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28 | This Old House
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2024-10-29 19:42:56"LANG!" shouted a woman calling me from outside the room. "Greyson Langley!" she shouted again. “Wake up, Son! Aren't you picking up Amelia? "
"Yes, Ma’am!" I replied half-consciously from my room.
But, how come my mother knew I have to pick up Amelia later in the night? I did not tell her. Maybe, my father was the one who told her. Then, I saw a black wall clock. There was the white letter A and letter W logo, which are stacked against each other. Its short forefinger pointed to the number 5, while its long index finger pointed to the number 1. It was five o'clock in the afternoon.
Apparently, I fell asleep after playing guitar earlier. Aspirin was indeed efficacious! No wonder driving people were prohibited from consuming it.
I then stretched my stiff muscles, then looked at my cellphone. There were several message chats via WhatsApp. In a lying position, I read whoever sent me messages. The newest one was Amelia Limantoro, who remind me to
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In the Name of the Sacred Tree 29 | The Emperor's Heir
ON the veranda, Benjamin seemed to pull something out of his shorts pocket. Apparently, he picked up a carved bamboo-ivory smoking pipe, a lighter, and a pinch of tobacco and cloves. Benjamin sat across from Vincent, who was busy observing the news clippings.Benjamin's fingers looked lively when he mixed tobacco and cloves. He then put the herbal concoction into the end of the pipe that resembled a bowl. Benjamin then set fire to it with his lighter.This old Chinese man closed his eyes and took a solemn inhale of the nicotine. The smoke that came out of his mouth was as much as the smoke of an old rickshaw exhaust.Sucked up a smoking pipe, Benjamin looks more charismatic. But in my opinion, he was artsy too. The smoking pipe was indeed a legendary device. Based on its history, the device was in use long before the cigarette industry developed.Benjamin then stood up and back to the living room. He called his maid. The one who was summoned arrived while
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 30 | The Attraction
FROM afar, I saw the traffic light turn red. I stopped the car behind a pickup, which was carrying many turbaned passengers. They seemed to be in a choir in Arabic, which I did not know what it means. The sound of tambourines blared over the traffic noise.After driving for a while, we entered Ahmed Jonnah Street. From afar, I could see the Emerald Exhibition and Convention Center building illuminated by spotlights aimed at the sky. Dozens of cars seemed queued up to get into the parking lot.For your information, Emerald Building was one of the most magnificent buildings in Surabaya. This building was usually used for big events, such as political party congresses, automotive fairs, and job fairs.The Emerald Building was also commonly used by wealthy people to hold receptions because of its super spacious ballroom and modern design. The facilities and technology were not inferior to the Wall Street building in the United States. Amelia said that. I never set m
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 31 | Curiosity
"Really, Mel," I asked in a half growl.Amelia did not answer me right away. Instead, she scolded Kacey for leaking her secret. In my opinion, playing the violin was not a skill that she should keep hidden.To process the latest information about Amelia, I said goodbye to these two girls. I felt I need to calm down outside the building. Meanwhile, these two beautiful girls continued their pretty chat. Even though I just wanted to smoke.Outside the building, I could see the lively Ahmed Jonnah Street. The lights from the headlights of the vehicle were zipping madly. In the sky, the airspace looked bright, showing the twinkling stars. I then imagine Amelia in the middle of the stage. She was playing the violin while being highlighted by the spotlights. How serene.In the middle of gazing at the sky, I suddenly remembered the twin shooting stars that had incarnated an angel yesterday. Yes, that angel was Julia. I checked my WhatsApp on my cell phone. Julia
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 32 | Allegro
I entered the four-man line lazily. Kacey took the initiative to take selfies for the four of us. We started posing according to the width of the camera screen.Not long after, a cellphone camera shutter sound was heard. Kacey then looked at the photos and admired them. At that time, there was a voice whispering in my ear."Is she your new girlfriend?" whispered Donnie to me."Don't start gossiping," I replied."Then, where is the one who wears a hijab?" asked Jameela in a whisper."Don't start gossiping," I repeated.Just as I was about to express my concern about Donnie's hate speech case, Kacey suddenly turned around and asked to leave. I then gave up that intention. Kacey and I then thanked Donnie and Jameela.Kacey turned around and started walking in front of me. At that time, Donnie pushed my ass until my Mickey almost touched Kacey's butt. Good thing I had Gianglugi Buffon's world-class reflex, so I could avoid the collision.
