Chapter 25

We decided to settle down just before noon. I had such a terrific time. We had lunch at the Beach House Restaurant on Echo Beach.

Suasana di sini sungguh happening. Lots of foreigners and adakalanya terasa 'out of place'......Imran told me that he had rented a place for the night. " Don't worry the house has 6 bedrooms and you can chose whichever one your prefer.....", he reassured that I have my own privacy. 

After lunch we proceeded to the house.....and it wasn't a house I expected but a luxury house with infinity pool and facing the beach. I am sure it was expensive to rent the house. We sat in the living room and I decided to bring up the money spent on accommodation during his stay in Bali.

"Imran, you sure live such a luxury life here in Bali. Do you need to spend this much to impress me?", I'm hoping he has the answers to my curiosity.

"To impress you? Ha..ha..ha... tak de lah....jangan salah sangka. I bukan nak impress you. If I wanna do that, I would have rented a yacht and take you around the island. That is how to impress a woman. This....? This is nothing.....I know someone and I get a good price for this place. Why not? Sorry to disappoint you....", he replied and somehow his respond made me feel embarrassed. Nampaknya aku yang perasan lebih. 

"Alright then.....thank you for the lengthy explanation.", aku memandang Imran yang mengerut dahinya. "I might as well resume to my 'boudoir' this afternoon. Are we catching the sunset waves?"

"Definitely! How 'bout meeting back here around 4 p.m.?", Imran replied and looked at his wrist watch.

"Okay...I leave now so you will catch some silence and solitude. Don't worry I can find my way around this place." I got up and walked over to Imran. I planted a kiss on his cheek and Imran grabbed my wrists. I pulled back and he let me go. I was surprised he didn't fight. Instead he let me go gently. I stood up and walked passed him.....in search for 'moi boudoir' ....

I took up the room on the ground floor where it has a double pane glass door facing the garden and the sea. Some people are born lucky to see this each day while some have to pay in order to enjoy such a luxury. 

I walked further in to the room and there was a huge LCD television screen with satellite tv programming, dvd and Bose sound system. There’s an iPod dock, plus a library of the latest films on dvd.....my jaw dropped when I found out iPod dock is connected to speakers throughout the villa and the garden. Is that necessary......? I guess some do enjoy the exclusive facility they pay for.....

Laying in bed after shower, I switched on to the TV and watched an adventure program called My Trip My Adventure. "Wow, the guy resembles Imran so much....", aku berbisik di dalam hati sambil  meniarap di atas katil watching the presenter's adventure.  Couldn't catch clearly his name........but he's my kind of guy.....I would definitely click with some one like him. 

Sambil berangan dan sambil memerhatikan jam, masih ada lagi setengah jam sebelum pukul 4 petang. Then someone slipped an envelop under my door. I sat up and looked around. I crawled off the bed and walked closer to the envelop. I picked it up and slide a piece of paper out. 

An Invitation 

Afternoon Tea

on the terrace

4 p.m.

Imran

No RSVP so I assume I am expected at tea. I smiled then I giggled. His antics. He is very charming and that always makes me weak to my knees when I'm with him. But at the same time, I feel a sense of relief and comfort when Imran is around. Hilang semua tekanan.....

Opened up my duffle bag, I realized I didn't have anything to wear to the afternoon tea. I just have to make do with what I have....

Tiba-tiba aku tergerak untuk membaca messages from my cellphone. Pelik.....kenapa banyak missed call dari Khai and Juan? But why didn't they leave any messages for me on Whatsapp? They know that I am with Imran....so I decided to call Khai.

Me : Hi Khai.....how are you? Banyak miss call dari kau and Juan. Anything urgent ke?

Khai : Q! Mana kau pergi? We went to Imran's villa and the Front Desk Manager said that he's away for a few days. Kau dengan Imran kan?

Me : Khai...Khai...Khai...relax okay. Yes, I am with Imran in Echo Beach at Canggu. I am fine. Kenapa?

Khai : Hish! Kau ni let us know la.....risau la kami. Ni....2 things. Abang kau cari and kami tak tahu nak tipu apa lagi. He kept on calling me then Juan nak tanya kau kat mana....and when you're coming back.

Me : Sibuk betul dia tu....he knows I'm in Bali....what the hell does he wants from me?

