Black Dahlia

DAHLIA FLOWER #3, HOW IT ALL STARTED

That morning was hell for the 12th grade High School student

Elizabeth. That morning a brilliant idea came to visit the principal, and I don't know

how he suddenly conducted a national exam experiment. Actually no

someone cares about the experiment this time. Some even have a stupid time with

the value to be obtained. Zachary Zebua's. He didn't even intend

open the book. He and Andrew were waiting for Hayden at the pool. Indeed

a strange place to wait for someone. Besides being lazy, Zach

couldn't focus on studying before Hayden's answer to Hari.

Andrew was busy flipping the sheets of his book from earlier, and

Zach was swimming in the pool. The experiment starts at 9 o'clock, and now

it's still 8. And Hayden hasn't come yet. Zach doesn't like to learn. She is

the type of person who is difficult to focus on if it is a must. Zach can only

learn if he has no pressure. Now, he has a myriad

pressure, and Zach can only rely on his brain later to answer all

about. Zach is a smart student. That is what people and themselves think.

Otherwise, there's no way Zach could get a scholarship to Elizabeth.

On that day, Hayden told Zach that he was sure

Hari also had an involvement with the case. Hayden was so sure because he

I feel something is wrong with this case. Hayden was sure they were all lacking

one more person to complete the shortcomings in this case. Andrew, Clara and

his self has no evidence of having killed Marsella, though one of the

they've killed Marsella surely no one will confess. But even though

so, all their reasons are clearly true and enter into logic. They

all had motives, and Hayden also admitted that. Their motives are clear, but

no one really kills. Hayden was convinced that Hari wasn't the killer,

but Day might just be able to complete the missing point.

Zach came out of the pool and immediately dried

nya. Soon the experiment began and Hayden had not yet arrived. Zach is already

trying to make calls and even sending messages continuously to Hayden. Andrew

don't look too concerned at Hayden's disappearance anymore. Zach had thought

if the same thing happens again to Hayden. He panicked, then calmed down

again when thinking of it was impossible if Hayden would miss the experiment

this national exam.

The situation in Elizabeth was very quiet and silent. Nonexistent

the voices of people spoke at all, except for the sound of Zach boots while riding

ladders. A lot of people are still learning and Zach chooses to go up to the floor

top to find the wind. Andrew was also very quiet. Him

too focused on the book. Zach was so upset to see people from earlier

keep learning. It makes Zach feel guilty for not

learn. And more than that, Zach can't stop thinking about Hayden

disappear. No one knows how he felt when your friend last time

disappeared he tried to kill himself, and now he's gone again.

Jorge saw Zach and Andrew in the hallway to the stairs

going upstairs. Jorge immediately closed his laptop and put it in his bag.

“Zach!” jorge shouted not too loudly. Zach looked towards the voice,

and gave orders for Jorge to approach them. “You didn't learn?” ask

Jorge started to open an Indonesian notebook. Zach is feeling

so fed up. If he could he wanted to shout for the two people beside him

I can stop reading. “No. I'm worried, Jorge disappeared and I

really don't want to learn.”

Zach climbed the stairs one by one slowly then

stop over. He thought if it felt better if they went to the flower garden

dahlias. Zach quickly climbed down the stairs, followed by Andrew and Jorge

without question. Just a few minutes before the experiment and Zach

the less intent to follow. Even then Zach intends to

truant.

Police sirens were heard approaching the school. Zach

immediately peek through the window beside the stairs. Not just one car,

there were about five police cars that stopped right at the entrance of the school.

Zach swallowed his saliva, and his palms were sweating. That was his head

really dizzy with the burden of the mind that tips to fill the space of his brain to

inhaling oxygen. Zach hurriedly went down. He jumped the kids

stairs to make it faster. In his heart Zach kept repeating the sentence in order

this isn't about Hayden.

