IX

I laughed sadly reading the message from S.S. I wanted to serve S.S a little longer, but I saw Secretary Joe carrying two trays containing Sinta's order and my order from a distance. Seeing Secretary Joe walking up to our table, I helped him. I closed all the applications on my mobile phone including the Sudabay application and put my mobile phone in my bag. My bag is a mini sling bag that fits a small purse and cell phone only.

Apart from efficiency, I don't like it when I carry unimportant things. Besides, it's easier to tell if one or both items are missing if I wear this bag. Having finished with my business with this bag, I approached Secretary Joe. I took the tray in his right hand. The tray is a tray containing Fish and Chips.

"Uh, Claretta. It's okay though. You don't have to help me," said Secretary Joe.

"It's okay, I'm the unethical one, this is my food, but I accidentally ordered Secretary Joe to bring it," I said.

Then we got to our table. I put my food down while Secretary Joe gave a tray of steaks to Sinta.

"Thank you, Secretary Joe. Sorry to bother you," said Sinta with a faint smile.

"No problem," Secretary Joe replied casually.

After I put the food on my table. I immediately grabbed a knife and fork to cut my food into smaller pieces. After I filled my mouth with a few mouthfuls of food, I realized something.

"Secretary Joe isn't eating? Uh, wait… where's Secretary Joe's food?" I said curiously.

"Oh… I ordered your food first."

"Isn't secretary Joe hungry?" I asked, continuing to feed the fish and chips.

My mouth is filled with food regardless of Secretary Joe who might be starving. However, I can't stand it. The long journey, jetlag, and getting lost made me lose my sense of empathy.

"I'm hungry, I want to go now to order food." Secretary Joe rose from his seat. He immediately got up from his seat and wanted to leave where he was.

"Wait a minute, Secretary Joe, I want to come with you. I want to pay," I asked.

"Oh, no need to pay, it's free. You guys have interviews and training here. So, all the facilities here are free," said Secretary Joe.

"Seriously?" asked Sinta

She was listening to my conversation with Secretary Joe. I think she's just focused on her food. Even when she asked, she was cutting the meat on her plate into small pieces.

"Yeah… you'll know when we go to the briefing tomorrow."

Not only was Sinta silent, but I was also silent. I was in awe of the Los Angeles branch of CBL News. Apart from being magnificent, the facilities they provide are also like a five-star hotel. In Indonesia, if a company provides housing, they provide minimal mess facilities. There are no private rooms. Each room usually contains only two people but sometimes it can be more like four people. The bathroom is also limited and not in the room so the residents of the mess have to queue to take a shower in the morning.

In addition, they do not provide a canteen or catering for the residents of the mess. While these offices are very different, they provide private rooms with showers and bathtubs. In addition, they provide a canteen with menus from various parts of the world as well as chefs and kitchen staff who are ready to prepare meals. While Sinta and I were silent, Secretary Joe left. However, I went after Secretary Joe. I want to come with Secretary Joe and keep him company.

"Secretary Joe, wait for me!" I shouted.

***

"Huff."

I caught up to Secretary Joe and pat him on the back. Aware of my applause, Secretary Joe glanced back.

"Well, Claretta. Why are you following me?" asked Secretary Joe.

I didn't answer Secretary Joe right away because I was still busy catching my breath. I don't know why men walk so fast. Even though I was only silent for a moment but it felt like I was chasing someone who had been gone for a long time.

" Why are men walking so fast," I said while still holding my breath.

"I'm just walking normally," he responded.

"Huff... I- I a-m curios about huff... something."

"What do you mean by curios?" asked Secretary Joe.

Now my breathing is back to normal. Before answering Secretary Joe's question, I looked around.

"I'm still not satisfied to see the types of food here. I also haven't seen the buffet menu because it was very full," I replied.

Of course, my reasons are not entirely true. Indeed, I still want to see the food here but another reason is that I don't want to be alone with Sinta. I have no problem with Sinta but I don't have a close relationship with her. We all must have an uncomfortable feeling with people who are not close to us. Plus, if it left us in the same room or table. We must have felt very awkward. However, of course, I will not reveal this reason to Secretary Joe.

Hearing my answer, Secretary Joe didn't suspect anything. He finally let me walk along. Now, we're going to the pasta place. I can see a glass display case containing various Italian dishes. There is spaghetti, lasagna, pizza, and pasta. Unfortunately, we had to queue to be able to enjoy these foods.

When it was our turn, the food that Secretary Joe wanted to eat, namely pasta, had run out, I suddenly saw the look on Secretary Joe's face, there was a disappointment on his face. Then he chose another menu and quickly left. Secretary Joe continues to walk away but I'm still staying here. I'm waiting for the chef or kitchen staff to come.

***

"Ah! It's finally here!" I said cheerfully.

I was deliberately waiting for the chef or kitchen staff here because I wanted to do something.

"What's wrong, Miss?" asked one of the kitchen staff while placing the lasagna in this glass case.

I saw the staff was wearing a typical kitchen uniform. He wears a blue uniform, a chef's hat, and an apron. I also saw the nameplate pinned to his shirt. I can see his name on his uniform.

"Alex, why isn't there a pasta menu here?" I asked.

"Oh, actually we have a pasta menu. Maybe it's run out," said Alex.

"Are you guys going to make pasta again?"

"Actually, we only have a little stock left, and it looks like we have to make pasta the next day," Alex admitted.

"Can you make pasta with minimal ingredients?" I asked.

Alex looked doubtful. However, I showed puppy eyes like an emoji that we usually use on WhatsApp. I looked as pitiful as possible so that Alex would pity me so would make pasta for me.

"Okay ... I will only make one portion for you," said Alex with a long sigh.

"Yay, Thank you!"

I was so happy that Alex would make pasta for me. Looks like he melted with the puppy eyes that I put on. Then I waited until Alex came back. While waiting, I took out my cell phone. I opened the WhatsApp application.