FLOWER WARS

Chapters 13. Little Clumsier.

A commotion occurred in Djoehar market located east of the square. Reportedly, someone threw stones at KNIL soldiers who were accompanying a Dutch architect reviewing the market that was planned to be restored soon.

A soldier sustained a head wound. That sparked a huge uproar between indigenous civilians and KNIL forces. So many casualties from both sides.

And the only person suspected of being behind the incident was Tumenggung Wirya. Rumors were rife about the man and the government began to be wary of the former regent.

That night, Tumenggung Wirya was approached by a white police inspector, along with two police officers who were all natives. The inspector introduces himself as Jaap Tholense.

"I don't know anything about the events at Djoehar's market, Mr. Inspecteur." Tumenggung Wirya said that Jaap Tholense asked the commotion that took the wounded this morning, with questions that tend to be cornering or accusing.

His attitude was so calm facing the three policemen. While he knew, in his courtyard, many KNIL soldiers were on guard; rather, besieging his house.

"Do you mind if I check the pavilion next to the house?" asked the thick-moustached man.

"Please, Meneer," said Tumenggung Wirya as he moved his hand towards the front door.

Jaap Tholense and his two men stepped out of the house. That was when, Ratih came out to meet her husband with a tense face. "They're going to check the pavilion? What's the plan to lock it, sir?"

"The door was opened this afternoon." Tumenggung Wirya reviewed his smile. He still looks so calm. Not like his wife who was so anxious.

"What's inside?"

"There's nothing. The pavilion is just where we rest, isn't it?"

Ratih sighed. Although not completely relieved until the kumpeni left their home.

From behind the living room door that connects to the living room, Bunga eavesdropped on the conversation of his parents. Actually he's been standing there since his father was interrogated by the police. He listened to everything.

Flowers recalled the words of the chariot driver who drove her home from Jacob's house last night. About a rumor. His chest thumped violently upon hearing those policemen were about to inspect the pavilion.

When he heard his father's statement that the pavilion was empty, he breathed a sigh of relief. He wanted the police and KNIL soldiers in his yard to leave immediately. Their existence really makes the Flower feel uncomfortable.

He felt that his family's tranquility was being threatened.

***

Flowers can't concentrate on following that day's lessons in her class. His mind was filled with the shadows of the police and soldiers who came to his house yesterday. His heart was unceasingly anxious.

Although his eyes looked at the teacher who was explaining the lesson in front of the class, but his mind floated everywhere. Jacob sitting next to his desk was astonished. The young man could not wait to ask what had happened to his friend.

The long-awaited break time by Jacob finally came. He immediately took Flowers to the garden in front of the library. There, the young man interrogated the friend.

"I'm fine." The flower answered with astonishment. That day Jacob's attitude was a little exaggerated. He seems very worried about himself.

"There's no way you're okay. You're daydreaming all along the subject" Jacob argued.

"Who keeps daydreaming?" flower Protest. "I'm just a little sleepy."

Flowers fluttered his hands. "Don't overdo it, Jacob. I'm also a sleepy human being."

Jacob narrowed his two eyes looking at the Flower full of probing. "You're not as cheerful as usual."

"Jacob, please don't overdo it, huh? I'm fine." Flowers rolled both his eyes panted. Then the girl turned her gaze towards a short-haired girl from a distance.

"Jacob, what do you think of Anna?" flower Pancing. He wanted to take his mind off the incident at his house last night.

"Who?" jacob pretended not to listen.

"Anna. Our first classmate." Flowers pointed at the cute girl who was standing in front of the class, chatting with a friend.

"Anna De Vries?" Jacob repeated the question.

"Yes. How many Anna's in this school?"

"Where do I know?" Jacob tapped his shoulders.

Flowers clucked sebal. This friend of his seemed to be pretending to be stupid. Though, Bunga sure, Jacob's chest was pounding hearing himself talk about the girl who was liked by his best friend.

"I think Anna's the only woman who suits you."

Jacob rounded his eyes. Her blue iris looks beautiful in the sun. The beer is as blue as the sky.

"What are you talking about?" sergeant Jacob.

Back Flower pecking. Jacob would not admit. You coward, thought Bunga.

"Jacob, I'll help you." Flowers come out of her seat. Then walk leaving Jacob in the park chair.

"Hey! The flower! Where are you going?!" exclaim Jacob. However, Bunga just turned his head and signaled the young man to be still; his index finger he put on his lips.

Jacob is surprised to find Bunga back by bringing Anna along. The white-nosed girl threw a shy smile at Jacob.

"Hi, Jacob. Bunga said, would you like to talk to me?" asked Anna in a soft voice.

"Wat (What)?" jacob said as he glanced at the Flower standing behind Anna while holding back a laugh. "Review you!" threaten Jacob on his best friend, through silent lip movements.

"Mag ik daar zitten (May I sit there)?" Anna pointed at the empty spot beside Jacob.

"Natuurlijk, right je dat (Sure, can)." The answer is Flowers. He pushed Anna's back slowly so that the girl would immediately sit next to Jacob.

Jacob was furious not playing. His face flushed with annoyance. He did not like what the flowers had done.

***