TLC (1-4) | ENG

The Last Champagne

1- Intruder

The horizon that is the seat of the sun glows golden from the east of the city of Leighryn, mid-January 2017.

Something felt different when Isaac Renauld (24 years) woke up from his sleep. The sad-eyed young man blinked a few times, then turned his head to the side. He saw Tanya, his lover was still asleep next to him. Slowly Isaac got up, trying to keep each movement as slow as possible, so as not to wake the girl.

Last night, Isaac had to refuse Tanya's invitation to make out, because he didn't want to oversleep. Today is going to be a big day for him and his car team. He didn't want to be late, but he also felt bad that he had turned down Tanya. So it's only natural that at this time he doesn't want to make his dearest lover even more sullen because her sleep is disturbed.

Tanya is so special to Isaac. They have been in a relationship for almost eight years, not a short time. And over the years, the feeling that grows in his heart seems to have never diminished. Even bigger, even deeper. It's no longer surprising that Isaac already has plans to immediately propose to Tanya as his wife.

Isaac's steps led him to the kitchen, intending to get a drink. But when he passed through the living room, the hair on his neck bristled instantly. The entrance was wide open as if giving easy access for everyone to enter!

Immediately the slender young man approached, his mind clouded wondering whether he had been negligent and forgot to lock the door last night.

An anxious expression was clear on his face. He was very sure, last night he did not forget to lock the door before entering the room! It's impossible to remember wrongly because last night Tanya was clinging to him coquettishly when Isaac had just locked the door.

Could it be .... Could someone come in, said Isaac to himself. His eyes widened as he realized something.

Someone broke the lock! Whoever it was, he managed to get in and must have roamed the house while he slept!

Damn, robber! What is missing?? Isaac thought furiously as he realized that the lock on the door had been broken to the hinges.

Isaac immediately went through the contents of the house. While holding back his pounding heart, his eyes fiercely swept across the place. Observing, looking for anything that has disappeared from its place.

People with evil intentions these days must be aiming for things that are easy to carry. Suddenly it came to Isaac's mind. Wallet! Cell phone??

Isaac's breath was getting faster when he returned to the room and hastily opened the nightstand drawer. Wallet, there. Cell phone, there. At least these two things weren't missing, Isaac heaved a sigh of relief.

But maybe it is Tanya's? Isaac half ran to the side of the bed where Tanya was lying and then opened the nightstand drawer. Tanya's cell phone was also safe.

"Mmm," Tanya was delirious. She woke up. "What the heck … what are you doing, Ike?" she asked, rubbing her eyes.

"Sorry, I woke you up. Someone broke into the house last night, Tanya. I'm looking for anything that's missing," Isaac answered frantically, which suddenly surprised Tanya.

"Huh?! A thief is coming in??" Tanya asked hysterically. "Are you serious, Ike?? So .... So, what did he take? What did you lose?"

"Yes. Calm down, I'm also looking into it."

"Duh! Could it be that the thief is still inside, Ike ... maybe he's hiding! He's hiding because you woke up!"

Isaac was stunned by Tanya's words. That is true. The person may be still in there. So Isaac immediately got up, intending to search the house.

"Ike! Ike, can I come with you ...?" asked Tanya.

"Ssh. It's better if you stay here, Honey. Let me deal with it," said Isaac.

"Bring a stick, Ike! Or take the iron stick that's in the fireplace! Or a gun instead! You've got that, right?"

"Gun. Want to kill someone?" he answered.

"I'm serious! At least bring that iron stuff, Ike! Bring a gun just in case, in case he's also armed!"

"Okay. You stay here."

"I'm calling the police!"

Isaac didn't answer. He could hear Tanya calling out under her breath to be careful before going through the bedroom door.

The living room is empty. Remembering what Tanya had said earlier, Isaac grabbed the iron rod on the fireplace and searched the room more carefully. Family room. Dining room. Kitchen. Laundry room. All empty. The door to the basement was still closed, locked from the outside, Isaac didn't bother checking inside. Just a few rooms upstairs, Isaac immediately climbed the stairs with wide strides.

