54: C54 Chapter 54

C54 Chapter 54

A stretcher where Kevin's comatose body was put on it had settled into the ambulance. The vehicle with two nurses inside it fetched him to the hospital. It left me with contrition. My aloofness might allot to his accident, anyway. I prayed that the injury was not fatal and he would be recovered soon.2

I took a breath in and out, strolling along the street. No matter how Kevin once humiliated me, my conscience suppressed my ego. I was not there with him not because I did not care; her mother was someone I avoided. That woman could think the way around. She would possibly accuse me for the cause of her son's accident. It was infuriating to deal with that woman who always believed herself rightest.

I entered the huge building, the central library. Like its name, it was located in the city center. This 24-floor building had more than one million books. From the front area, the visitor could relish the script heritage of Indonesia inside the Heritage building in which they could furthermore observe the display of media such as Chinese paper, palm leaf, bamboo, and many others.

I headed to the lobby where giant bookshelves towering up with a variety of books which were mostly encyclopedias, novels, or books related to traditional fabrics. Then, I immediately went upstairs by using the escalator since I had to register to get the membership card on the second floor. It was my first time to be here and I just felt excited. For a short moment, my mind was distracted from any discomfort.

Having my membership card, I accessed one of the computers still on the same floor. There were hundreds of computers here that the visitors could use to search for the books they wanted to read or even borrow. I admitted that this place was awesome that I would happily live here if it was allowed. Yet, it was a library, a public place where you were only permitted to get access to books or anything relatable.

I took a lift to the twenty-first floor in which provided more books to read. My goal was clear, to find a cozy and comfortable place to study. I thanked the school principal for sentencing me a punishment, off the school for a week. The agony did not last forever. It sometimes generated positive things.

Sitting by the window, I focused on reading. In the midst of my reading activity, Kevin's bloody face flashed in my thought. It was so terrible how he laid at the edge of the road with his breath up and down, closed eyes, and unmoving body.

Nothing I could do to give him the first aid. Being inexperienced in handling such a situation retained me to even move toward him. At least, an old man initiated contact the hospital while the others including adults were swarming his body and took photos of him. Witnessing those who endeavored to gain popularity through unwise acts loaded my heart with bitterness.

I swallowed saliva, devouring my annoyance. Feeling screwed, I pushed myself to get my focus back. I swept the incident out of my mind. It was only when the time struck at two o'clock, I determined to leave.

I lived the same life for one week afterward, going to and returning home from the central library. It was a great moment though at the same time my head was still filled with worry. I heard no news of Kevin's condition. It was a bit disturbing.

Today was my first school after a week of break. And the bad news, it was the first day of the final exam as well. I relied on my less preparation. I did not set a high standard for this exam as long as I passed; it was enough for me, even with the lowest score in my class.

"Hi!" Vera appeared from my back and circled her hand around my neck, the habit she usually did. "It's thrilling to see you back at school. It's been a while."

"It's only one week. Do you miss me?"

"So much...Which do you prefer to listen to first, the bad news or the good ones?"

"Neither of them."

"Kevin got an accident." I did not wish to hear that. It affected me. I witnessed him bleeding. And more or less, I was responsible for that tragedy. "And the bad news, he has come back."

"You mean...he has been recovered?" I might sound excited. Vera’s forehead creased.

"You look so happy. Is my guess wrong?"

"He sucked. However, it is sad to know that one of our friends suffers from tragic accident."

"Friend?" She took her hand off me. "So, is he a friend to you?'

"No! I mean...all the students here...are friends, not close friends."

"Remember how he had harassed you." She was off.

"Vera...." I ran after her. My shout did not work on her.

Vera avoided me when we were in the library. She even ignored my sincere apology. Until the next session of the exam started, we did not talk to each other. It impacted my test for it was hard for me to concentrate due to her neglect.

"Ilana..." I lifted my chin. It was not the supervisor who mentioned my name. Another teacher got into the room and diverted our focus. "You have to see the school principal after the exam." I just bowed. She then went out of the room.

The other students who looked curious focused back on their test papers. This time, the school principal had the reason to see me. He would require me to report to him about my self-reflection during one week of school-leave. It did not worry me.

The test ended one hour later. I walked down the corridor to the next building. My heart fluttered. It was not normal. Speeding up my steps, I arrived in front of the school principal's room in few minutes.

I knocked at the door yet no one answered. Doubtfully, I pushed the door in and closed it back slowly. A woman stood up with her back facing the door. It was a bit weird that she did not notice my entrance. I mindfully came upon her.

"Good morning..." I greeted. That woman turned behind and slapped me on my face before I could be fully receptive that it was she, Kevin's mother whom I met. And it got more surprising when the door burst open; Kevin appeared with his panic expression. He might have expected that her mother would do this to me.

"Mom, what are you doing?"

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