"You are handsome and attractive, Mr. Rudi. I'm sure a lot of women are eager to be by your side." Clarissa looked at the handsome man sitting in front of her. With a charming smile, a beautiful aura manifested itself on Clarissa's oval face.
Clarissa's words made Rudi smile widely. It seemed Clarissa is attracted to him. Her attitude was a little stiff and arrogant, but Clarissa was beautiful, smart, and classy. It was fitting that his parents introduced him to Clarissa.
"It's a shame, you are not my type. Too old-fashioned, look like a father to me. And for sure, I don't like it the most, if I have to get married because of an ar-range-mar-ried." Clarissa's gaze turned sharp and cynical towards Rudi.
Rudi's happy face immediately disappeared. He was surprised that Clarissa was so sharp with words, even though they had only met this time.
"Maybe because you are not very social, so you need help just to find a date. Sorry, I can't stay long, even this dinner menu is not my taste." Clarissa stood up, grabbed her bag which was lying next to the chair, then walked away from the fancy restaurant.
Rudi was offended and angry. He hasn't even had time to say anything other than introduce himself. It turned out that the news about the arrogant Clarissa was not a figment. He's really proud. The words she spoke seemed like they were not filtered out. Regretfully Rudi accepted his mother's offer to come and meet Clarissa.
It felt like he was slammed by a just growing adult woman. How could be? He was a successful businessman, belittled by a young girl who just felt mature. So annoying!
Clarissa drove straight to her boarding house. She just got into the room, the phone rang from inside his bag. Clarissa knew who contacted her.
"Clarissa! You are too much. You just left Rudi? I am tired of persuading her parents to let Rudi meet you! He's busy, lots of business. You really give me a headache !!" A loud, furious sound slid into Clarissa's ears.
Clarissa just grinned. He was happy that her mother was upset. It seemed satisfying, making the woman who gave birth to her frantically had to apologize to her colleagues. Clarissa was clearly not going to be a match to anyone. But this is the umpteenth time her mother urged Clarissa to meet a man that she didn’t know.
"So what? I already met him. Where am I wrong? Did he complain about me leaving? What a child!" Clarissa calmly answered as she took off her heels, which were more than 4 inches.
"Yes, but, don't be rude like that, please. Get to know him first, talk to him, not just run away like that, Clarissa!" Still annoyed, my mother's voice feels louder.
"I already told you, I don't want to be married by matchmaking. I don't want to think about getting married anyway. What I'm doing now I enjoy it, Mom. Why don’t you yourself get married? Bothering to know you have dating with your friends!" Annoyed, Clarissa denied her mother.
"Clarissa! Watch your mouth, okay ?!" Rosita was getting angry with Clarissa's words. That girl dared insult her now?
"Alright, Mom. This is the last one, you force me to meet a boy. I can find out for myself who is the right man for me. I just entered college for several months, Mom! If until I am turning thirty and no one wants to be with me, alright, find me a man to be married to. You can be upset then!" And with annoyance, Clarissa turned off the phone from her mother.
Clarissa couldn't understand what was on her mother's mind so she wanted Clarissa to get a mate quickly. She always got the rich one who was thrust at her daughter. But no one made Clarissa want to look at him. Since she was a teenager, this matter has never been connected with Rosita. Meanwhile, Clarissa is also tired of seeing her mother change boyfriends after the divorce. It made Clarissa even more hurt and chose a boarding house outside the house even though she still lives in the same city as Rosita.
Clarissa changed her clothes then sat on the bed, started working on her cellphone, seeing what was the commotion in cyberspace. While having fun scrolling for the interesting posts, a notification appears in the class group chat. Clarissa opened it and saw what info was there.
Clarissa's smile widened. It was noisy, there was a new cool lecturer who would replace one of the senior lecturers who was sick and couldn't continue teaching. Clarissa would see what the new lecturer looked like, so the class became so excited.
That day was the first time the new lecturer was teaching. Clarissa had prepared a surprise for the new lecturer. She had arrived a little late on purpose, with a slightly antique appearance. Clarissa wore clothes in bold colors, orange, and green. The model is slightly quirky which is sure to make people look straight at it. And her hair, she dyed it similar with her clothes at the ends and a few strands of her hair.
