True Wanderers

The Gathering Catapults

It starts to as clear as a crystal that leaving Paris is a tough choice. But it is the right one. Jeanne have the permission to leave her job at Sorbonne, re-moving her family when everything is settled here. And gain a citizenship over it. Donny and myself had this serious contemplation about drifting into the situation which lead us to making decision to being an American citizen. America is so promising, full with opportunities. But we have to do something here, for the Americans have to recognize who we are. Indonesians. I still have a sense of patriotism in myself. I have never imagine how stupid is it when you are not expecting anykind of revolution back home. The New Order become international issue these days. People in the Indonesian community we attend frequently is progressive. They demand more than a revolution. A government reform, back into monarchy, you name it.

Jeanne stayed in Mrs. James' place downstairs. Helping her with everyday needs. She's nice, said Mrs. James. The winter is off and the spring couldn't been much so nice I think. Mr. Subagio — the uncle of Mas Iwan Sastro that I met back in the New Year, invited me and Donny to Washington, D.C. to a Indonesian-American gathering. It is immediate, as the annual gathering supposed to be on June every single year. The community will be led by Abdul Rahman Ramly, the Ambassador of Indonesia for the US of A. Well, as I see this is getting interesting because I am a political science graduate. It will be nice to at least feel like home there. He said it is important and I have been expected by fellow UI graduates. It couldn't be more interesting than this.

#

John F. Kennedy, NY.

March, 1998. 0700 hours

Sure isn't colder than winter. Much warmer. The cold don't feel agonizing. Mr. Subagio and Donny enter first for check in. I helped the taxi driver carrying out our baggage. I am so enthusiastic. I do not forget my favorite coat, that brown coat in my baggage. But this time we have to dress a little bit formal then usual in Washington. Mr. Subagio bought us black tie, white shirt and black suit, black Oxfords. Still got the Seiko watch too. It is like on-duty trip. I have never felt so into a job after Paris. I have this sense of Mr. Subagio is giving us some kind of a job. Made us felt employed. I do not think too much. Didn't forget my cigarettes, lighter, pen, fancy black leather-covered notebook, all is at Mr. Subagio's compliments. We have prepared this for at least two weeks before departure.

At the first gate, something tells me that I am into a serious job. It felt like impossible when wearing a suit is a cheap job. But, I do not questioned Mr. Subagio.

"Meet me at the toilet right after the baggage are clear." said Mr. Subagio when me and Donny line up for the check in booth, as he leave us to the right side of the line, blending in to the crowd.

"Something wrong, Alec?" Donny as cheerful yet enthusiastic he is, ask me a question.

"Nah, I think this is our first job in America."

The baggage are clear, we continue our path to the toilet Mr. Subagio mentioned. The question is, which toilet. My sense said to go to the nearest one to the check-in booth. So we went to it.

I wear a dark navy blue coat, with a white shirt, khaki trousers and a brown shoes. Carrying a backpack. Donny wear a business formal suit, and Mr. Subagio also, unless, he didn't wear his black coat.

So we did met Mr. Subagio in the toilet. It is not to small so we can held a small meeting that he promised. This time, he is serious about every word he is saying. Not the same Mr. Subagio I've met back at Times Square.

"This conversation we about to start will be in French. Oui, monsieur Soes, Siegers?"

Donny seemed to be surprised. And I'm not that surprised, knowing Mr. Subagio is an intelligent man. So we nod.