He's The Unaffordable
Chapter 101 - War Drum

My heart was pounding as the car entered the precinct where the three criminals were being held. I knew that I would not meet them, but I still felt afraid and worried. It's just a fear that's not basic, but it can make me unable to sleep all night.

“Why are there so many reporters here?” ask Papa in a annoyed tone. “Who told them about our arrival today?”

“I didn't say anything about our plans to anyone else. To my friends no,” said Mama looking towards the entrance in front of us.

“Zach should be responsible with this news leak.” Papa took the phone out of his shirt pocket and put it to his ear after selecting a number.

“My sister couldn't have done this, baby. She is a lawyer, there is no way she opens her mouth and uncovers the secrets of her own client,” Mama said defending Om Zach.

I stared wryly at the sea of reporters standing in front of the entrance of the police station. Kafin, who always knew what he was doing, chose to keep driving to the back door of the building. We weren't driving Papa's car, so none of the reporters suspected that we were in this car. Very brilliant idea brother.

Om Zach was waiting for us at the door. He immediately helped me get out of the car and walked into the building. My mom and dad followed us too. Two policemen greeted my parents, and Om introduced me to them.

What I was worried about didn't happen. The police officer treated me well during the interrogation. They didn't ask intimidating questions and spoke carefully with me as a victim.

I answer every question from them honestly. When they ended the interrogation and let me say anything to add to my statement that they did not include in the question list, I shook my head. What I know, I have told you. There's nothing else I haven't said.

Papa and Om Zach asked Mama to take me out of the room. They still seem to have things to discuss. I complied and followed Mama waiting in the room that had been provided. A middle-aged woman put down two cups of tea and a plate of snacks for me and Mama.

“What you did earlier was very brave, dear.” Mama touched my hand. I smiled at him. “Do you feel better now?”

“Thank you, Ma. Yes, much better,” I said cheerfully. Vivaldo and Nora would definitely not have expected me to dare come to this place and give a statement. They think I'm a weak girl, so they chose me. But I will show them that they misjudged me.

“You really are your father's daughter. I don't have as much courage as you.” Mama smiled sadly. “If I had dared just a little, you would never have experienced this.”

“Ma, stop blaming yourself Mama. Although for many people what you do is a disgrace, I don't think so. Mama's mistake actually helped me see Mama as an ordinary person.” I hugged him tightly. “For me, Mama is still my angel.”

“Angel? I have many sins, Son.”

“Me too, but Mama always calls me angel Mama,” I said I don't want to lose. Mama smiled, kissed my forehead, then returned my embrace.

“Do you guys still want to cuddle here or we can already go?” Om Zach's voice came from behind me. We laughed when we heard it.

Just like when we arrived, we also went out the back door when we left the office. There were two reporters who caught us wet, but they were late because the car was already moving away.

If only I were not a model, then I would gladly give a statement to all of them. But I am still under contract and one of the points is asking that I not create a scandal of any kind. In the event of a legal case like this, I am asked not to give a statement without their permission.

Om Zach had a dialogue with them and I was only allowed to make a statement when the court process was over. That's why we avoid journalists. Neither Om Zach nor Papa has ever made any public statements about the tragedy that befell me. So, there was someone other than us who had informed them of my arrival.

“Pak Oscar has confirmed that this news does not come from our side, Brother,” reported Om Zach to Papa. He came with us in the car sitting next to Mr. Kafin. So, I sat down by Papa and Mama. “Then other options, this news comes from their insider.”

“Good. What matters is not my people betraying me,” Papa said.

“What will we do next, Pa?” aska I want to know. They've spoken to the police, but they haven't said what they've discussed.

“Waiting for a call from the court, then your duty in this case is complete.” Papa rubbed gently the top of my head.

I smiled at him, then turned towards Om Zach. “When will the trial start, Om?”

“If after the examination of the file from the police, the public prosecutor does not find anything that needs to be added or repaired, then the court process can be done as soon as next month. We really hope to have two trials at once,” Om Zach said expectantly.