The class was just starting when Clarissa stood at the door and casually walked into the classroom. The lecturer couldn't help but turn to her. His eyes widened, saw Clarissa walking without permission, and seemed not to see a lecturer in front of the class.
"Good morning! Sorry, Miss!" The lecturer called.
Clarissa turned to the lecturer in front of the class who was standing and staring at him. Woww ... That's right, handsome. Cool. Nice eyes, lips, chin. Clarissa this time admitted that her friends' type was solid.
"Hi, sorry I am late." Clarissa smiled and slightly raised her hand.
"What is your name?" The lecturer glared at Clarissa. He felt strange about this student. It seemed she didn’t care about ethics. Obviously, she was dealing with the lecturer, but she was acting her way.
Diaz watched from head to toe, this girl was quirky too. Beautiful, quite tall with a smile that was quite charming. But what a magic behavior!
"Oh, hey, I'm Clarissa Josephine. Just call me Clay." Clarissa stepped closer and reached out to the lecturer.
The class was smiling. They really understand how was Clarissa's behavior, she would do what she wanted.
"Sit down. The class has started. And don't be late again." The lecturer did not return Clarissa's helping hand.
"Don't be arrogant, Sir. My hands are sterile, seriously don't want acquaintances?" Clarissa still held out her hand.
"It's study time. Hurry and sit down or I'll tell you to wait outside." The young lecturer was also firm.
"All right. I'll sit down." Clarissa relented. He stepped into the seat at the front, there was still one empty.
"Alright, I continue the class. My name is Wira Diaz Wardhana. Just call me Diaz. I was asked to replace Prof. Ilham who is currently still under treatment because of his condition. Now, as the beginning of the class ..." The handsome lecturer again focused the class on what he wanted to explain.
Clarissa looked at Diaz. He was indeed attractive. Every movement of his movements looks calm, confident, had a charisma that made people want to pay attention to him. Clarissa felt a soft rustle grease her heart.
For almost two hours of class, Clarissa, who was usually nosy, asked questions to make the lecturer nervous, this time just staring at the young lecturer. Something was forcing Clarissa to keep staring at him even though she didn't pay attention to what the professor was saying.
Until class ended, her close friend, Yenny, who was sitting in the back row tapped her on the shoulder, found it strange that Clarissa could stay quiet in class.
"Are you okay?" Yenny asked. His hand touched Clarissa's forehead.
"Healthy, why? I'm pretty with this style?" Clarissa ran her fingers through her hair.
"You looked calm today. Why?" Yenny asked again.
"I ... fascinated …” Clarissa smiled. Her white teeth were visible, the more beautiful. "I'm in love, Yenny."
"To Mr. Diaz?" Yenny glared.
Yenny was still staring at Clarissa who was smiling in front of her. She wasn't sure if Clarissa really liked the lecturer. All she knew was that Clarissa was the pickiest with guys. How many times she did turn down the guy who told her they fell in love with her. And she did it in a less human way. She pretended to have fun with the boy’s love, but then she kicked away the guy who spelled it. Hanging out together, as if Clarissa gave hope, then as soon as the boy confessed, with a mocking smile, grin, Clarissa left the boy. "Are you sure what you say?" Yenny hasn't turned away from the sharp gaze at Clarissa. "Very sure. He's different from any guy who I ever know, Yenny." Clarissa looked up at the classroom ceiling. He returned to imagining the face of his new lecturer. "He's handsome, with a good sharp nose. His chin is firm but not fierce. His smile, not sharp. His posture, oh, no ... Yenny, for me, he is the man of my dream." Clarissa caught her cheeks.
The guy in front of Clarissa smiled. His slanted eyes looked smaller. His hand was still holding the book that Clarissa was holding, too. On the other hand, he raised his slightly drooping glasses. "Let it go," Clarissa said sharply liking the boy. "Okay, lady first." The boy's hand let go of the book that Clarissa was also holding. “Adimasta. Adimasta Cakradinata, The Nerd Cold Boy. How lucky I see you here." Clarissa's eyes were still sharp at the boy. Adimasta smiled faintly. The special call from Clarissa he heard again. It wasn’t really good, but Adimasta was glad that Clarissa did it. "Yeah, just take it. In two weeks when you're done, I'll borrow it. Tell me, okay?" One by one Adimasta said the word he spoke. Calm, slow, light. Clarissa wanted to laugh when she heard Adimasta speak. He was just like being careful and afraid of being wrong. Sometimes Clarissa couldn't wait for him to finish saying the sentence he wanted to say.
