THE FLO!

Bag. 22

I looked at Scott with a smile. My eyes are still wide. What the hell is he doing here? Why did he know I could be here? And why is he with Brenda? I just realized that the car he was riding in was my car that Brenda always drove if she wanted to pick me up. Brenda looked at me while shaking her head and her face looked as scared as I was.

"Now you tell me what you're doing here?" scott asked again in better English I translated because he added his rude swearing.

"Don't here" I said softly. Scott looked at my friends while raising his eyebrows. I think he understood because he nodded at me and got into the car.

"Who?" asked Caesar curiously. I just smiled at him.

"Why is your face so pale, Flo?" ask Daisy anxiously. And I smiled back at him, and at Stella.

"It's like our show was pushed back, huh?" I said while trying to smile. Their faces looked anxious as they looked at me but I tried to calm them down by patting Stella and Daisy on the shoulder. "Gue first, huh?" I said and waved my hand.

I got in my car and sat right next to Scott.

"Scott, I—"

"Don't here. I don't like talking in places like this!" cut Scott off before I can finish my words.

I nodded weakly. While glancing at Brenda, she looked at me through the rearview mirror in the car and her face was as scared as mine. Taking a deep breath, I grabbed my own hand. All right, I'll be dead soon.

...***...

Scott looked at me and Brenda took turns. He sat on the couch in front of me and his face was totally unpredictable. I don't know if he was angry or laughing after hearing my story. I did tell him the reason why I was posing as a high school boy. He just folded his hands while looking at me and occasionally frowned. After a long silence, Scott finally opened his mouth.

"Then you found your answer?" scott asked who made my head rise.

I shook weakly. "At least not," I replied slowly.

"Then you'll keep looking for answers until you find them?" ask Scott again and I'm back to shake.

"I only asked for six months off. I'll come back even if I don't get the answer."

"Listen to your tone, I'm concluding you've given up."

I looked at him while frowning. How did he know I gave up? Am I so easy to read?

"I'm right, aren't I? Have you given up?" scott asked me to refocus. I nodded slowly.

"Then why are you still here? If you give up, you'll come back with me to New York" said Scott.

"Wait on! I haven't si—"

"You think I'm gonna hear your stupid excuse?" cut Scott. The tone was so cold that it made my body freeze instantly. "Did you know you were committing a fraud? What if someone breaks your identity and you go to jail?"

"I'm safe all along! The proof is I haven't been caught!"

"Yet?" Scott got up from his seat and looked at me with his eagle gaze. He even yelled at me! "YOU SAID NOT YET!?"

My body immediately jerked backwards hearing Scott's voice. This is the first time he's been so hard on me. Scott seemed to realize my fear. Even though his eyes were still looking at me, he sat back down on the sofa.

"I came here and you said you haven't been caught? Then why are your drawings and evidence of fraud sent to my place?" scott said in a lower voice than before.

I'm staring. "picture? What picture?" my many.

Scott pulled out his phone. He looked for something on his phone and handed it to me. "This was sent via e-mail to me two days ago. Not only that, this guy's got all your evidence of fraud."

I read the contents of that e-mail. My eyes widened and without me knowing I gasped. "If I get caught, Brenda, Braxton and my parents will get dragged into this."

"And your special right to live in America will be revoked. You certainly remember the terms of that right, don't you?"

"I can't get caught in the slightest legal case."

"Exactly. That's why I'm here. You'll be back in America with me as soon as possible before this all spreads. I'll take care of your move."

"But I—"

"Nothing but, Flo! Now or I'm the one who dragged you back."

I looked at him with a cruel look. This is what made me able to work with him for almost four years. I was able to fight him even though he had a very bad temper.

"Only my wife and you can look at me like that. And if you think I'm going to comply with your request to stay here longer, you're wrong!" said Scott. I swear I saw him smile though faint! "I've taken care of everything. In two days, you'll come with me back to America."