The policemen entered the 12 IPS examination room

it's on the 1st floor. Zach immediately followed them from behind and went inside

in class. It just so happened that the three of them were from that class, so it would

be the reason Zach if he is questioned. The police looked at the teacher

it was sitting down to wait for the exam time to begin. The policeman went forward

I started to look around at everyone in the class. “For all

nya. Sorry if we interrupted your time. But this is about a suicide case

Marcella Gonzela's. The latest news is that it's not suicide. Marsella was murdered, man,

and respectfully we called out a few names to come with us to the office

trooper. Clara Mara, Hayden Haranta, Zachary Zebua, and Andrew Edden. Then,

Fernando Germanotta's. And in addition to Hayden Haranta, your brother is already there

in the office with us.”

Zach was shocked after hearing that. He kept repeating

what is his involvement in this matter. He didn't even do anything

like Hayden or Andrew or Clara. Except, he was the last one

the one Marsella met that night. It felt like he wanted to run away from class. Go away

as far as possible, they cannot be found. Zach glanced at Clara. Facial

Clara looked pale, but her expression still looked calm not budging.

Santriz looked at Clara who was quiet. Zach tried

do the same thing. He breathed normally, and threw it away

with normal. Even so, his hands still shook. Zach put in a second

hands her into a pants pocket so no one is conscious. Even so, heart

Zach is still pounding very hard. Never been this tight. And I don't know

how, Zach was worried if anyone could hear his heartbeat.

He's become really paranoid. Andrew looks ordinary. Zach

glanced at Andrew, and Andrew gave the signal to be reasonable and calm.

Jorge just kept staring at the two of them continuously. Jorge is like all

people there, don't know anything. There is a feeling of confusion and anger within

Jorge's. Jorge was a little angry because it felt like he was not told what happened,

even though they are friends.

One of the policemen behind Zach was whispering.

They then took out a piece of paper from the bag they were carrying. Picture

from the paper is clearly visible because of the light of the lamp, and the paper is

flimsy. Zach could see it faintly. It's a collection of photos

them. One of the policemen then pointed at them one by one. Clara

first stand up and then move forward. “I think we have the right to

lawyer before talking anything is not, officer?” said Clara Lantang.

“Betul. But now, you're obliged to come with us to

office.” The man who used the name identifier as John Alex El

then take a step forward and touch Zach's shoulder. Zach was shocked and

turn to face John. Zach's reaction was frantic. Jorge then calmed down

Zach patted Zach on the shoulder. “Quiet. You're not alone okay?” recited

Jorge's. “Actually what happened Zach?”

Zach shook his head. “Long, really. I

will explain everything when they are not here” said Zach with

whispers. Jorge just nodded in agreement. He could not protest much

want to know if the condition is like this.

No one in the class spoke. Amongst

those who are afraid of the arrival of a number of police or indeed they

shocked by the truth of Marsella's case. If they were surprised by just this

only, they would be even more surprised later. The case of Marsella is

a unique case. Elizabeth's student involvement was actually only a small part

from this whole story. There is much more hidden. And on the day

this morning, this morning, everything will start to connect, everything will start to be understandable

why and why. Today is the starting point of how everything can happen.

“How about our trial test? We need

learn loh, how about later in the afternoon, after this is all done,” said

Andrew to the officer. Andrew's voice was calm and he said that with

very smooth. Zach is even surprised by the fact that only Andrew, the man in

among those who can be calm about this.

The man named John looked back. Ke

the direction of his colleagues. They all nodded. John has not spoken

or even do nothing. “Good. We'll be here after what

you guys do this over. Thank you.” The policemen then left

classroom. Instantly Zach could breathe a sigh of relief. The oxygen that was felt

stolen by the police is now back in Zach's control. Clara's soon

approaching them. “Clara warned me and Hayden if this was possible

just happen. I've prepared her. But I don't know about

next.” Jorge then interrupted. He seemed a little frustrated. “Actually

what was? Can one of you tell me?” jorge urged. Gurus

who was watching then started to silence everyone. Zach told me

Jorge if during the break he will get his answer. Temporal

so they continued their activities.

30 Minutes passed, and Zach could not focus

work on. Actually not only Zach, Clara and Andrew as well. Zach keep going

doodling her desk with eye sketch drawings constantly. He really is

in bad circumstances. He doesn't want to talk, and he doesn't want to

do nothing. Zach is in a position where he wishes he had never been

get involved in all this. He thought about what his father would say.

