Puppy Love: Part I ~ Always the SWEETEST (^^)

An array of distant memories came rushing into my mind as I gaze at the ornament resting on my palm. It was a silver necklace with a diamond pendant; the last vestige of a long forgotten relationship. I curled up a smile for the memories that sets in was nonetheless are pleasant ones..


When I was thirteen...


Trying to fit in was a struggle when you are shifting from another school full of secularism into a school that puts emphasize in Islamic practice. Entering the school compound without a veil during day one was enough to make false stories trailing my every action for months.. One of the most notable occasion would be when I was summoned by a naqib to answer about the gossip of me with another guy in my batch.


It was another normal recess, except that I was heading towards the form 4 block instead of the canteen to the meeting I know I would dread forever. In my pace, I tried to heave every ounce of courage from deep within. I was determined to tell the naqib the truth, that everything was untrue and that it was another malicious rumour... I have no idea who he is, how he look like.

I don't care if he is fiery in his looks and harsh in speech, I'll tell the truth with dignity!


When I arrived, there the naqib was leaning against the railing. I could feel a surge of fear starting to cover my body. When he turned around facing me, he was nothing that I've imagined. He was tall, rather dark in complexion and I would definitely categorize him as good looking. His neatly combed hair, nicely ironed uniform and his shiny Walker boots was enough to give the impression that he's a dandy or maybe a strickler for neatness. I greeted him and asked what was it that he want to talk to me about.


Suddenly his glare soften and with a smile he said, "It's okay. You can go for recess.." I was dumbfounded and was left puzzled all day long.


When I was thirteen during a hockey clinic

The atmosphere of the gravel walkway was filled with chattery and laughters; all of us were pretty excited to get our hands on the hockey stick with the hope that there is a hidden talent buried in us waiting to be excavated. The seniors were already on the field when we arrived there. Suddenly I saw a face that made me want to run away and leave the clinic at once. There T was, the naqib who called for me a few days ago. He asked us to form a line and he started to give us a simple briefing about the game.. OOO~ so he's the school captain~

We were then divided into small groups and each of us were given a hockey stick made of fiber glass. All the seniors were assigned to teach a group except for T; he just wander about, randomly observing the groups. I was waiting for my turn to hit the ball when T approach my group. He said something to the senior and suddenly I heard my name being called. I reluctantly head towards T and I swear I saw him smirk.. And what is he up to now???


T: Remember me??
G: For sure~
T: Now try passing the ball to me..


So we did several passes. In all honesty, I was quite delighted to have the attention of the handsome captain but at the same time I feel so awkward with the unexpected cordiality after our first meeting.. At the end of the clinic, I realized that we were already far from the rest of the crowd. The sun had started its descent at that time and I could see its golden rays reflecting off the grass. When it was time for me to join the group T said, "Hey.. maybe we could be friends someday.." All I can give as a respond was a shrug... Weird guy~


When I was thirteen before the long vacation

My emotion was like a whirlpool; a blend of confusion, apprehension and undeniably a pinch of excitement. I was not sure whether I was being a paranoia or being delusional but I thought T was stalking me.. I noticed that he often roam in front of my class since the hockey clinic and I swear I sometimes saw him glancing towards my way at the corner of his eyes as he pass by. Once, I found a short note handwritten by him under my table saying,

I saw you without your hijab last Saturday..

-T-

I failed to grasp the message and also failed to predict his intention. It was a mere statement that left me asking myself "What is it that he's trying to say?? Can't he be frank??? Just write a bunch of tazkirah then I won't be confused"

Two days before vacation, I received a package from T; cylinder in shape and wrapped neatly with a flowery wrapper. All my 7 roommates gathered around me as I open the wrapper. Three of my roommates are from his batch and they were indeed excited, even more excited than I was. When what's inside was finally revealed, the titters and pratllings immediately turned into squaels, some even jumped onto their beds. It was a mineral bottle full with drowned LIZARDS! And this was when I first start to hate lizards very much. I returned the bottle to T in a nicely wrapped box.


A day before vacation, I received another package from T. This time it was square in shape, considerably thick and was wrapped in a pink wrapper. I expected the worse as I unwrap it and my prejudice was obliterated when I found it to be three books and a very cute,nicely woven facetowel. They were accompanied by a handwritten short note

Please don't be mad at me for yesterday's prank.. I just want us to be friends..
I hope you like these.. Enjoy the holiday ;)

-T-

Amused~ "One weird guy~"

To be continued....