My eyes are wide. Whahuh? Two days? "What about my resignation from school? You think I could just walk away?"

"I'll come to your school and explain everything!"

"You want to dismantle my disguise!?"

"Of course not, you idiot! I just need to say that I'm your real father and I want you to be with me!"

I looked at him as if he was a madman. "For God's sake, Scott. You are forty-seven years old, how could you be my father!?"

"You for God's sake, you idiot! Did you forget that I have a seventeen-year-old son? Did you tell your school that you were twenty-five?"

I looked at him and frowned. "Wait on! You're gonna pretend to be my dad? Did you know that if my secret was exposed then you'd be dragged along?"

"I came to keep your secret safe. Now you prepare for your return. I've already prepared the plane tickets and we'll be back in America the day after."

"So fast?"

"I think it's still not fast. I held back my emotions to drag you back when I saw you in that stupid uniform!"

I smiled at him. "How do I look when I see me in this uniform?"

"You look stupid."

I looked at him not accepting. He's not changed at all. I always never wanted to praise me. My attention was shifted when I saw him rise from his seat.

"Where are you going?" I asked when I saw him pin his bag to his shoulder.

"Back to my hotel. You think I'm gonna sleep in this place?" scott answered that pissed me off.

Come on, this apartment isn't that bad! This place is very much worth living in. Moreover, this place is an exclusive apartment located in the city center.

"Take me!" scott's orders made me look at him in wonder.

"You're a millionaire! You can definitely order a cab."

"I am just an ordinary person now. Why do you think I booked a plane ticket if I could use my jet, you idiot?"

I just realized what he said. He's correct. He said he booked a plane ticket for me when he had a private jet that could take him wherever he went.

"Wait a minute... You're keeping your arrival a secret?" I asked with horror. Scott is a millionaire and he has a lot of bodyguards guarding him.

"You think because of who I did it? How could I have come to this place as the founder of Pioneer Technosoft to pick up one of his crazy employees?" scott asked in his usual sarcastic tone.

I'm impressed. Of course I was impressed even though he replied with that sarcastic tone of his. Scott left all his busy life to come to this place. He did not even bring his bodyguard with him even though because of his status a millionaire his life could be threatened at any time. I thanked Scott even though he looked at me as if I was saying something crazy to him.

"I feel like you've changed, Flo," Scott told me as I drove my car to drive it to the hotel Brenda had booked.

"What?" ask me with curiosity.

"You're getting more stupid" said Scott, who gave me a snort. I thought he would praise me. "That's one of them, but there's another. You're becoming much more gentle."

I glanced at him and then back at the road ahead of me. "I don't understand" I said honestly.

"Are you in love?"

I almost pushed the brake pedal hard.

"You crazy? You almost got us in an accident!" I screamed when I managed to control the speed of my car.

"I'm just asking!" his reply. "Wait a minute.. I'm right, aren't I? You're in love with someone, aren't you? For God's sake, don't tell one of your classmates."

I'm shaking. "No."

"No need to lie, Flo. How long do you think I've known you?"

"I'm not in love with anyone!"

"Ha! I thought you would answer like that. So who's the guy?"

"It's none of your business. After I leave this place, I will never see him again. We live in a different world."

Scott looked at me strangely. "Where is he really alive? Hell?" her question made me look at her strangely.

"It's just a figure of speech, stupid."

"You think I don't understand? I seriously. As long as you're on earth, why do you feel like he's in a different world? If you're a match for him, he can find you even if you're underground."

"You think so?"

"Indeed I think so. Look at me and Kirstie for example. I met him on the subway."

And at that moment, I want to throw Scott with the steering wheel in my hand.

...***...

Brenda came to me with her anxious face when she saw me back after dropping Scott off. I just drove him to the lobby for fear that someone might find me with Scott.

"Where?" ask Brenda. "She's still forcing you to come back to America?"

