Chapter Twelve

Before we entered the house, Knight warned me that the house was a big smelly mess being occupied by two men and a pride of cats.

I hesitated, ‘Um…I’m allergic to cats.’ I grinned apologetically and shrugged. What? I can’t help it. Knight frowned and told me to wait on the porch. He sat me down and disappeared inside. For the next ten minutes there was a muffled cacophony of thumping, cats meowing, swearing, doors slamming, rustling papers, and smacking cushions. Knight returned to the porch flushed and gleaming with effort.

‘Quick!’ he panted, ‘Get in before the cats come round the front.’ He shepherded me in and secured the door behind us. Sure enough the house did smell like cats. I looked around at the old-fashioned mismatched furnishings. I snuck a peek through a door left slightly ajar and caught sight of a pile of random items that had been unceremoniously thrown in. ‘Yeah, hope you didn’t expect too much. We’re renting off my housemate’s crazy old aunt. The cats came with the house.’ Crazy Aunts and cats: classic. Despite the smell, I liked it. I always found anglo houses interesting. The rose-print crockery, the English-style embroidered doilies. It was so foreign to me.

Knight led me to the kitchen and started scouting for ingredients to cook up a storm. I sat down to watch him work. ‘What do you think you’re doing? You’re helping.’

‘Oh gosh. Are you sure? I’m not exactly ‘domesticated’...’ I sidled into the kitchen space and tenderly took whatever Knight handed to me from the fridge to put on to the counter.

To prove it, I told him a story: ‘There was this one time in high school when I woke up before the family to study-‘

‘To study?’

‘Shut up! I concentrated better in the morning. Anyway, for breakfast I wanted to grill some bread rolls. We had one of those really ooooold gas stove-thingies where you need a clicky-gun. So, I turned the gas on high and clicked and clicked and clicked...and kept on clicking... And then POOF! Flames were jumping out from every crevice of the stove and licking up my pajama top!’ I motioned with my hands and arms to imitate the fire. ‘I had to do this Matrix-style back bend to avoid the flames reaching my face.’ Knight stopped chopping the ginger and stared at me with a slack jaw. ‘I had to run for the fire extinguisher and blast half the kitchen!’ I laughed at the memory.

‘Right…I’ll handle the stove work then.’ I assured him it was a one-off event and I had been successful with other attempts. Like toast. In the toaster.

Knight put together a Western slash Eastern style chicken Tom Yum soup. I tried being of use. He handed me the knife but quickly reclaimed it when I nearly sliced off my finger tips. We sat down with our dishes and a fresh bottle of wine Knight opened. As we ate Knight happily chatted about his childhood camping experiences with his dad. He had such a different upbringing to mine. As I listened, I became aware of some warm pressure at the top of my feet. I briefly glimpsed under the table to see if a cat had snuck back into the house. It was Knight’s feet!

‘You’re really affectionate, hey?’

Knight smiled apologetically, ‘too much?’ feet withdrawing.

‘No no!’ I said quickly, not wanting to discourage him. ‘My family’s just not very touchy. I’ve been trained not to have ‘naughty hands and feet’’.

‘I can think of some naughtier things.’ He winked. I blushed. ‘Want to see my pictures of India? I lost most of them- stupid camera. But, meh’ he shrugged, ‘shit happens.’

I sat down on the couch and made myself comfortable. Knight went one-up and brought out his doona and tucked the both of us in. I was slightly nervous. Were we already at that stage of sharing body heat? It took me a few minutes to properly tune in to Knight’s tales of his soul-searching motorbike trek through India. We were under a blanket! Together!

‘I think India helped me develop my intuition.’ He said as he flicked through the beautiful photos of glimmering temples, coloured flags and gorgeous women in Saris. ‘You have to be smart and cautious but flexible at the same time when travelling in general, but in India you have to turn your instincts up full volume. There was this one night when I met these two English girls-‘

‘Did you score?’

Knight scoffed, ‘I should’ve! But India’s not the place to get laid.’ I appreciated the honesty. ‘Anyway, I walked them back to their backpackers after dinner and left them at the end of the street and kept going my way, but something said turn back. I kept walking but the voice was louder saying turn back. So I turned back and I heard from a distance ‘get away!’ I started running and there were the girls being harassed by a couple of Indian guys.’

‘So you do normally rescue girls!’ Knight tackled my ribs.

‘Anyway, Dad told me before I left that Indians are easily intimidated. You just have you show no fear. So I walked up to them and was like ‘Hey guys! What’s going on?’ I had smiles all round. No one said anything. Then I was like ‘Aren’t you girls meant to be at your hostel?’ and the girls just ran for it.’

