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235 | Cheap Gossip
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2024-10-29 19:42:56The next day, as usual, I warmed up my motorbike in the yard. While at the store, my mother was busy serving customers. While I was cleaning the motorbike, Jenny – my little sister – passed by. He greeted me then asked me.
"My friends have been talking about you a lot lately," Jenny said.
"Really?" I asked, "Isn't that a good thing?"
"Some, yes," Jenny replied, "some not."
"Well, I guess that's how it should be. A celebrity that people talk about,” I boasted.
"Yes, gossip is natural," said Jenny, "but when it's bad gossip, and it's about my older brother, I'm bothered."
"And what kind of oblique gossip about me on campus?" I asked.
"You and Kacey are dating," Jenny said.
“Isn't that obvious? I introduced her to mom, and the few times I was with her in college? Then, what makes it such bad news?” I asked.
“I don't mind, you dating Kacey,” Jenny said, “I just get annoyed when
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In the Name of the Sacred Tree 236 | The Rumors
"Is that true?" I pretended to be amazed because I thought that's how parents comfort their children by praising them."I'll go back to the shop first. There's a customer," said my mother.While my mother was away, I went to CLOFUS first to attend college. However, I will be leaving Clofus after the first course. You see, at 10 o'clock, Zoey and I have an appointment with Donnie at his studio.On-campus, I was taken aback by the scene before me. Amelia and Billy do not hesitate to show themselves in public. Previously, I caught them just staying in the car until Amelia came out.Now, the two of them were shamelessly sitting in the garden of the Faculty of Letters. Is Amelia no longer afraid of losing me? Damn.I passed in front of Amelia and Billy, who looked intimate together. Apparently, Amelia knew I was passing through. But she just looked at me without greeting or surprise face. Maybe that's why Amelia deliberately chose a place in the open.
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 237 | New Reyna
I immediately got into trouble with three different girls in one day. First, there was Julia who wanted us to be friends as usual after knowing my party photos, videos, and gossip circulating on campus. But I did not want to be just friends. I want more.Julia turned it down because she was already engaged to a cop. That was my thought.Then, there was Amelia who began to dare to present herself with Billy – her boyfriend – in public. In fact, she told me that I was all he wanted. Even so, I was still heartbroken. I judged what she was doing to offend me. And of course, what she did was because of my party photos and videos and rumors circulating.After that, there was Aisha passed me, but she did not even greet me. When I called out to her, she turned away disapprovingly. Aisha even called me disgusting. She said in front of me, preferring Ahmed over me. It offended me so much that I responded with a bad word about Ahmed.Just as I was thinki
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 238 | The Audition
AFTER attending the Cross-Cultural Understanding lecture from Miss Reyna, I immediately left the class because I remembered the promise with Donnie to take Zoey to his music studio.I've been ignoring Aisha and Julia in class. I also stopped looking for Amelia in Chinese Literature class. They chose not to care about me anymore.As I descended the stairs to the first floor, I met Kacey and her Uptown Girl gang. I told Kacey that I had a recording appointment with Donnie at his music studio. I'm not completely lying. I just didn't tell the part about Zoey."Do you need me?" Kacey asked."No," I replied, "it's just a matter of music. You have fun.""Okay," said Kacey. "be careful.""Sure."I rushed to the parking lot on my motorbike and drove straight to Zoey's apartment, where I had hidden her.I looked at my watch, and it was half-past 10 in the afternoon. In half an hour, Zoey and I should be at Donnie's studio. I am a person
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 239 | The Audition 2
"That was amazing," said Donnie. "You haven't forgotten how to sing. You sing like a pro.""Thank you," Zoey replied."It's been four years. How can you keep such a good voice?" asked Donnie curiously."I sing every day," Zoey replied."Is that true?" Donnie's response, "does that mean you're under a contract with another band or label?""Not like that," Zoey replied shyly.“Calliope works at a karaoke place, Donnie. That's why he sings every day,” I joined in."Ah, it's just natural that you keep your voice up," said Donnie.According to Donnie, this Chandelier song does sound like an ordinary popular song. Especially the relaxed part of the verse. But, when it comes to the chorus-refrain, that's where things will become difficult for the singer.“For budding singers,” says Donnie, “Chandeliers will make the singer feel like running a marathon, being chased by a dog too. Exhausted!"