"That's final. You heard his tone earlier. You know that means I can't argue, right?" ask me while sitting on the sofa that was occupied by Scott.

"Do we really have to go back to America?" ask Brenda. I frowned at me. Brenda is not willing to leave the country. I looked at him in wonder.

"I managed to force him to love me time. He finally gave me less than a week. Wh why? You don't want to go back?" my many.

Brenda immediately laughed blandly. "And what am I supposed to do in this country?" tanyakanya.

Brenda was silent while looking at me. It was quite a long time before he admitted it by nodding his head.

"If you don't want to go back, I don't forbid it. Maybe it's time for you to be happy, Brenda," I said sincerely. Brenda looked at me. His face looked incredulous but I smiled at him. I pulled his hand and held it gently.

"You took too long to take care of me and I'm grateful that you've always been by my side. But I don't want to be selfish and think that you're just for me. It is time for you to find your own happiness. I see Phillip as a good person anyway" I said with a seductive smile.

"But you're not alone in there?" brenda asked worriedly.

"I just need to find a new assistant, even though you're the best assistant I've ever had. Don't think about me, Brenda. It's time you think of yourself."

"But—"

"Please, I don't want you to be unhappy because of me. You are the most valuable person in my life. Maybe without you, I wouldn't be this strong. And it's time for me to repay all your services. It's time I let you go to be with someone who can make you happy."

"But you also make me happy."

"But not happy when you're with Phillip. Please, Brenda, I don't want you to break your heart like me. Can't be with the person you love."

Brenda looked at me with pity but I smiled at her. He returned my hand and his eyes were glazed over.

"I promise to call you as often as I can" Brenda promised me. I just smiled and nodded.

"When this is all over, you have to promise Phillip a truthful story" I said. He smiled thinly.

"Without me even telling a story, he knows it."

My eyes widen. "He knows who I am?"

"At first she found out about my background and she knew that I wasn't anyone's foster mother. Out of curiosity, he found out about you."

"So long has he known me and he hasn't reported it to anyone?" I ask in disbelief.

Brenda smiled shyly at me until I looked at her in wonder. "He had a reason. She's afraid that if she uncovers your secrets, I'll have to leave the country. That's why he's withholding all your secrets because he won't see me go."

I looked at Brenda and laughed out loud. God, I didn't think Phillip was really in love with Brenda until he was willing to hold my secret because he didn't want Brenda to leave. Justjust wonderful.

"Well, speaking of secrets, who actually e-mailed Scott?" ask Brenda who pulled me from my daydream.

"Because I wanted to find out, that's why I borrowed Scott's laptop. I'm going to go through the IP address of the e-mail sender and find out who the sender is" I said, pointing to a black bag containing Scott's laptop.

"When do you want to find out?"

"Maybe tonight. I have much to prepare for my return to America. My parents for example."

"Ah, I forgot that you haven't told your parents that Scott's here."

"It's better not to tell that part. I better tell you that my work here is accelerated and I need to get back to America as fast as I can."

"Lied again?"

I lifted both my shoulders. "What else can I do? Soon all this will be over."

"Where about Davin? Are you ready to leave him?"

I could only breathe out a long breath while lifting both of my shoulders.

...***...

My parents were shocked to hear that I was going back to America next week. They think I'm leaving in a month. But I told my mother that I had been called by my boss to come back. Fortunately my mother believed, but not my father. He even called me to his office. Feeling that it was only the two of you, I finally revealed the truth to my father.

At first my father was shocked when he heard Scott coming to this country but he understood. He agreed with Scott and asked me to come with Scott back to America. I was disappointed in my father's decision but I didn't show it. I thought my father wouldn't agree so I had a reason to stay longer. I think I should swallow my hope.

After a long talk with my father, I went back to my room and started to find out who the sender of the goddamn e-mail was. I tracked down the IP address of the e-mail's sender. My eyes widened as I looked at which computer the e-mail was sent from.

No way!