Because for sure, Ferdinand would not be happy to hear this. Zach needs support and

a thousand kind words now, but it didn't feel like it was enough to calm down

nya.

Zach solved the problem of Bahasa Indonesia in 1 time

hours after spending 30 minutes doing nothing. Zach kept glancing

to Andrew and Clara. They both seem to be seriously working on it

nya. Zach also glanced at Jorge who was also glancing at Zach. See Jorge,

Zach is looking at himself. I used to know nothing and just

well-intentioned, suddenly somehow get incorporated into a fucking problem

these. Jorge has not been involved, and Zach will do anything to keep Jorge from doing it

until involved. Too many people are seen. Zach himself doesn't know

how can someone kill another human being, let alone a High School student.

If the killer isn't Hayden, Andrew, and Clara, then Zach thinks for sure

Fernando's. No one can blame Zach's slander. He's in a state of

worst of all, a slander in his brain that he has not spoken is p

beseem.

The exam bell ends. Zach soon

collect her answer sheet and drop out of class to wait for Andrew, who,

Clara and Jorge are out too. They're all out, with Santriz coming in

behind them. Santriz looks just as confused as Jorge. He also wants

you know what happened to all of them. But Clara didn't want that to happen.

It's not that Clara doesn't trust Santriz. Clara believes in Santriz

Andrew, Zach and Hayden. But telling Santriz is the same as making it

accidentally mixed up in all of this. And Clara won't let

Santriz. Clara tells Santriz that she can't figure out what

happen. That this is personal information, and that Clara will explain

all of this at the right time. Santriz said yes, and left. But

his face showed a disappointed face.

The four of them went downstairs. They

the Elizabeth swimming pool. It is a quiet place and perhaps the safest

sharing a murder story. Zach was the first to scream that way

Clara closed the pool door. They have 20 minutes of rest

before they continue to do the national math exam experiment. And

Zach can't help things, except hysterically. “Say, ,

how could this happen?” zach said, which sounded frustrating.

“We know this is going to happen. We thought it was just the police

who's investigating suicide, I swear. We were surprised when we found out

that this is murder. I mean, we're not all sure it's a kill

self, but we are not sure also it is murder.” Clara spoke while

leaning his body against the wall. His cold and indifferent expression had already faded.

Now, he looks just as panicked as Zach. The problem is the message

sent by Clara's father. The message did not sound good enough for the police,

and Clara is frantically dead if the message is leaked to the police. Him

I can't stop thinking about what's going to happen this afternoon.

Andrew himself was quite calm. He knows he didn't

anything is wrong. He, just involved. He knows he's not a killer, and

he believed that the three people in front of him were not one of the assassins

nya. He was only worried if his reputation was ruined once the police started

investigating her. About his work with Ivan Gonzela. That's too important

to investigate the police. Andrew this time could be calm and looked

like indifferent. Andrew is ready for today. She's been

racking his brain to be able to control this situation in their hands.

The three of them were not the killers. But

the three of them had something they bet on if the police started

investigate those involved. And that's very important to them

threes. Without them even realizing it, they were actually fighting for

making the thing they bet on it never gets away from them and

just be theirs.

“So, you know Marsella Gonzela isn't she, Horhe? Him

new students moving out. Since he came a lot of strange things happened in Elizabeth.

I intend to find out what really happened by approaching her.

That afternoon, Marsella and I walked together. Tomorrow he was found suicidal,

but now it's not suicide. It was murder. And all of us,

got involved in it somehow. But I swear to you we're not

his killer. The story is actually longer, about how we got involved.

It's not my right to explain it,” explained Zach. Jorge did not reply

anything at all. He looks to be processing his one-on-one. About how High School Students

could be involved to that extent with ‘killing’ case.