Clarissa's eyes didn't blink at Adimasta who was sitting next to her. She wanted to laugh! It turned out that Adimasta had the same fate as her, was invited to a social event, then given free time to get acquainted with the children of the mothers. It could be that Adimasta was also a victim of coercion to get a mate or an arranged marriage at a moment like this, right? "Why are you dumbfounded? Sit down." Adimasta patted the chair next to him asking Clarissa to sit down. Clarissa obeyed, immediately she sat down. And immediately she leaned closer to Adimasta and whispered, "How many times have you been invited to events like this? Why have I only seen you now? Have you ever been betrothed to, hmm?" Adimasta looked at Clarissa. Beautiful. Very beautiful. This time her hair was light brown, which suited her perfectly. With a ponytail, Clarissa makes Adimasta was even more charmed. Adimasta raised his glasses, then replied, "What do you mean? I don't understand. This is my first time
That afternoon Clarissa deliberately wanted to meet Diaz after the lecture was over. Clarissa walked towards the lecturer's office hoping Diaz was there. The approach must be intensified. A few meters before reaching the office door, Diaz was seen walking out of it. Clarissa's smile widened instantly. Again, luck was on her side. And Diaz looked at Clarissa. Diaz was sure this quirky student was looking for him. He understood the gesture of the girl who wanted to approach him. "Good afternoon, Sir." Clarissa greeted warmly. She put on a sweet smile for the teacher to pay attention. "Good afternoon, Clarissa. Not going home yet?" Diaz asked. "I want to meet you first. Can I talk with you?" Clarissa asked back. "About what? I'm in a bit of a rush." Diaz answered while looking at his watch. "Oh, no. Are you?" Clarissa was disappointed. "I wait for my taxi. If you can be patient, tomorrow you can meet me at over two in the afternoo
Clarissa could understand if Yenny disagreed with her. Of course, just like any other friend, if they found out that Clarissa pursued their new teacher’s love, there would be sneers and sarcasm. But Clarissa was better to change her name if she would give up just because people saying. "Yenny, the first step I got my point, so I will just keep going. Hm? I'm sure I can melt the hearts of our lecturer." Clarissa patted Yenny's cheek. "Clay, it's better to focus on studying, you know. Don't think others. A lecturer, like Mr. Diaz, definitely wishes an elegant woman, not being silly, it's a little unclear like you, sometimes." Yenny's open mouth started to get out of control. "Whatever you wanna say. Today is the first step. Everything leads to a noble goal, side by side with the ideal man, that I hope. Why should I think differently? Challenges are natural, make the struggle more meaningful." Clarissa moved to pinch Yenny's nose. "Hey, keep your hand. Y
"Clay ..." That voice made Clarissa even more nervous. Calm, soft, and soothing. She used to hear a voice like this from her father. "Everything you've been through has taught you to be a strong girl. Rest assured of that." Clarissa was silent. So far no one had spoken to her like this. That the bad things that disappointed her, would make her be a strong person? "Without a father, you are now a grown woman. That's great. And ahead there is a future waiting. Be proud of yourself." Diaz continued. Clarissa wanted to cry loudly hearing those words. If Diaz was in front of her, she would probably hug him tightly. Clarissa felt her heart painful, but there was also a sense of calm creeping in there. She wanted Diaz by her side to calm her down. "I don't think so. I am just passing through my days. After high school, I am in college. I don't know how it will be, I don't know." Clarissa answered as if resigned to life. Diaz could feel Claris
Clarissa had just finished showering and changing. She wanted to charge her cell phone. When she took it out of the bag, there were several incoming calls from Adimasta. What was up with that guy calling? Was there anything important? Clarissa sent a chat because she had to fill in her cell phone energy. She asked why Adimasta was busy looking for her. Adimasta's reply came quickly. He asked if his workbook had been taken by Clarissa. Clarissa didn't feel it, but she'd check first. The phone was put back down and Clarissa opened her bag. The book was in the bag. It was tucked into the book Clarissa had borrowed. Clarissa was curious, what were the contents of Adimasta's book. She sat down at her table and began to flip through the pages of the book. Clarissa smiled. Neat, organized, systematic. Yes, it was Adimasta. A good boy, friendly, and intelligent. Unfortunately, in Clarissa's eyes, Adimasta looked like an indecisive and weak guy. It was the reason why
