Read Online The Fifth Season by Kerry B. Collison - Free Book Online Page A

she watched as he pedaled away.
    They had been friends since early childhood, but Hani had noticed that their relationship had taken a shift recently, and she was unsure of what to do. She liked Budi, but only as a friend. Along with others in their age group, Hani would often play badminton on Sundays once they had returned from the movies, or gather back home under her mother’s watchful eyes to listen to music, or catch a programme on TV. Hani had never been on a date, alone. At least, not with Budi.
    Many of her friends were planning on marrying that year, having completed high school. Hani thought that was a wonderful idea, wishing she too could meet someone and fall in love, now she had so little else to do.
    Sukabumi was not the most exciting place to live, but she had roots there, and wanted to have her own home and family, just like her friends. She often fantasized about being married to one of the tall officers she often saw in her father’s company. A thought crossed her mind and Hani giggled privately, imagining herself with child, her oversized stomach held between her hands for support, as she had so often seen pregnant women do when approaching term.
    A horn sounded, signaling her father’s return, and Hani climbed out of the rattan seat to greet him.
    â€˜Hi papa,’ ignoring her brother, she moved to the colonel’s side, waiting for the customary squeeze.
    â€˜Hello, my sweet,’ he said, placing his arm around Hani’s waist, ‘Are your mother and sister inside?’
    â€˜Waiting for you to return, papa,’ she answered, stepping in front of her brother to block his way. His hand shot out to pinch Hani’s arm, but she pulled away, just in time, poking her tongue as she did so.
    â€˜Come on, then, I have something to tell you all,’ with which, they all filed inside, where they were joined by her mother and sister. Once they were all settled comfortably around the family dining table, the colonel made his announcement.
    â€˜How would you like to live in Jakarta?’ he asked, his face breaking into a wide smile.
    â€˜Jakarta?’ they shouted, in unison. Could it really be possible?
    â€˜You received the promotion?’ Ibu Purwadira’s face was just as surprised.
    Although she had been given advance warning of the pending decision, she had not dared hope that it would come true.
    â€˜Yes, it was confirmed by General Sutjipto this morning. He rang from Jakarta.’
    â€˜You’ve known since this morning?’ his wife asked, too overcome with excitement to be annoyed.
    â€˜Yes,’ the colonel replied, his eyes dancing mischievously. ‘ I wanted to be sure that you would all be awake.’ Hani pouted, knowing this not to be true.
    She watched her mother smile lovingly at her father, all present aware that the colonel would first have given thanks at the mosque, before discussing his appointment with the family. Her mother then reached across the table and pinched her father’s arm affectionately.
    â€˜When?’ she asked, and Hani became even more attentive.
    â€˜Next week,’ the colonel advised. ‘ They want me there before the fasting starts, and I agreed.’
    â€˜Ramadan in the capital? Wonderful!’
    â€˜Will we return to Sukabumi for the holidays?’ Hani was concerned that she would miss the celebrations with her friends. These followed the demanding month-long fast, and were the highlight of the Moslem calendar.
    â€˜No, Hani, we will have many obligations to consider in Jakarta. Also, you will all have new friends to make, and your studies to prepare for.’
    â€˜Studies?’ Hani looked at her father, confused.
    â€˜Yes, Hani. You will now be required to attend university.’ This announcement surprised her even more. ‘And there will be no argument,’ he added, confident that she would obey, ‘after all, a general’s children should have the best