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 240 | A Bunch of Idiots
"Now tell me, Langley," Donnie asked, "where did you find Calliope?""I do not understand what you mean?" I really don't understand Donnie's question."Didn't I already tell you that Calliope works at the karaoke house," I said."Yes, I know," said Donnie, "I correct my question, at which karaoke house did you find Calliope?"I considered whether I should tell Donnie where Calliope actually came from. If I told Donnie the truth, I would be someone who couldn't be trusted. If I don't tell the truth, it would be troublesome for Donnie if Zoey's past gets exposed out of nowhere."Why are you so interested in where Calliope is from?" I asked, trying to divert the question."You know that if I have a karaoke house chain," Donnie said, "Calliope may work at one of my karaoke houses."“No,” I began to lie, “I didn't find Calliope at your karaoke house. I met Calliope when she was singing at my neighbor's wedding. I was amaz
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 241 | A Bunch of Idiots 2
YES, the public still remembers how Donnie was called insulting the Indonesia Muslim Defender (IMD) as a group of idiots. I remembered the television interview program that featured Donnie's lawyer, Solomon Sidabukke, and IMD Leader Imam Shahryr in 'In-Depth with Aaliyah' on the Indonesia News Channel or INC, the largest news media in Indonesia.In-Depth with Aaliyah itself is the most famous interview program because it presents the parties involved in one case. The program itself is managed by the beautiful and intelligent host Aaliyah Situmorang.Because of the INC's broad reach, the parties involved are often present to share their views.“I watched Solomon and Imam Shahryr's interview on In-Depth with Aaliyah on television,” I told Donnie."Then you saw for yourself how that idiot walked out," said Donnie, laughing. "That's the type of fool, not wanting to lose."Yes, at that time there was a live interview program entitled Express
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 242 | Next Concert
ZOEY and I returned to the apartment after the record deal was over. Zoey told me, starting tomorrow she must come to the studio to record. Before we left, Donnie handed over his song file for Zoey to study. Of course, Donnie called Zoey Calliope.“Did you write your real name and address in the contract file?” I asked."Of course," Zoey replied, "I fill in according to the ID card."I nodded in understanding."Are you worried about something?" Zoey asked again.“No,” I replied, “they are professionals. Your true identity will be kept secret.”While dropping Zoey off at her apartment, my cell phone rang an incoming message. When I opened it, it was apparently from Brother Quinn – the manager of Boumerank. I wiped the phone screen and read the contents of the message from him."Next week's concert in Singapore," Quinn wrote in his message, "make sure you're ready. It was an IMPORTANT CONCERT.&r
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 243 | I've Heard of It
"Yeah, that's the truth," Zoey said, "but I'm afraid to tell you.""Afraid of what?" I asked."You're angry.""Of course I'm angry," I said, "who wouldn't be mad at being ripped off like that Zoey? I already believed your sad fake story.”Zoey was silent. For a moment, I realized that I had gone too far. The Lovebird from the South story is actually no less sad."I'm sorry," I said."Forget it," Zoey replied. “Let's just have another chat. It's all because you asked about Mother Arynn."“Can you tell me more about Saltyville Village?” I asked."What's with that village?" Zoey asked back."Who knows. I feel like Saltyille is a special place,” I said. “Somehow, I feel connected to that village.”"Tell me," Zoey begged.I then share some of the events that I have experienced and know about Saltyville."I met an old man," I began, "but he's no ordinary man."
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In the Name of the Sacred Tree 283 | The End
News of my arrest spread rapidly and wildly - from surrender, twisted by the Indonesian Herald by forced arrest. The wave of mass demonstrations was getting bigger in Surabaya.Until one day, a man was demonstrating alone carrying the body of a woman in the Surabaya House of Representative building yard which was recorded by television broadcasts. A moment later, he poured gasoline over his body and the old woman's body. Then, he started a fire which quickly burned himself and the body he was carrying.Everyone knew that he was Mr. Wayan who intended to show his protest by presenting himself and his wife in front of the people's representatives. He had a desperate on the government.When that happened, I was in the detention room.All the prisoners present stood up to learn of Wayan's self-immolation on television. I thought the prisoners would kill him for being the instigator of this distressing incident. Apparently, they even cursed the authorities. Th
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 282 | The Black Mask Movement
Julia then revealed that her pregnancy was actually from my seed. Therefore, Julia asked in return whether it meant that the child she was carrying was a bastard child too. That was why Julia was forced to accept Gerald's marriage proposal to cover my disgrace.I asked Julia why she hadn't said that earlier. Julia admitted that she had tried but was afraid to ruin my happiness. At that time, I received a phone call from Quinn if I was appointed as Hendryx's replacement at The Boumerank. Besides, I was already a famous person. Julia was afraid of damaging my image and defaming Bradley.I also asked how could this happen? Julia reminded me of when I lay in the courtyard of a closed Middle Eastern restaurant. That night, I forced Julia to make love to vent my frustration.I asked why Julia didn't refuse or fight me. Julia admitted that if she fough
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 281 | The Bastard
When my mother found out that I wrote a book, she could only cry. I softly asked Lidia again. Lidia admitted that she did not want one of her loved ones to be lost in front of her again.Lidia finally told how Bradley disappeared. At that time, Brad and George were advocating for Saltyville residents not to be evicted by the government. The reason at that time was the same, namely the eviction of the brothels. The goal was to control coastal land to build an industrial complex.Bradley struggled on the pitch staging protests, while George, a journalist, struggled through writing. Because George's writings were considered threatening, he was hunted down by a group of unknown people. George during the New Order era was more famous than Bradley because of his profession as a critical journalist.One day in February 1998, a group of people dressed i
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 280 | Saltyroth Rhapsody
I visited Aisha at her palace at Royal Certajava. There, I asked Aisha if it was true that the Rasheed's were eyeing a new source of oil in Saltyville. Aisha said she knew, but was not involved.I asked, why didn't Aisha try to block her family's intentions? There were thousands of people living on the land of Saltyville. Aisha replied that she was only a Muslim woman. She had no power to decide. I accused Aisha of enjoying the result.Aisha started crying, telling me this was not what I accused her family of. I asked, then how exactly. Aisha replied she couldn't expose it.Then, I clashed with Aisha by accusing her of being hypocritical because she pretended not to know what was going on. We both mourned each other and move away from each other.So it was with Kacey.
