there she is

There she is. Looking straight at me from the café. I’m finally here. In just a few seconds we’ll be together again. Suddenly this few meters of walking felt like a walk on a treadmill. I sat beside her. My hands were trembling. I hope she didn’t notice. She looked so good in that new haircut. I can’t remember my first few words to her which was a good thing because I must have said something silly. I guess that’s the only advantage of being a person with short term memories. I wanted to give her a kiss right there but there’s too many people around. Don’t want to create a state emergency!

We’re finally alone in the car. She’s driving. I’ve got the upper hand this time. Literally. I touched her face. Her neck. Surreal. I almost forgot how soft they were. How long has it been? I gave her a kiss. Oh how I miss the feel of her lips against mine. I'm throbbing. Are we there yet?

We arrived at her doorstep. Unknowingly, I whispered to myself, "I'm home". I'm home again. I walked into her living room. Passed the guest room. I can almost see myself there. I can see the old me. Reserved and struggling to maintain control. Carefully arranging every uttered word so that nothing will hint my love for this girl. I see sadness in her eyes. But not anymore.

Everything looked the same. Almost the same. Except for her arms around me. This is how things had always been. In my dreams.

She told me to keep all my luggage in the master bedroom. Somehow I felt honored by this simple instruction. I had never dreamt of ever stepping into this room but look at me now. I'm invited.

There we were. Sharing the same bed again. If I had only one wish, I wouldn't waste it on diamonds or gold. I would say hey presto and wished for time to stop from this moment on. When my eyes met hers. And our lips fused together. Sayang, I miss you so much. How many times have I said that since our little rendezvous at the café? How many times have I said that since our last kiss?

3.45am
I woke up. She's still fast asleep. I should stop kissing her eyes or I'll risk waking her up and ruin her rest. Can't help it. Just one last kiss. She looked so peaceful when she sleeps. Serene and oblivious to my adoring stare. Another kiss. She moved. OK I should stop.

Dawn finally came. The sun seized her rightful throne and chases the night away. Curing my little angel from her slumber. She opened her eyes. She moved closer and put her arms around me. I missed you while you were sleeping...

I've always wanted to cook for her. Even long before we were together. I'm not much of a cook but doing this gives me the feeling of taking care of her even if it means just a few meals in just a couple of days. It provides some sort of inexplicable satisfaction. She pitched in. Being sweet as usual. In between she managed to distract the nervous cook with her wit and kisses. That's the perk of cooking for someone you love. She asked for seconds. I’ve never been this happy cooking for anyone.

Time to head to Malacca.
We've got everything packed and ready including a bag full of home cooked food and a bottle of sparkling red grape juice. It's going to be great. I'm driving this time. I love driving for her. Taking her places. I wish this is something I could do for her every single day. My hands was perched on the passenger seat and instead of resting on an empty space like so many times before, this time it was greeted by a familiar warm tight clutch. I’m home again.

We arrived at our room. Our next hideout. I must admit the word ‘hide’ adds an extra sense of adventure to it. The room was beautiful. But the most beautiful feature of the room must be that magnificent creature lying on the bed. I can’t believe you’re here with me. I held her close. It is real. This is happening. Have I told you how much I love you sayang?

We went out that night. To the mall. I want to believe I took her there although she’s the one giving all the directions. Dinner and movie. Sounds great. Sounds like a proper date. I held her hands. People were staring. I couldn’t care less. Yes we’re in love. Yes she’s with me. Yes, she’s my girl.

Dinner set our tongues ablaze and the movie was an ordeal but somehow that’s just a minute hitch. Obscured by everything else. Her pretty smile, our laughter, ice cream on the bench, ice cream on her dress, the way we clasped our hands in the movie and how she fell asleep halfway through. Do you realize how amazing you are?
The night. No. Date, was perfect.

The dreadful morning came. The last day. Every lover’s nightmare. Time to head home. Time for goodbyes.

I looked at her face. Intently. Trying to memorize her. In hope that later, images of her will ease the agony of missing her. Never worked before but you never know.

I watched her locked the door behind her. Fighting tears. I was home no more.

Was I different this time?
Yes
Good or bad
Better