Cliff Kurnia: Rodeo Kourneau

Chapter 1: Part 3

Rissa and Cliff wait until further notice from the doctor and the nurses. Cliff remembers he forgot to tell Andrew's uncle and aunt, but he doesn't want to worry them.

"Honey, should I tell their aunt and uncle?" Cliff asks.

"Yes, they have to know. It's bad if we just keep silent," Rissa says.

Andrew lives with a couple who his uncle hired to take care of him. His aunt and uncle are away on a business trip. Andrew's mom and dad passed away back in kindergarten due to a car accident. So that's why their aunt and uncle took care of him. They've been struggling for so long to have a baby.

Their first intention for taking care of Andrew was because they felt bad for him and didn't trust anyone else. A few months later, they thought about adopting Andrew because they also wanted a child, so that's why Andrew is adopted.

"Oh, I forgot, it's midnight," Cliff says because Andrew's uncle and aunt haven't answered.

Cliff locks his phone and puts it away. He sighs as he covers his face with both hands. He then takes his hands off and stares at the ceiling.

"When can I go home?" Cliff complains.

Not long after, the door opens. The doctor enters with both nurses, holding a clipboard with papers.

"Mr. Cliff, you can rest at home," the doctor says.

"Really? Thank you, doctor!" Cliff says happily.

"Yes, you're welcome. Also, your friend Raphael has already paid for the treatment, so you just have to sign... right here," the doctor says while giving Cliff a pen and pointing to the signing area on the paper.

Raphael did pay for all the treatment costs. He went to the receptionist before going to the parking lot. Cliff signs the paper and gives the pen back to the doctor. The nurses help him remove the medication devices.

The doctor gives him a smile. "Have a good one," the doctor says, then walks away.

Raphael gets out of his car, arriving at his house. He closes the car door and locks it. Raphael goes inside his house. It feels really lonely when their parents are traveling for work. He has no one to interact with. Raphael wanted Andrew to come over, but then he was gone. Raphael feels even lonelier, having no one to talk to both online and offline. He walks upstairs to his bedroom.

Raphael lies on the bed facing up as he stares at the ceiling, thinking about what will happen to Andrew.

"Man, what will happen to Andrew? He's really healthy, so probably his organs will be sold. Wait, no, that's dark. Maybe it's just a ransom or something. I don't know."

Raphael rolls to the side, facing his left. He starts talking to himself again. He feels a sense of frustration and helplessness as he realizes that there's not much he can do from home. But he still wants to find a way to get him back.

"I have to find him, and I'll need some help. Maybe I should investigate the restaurant and ask the people who have been there."

He texts his friend, Owlachelly, who is an owl. She is in the same school as Andrew, Raphael, and Rissa.

"Chelly, something bad happened. I need you to do me a favor," Raphael texts.

Raphael then tries to go to sleep, even though he's used to sleeping late. He finally closes his eyes and falls asleep.

Back to Cliff and Rissa, they finally get out of the hospital. They're now heading to Cliff's house because it's closer to the hospital than Rissa's house. Of course, they have to walk all the way home. Luckily, a taxi passes by.

"Hey look, it's a taxi cab! We should get one," Rissa shouts.

Rissa then raises her hand, signaling the passing taxi driver that they need a ride. As the taxi passes, Rissa and Cliff see the passengers inside the taxi cab, meaning that they can't get in that taxi cab.

"Well, I guess we could just keep walking until we find one," Rissa sighs.

They start walking again, heading to Cliff's house. Fortunately, once again, a taxi passes by. Rissa once again raises and waves her hand to get the taxi driver's attention. Thankfully, the taxi pulls over and the driver unlocks the door.

"Yes! Finally!" Cliff cheers.

They both get inside the cab. The driver looks back to ask about their destination.

"Howdy, where to?" the driver asks.

Cliff tells the driver the address. They can finally go home now. Rissa shivers from the cold; she can't stay still. Cliff takes off his shirt and puts it on Rissa. Luckily, Cliff still has bandages covering his upper body so he doesn't get too cold. She moves closer to Cliff and leans on his shoulder. Cliff puts his arm around Rissa, hugging her and giving her his warmth.

Cliff and Rissa get out of the car. Cliff hands the taxi driver the money.

"Thank you, have a great night!" the driver says as he hits the gas.

"Yeah, you too!" Cliff shouts back.

Cliff reaches his pocket to get the keys as he and Rissa walk toward the door. Cliff feels the pain from the stab wound when he bends his body a little to the side. He grunts as he goes back to his standing position, his left hand holding the stabbing wound area. He asks if Rissa can get the keys for him instead.

"Honey, can you get the keys for me? In my left pocket," Cliff asks.

"Oh yeah, sure," Rissa answers.

Rissa reaches her hand inside Cliff's left pocket in his jeans. She feels something cold and hard, making sounds. It's his keys. She pulls her hand out, grabbing the keys.

"Got it!" Rissa shouts.

Rissa puts the key in the keyhole and twists it. They can finally get inside. They walk to the couch to rest. Cliff sits carefully on the couch, while Rissa just jumps in.

"You know, I think I'll stay here for a while," Rissa sighs.

"Yeah, I'm kinda tired anyway. So, uh... yeah, woohoo," Cliff says.

"Well, hahaha. Seeing your condition right now, I need to take care of you until it gets better," Rissa says.

Meanwhile at the 'UnderGround' ...

Andrew leans back against the cell wall, looking up at the ceiling. His body shakes, tears streaming down from both of his eyes. He never thought that he would end up like this. Spending his life stuck under control and enslaved, unable to interact with his friends, his family, and the outside world.

Andrew looks at his right wrist, seeing the friendship bracelet that he and Cliff both wear. Every time he feels lonely, the bracelet reminds him of Cliff and their memories together, growing up since they were kids.

All he has there is his watch, friendship bracelet, wallet, and a small portable notebook with a small pen attached to it. He looks at his watch, wondering what time it is. Turns out it's already late at night, and he feels like he needs to sleep to have lots of energy for the next day.

He goes to the cell bed and starts lying there. It's clean and not dusty, Tyrone and Tristan have someone to clean them up. He goes to sleep because his eyes are heavy.