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 279 | Investigation
Knowing that I again urged my mother to talk. However, Lidia did not budge. Then, I said goodbye and would find out for myself and continue Bradley's struggle. Lidia strictly forbade my intention. But I was determined.Based on clues from Brad's book and Zoey's notes, I and Amelia, with Vincent's help, discover the mode of money laundering by the Rasheed and Schielhort families. Bribes to and from Jamaal, Syahnaz, Fatima, and Malloch, were deposited through the CLIF Foundation and Islamic boarding schools and houses of worship as a form of charity.Besides, some were used to establish Islamic boarding schools in Jombang and Madura. This was done by asking one of the pesantren students to be used on his behalf. That way, the Rasheed and Torstein families were not legally touched. An example was Bowie.While tracing this dirty practice, I continued to experience terror.Exploring further to Jakarta, I also discovered a flow of money to state officials. The
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 278 | Bradley's Diary
The next day, I asked my mother, Lidia, about Saltyville in more detail. The village elders refused to talk about it unless Lidia had already told me. And how did Bradley relate to all of this? But Lidia refused to talk about Bradley and Saltyville.I insisted that I read old documents at the Dr. Sue Thompson Regional Hospital. The document stated that there was the name of Lidia Tanoto, who gave birth to twins without a father. Lidia didn't budge.I was not broken. Then, I rushed to the warehouse of my house. I unpacked old chests and suitcases that were there. Every old document I read to find what I looking for. But, actually, I didn't know what I was looking for. I only knew Bradley and Saltyville.Then there was a clean pocketbook, tied with ropes from torn cloth. I opened it slowly because the book had rotted with age. In the book, apparently, Bradley wrote his daily life up to three days before mysteriously disappearing.In the book, Brad wrote abo
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 277 | Burning Revenge
After Brody investigated, it was Troy who was about to collect Zidan's debt from Jamaal. Troy told Jamaal that Zoey was somewhere in Newton and would kidnap her as bail. Shortly after, there was an IMD raid into the Guysville prostitution complex that left three people dead.We said Brody - referring to himself and Troy - concluded that the mastermind behind the brothel attacks was the Rasheed's. Brody also revealed that the most responsible behind Calliope's past to bring down Jamaal was Vincent. I was surprised.Brody added that Vincent found out from Zidan. And the Zidan was pretending to be angry and running away from the house so as not to stand out, that he was the one who leaked it.I also asked, how did Zidan know if Calliope was Zoey aka Melody? Well, therein laid the mystery. Who told Zidan? Said Brody.I further asked why Brody was willing to let Zoey go to me. Brody answered because I was his nephew.Then, I was reminded of Troy. Actual
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 276 | Climax
Then, suddenly the rumor spread that Vincent Limantoro was a descendant of communists. Vincent's family said the issue once defended Saltyville because they wanted immorality to continue in Saltyroth. George Limantoro was touted as a dissident against the regime.Shortly, Mayor Jamaal announced three villages, not two, whose citizens were asked to leave immediately. The problem was, the three villages would be evicted by the authority in a couple of days. The three villages were Saltyville, Wigan, and Certajava. For Saltyville in particular, the eviction would be the next day.Those facts made me even angrier. I ignored Brody's advice to remain silent. At a concert that refused the eviction in Saltyville, I participated in openly voicing my rejection of Jamaal.At that concert, I was no longer wearing Che's robes. I wanted the world to recognize me and the voices I represented.Then hundreds of IMD masses suddenly attacked Saltyville. There were clashes b
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 275 | Dangerous Teror
It was Santos. To me, Santos confessed that he and other service officials travel to Singapore for a comparative study on the construction of city parks also the cleanliness rules. He gambled in his spare time. At first, I understood Santos's reasons.We then talked about music and other things. We didn't have much time together because Santos had to leave, while Quinn and I went back to the hotel.The next day, I had a concert with Boumerank. As usual, the atmosphere is always lively. After that, we all returned to Indonesia.Day by day, Zoey's life began to improve. I had also kept his promise to fulfill Zoey's dream of becoming a singer.However, when everything seemed fine, I and Zoey were suddenly hunted down by strangers. They demanded me and Zoey shut our mouths or be killed. Zoey and I at first thought it was someone from Zoey's past.In the midst of her popularity, news spread that Calliope was a former drug addict and prostitute with the
