My Handsome Uncle, Please Be Mine!

“11 || One Step Closer ||

In the classroom after the lesson, Clara combs her hair, tying it into a ponytail. She applies lip balm to her thin lips, a practice she never does unless she’s going to meet Uncle Joe.

Nadia sits, always supporting her friend. She knows Clara is eagerly waiting for the last bell.

Mario, who always observes Clara, glances at her, curious. It’s unusual for Clara to dress up after school. Even in the mornings when the girls in class are busy with makeup, she prefers reading novels.

Is there something special today?

“Where are you going?” Mario asks, sitting in the chair in front of Clara’s desk, making them face each other. Mario can now see Clara up close.

“Just curious! I can go wherever I want!” Clara replies indifferently, still staring at her reflection in the mirror.

“Just as a friend, I just want to know,” Mario answers, becoming more fascinated with his classmate.

“I want to meet Uncle Joe,” Clara replies, matching Mario’s gaze. She can feel a different vibe from him.

Mario quickly averts his gaze, unable to return Clara’s stare.

“Why?” Mario still looks down, curiosity making him keep talking.

“To talk about many things.” Clara answers, awkward with Mario’s continuous interrogation.

“Many things? What’s that?” Mario presses.

“It’s none of your business, and it has nothing to do with you!” Clara retorts, frowning at her classmate.

“Why do you want to know?” Clara protests, starting to get annoyed.

“Okay, I don’t want to know, but let me at least escort you to Uncle Joe’s house. I just don’t want you to take public transportation, that’s all!” Mario says flatly.

Clara looks at Nadia, seeking approval from her friend.

Nadia winks, signaling her approval for Clara to accept Mario’s offer.

“Alright, accompany me to Uncle Joe’s house,” Clara says, throwing a slight smile at Mario.

Nadia heads back to the dorm, not far from school. Meanwhile, Clara is escorted by Mario to Uncle Joe’s house. She rides pillion on Mario’s motorcycle, maintaining a distance to avoid leaning too much on Mario’s back.

Mario’s two-wheeler starts moving according to Clara’s directions.

“Clara,”

“Clara,”

“Clara Rusadi!”

“Yes,” Clara answers.

“Can I offer you something?” Mario asks hopefully.

“What are you selling?” Clara counters.

“Starting today, I’m willing to be your driver, taking you wherever you want. What do you say?” Mario offers, still focused on riding his motorcycle.

“I’ll think about it!” Clara shouts so Mario can hear her.

“Alright then,” disappointed Mario replies.

Mario continues driving at a moderate speed. He intentionally slows down to spend more time with Clara. He can’t bear the thought of Clara liking Uncle Joe.

In Mario’s opinion, Joe is not suitable for Clara, who is still young. Joe is too old, that’s how Mario sees the age gap between Joe and Clara.

They arrive at the gate of Joe Sebastian’s house. Clara gets off the motorcycle, removes her helmet, and hands it back to Mario.

“I’ll go in now, thank you. You can go home now!” Clara instructs.

“No, let me wait here. I’ll take you back to the dorm later; I just don’t want you to take public transport, that’s all!” Mario says flatly.

“No need, it might take a while!” Clara refuses.

“I’ll still wait for you,” Mario insists.

“Just go home; Uncle Joe will take me back to the dorm later,” Clara explains.

“No, I’ll wait for you!” Mario says, with no intention of changing his mind.

Clara remains silent, staring at Mario carefully.

“Fine, I’m going home now,” disappointed Mario says. He starts to get frustrated and then starts his motorcycle. He turns it around and walks away from Joe’s residence.

====???====

The gate opens. Clara steps slowly into Joe Sebastian’s luxurious yard.”

“Very spacious, with a garden, a pond filled with ornamental fish, and beautiful fountains. Next to the house, there’s a sizable rose garden with various colors. Clara continues walking forward, standing at the front door greeted by two tall white pillars. The walls are as white as a palace.

A female servant opens the door for her.

Clara steps inside.

“Good afternoon,” Clara greets Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond. The two of them are relaxing in the living room.

“Good afternoon, Clara. How are you?” asks the charismatic middle-aged woman.

“I’m fine. How about Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond?” Clara asks back.

“We’re doing well.” Mrs. Linn answers, observing the girl. She appears more mature since they last met three months ago. “It’s been a long time since you visited; make sure to come more often!” Mrs. Linn always treats Clara kindly.

“Alright, Mrs. Linn,” Clara replies. In the past, Clara lived in this house. However, when Joe decided to get married, Clara dared to try living independently, choosing a school with dormitory facilities. Since then, her relationship with Joe’s extended family has become strained.

“Do you want to see Joe?” Mrs. Linn asks. Joe is the only one close to her. Ten years ago, when Clara was only 7 years old, a car accident claimed the lives of her parents. Joe was the only one who could make her talk and help her get back to a normal life.

“Yes, Mrs. Linn,” Clara answers.

“Go up to the second floor; he’s playing with Kimmy,” she replies with a smile.

“Alright, thank you,”

Clara begins to climb the stairs, step by step, reaching the second floor. At the top, she stands, observing a father and daughter. Something is missing!

“Come here!” Joe instructs, sitting with Kimmy. The little girl seems engrossed in playing with her favorite doll.

Clara takes off her shoes and then sits on the soft carpet next to Joe and Kimmy.

“What do you want to say, Clara? I know you’re a smart girl; you can’t possibly struggle with homework or have difficulty understanding the material!” Joe protests. “This is the first time you’ve had a problem like this, so tell me what you need!” Joe insists. Despite his cold and indifferent demeanor, Joe understands the girl in front of him like no one else.

Clara startles; her small lie is immediately exposed by Joe.

“No, Uncle, there’s nothing,” Clara denies, unable to admit her feelings. She is also self-aware, not yet ready to express her feelings of love.

“Is your allowance not enough, or do you want to buy clothes again, or is there a problem at your school with your friends?” Joe guesses.

Clara remains silent.

“Tell me honestly what you need; your attitude has been strange lately, Clara!” Joe demands, staring sharply into Clara’s eyes. He doesn’t like her odd and seemingly contrived behavior.

“Don’t just stay silent; tell me what’s bothering you, Clara!” Joe loses patience seeing Clara remain silent.

Clara looks down, her lips trembling. “I like…”

“Do you like your friend from earlier, the one who brought you here? I saw him from the balcony! If you like him, I won’t allow it! Don’t date before you graduate from high school!” Joe asserts with a slightly stern tone.

The girl becomes even more silent, biting her lower lip to hold back tears. Lately, Joe seems to be more daring in scolding and getting angry with her.

“Why does Uncle Joe scold me?” Clara protests softly. Tears start to well up in her eyes.

“I don’t like Mario!” Clara says with a louder voice than before.

Seeing Clara crying, Joe feels guilty. He stays silent and tries to lead Clara away from Kimmy and her caregiver.

“I’ve liked you for a long time, Uncle,” those words slip out of Clara’s lips just like that.

To be Continued.