99 Love for You
99CU(S2): The Strange Destiny

Tonight's moonlight is not as bright as usual. Maybe because my heart is also dim. The longer I look, the dimmer the light. I took a deep breath, then exhaled it. Today's incident, it's making me so claustrophobic. All of Nadine's words were still ringing in my mind.  My life, will not be quiet again after this. And I have to be ready to face it. Face the world and Nadine.

I saw Ismail's motor entering the courtyard. It's late at night, and he just got home. It must be exhausting being a countryman like him.

"You just got home?" ask me when Ismail gets off his bike.

"He'em. You alone? Why aren't you asleep?"

"I'm looking at the moon."

"Can join?"

"Come, sit here!"

"You're thinking about something?"

"Little."

"Oh yeah, I'd like to apologize, because I've been working a lot lately, so... I can't go to dinner with you guys."

"Why apologize to me?"

"Can you tell Mom? And as an apology, I brought you pizza."

"The pizza? You kidding? I don't like this kind of food."

"Then this is for you."

"You're gonna bribe me?" I smiled grinning.

"No! Not so-"

"Yes, get the pizza. I'll eat it with gourmand. And this, as a thank you, I made you some warm chocolate."

"Well! Did you prepare it for me? Are you intentionally waiting for me to come home?"

I'm speechless. It is true that I am waiting for you, Ishmael. But I can't say that to you.

"It's just a coincidence!" I lie. "Let's eat!" I took one slice of pizza and ate it with great gourmand.

We talked a lot about each other's work. Though more I have asked about Ishmael's work.

What does it feel like to be a cop? Every day we have to deal with people who commit crimes. I think it's a form of devotion. For our country, and our nation. I like that.

I can't believe my life is now... Much is written by Ismail. It would be strange if he suddenly didn't exist. He's a good guy. A good friend. And good neighbors.

"You look at the moon because you want to calm down. Don't you? Is there something you want to tell me?"

I looked at Ishmael. "Can I trust you?"

Ishmael breathed. "Sure. You can trust me."

"Mmm, so here you go.." And then I started my story.

"When I was 16 years old, my father was transferred to the AJ Foods branch in Jogjakarta. I was in high school at the time. That's where I knew him. Name's Nadine. She is the only daughter of a well-known company in Jogja. His parents treated him like a king's daughter. That's why he doesn't have any friends. As if, no child deserves to be friends with him.

We had a class, and the teacher told me to sit next to Nadine. At first I was pretty scared, because the kids were gossiping about Nadine a lot.

But you know Ismail, who is this new student, actually ventured to get acquainted first with Nadine.

Just imagine, I am a new student, but instead I invite him to meet first. Weird right? But I'm interested in getting to know him further.

My first impression of Nadine... I don't think he's like the other guys are talking about. He's a warm man. Although the way he spoke was a bit harsh. But I know he's actually good.

And then we ended up being close friends. Then came a man who warned me not to get too close to Nadine.

His name is Radit. He said Nadine's temperament was bad. So he won't be able to be friends with anyone, including me.

Strangely enough, the three of us ended up being best friends. We often spend time together. And story together.

I know Nadine is actually just lonely. He received less attention because his parents were too busy. I want to be a good friend to Nadine. I want to fill his lonely days.

Everything's going fine. We even tied the promise to a banyan tree behind the school. We promise to be friends forever.

Yet... Due to the sudden misunderstanding between us, everything was destroyed. Nadine hates me. No matter how hard I try to explain everything. He'll never trust me..."

"Because of men?" Ishmael asked.

"Say you say so."

"And you? Also sever your friendship?"

"No. I kept fighting to make Nadine understand. If the reality isn't what he thinks. But he still doesn't trust me. Then..."

"Then what?"

"Then I decided to be with Radit."

"Ah, I guessed wrong."

"Did?"

"I thought you guys were fighting over Radit."

"What's? Fighting Radit? Haha. You're so silly. Haha."

"Why laugh?"

"You wouldn't say that if you knew what Radit was. He's the funniest guy who's never serious about anything."