‘They must’ve been so scared.’

‘Yeah, they were. These guys were spooky. So then I turned to the Indians and puffed my chest out at them, ‘What’s going on, huh?’ and they amazingly just backed off.’

I blinked a few times to comprehend the intensity of his experience. ‘Knight, that could’ve ended so badly!’

He nodded. ‘But my dad gave me wise words. If he didn’t say that I wouldn’t have known what to do.’ I saw his eyes glaze over in reflection. I loved his stories. He was so much older than me despite our 3 week age gap. I envied his life experience and felt anxious to start collecting stories of my own.

‘You know, it happened again recently.’ He looked at me meaningfully. ‘I heard the voice again. I walked past the chocolate boutique and saw the ‘hiring now’ sign, but I kept walking. I didn’t even need a job but the voice made me go back and apply.’ He nudged me gently with his shoulder, ‘and now I’m here with you.’

‘Another damsel in distress.’ He looked at me. I fell into his eyes. My heart-beat flickered.

Knight leaned in. I leaned back as a reflex. He saw my reaction and looked a little hurt. I didn’t mean to. I guess I was still being cautious. He looked behind him and pulled out something from his back pocket.

‘I got you something.’ It was a Swiss army pocketknife. ‘For our trip.’

‘I-’ I was so surprised! ‘I didn’t get you anything…’ I shook myself out of my stupor and leaned in. Despite my caution, I felt it appropriate to kiss his cheek at the very least. I let my face linger near his and then gave him a peck. He smelt so good. ‘Thank you! I’ve never used one of these before!’

Knight was silent. He seemed to be struggling with something. ‘It’s crazy. When I came to Melbourne I told myself that I wouldn’t fall for anyone-‘ he paused and took a breath. It came out in a rush. He looked like he just needed to say it. I froze. His words slid into my ears and danced around inside me…but I couldn’t move. ‘Our paths have crossed and I think we’re meant to walk the same road for a bit before going our own ways. I’m going to Thailand in a few months, so I won’t be around for long…’ he seemed torn. ‘I really want to be your boyfriend- but you wouldn’t want me as a boyfriend.’ I still couldn’t move. He was coming on strong. Silence blanketed us. Knight took my hands and held them against his lips. My head started to spin.

‘It’s getting late.’ He finally said. I felt…what did feel? I nodded. Knight lifted the doona off of us and we both felt the sudden cold. I wanted to crawl back under with him. Knight walked me to the door.

‘Thanks for the pocket knife.’ I searched for something clever to say. ‘This should assure my dad.’

He laughed, ‘Yeap, he’ll show you exactly how to use it’ he said, tapping his chest. He kissed my forehead, hugged me tight. He was so tall. My face fit snugly into his chest. We reluctantly said our goodbyes.

Chapter Eleven

We collapsed into my car. Simultaneously, we pulled on the recline lever and laid in stunned silence staring at the car ceiling.

‘I’ Knight announced, ‘am exhausted. That was intense.’

‘Holy crap…thank you.’

‘Anytime.’ He said with a dismissive wave.

‘No, seriously. Thank you.’ I felt my eyes water. ‘You just met my parents. And you didn’t just meet them, you challenged them. You barely know me and here you are fighting on my behalf…’ my eyes widened, trying to comprehend the surrealism of it all. How did this even start? As grateful as I was, I was suddenly suspicious. What was the meaning of all this? Why was I instilling so much trust in this stranger? Am I so desperate to be blinded by something- someONE- who could be ANYone?

‘Knight, who the hell do you think you are?’ I slapped my hand over my mouth.

Knight stayed silent for a moment and then turned on his side to face me.

‘I’m sorry.’

‘You know, Deb. I didn’t expect any of this.’ He grinned. ‘When I first suggested this road trip I thought it was going to be as easy as jumping in a car and just driving. Simple.’ He chuckled, obviously at his naivety. ‘That’s what I did when I was in India and Thailand. I just met people along the way and travelled with them.’

‘But once you realized that it was going to be hard, why did you push? Why are you pushing? Why are you going through all this for me? Who am I to you?’

Knight scrunched his face and scratched his beard. ‘Actually…I don’t know.’ I was surprised. He didn’t have an answer. He was leaping through fires and didn’t know why. ‘I guess…I just like you.’ My eyes snapped up and caught his eyes. Soft sincerity oozed out of his beautiful green gaze. I didn’t know what to say.

