Chapter 1

I always thought that life is unfair. Yes, it is. I met someone who also thinks the same but doesn't act the same as I am. The first thought was because of our social status, but he made me realize even someone's status is above than anyone they still facing their own problem. He acts differently because he wants people around him to be happy. He says Life in comparison will always be a failure. Facts. He made me realize a lot of things. He loved me as no one can. Since Our December Love happens... In my heart, I always saved the VIP place for him. And I always made sure that no one will ever replace him there. Because he is the first one who made me feel loved in a very romantic way. And all the things he said, I never forget. He's the reason why I never walk on my hometown street again. Because everywhere I looked I remember him, the memories we made starting to flash like a beautiful movie that never release. No one know that it existed. So I want to write it and let everyone read it.

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Chrismas is only for the rich. Because for paupers like us it's just another day to survive. With too much cold in a thin, tiny, and dirty house. With stomach that growling for hunger. Wearing some useless rugs of wealthy. And I can say life is unfair.

I'm walking on a busy street, looking at the beautiful lights around me. Houses smell like food. I also wish that. But I know I won't never have that kind of thing even I die working hard.

This life never gives us privilege. We need to live like a machine that wakes up early and goes to work for a very small salary and goes home tired and hungry.

"Mom, I'm home!" I said to my mother that laying on her bed. She gets sick because of the cold weather.

"I bought 2 pcs of chicken and buns. I'm going to make soup out of the left seasoning yesterday."

"My dear Rose. Rest first I know you are tired working."

"No, mother. I know that you are hungry already, I'm fine."

My mom gets up on the bed and walk toward me and held my hand.

"I'm so thankful that I have a child-like you. *cough* I promise to find a job as soon as I get well." She said. "Let me tie your hair."

"Don't think about that for a while. Just do your best to be fine." I said while smiling.

"Yes ma'am. *cough*" My mom said while laughing.

After I finished cooking we ate together.

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"What are you doing Rose. Just sleep here on the mattress."

My mom asked when I put my pillow on the long bamboo chair.

"No. I'm comfortable sleeping here." I said with a smile. "Lately your back hurts a lot."

A rich person can afford to have more than one mattress while us, we only have one and it came from the dumpster. If I don't have my mother I will just choose to die because what is the essence of living, if every day is predictable?

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It's 3 am and I'm moping the whole floor of his big mall. I wake up early and boil water for coffee and eat a piece of buns. That is my everyday breakfast. After I finished moping I sit on on the storage room catching my breath.

"I still need to clean the bathroom."

After I finished my shift I started to leave the mall.

I was walking in the parking lot when I heard something.

*slap*

I stop for a moment and hide.

"How many times do I have to tell you. Treat her right because we need her!"

I heard an old man's voice so I sneak a peek. The old man slaps the young man again.

"Think for it! You insane brat."

The old man said and left. The man stays silent and lifts his head.

"You saw all, don't you?" He ask aloud.

I look around me but there's no one, but me.

"Yes, you the girl behind that red car."

The red car? I'm hiding in the red car does it mean?

"Is it me?" I asked and came out.

He nodded.

"Don't mind me, I don't care."

"Do you want to have lunch with me?" My jaw drop.

"Huh?"

"Let me treat you lunch. You look like a skeleton."

"No, I don't like it."

"But I insist."

"Why?"

"I don't know why."

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I don't know how, but right now I'm sitting in front of him inside the restaurant.

"Buy everything you want my treat." He said.

Food's here is alien to me. I don't even know how to pronounce it.

After a few minutes, he already finished his food while I'm still eating. He is looking at me but I don't care.

Let me fill my tank because I don't know if we can avail food tomorrow.

After I finished my meal I look at him.

"I have a request," I said.

"What is it?"

"Can you also buy food for my mom?" I asked hesitantly.

"Of course."

"Thank you."

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I got home safe so that guy is not bad? I don't know!

"Mom, I'm home!" I said and look for my mother. "Oh, there you are. You're feeding the stray cats again." I said sweetly.

"I found an old can of food so I thought I can give it to her." She said while petting the cat.

"What a kindhearted you are. I have some food." I lift the paper bags full of food. "Let me prepare your plate."

"It all looks delicious."

"Yeah, It is."

"Why don't you sit with me?"

"Nah, I'm done."

She sat down but before she even have the first bite she looked at me with suspicion.

"It looks fancy. Did you spend all the money you have for this single meal?"

"No, I'm not. A guy treats me."

"A guy?! Are you selling your body for this? Oh, My dear!" She asks with a high voice. "You know that I won't enjoy this kind of food when I know that.." I cut her right there.

"No, I'm not. How come would I do that? It's just, It's just...."

"What?"

"I don't know how to explain this. I saw that someone slap him and he ask me if he can treat me. And I said yes."

"My Rose, your story is so unusual."

"Believe me, mom, I swear I did nothing bad."