The two rooms on the left and right of the corridor still have their doors closed. However, the study door at the other end was half open. Isaac wasn't the type to leave a door open. Moreover, the study was a sacred room for Isaac. The place where he keeps and displays all of his achievements so far.

Isaac barged in.

His knees felt weak instantly when he saw the chaos in the room. Shattered like a broken ship. The glass cabinet was open, and all of its contents had moved to the floor, in a state of no shape. Shattered in pieces.

"Oh my God ...." Isaac hissed in disbelief at everything he was seeing.

Several crystal trophies and plaques, which he got when he won races in several countries, have now turned into shapeless flakes. Dozens of trophies that became memories when he managed to stand on the podium, which means, winning the top three positions, were dented here and there. Dozens of frames filled with photos that were originally stuck to the wall have all kissed the floor. And what's worse, all the photos have also been torn and shapeless. These are Isaac's precious moments as a Formula Prime driver captured in photographs. Everything is destroyed.

Isaac is not yet a top racer. His collection of trophies can still be counted on his fingers, and cannot be compared with other racers who have a higher prestige. But the trophy that 'can still be counted on the fingers' is his pride and priceless treasure for Isaac. One that he can be proud of to his children and grandchildren in the future. Which can spur his enthusiasm to be able to win more trophies!

But that priceless treasure was no longer valuable. Everything has changed shape. Shattered in pieces. Just like Isaac's heart that also felt devastated mourning all that.

"Oh my God, how come it's broken like this??? Ike???"

Tanya's exclamation that suddenly caught up with Isaac seemed not to have caught his ear. The poor young man was still freezing, his eyes looking miserably at all the fragments of memories scattered on the floor.

Realizing her lover was in a sad state, Tanya stepped closer. "Ikey ...," she said softly while holding Isaac's arm.

There was no clear water running down the man's cheeks, even though Tanya thought so. But a feeling of sorrow and disappointment was evident from the look in Isaac's eyes. That hurt much more, Tanya felt her partner's pain.

"Wh-who did this, Ike? The thief didn't take anything of value, but instead destroyed your trophies ...." Tanya said slowly.

No reply.

"I already called the police. Let them take care of it .... Let's just hope they can trace who did it. Oh, if only there was CCTV ...."

Isaac still didn't answer.

"Why do they have to destroy people's homes? Why don't they just take what they want, they don't have to do this," Tanya said again.

"They're not thieves," Isaac croaked. "Maybe this is the work of someone who has a grudge against me."

"Grudge? Who? Whoever he is, he seems to hate you, Ikey, all your photos are destroyed .... Do you know who that person is?" Tanya was silent for a moment. "But you're a good person, how come someone has a grudge against you?"

"Hmm." Isaac tried to smile. "Anyone can be friendly and warm upfront, no one can tell what's in someone's heart."

2 - Two Racers

This morning's incidents had completely consumed Isaac's attention and energy. He was initially excited about the launch day of the newest Llinos Purvance racing car that he would use for the 2017 Formula Prime season, instead, he lost his enthusiasm and lost hope.

It cannot be said that it is completely lost. Isaac will not let anything take away his hopes for this year's racing season. The trophies that have been destroyed will not return to their original shape, but he can still fight once again, collecting trophy after trophy, point by point, so that he can quickly move on to become a top racer and compete with many other famous racers.

As is currently also attending the launching of the newest racing car for his team. Someone who is the same as Isaac brought the prestige and greatness of the country's name Eastland in the world of Formula Prime racing.

***

The Catalona Circuit in neighboring Slocean, that afternoon was filled with hundreds of journalists and reporters covering the launch of the latest Formula Prime racing car from the GT Forrier car team. Even though the weather was scorching hot, this did not dampen the enthusiasm of the car team personnel involved, as well as the curiosity of the journalists who were curious about the spurs of this racing car.

GT17, the name of the car, will be the toughest rival of the Glauber car team, just like last year. But the principal of the GT Forrier team, Gerhard Brautovich, a white-haired middle-aged man, said that the GT17 was a perfect masterpiece created by a collaboration between leading engineers. So, Brautovich added, no one would be able to match the speed and endurance of the GT17, not even Glauber. The GT Forrier will be the fastest and toughest Formula Prime car of all time!