"Huh? In seriously? Is there such a man?" Ismail scratched his head. "Then why do you want to be with him? Just because of Nadine? So he doesn't think you're taking the man of his dreams? That so?"

"Ish, you're a cop. I guess I guess what it's like." I'm pouting.

"It's not. I'm just guessing. So where are they now? Are you still meeting them?"

"Huuffft. They're now in an office with me."

"After I graduated from school, I went abroad. There I met Nadine once. I never knew Nadine was in America, either. After a few years, we met again. We work in the same company. I call it a strange fate. Don't you?"

"Yes, pretty weird. It seems you are destined to meet again. To finish things that haven't been done in the past."

I looked at Ishmael. "Things that haven't been over in the past?"

"Finish! You won't live quietly until it's all clear."

Ismail's right. But... I don't know where to start. L'm... Too scared. It's like repeating the past...

.

.

.

The next day, I invited Rangga to dinner at our house. I know it will feel awkward because my mother knew Rangga during his incident with Mas Alvian some time ago.

"The dinner was great, ma'am. Thank you for inviting me." said Rangga.

"I didn't invite you to eat here" replied the mother.

"Mom--" I glanced at my mother.

"Maybe it's too late. But I want to apologize. I'm sorry, Mom. I'm so sorry for the unfortunate incident a while ago."

"It's okay. I've forgotten about it. So, what's your relationship now? What was Alvian alleging at the time to be true? If you really have a relationship?"

"Mother!!! I told you me and Mr. Rangga had nothing to do."

"Then now?"

"I'm serious about Cecilia, Mom. I love him."

"Love?" Mom scrunched her forehead.

"Yes, Mom. I love Cecil. And I promise to make her happy. I came here to ask for my mother's blessing."

Mother sighed. "Restu? Does your family know about your relationship?"

"family?? Ah, of course you are. Ms. Siti had met with Cecil before. And he likes Cecil." Rangga smiled.

I closed my eyes. Rangga is very inexperienced in this regard.

Several times I glanced at him not to say things he shouldn't. But he doesn't understand my code.

"Mom Siti? Who's she?" Mother asked while squinting her eyes.

"He's the one who's been taking care of me from childhood. He's my family."

I think mom's getting angry. The ladder! What the hell are you doing? Why are you so innocent?

"Go home, son."

"Eh?"

"Go home!! The dinner is over." Mom got off the dining table.

"Ah, yes. Thanks again, Mom."

.

.

"I'm sorry mom, yeah. Maybe he was a little surprised. Because suddenly I brought you home."

"Yes, it's okay. Then I go home! Good night."

"Good night. Be careful on the road."

...***...

I sat back in the dining room. I sipped a glass of water until it ran out. Mom came out of her room. I knew he was going to scold me.

"Are you crazy? Why are you dating your boss?"

"Mother! I don't know why I fell in love with her either."

"What's? So it's true you had a relationship with him when he wasn't divorced with Alvian?"

"No, Ma. I swear to God I didn't betray Mas Alvian."

"So now you're crazy, huh?" Mom hit my back. Time and time again.

"Aw!!! Pain, Mom. Stop that!"

"Wild!! Let you know what it's like to hurt your mother. He's your boss. You think his family will accept you as a lowly employee, huh?"

"Enough, mom!! I'm not a lowly employee. I'm the best employee at AJ Foods."

"Oh my God!!! You think mom's like this because she doesn't love you, huh? I'm not gonna let you fall in the same hole twice. Can't you learn from the past? The Alvian family never accepted you as a daughter-in-law. Are you gonna repeat all that? Rangga's family will definitely do the same. Especially now that you're a widow. Do you think the President will accept you as his son-in-law?" Mom started to get excited.

I also just remained silent. Mother's words have a point. But... I haven't done anything yet. I haven't fought anything. Why should I give up?

"You should know yourself, son. Back away!!! Before you get hurt any deeper." Mom walked away and went into her room.

I hit my chest. It feels so cramped. I had a fight with Mom. Just like before. When I maintained my relationship with Mas Alvian. It's like... Repeating the past...

This... A strange fate...

...💟💟💟...

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