Chasing Dreams, Finding Love

Rara and Dina have been best friends since childhood. They are always together at school and outside of school. They also have different personalities. Rara is a diligent, persistent, and responsible student. She always gets good grades in all subjects. Dina is a cheerful, confident, and sociable student. She is good at getting along with everyone, but is not serious about studying. One day, they got a group assignment to write a paper about Indonesian history. Rara was the group leader, while Dina was a member. They both had to work together to complete the assignment.

Rara and Dina are classmates who have different personalities and appearances. Rara is a quiet girl who likes to read books. She has long black hair and brown skin. She has brown eyes and a high nose. She usually wears her school uniform which consists of a white shirt, red tie, gray skirt, and black shoes. Dina is a cheerful and sociable girl. She has short blonde hair and fair skin. She has blue eyes and a small nose. She usually wears her school uniform which consists of a blue shirt, yellow tie, red skirt, and white shoes. One day, they both got a group assignment to make a presentation about Indonesian culture. They had to work together and find information from various sources.

Rara was very serious about her assignment. She read many books and other reference sources to find relevant and accurate information. She also made a neat and structured outline and draft of her paper.

Dina didn’t really care about her assignment. She preferred playing games, watching movies, or chatting with her friends. She thought that her assignment could be completed easily, as long as Rara was there to help her. Rara and Dina went to the library to borrow relevant books.

Rara: Dina, can you find a book about traditional Indonesian dances? I want to find a book about traditional clothing and traditional weapons.

Dina: Okay, Rara. But don’t take too long. I want to finish this assignment quickly. I have an appointment with my boyfriend this afternoon.

Rara: Yes, yes. I also want to finish it quickly. But we have to do it well, Dina. This is our final semester grade.

Dina: Don’t worry, Rara. We can do it. You’re smart, I’m pretty. We’re the perfect combination. (smiles)

Rara: (shakes her head) You, Dina. Always joking around. Come on, let’s look for the books.

Dina: Okay, okay. I’ll come with you.

They walked to the bookshelf that contained collections about Indonesian culture. Rara looked for books carefully, while Dina looked for books haphazardly. Rara found several good books, while Dina only found one thin book. They brought the books to the table and started reading them.

Rara: Dina, what book are you reading?

Dina: This is a book about traditional Indonesian dances. But the content is only a little. There are only pictures of the dances.

Rara: You can’t use that book, Dina. We have to find a more complete book. One that has explanations about the history, meaning, and movements.

Dina: Ah, it’s so difficult, Rara. Can’t we just look on the internet? It’s easier and more practical.

Rara: But we can’t just rely on the internet, Dina. We have to use credible and accurate sources. These books have been written by experienced experts.

Dina: Okay, okay. You just look for another book. I’ll wait here. I want to play with my phone first. (takes her phone out of her bag)

Rara: (sighs) Dina, you’re not serious. We have to work together, Dina. We can’t work alone.

Dina: Yes, yes. I’ll help you later. Now I want to take a break. I’m tired, Rara. I just got home from piano lessons.

Rara: (biting her lip) Okay, Dina. But don’t take too long. We have to finish this assignment soon. It has to be submitted tomorrow.

Dina: Yes, yes. Don’t worry, Rara. We can do it. You’re smart, I’m beautiful. We’re the perfect combination. (smiles again)

Rara: (shakes her head again) You, Dina. Always joking around. (stands up and walks to the bookshelf again).

Rara starts typing her paper on her laptop, while Dina sits on the sofa and plays with her cellphone. Rara occasionally turns to Dina and shows an annoyed expression. Dina doesn’t realize it and continues to be busy with her cellphone.

After a few hours, Rara finally finishes her paper. She prints it and gives it to Dina to read and correct.

Rara: Dina, please read and correct this paper. I’m really tired. Can you help me a little, right?

Dina: (staring at the paper lazily) Eh, are you finished? Wow, you’re great, Rara. I’m proud to have a friend like you. (taking the paper and reading it briefly)

Rara: (frowns) Dina, don’t just praise it. Read it properly. This is our assignment. You also have to take responsibility.

Dina: (shrugging) Okay, okay. I read it. (reading the paper quickly and carelessly)

Dina didn’t really read the paper. She only looked at the title, subtitle, and conclusion. She didn’t pay attention to the content, structure, and language of the paper. She thought that the paper was perfect, because it was made by Rara.

Dina: (handing the paper back to Rara) Well, it’s finished. The paper is really good, Rara. I’m sure we’ll get an A. You’re a genius. (smiles widely)

Rara: (taking the paper and looking at it suspiciously) Are you sure you’ve read it all? Don’t you find anything wrong or missing?

Dina: (shakes her head) Nothing. Everything is okay. You don’t need to worry. Come on, let’s take a break. I’m hungry. Do you have any snacks? (stands up and walks to the kitchen)

Rara: (sighs) Okay, okay. I trust you. (puts the paper in her bag and follows Dina to the kitchen).