Khai : Itu aku tak tahu.....kau call dia lah....

Me : Ahh! malas nak layan orang gila macam dia.....

Khai : Call je la dia....mana tahu ada apa-apa hal kat umah ke....?

Me : Hmmmm....tengoklah nanti.....

Khai : Q, you dah confirm ticket tak? Esok kita dah nak balik.....atau....kau dah nak tinggal terus kat Bali ni.....?

Me : (giggling).....tak de lah terus tinggal sini. Imran is taking me to several surfer's beaches untuk test waves. Best sangat. Khai, I am enjoying myself here a lot....Aku dan Imran decided nak berkahwin soon....

Khai : Kahwin!?! Kau jangan main-main Q......balik Malaysia dulu. Fikir masak-masak and discussed with your parents....

Kedengaran Juan di background...."Put her on speaker phone Khai!", jerit Juan.

Juan : Kahwin?! Q, kau ni apa cerita dengan Imran.....?

Me : We're planning to get married soon, Juan......I am so happy when I'm with him....I'm postponing my departure to Tuesday....we have one more beach to see.....

Juan : Q...., come back to the villa and we discussed further.....

Me : Nope. I'm going back on Tuesday dengan Imran......and we're going straight to my parents. I have to break the news to them in person sebelum abang aku tahu....

Khai : Kau ni suka buat kerja gila....Imran tahu plan kau nak introduce dia to your parents?

Me : He will when I see him later.......by the way kau tolong pack up barang aku and store kat reception nanti esok malam aku datang ambik ya...?

Khai : Suka hati kau lah. Apa-apa pun kami support your decision....keep in touch tau....

Me : Will do.....girls, take care and see you next week. Bye.

Chapter 24

We got into the truck and left Imran's villa about 5:30 a.m. I was tired and felt sleepy since I haven't slept the whole night. Melayan kekasih hati.....

Imran put on some soft music dan kemerduan Chris Rea membuat aku khayal seketika. "Q, kalau you mengantuk, tidurlah. You must be really tired.", Imran said. I looked at him and nodded.

Credit to Setzehomes and You Tube

Between the eyes of love I call your name

Behind those guarded walls I used to go

Upon a summer wind there's a certain melody

Takes me back to the place that I know

On the beach

Down on the beach

"I will....don't worry about me. Just be careful with your driving. I nak layan sekejap lagu ni....the sound of the wave hitting the beach......so soothing and just perfect to where were heading....", I replied and folded my legs in a yoga position. I took out my Ipad and start typing my journey with Imran. I should have started earlier to capture all the fun time we both spent. The things that were said, intimate secret accounts and promises kept between us. Ahhh....I will make a point to update my journal on daily basis.

The secrets of the summer I will keep

The sands of time will blow a mystery

No one but you and I, Underneath that moonlit sky

Take me back to the place that I know, on the beach

yeah yeah

Down on the beach

Get down on the beach

 Forever in my dreams my heart will be

Hanging on to this sweet memory

A day of strange desire And a night that burned like fire

Take me back to the place that I know, on the beach

"Apa yang you buat tu....? Sini tak ada coverage.", he said and looked at me.

"Imran....please,....your eyes on the road....I cuma update my journal about my trip to Bali.", I replied and kept on typing.

"I see....what have you written so far...?", he asked.

"Are you sure you want to know?", aku bertanya.

"Yeah.....come on read to me...", he insisted.

"Alright....but jangan gelak ya nanti.....semua ni datang dari perasaan I. Okay listen.....fall in love with someone who wants you, who waits for you, who understands you. Someone who helps you, and guides you, someone who supports you, your hope. Fall in love with someone who talks with you after a fight. Fall in love with someone who misses you and wants to be with you. Do not fall in love only with a body or with a face; or with the idea of being in love." I read out to him.

But Imran kept quiet.....

"So something to ponder upon right? You were in a total silence.....", I said and I kept myself busy typing on my Ipad.

"Q....", Imran called out my name but .......he went silent.

"Kenapa Imran......? Did I said something wrong?" I stopped whatever I was doing and focus my attention on Imran.

"I am trying to digest what you've just read and I think it was beautiful....", he hold my hand, smiled and continued, "I love you Q...", sambil mengenggam erat tangan aku.

It was a long journey and I must have fallen a sleep half way through.

