Barra folded the letter carefully, then grabbed his phone to dial Erin’s number. His heart hammered against his ribs as he waited for her to pick up.
"Rin… was Alma in class today?" he asked, unable to mask the tremor of anxiety in his voice.
"No," Erin replied curtly.
"Do you know why?"
"Hmm… I’m not entirely sure. But I heard she’s doing okay," Erin said, her tone light and nonchalant.
Barra let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. "Thanks, Rin," he muttered before hanging up. She’s okay. She’s still home. He convinced himself that Alma wouldn't go anywhere without him. He tucked the letter back into its envelope. Despite the nagging doubt at the back of his mind, he tried to push it away.
Lying on his bed, Barra stared at the ceiling of his quiet room. In the shadows, he could almost see Alma’s face, looking at him with that same hopeful gaze, as if holding him to his promise to fight for them.
A sharp pang of guilt tightened his chest. "Be patient, Al. Just a little longer until we graduate. We’ll find a way then," he whispered to the empty air.
***
Later that afternoon, Barra snapped his laptop shut as the lecture ended. He was in no hurry to head back. His house was too quiet, a place where his thoughts only spiraled back to Alma. Even hanging out with the guys felt hollow now. Not a single day had passed since Bali where he felt truly at peace. Worry was his only constant companion. It had been a week since he received that letter, and Alma still hadn't returned to campus. Erin claimed Alma was on a family vacation abroad.
"Hey! I’ve been calling you, but you didn’t pick up. I thought you’d already left," Erin’s voice suddenly broke through his trance.
"Sorry! It was on silent. I was in class," Barra said, fishing his phone out of his bag. "Any news from Alma?" he asked, his eyes immediately searching hers for hope.
Erin pouted, sitting beside him. "It’s always Alma, Alma, Alma. Ask about me for once!"
Barra managed a weak smile. "Seriously, no news? If not, I’m heading out."
"Where to?" Erin asked, curious.
"Home."
"Can I come?"
Barra raised an eyebrow. "Where?"
"A ride home. I didn’t bring my car today. You pass my complex anyway, right?"
"Oh… sure, why not."
Erin’s face lit up, a wide smile spreading across her lips.
For the past week, they had been inseparable. They met almost every day—lunch, iced coffee, or just long talks. Barra was intentionally staying close to Erin, hoping for any scrap of information about Alma.
***
"Is this your place?" Barra asked, idling his motorcycle in front of a house with a white fence.
"Yeah. Want to come in for a bit?" Erin offered as she hopped off.
Barra shook his head. "Maybe next time."
"Hmm... there’s a really good Chicken Noodles place right over there." Erin pointed to a small stall at the corner of the alley. "Want to try? My treat. I know you’re a sucker for Chicken Noodles," she coaxed.
Barra’s stomach gave a timely growl. The tempting offer and his hunger made it hard to say no. He finally nodded.
"How’d you know I like Chicken Noodles?" he asked as they walked toward the stall.
"Alma used to tell me stories. And coincidentally, I love it too," Erin said.
"Really?" Barra felt a flush of heat in his cheeks. "What else did Alma tell you about me?"
"Hmm… not much…"
"Nothing bad, I hope?"
Erin shook her head. "She didn't mention the bad stuff. Said she was too embarrassed."
Barra let out a short laugh.
"You really miss her, don't you?" Erin looked at him from the corner of her eye.
Barra nodded slowly. "More than anything…" he whispered.
"You really love her that much?"
Barra nodded again. "I miss her so much it hurts, Rin."
Erin went silent for a moment, looking away. "Alma is so lucky to have a guy like you," she murmured.
"I’m the lucky one. No girl has ever fought for me like she has. Only her."
"She fought for herself," Erin muttered, almost under her breath.
"What was that?"
Erin stopped in her tracks, clearly not expecting him to hear. "I mean... she fought for your love," she lied quickly.
Barra smiled, his eyes brightening. "That’s why I love her even more."
Erin turned her face away again, quickening her pace.
***
The next morning, on his way to campus, Barra slowed to a stop at a red light. His eyes darted to his rearview mirror. Behind him, partially obscured by a car, was a black motorcycle that had been trailing him for blocks. The rider’s face was hidden behind a dark visor. Even though he couldn't see the face, Barra was certain—this was the General’s shadow. He intentionally pulled out his phone to snap a photo of the bike. Sensing the move, the black motorcycle suddenly swerved and vanished into the crowded traffic. Barra took a deep, shaky breath. He couldn't wrap his head around why they were still following him when Alma wasn't even with him anymore.
***
"Barra!"
Erin climbed out of her car, waving as Barra parked his bike.
"Hey, Rin. Any word from Alma?" Barra asked, his hope renewed.
Erin’s expression shifted instantly, a flash of annoyance crossing her face. "Still on vacation. No idea when she’s coming back," she snapped, slamming her car door shut.
"Oh…" Barra’s shoulders slumped. Two weeks of "vacation." Why was it taking so long?
"I’m heading in. See you at lunch?" Erin patted his shoulder, pulling him back to reality. He nodded with a forced smile.
"Can't get the General’s daughter… might as well settle for the best friend, huh?"
Barra turned. Niko, the most nosy and annoying guy in their circle, was standing beside him with a smirk.
"Shut up, Nik," Barra grumbled. "She’s my only source of info on Alma."
"But you like the attention, don't you?" Niko teased.
Barra shook his head firmly.
"Are you sure?" Niko winked. "Nothing is impossible these days, Bar. She clearly likes you. Why stay hung up on something so uncertain?"
Barra glared at him, frustrated. "You’re supposed to be on my side!"
"I’m being realistic. Look at the facts—the moment you got back to Jakarta, Alma disappeared."
"She’s just on vacation…"
"Are you sure? Or is she being hidden? Her graduation is just around the corner. Does it make sense for her to just throw it away? Or maybe… maybe she just doesn’t want to see you anymore."
Niko’s words felt like a physical blow. He was irritating, but he was often right. Barra stood in silence, the weight of the worst-case scenario settling heavily in his gut.
YOU ARE READING
Kidnapping the General's Daughter
Romance"He thought he was rescuing their love. He didn't know he was just driving her escape." Barra is a brilliant law student, a high-achiever who built his future on a prestigious scholarship. He plays by the rules and carries the weight of his mother's...
