Part 3
After returning from Uncle Joe's apartment, Clara ordered an online motorcycle taxi to take her to the dormitory. Throughout the ride, she couldn't muster any enthusiasm. She was torn between feeling sad and happy about what had befallen Uncle Joe.On one hand, she was happy, but on the other, Clara couldn't help but cry for Uncle Joe's sadness.Once she got off the motorcycle taxi, Clara paid the fare and made her way slowly to her dorm room on the third floor.The time on the clock showed it was 4:00 PM. All the school activities had ended, and the resident students were in their rooms, preparing for dinner and evening study.Clara climbed the stairs, one step at a time, reaching the end where her room was. The door was open, revealing a room with six beds. There were both upper and lower bunks, making it a total of 12 girls sharing the room.Clara was closest to Nadia. Nadia slept in the upper bunk while Clara was in the lower one.Both of them were intelligent students, but Nadia was luckier because she had both of her parents, whereas Clara was alone, except for Uncle Joe."What happened? Did you not meet Uncle Joe? Or did he reject your love?" Nadia asked. Clara's expression was different than usual. She used to be cheerful and enthusiastic when talking about Uncle Joe. Her eyes would light up as she recounted how handsome he was and what they had talked about. But now, Clara looked unusually downcast.Could it be that she didn't meet Uncle Joe, or did he get angry with her?Nadia could only guess and waited for Clara's response. However, Clara didn't answer. She swiftly grabbed a towel and headed for the bathroom located on the ground floor. Living in the dormitory was exhausting, as all activities like meals and showers were located on the ground floor while their rooms were on the third floor, making Clara have to go up and down more than five times a day.Arriving at the bathroom, Clara began to undress, one piece at a time. She started to wet her body with cold water, closing her eyes and feeling the sensation of every water molecule passing through her pores. The refreshing cold water didn't manage to reinvigorate her this time.Clara felt the need to do something to help Uncle Joe, to bring happiness back into his life and put a smile on his handsome face.An idea crossed Clara's mind. Tomorrow, she wanted to find and meet Vivian to talk to her, to do something to help Uncle Joe.After some time, Clara started to lather soap on her body, cleaning off germs and sweat. The fragrant aroma of the jasmine soap couldn't lift her mood, which had already turned sour.If you were to ask how Joe influenced Clara's life and mood, the answer was that he had a significant impact. When Joe was sad, Clara would cry with him. But when Joe was happy, Clara would be in sync with his happiness. She'd smile when he did, even though Joe's smiles weren't meant for her.Clara turned on the showerhead, letting the soapy foam wash over her body. Even though she managed to regain a little bit of energy and enthusiasm, she was sure that she would go looking for Vivian the next day and do something to help Joe.The next morning, along with the other students, Clara and Nadia walked down the hallway towards their classroom. Their steps were in sync, supporting each other."I'm going to ask for permission this afternoon. I can't attend the last class because I have something to do," Clara said. It was rare for her to ask for permission to skip any class, no matter the subject, or even when she was sick. She didn't have any family members pushing her to attend."Where are you going?" Nadia asked. The last class was the Indonesian language, which was Clara's favorite."I'm going to look for Aunt Vivian. There's something I want to discuss," Clara said confidently. A smile formed on her lips as she felt that her idea was a good one."Clara, please understand. Don't get too involved in Uncle Joe's life; he has his privacy, and you shouldn't interfere. You're overstepping boundaries by getting involved," Nadia disagreed."Quiet! I can find Vivian on my own, with or without your help," Clara asserted. She then quickened her pace, not wanting to debate with Nadia any longer.Throughout the morning, from the first class to the fifth, Clara and Nadia remained silent, and neither gave in to apologize first.When it was time for the last class to change, Clara was packing her writing materials, and getting ready to stand up. She had her bag slung over her left arm.Nadia, without warning, was already walking alongside her. "I'll treat you to lobster bakso. Let's ask for permission together," she said, not wanting Clara to go alone.Clara smiled; Nadia was always so kind. Finally, the two of them asked for permission and ordered an online motorcycle taxi to an outdoor photoshoot location.Clara had done her homework. She knew Vivian's work schedule for today, and it happened to be close to their school.Upon getting out of the motorcycle taxi, Nadia followed Clara. They sneaked into a hotel building, where Clara had gathered information about Vivian's manager, and agency, and even located the makeup room for today's event."Wait