"I'll be in KL this week to hangout with N. Maybe you can join us if you're free," the text message flashed.

The day did not go quite as planned. I was flustered from surviving a dreary class, chasing down people, and walking in the sweltering heat. Wearing heels - wedged though they be - did not seem as great an idea as it was that morning. Hence when the cute young man came into view, it was difficult to determine whether the quickening of my heart was from the marathon or him.

It did my heart no better to discover that the hangout consisted of he... and I.

Okay. Don't freak, Charmain.

Two nervous people do not good navigators make. After what seemed like hours in the sun, we decided on a familiar eatery - the one with air-conditioning.

For someone who loves food, I had trouble finishing mine. Obliviousness describes my state, for I had no inkling that my last spoonful was so crucial a piece to the game. When I finally pushed my plate away, the young man spoke up.

"Actually, the reason I came is to see you."

Dear readers, I beg your leave for the lack of details hereon, for in all honesty, I cannot remember all. What did retain in memory, I shall refrain from revealing, for some things are better left in mystery. Suffice it to say that every word he pronounced only added to my sense of the surreal. When he finished his speech, I was still drowned in wonderment at what just transpired. 

"Do you have anything to say?"

Maybe it was a second, maybe it was longer. My empty plate appeared to have developed new designs in the last few minutes. As my finger traced the edge of the table, the words tumbled out, "I told myself on the way here, that if you do talk to me today, the first thing I'm gonna say is - or rather, the first question I'm gonna ask is..."

I looked at him pointedly, and couldn't resist a grin.

"What took you so long?"

_________________________________________________________________________________


And that's how it came about, our friendship that blossomed into something more.

I add as postscript that my dear father was graced with a most enlightening conversation soon after. It means a lot to me that the cute young man so eagerly and valiantly acknowledges the important role my parents have in my life.

I thought a lot about whether I should write about our story. It may seem a bit premature in telling it now. But the unexpectedness of our relationship is cause for a longer commentary. Also, I long for you to know, my friends, that this man is a person I have treasured dearly.

Writing this has helped me, for it serves as a reminder of how much God had been involved in yesterday. It also serves as an encouragement for today and tomorrow, to continue to put Him first in this unfolding story. Because He was the Author of this beginning.

And if this is the beginning, I wonder what God has in store ahead.

Oh, and if you're wondering...  We can talk now. A lot. =)