Annoyed, Clarissa got into her car. Why had to be Adimasta?! She wasn't really interested in him. But so far, Adimasta was one of the most pleasant friends for Clarissa. After Clarissa found out Adimasta's heart for her, she just wanted to stay away from the boy. Yenny who was sitting next to Clarissa knew her friend was really upset. Yenny was the same, didn't expect Adimasta to have feelings for a girl like Clarissa. In Yenny's eyes, Adimasta needed a calm, polite, and gentle girl. But the fact, was it real he loved Clarissa? It didn’t make sense in Yenny’s mind. "What are you angry about? It's Adi's business whether you like it or not. If it's not bothering your life, just let it be." Yenny calmed Clarissa down. "I want to be with Diaz, you know. I don’t care the others." Clarissa drove the car. When she was near the gate, she saw Adimasta on his motorbike. The boy stopped at the side of the road, making a call to someone. Yenny patted Clarissa on
Clarissa looked at Cori. Her face was a little pale, her lips were starting to turn blue."Cori, are you okay? For sure?" Clarissa asked."I am okay. Just tickled, earlier. The fish were swarming my feet." Cori hugged her arm, getting cold."Take her a bath, Clay." Adimasta was already behind Clarissa.Clarissa took Cori to the bathroom and cleaned herself up. While Adimasta, together with Calvin, finally helped Diaz start cleaning up the fishing rod. Then the fish that Calvin and Cori fished they gave to the waiter to be processed into a side dish for lunch.While waiting for the food to be ready, Adimasta, joined the other families. A very pleasant day indeed. During the school holidays, on the anniversary of Adimasta's mom and dad's wedding, they went to a fishing spot on the outskirts of town. Calvin came over on a promotion vacation and went with them.What's fun, Rosita can be with them. Her condition was good enough so that there were
The sound of running water soothes the soul. The howling of the wind made the leaves collide, falling around the trunk of a large tree. Among the sounds of nature, there was the laughter and chatter of a little girl on the edge of a fairly large pool, along with a child who was starting to grow up to be a teenager."Uncle, Look! It shaking! Look! Uncle, you got one more!!" Screams of joy rang out among the cool sounds of nature.The boy by the side of the girl who was screaming with joy quickly pulled the fishing line and indeed, a sizable tilapia fish caught on the hook."Cool!! You are good at fishing!" The little girl with the ponytail behind her head was jumping up and down with a big smile. She quickly took the can where they put their fishing rods.Then with a smile still on her lips, the little girl jogged towards the hut not far from the fishing pond. In the bamboo hut, sit a couple who are enjoying the beauty of nature around them."Mom! D
Adimasta and Clarissa returned to the hospital hearing the news of Lena. Shockingly, it turned out that Lena was even quicker to leave than the doctor had expected. Lena’s mother almost couldn't stop crying. So was Lena's sister.The cheerful and energetic Lena would no longer be around. Her wide smile and lively demeanor would never be seen again. Even though Adimasta was not very close to Lena, he still felt sad about the incident.Clarissa even shed tears seeing the mother and child crying because of the loss of one of their family members. Moreover, Lena's father worked outside the island. He needed to wait a few hours to be able to come and hug his daughter and wife who were grieving. It must be very heavy for him. He separated for so long with his family, seldom he could be together with, suddenly he received news of his daughter's death."Why didn't God heal my sister, Mom? Why is she taken like this?" The sad cry of the teenage girl was heart-wrenc
A faint smile appeared on Lena's slightly dry lips. She looked at Clarissa. "It's true, there are things that we strive for, we don't necessarily get. Pain, disappointment, for sure. It's just like mama said, I have to have a clean heart." Lena continued her sentence. Clarissa was still sitting where she was, looking at Lena who spoke in a weaker voice. "My life is coming to an end. Why... should I leave all... with wounds? I want to leave with a ... clean heart, pure heart." More softly and slowly the sentence left Lena's lips. "Lena?" Clarissa touched Lena's arm. Worried that the girl's voice was getting further and further away, her eyes grew dimmer. "I'm just sleepy ..." said Lena. She closed his ey