here; I'll go inside alone," Clara told Nadia. She didn't want Nadia to witness her daring move."Okay," Nadia replied, following Clara's lead and waiting patiently.Identifying herself as Vivian's niece, Clara was granted access to the makeup room of the renowned model. There, she met Vivian, a stunning, elegant, and flawless woman like no other. For a moment, Clara's aura dimmed as she trembled. She forgot her purpose and why she had come to see Vivian."Excuse me," Clara said, and Vivian turned around, looking at Clara with curiosity.Their eyes locked for a moment."Hello, Aunt Vivian, let me introduce myself. My name is Clara. The reason I came here is that I disagree with you filing for divorce from your husband," Clara said, her voice trembling and her breath unsteady.Vivian looked puzzled and asked, "Why? What is your reason for not wanting me to get a divorce?"Clara faltered, her lips quivering. The strong presence of the woman before her shook her confidence, making her second-guess her purpose."Speak! Why do you oppose my divorce?" Vivian insisted, fixing her gaze sharply on Clara."I...I don't want to see Uncle Joe sad," Clara finally managed to say, stammering out the real reason due to her fear."Come, sit here, and don't leave until I allow you to," Vivian ordered.She immediately picked up her phone and dialed Joe's number, which she had stored in her phone."You coward! You sent a little rat to beg for my love! Come here, or I won't let her out in one piece!" Vivian yelled on the other side of the phone, her voice stern.Clara stood still, her trembling lips quivering. The powerful presence of the woman in front of her made her shrink, taking away all her determination and self-confidence."Speak! What is your reason for opposing my divorce?" Vivian demanded, intensifying her gaze."Um... um...," that was all that came out of Clara's lips."Speak!" Vivian insisted forcefully."I... I don't want to see Uncle Joe sad," Clara stammered, finally uttering the real reason, albeit with hesitation due to her fear."Come, sit here, and don't leave until I allow you to," Vivian commanded.She promptly reached for her phone, dialing Joe's number still stored in her phone."You coward! Sending a little mouse to beg for my love! Come here, or I won't let her leave in one piece!" Vivian berated over the phone.Clara winced; she was sure the person on the other end of the call was Joe.To be Continued.4.In the afternoon, after having lunch with Mr. Bond and Mrs. Linn, Joe took the time to play with his daughter. Today, he decided not to go to work, leaving everything to his secretary, Faris.He was reading the story of Goldilocks to Kimmy, who was now eager for an afternoon nap. Understanding that his little girl became quite spoiled when he was at home, Joe continued to cradle her in his lap.Suddenly, Joe's phone rang with a call from Vivian, who now lived separately from him. Joe hesitated for a moment before answering, curious about the reason for Vivian's call and what she wanted.Despite the uncertainty, Joe answered the call, hoping for some good news."Hello," greeted Joe.It was clear from Vivian's angry tone and insults towards someone as a little rat that Joe sensed tension. Joe instructed her to beg for love. While Joe wasn't angry, he couldn't help but wonder who might have met Vivian and convinced her to withdraw the divorce suit.Joe laid Kimmy on the bed, put on wa
5.The car continued at a moderate speed. Clara shifted her gaze towards Joe, hoping to catch a glimpse of his smile, but she couldn't find it. Instead, she saw Joe's lips tightly sealed, as if harboring anger.Clara glanced out the window, biting her lower lip, sensing a bad omen. Joe might scold her.Her intuition proved right when, on a quiet road, Joe halted the car, pulling over to a secluded spot."Don't meddle in my personal affairs! What do you know? You're just a teenager, don't act mature and embarrass yourself. Not only that but what you did also makes me ashamed in front of Vivian! Understand!" Joe explained, his eyes piercing Clara.Hearing Joe's words, Clara fell silent. Tearfully, she lowered her head. It was the first time she had been scolded, and it hurt even more coming from Uncle Joe, the man she admired wholeheartedly."Anyway, I don't like your foolish actions!" Joe scolded, unaware that Clara was crying.Clara couldn't hold back her sobs; tears streamed down her
6.Instantly, the elevator doors successfully opened."Help me!"Uncle Joe shouted, and Clara was quickly lifted onto the prepared stretcher. The girl was unconscious, her body drenched in sweat. They swiftly took her to the nearest hospital."Clara, hold on!"Uncle Joe, worried, walked alongside the stretcher, almost running. One of his hands wiped Clara's cheek, hoping she could be saved.She remained unresponsive.Later, the girl was brought into the ambulance.Uncle Joe continued to gaze at Clara's face. There was a sense of regret for not buying Clara's ice cream. If Clara survived, he promised to buy her as much ice cream as she wanted.The watch on his wrist showed half-past seven in the evening.The man reached for Clara's hand. The medical personnel on the other side were busy installing an IV and providing respiratory assistance. Though very faint, Clara seemed to be breathing. There was a weak pulse in her wrist.The ambulance arrived at the hospital.Clara was admitted to