Andrew then began to explain his involvement

with Marcella. Although actually his involvement is with the family

Gonzellae. Andrew wasn't sure if he should believe Jorge or not, but if

Zach believes in Jorge so Andrew can too. Andrew had told me once

to Zach about his problems so telling Jorge not too be

trouble for her. “I work for Marsella's father.” Zach looked straight at me

Andrew as he began to tell. He looked surprised that Andrew wanted to tell a story. “I

it's a kind of male escort outside

****. I serve men and women in my work, but one night there

things I didn't want to happen. Without saying anything, I hope you know

I mean Jorge. Marsella, she's good. He just wanted to help me by reporting

to the police, but I'm not ready. It was my life, my story, and my body.

I didn't see anyone in her room before that.”

“I'm sorry Andrew, I don't know about that.

Jorge's. Andrew shook his head. “How could you also know.”

Clara immediately began to answer her involvement. She knows

that what he will answer is very sensitive and will probably immediately make

Jorge thought he was the killer. Just like Andrew.

Zach's quick trust in Jorge allowed Clara to believe in him

Jorge's. “You must know my family isn't Jorge? Mara family, the biggest donation

school. But all is a lie.” What Clara will tell you is far from what

which he should have told me. Clara is a girl with a stack of secrets, and

on that very day he was disgusted by the secret he held. Overly

heavy, and needs to be shed.

“The Mara family is the owner of Elizabeth High School.

The donation you see every year is just imaging so no one knows

we owned it and made my father's image good. Then there's dad's best friend

my. Ivan Gonzela, Marsella's father. Mara and Gonzela's family quickly become

a business alliance. With Ivan as my father's right hand. Marcella

was Marsella's father's puppet to tear down my father's business with ‘bringing

disaster’ to Elizabeth. All the disasters you see are the work of Marsella,

by Ivan's force. I'm trying to help Marsella get off her job, but

of course Marsella doesn't trust anyone from the Mara Family, and instead, she

I think of it as a trap. My father soon realized this and asked

I killed Marsella. But I said no, and somehow all this

then it just happened. Marsella was killed, and Ivan was nowhere to be found.

But the culprit wasn't my father. I'm sure, because we're both just as shocked as

this is.”

Jorge was speechless. Either he's sorry

have asked or not. But he clearly did not guess if

here's the information he'll get. All of it, not just Zach who keeps

secret. Everyone has secrets, and they are related

with this case. Jorge was not aware that he had been involved in such a case

he knows the truth about all his new friends. He really doesn't know

what to say. Because it feels like he really doesn't know them all.

The secrets they have are far and deep. And Jorge, just a high school student

ordinary, who happened to be involved once decided to go to the pool following

Zach and the others.

“Take your time Horhe. I was just as surprised when I found out

her truth.” Zach checks the clock through his phone. There's five more minutes left

before the bell rang. Jorge was still craved and didn't know what to say

whatt. Especially in a little bit of math time. Zach immediately took his bag

and open the pool door ready to go. Jorge saw Zach go on and

thinking what Zach would do if he was in his position. Jorge knows if

Zach was involved in the case because he was the last person to whom Marsella was involved

meet and he's on the case to protect his friends. In the moment

jorge made a decision that he believed was the best. For

everybody is. This is the first time he's got close friends, and they

really believe in himself. Jorge couldn't get back at her with anything else

except to support them. Jorge believes they're innocent, like

how can they trust Jorge.

“Zach, Andrew, Clara, I'll help you guys. You guys

will not fight alone. I'll help you until this is all over

well.” Zach shook his head and approached Jorge. Zach puts second

his hand on Jorge's shoulder. Then look her in the eyes seriously. “Horge, no

lunatics! We don't know how this ends. Adding people who will

getting involved is something we should avoid.”

“No. Listen to me Zach. This is the first time

I made a friend who wasn't just a classmate. Think, how

can you believe me so quickly and tell me all this? You guys

trust me, and I trust you. You can't be the perpetrators, though,

and therefore I must help you. The more people who

help, then it will be better.”

Zach pressed Jorge's shoulder harder and harder. This time

even like a squeeze. Zach was very earnest when he meant that

it's hazardous. He had even dizzy himself thinking this. Zach just got to know

Jorge, and then dragging him into this case really isn't the thing he should be

do so. Zach wants to protect everyone. But he didn't realize, that he

sometimes they need to be protected. And right now, no one can

make Jorge's determination.

