The Storyteller - Lost in Translation: Chapter 21

Part 1.

That afternoon we said our goodbyes to our parents. It was sad that I did not get to spend more time with Mama. But I will see her soon when I return KL in 2 weeks time. Hans asked his mom if he could get her anything in Italy. She replied, “Thanks Hans, don't worry, I am sure London is more than enough for me to shop. You better get going and make me more grandchildren….”. We all laughed…..hah! pressure is on me.

“Mom, cool it. We’ve just been married for one day and there’s plenty of time for that.” Hans said.

“I know, but you are not getting any younger. I am sure Tika would like to a have a minnie Hans running around the house……isn’t that right Tika?” Mom smiled. I returned her smile in full embarrassment. "A minnie Hans?"

Well, seriously I am not so sure if I am ready yet. The kidnapping, sexual abuse and miscarriage…. still haunts me once in a while. Even nak make love dengan suami sendiri pun aku masih teragak-agak.......I need time to heal.

We left the hotel and headed to the airport. After checking in, we walked around Heinemann duty free shops and shopped for chocolates and perfumes. Hans stopped at the Hard Rock Shop and bought a few pieces of T-shirts for his friends. We stopped at Flocafé in the departures hall of Terminal 2b for coffee and sandwiches. Then we headed to the waiting area until boarding time.

The 1 hour 40 mins flight to Rome felt like 5 hours when you are tired. Upon arrival at the Leonardo da Vinci Airport we waited for our luggage and then chartered a taxi to take us to our hotel. The traffic was heavy but I am happy to be in Rome with Hans. Aku perasan Hans sekali sekala memandang aku untuk melihat reaksiku yang agak teruja berada di kota Rom. He said our hotel is in the heart of Rome and walking distance to most tourist attraction. Aku hanya menganggukkan kepala.

“Is there a specific city in Italy you would like to visit? We can plan an itinerary when we get to the hotel.” Tanya Hans.

“Actually there is….but what do you have in mind…I mean what are the places you intend to take me? Aku bertanya Hans pulak.

“Well there’s Milan if you wanna do lots of shopping. Then we have the romantic gondola ride in Venice, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Vatican City….the list goes on and on….” He replied.

“Hmmm….I don't wanna rush and visit so many places in a short period. I nak pick a few places and enjoy my stay thoroughly. Learn about their food, culture and history. But….” Aku belum habis bercakap apabila kami sampai ke hotel.

“Let’s continue inside okay Babe?” Hans berkata. Aku setuju.

Wow….this is a beautiful place. Campo Marzio Luxury Suite is located in Rome’s central Campo Marzio district. The hotel is set in an early 20^th century Roman building have modern luxurious furnishings and décor. This hotel is only 3 minute walk away from Via dei Condotti, a luxury shopping street and 6 minute walk from the Spanish steps and Spagna Metro Station.

After registration we were led to our room. I was informed that there are only 5 rooms in this hotel suite. As the door opened I was so eager to get in but Hans pulled me back. As Hans tipped the porter he turned and said to me, “Kita baca Bismillah dulu…” and I smilled.

The porter did everything. He hung my clothes, my shoes are all there,….arranged according to ……color code?......toiletries all placed on the dressing table……I can get used to this kind of life I said to myself. LCD TV and has a living area with design bath and modern fireplace.

“Hans, this is fantastic! I love this place. I love Rome…..(I ran towards him and hugged him) and I……love…….you, Hans”

“Woooow…..(dia menyambut aku) …..I love you too, Tika…..” he replied. What comes next is natural. Our lips met and for the first time, I love being kissed. I allow Hans do all the work since he is more experienced in this department while I follow through his rythem. I gasped for air……..another kiss and Hans let me down slowly……..”Urgh…!!! geramnya I dekat you….(he landed one kiss on each on my cheek),….kalau ikutkan hati I, picit-picit hidung you tu….” Aku cuba mengelak…..