Adimasta's cell phone rang again. Lena’s mother kept trying to contact him. Adimasta's eyes were also still on Clarissa. He was again worried that Clarissa would pop the horns on her head."Thank you, Di. It must be important." Clarissa said calm down, no anger there."Oh okay." Adimasta also received a call from Lena's mother. The middle-aged woman's voice was anxious, almost crying.Adimasta was shocked. Lena was sick, she was brought to the hospital. Since last night she kept asking Adimasta to come. Clarissa watched Adimasta whose face turned tense."What happens, Di?" Clarissa asked. She was also curious about what news Adimasta got.Adimasta looked at Clarissa, but he didn't answer yet, still hearing the sound from his cell phone. Clarissa waited until Adimasta finished talking to Lena's mother."Is Lena sick again?" Clarissa asked.Adimasta nodded. "Yes. She's in the hospital. She wants to see me." Adimasta said that but
Adimasta's hands were still shaking slightly. He held both of Clarissa's hands tightly as if he didn't want to be left alone. He looked at Clarissa with a face that was hard to describe."Adi ..." Clarissa tried to find awareness from Adimasta's mixed eyes."I remember. I remember everything ..." Adimasta started crying. He grabbed Clarissa and hugged her tightly.Clarissa's heartbeat jumped. Did Adimasta remember everything? Really? Clarissa was still not convinced. Adimasta just kept crying. Never before had Clarissa seen a man cry like this.Slowly, Clarissa rubbed Adimasta's back, not wanting to say anything. She would wait for Adimasta to calm down, then they could talk again. Meanwhile, in Adimasta's head, all the stories appeared clearly. Coherently, all the holes began to close. Everything was back in its place.Adimasta let go of his arms and looked at Clarissa. Something still mixed up in his heart. Prior to her accident, Clarissa was fur
For a while, Clarissa cried in Adimasta's arms. She felt a soft touch on his back. From time to time, Adimasta rubbed or patted, trying to calm Clarissa. The same thing Adimasta used to do, just like Clarissa's father did.Adimasta was playing Arlon in his mind. While Clarissa, in her tears, continued to pray, Adimasta would come back to her. He was currently with Clarissa. Who realized that Clarissa was in love and fell in love with him? Clarissa was angry and jealous blind because Adimasta cared about other girls."Tell me everything. Whatever it is. Think of me as your daddy." Adimasta said the same words again.Slowly, Clarissa's cries subsided. She lifted her face, looked at Adimasta. A great affection enveloped Clarissa's heart. What would she say to let Adimasta know what their real position was?"Daddy and I are getting better, Adi. Don't you remember that we even took care of Calvin in the hospital together? Aunt Francisca and I are friends now."
In annoyance, Clarissa put down her phone. She called Yenny to buy fruit, but Yenny spoke incoherently."Who wants to go to the club? What a joke! What's wrong with Yenny's headache?" Clarissa grumbled, sitting in front of the study table. She folded her arms mumbling to herself.Incoming call ringing sound. Clarissa glanced at the cellphone in front of her. It was Yenny. Still annoyed, Clarissa picked it up."What are you doing? I'm talking about fruit, how come you said about the club?" said Clarissa."Clay, you go to the club quickly. Adi and I will go there." Yenny talked fast."Hah??!" Clarissa suddenly glared. What a strange friend. How could she ask Clarissa to go to the club? It was also still afternoon, evening did not come yet.Yenny said what she was thinking while talking to Adimasta. It turned out to be like a door leading Adimasta to think back to Clarissa and herself. Clarissa still didn't quite understand. But Yenny tried to
Clarissa's eyes widen as she looked out of her room. It wasn't the pretty garden in the yard that he noticed. Adimasta's face that looked coldly at him looked. Adimasta's words were full of disappointment that enveloped Clarissa's heart. Yenny sat beside her, rubbing Clarissa's shoulder. Gundah also greeted Yenny after hearing Clarissa's story. Adimasta rejected his girl. All he remembered was Clarissa was just being annoying and Adimasta didn't want to be treated like that anymore. All the images of the sweet and romantic story that had happened disappeared from Adimasta's head. Two days, Clarissa did not come to Adimasta's house. The girl didn't want to do anything. Just lying down, sitting, playing on the cellphone, even reluctant to leave the room to take the online food she ordered. "You really l