Journalists were busy taking notes and taking pictures. They knew for a fact that Brautovich's often controversial remarks could bring them much to their advantage. They also knew for sure, after hearing Brautovich's boast, Friedrich Sheppard as Glauber's team principal would reply to that boast, and a pre-competition war of nerves ensued, as has usually happened before.

Meanwhile, Ferris Rutherford (24 years), the number one racer for the GT Forrier car team, smiled confidently when he heard the boast of the boss who had openly admitted that he considered Ferris Rutherford as his golden boy, and it was on Ferris, all of GT's luck Forriers are. And for Fez, the nickname of Ferris Rutherford, being a golden boy didn't burden him at all. His passion and love for GT Forrier continue to grow within him. He has found a comfortable place to develop his career and life in the world of jet racing.

And now, welcoming the 2017 season, Fez is determined to win the constructors' world title for the team, and also the drivers' world title as well. Fez's determination was very strong this year because he was also motivated by his desire to take 'revenge' on Jose Rudolpho Alvarez, the main racer for the Glauber team, who has enjoyed the throne of the world racer champion five times. Last year Fez and Alvarez battled it out in every Grand Prix series, but in the end, it was Alvarez who won the 2016 season, and Fez took second place in the final drivers' standings.

Ranked second in the final drivers' standings, that was his best achievement after four years of working as a racer in the Formula Prime arena. Many praised and saluted Fez because four years is a short time for a novice racer to turn into a professional racer like he is today. The press also wrote many positive things about him, and the runner-up achievement he achieved last year. However, Fez didn't see it as an accomplishment, instead, he thought he was a loser. For him, losing the battle with Alvarez was the biggest failure in his life. So now he is determined to complete his 'revenge' on Alvarez and intends to give his team the highest title.

After the press conference, photo shoots, and demonstration of the GT17 that Fez drove in front of hundreds of cameras, Fez intends to return to the hotel where he is staying when his best friend from childhood calls him.

"Hey, Royce," said Fez.

"Not finished yet?" asked Royce Beauregard (24 years), while putting on his earphones. He is such a tall man with shoulder-length curly blonde hair. He sat on a bench at the sidelines, wiping the sweat off his face with a towel. His thick eyebrows and dark green eyes made him look even more charming. This man of mixed blood has just finished attending intensive training at the club he has defended since growing up, Brandt, a football club that competes in the Premier League, an international league that is considered exclusive and the hottest in the world.

"Yeah, I'm just about to go back to the hotel. How are Brandt's preparations ahead of the big match against Slochney tomorrow night? Feeling good about that, bro?" asked Fez.

Royce took a deep breath and then replied, "Yes, that's how it is. This is Brandt's life and death. If Brandt loses, Brandt's chances of winning the primary league are getting smaller."

Fez chuckled at Royce's answer. "Bro, do I have to remind you? The Slochney Club is in a crisis right now! Many players have been injured and they haven't won in the last three matches. Is it that hard for Brandt to win tomorrow's match? I don't think so. When compared to Slochney, Brandt is on fire. It's hot, you know that! That is just like when I'm taking my girlfriend on vacation to the Maldines. Just me and her. Hot, full of passion! That's what Brandt's condition is like!"

Royce laughed out loud at the nonsense uttered by Fez. Indeed, his best friend rarely uses filters when speaking. But Royce was very used to Fez's behavior like that. "Jeez, Fez! It can't be as hot as your weird scenes with women!" he said, still laughing out loud.

"You know! What I said is true! Oh, don't forget, thanks to your existence as an all-round striker who always brings Brandt victory. Aren't you the lucky star for Brandt and the Eastland national team?? I'm pretty damn sure, Brandt will win!"

Royce smiled. "You really are an optimist. That's the most positive trait you have. Then by the way, can't you come and watch me tomorrow?"

"Ah, I'm afraid I can't promise. But I'll try to come. Honestly, there's nothing more exciting than watching the big match Brandt vs Slochney live, I want to come and watch your victory. But I can't promise, I'm sorry, bro. "

"It's ok! I understand you must be busy with your team."

"Yeah, anyway I'll let you know later. Okay?" Fez hung up the phone, then smiled.

