The knocking of someone who entered Abel's room woke Lia up. It's morning and it's time for the nurse to check on Abel.
She turned to the clock that pointed at half-past seven, and fortunately, Saturday was a holiday for most of the high school, including 'Pusaka' high school. Lia closed her eyes again as the nurse and Abel were talking about her condition developing.
Not long after the routine checkup, the nurse finally came out. Lia quickly moved off the sofa, sat in a folding chair, and saw Abel's bending facial expression.
Once in a time, her breath sounded quite heavy in her mouth. The nurse said she's doing better enough and she's allowed to ask the doctor's permission to come home immediately.
Yet, Abel was confused about hospital costs for two days and two nights. Without Dani's money, surely there's nothing she can do. Who cares if Abel doesn't eat any? It's Dani who's been paying for her overall needs.
"As for hospital expenses, I still have some money saved, Bel," Lia said.
Abel looked right at her, as her eyes welled up with tears. "Then how can you buy a snack later? I'm sure this hospital cost is expensive enough," said Abel.
"I can still get money from my dad every week. You go ahead, use my money first, we're no stranger if you forget," Lia said trying to break the ice.
Without further ado, Abel nodded slowly and put her arms around Lia's neck.
"I'll change it when Dani transfers. He probably forgot to transfer yesterday because he rushed back to Surabaya," inner Abel spoke.
"Take a shower, you smell," teased Abel after gaining control of the tears.
"Do you think you didn't smell too? You haven't had a bath in two days, you know?" Said Lia as she put on a disgusting face.
"When I showed up, the scent reaches Dani in Surabaya. That's why I don't bathe much, fearing that he can't keep missing me," Abel said confidently.
Of course, they both laughed until Lia decided to go back to the boarding house to clean herself up and get Abel a change of clothes.
The chrysanthemum room she left on her own was so quiet after Lia was gone. Abel got tired of being on the gurney, decided to go down for a moment to get sun on the balcony of the room.
It so happened that the morning sun began to shine on the side of the room, giving Abel a warm feeling over her entire body after opening the balcony door.
For quite some time she remained there, gazing at the blue of the sky in its layers of clouds and the chirping of birds that became entertainers.
Suddenly Lia's words yesterday flashed back into her mind. Dani's a mature man. If he were to marry someone else, that would be appropriate.
Abel realizes he's just a high school kid that not grown up enough.
"But what if Dani actually will be married? While this entire time after mom and dad split up, he cost me my life. How will I pay for school if Dani was gone? His ...." In the end, that clear fluid she can't hold up.
Abel curtsied her knees, hugged it, and drowned her face behind the fold of her hand. Crying out loud just by herself.
She was not only concerned about the cost of living but also feared being hurt for the umpteenth time. The parting of her parents was enough to inflict a deep wound as if she couldn't face the world without Dani who had become the backbone.
Meanwhile inside, Dirga glanced at the entire room. The gurney Abel stayed in was empty.
"Where is Abel?" he asked himself.
Then he saw the door to the balcony open. Just wondering if Abel might be there right now. Dirga placed a gift of fruit on top of the locker. Then, take a step toward the balcony.
Immediately the guy furrowed his forehead when he saw a girl in a small body sitting on the floor. Her sobs made Dirga immediately seize the body, carrying it in his arms.
"Bel, what's wrong with you?" asked Dirga as he tries to grab Abel's chin.
"Bell?" He was still trying to figure out what was causing her grief.
But Abel's sobs turned into tears. Increasingly it was heartrending and a flood of tears. Dirga doesn't know what the problem is, but he hopes that Abel's sadness will soon come to an end. Slowly wiped the delicate back of the hospital's pajamas, and guided Abel's head to his deep chest.
"Just cry, let it out until you feel better. Tell me when you're ready," said Dirga comforting.
Though it's not nearly as comfortable as Dani's embrace, the warm treatment of Dirga eases her sadness. Abel tried to control the aching heart, trying to lift a ruddy, tearful face.
Embarrassed. Of course, that's what Abel felt after realizing that she had just cried in front of her schoolmates. Even friends who've only been close to each other these days.
While Dirga busied himself with unclipped hair over Abel's face, looking at her with tenderness and keeping his smile. Hoping Abel would stop crying, immediately.
In that instant, Abel hugged Dirga again after their eyes met. Her heart grew increasingly throbbing with pain because it was not her parents who stood by her, but someone else.
As Lia came, she saw a boy who she have a crush on hugging her friend. The girl stood in the middle of the door jealously. With a bitter smile watches the scene of those hugs unconsciously crushing her heart.
The moment Lia intentionally approached, it made Abel and Dirga aware of her presence.
"What's the matter?" Lia touched Abel's shoulder. Then stood on her knees, balancing them together.
Abel's arms turned to Lia and cried again there. She knew that her friend understood what was upsetting him. Lia fell silent as she gave her a steady pat on her shoulder, and she occasionally fixed her gaze on Dirga.
"Leave your blue, will you? Let's go in. Let's have breakfast together," Lia blurted through the sobs of Abel.
Dirga stands up first, then grab Abel's arm to help her move. After that they both stepped inside, followed by Lia who was holding a strange hissing in her chest. A strange feeling when she saw Dirga hugging Abel.
Everyone's on the couch now. Lia opened up a plastic bag containing a box of freshly baked toast. She deliberately bought toast with the chocolate beans stuffing of Abel's favorite, along with rice and the side dishes.
"After eating this toast, you'll laugh again," Lia said as she handed the bread box to Abel.
Dimples appeared on the corner of Abel's lips to appreciate Lia's efforts to comfort her. She then took one piece of bread, then she bit it, and he enjoyed it even though it was just a bitter taste in her mouth.
Lia also shared it with dirga, that guy seems to be enjoying it. The atmosphere began to improve as they ate while joking. Inviting a smile of a Clarissa Annabelle.
**
Also that day, Abel was allowed to go home on doctor's leave. She used Lia's money to paid her treat cost. Normal days went by as they used to be, going to school, walking, and sightseeing in boarding houses.
To be continued...