Yuana’s Hope  

On Saturday, as planned, Yuana and Manfred headed to Surabaya. Yuana looked happy. Her heart was pounding. Was it because she was going to meet Bobby?

"How do you feel?" Manfred asked.

"I'm so happy, Fred." Yuana's eyes shone brightly.

"Because of Bobby?" Manfred guessed.

Yuana looked at Manfred. Then she turned to look out the bus window. Manfred didn't feel good about his question.

"Honestly, yes. I can't deny it, I still have love in my heart for Bobby." Yuana said quietly.

"Sorry, Yu. I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable. But I can understand how you feel." Manfred felt guilty about asking that too.

"Fred ..." Yuana touched Manfred's arm. "I love you, too."

Manfred smiled. He knew, Yuana's heart slightly turned to him. But Yuana needed time to let her heart be filled with Manfred's love.

The journey ended. They arrived at the big house, where Bobby and Lisa lived. From the outside, it looked neat and clean.

Knock knock!!

While in the house …

"A guest, Bob?" Lisa looked at Bobby.

"Just look ahead," Bobby said. They were in the dining room, about to have lunch.

"It's strange, we almost never have guests. What if your mom and dad? But they don't tell you they will come, right?" Lisa tried to guess who came.

"No. Just take a look. Who knows if an artist gets lost," Bobby joked.

Lisa smiled. She went into the vestibule and opened the door.

"Good afternoon," said Lisa. A pair of young people were in front of her. One was a Caucasian, one was a beautiful Indonesian girl.

"Good afternoon," replied Manfred. "Lisa?"

"Yes?" Lisa answered while looking at Manfred. Lisa thought, why are Caucasians coming to her house? But this face she had seen, where?

"Manfred." Manfred reached out with a smile. Lisa greeted him.

"And ... Yuana?" Lisa looked at Yuana. Her eyes widened. How couldn't she notice? They communicated several times.

"Yes, I'm Yuana." Yuana smiled. They hugged each other.

"Finally, I can meet you," said Yuana. "How are you, Lis?"

"I am okay. I'm so glad I get to meet you, guys. Come on in," said Lisa.

They entered the large living room.

"Bobby!" Lisa quickly headed for the dining room.

"Who's coming, Lis?" Bobby asked. He almost took the rice to his plate.

Lisa hastened her steps towards Booby. "Take a guess."

"Mom and dad?" Bobby looked at Lisa.

"Come on ahead," said Lisa excitedly. Bobby followed Lisa back into the foyer.

When Bobby saw who was coming ...

"Oh my God!! Manfred! Yuan?" Bobby was very surprised but very happy to see these two people he loved in front of him.

Manfred hugged Bobby with great longing. Bobby returned Manfred's warm hug.

"Thank you for coming to see us," said Bobby. What a pleasant surprise.

"Hi, Bob ..." Yuana called out. There was a feeling of awkwardness rising in the corner of her heart.

"Hi, Yuan, thank you." Bobby smiled.

They shook hands. Yuana felt that Bobby was acting very normal, not like she was a bit clumsy. Maybe Bobby had started to forget his affection for Yuana.

"Why don't you tell me first, you will come today?" Bobby patted Manfred on the shoulder.

"Surprise ... Right, Yu?" said Manfred as he turned to Yuana.

"Yes. We don't want you to be busy preparing things for us. We come just for several hours," said Yuana.

"Why don't you just stay over. There are still enough rooms here," said Lisa.

"Well, I didn't think about it," said Manfred.

"Incidentally, we were about to have lunch. You came in the right time," said Bobby.

They headed straight for the dining room. While enjoying the dish the conversation continued. Manfred told about his plan to go to Jakarta because the band was going to record for their debut album. Of course, Bobby and Lisa were shocked to hear the news.

Unfortunately, Manfred had to set aside lectures a bit because he needed to focus on the development of the band that was doing well. Just like Yuana, Bobby advised Manfred not to drop out of college. However, one-time learning outcomes are definitely needed.

"Try to arrange your schedule with your friends in the band. You can do it, Fred," said Bobby. "Poor Yuana if you stay away so often." Bobby brought his face closer to Manfred.

"I think you're right." Manfred nodded with a small smile.

"What are you talking about? Why are you whispering?" Yuana watched Bobby and Manfred.

"Do you want to know? We were talking about you," said Manfred. Starting, a nosy soul appeared, teasing Yuana.

"See, right? If you both are together, it always happens." Yuana pouted.

"Well, pouting again. And he hadn't been sulking for a long time, Bob, jealous of my friend," Manfred said getting louder.

"Manfred!" Yuana's face reddened. Frankly, she was embarrassed Manfred said that in front of Bobby and Lisa.

"Oh?" Bobby laughed. Bobby didn't know Manfred was serious or joking, but he just burst out laughing.

"You guys are annoyed!" Yuana put down her spoon and left the room.

Bobby and Manfred looked at it. Is Yuana really angry? Lisa, who had been silent all this time, also felt bad about the atmosphere that suddenly turned hot.

"I can't believe what you did. Why are you bothering her?" said Lisa.

"She's not really angry. She's just like me and Manfred. She's spoiled," said Bobby. Usually, Yuana just pretended to be cranky, because she wanted more attention, or didn't want to be bothered anymore.

Bobby looked at Manfred. "Fred, I think Yuana is starting to fall for you. Don't let her go. You're the best person to be by his side."

"I'm trying to do it, Bob." Manfred stood up, he followed Yuana. The girl sat on the side porch.

Manfred touched Yuana's shoulder from behind. "Are you angry, Yu?"

"I'm ridiculous, aren't I? Too childish," said Yuana quietly, without looking at Manfred. She felt stupid too suddenly so upset, then left and did not continue to eat.

"Yes, you do, sometimes. Anyway, it's fine with me." Manfred sat by Yuana's side.

Yuana turned to look at Manfred. "Fred, I want Bobby to talk to me. Am I wrong?"

Hearing those words, there was a subtle swish in Manfred's chest. It didn't feel good. Yuana still loved Bobby.

Manfred shook his head. "No. It is normal. You still have love in your heart for Bobby. But the truth is, Bobby belongs to Lisa."

"You're right." Yuana stood up, took a few steps to the edge of the terrace, and looked at the garden filled with blooming flowers.

Yuana turned to look at Manfred. Yuana felt heavy in her heart. She wanted to cry. "Promise you won't leave me, Fred. I know, you promised you'll love me always. Don't go with the others."

Manfred immediately stood up and approached Yuana. "I promise, Yu, I promise." Manfred put his arm around Yuana's shoulder. Yuana rested her head on Manfred's shoulder. Manfred heard Yuana sigh.

"Yu, are you crying?" said Manfred, turning to look at Yuana's face.

"Sorry, I'm still acting like a little girl." Yuana rubbed his eyes. Manfred let go of his embrace, scrutinizing the mellow Yuana.

"Hey ... we're talking here instead. Come on, let's go inside." Bobby showed up.

"Sorry, Bob," said Manfred. His eyes glanced at Yuana. He signaled to Bobby, Yuana was upset.

"I'll meet Lisa." Yuana goes inside leaving Bobby and Manfred there. Uncomfortable with the two men with her not in a good mood.

"Is she really mad?" Bobby asked.