**7 || No Response ||**Clara remained silent, waiting for Joe to do something. However, her hope seemed to vanish as Joe didn't bring a tray to feed her.Joe continued to be engrossed in his phone until he stood up and walked toward Clara."It seems I can't wait for you here. Today, rest, and I'll be back in the evening to take you back to the dormitory. Take care! I have some work waiting for me!" His voice was as heavy as usual. Despite having just showered and not getting enough sleep, he still looked handsome, even while just standing there in silence."Okay, Uncle," Clara responded, disappointed.She played with her fingers while looking down.Her hopes were shattered. She thought that by hugging her last night, Uncle Joe would pay more attention to her, but no! The incident seemed to mean nothing to her idol. Proof of that was Uncle Joe now walking towards the door, leaving her alone in the seemingly spacious treatment room.Around 2 PM, after school hours, the door to the trea
8.Arriving at the parking area behind the hospital building, the four of them stopped by the car."You and Nadia can sit in the back," Mario instructed. He preempted Clara, who wanted to sit in the front. Unwilling to have the girl sit next to Joe, he felt the need to assert his presence.Although a bit frustrated sitting in the back with Nadia, Clara tried to savor the moment, stealing glances at Joe and saving his handsome face as much as possible. Maybe next month would be the next time she would see him.The black car started moving at a moderate speed, cutting through the city streets."Let's grab a bite first," Joe suggested, trying to engage the attention of the three teenagers in his car."Yes, Om," Clara and Nadia responded. Mario chose to remain silent. He wanted to get out of Joe's car quickly, wanting to talk one-on-one with the man.The four-wheeled vehicle pulled over at a parking area of a restaurant that featured steak as its main menu.Joe, Clara, Mario, and Nadia wa
9.Days at school felt bland with the usual routine. Clara eagerly anticipated Sunday, the day Joe promised to take her shopping.Sunday morning arrived. Clara stirred her closet, looking for her best clothes, but found none. Eventually, she settled for casual attire. Clara had never bought clothes, not because the money Joe gave her was too little, but because she preferred saving money rather than spending it on clothes, considering she would start college soon. She couldn't rely on Uncle Joe for the rest of her life.Joe: [Come down quickly! I've arrived!]Clara opened the incoming message."I'm leaving now!" Clara informed."Have fun!" Nadia replied.Clara quickly went down, walking briskly towards the gate."Clara, come in!" Joe requested, throwing a sweet smile at the young girl walking towards him. Meeting Clara momentarily distracted him from his impending divorce proceedings."Alright, Om," Clara replied, running a little to reach him. Joe opened the door, and Clara sat in th
10.Morning came, and although lacking enthusiasm, Joe still sat down at the dining table, not wanting to worry his parents, Mr. Bond and Mrs. Linn. Mr. Bond sat in the main chair, Joe and Mrs. Linn on his left and right."So, are you going to attend the divorce hearing today, or are you going to work?" Mrs. Linn asked her son."I don't know, Mom, but I'm sure I don't want to attend the trial, and as for work, Fadli has taken care of everything for me," Joe replied, starting to fill his plate with bread and chocolate spread."Isn't this the only chance? Mediation schedules could help you resolve issues with Vivian. Are you just going to let it pass?" protested his mother. She felt it was a pity if there was no effort at all from Joe's side. While she understood that Vivian loved him very much."No reconciliation, Mom. Everything will not be the same. This divorce is Vivian's desire, not mine," Joe replied. "I'll do anything to make her happy. Perhaps this separation and divorce will m
11 || One Step Closer ||In the classroom after the lesson, Clara combs her hair, tying it into a ponytail. She applies lip balm to her thin lips, a practice she never does unless she's going to meet Uncle Joe.Nadia sits, always supporting her friend. She knows Clara is eagerly waiting for the last bell.Mario, who always observes Clara, glances at her, curious. It's unusual for Clara to dress up after school. Even in the mornings when the girls in class are busy with makeup, she prefers reading novels.Is there something special today?"Where are you going?" Mario asks, sitting in the chair in front of Clara's desk, making them face each other. Mario can now see Clara up close."Just curious! I can go wherever I want!" Clara replies indifferently, still staring at her reflection in the mirror."Just as a friend, I just want to know," Mario answers, becoming more fascinated with his classmate."I want to meet Uncle Joe," Clara replies, matching Mario's gaze. She can feel a different