chapter 2

When I first saw her again it was like I was transported through time. She wears an ivory white Baju Kurung dotted with little buds of white roses. Her head bent over the white porcelain vase on the bedside table, arranging pink carnation, her face curious. She was biting her lips – stilling laugh over something Arianna said. She was still smiling when her gaze drifted towards me standing transfixed at the bedroom door. Her smile froze. The world stood still. She looked at me as if seeing ghost. Her full lips tremble. Slowly, as if in trance, she stole a glance at Arianna on the bed. And then understanding downed. Her beautiful eyes temporarily lost its sparkle. But it was almost instantly replaced by blind determination.
Arianna beckoned me in to introduce her.
“This is Maya Riana”. She said.
I stood in front of Maya for a full five seconds before finding my voice.
“Hi”
That was all I could manage. And then I stood there gawking at her like goldfish in a bowl. Without thinking I inch closer, trying to cup her face with my hands. But she step back. She looks at me and shook her head a fraction. Her pale face inches from mine, terror prominent in her eyes. That makes me stop in my track.
“She still remembers”
I thought, and pain tore at my heart like a knife. God, I would like nothing more than to take her into my arms again and undo the hurt I caused her. Maya still hasn’t said a word. She wouldn’t look at me, but I know there was raw pain in her eyes.
“Erm.” I clear my dry throat, remembering that Arianna was also there in the room.
“Nice meeting you”
I extend my hand to Maya. She glances at Arianna before accepting my hand. Her small hand tremble in mine, it felt cold and limp. She manages a weak smile. I try to catch her eyes. But she just looked past me. I feel a small pang in my heart.
“I better get going. I am getting late” Maya excused herself. Her voice sounds weak. She got up to leave and kiss Arianna on both cheeks. Arianna said nothing. She was curiously silent. I touch her temple for body temperature. Her fever was gone but she still looks deathly pale. I frowned at her. She squeezes my hands.
“I am much better today” she manages.
“Can you please show Maya to the door?” She said looking up at me. I nodded absentmindedly. My head was still spinning. This was so unexpected. What should I say to Maya? I followed her out the door. She walks silently, her measured steps rigid and tense. She was still ignoring me.
“Please..Please.. look at me’ I will silently. As if hearing my silent plea, Maya turn around to face me. I stop in my tracks. She had her arms across her chest. A protective gesture- she once told me that. I remember back then in collage when she was doing a research on body language.
“Sit straight” she would insist. “It makes you seem interested.” “Keep eye contact, it shows that you are sincere.” The list goes on and on. I remember she would smile brightly; her big beautiful eyes narrow with expectation. And I would sit a little straighter, trying hard to catch her eyes just to see her smile widen, her eyes shining with pleasure.
The memory makes me smile. She caught that smile but say nothing. Color return to her face, red gleam in her eyes. She seems angry now. Subconsciously she gripped at her sides, hugging herself tightly for strength.
We were getting off to a wrong start. I thought desperately. I clear my throat, trying to muster the calm I didn’t feel.
“I came back for you. But nobody knew where you went”. I croaked.