3 - Best Friend

Hi, I'm Royce Beauregard, who had a warm chat with Ferris Rutherford over the phone.

Fez and I have been friends since childhood. Almost twenty years ago. Hmm. Nineteen years, to be exact. It's been so long, right? And I remember the time when we first met.

At that time, I, who had just turned five, was invited by my parents to go on vacation to Borseaux, a small town in the south of the Frenchye country, where my grandparents lived and tended their vineyards. It was in Borseaux that I was introduced to Fez, the son of my grandfather's best friend, who was also a wine dealer like my grandfather. Since Fez and I were the same age, we hit it off in an instant. Playing around and running around in the vineyards, pranking the workers ... haha, we were both mischievous kids.

And as it turns out, Fez and his family live in Leighryn. In the same complex as my family too! Our houses are only a few blocks apart, he is my neighbor! I only found out about it when I got back to Leighryn. Fez also just realized that we are neighbors. We got closer, especially after Fez and I went to the same school.

We played and studied together every day, played baseball, cycled exploring all corners of the city, and even stole the neighbors' apples! Such kids! We are called little rioters! That's why we are often scolded and punished for not leaving the house. But every night during punishments, Fez and I sneaked out of the house and sat on the roof!

We spent our school days, and teenage years together. Approaching girls at school, dating them .... Exchanging answers during exams, and many more. But the delinquency that we make, I guess is still at a reasonable level.

As true friends, it is only natural that we support each other's career advancement and talents.

Fez, who has been interested in go-kart racing since he was five years old, thanks to his ability and hard work, has always won karting championships, F3 and GP2 until he got attention from one of the car manufacturers competing in Formula Prime, Protone Racing. He was recruited as a test driver before becoming a Ferrau Racing test driver after seeing Fez's ability and capability to win the GP2 event in the 2011 racing season. It didn't take long for Fez to show his skills. He was believed to be Ferrau's second driver, who at that time was a middle-class Formula Prime car team.

And now his name has skyrocketed, after being trusted to be the first racer from a qualified top team; GT Forrier. The one who often fights for the throne of world constructor champion with their eternal rival, Glauber FP.

Fez's name skyrocketed after last year's success in establishing himself in second place in the final drivers' standings, right under Jose Rudolpho Alvarez who has repeatedly won the world championship. Young racers who have only been in Formula Prime for four seasons are challenging senior drivers who have won the world title five times. I think that's a phenomenal thing. Moreover, Alvarez once acknowledged Fez's capabilities and did not underestimate him, when he was interviewed by the press recently. But what is Fez's comment? He said his runner-up achievement last year was a disaster. He should have been able to take advantage of the opportunity to overtake Alvarez during the final series last season and snatch the highest podium from him. And Fez would be the 2016 world champion. But he believed that he has failed. And instead of celebrating the runner-up position he earned, he instead celebrated his loss to Alvarez. Duh, that one friend of mine is too ambitious and a perfectionist!

Although, honestly, I thought Fez would go into the art world. Yeah. I'm talking about paintings. Since school, Fez's talent has been very visible in paintings. He's a real painter. All of his paintings look natural, mesmerizing with such amazing touch of detail, even to the smallest! I'm always amazed by all of his work, and well, you could say I'm somewhat jealous of his many promising talents. Unlike me, who can only play football. But, what is jealousy for, everything is fated, right?

As for myself, at first, I thought I would have an ordinary career, like everybody else. Dwelling in office cubicles from Monday to Friday, crawling from the bottom to reach the highest position possible. Or, maybe I started my own business. Since everyone else is doing it, I think it's only natural that I go with the flow, too. To be honest, at that time I didn't have my guidelines or principles.

But Fez, amid my confusion in deciding my path in life, came to me with a big and warm smile. He was the one who most encouraged me to try to get into Brandt's football school, the top club in the primary league. That was around when we were in fifth or sixth grade. At first, I was skeptical, I believe I'm not that good at playing football, can I be accepted there? After all, even if I am accepted, still it is not a guarantee that in the future I will become a soccer player. But Fez kept pushing and encouraging me, he said what's wrong with trying? And for some reason, he seemed so sure that that was my way of life. So I followed his advice and encouragement...

