There, I got to see people from different races and nationalities, also in various clothes. Some were strong enough that they were out just in their T-shirts and shorts or mini skirts (if they were women). Some were wrapped up in coats, sweaters, or jackets (like Yuki and me. Tony was wearing a long-sleeve shirt and jeans.) Some women were wearing their hijabs. Some walked their dogs. Some had tattoos and piercings.
No bloody catcallers. People minded their own businesses. Nobody came up to me that night to ask why I was alone at night (while my two friends were in the public restrooms). Nobody snickered and made fun of my weight like some strange dudes in Jakarta streets sometimes do, just for the sick fun of it.
Can you blame me for wanting to stay there longer?
The street musicians were also real pros. A Japanese guitar player had his FB page shown on a cardboard while performing. Tony liked the black saxophone player who played George Michael's "Careless Whispers", so he dropped him some cash. The saxophone player also played another popular track, "Woman In Love".
We had dinner at Harry's in Woolloomoolloo. It was the very first time I tried tiger pie. It was very delicious. I also loved the hot dog.
Parting with Tony is always the hardest. When he dropped us back at the train station, I felt that familiar lump in m throat. I hated it. He was still sitting behind the steering wheel, obviously waiting for me to get out while Yuki was already out.
I could only hug his arm, pressing my cheek against his fabric like a sad little girl. I was really sad. I also hated that.
"Say hi to your mom and everybody back home, okay?" His voice sounded heavy as I finally got out. Standing by the pavement, I could see that his hazel eyes were slightly red and misty too, even when he smiled.
He felt the same way too, but was trying to be the tough one. Always.
When I finally nodded, he drove off. I couldn't take it anymore. I looked down and cried. Yuki hugged me.
"Aww, I know,"Â she consoled me. "But you said you were planning to come back here again, right?"Â When I nodded, she went on as we walked down the stairs to the train station, "I could tell it was also hard for him."