When I woke up I was already leaning against Imran's chest. "Kita dah sampai ke....? Did I miss the sunrise?", I asked and rubbed my eyes. At the same time I tried to sit up. Imran helped to position myself and he has his hands on my shoulder all the time. I felt love.

"Nope, you woke up right on time. Here, let me cover you up.", as we sat in the truck watching the sunrise. "Are you warm enough...", he asked. Aku menganggukkan kepala.

We sat there in silence. I sat in awe and took a deep breathe.  A golden ray appeared in the sky early in the morning. I watched as it grew into a big ball of fire changing from dark orange to dark yellow as it began to heat up the earth. It moved across the sky with grace……Seagull flying low to catch their feed for the day…….and the beautiful waves….roaring…….at times you can see an A-frame that is a wave peak breaking left and right with perfect shape.  I hope tonight's sunset will be as miraculous!

I got off the truck and did a few stretching. I looked around for Imran and saw him unloading the surfboard. "Imran, do you need any help?", aku bertanya.

"It's alright, I am fine. You go ahead and change. There's a public bath next to the surf hut right up there...", aku memalingkan kepala sambil memerhatikan tempat yang Imran described. Seriously....? Takut rasanya aku nak ke sana....

"Nah, it's okay I can just change here.", aku menjawab dan mengintai Imran.

"Here?", Imran replied and I saw him peek at me from behind his truck. I started to unzip my jeans and he still stood there....."You're really serious, aren't you..?", he said.

"Imran....., I'm serious but not crazy.....I have my swim suit underneath.....I had it on before we left Padang-Padang.", aku jawab dan menjelir lidah ke arah Hans. Dia tersenyum sambil mengcekak pinggang lalu menggeleng kepala. He came over to me and lift me up. Aku terkejut lalu tergelak berdekah-dekah.....

"Once you are done with stripping in public help me with the surfboards. Kalau tak I campak you ke laut.....", Imran membuai-buai seolah ingin mencapak aku ke laut....

"Imran.....! Put me down....!", aku meronta-ronta manja sambil kami ketawa terkekek-kekek......

He carried me to the truck and he put me down. He started to unload the surfboards."Here, grabbed this one (he passed me a surf board)......come on...", he said.

I followed Imran from behind carrying my surfboard. Then I smiled when a wave sweeps up the beach and returns to the ocean, sometimes colliding with incoming waves. I was amped. What a weird feeling. I am afraid of the open sea but I forget my fears when I surf…..

We both paddle battle to get into the first curl and gain the right of way. I place my regular foot on the board and popped up. Easing and getting to balance my weight with both arms. Next....., you just need  to dance. Follow where the waves guide you......

Chapter 23

"Q, I have a suggestion if you are interested." and that made Q looked at me with interest.

"Ok........", Q said. I planted a gentle kiss on her lips.

"Alright. There are 9 other surfing beaches. Let's test a few waves, just you and me. No one else. We take our  own sweet time and no rules except in the water.....", I suggested. Her eyes twinkled.

"Seriously? How are going to finish all 9 beaches in 2 days?, she asked anxiously.

"We'll travel from one beach to another....if we are not able to cover all, there's always next time, right?", I explained to Q and she seems to be in agreement.

"Okay, I suka idea you.....it's like a dream vacation kan?", and she twirled around. I laughed and I am thrilled she is all for the surfing trip.

"But.....you kena dengar cakap I and listen to my instructions. The waves sometimes can be dangerous if you lack of experience. I do not want you to hurt yourself. One other thing kita tak boleh cakap besar about our capabilities playing with the waves. Can we agree on that..?", I warned Q.

"Alright, I agree and I akan dengar semua instruction you.", she accepted my terms and conditions.

"Okay. Anyway just sharing some facts about Padang Padang Beach which also known as Labuan Sait Beach. This beach is discovered by surfer enthusiast.  However this beach was made popular around 1996 when a boy band called Michael Learns To Rock (MLTR) made a video clip here for one of their songs. Perhaps you can check out from the internet for the song. I tak ingat. But the best part Julia Robert was on this beach for the Eat, Pray, Love movie set. They closed the entire beach to public during the shooting. But now, surfers find this beach a bit tainted. Too many people coming here so we tend to find a new beach as our own surfing paradise.", Imran explained.