He sent this e-mail. He created a new e-mail account and used it to send my secrets to Scott. I thought I could trust him!

I got up from my seat and took my car keys. I have to see him!

...***...

I knocked on the wooden door that was in front of me quietly. My feelings are mixed. It's my first time to this place even though I've known the address for a long time. Before long, the door in front of me opened and Davin emerged from behind it. He looks handsome even with his house shirt. Forget, Flo. Don't think he's handsome now!

"What are you doing here? What if someone sees you coming to my house nights like this?" ask Davin while looking around. I looked at him while narrowing my eyes.

"Mothers don't have to worry. From next week I'm not here" I replied coldly. Davin looked at me while frowning.

"What do you mean?" ask him confusedly.

I took my breath as long as I could and ignored it. As much as possible, I control my emotions. "Thank you, I'll be back in America next week."

"Wait a minute.. 'cause of me?"

I couldn't hold back my tears. I even hit his chest. "Why can you take that to me? I thought I could trust you but you betrayed my trust."

Davin held my hand. He even grabbed my wrist. "Wait a minute, Flo. What do you mean?"

"Someone e-mailed my boss. It contained photos and some evidence that I committed fraud. When I tracked down his alama IP, it came from Dad's laptop! I think I can trust my dad!"

"Flo, let me explain first..."

"No need!" I screamed while pulling my hand. "I was too stupid to believe in you. I was too stupid to let you keep my secret. And I'm too stupid to hope..."

I immediately stopped my words before I embarrassed myself even further. I can't let her see how I feel about her. I turned my body and walked away from him. My steps were restrained as her hands held my arms.

"You... are going back to America? But you haven't found the answer you're looking for!" Davin. Bizarrely. His tone sounded so desperate. It was as if he was not ready for my departure.

I held his hand out of my arm. "You should be happy because that is your goal, right? Congratulations and I hope you are happy!" my hiss then walked away leaving him without looking at him again. I'm afraid I can't hold back my tears in front of him.

I took my car at high speed. I don't even care about my tears falling. First time in love and first time heartbroken because of the same person. It's really sad this life of mine. I had to forget all my dreams about Davin. Dream of living happily with Davin. Braxton said to me. Life is not always in accordance with our wishes. And it seems that my desire for Davin to repay my love will not be fulfilled.

I stopped my car on the road and cried. This is the second time I have cried like this and both have almost the same reason. I'm both lost. First I lost my sister and now I lose my love. Both of them made my feelings break.

When I felt a lot calmer, I took my phone that was nailed to my pants. I'm looking for Scott's name on the contact list. Before I started calling her, I let out a long sigh, trying to control my voice. When I heard Scott's formal greeting, I cut him off.

"Return to the main plan. I will return to America with you as soon as possible" I said in English. Scott did not answer. Maybe he was surprised.

"I understand. How about tomorrow night?"

"Too long. How about tomorrow morning or noon?"

"What's going on? You're still forcing me to give you time."

"I don't need time. My business is done here."

"Is this about the man you love?"

"Not anymore. He betrayed my trust. I think you're wrong, Scott, I don't think love will find me that fast."

Scott speechless. "You know, I think that love has found you and I'm willing to bet that he won't let you go that easily."

I frowned because I didn't understand her words. When I was about to ask, Scott hung up and left me with so many questions in my brain.

...***...

I stared at my laptop and bit my finger. I waited for Scott at the coffee shop at the airport while Scott went to buy something for his wife. The plane that Scott and I were going on would take-off in an hour and a half and since I didn't know I was going to do anything, I chose to wait here. I dare not turn on my phone. I did choose to turn off my phone because since three hours ago because my phone did not stop ringing. There was either a phone call or a message coming in. Most of the messages contained why I did not enter and continued with the question of why I had suddenly resigned from school. Brenda had indeed taken care of my resignation from school without my presence.