Jorge removed Zach's hand from his shoulder. Him

then put his hand on Zach's shoulder and change his squeeze. With second

his eyes were staring intently at Zach's eyes. Now their positions have changed. “No.

This time you're the one who's listening to me Zach! This is the first time I'm gonna

fighting for something I love. I will not be silent as a student

ordinary people who have no one. You shut up, and I'll take care of you

all.” No one had ever heard Jorge yell or look serious

with something. He was a student who always looked friendly and cheerful. Type

students are always good to everyone in the class. But this time Jorge was seen

be different.

Andrew clapped. He smiled, then approached

Jorge and Zach are arguing. Andrew took Jorge's hand off Zach.

And stand in the midst of them. “Jorge correct Zach. We can't

face this alone. Consider it this..” said Andrew.

“Project group.” Clara then walked towards

they're all. Zach laughing. Group projects to save themselves from cases

homicides. Zach can't wait until all the parents give him their full support

on this group project. Zach kept laughing. His taste is amused and crazy.

How all this changed and happened so quickly. And how that solution

they've got no sense. Try saying if Zach in High School will

confronting the police for being involved in Zach's murder

who is still a student at Junior High.

Andrew laughed then. He laughed while closing his eyes

her with his hands. Plus the smell. Look at Zach and Andrew, Clara

laughingly. His face looked sad as he laughed. The three of them laughed

except Jorge. That laugh should be a cry. Maybe a scream too

terrified. They are afraid of their future. They are afraid of what

people will say. And they are also afraid of how their parents are

will react. Clara and Zach especially. Both of their relationships with parents

they're not good.

“Good. Project class,” says Zach. Tears are coming out

from Zach's eyes as he laughed. He hastily removed her so that no one would

cognizant. He didn't cry, he just laughed too much and loudly.

Maybe with a little made-up because it feels like they all need a little

laughter that day. The shock they got this morning was still felt until

now it's. And honestly, they're confused. I don't know what to do, and what

what they really have to do. Talk to a parent or BK teacher

it will only complicate the situation. They don't trust anyone else except

their friend. It was the only thing that made them feel safe in this situation.

They spent more than five minutes inside

ponds. The exam should have been going on from then on. But they don't intend

to move faster at all. Clara, whose people are the most ambitious

with a high value also no longer care at that time. He chose to spend

time with his friends. Because it feels like being with them is getting stronger. 30

minutes passed and they stood up and rushed to the examination room.

They had discussed ways to cheat during the exam later in order to score

they're good. Clara and Jorge are the main brains in their cheating mission,

and Andrew as a dealer because of his sitting position in the middle.

Talking about this cheating makes them instantly forget

the problem they were thinking about. They laughed and even shouted

because exciting. At least for a moment they could forget.

The police officers were waiting for them at the gate

school. When the math exam was over, they all immediately rushed towards

the gate. Some of them were hoping if the police hadn't come so they

you can go home first. Butno. They have arrived, and now

they have to go to the police station. Andrew enters with Clara in one

the car, and Zach got into another car because it didn't fit. Not on the way

someone talks or tells each other. They shut up and thought about what the plan was

they're next.

In front of the police station is Hayden. Zach ran immediately

approaching Hayden. Zach breathed a sigh of relief because of his conjecture that Hayden

doing something stupid is not right. Hayden is safe, unharmed and

also at the police station. Looking at Hayden's gaze, Zach knew what

happen. Hayden was here, too. “You were also called? Hayden, really

I panicked when you weren't around. I thought you did it again” said Zach who

looks very panicked.

Hayden shook his head. “Ya and no

actually was. My brother was taken by the police. Day was involved, and God I don't know

it's gotta be how Zach is. But thank you for your anxiety. I needed

new.” Zach hugged Hayen who was talking. His voice sounded fragile.

Like crying, but not crying. I don't know why all these days

it seems bad and annoying. “Hey, sorry I wasn't there Hayden,” reply

Zach. Hayden shook his head again, but this time it was firmer. Then

he patted Zach on the shoulder. “Stupid, you're not here. Relax, I

it's okay.”

