A World Without Seams

67

Rachel's mood is terrible today. Ever since meeting Jim and Nae who's floundering spoiled in Jim's arms pissed him off on his own. Plus that morning he was bad luck to the office because he could only sleep after midnight.

Arriving at the office, he had to complete some of his tasks between his thoughts. Several times he had to revise his report. Several times he had to read and rewrite his report.

Even during the day, he accidentally spilled a drink onto Andre's shirt, which was sitting down for lunch. It was crowded and Rachel tripped on her own feet. Fortunately he did not fall but Andre's clothes were quite wet because of his actions.

"Sorry! Pardon me! I didn't mean it!" Rachel said. Andre just stared at him silently then passed from his dining table. Rachel's getting more guilty because Andre just ate a little food.

Rachel took her breath and returned to the stand asking to pack her food in two servings and also a two-cold drink. He also ordered fruit salad and pudding. He then brought his food to the side of the office, there was a terrace with several waiting chairs. It used to be a canteen but now the canteen moved to the back and the office allowed the former canteen building to relax. That afternoon was quiet, there were only a few people who were just like him avoiding the crowd for lunch.

Rachel calls Andre to join him for lunch. Although Andre initially refused, he finally agreed to approach Rachel.

"Is there something you want to talk about?" asked Andre who was sitting in front of Rachel, they were restricted by the dining table.

"I want to apologize about that, I really didn't mean it," Rachel glanced at Andre's clothes that had now changed. Thankfully it turned out that Andre had some spare clothes in his car.

"What's up," replied Andre briefly.

"You still angry? Sorry, I was completely unintentional. I see you haven't eaten your lunch. Here I bring you," Rachel thrust the package of food she brought towards Andre. Andre just glanced silently.

"Nfree...."

"Why else Hel?"

"Eat yes, as an apology. I admit it was my fault. Please excuse me, don't shut up" said Rachel. Andre grabbed his pack of food and drinks. Then he walked out of Rachel's presence without saying anything. Rachel just looked at him then she grabbed his food and opened it slowly.

Just as Rachel was about to bribe, Andre sat down before her. He calmly opened his food package and started eating.

"Ndre... You're..."

"Eat! Just come in!" Andre's orders. Rachel nodded and ate immediately. Andre finished eating first. He watched Rachel who was full of struggle to finish her food.

After Rachel's food runs out, she offers Rachel a drink.

"Thanks.." whispered Rachel slowly, then downed her drink.

"Hul...!" call Andre.

"Hmmm? What was? You're not sorry about me?" ask Rachel. Andre shook his head quickly.

"I don't want to increase your burden. I noticed today you're fucked. What's up?" ask Andre.

"Nothing,"

"Don't lie Hel... I heard Andini was ranting and slamming the report book on her desk" Andre said. Rachel closed her eyes for a moment.

"Yes, just a little mistake" Rachel replied.

"Don't lie. It's not like you usually are. Something must have bothered your mind" Andre said.

"A little anyway..."

"Why? Tell me, maybe I can help a little bit" Andre said.

"It's not about work,"

"Then?" ask Andre.

Rachel was doubtful. Should he tell his story? The story that for Bram alone is strange, especially for Andre who knows him only as a schoolmate and coworker. They've never been close before either.

"I... Actually..."

"Why?" press Andre again.

"There's nothing. Just fighting with Bram!" rachel said she was lying.

"You and Bram are dating?" ask Andre.

"Haaa? Yeah no...!" refute Rachel.

Rachel patted her cheeks to get excited. Andre grabbed Rachel's hands and held them. Andre looked at her deeply, while Rachel had lost her mind trying to avoid Andre's gaze. He pulled his hand but was restrained by Andre.

"Why have you been dodging lately?" ask Andre.

"Who is avoiding? There is no!" refute Rachel.

"Hul... I know we didn't like yesterday. Does Bram forbid us from making friends?" ask Andre.

"No! Not that way. Ndre lebarin first!" rachel Pinta.

"I won't let go until you're honest with me" said Andre, who was holding Rachel's two hands tightly.

"Ndre.." call Rachel slowly.

"Or I won't forgive you for that shirt." threatened Andre.

"What's that?" rachel Protest.

"Honestly, it's not good for me. I just want an explanation" said Andre.

"Nobody is against us, only I have to keep my distance. Because there's someone..."

"Oooh I know...!" Andre cut off the conversation and let go of Rachel's hand.

"I mean..."

"Udah Hel's... Its nothing. I have to keep my distance because there is someone? Brams? Why not be honest from the beginning if you and Bram.."

"No! Not Bram..."

"But I don't care if it's Bram. Maybe you keep your attitude towards me. I like you Hel..."

"Haaa? Meanin?"

"I like you, and I want us to have a closer relationship. I'm fighting you,"

"Ndre... But it's not about Bram or..."

"Yes I know, maybe I'm late. But I just want to reveal everything in my heart. That's aja. And I'll prove that I can get you,"

"Ndre! Can you just hear me?"

"What?"

"I have nothing to do with Bram. And I think we're just friends" Rachel said firmly.

"Who is that guy then?" andre looked at him sharply.

"There, someone,"

"Can't you call the guy?" ask Andre again. Rachel just kept quiet, it was hard to explain her current state because Jim was forgetting her memories.

"Ndre... I want some privacy. Can you?" ask Rachel.

"No problem really, but also don't forbid me to make your decetin..."

"Now!" call Rachel when Andre just left.

It's very difficult to explain to Andre who thinks as he wants. Rachel grabbed her salad and ate it in silence while thinking about her fate.

One man he loved forgot his memory, one man his best friend thought his lover, while the other man was just a friend but wanted him to be his lover. Being an adult can be this complicated.

Rachel hurriedly finished her meal and immediately returned to the office. Hope everything is okay again. Rachel needed something to calm her mind for a moment. His departure to the mother's house hoped everything was fine but that happened outside his mind.

Rachel's going back to her office but in the lobby of the office there...