Yellow Flags
The Shackles of the Past

🌻 Winona

When I had forgotten the image of Jacob's face, why did he appear before me now? His return makes me unable to escape the shackles of the past!

And here I am. in Jacob's room!

My back is on the door leaf. Slowly, I sat on the cold floor.

My eyes glanced around the room. I haven't turned on the lights. And Jacob still left the window curtains open. Provide access to moonlight from the outside illuminating the room.

This room was less than twenty-five square meters. The queen size mattress is covered with a white bed cover. His blanket looks folded carelessly.

Oh, I used to dream about this. The moment where I finally get to one room with that guy. I got it now, after I became that ex-man!

I tried to neutralize the heartbeat that had been pounding incoherently. His eyes glared at me with a flash of attention. Either it's manipulation, or he really cares about me!

Five years ago, I was devastated. Jacob left without news. And I was left behind when I started to love her.

One month I was hoping that the man would call me soon. My hope is just news that gives certainty. But it didn't happen. Year passed. Two years, three, four…

Now, is he back? Is it still not enough, the wounds he has inflicted so far?

What did Jacob say? A letter he sent to Sepia? If that's true, why didn't Sepia give me the letter?

I laughed softly. I laugh at my stupidity again. Because trust and hope in that man!

Very classic Jacob's reason!

I can't be fooled twice! This time, I can't be lulled by her deadly charm. I have to keep reminding myself, how hurt this heart is when he just leaves.

Cellphone's ringing.

My eyes were wide, when I saw the name on the screen.

The annoyance made me press the lift button. “Halo,” I said ketus. “Lo where to Sep? Why don't you tell me anything! I've been waiting for you at Cafe!”

“Are you in your boarding house?” the hoarse voice across the phone made me flinch in shock.

“Gema! Kok lo yang..”

“Iya,” by Echo. “You will not pick up if I call.”

I exhaled a rough breath. And yes, the echo is right. I wouldn't pick up if he called.

Because I blocked the number!

I immediately disconnected the phone.

Suddenly a new consciousness entered my mind. Is it not Sepia who invited me to meet?

Is it possible that Echoes sent me a message? Not Sepia?!

Nah! The anxiety again made my body tremble. I have done my best to remove the image of the event in my mind!

If I remember, I met Gema two years ago. When I was an intern. We decided to make friends, because there was no sense of nesting. By the time Gema started giving gifts equipped with notes that read globals, I already understood what it meant. I withdrew, because I felt uncomfortable.

I don't like rejection. And every ‘no’ word from me, that man will be even more obsessed with bothering me. I was getting more and more uncomfortable when my old office friends started gossiping.

To me, their stories are mere wreaths. But to them, my defense is just an excuse.

“Si most innocent girl. Holy t-shirt him, um!”

“If I see too, she's pretty standard. What is special try?”

I shook my head quickly. It's the mocking voices that make my life miserable.

I was finally forced to resign the moment Gema started acting aggressively. Once upon a time, I was waiting for hot water in the pantry. Then an echo suddenly appeared from behind me. He hugged me tightly.

I shouted, then tried to let go of his embrace.

Some of my office friends heard, and then they witnessed the treatment. Not the sympathy and support I get. They even branded me as a cheap woman.

When I got out, Gema decided to move to Bali. That's where that bastard met Sepia! I only found out three months ago, when Sepia invited me to a guy show she called ‘Mr. Crush’.

Sepia adores Gema so much. Well, Sepia only worships the treasures of the Echoes. Because the man also often gave him a gift containing branded items.

Either the man was intentional, or indeed fate was happy to ridicule me!

The moment he proposed to me in front of his guests and friends, I could only be silent with a trembling body. I still remember, a gaze full of anger Echoes.

I fear. Really scared. If that man holds a grudge and decides to terrorize me. I don't want to get involved in a criminal act, where I'm the victim! And Echoes into a cold-blooded killer.

When Gema's friends glanced at me and Sepia in turn, I had a brilliant idea. I pulled Sepia, then spoke out loudly. “Oh, Echoes love to prank! You know who the mistress is here!”

It ends with Sepia getting the proposal. Is Sepia mad at me for putting her in that position? The girl just smiled broadly. So did Echo, she said that, ‘ya, I was pretending! You all know who I've been with lately?”

The slow knock behind my back made my body flinch in shock.

What from earlier, I slumped, sitting on this cold floor? Repeating a dark story from the past? One man made me feel broken, another one made me feel bad!

“Wio? Are you asleep?” the voice sounded deep and increasingly heavy.

What's he asking for?

Oho! Does Jacob need anything in his room? Does he want to change his clothes? That guy was still wearing jeans and a shirt!

Quickly, I stood up and opened the door.

Jacob turned. I saw him standing about four steps from the door.

A small smile appeared at the corner of his lips. “You haven't slept yet?”

“Hmmm...” unexpectedly, my stomach rang.

Ah, when do I eat? As I recall, I only ate fried rice at two o'clock earlier! When hungry like this, my body feels weak. And my throat is dry too. I was just drinking Latte!

“You take something from inside the room?” many quick.

Jacob shook his head. “I want to order food. Have you eaten?” he laughed softly while scratching his head. “I slept a long time ago. Keep going out, meet at the cafe. Haven't eaten yet, so you..” Jacob hung up his sentence.

Am I going to refuse, then go back to the room? Trying to sleep with a rumbling stomach asking to be filled?

Will I be honest and...

Why is this situation like a Korean drama! I exhaled a heavy breath.

What again, am I forced to drown my ego? Forced to face Jacob again with all his attention?

With that face and that smile. With all that heavy, soft voice.

“Wio? You look pale.” Jacob approached me. “You're exhausted again? Or do you have a lot of thoughts?”

Two steps Jacob's distance from me. I felt the warmth of his presence again. I can also smell the peppermint scent that makes me drown in wild fantasies.

“Gue hungry,” my word fast. I wasn't looking at him. My footsteps swung slowly towards the sofa.