‘I don’t know,’ he seemed to be lost for words, ‘there’s something about you. When I’m around you I feel so…’ he searched for the right word, ’positive.’ I studied his face.

A low wheeze and grumble came from Knight. ‘Oh my gosh! You haven’t eaten properly!’ Dad kept him talking the whole time. The poor guy didn’t eat! ‘Let’s get out of here.’ He won me over. Who cares? He was making me happy.

Knight nodded rubbing his stomach. ‘I’ve got some stuff at home I need to cook before it goes bad. Lets go back to my place.’

‘First of all, you cook? And secondly, I’m not that kind of girl!’

Knight laughed, 'Deb, I just met your parents. I know you're not that kind of girl.'

Chapter Ten

‘What are your parents’ names again?’ Knight kept fiddling with the buttons of his shirt and straightening out his pants. He had his white and mustard striped ‘brave’ pants on. I smiled at him. He was human after all.

‘My sister is there, too.’

‘Yeah. Thanks. What’s her name again?’ Did his face colour just drop a shade? In a sadistic way, I found it comforting that Knight was so nervous; it made me feel less inadequate for wanting to implode into oblivion.

‘Did you bring your passport? Mum’s asked for 100 points of identification.’ Seriously, she did.

‘Yeap. Got’em.’ And sure enough, Knight pulled out his passport, driver’s license, Medicare card, and the names, phone number and address of his parents. Wow. This was an operation.

I parked the car, pulled the hand brake and killed the engine. I looked over at Knight.

‘Are you sure?’ My hands were still positioned on the hand brake and on the ignition, ready to take off again. Knight drew a breath.

‘It’ll make for a better story if I say yes, wouldn’t it?’ He grinned and got out of the car. I released my grip. This guy had balls.

Knight watched me jumble up my keys, make sure that the car was properly locked, adjust my clothes and hair, scratch off a bug from the windscreen and finally he stepped towards me, took my hand and led me to the restaurant. He laced his fingers through mine and gave it a comforting squeeze. Together we entered the belly of the dragon.

‘So, you do exist.’ My father said once we sat down after formalities. Dad and Knight had gripped each others’ hands in greeting with steely eye contact.

Knight laughed, ‘Of course I do.’ Only because I somehow dreamed you into life. And then it began.

‘Debra tells us that you’re from Queensland, what are you doing in Melbourne?’

‘I came down to help a friend with a business. He’s a fashion designer and is trying to launch his label here.’ Ah yes, the business partner and also his housemate and also his ‘boyfriend’. I smiled inwardly.

‘Then how can you just leave? Don’t you have a responsibility with this friend?’

Knight shrugged. ‘I jumped into it too soon. Turns out we’re not compatible as business partners. We tried and it didn’t work.’ Oh no! Knight immediately saw his mistake. ‘As in, there wasn’t enough discussion and communication about what each of us wanted.’ He glanced over at me. I wanted to reach out for his hand but couldn’t risk it. Oh gosh, what were we doing? Mum signaled for the waitress to stop with her cart of little Chinese dumplings. Soon enough our table was covered with steaming plates and bamboo trays of foods alien to Knight’s palette.

‘Have you ever tried chicken feet before?’ Dad challenged.

‘It’s really good’ I encouraged, seeing his hesitance.

Knight pulled a cheeky grin, ‘Is it going to run right through me?’

I laughed and I took a bite. Knight followed suit.

‘Mmm,’ He licked his lips, ‘Saucy.’ And spat out the phalanges. Why is he so relaxed?

‘Something bothers me,’ my father continued, taking a sip from his tea cup, ‘to walk away from a business shows lack of commitment. Do you know what it takes to build a successful business? The same amount of energy it takes to build a successful relationship.’ I glared at Dad. Dad glared at Knight. Knight glided over the attempted segue.

‘No, I know what it takes. I don’t know if Deb told you, but I owned a café back at home. It was tough!’ Dad forehead crinkled with skepticism.

‘Yes, she did tell me…’ and Dad proceeded to ask Knight left, right and centre about his café; the origins of his idea, his managerial approach, his staff, his product knowledge, his weekly turnover (which Knight avoided and talked about the loyalty of his customers), how much profit he made selling the business (which Knight avoided and talked about the handover).

‘Dad! Stop asking about money! That’s private.’ Dad, amazingly, eased off.

‘I can see where you’re concerned-‘

‘Oh, you don’t know the half of it.’

‘And money’s not an issue. I have enough so that Deb and I can travel safely and comfortably.’

