SOMETHING (en) √

Five

Bella still couldn’t believe her own eyes. While driving, that’s all she can think about. The fire, the disasters. It’s like the beginning of the apocalypse in every movie. Accidents are everywhere. Fire spreads and the air smells like blood and chemicals. The Internet also hasn’t been exposed to the situation. 

“There’s nothing on the internet about it,” Nowa said.

Bella tries to focus on the road, but she has a feeling that she can't hold on any longer. Her hand starts to tremble. She wasn’t ready for any of it. She feels sick in her stomach. Nowa noticed her sudden condition. Anxiety.

“Bella, what’s wrong?”, Nowa asked.

“N-nothing. I’m fine,” Bella said, holding her breath.

But Nowa knows better than she’s not. And she’s allowed to break down.

“Bella, pull over,” Nowa said.

“What for?”

“Pull. Over. Now.”

Bella parks her car by the side of the road. Nowa sees fear in her eyes. It’ll be dangerous if she keeps on driving. Dangerous for both of them and everyone else.

“Look at me,” Nowa said, pulling Bella so that she faced her.

“You’re not okay. And that’s valid considering the situation that we just saw. So don’t worry about it. Let me drive,” Nowa said.

“What? No! You’re injured!”

“It’s not as bad as getting in an accident because of your trembling hands,” she said.

Bella was silent for a while but ended up agreeing. They both change seats and Nowa drives them back to the airport. Nowa tries her best to be careful with her ankle to avoid an accident. She wasn’t sure herself if they would be safe. With the sudden change in their surroundings, nobody will know what will happen next. 

Around 45 minutes later, they arrived at the airport. Everything seems still fine around the airport.

“Let’s go. You can walk right?”, Nowa asked Bella.

“Can I stay inside the car? I don’t feel that good. Don’t worry, I’ll be good.”

“Okay then, I’ll go to take them and come here right away.”

Bella nodded. Nowa left the car, not forgetting her handphone as anything could happen and she can’t afford to lose contact with Bella. 

Nowa entered the lobby. She calls Allan right away. Allan said that he was waiting for Maya who wanted to go to the toilet. They decided to meet around the area. Not long after that, Nowa saw Allan in front of one of the ladies' rooms.

“Allan!”, she said, happily.

“Nowa! Oh my god!”

They rushed to each other and gave each other a big hug. They have been friends online for a really long time, even longer than the other and are only able to talk through Discord or Facetime and this is their first time meeting each other face to face. Nowa believes this is not the perfect time to meet each other but she would like to embrace the moment first thing first.

“You’re so lovely! And short,” Allan said as soon as they hugged.

“Wait, what?! How dare you!”

Nowa pushed Allan, not expecting that he would dare to say that on their first meeting.

“Okay, okay! I’m sorry!”, he patted her shoulder.

“Nono? Nowa Iris?!”

Maya rushed to hug her as soon as she left the ladies’ room. She felt so happy to finally meet her. Despite knowing that she’s close to Allan, her boyfriend, Maya still didn’t put a heart on their close friendship. She never felt left out. After learning about their relationship, Nowa tries her best to always respect the boundaries that should be set between her and Allan. Allan also really loves Maya and will do everything just to make sure that Maya doesn’t leave him like others did.