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 33 | Crossover
THE sound of the strings rubbing against Amelia Limantoro's bow was really immersive. It was as if my mixed feelings tonight were represented by her magnificent violin playing. I feel there was happiness in the major scales, and there was sadness in the minor scales.Everything was intertwined in one great harmony to the point, I did not realize that my hand was holding Julia's hand.Even though I was surprised, I did not want to immediately let go of my grip on Julia. I still insisted on feeling the roughness of Julia's palms. My mind seemed to be connected, how hard and how often this palm was used till causing wounds and blisters.As a man, I certainly did not have the heart. Julia was a strong and tough woman indeed.As I remember, when we were little, I never touched Julia on purpose, even if it was just the palm of her hand. Even though Julia was a nagging person, I really respect her as a woman.But, I did not understand. Why did Julia not l
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 34 | The Tension
"JOHN!" called Shu Alex. "Get me a chair, bring it here!"The one who was summoned is obedient.When he got up from where he was sitting, I could see that John was tall and sturdy. Dressed in a black suit, he looks like Shu Alex's personal bodyguard.His short hair was neat, framing her oval face. With glasses, there was charisma as well as intelligence that radiates. I estimated he is the same age as Koh Vincent, Shu Benjamin's eldest son.John grinned, adjusted his coat collar, then obeyed his father's orders."That's the eldest son of Shu Alex," whispered Amelia to my ear.When Amelia whispered, I could smell the mint scent. I felt like I wanted to slide my cheek to meet her tiny lips.But, I wondered what my grandfather had done so that his grandson could receive the honor.By John, the chair he took was then placed opposite Shu Alex's chair. He then whispered to each other with his father. While waiting to be invited to ta
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 35 | The Album
THE serenity broke when the car I was driving stopped in front of Shu Benjamin's house. No more Koh Vincent's black Fortuner car. The streets and Amelia's home were quiet and dark. I turned off the engine of the car, then went out to the passenger door. I opened the door for Amelia. At that time, I saw her putting the handkerchief back into her ivory white oriental wallet.I also escorted Amelia to the front door of her house. She then turned towards me while clutching her handheld wallet in her stomach. But, her gazed fell to earth. In Hollywood romance movies, usually, moments like this ended with the male character straightening the female character's chin, looking into her eyes, then kissing her lips.And that was I also intend to.I took the courage to step closer to Amelia. I straightened her chin that fell with my index finger. Amelia complied, and then our eyes met. I dared to push my lips towards Amelia's tiny lips. As I got closer, I could see th
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 36 | Old Friends
SUDDENLY, there was a crowd happen at the main door of the Emerald Building ballroom. Soon after that, there was a commotion. Dozens of Javanese dressed in batik clothes and cloth pants came in droves. There was a sinister aura enveloping this horde. Among them was a charismatic old man. He was like a Javanese with brown color skin but had narrow eyes.The figure of Javanese-Chinese crossbreed with smooth hair combed back then hugged Alex Limantoro warmly. It was as if they were throwing compliments to each other and then sitting next to each other. Cabernet Sauvignon poured into the glass. While laughing at each other, they toasted and then drank. They seemed very close.They continued a conversation, but I could not hear clearly from where I was standing with Kacey. But who was the old man of Javanese-Chinese crossbreed?"Who is he?" asked Kacey."I have no idea?" I answered her."That's Uncle Brody," said Amelia, who suddenly stood behind me.
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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