Actually I don't want to leave yet, but I feel like my arrival here is no longer useful. I was distracted when I heard Scott calling my name.

"Fw! Come on!" take Scott. I just nodded as I closed my laptop and put it in my bag.

I pulled my suitcase slowly while following Scott from behind. Though all this time I was so eager to return to America but somehow when I was about to return, I did not feel happy at all. You could say, I'm sad. In my heart I hope, as do the dinovels or in the movies when the male lead chases the female lead to the airport saying she loves the female lead. I was hoping that Davin would come after me and say that he had the same feelings as me. But I know it didn't happen. Even when I was on the plane, waiting for my plane to take off, Davin was nowhere to be seen.

"Your face says it's like the world's over" Scott said. I wasn't looking at him. I just pulled the corner of my lips. Because I did not want my sadness to drag on, I chose to reopen my laptop.

"Why do you think that guy exposed your secret?" ask Scott. I turned my head and looked at him. How'd he know? I didn't tell her anything. When I asked, he just smiled and asked the same thing again.

I lifted both my shoulders. "The IP address of the person sending the e-mail comes from his laptop. That's enough proof" I replied reluctantly.

"You think so?" scott asked who raised my eyebrows. I wanted to ask but the arrival of the flight attendant held back my question. My attention was shifted when my laptop rang which signified an e-mail coming into my laptop.

From Daisy!

Dear, Flo.

Why did you leave without saying goodbye? There's still a lot I want to show you. Ever since you came, my life has been much more colorful. You also make me more happy to come to school. There are some exciting events that make me even more aware that you are indeed the best friend I have. Baby, you're leaving all of a sudden. I tried to keep my mouth open so I wouldn't reveal your secrets.

You might be surprised to read this, but I actually know who you are. Maybe ever since I saw you in Bali back then, I realized that you weren't Florence Ferdinand. I purposely kept your secret because I was afraid that if your secret was exposed then I could not see you anymore. But you're leaving here when I haven't told you one thing that I've kept secret from you.

Actually two months before Freya's death, when I went to Singapore, I met her. At that time, he asked me to promise not to tell anyone if I met him there. I have a secret she knows and she uses it so I don't open my mouth. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about it because I promised Freya.

I'm sorry I lied to you. Hopefully someday, we can meet without feeling guilty again and no need to lie anymore. We'll meet as friends.

Daisy.

I was shocked to read that e-mail. That's why I couldn't find the person who impregnated my sister. It turns out that my guess is correct, Azka is the one. He's the one who impregnated Freya! But why doesn't he feel guilty and chase after me? And I'm so stupid. I was too focused on finding the facts through my suspects when I could find answers through Freya. I closed my laptop and looked at Scott.

"Scott, please," I asked with a glass. Scott staring.

"You know the risk, don't you?" ask Scott. I'm nodding. "If you get off this plane right now, I can't help you." I nodded back. "Then go. Hope you find your answer."

Scott smiled as he held my hand. I returned her smile by peeping her cheeks gently. I took my bag and my suitcase which I had put on my stool. I thank Scott once again. I didn't care when the flight attendant held me. I returned my ticket to the flight attendant and got off the plane. Fortunately, I was not too late to leave because otherwise I would have to travel forty-eight hours to return to Indonesia.

I got into a taxi that stopped right in front of me. I don't care about people scolding me behind my back because I'm grabbing the cab. I gave my home address to the taxi driver. In my head, I thought about my sister. I closed my eyes in frustration. Suddenly my brain remembered something. I opened my laptop and activated the school's CCTV camera. I'm looking for the date Scott received the e-mail with my cover. I doubt it was Davin who sent the e-mail. I checked a few hours before the e-mail arrived. Strange, half an hour before the e-mail was sent, Davin was out of his room. He's not coming back. My eyes widened when I saw who had entered the computer lab room and sat in Davin's seat.

"Sir, we're changing goals. SMA Insani, I tell you the way," I asked the taxi driver.