The four of them entered the police station. At

john was waiting for them. His face looks unhappy. In front

there's a table with trays on top of it. In the tray are all the photos in

in map. The day just came out of the room that looked like space

interrogations. He stood next to Hayden. Fernando appeared in the back.

He was panting when he arrived. Fernando just ran from school to

police station. Zach, Andrew, and Clara also realized that they should be

went here with Fernando, but Fernando didn't come with them.

“Sorry, I have business with teacher BK.” Fernando stood right behind

Hayden's.

John began to speak when all the suspects were

congregates. “So far we have found one very important proof.”

John then opened the map and took some paper. That paper

a picture of Clara's father's conversation with Clara. Clara was silent to see

that's. “Clara Mara, can you explain what your father meant to kill Marsella,

and you threatened your father to kill a man named Brook?” ask

John.

“Sorry if the impression I sassy Clara. But we

really late. The progress of this case is very slow. If you think this

it was the first day of the investigation, so you guys were wrong. The investigation has been ongoing since

Marsella was found hanged, and the progress we made was very small.

We beg your cooperation.”  John

re-insert the image he held into the map. He looks exhausted.

Her eye bags look black and her eyes are red. Maybe more precisely,

the whole police here looks very tired. John then took one cigarette

from his pants pocket and burn him. He always faces backwards

will throw away cigarette smoke. Actually not very useful either, because of the smoke

it will also be inhaled by everyone. But Zach still assesses the action

John as at least-he-trying.

“Your interrogation will begin in two days. By

so don't go anywhere. Take care of your health, and I

don't know what else. I was really bad at giving a moral message. You're official

become the main suspect in this case.” John then went outside

leaving them. No one wants to comment at all. Day and

Hayden was the first to leave the room. Followed by Zach and

the other. Outside John was smoking his cigarette. The day also lights up

one cigarette and his sucking next to John. John looked back

and realize that everything is behind her. He immediately switched off his cigarette, though,

any more.

“If you're outside, you're not a cop, are you?” ask

Day of. John took out his cigarette from his mouth and smiled. “Call me

John is outside. Just act normal when we're outside like

this.”

The rain started to fall slowly. Drizzling. Fernando glanced

towards Hayden who was smiling with Hari and the others felt

intermingled. Between sad and happy. He was happy that Hayden was happy too.

Fernando then pulled the hood of his jacket and went from there through the drizzle.

The distance from the house to the office is a little bit far. Hayden knew it, but Hayden didn't

following Fernando. Hari saw a sad expression on her sister's face. “Subsequent to him.

Wait what are you doing?” ask her. But Hayden didn't know what to do. Because

after the fight it all became awkward and none of them were

started talking.

A white car then stopped right in front

police station. The car glass is then lowered. Even when the windshield is lowered,

no one knows who it is. It must be very dark in the car, too, because

the person inside was wearing black. Clara immediately walked forward. “I

already picked. Then I'll go home first. Beware all.” Clara then

get in the car. The car glass is very black. Until Clara doesn't

be seen. The car then left.

“Good. We are the only ones left who don't have a car.

Come home,” says Hari. He dropped his cigarette on the floor, stomped on her,

then take it again and throw it in the trash. Day out of

the roof and rain wet his body. “Wait for what else?” ask when there is none

followed him. Hayden, Zach, and Andrew came out of the roof. They're coming home

together Day.

It felt cold. Hayden kept pulling his hair back.

His eyesight was really bad when it rained. That's one reason

why he doesn't like to go out when it rains. Along the way, many

people who are in the shade of a tree or someone who is driving by

so fast that they splashed their clothes. I don't know why they are

walk slowly and leisurely at that time. Especially Zach. He was afraid to go home

homehouse. He knew that his father would be furious if he found out. Or not him

exemplifying a very annoying scream. He was afraid, because of the words

his father who sometimes just released from his mouth makes him sad and

his heart is wounded. No one is aware that Zach is sad and scared. Facial

her wet with water and Zach constantly wiped her face. That time,

it was probably the saddest, saddest, and worst day they've ever had

face it. What they are facing now is not so bad, rather than what they are

they will face it at home