Aku duduk di sofa and meletakkan jaket aku disebelah. Hans sat and pull me closer to him. “Okay we did not finish our conversation just now. Where were we?”

“Okay….apart from Rome, I wanna go to Positano and Almafi Coast. It’s to the south of Rome, about 4 hours drive.” Aku bercerita.

“Itu saja?” Hans bertanya.

“Yes,……for now. Sebab I rasa it will be expensive flying all around Italy and wasting too much time if travel on the road. Time kita pun bukan lama. So might as well we pick two to three places and concentrate on that. Let’s become a traveler not a tourist…..” I explained.

“I totally agree with you. I like your style……who knows kalau ada rezeki next time kita explore other cities.” Hans is in agreement.

“Thank you…..I mean, kalau you nak shopping for designers goods, apa yang you tak dapat kat Rome ni?”aku menambah dan merasa puas with my explanations.

Part 2.

That evening we took a cab from the hotel to Himalaya‘s Kashmir Restaurant. It’s a Pakistani restaurant which is halal. It is a bit difficult to get a good halal restaurant here but we have to make do with what is available. Sesekali makan chicken biryani memang sedap.

After dinner we stopped by the Spanish Step at Piazza di Spagna just to walk around. We were surprised to see so many tourists still hanging around taking pictures and just sitting on the steps eating gelatos. We ended the evening walking back to our hotel which was only 6 minutes! It was nice spending time alone with Hans, listening to his jokes.

When we arrived at the hotel Hans went straight to the computer to read some of his e-mails. How can I stopped someone who is workaholic.He mentioned that Bapak Yoka will be coming to KL soon to see the land in Port Dickson. No confirmed dates and he will let us know. He also congratulated us on our wedding. Hans sounded excited because it is his first personal project that he will be building his own house there. As for myself,…I left him with his e-mails, sat on the bed and watch the TV.

About 10 minutes later, Hans walked into the bedroom and lay next to me. He put his arm on my lap and the other arm supporting his head. “What are you watching?” he asked.

“Ha..ha..ha… I do not have the slightest idea…..macam daytime soap opera I think….” Aku menjawab dan tergelak. Hans juga tergelak.

“Anything I can do for you?” aku bertanya dan memandang Hans. Tanganku mengusap-usap rambutnya dengan penuh kasih sayang.

“No. I just don’t want to be left alone……” Hans tersenyum and menarik tengkok aku lalu mencium bibirku.

Aku senyum dan berkata, “Well, you are here with me now, kan…” Aku melurutkan badan dan berhadapan dengan Hans. Tangannya sekarang berada di pinggangku.

“Yes, I am.” Hans hands moving slowly upwards and stopped when it reached my neck. He brought my face towards him and planted a kiss on my lips. I felt so aroused by his tenderness and I don’t want it to stop. Just as he lifts his mouth, “Don’t stop Hans….” I said and I could barely lift my eyes.

“Tonight I wanna make love to you, babe…..a little of this…..(he’s breathing on my neck), a little bit of this………(he’s kissing softly on my neck)……” and I interrupted him.....

“Then teach me……” I kissed Hans hard on his lips. At that point his hand was all over my body. He was gentle but obviously in charged. He made sure I enjoyed every moment of our love making. I lost track of time. We sway and glide in the darkness of the room and we both reached ecstasy at the same time. Then I just curled up in Hans arms.

“That’s how love making is. Are you taking notes?” Hans laughed next to my ear.

“You boleh ketawa lagi….and here I am still catching my breathe……” aku menjawab sambil menarik nafas panjang. Terasa tekak aku kering.

“Do you want to continue or stop for tonight?” Tanya Hans.

“You mean ada sambungannya…..? You have to teach me all the moves, man. I want my graduation certificate……tonight!” aku memerli Hans. Hans menggeletek pinggangku.

“Wah…..dah pandai ya…….” Hans menjawab. I turned around and looked at him, “Well what can I say,……I have a good teacher……” I kissed him on his mouth and working downwards on his neck…..he did not resist. He trusted me to do all the work……………….