Dad’s nostrils flared, ‘You’re paying for all of it?’ Gee, this is the first I’ve heard of this.

‘Well, not all of it. I’ve offered to pay for fuel and Deb can handle her part of food and accommodation. It’ll be split.’

‘Where do you plan to go exactly?’ Everyone turned to Vivian. It was the first time she’d spoken. Oh right, I haven’t even told Vivian my plans…I’d been spending all my spare time with Knight.

I answered this one, ‘We’re making our way up the East Coast. His parents live near Brisbane.’

‘Cool.’ She bobbed with approval and dipped her prawn dumpling into some chilli sauce. See? Why can’t it be as easy as that?

‘Knight. Do you not see how ridiculous this all is? You two have only just met!’

‘When she told us, we couldn’t believe her! And then she kept talking and talking about it!’ Mum finally spoke up.

‘How many girlfriends have you had?’ Oh my gosh.

‘I’ve only had one serious girlfriend-‘

‘But many non-serious girlfriends?’ Knight’s mouth gaped.

‘Dad!’ He ignored me.

‘Where do you fit into all of this? What are your intentions? Why do you want to take our daughter away?’

The million-dollar question. My whole family, including myself, leaned in with anticipation. Why is he going through this for me?

Knight was taken aback but recovered quickly. He squared his shoulders and cleared his throat.

‘I want to be Deb’s friend. From what she’s told me, she’s inexperienced with travelling. I want to be there to offer her protection.’ My heart melted.

‘What if it’s from YOU she needs protection?’ Knight didn’t even blink.

‘I promise, I’m no danger. Look, Deb’s a beautiful girl. I can see where you’re worried. But she’s also a smart girl and she can judge for herself what kind of person I am. She’s going to be the driver and it’s her car, so it’s going to be her call. If she wants to kick me out at any point, that’s fine. I can find my way home.’ I looked around expecting the whole restaurant to give a standing ovation. Dad was in his signature pose with his hands clasped, elbows on the table. His expression unreadable. He was not backing down.

‘So you want to travel?’

‘I do. I enjoy it.’

‘Then do it on your own. I did it years ago when I backpacked in North America. It’s much more fulfilling. No compromises. No restrictions. More freedom.’ I sat up, my eyes blazed. ‘You need to travel to gain life experience. You’re an energetic young man, you should go. By yourself.’

‘WHAT!’ Some customers looked over. I was trembling in my seat. Tears of anger brimmed. I felt the heat in my face. Why have those words never been directed at ME?

Vivian spoke for me, ‘Dad! Are you serious? You’re encouraging Knight but not Debra?’

‘Knight is not my daughter.’ Dad snapped. I wanted so badly to jump up on the table and stomp on every bowl, plate and squish every dumpling. I wanted to pull down the stupid, overly-ornate chandelier down from the tacky mirrored ceiling and smash it into the lobster aquarium. I wanted to rage through the restaurant like Godzilla through Tokyo. It was so unfair! All these years Dad never even let me entertain the idea of travelling- let alone travelling alone! I dug my nails into my knees. I nearly drew blood. Then I felt a comforting hand over mine. Knight had reached out under the table cloth. His eyes were still on my parents.

‘I don’t want to be the cause of any further dispute. If it makes you feel any better, here are my parents’ details. Feel free to give them a call and have a chat. They’re lovely people.’ They’d have to be if they produced YOU. Knight pulled out the card and offered it across the table with two hands. It lingered. Oh please, just take it. Finally, Mum reached over and took it, assessed it, and slid it into her bag. Her mouth smiled, her eyes didn’t.

Yum Cha was over. As a group we stood up and said our civil goodbyes. Knight and I left quivering, clammy and out of breath. We looked like we just tumbled and squeezed through the intestines of a beast. And survived.

Chapter Nine

I had a great time today. By the way u passed. You looked beautiful ;)

Who does he think he is judging MY sense of dress? I grinned as I selected reply.

:) so did you

I was really starting to like this guy. But I didn’t want to take it too much to heart. I was all too familiar with the pursuit of men. It may still all be an elaborate tactic to get into my pants.

When are you free? I’d love to c u again.

I smiled. I loved how he kept wanting to see me. Gosh, he was fun. Logic said this was crazy. Intuition said it felt too good to deny. There was a new spring in my step.

‘You’re looking much happier now. See? Told you you’d get used to it.’ Whoops. Failed to update Mum on the goings-on. Of course when I first announced my leaving, she didn’t take me seriously. I sat mum down.