"Okay fine. But you know that everyone is asking for an exchange."

"I don't think that things will ever happen. Maybe he just has a good soul."

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I don't know what happen but I fell asleep thinking about him. And I woke up remembering his stare. God! I just shrugged off the thought and prepare eggs and rice for breakfast.

After I arrive at the mall I started my work until Break. I stayed outside the mall sitting on the bench where I can see people walking with their families and friend.

I was about to eat when I saw a beggar child asking for money. I don't have money but I have food. I stood up and give it to the child. She look at me and smiled.

"Thank you so much."

"You're welcome," I said and walk away.

My eyes pop when I see the man sitting on the bench where I'm sitting earlier.

"What are you doing here? Are you stalking me or something?"

"What? Am I prohibited here?"

"No? But, uhm." I don't know what to say, so I just sit beside him. "It's just a bit strange."

"I'm still wondering why did you treat me last time even you don't know who Am I. Because If you will ask for anything in exchange I can't give it to you because I don't have anything."

"Why did you give your bread to the child?" He asks softly.

"Maybe, because I think she needs it more than me?"

"Maybe my answer is close to yours."

"Does it? So you won't ask anything as an exchange, don't you? I just want it to be clear."

"Nothing. I swear. By the way, I'm Ben. It's my pleasure to meet you."

Do I need to say my name?

"You don't need to say your name if you don't want to.

"I won't tell my name."

*awkward silence.*

"Ahm, so, I have to go. I still have many things to do." I said.

"Do you want to have lunch with me again?"

I was stunned by what he said.

"Are you planning to kill me right? By adding poison to food? Are you a hitman? Did I bump with the big person and now they want me to be...."

"No, I'm not a hitman." He said while laughing. "I just want to make friends."

"Why?"

"I don't have one... So what's your answer? Yes or Yes?"

"I don't know? Promise me first that you won't kill me or do anything bad?" I said, giving him my pinky.

"Swear." He accept it.

"Okay, then it's a pinky promise. Don't break it."

"Sure. Thanks. See you later"

"Okay, see you later?"

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"So you mean, you live in a slum?" He asks.

"Yes," I said while chewing.

We are in a fancy restaurant but not as fancy as the other day. He looks like, wealthy person. Just by looking at him, I don't think he can survive in our environment.

"Did you ever feel the hunger?" I ask.

"No."

"Sleep with no blanket and feel the cold striking straight to your bone?"

"No."

"Did you ever wear old clothes of others?"

"No?"

"Have you ever lived in a tiny, thin house?"

"Nope."

"Have you ever cried because you lost your job and thought about how to survive with no money?"

"Not really."

"Have you ever experienced people looking down at you and cursing you, not because you've done bad things but because they just want it to do?"

"Not yet? Why are asking this things?"

"I'm just making sure that this life is unfair. My mom always says that it's a bad thing to say that but... Sometimes truth is bad." Bitterness is visible in every word. I clenched my fist because of the pain and anger mixing inside me.

"Have you ever felt love?" He asked.

I look into his eye and I saw sadness.

"I do. My mom loves me."

"Did someone care for your feeling?"

"My mom."

"Did you ever feel happy while eating with your mom?"

"I do. So why are you asking questions?"

"I just want to agree with you. That life is unfair. Not by saying I have more things than you but by saying, we both longing for the things we don't have. Maybe life is unfair if you keep on comparing with others." He said while a diamond in his eyes keeps on sparkling when hit by the lights.

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I got home safe. My mom opens the door for me.

"How are you My Rose?"

"I'm fine, how are you."

"I feel better now. Maybe tomorrow I can work already. Sit there I'll make a cup of coffee for you."

"Thank you," I said. "By the way mom, The guy from yesterday treat me again."

She looked at me and pause her actions.

"Say thank you to him."

"Are you not mad?"

"Maybe I have trust in you. I know you won't make bad things. You are old enough." She said sweetly. "Maybe that guy is just so good but don't abuse it. It's not a nice thing. You might fill your hunger but soon you will lose your appetite."

"Yes! Noted!" I said softly.

"Does everything go fin today?" She asks.

"Everything went fine."

She put the cup of tea in front of me.

"Rose, how many times do I have to tell you. Tie your hair." She said and tied my hair. "Look you're so gorgeous."

"I appreciate it." I said cheerfully "Come on, let's eat."

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After my work, I saw Ben outside. Looks like he's waiting for someone.

"Hey." He greeted me with a smile.

"Oh, It's you again." He nodded.

"You tied your hair?" He pointed to my hair.

I touch it because I'm embarrassed.

"Yeah...."

"You became more beautiful." He compliment.

"Thank you," I said shyly.

"Want to have lunch with me?" He asked.

"No...."

"Oh, that sad. I want to bond with my new friend."

I laugh hard. "Friend? Since when?"

"Secrete."

"I already had my lunch but we can waste time in the park. Wanna go with me?"

"Sure, sounds good."

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