Restore Your Smile

A Different Response

A few months have passed, the tenure as a substitute BK teacher was over. Bu Yeni has spent her maternity leave and is ready to take back her duties.

James is unemployed again. But this time at least he has gained work experience and has a Job Recommendation Letter that will be very helpful in the next job search.

While waiting for a work call, James has plenty of time to accompany Celine. He gives full focus to set Celine's learning materials back.

But of course, that is just his contribution. Celine's time with Alex and Furry couldn't be. There was a sense of unease between Alex and Celine.

Celine's eyes often sparkle when Alex arrives home or is with her. Celine's cheeks were often met red when Alex teased her.

These things further strengthen James's conjecture about Celine's feelings. James could only silently watch Celine from afar, with anxious feelings mixed in pain.

All he could do right now was stick with his commitment to look after Celine and take care of her education. Regarding Celine's psychosocial development, it seems that she can escape. Celine is almost like a teenager in general, who has a shy nature but in a reasonable stage.

Therefore, he often stopped by the bookstore or the city library. Sometimes, if Celine's lesson time is empty, Celine accompanies James, because reading is indeed one of Celine's hobbies.

Like this afternoon, for example. Because Mama Ratna has a teaching schedule, and neither Papa Heru nor Alex have gone home yet, Celine has an empty clock. Not knowing what to do, James and Celine decide to go to a bookstore inside a mall. Wash your eyes that means.

Arriving at the bookstore, James immediately headed to the book area majoring in X and XI as a recommendation for Celine's study materials at home. As for Celine, it followed her from behind as her eyes looked at the books around her.

Comparing the book to be purchased as an exercise on Celine, Celine said to James, "Don't you, Celine, look around for yourself, can you?"

"Can. Don't leave the bookstore .... Let it be hard, " replied James.

"Yes, " answered Celine lightly. He then immediately stepped foot looking at the bookshelf around him.

When he had decided on the books he wanted to buy, James looked around to find Celine. It turns out Celine is in the novel area. It appears that he was looking at the novel while reading some of the story summaries contained in the back of the book. James walked up to him.

"Discover something interesting?" james asked after arriving near Celine.

"Yes, " answered Celine short without taking her eyes off the book she was holding.

Out of curiosity, James peeked at the book Celine was holding. It turns out that this book is an English novel.

James could only smile wryly looking at her. She already knows Celine's English skills are developing very well. However, if you have to read a British novel that is thick enough, obviously the ability of British Celine is far enough on it.

"Want to buy?" bargain James.

"Can?" Celine asked back.

"Can. Bang James brought more money. But one day yeah .." replied James who was a little bit upset at the price of a book that was quite expensive for a novel.

Celine chose the book she wanted to buy, until she handed James a book to pay for it along with the book James was about to buy.

After paying, James looked at his watch. At 17:20. There is still time before we go home. His family did get used to being at home no later than 18:00, unless it was hindered by other interests.

"Celine is going home or still going for a walk?" ask James.

"Just walk .." replied Celine.

"You wanna hang out while snacking on something?"

"Gas!" james replied with a smile.

They also bought ice in an ice cream stand, then sat down to enjoy the ice that had been purchased in the chair that had been provided in front of the booth.

After it ran out, James asked Celine, "ready to go home ?"

"Gas!" celine replied with a grin, following James' previous style.

"It's smart bales well .." said James while ruffling Celine's hair with anxiety.

"Already dong .... Who was the teacher?" reply Celine.

Then they both got out of their seats laughing.

On the way to the mall exit, James suddenly sees Alex walking along with a woman who is most likely his girlfriend, if seen from his attitude.

James' reflexes immediately turned around to cover Celine's vision, so that Celine would not see Alex. Celine was unprepared for James' move, so hit James.

"Ouch! Bang James why?" he asked while rubbing his forehead which hit James' chest.

"Sorry, Lin .... Good thing .." said James, leading Celine to a turn, away from the direction Alex and the woman were likely to go.

After turning, James leaned his body against the wall that turned back to the road that Alex was taking. He waited for Alex to pass. She's tense. His hands were shaking too. He could only pray that Celine would not see the sight.

Unknowingly, while waiting for Alex to pass, James' hand clasped Celine's head in his chest. He waited for the seconds to pass in suspense.

Until what second or minute, he was only made aware of their position when he heard Celine say from inside his arms, "Bang James is sick? Brother's heart is beating fast ...."

Suddenly James immediately let go of his embrace and saw the face of the Girl who was still staring at him with worry.

"What, James got sick to the chest?" ask again.

As quickly as possible James immediately set his reasoning and feelings back. He smiled to calm the girl in front of him.

"Yes. His chest hurt a lot. Maybe it was his ice eating. But now Bang James uda gapapa. Thank you, already worried about Bang James, "he said as he stroked Celine's head.

In response, Celine only smiled with a hint of doubt that was still clearly visible on her face. His eyes continued to look at James's face, looking for lies there.

"Take a shot. You're healthy. Yuk, we go home yuk! " said James trying to behave as usual.

Celine nodded slowly and followed James.

Although from the outside James seemed to behave as usual, his feelings in the mix were not out of the question. She was grateful, it seemed like her attempt to block Celine's view was successful.

But on the other hand, he also realized one bitter reality that he had to accept. Celine's attitude when in his arms is different from Celine's attitude when accidentally in Alex's arms during the incident in the park.

Maybe I am the one who is only considered as a brother ! his inner.

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