"Interesting....I watch the movie a couple of times and I know that the third part of the movie was shot in Bali. Tapi tak tahu pulak they used this beach....Javier Bardem was sexy by the way....", she responded and glanced at my lips.

"I hope I am not making you bored with all these information....", I said.

"Nope you're not....", Q replied. She  walked back to the sofa while still holding my hand. I followed her. We sat down. She instantly lean on me and I wrapped my right arm over her shoulder. She caressed my arm.

"But, you know what......I love Echo Beach or Pantai Batu Mejan and that will be our destination tomorrow....", I told her.

"How far is it from here?', Q asked. She makes herself comfortable in my arms. I like very much having her this close to me.

"Well, to get to Echo Beach is about an hour drive from here. We can start at 5 a.m. and reach there about  6 a.m. The beach has black-sand and the waves of Echo Beach are strictly for advanced riders. Surfers dominate the scene by day. The beach is clean and well-kept, the result of the joint efforts among various surf schools and clubs along Canggu’s coast. They carry out routine beach cleanups. To sum up, Echo Beach serves as one of the island’s best surf spots, and a great place to chill with a laid-back vibe, great views, and delicious seafood.", and I kissed her left temple.

"Wow, awesome! Now you get me all excited....I can't wait to get there.....", she was content.

"Hahaha....that's the whole point...to get you stimulate.....", aku mengusik Q. Dia tiba-tiba mencubit lengan aku dan aku kenyit mata menahan pedih. "Ouch! garangnya dia....", I responded.

The whole night we didn't sleep. Q was so excited about the trip to Echo Beach. We stayed up and talked about my surfing experience. I showed her a few pictures from my Iphone.

"Wow, I wish I've known you much earlier.....", Q said. My dear Q, I wish the same thing too....aku berbisik di dalam hati.....

"And....., here we are...", I replied. "I couldn't ask for anything more....". Aku mengampirinya dan kedua belah tangan memekup lehernya sambil ibujari aku mengusap-usap telinganya. Q memejamkan matanya. Aku tenung sepuas-puasnya muka Q.....

She slightly open her eyes and slowly push me down and further down.....she is now on top of me. We were in that position for a few seconds. Then Q parted her sexy lips and I asked her, "Are you going to kiss me or not?", and she stuck out her tongue. I placed my hands slowly on her thighs, caressing upwards to her hips.

Her hands a moment ago was on my chest, now reached for my hair. She stroke my hair and ran her fingers along my face then neck. "Q......", I whispered.

She place a soft kiss on my lips and said, "You and I can predict what will happen next if I continued kissing you.....I only want to save my 'sexual preference' when I am married to you....". She got up and sat on my midriff and toss her hair back.

"And...., you want to marry me.....is that right......?'. I asked and my hands grabbed hold of her hands. We look directly into each other's eyes.

"Yes Imran I do.....hmmmm.....(aku memimikkan muka, jari aku letak di dagu seolah-olah mengalami dejavu...manakala tangan sebelah mengcekak pinggan), is that a proposal...?", she confirmed and giggled.

I tickled her until she fell onto my chest. I wrapped my arms around Q. "Kalau you setuju nak berkahwin dengan I, I sepuluh kali ganda nak kahwin dengan you.", aku confessed. And stayed like that for a minute or so.......

Masa sangat mencemburui kami..... when you are having fun.......

Chapter 22

Q stayed with me the whole night. We had dinner at the villa, spent a lot of time laughing and talking. I love being with her. We talk about our lives, the things we want to do, our future goals and aspirations and other things along that line.

"Since when did you started surfing?", I asked Q sambil menyuap sesudu Panna cotta.

"I'm sorry...I didn't mean to lie to you.....well my first experience was 10 years ago. Cuma the opportunity didn't arise like right now, where I am.....beautiful beach and beautiful waves here. Selalu kalau pergi holiday, it's all about sight seeing and shopping....jarang I get to enjoy what I like to do.....", Q menjawab.

"Yes, I know what you mean.....There’s no greater feeling than surfing and that feeling of being part of the ocean, really riding on top of the world. The freedom, adventure and creativity all rolled into one. It’s easy to see why surfers love surfing so much and I also love teaching newbies to surf so they can experience that joy.", I expressed my passion about surfing.