And here I am. Now I've become a striker who can be relied upon, just like what I dreamed of since childhood! Became an idol in the club I loved for a long time. Truly, this is something I never imagined would happen to me. Moreover, praise God, I'm always entrusted with strengthening the Eastland national team, winning more and more various trophies, and getting more prestige. Truly, I am very grateful for the grace and mercy that God has given me. I offer my gratitude to God, to my parents, to everyone who always supports and believe in me, and especially, to Fez, my true friend I can trust and rely on the most.

Well, what makes me happy and comfortable being friends with Fez? Fez is an active, passionate, articulate, warm, friendly, and optimistic friend. In short, he is friendly and open. I feel very much comfortable being friends with him. So, we had an agreement. At that time, we were about nine years old, we were both spending the summer holidays in Borseaux, and we entered into a finger pact to consider each other brothers. For me, the finger agreement still applies today, I already consider him like my little brother. Right now, whether he still remembers the agreement and considers me like an older brother, to be honest, I have never asked him directly. I only have faith that Fez also still remembers our finger pact.

4 - Terror

At the same time, Isaac and several of his Llinos Purvance teammates were absorbed in watching shows on an online video platform. The video shows the principals of the GT Forrier team and the principals of the Glauber team boasting and knocking each other out.

"Routine jokes at the beginning of each year," said one person with a light laugh.

"Yeah. They don't realize that they're both embarrassing themselves."

"Those two are just the same, always bragging, always talking big."

"They are more like brothers, don't you think?"

"They're just on one frequency."

"Sheppard and Brautovich don't just brag, after all, it is indeed Forrier and Glauber who dominate every race," Isaac said after a long silence.

"Just because they are always dominating, is it okay to always brag?"

"That's not what I meant," Isaac answered with a faint smile.

"But, I get what Isaac's saying. He's true! It's not wrong to be arrogant if their arrogance can be proven."

"Yeah. Arrogant, up their noses sticking up."

"If he's arrogant without anything to prove, that's normal if people talk badly behind them. Because if he's such a 'no action talk only' guy, it means he has no shame, or he doesn't have mirrors in his house."

"That's right," said Isaac. "After all, just let them fuss themselves with their boasts, we have nothing to do but watch and laugh at them from afar. And most importantly, as a team, we must be more solid in welcoming the new racing season this year."

Everyone there nodded in agreement at Isaac's words.

"Hey. We've heard about what happened at your house, Ike. Are you alright?"

Isaac smiled wryly, remembering that again. "I'll be fine," he answered briefly.

"It's too bad. Nothing is taken, but instead, it destroys all of your trophies. What's the point of doing something like that?"

"Is there anyone you suspect, Ike?"

Isaac shook his head, still smiling wryly.

"If there's no one you suspect, how can you know who did it?"

"Listen, Ike, you have to move fast. Ask the police to investigate deeper, so they can find out who did it. Why didn't you set up an alarm anyway? Why didn't you install CCTV? Nowadays, CCTV is mandatory."

"At first I thought it wasn't important because my place is a safe neighborhood, nothing ever happened. How would I have thought something like this would happen," Isaac answered.

"Don't be cocky, Ike. Don't you realize, crime is increasing now? Moreover, there's a serial killer still roaming freely out there! You have to be extra careful!" scold someone.

"We all have to be careful," said another.

Isaac didn't argue at all, what his friends said was very true.

"Hopefully you'll find the culprit," said one of them, patting Isaac's shoulder. "Be tough, Ike."

"I hope so. Thanks, guys," Isaac replied.

Indeed, last night's incident had disturbed Isaac. He drove home that afternoon, wondering. Who entered his house? Nothing is lost, the culprit is only destroying all the trophies he achieved. What's the point in destroying other people's trophies? Nothing! This is purely because the culprit only wants to make Isaac feel threatened and disturbed.

This was the first time Isaac had experienced such an incident. Who do you think is the culprit? Of course, Isaac was curious about who was behind it all. But alas, Isaac didn't have any footage to go through, nothing to investigate.