Mum listened in silence. When I finished she quietly muttered, ‘Oh…’

It didn’t take long for Mum to report to Dad.

‘Who is this Knight boy?’ Dad had his elbows on the table with his hands clasped in front of his mouth.

I told him as much as I knew. Which wasn’t that much. Which actually got me pretty worried too. Hmm…

‘He’s from Queensland…he’s my age…he owned a café…he’s funny?’ I flinched.

‘Has it occurred to you that he might be a conman?’ Dad tossed the newspaper at me. ‘Have you read the stories that happen to girls like you? He could be a bloody pimp taking you on as a girlfriend to make you fall in love with him and then make you prostitute yourself. He can lure you into the underworld blinding you with love. How can you be so stupid?’ He sneered.

I couldn’t hear any of it. I saw Knight as my way out of this mundane existence I called a life and I found myself refusing to believe that he had an iota of insincerity in him.

But the smart side of me did pipe up in a small voice of reason. I really didn’t know much about him.

…

‘Knight…’ I took a breath. We sat on milk crates with cushions in a café nearby his place. ‘We don’t know each other. My dad pointed out the dangers out there…how am I to know the good guys from the bad?’ I studied his face.

He thought for a bit. ‘You know, I’ve known you only for as long as you’ve known me. That’s like, what, a week and a half? How do I know you’re not…’ he dug for an example, ‘an organ harvester?’ My jaw dropped. ‘I hear you Asians are reaping it on the Black market.’ He folded his arms with a raised eyebrow of suspicion.

I retorted, ‘‘twas you who propositioned me.’

‘True.’ He paused. Something was ticking. He was a loud thinker. He had the type of mind that could be heard from across the room. ‘How about I meet them?’

The light fitting came crashing down on our table. It didn’t. But it should have.

‘My parents?’

‘Nah, my parents. Of course, your parents!’

Who the hell was this guy? Don’t men usually cower and shit their daks at the realization that a girl even HAS parents?

‘I’ve got nothing to hide.’ He said with a casual shrug. ‘I think it’s quite flattering they don’t believe my story. It’s pretty out there, hey?’ The ceiling opened up and a radiant beam of light shone down on Knight, revealing a glowing halo.

I pitched the idea to my parents who received the offer with glowering, prejudiced hatred. So, a meeting was organized. My parents chose a traditional Chinese restaurant of inconvenience for Knight to challenge his determination as well as his cultural flexibility. He had to catch a tram and a train, and then meet me at the local train station to drive him the rest of the way. I was so anxious. So much could go wrong.

Don’t worry. We’re kind of a team now. We’re doing this together =)

He was meeting my parents and he was reassuring me? What?

On the day of the dreaded congregation, I called him about 15 minutes before the time of his due arrival at the station.

The number you have dialed is currently switched off or unavailable…

My heart stopped. Oh no. It can’t be. Shit. He backed out. But he said… ah FUCK! He was all talk and no action! My family was already at the restaurant waiting! What was I going to say? How was I going to face them without him? Excuses started to run through my mind: he fell down the stairs in a rush to get out that morning and broke his leg and is now dragging himself to hospital as we speak; there was an unexpected death and he was called to identify the body; he walked into a wood chipper thinking it was the train to get here… I could feel my stomach turn itself inside out. I tried his number again.

The number you hav-

Damnit! What the hell happened? Shit, shit SHIT. I was too quick to trust him! Everyone was right. FUCK. I feverishly paced around in circles trying to figure out plan B. Maybe as the train pulls up it’ll still be fast enough to do some damage if I threw myself in front of it… Just as I was calculating the leap, my phone vibrated.

‘Hey, I just got out of the tunnels. Shouldn’t be too long now, right?’

A tsunami of relief hit me. Of course! I turned red with embarrassment and smacked my forehead. The train passed through the underground tunnels en route where all phone reception cut off.

‘You scared the bloody crap out of me! I couldn’t get through before! I thought you weren’t coming!’

Knight laughed. His ringing voice calmed me down. ‘No way would I miss this! See you soon.’

My heart returned to its normal rate as my faith in Knight was restored. And then it quickened again. Oh gosh. In less than 10 minutes a metro white boy was going to meet my Asian parents. I broke into a cold sweat. Oh shit.

Chapter Eight

NUTS! I’m late I’m late I’m late! I set out of the house early but I’d never been to this café and didn’t realize how out of the way it was. I had already pulled over 4 times to check the Melway and had only 5 minutes till the agreed meeting time. As I was trying to relocate my bearings, my phone went off.