Then Q added, "Once you surf, it’s about the next wave you’re going to catch, because you always want more, like a drug. It can be a great one you brag about, a frustrating one you missed, an amazing one no one saw but you tell everyone and they believe you.". And we laughed.

"Yeah....., you are absolutely right. It’s like sex: you can do it over and over, and it’s always new, you always look forward to the next set, even if the previous was great. You never go home saying you’ve had enough, mentally. You may be tired, sore, busy or tied up with work, but you always, always look forward to it.", I replied.

Q smiled in embarrassment. I saw her face flushed red. She looked the other way when she saw me staring at her. 

"Have you exercise your sexual preference with any significant other?", I bluntly asked her. 

She looked at me and laughed, "Must you know? And that line of question..., it's supposed to be polite?". 

She is smart and beautiful in every way. She carries herself well and I can't imagine being with someone else. "Well, since we are all about being open with each other.....that is if you wanna share.....", I answered. 

"I am not ready to give you an exposé of my sexual life....what about you? I am pretty sure you keep a list of girls you've slept with....", Q jawab sinis. She leans closer and looks deep into my eyes. She was flirting with me.....

"Me? Ouch...macam perli I saja...?", aku bertanya. She giggled  "Do I look like a womanizer? Frankly speaking, I am a simple guy. For me love or cinta kepada seseorang hanya sekali dalam hidup. I thought I had it once, a long time ago....unfortunately it did not workout the way I planned. Salah I sendiri. That was the only serious relationship I had. Other than that,...yeah I do go out with other women on and off but nothing serious. Maybe I belum jumpa yang sesuai dengan jiwa I....Sleeping around.....? Nope. Flirting around? Yes....", I explained to Q as I stroke her hair back which almost covered her face when she looked down to her feet. 

"What about you? Do you have anyone special?", I wanted to know from Q.

"Yes....", Q replied and she kept silent.

"What do you mean by Yes?", I asked and I ran my fingers on her left cheek.

"Scared you didn't I?", she was testing me. Naughty. I had to pinch her nose...."Ouch!", she squeak. 

"No.....I am not seeing any special man, if that's what you want to know,.....until now.....", and she gave a soft smile. I wanna kiss her right now.....those lips of hers really turn me on......

"Are you listening what I'm saying.....?", terkejut aku. "Yes, yes I am......go on....", I replied.

"I lead a boring life. Mainly it revolves around my work, and family. I have told you before, only Kasyaff saja lelaki yang I percaya dan boleh harap. Nothing exciting.....no love life, no special guy in my life, not much night life and sex is totally out of the question. I value any free time I can find by hanging out with my girlfriends. Coffee, High Tea, clubbing on Saturday nights and sometimes slumber party with Juan and Khai.", she answered. I know she was nervous but I gently took her hands and kissed them, one at the time. My response caught her by surprise.

"What was that for...?", she asked.

"Nothing.......I just feel like kissing your hands. Is that a crime?", I was testing her reaction with a question.

"Tak lah sampai macam tu.....I like how you make me feel..", she replied and our fingers interlocked. I felt we have a deep, caring relationship as a couple. In other words we are comfortable being open and honest with each other.

"And how do I make you feel....?", I would like to hear in her own words.

Q stood up and walked to the balcony facing the ocean. I followed her from behind and wrapped my arms around her shoulders. The charcoal black night sky decorate with sparkling stars filling the empty spaces in the dark sky. I stared up at the the sky and studied the silver glow of the moon. Then I heard she took a deep breathe.

"Imran, we are having such an intimate conversation tonight. I feel like you know me well, inside and out. You make me feel so good about myself....", and Q turn to look at me. "I'm falling in love  with you, Imran....", and she rested her head on my chest. There is nothing more I want to hear from Q. My spontaneous reaction was to hold her in my arms and never letting her go. "Please don't ever stopped loving me Q........I love you so much....... ", I whispered closed to her ears and kissed her forehead.

Chapter 21

As I stall or slow my speed on the surfboard, I jumped into the ocean and walked towards the beach. Duff and his friends applaud at me. They started whisling and were loud. I gave a bow to shut them up and as I passed by them, each and everyone of them gave a high five. "You're a real wahine!", Duff shouted excitedly. Wahine is a female surfer.

Imran arrived soon after I did and he came running. "What did you think you were doing? You went for the wedge? You're crazy?", he scream at me.