Several names that Isaac once recognized flashed by, but it was really difficult for him to accuse those names of being the suspected perpetrators. Isaac was the type of man who couldn't think badly of other people, just like he didn't want to be considered or judged badly in the eyes of other people. No, he couldn't be prejudiced against other people.

Isaac took a deep breath. How he wished last night's incident had been more than enough for the perpetrator to wreak any grudge against him. He doesn't want to get another incident like that in the future. Isaac also began to think about installing security cameras around the house. Now is the time to let go of everything that has been destroyed, and start collecting achievements again from the beginning.

But all of that is not as easy as it sounds. Not as easy as turning the palm. How to let go of items that have been destroyed? An item that has its pride value to him? This was hard for Isaac, but Isaac knew he had to start learning to let go. If not, he will always be imprisoned by his thoughts.

The freeway on the outskirts of Leighryn was quiet that afternoon, Isaac drove his car calmly, not in a hurry. Just a few more kilometers until he arrived home.

Then suddenly a loud impact from behind made Isaac jerk forward, shocked! Luckily the seat belt saved him! Still not recovering from his shock at the sudden and fast incident, Isaac saw the car behind him and then stepped on the gas, passing Isaac's car at high speed.

It didn't look like the impact had been fatal other than a dent in the rear, Isaac assumed. Without thinking he immediately stepped on the gas pedal intending to chase the perpetrator's car.

The perpetrator's car, a dark blue sedan with film-coated glass, seemed to be speeding away in the distance, swerving to overtake every other car that got in its way.

Isaac's racing instincts were automatically provoked. He kept pressing the gas pedal, without a pause, until he was able to match the speed of the perpetrator's car.

You're looking for trouble with the wrong people, man. Just being at this speed is nothing for me, Isaac thought. Wait till I get your tail. It's a shame this isn't a racing circuit.

Isaac drove the car calmly but fast because he was filled with curiosity and exasperation towards the culprit who suddenly hit his car from behind. He should at least bully the offender, asking for compensation. Or at least take his ID as collateral. After all, Isaac was curious to see the culprit's look.

The needle on the speedometer had pointed at 220 km/h, Isaac was still increasing his speed. As a formula car racer, reaching this number is not uncommon. He had been used to traveling at speeds of up to 300 km/h over the years, so it was natural for him to feel neither nervous nor afraid.

Now Isaac was stuck right behind the perpetrator's blue sedan. He kept shadowing the car mercilessly, hoping that what he was doing would make the offender depressed. But not. The perpetrator is even more sped up. Isaac also has to continue to increase his speed.

What surprised Isaac was that the perpetrator didn't seem too awkward driving a car at the same speed. The perpetrator also had the guts to drive that fast. Such guts are not necessarily owned by ordinary people. Of course, the perpetrator had been involved in illegal racing before, again Isaac assumed.

Isaac intended to overtake the car, and repeatedly tried, but to no avail. The perpetrator did not give room for Isaac to overtake. It was clear the culprit did not want to be responsible for the damage to Isaac's car.

Isaac was getting exasperated, but the universe didn't support him. Strangeness began to feel in his car, making the alarm in his head ringing loudly. It must have been the result of the crash. He had to slow down quickly and get off the highway, then stop. Impossible to continue.

Isaac cursed while hitting the steering wheel. "Damn it!!"

He decided to let the blue sedan dart away from him. The perpetrator is now free without having to confront him. After all, Isaac had to keep himself safe.

Who's that guy? Is he a racer, too? Nah, impossible. Maybe just some rascal who dares to drive at high speed. Damn it, I had to let it go because my car already felt weird. But, seriously, who is it?! That guy must have bumped into me on purpose! It can't be accidental! The streets are empty! Wide and roomy, he can do acrobatics if he wants! But instead, he chose to hit me from behind! Isaac thought frantically to himself. He had pulled off the freeway and pulled over immediately.

Isaac got out of the car, and immediately checked the back of his car. He clucked loudly. Oh my God, look what he had done, he thought.

Another thought made the hairs on his neck prickle instantly. Does this have anything to do with last night's incident at home? Someone had a grudge against me and destroyed my trophies, and now someone is planning to harm me? It's not impossible if this someone is the same person, right? Does that mean he intends to kill me?!