~~~~~
Bandri and Ayu’s house was close to the beach. From the porch Melati and Ayu had seen the two boats arriving. They had watched as Praba met the boats, and they had heard Bandri shouting:
“Quick get them into a house – and Agung into a house!”
Ayu had beckoned them to come to her. The two strangers had run up the beach onto the porch next to Melati and then had immediately been shown straight into the house. So these were the girls! That was it, there had been no introductions.
Melati looked up at the panting animated Agung in the porch as he took off his hat, showing his short hair. She had dreaded seeing him with the two girls she had heard about, and now she was scared by the sudden events unfolding in front of her. She listened as Agung explained to Ayu about some men who were coming, and then he told them to go in the house while he stayed hidden on the porch outside.
Melati stood still on the porch, trembling and frightened. She felt Ayu’s generous whispered hug:
“Don’t worry.. I think you’ll like them.”
Melati looked up seeing such calm reassurance in those dark brown, knowing eyes. Then, Ayu closed her eyelids and gently pushed her forehead against her own for a moment. The gesture seemed to share her anxiety, saying more than words ever could. Only then did she feel strong enough to go inside and meet the new girls.
The Tropical Sun - Belief, Love and Hate Page 25
