Late Again

"Qiara ... Don't ever say that. It's better for Mama to die than to lose another child. After all, you just have to marry for a year, after that you can ask for a divorce". Renata said sarcastically.

Her heart was still hurt by the bitterness of losing the daughter she loved. Now, her youngest child even wants to die, so what does it mean that she is alive ?.

"Mama is right, isn't the purpose of marriage to divorce. So, after I get married, can I ask for a divorce? The important thing is I have fulfilled my sister's will". Qiara asked as she wiped her tears.

"Yes, you can ask for a divorce after you've been married for 10 years with Julian!". Renata replied, hoping that Qiara would change after being married for ten years with Julian. She didn't want her child to taste the bitterness of divorce.

"Why should it be 10 years?". Qiara asked again because 10 years is a very long time.

"Because after 10 years, you are ready to assume the status of a widow. So, just live what is in front of you first. If you feel tired, then you make a decision". Renata explained in a simple language that Qiara could understand.

Feeling that her mother's suggestion was quite reasonable, Qiara finally nodded and hugged her spoiled.

Meanwhile, on the way home, Julian was silent with thoughts that drifted away to the past where Vania's smile and gentle attitude resided. Unconsciously he shed tears because he missed the gentle girl who liked to smile so much.

Vania? What do you mean asking me to marry your sister? Don't you know she's still a teenager and still wants to play with her friends? I miss you Vania. Inner Julian.

"Julian, why are you crying?". Sarah asked who accidentally saw the remaining tears on Julian's cheeks.

"I'm fine Ma!". Julian answered without glancing at Sarah.

"Do you remember Vania?"

As if she understood her son's feelings, Sarah felt sick when she asked Julian about Vania.

"I will prepare my own wedding, so Mama doesn't have to bother!". Julian said diverting the subject because he didn't want to talk about Vania which would only make him miss half to death.

Sarah just nodded, she didn't want to continue her interrogation because she was afraid that Julian would be angry.

~ One Week Later ~

This morning, Qiara left for school as usual. However, today she felt really bad.

Qiara looked sadly at her friends who were chattering, making noise and chasing each other. She thought that her world would turn upside down after she got married?.

"Qiara ..."

The sound of screaming made Qiara wake up and then turned to look at Valen who was none other than her best friend.

"The queen has changed too late. What's wrong with you? It's not like you came in the morning?". Valen asked after patting Qiara's shoulder.

"I'm bored at the house, that's why I'm leaving early". Qiara answered with a sad expression because it had been one week since Julian said he would pick her up.

"Why is your face so sad? Did you fight again with Demian?". Asked Valen again who was worried seeing her friend's usually cheerful expression.

Demian was Qiara's nemesis from kindergarten to high school. They are like cats and dogs whenever they meet.

"It's worse than that". Qiara replied with a frown.

"What is that?".

Valen began to be curious, because it was very rare for people to make Qiara sad. Because she was never afraid of anything.

"Just a family problem. Sorry, I can not tell you!". Qiara said.

"Okay, I will not ask again. Oh yes, have you done the assignment?"

Hearing Valen's question, Qiara patted her forehead.

"Gosh, I missed my bag. I have to go home to get it!"

After saying that, Qiara immediately ran to the parking lot to get her bicycle.

Valen paused to see Qiara who forgot to bring her bag.

"Since when did Qiara become forgetful? In thirty minutes we will enter class. Surely, she will be considered late again". Valen said while shaking her head while watching how Qiara was running her bicycle without looking left and right, and she almost hit someone.

~ A few minutes later ~

After getting tired of pedaling her bicycle, Qiara finally arrived at her school.

"That bad girl, must be late again!". Said a trader who was selling not far from the school. He shook his head because this was the umpteenth time he saw Qiara late.

Even so, he was not interested in reporting it to the school security.

"Because I forgot to bring my bag, I'm late again! I have to get ready to get angry!". said Qiara as she patted her forehead while climbing the back wall of the school.

She landed smoothly, fortunately the environment behind the school was very quiet because class learning had started.

"Today is the turn of a very killer math teacher. If he finds out I'm late I could be crushed I was crushed by him". Qiara said again while shivering in horror.

But, it wouldn't be Qiara if she had no sense. Just then, she smiled and then walked slowly on her tiptoes down the quiet classroom hallway.

Every now and then her glowing sharp eyes glanced left and right to make sure no one was looking.