The Scars

A magnificent apartment stood before my eyes. The green concept suited this building with its trees and parks. In a square shape, this apartment dominated the area of its surrounding. There was a mall on the ground floor. It was designed so that the residents get access daily needs easily. This building was located in the city center.    

    

Passing the gate, I was exposed to the southern lobby of the building. As I recalled, this was where Vera entered the building. In doubt, I forced myself to get inside. A genial receptionist welcomed me. Since it was my first time to be here, the only thing that rose to my mind was asking her about Vera. I felt relieved she could find the data when she searched for it though I just told her Vera’s first name, even without her room number. She called Vera and the voice on the line excitedly received the phone.    

    

Only in a few minutes, did a girl appears on the open lift. She headed toward me as soon as seeing me in the lobby. She hugged me and led me to her room. The room was not wide yet cozy, well-organized, and clean. There were only two tawny sofas with one glass table, a television on the opposite side, and one bedroom on the right side of the room with a restroom next to it. The big fan was spinning on the ceiling, reminding me of the place where I had ever been caged.    

    

Vera served me a cup of tea. She took a seat on the other sofa. I sipped the tea and relaxed waiting for her to begin the talk. Two days of absence did not alter anything of course but her figure got skinnier. It might be because of the case she was facing.    

    

“Thank you for your visit. Glad that you come. How are you, by the way?” she asked cheerfully.    

    

“Good. How are you?” I awkwardly asked her back. It was not the first time we met. Her problem made me mindful of what came out of my lips. I came here to solace her not to burden her or made her uneasy.    

    

“Not bad.”    

    

“That’s good.”    

    

“Yeah...the result will come out in a few days ahead.” I knew what she was talking about. It was about the post-mortem test. “I hope that I will win the case. That bastard and my aunt should reap what they have sowed. They deserved to be in jail after what they have done to me. And Reno? Do you see him at school?” I almost choked.    

    

“He was absent. And it had been two days.”    

    

“It must be because of his strict father.”    

    

“Are you alone here?” I changed the subject.    

    

“No, with my lawyer, but she is out now.” She sipped her tea.” Why does it seem you try to avoid the topic of Reno?    

    

“Oh no... I just....”    

    

“I see something in your eyes. Something you always deny. It is love.”    

    

“What do you mean? We are all friends.”    

    

“We are. There is no rule that you mustn’t fall in love with a friend, right?” Vera was always brilliant at provoking others to say the truth.    

    

“I am not interested in this topic.”    

    

“Alright. But trust me; in this case, I am not your rival. Who do you think the man will be interested in a girl like me in this world?” She said in hopelessness. “I am not a virgin,” she added before I had time to respond.    

    

“Vera, could you please stop uttering such a thing? Please! I, You, and Reno are my best friends. You both are important people in my life after my mother.”    

    

“Sorry, I become more emotional. You know I didn’t mean it. I didn’t mean to offend you.”    

    

“Not. It’s okay. Sorry. I should be the one who says so.”    

    

“Remember the rule,” Vera reminded.    

    

“Don’t say sorry.” Vera and I said together. And we laughed after that.    

    

“Ilana, because you are here, I’ll cook something for you.” She prepared two packs of instant noodles. Heating the water, she unpacked those instant noodles.    

    

“You know Vera, I am mesmerized by the way you handle and resolve your problem. You can even bring your aunt to court. How can you do that?” We were still engaged in conversation while Vera was cooking.    

    

“It is you who inspired me to withstand, struggled for my life, and bring the case to court.” She muttered after putting the seasoning into the boiled instant noodles. Her words reminded me of Reno. That boy said the same thing. It was no wonder because they have known each other, long before I came into their life.    

    

“That’s too much. I am just an ordinary girl.”    

    

“You are such a tough girl. If I were you, I would choose to die. It must be very hard to bear your father's torture almost every day as well as suffering from bullying at school. You have undergone so much pain and you’re still alive. Even when you started having people you can call friends, their life sucked you.”    

    

“Vera....”    

    

“Ssttt...be quiet! You better use your mouth to eat, not to speak right now.” Vera brought two bowls of instant noodles. “This is the only food I can make. Hope it won’t disappoint you.” She put a chopstick next to my bowl. “You should eat it before it gets cold.” I ate greedily. It was not because the food was so delicious but it was our friendship that betters my mood. “How is it?”    

    

“This is great. I never ate instant noodles as good as this.”    

    

“You are teasing me?”    

    

“It’s true.”    

    

“I am happy that you like it.”    

    

We enjoyed our togetherness before the bell interrupted. In a rush, Vera proceeded to the door. Her steps stopped when the door was just ajar. That made me wonder who was outside. Peeping through her shoulder, I could look at the woman in glasses standing arrogantly at the door.    

    

“Are you surprised to see me here? What do you think money can’t buy in this world, Vera?”