Clarissa was silent. So far no one had spoken to her like this. That the bad things that disappointed her, would make her be a strong person? "Without a father, you are now a grown woman. That's great. And ahead there is a future waiting. Be proud of yourself." Diaz continued. Clarissa wanted to cry loudly hearing those words. If Diaz was in front of her, she would probably hug him tightly. Clarissa felt her heart painful, but there was also a sense of calm creeping in there. She wanted Diaz by her side to calm her down. "I don't think so. I am just passing through my days. After high school, I am in college. I don't know how it will be, I don't know." Clarissa answered as if resigned to life. Diaz could feel Claris
Clarissa had just finished showering and changing. She wanted to charge her cell phone. When she took it out of the bag, there were several incoming calls from Adimasta. What was up with that guy calling? Was there anything important? Clarissa sent a chat because she had to fill in her cell phone energy. She asked why Adimasta was busy looking for her. Adimasta's reply came quickly. He asked if his workbook had been taken by Clarissa. Clarissa didn't feel it, but she'd check first. The phone was put back down and Clarissa opened her bag. The book was in the bag. It was tucked into the book Clarissa had borrowed. Clarissa was curious, what were the contents of Adimasta's book. She sat down at her table and began to flip through the pages of the book. Clarissa smiled. Neat, organized, systematic. Yes, it was Adimasta. A good boy, friendly, and intelligent. Unfortunately, in Clarissa's eyes, Adimasta looked like an indecisive and weak guy. It was the reason why
Annoyed, Clarissa got into her car. Why had to be Adimasta?! She wasn't really interested in him. But so far, Adimasta was one of the most pleasant friends for Clarissa. After Clarissa found out Adimasta's heart for her, she just wanted to stay away from the boy. Yenny who was sitting next to Clarissa knew her friend was really upset. Yenny was the same, didn't expect Adimasta to have feelings for a girl like Clarissa. In Yenny's eyes, Adimasta needed a calm, polite, and gentle girl. But the fact, was it real he loved Clarissa? It didn’t make sense in Yenny’s mind. "What are you angry about? It's Adi's business whether you like it or not. If it's not bothering your life, just let it be." Yenny calmed Clarissa down. "I want to be with Diaz, you know. I don’t care the others." Clarissa drove the car. When she was near the gate, she saw Adimasta on his motorbike. The boy stopped at the side of the road, making a call to someone. Yenny patted Clarissa on
"Honey, I'm really sorry. I've made you angry many times. But, I miss you, so much." Rosita spoke hoarsely. "Mam, I'll get you some warm water, okay?" Mrs. Tirah interrupted Rosita's words. "Yes, sure. Thank you," said Rosita. Mrs. Tirah left the room. She told Yenny to come in and sit in a chair not far from the door. Clarissa turned to Yenny. She waved to her friend. Yenny came over, stood by the bed, next to Clarissa. "This is Yenny, Mom. My best friend." Clarissa introduced Yenny. "Yenny, you must be a good girl. You can stand with my daughter’s behavior." Rosita looked at Yenny. "Mom, ugh," Clarissa snarled. "Clarissa, I know you're the most annoyed when I want to talk to you. Especially when it was about dating." Rosita turned her gaze to Clarissa again. What could Clarissa say? Even she was sick, Rosita still talked about arranged marriage. "I just want you to get a good man, your life will be okay then.