Sorry sorry! im running late! just got into a taxi I’ll b there soon!

Phew! That bought me time. I flipped the map around again. Damn it! Which way is North and WHY is it relevant to this café?

20 minutes later I finally found the café. Of course, all I had to do was make a U-turn and turn left down one street from where I was. Boy, how was I going to navigate us around Australia? I rushed into the café hoping that the taxi got lost t-

‘Hey Deb.’

Damn!

There he was, sipping at his coffee. Before he said anything I started doing a song and dance about how the roads kept changing and North was nowhere to be found. Knight just waited me out with a grin.

‘Want a coffee?’ I sat down sheepishly and ordered a latte. I looked around the café. It was very cute. It was a simple set up that was attached to a gallery. The furnishings were homely with rounded, polished wood. On the walls were endearing pieces of artwork supplied by children from the local primary school that was in association with the gallery. Knight had chosen to sit out on the verandah that resembled a glasshouse connected to the main dining area. I was very happy with my workmate’s recommendation.

Knight looked good. He looked relaxed and stylish with his button-up shirt, skinny tie and pullover jumper. I glanced down at what I was wearing. I changed about 3 times before I opted for an all black outfit of skinny jeans and an off-shoulder slouch long-sleeve top. I normally didn’t care what I wore. As long as I was comfortable, I was right to go. But I somewhat felt like I had to impress Knight.

We ordered our food from a yummy sounding menu and started chatting. It was a blur of words and laughter. Story swapping, jokes, opinions…it was like we’d known each other for years. It was comfortable but invigorating at the same time.

‘So, does your boyfriend know that you’re here with me?’

I raised an eyebrow, ‘Yeah, and he’s cool with me travelling with you. Alone. Just the two of us.’

‘Wow, what an understanding guy.’

I rolled my eyes. ‘We broke up remember? Not that we were together in the first place…’ my voice trailed off. What a stupid grey-area relationship that was. ‘How about you? What’s your status?’

‘See…I’m not gay…but I have a boyfriend.’ There was a pause of stunned silence.

‘What??’

‘My housemate is gay and thinks I’m his boyfriend. It’s great! If he was a chick- I’d marry him. He does my washing, cooks for me, tidies after me…and he’s a great alarm clock. He comes into my room in the morning, sneaks into my bed and I jump straight out ready for the day!’

I snorted, unable to breathe from laughter.

‘Hey, how old are you?’ He studied my face.

‘Have a guess.’ I loved playing the age-guessing game. People always got it wrong.

Knight hummed in thought, looking deeper into my face. I started feeling self-conscious and took another sip of my latte, blushing.

‘Seventeen.’ He concluded. WHAT!?

‘I drove here!’

‘Fine.’ Knight looked sheepish. ‘Eighteen, then.’

‘Do I look that young?’

‘Can you just tell me!’

‘Dude, I finished my four-year bachelor course last year.’ Knight looked blank. ‘I’m 22.’

‘Oh!’ he cried, nearly with a relief, ‘me too!’

I didn’t believe him. ‘What! No way!’ The wrinkles around his eyes did not say 22.

‘Here, I’ll show you my license.’ Sure enough, he was.

And also to my amazement, ‘Wow, you’re only 3 weeks older than me. You’re a Pisces too!’ That sure explained our immediate compatibility.

He chuckled, ‘Fish swim together, hey.’ He laid back in his chair smiling like he knew something I didn’t.

Our meals came out. I took a bite. My taste buds threw a party and everyone was invited. Holy crap! The pumpkin risotto was amazing! My workmate said that the chef here was recognized as one of the top chefs in Melbourne (a detail the price reflected). Knight was also enjoying his meal, nodding with approval.

‘What do you want to get out of this trip?’

I paused, my cheek full of pumpkin. I wasn’t sure how to answer him.

‘I just want to go. I want to wing it. I come across as well-travelled when I list all the places I’ve been; New Zealand, USA, Canada, France, London, Hong Kong, Vietnam, China, and places in Australia. But I don’t feel experienced. Each place was pre-planned by someone else and was for no more than 2 weeks at a time. I’ve always had an itinerary, always had the next place to go planned. I never really stopped to smell the roses. It was like I rolled across the world in a glass sphere. Does that make sense?’

‘Absolutely. But what do you want to get out of this trip?’ Knight repeated.

I thought more carefully. This risotto was so good. ‘A sense of freedom, I guess. I’m sick of being told what to do; tired of restrictions and fed up with asking for permission.’

