Second Chances: Indonesian Football Player

Chapter 10: The Ryandi Problem

He still looked at me with hopeful eyes. But I still refused. But I don't think I'll be able to refuse it anymore.

That's because....

It seems like my honest stomach chose to betray me today.Because suddenly my stomach growled and howled. A pain tone that is not too subtle follows. It came in successive waves making me feel like the inside of my stomach was digesting themselves.

I gripped my stomach, trying to stop the sound coming from there. But it seemed to be a waste, as the voices were getting louder, making me get some curious gazes from Ryandi and the people passing by.

“Gosh”Ryandi says while furrowing his eyebrows. “When was the last time you ate well.” Said asking.

“At lunch.” Answer me honestly. I'm sure this hunger and pain is a side effect of that agility-enhancing herb. It seemed that the potion was burning all my energy reserves, and now I desperately needed a meal to replenish my stamina.

“Come don't be shy,bro.” Ryandi. “Close with me and we eat together. If you keep this up, you'll screw up the test tomorrow.” Persuaded it.

I finally agreed reluctantly.

---- ---- ----

Half an hour later, Ryandi and I sat at a table filled with – delicious meals.

Now we have arrived at Plaza Grand Galaxy, a high-end restaurant serving exotic cuisine.

This is the kind of place that requires a reservation a week in advance. It is almost impossible to get a table on demand. However Ryandi managed to book the table in no time.

Moments after I sat in my chair and ordered food, a pretty waitress brought us a big plate of food. There were vegetables that looked delicious with eggs, all kinds of meat and crispy fries unfurled before us. There were also many fruits that were placed together with ice cubes to keep it cool next to him. The breadbasket they brought as a dessert could have kept my family alive for a week. I also ordered a drink of orange juice that looked luxurious.

‘Gosh even with my experience in both my lives, I have never eaten such a sumptuous meal.’ I thought with a sad breath.

‘If I succeed later, I will bring my family to delicacies like this.’ Batinku.

Many were starving in the Capital while the rich filled themselves with delicious food. But I am not depressed because I have understood the way of society.

A man has to work hard and succeed successfully or he dies trying.

I eat like there is no tomorrow. This elixir makes me lose a lot of energy. I stopped eating after I finished everything. Ryandi gave me enough time to finish my meal before starting the conversation.

“So you are from West Jakarta.?” Ask Ryandi.

“Ya.” I answered while wiping my mouth with a napkin. “Before I forget, thank you for the banquet.” I said with gratitude.

“Not a problem.” He said with a smile.

“So where did you come from.?” Ask her. “ I've never seen you in a youth football competition in Jakarta.”

“Ah, yes I am from Malang. I was once a teammate of your rival Arya Bathara.” Said

“You two really beat us in the race.” Added.

“You two are monsters. How do you train stamina?” she asked while looking at me curiously.

“Yeah, I run five miles every day.” Answer me

“You should try it. It can help you increase stamina.

“Why are you in this trial.?” I said quickly ask. I want to look for some clues about what caused him to disappear and not continue his football career.

“What do you mean.?” Confused ask.

“I know your financial situation very well. You stay in a four star hotel. You're even wearing shoes that may cost more than my school fees. Why didn't you tell your parents to enroll you to the Football Academy overseas!? It will be much easier to develop yourself there. Why join this youth trial in Jakarta?” ask me seriously.

“My dad doesn't want me to play football.” His grunt.

“She said it was a waste of time. He said about how the majority of Indonesian football players in the local league are wasting time. And will not earn anything after retirement.”

“Oh, but that's right my answer is slowly, indeed Indonesian football in the local league is not so qualified at this time, and even worse in the future before the federation realizes they have to fix Indonesian football.

“So you came here without his permission? Where do you get money to spend in Jakarta?

“My uncle is sponsoring my trip here. He's the only one who knows I'm taking part in the cob test aini.” Answer

‘Hm this may be the cause. His parents found out about this trial, and they sent someone to take him home so he wouldn't continue his football career abroad.’ Thought

“Did your uncle know that you attended the trial held by Jakarta Sports City.?” My toot.

“No.” Ryandi said with a smile.

“She just booked my hotel and left me free alone. He was never a football fan. He doesn't even know any team in Jakarta.” He said again

“What if your father presses him to reveal where you are? He can pull you out of the cob test then. Are you sure he'll keep his mouth shut even after your father knows you're gone.?” I asked looking at her eyes seriously. I tried to persuade her to stay away or move out of her current hotel so that her uncle would not know of her whereabouts now and divulge her whereabouts to Ryandi's father.

“What if he pulls you out of the trial before it's finished? You will be blacklisted by all coaches and miss out on another test in Jakarta.” I added.

“You're right, what should I do?” he answered with a panicked expression.

“You have to leave the hotel your uncle booked and move to another place.Or you can go back to malang to do a trial at the club there.” Says seriously.

Ryandi shook his head sadly.

“I can't get to malang now.” Whisper .

“I heard that an international scout will appear tomorrow.” Said.

“You want to keep staying at your hotel.?”

“No.” She smiled

“I see your point. I'll be moving to another hotel soon.” Ryandi. He stood up to leave.

“Good.” I answered while breathing a sigh of relief.

“Make sure it is a hotel where you cannot easily be tucked away. I don't like to see the career of a talented player like you end prematurely.” I said with a smile

“I understand.” Ryandi smiles.

“I've paid the bill. You need to reduce the amount of food you eat. It will be difficult for you to perform if you experience heartburn tomorrow.” He said jokingly.

I just nodded and smiled, but continued to put on my remaining prayers.

“It's nice to meet you. See you tomorrow at the.” game Ryandi said after a few seconds.

“See you soon.” I wave. I went back to my food. After I finished I returned to the inn and notified both of my parents before going to bed.