Duff who was standing there said, "Hey man....cool it...she did amazing....she's a wahine!".

"Man..... I am not sure why is he mad at me....what did I do?", I replied. I saw Imran threw his surfboard on the beach and walked over to me.

"Duff, please give us some privacy....", and Duff took off with his surfboard to the ocean.

"Q....., what were you trying to prove....?", Imran asked as he wiped off the seawater on his face.

"Nothing.....! I was surfing. That's what people do here. What's wrong with that Imran?", I detest. I shoved his shoulder. I saw Juan and Khai came running.

"Hey guys, what's going on.....", Juan bertanya. Khai pulak terpinga-pinga.

"It was a dangerous maneuver. She could hurt herself...", Imran protest. Khai tried to comfort Imran.

"Imran, Q has been surfing since she was 15 years old. She is very good at what she does....", Khai said. Imran was surprised.....

"Good? Good? Then why the hell she lied and said she had only surf once...?", Imran asked back.

"Q memang macam tu.....she knows how much you love surfing so she prefers not to boast about her skills. You kena faham tu Imran. Dia bukan jenis yang menunjuk-nunjuk.", explained Khai selamba.

"But......", Imran seem regretted his action. He looked at me.....

"I wanna go back to our villa. I am not sure if I wanna be here anymore....you guys coming?", aku mula melangkah untuk meninggalkan pantai itu tapi dihalang oleh Imran....

"Q, please don't go.....I'm really sorry....", he apologized....."Okay maybe I over reacted. I shouldn't have raised my voice at you. Q, please don't leave.", Imran grabbed hold of my arm.

"Imran just let go. Give her some space....", said Juan.

But Imran still held my arm. "Q, if you really want to go, tell me. I'll let go of you......", Imran said. Aku serba salah. I can just walked away and never look back but what would it be to our relationship. I am still trying to decide......

"Q, cepatlah......", Juan was persistent. She came closer to me.

"Let go of my arm, Imran...'", I insisted. And instantly, Imran let go of me.....he grabbed his surf board and ran to the ocean....I stood there and watch him disappear under the waves.

Imran........I called him.....in my heart.......I watched him walk away knowing I may not see him again. I felt like a thousand daggers were being thrust into my chest and twisted. My breath came in short, painful gasps that left me dizzy and nauseated.

I struggled with the urge to run after him but my feet felt like they were encased in the cement and my heart pounded in my chest. Why is this happening to me? What could I have done differently?

Deep down I knew that the hurt would eventually disappear, but at that moment I couldn't fathom my life without him in it. I spiraled downward into a dark depression of thoughts...

"Q, apa tunggu lagi.....cepatlah.....", Khai mengajak aku. Aku berjalan menuju ke tangga ke Villa Imran sambil memaling ke arah Imran.......

Why did I acted so foolish? I am so sorry Q I hurt your feelings. She should have spoke the truth. Alright if she wants some space...., I'll give her space. If I happened to run into her just walk past her and pretend she is not there. Am I being childish here?

That day I did not try to contact Q and she didn't either....rasa menyesal melepaskan Q pagi tadi. "Oh.....Q, I missed you.....", bisik Imran sambil mengosok-gosokkan kepalanya. "Aduh naik gila aku dibuatnya. Tak boleh jadi ni.....". Serba serbi aku rasa tak kena hari ini.

I grabbed my surfboard again return to the beach that evening. Aku cuba untuk menenangkan fikiran aku.

When I paddle back to the beach, aku terlihat seolah-olah bayang Q berdiri di tepi pantai. Kayuhan aku semakin laju dan deras. Aku mahu segera sampai ke pantai......

Yes, I was not dreaming. It was Q. I walked towards her and stood still. Dia tersenyum memandang aku......bagai nak luruh jantung aku. Hendak saja aku merangkul dan memeluk dia. Tapi aku harus bersikap 'cool' dalam situasi ini. To pretend she's not there.....and walk away.....? That's foolish of me.......

"Hi.....", she said. I did not react but just stood in front of her. "Imran, I tak bermaksud untuk meninggalkan you siang tadi. I had a choice to make. Petang ini I pulang ke sini dengan harapan you boleh memaafkan I?", she explained her presence.