Knight nodded. ‘Freedom. We’re lucky we have it, but sometimes we have to be taught how to use it, hey?’

The truth of his statement rang through me. Gosh. All these years I’ve always perceived myself as ‘free’…

I squinted at him, ‘How did you learn to be so free?’

‘My parents are hippies.’ I raised an eyebrow.

‘Yeah, I’m not a hippy. I’m too stylish for that.’ He touched his skinny tie. ‘Nah, seriously, they are. But because of that I think it pushed me the other way. I wanted more and MORE. It took a lot for me to figure shit out. Still figuring it out, actually. The book Affluenza, started it all. It changed my life. Before then I was trapped running the cafe-‘

‘Is that what you meant by ‘wasted a lot of life’ in your message?’ I interrupted.

He nodded. ‘Yeah. I was never satisfied. I kept thinking once I turn over x dollars per week I’ll be happy. And every week when I did make the turn over, I still didn’t feel happy. So I turned to other things. I won’t be happy until my girlfriend looks like a model- so I took her shopping, bought her a new wardrobe and paid for a hair stylist. She looked great. I won’t be happy until I have a 52 inch plasma TV- so I bought one. I won’t be happy till I get a new car- so I got one. By the end of it I had all this stuff but didn’t feel happy. There was a void. I started asking myself ‘where does it stop?’ Affluenza answered that for me. It’s about the insatiable desire for material things; to possess the things that society associates with our perception of success. That’s exactly how I was. I was a slave to money. The book made me realize that it didn’t matter how much I achieved, I’d never feel whole if I didn’t take a long hard look at myself and at life, and fill in the void via spiritual means. That’s where India came in. I sold my café, made a tidy profit, and shipped myself off to India for 2 months. There I learnt to appreciate what I have NOW, to be present HERE. When you’re present, everything is at your mercy.’ He finished with a wink.

While he was talking, I couldn’t take my eyes off his face. His features were becoming sharper and more attractive. I was noticing the little details that made him unique; his thick brown lashes, his plush bottom lip with a subtle cleft down the middle...I started feeling strange.

I giggled, ‘You hippy.’ What more was behind those green eyes?

I excused myself to go to the bathroom. When I came back, Knight was standing up with his bag slung over his shoulder ready to leave through the back entrance of the café. I guess lunch is over. I grabbed my bag and took out my wallet to pay for my half of lunch.

‘Nah, Deb. The food was crap. Let’s just go.’ He started walking. I was aghast. Was he serious? Pull a runner? No way! Oh my gosh and I was going to travel with him? Maybe I was wrong about him…I bulged my eyes at him and turned to the register with my money out. The guy behind the counter grinned shaking his head.

It dawned. ‘He’s paid already, hasn’t he?’ I jumped around and broke out into a run at Knight. I collided into his arm. ‘You’re cheeky!’ I yelled.

‘You’re so gullible! Your face was priceless!’

‘Well, I don’t know what you’re capable of!’ I made a move to push him again but he reached out and pulled me into a squeeze.

‘I’m really excited about this trip.’ And squeezed again.

Chapter Seven

When I woke up, I was still smiling. I took out my phone and ran through my inbox to re-read our whole conversation. So cool! I swung my legs over the bed and bounced out of bed. My foot got caught on the leg of my jeans that had wrapped itself around my desk chair. I fell face first on to my receipt-littered desktop sending a loud BANG against the wall my sister and I shared.

‘OI!’ Vivian threw something against the wall in retaliation.

I looked around my room. Shiza, time to clean up. I opened up the window for some breeze to chase out the sleepiness of the room. I made my bed, sorted out the clothes from dirty to decent to clean. The dustbin had already been emptied and washed out. With each improvement to my room, I felt lighter. It felt good.

On the way to work (I hadn’t yet resigned. I still needed the money) I laid back, let my eyes glaze over and entered my LaLa Land. As I explored its dreamy terrain of memories, hopes, and imagination, I unexpectedly stumbled across my Ex. LaLa Deb scratched her head in confusion. What are you doing here? She asked. This was my head space of fantasy, serenity and forgivable quirks. Everything he stood against. LaLa Deb beat him away with a rolled up newspaper. He was a big part of my life for three and a half years. I was probably just being nostalgic. I resumed my mental exploration, but at every corner, he would bloody pop up again. The train finally pulled up to Melbourne Central and I exited the station. And there he was. The Ex in the flesh. Did my sixth sense just forewarn me? I stared at the back of his head for a moment. Should I? Shouldn’t I? I could have easily not. He hadn’t seen me and there were heaps of people around, so disappearing wouldn’t be a problem. But my curiosity got the better of me. I took a deep breath and approached him. I touched his elbow and meekly called his name. He turned, and then looked away quickly. There was recognition in his eyes, but no desire to acknowledge me. He shrugged his bulging backpack higher on to his back and popped his gum. He must be on his way to Uni. He looked exactly the same. He had the same style, same clothes, same hair. It was like time stood still for him.