“Two conferences?” many confused.

“Hadi was a witness in the Finley Taylor case,” Papa reminded me.

“Iya. He's already received a call, just like Hadi. Clarissa will be a key witness because she not only experienced the same two incidents as Hadi, but was also kidnapped,” Om Zach replied.

Papa asked Pak Sakti to stop at one of the eating places. They continued the discussion while enjoying the food, while Mama and I were just listening. Seeing the seriousness on Papa and Om Zach's faces, I was proud to have them on my side. Vivaldo, Nora, and Finley had already picked the wrong opponent. They will be punished severely for hurting us.

Almost a month away from school, I ended up back with Charlotte, Wendy, and Wyatt. During my time outside, I usually protect my face with my hat and glasses. But at school, I had to perform as I was. It makes me a little wry.

Some people stare at me cynically or smile mockingly, while most try to be neutral. Charlotte loudly asked them to look the other way. She nags herself and I love her more and more. We're all headed to the same place, notice board. Today is the day we will all know whether we graduate or not.

The reactions of friends who have read the board vary. Some cheered happily, screamed in surprise, or cried out in joy. No reaction has yet shown that they failed. It gave me a positive thought.

“Why do you put on a worried face so?” tease Charlotte. “You've definitely graduated. Wyatt should be worried. But look at him, smiling happily as if he has definitely graduated.”

“Am I always in your head, sweety?” it was Goda Wyatt who wrapped his hand casually on Charlotte's shoulder.

A sight that won't miss my eyes, because this time Charlotte didn't shake that hand. In addition, Wyatt called him back with his favorite call. Sweety, not honey to mock my best friend. Not likely.

“You guys back together??” tanyaku and Wendy simultaneously.

“Millions!” the cheers of the two of them in unison while raising their left hand. There's a ring on their ring finger.

“Oh, Lord.” I closed my mouth with both hands. “You two are engaged?”

“Iya!” charlotte said cheerfully. “You remember when we talked in the room about a lot of things? I don't stop to think Wyatt is on every plan of my life ahead. He has made a big mistake, but he has not stopped proving that he loves and cares for me. So, I don't want to waste my time playing cat-kissing anymore.”

“Before he changed his mind, I immediately proposed to him in front of his family and my family via video call,” Wyatt said in a proud tone.

“Grandma cried both moved and angry because we did this without their presence. But we promise to have a special event when they come. And you all are invited!” charlotte exclaimed with a happy smile.

“OK. We can continue this later. Time to see if we pass or fail?” Wyatt looked at us one by one.

The four of us were already standing at the very front of the queue, right in front of the notice board. Without wasting any more time, we searched our exam numbers from the hundreds of numbers listed on the announcement.

*******

Meanwhile somewhere~

“Good. Everything is good, you can do a seminar. Please report to the head of the department so that you know your seminar schedule,” said Agung while returning a research proposal to Clarissa.

The girl smiled happily. “Thank you very much, Sir.” He immediately stood up and walked out of the room, as the other guidance students were already waiting for their turn.

After taking care of the administration and getting the date of the seminar, Clarissa walked towards her college building. He accidentally meets Manda. Since it was too late for her to dodge, Clarissa returned the girl's smile.

“Hei! Hows it? Is there any good news?” ask Manda for attention. “Why did you walk so fast? I was just about to look for you at the department office.”

Clarissa stopped her steps and turned her head towards Manda. “Please, stop this. I know what you're doing behind my back. So, stop pretending well in front of me.”

“What do you mean, Clarissa? I'm not pretending to be nice to you,” said Manda astonished.

“You keep talking about my work and labeling college chicken on my name. What do you want? So that friends don't forget the rumors? A rich kid like you knows what about me and my life? If you've never been hungry and stuck in the street, stop judging me.” Clarissa walked away.

Manda who called out her name in a clear voice, finally stopped following her. Slowly the concerned face turned a satisfied smile.