"Maafkan Q, Imran......I rasa you lebih faham dan bersikap rational with my decision to leave this morning.", she elaborated further.

"I understood....very well. And how are your friends? Are they mad at me?", aku bertanya dan bergerak menghampirinya.

"They are fine....and they are not mad at you. By the way, they said Hi........", Q said as she looked at me. I took her hand and she held tight. I bent down a little and nuzzle my nose against her nose. She fell right into my arms.

Chapter 20

As I sat there and enjoyed the solitude, I closed my eyes and I hear the soothing sound of the waves brushing against the pebbles.  There was a slight breeze that kept brushing strands of my hair right on to my face but I didn't mind at all. I moved the hair out my face, then I got some sand in my mouth and it doesn't bother me.

"Mak Jah told me something which does make sense, right after you left my house. She said I have found the right lady and I should not waste my time any more. She likes you a lot. I belief in her observation. Mak Jah is not only my housekeeper but also my 'guidance counselor'.......", and Imran laughed.

"She said I've changed since I met you. Less nights out partying. She asked me to ask you hand in marriage. But I told her I want Q to accept me for who I am.....and marriage will only happened when Q is ready.". Imran recounted.

I smiled and said, "Wow that was intense. We covered pretty heavy stuff......but I am glad we had this talk. A relief, for me.....".

"What time is it?", I asked Imran. He looked at his watch.

"Almost 5:30 a.m.", He replied.

"Kita tak tidur rupanya....", I said.

"Tak mengantukkan......", he replied and I laughed.

"I like you a lot. You give me space to breathe and no pressure what so ever.....", I told him how I felt about him.

"I learn from my mistakes. I tak mahu pisang berbuah dua kali.You are very important to me, Q and I do not want to lose you.....", he uttered. "Anyway, sunrise tak lama lagi. You wanna go for a surf?" It was an invitation I can't refuse.

"Sure, why not....I'll take up on your challenge......", I said to him with confident.

"Wow,......that's my girl....come on (he pulled me up from the sand) we'll go back to the villa, changed and be back here in 20 minutes.....", and it is his plan.

"Hmmm......I will wake up the girls. You (pointing at at).....supposed to meet Duff. Remember?......", I reminded him.

"Darn it......that's right.....(as we walked fast to the stairs leading to the hotel), I'll meet you at the beach in about half an hour time.....don't start without me...!", and we headed to our separated bedroom.

I went to the girls' room and woke Juan first. She said she wanted to see the sunrise. "Juan, wake up....it's almost sunrise.....", aku mengerak-gerakkan badannya. "Juan bangunla.....", aku mengejutnya lagi.....

"Apa? Sunrise?", Juan terpinga-pinga....

"Last night you said, you wanted to watch the sunrise....so wake up. I'm going surfing with Imran and Duff. Remember Duff? You nak pergi tak?", aku cube menarik perhatian dia dengan kehadiran Duff.

"Okay, okay, okay,.....I'm up. Khai wake up....we're going surfing pagi ni....", Juan mengejutkan Khai.

"I have to go. I have a challenge to win......", I said and left their room in a dash.

"Hoi perempuan......, apa kau cakap ni? Challenge? Challenge apa pulak ni....", Juan uttered.

Credit to chakasmoothjazz and You Tube

Smile, like a happy child

Feelin` safe in your embrace

Shine, sunshine

Kiss you warmly on your face

This is the place where I am free

There is no where else I`d rather be

[Chorus]

Than here in your arms

Hypnotised by your charms

Every touch means so much

Boy, you blow my mind

I love what you do for me

(I love what you do, I love what you do)

What you do for me, baby

Close your eyes

And I`ll creep into your dreams

Through your mind, weave a secret on your soul

All that you dream, I`m dreamin` too

No one else could take the place of you

(I want to be)

[Chorus]

I love what you do for me

Close to you`s where I want to be

Baby, baby, baby, baby (Oh)

[Chorus]

When I arrived, Imran and Duff arrived at about the same time. Duff brought along a few of his friends as well.

I joined Imran and he passed me a surf board. Without hesitation with the surf board in one arm, I did not waste any time and ran towards the ocean. I got on top the surf board and start peddling a head.

"Q, wait.....", I turned and looked at Imran. Then he shouted, "Hope you paddle your ass hard enough to catch the waves." And I gave him a thumbs up.