I smiled unsurely, ‘How are you?’

‘Yeah. Okay.’ He curtly replied, looking away. Pop.

‘How’s school?’

He closed his eyes and exhaled with impatience. ‘Yeah. Okay.’

‘Are-‘

‘Aren’t you meant to be teaching now?’ he interrupted.

‘I… I’m meant to be having fun’ I mumbled softly. I don’t think he heard me but he didn’t care enough to ask again. An outsider would not have picked that we were once upon a time crazy in love. His tram came and he boarded it. He regarded me over the shoulder with a raised hand of farewell. No wave. I broke his heart and he resented me for it. Fair enough. Our relationship was broken off clean and we had nothing to do with each other since- a whole year and four months ago. ‘Stop calling me. If you call again, I will ignore you’ were my parting words. I didn’t believe in being ‘friends with the ex’. I was quite resentful by the end of that relationship. He held me stagnant throughout my Uni years; kept me from making any new friends or doing anything I wanted. I sighed. I think with relief.

When I got to work, I was deflated to see that Knight wasn’t rostered on. I shrugged. It didn’t matter. It was going to be a good day. I went through the motions of the day with ease. Conversations with customers flowed. The quiet lulls were filled with rearranging chocolates whilst having happy chats with workmates. It was nearly the end of my shift when I noticed a pair of pants stride into the shop. White with mustard pinstripes. I wasn’t one for fashion but those were definitely statement pants. The pants glided right up to me. It was Knight!

‘Hey! Are you in for the late shift?’

‘Nah, just dropped by for a hot chocolate.’

I followed him with a glass of water to a table. I couldn’t help but notice how flattering those pants were…from behind. ‘You sure you want a hot chocolate? Might spill on your uh…interesting pants.’

‘Interesting? Interesting: good or bad?’

‘Interesting: brave.’ Knight laughed as he pulled out a thick hard-cover book from his vintage leather backpack. It was an autobiography of Richard Branson. I was impressed.

‘How long till you’re off work?’ Knight asked.

‘About 15 minutes’

‘You want to join me when you clock off then?’ My eyebrow twitched and my heart bounced.

‘Sure. Join you in a bit.’ Smooth. I turned and stepped right into a dollop of chocolate mousse, let out an alarmed squeak and fell into an awkward split. My left leg anchored to the floor behind me, my right leg flew straight out in front and my hand shot above my head holding the tray. Stifled giggles surrounded me with the exception of a booming laugh. Real smooth. Red in the face, I hopped off to the bathroom on my non-moussed foot. When I came back with a towel to clean up the rest it had already been done. Gee, thanks guys, could’ve cleaned it up BEFORE. I glanced over at Knight. He was already looking at me and tapped his watch. My shift was over!

After a quick change out of uniform and a refreshing splash of water, I slipped into the seat across from Knight.

‘So, have you had a good think about it?’

‘Yeap. I’m positive. I want to get out of here by the end of next month- September.’

‘Sounds good. Why a month?’

‘Get things organized…give my parents a chance to realize how serious I am… and get to know you better. I don’t want to travel with a complete stranger!’

‘You’re right. You free tomorrow? We’ll start planning then. You pick a place to meet and I’ll be there. How exciting.’ He got up to leave. He explained he had a dinner date with his housemate.

‘Just so you know, the pressure’s on; clothes are important to me so I’ll be checking out your sense of dress.’ He gave me a cheeky grin.

‘Dude, I’m waiting for the day we all wear silver jumpsuits.’

Knight threw his head back in laughter. ‘That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard. Seeya tomorrow!’

I was left at the table alone with a slack jaw. Let’s see, today I bumped into the Ex. He was someone who represented my old way of life and hindered me from everything I wanted to do. Later, a newly made friend comes in and pushes me forward into… fun? I guess? I scratched my eyebrow. Was this a classic case of out with old and in with the new? It just seemed too…literal! I smiled and shook my head. As unreal as it all was, it was happening. Why question a good thing? Now, where’s a good place for a first ‘date’?