Of Palettes and Surfboards - Part 2
A/N: I decided to change Yuri's elderly neighbour's name from "Awan" to "Made" after an Anon commented that "Awan" means "cloud", and that it's not a name. I checked with jiya_chan who told me it IS a legit name but maybe not common in Bali. She then very kindly gave me a list of Balinese names I can use. Jiya, terima kasih.
From her vantage point, Jessica gazed, entranced, at the sight before her. The setting sun, in all its splendour, was a shimmery, fiery orange splashed across the cloudless sky, casting the temple of Tanah Lot into a shadowy silhouette. The tide had come in with a vengeance; the waves swirling around, and beating furiously against the huge rock on which the temple resides.
This was only one of the many sights she had come thousands of miles to witness, and to put down on canvas - the famed sunset of Bali's Tanah Lot. For the past few days, she had trudged up to that very spot on a hilltop overlooking the Hindu temple, patiently waiting for the perfect moment, and that day, she finally managed to capture it all down with her paint brush.
Reluctantly tearing her eyes away from the spectacular view of the sunset, the artist focused her attention on her painting, deftly putting a few finishing dabs to it. While waiting for her painting to dry, she squatted on a flat rock, hugging her knees, gazing into the distance at the rapidly darkening sky; the fierce orange that had moments earlier adorned it, was being replaced with a purplish hue, as the sun sank lower into the horizon. Twilight had set in, and very soon, dusk.
Six weeks. She had been in Bali for exactly six weeks; painting and adding to her art portfolio, experiencing new things, visiting new places, getting acquainted with the friendly locals, and forging new friendships.
New friendships, and in an instant, Kwon Yuri came to mind, thoughts of her host flooding her mind like a tidal wave.
Jessica Jung couldn't for the life of her fathom what it was about the girl that had so intrigued her, for her to be perched there on that rock, of all things, wondering about her.
Was it the way she swaggered into the house each day after her early morning swim, or surf - or both - clad in her usual bikini top and low slung board shorts, her body wet and dripping, barefooted, leaving a trail of damp, sandy footprints on the hardwood floor? It was almost laughable but it had sort of become a daily ritual, waking up early just to catch sight of her swimmer/surfer extraordinaire host doing what seemed to be only second nature to her. Jessica, who was no exercise nazi herself, never once thought that watching someone else exert themselves, in this case, swimming and surfing, could be so...so...fascinating...for want of a better word. And then, watching that wet, tanned body strutting into the house after that was just so...so...rewarding. For someone who seldom got out of bed before noon, Jessica Jung had no regrets sacrificing that bit of sleep for some eye candy.
Or was it that look of concentration, rivulets of perspiration that had originated from her temples, slowly trickling down her throat, and finally disappearing between her cleavage, as she stood bent over her surfboards in the tropical noonday heat, painstakingly waxing them to tip-top condition? Suddenly, sweat had a whole new meaning, and Jessica Jung had actually been thinking of pheromones.
Perhaps it could also be the good-natured manner in which she nattered with her neighbours, gesturing animatedly with her hands, in her less-than-perfect Indonesian, Jessica thought with a laugh.
And then, there was the indelible memory of that reflection in the bathroom mirror.
Her artist's inspiration hitting her like a sledgehammer, Jessica rummaged in her bag, dug out her sketchbook, and began sketching from memory, what she had seen her first night in Bali. She couldn't see it herself, and nobody was around to tell her, but a bright tinge of pink had spread all over her face, crept down her neck, towards her chest. She couldn't see it, but she sure as hell felt the heat - she was blushing. Hard.
***
It was mid-October and the wet season had arrived. It had been pouring the entire day.
Kwon Yuri, who ran a surf centre at a resort a stone's throw away, had decided not to go in to work, with full knowledge that no one in their right minds would want to go surfing when it was raining cats and dogs.
Out on the verandah, bent over a surfboard fixing some dings and cracks, she paused for a breather, staring at the overcast sky, grey clouds hanging low, thinking how the rain had caused her a considerable loss in revenue. For someone who had lived in the lap of luxury back home, she had decidedly become, by her own standards, a pauper in Bali. During the low season, the surf centre was operating at a loss. Nyoman, her partner, and Pak Made's youngest, had had to moonlight as a waiter at times to make ends meet. Fortunately for Yuri, she had somehow managed to stay afloat with a small monthly allowance she received from her late grandmother's estate.
She turned her attention to the other entity on the verandah - her guest-cum-companion for the past two months, the artist. Sooyoung was right when she said that she needed female company, and what company this one turned out to be. Beautiful. Quiet. And undeniably desirable.
Jessica Jung was standing before her easel, quietly working on her painting, oblivious to the fact that a pair of dark eyes was boring into her back.
What in hell can she possibly find to paint about everyday? Does she eat, breathe, and live art?
Yoohoo...lookie over here, Artist Babe.
The most awesome person this side of Legian wants some of your sweetass attention, yo.
Fine. You're ignoring me.
It's okay. I can take it.
It's not the end of the world, but it's raining and I'm bored.
Not amused by her soliloquy, she decided to make her presence known to the artist.
She cleared her throat. "Uhm, what are you painting?"
Jessica spun around to look at her host who was standing some distance behind her.
"Come closer and take a look?" She smiled, putting down her palette, and gesturing with her hand for the other girl to come closer.
Yuri, who had been slogging over that surfboard for the last hour or two, was in dire need of a shower - damn this muggy weather. She took a few steps forward then stopped.
"Closer. "
"I need to go shower. "
"Your shower can wait."
And Most Awesome Person This Side of Legian sheepishly allowed herself to be led by her hand till she was standing within centimeters of Artist Babe, their shoulders almost touching.
"Like it?"
It was an exact replica of the rainy-day scene of the beach and sea as seen from their verandah.
"Wow." Being awesome didn't necessarily equate to being knowledgeable about art. As such, offering constructive criticism was beyond her. " Mm...very nice."
Standing so close to the artist, Yuri caught a whiff of the shorter girl's freshly-washed hair - God, what's that insanely glorious scent? Peaches? - and she was terribly conscious of the fact that she was sweaty, sticky, and probably did not exactly smell wonderful. Also, she realised that Jessica Jung was still holding on to her hand. It was a nice, warm, tingly feeling that sent unimaginable messages to her brain at an alarming rate. It made her want to do unmentionable things to the artist. Like ravage her, maybe.
***
The rain had not let up. Yuri had promised the artist that she would drive her to Ubud to pick up some art supplies and they had gone ahead as planned.
However, on their way back to Legian, there had been a minor landslide and the mountain road had become inaccessible to traffic. Clearing the road of mud and debris in the pouring rain would take forever, and as it was getting late, with no signs of the road being open to traffic again at any time soon, the pair decided to turn back to Ubud to spend the night at a losmen.
***
Kwon Yuri was suffering from insomnia, but only due to current circumstances -
1. She was in a strange bed.
2. She was fully-clothed when she was used to sleeping in the buff.
3. There was someone lying next to her.
4. That someone lying next to her had stripped down to bra and knickers.
5. That familiar scent of peaches was a major turn on.
6. She was having all these unexplained urges of a sexual nature.
She couldn't even remember when she last had sex. She only knew that it had been too long, and then there was this beautiful creature lying next to her, smelling of peaches, clad only in her undies, turning her on immensely, and who she couldn't very well ask, "Hey, wanna have sex?" That would've been so ...whatever. Besides, she wasn't sure if Jessica Jung even liked girls.
Her thoughts were rudely interrupted by an arm carelessly flung against her chest. She let out a silent moan of pain. That was the last straw. She sat up in a huff, the motion of which caused the person next to her to stir.
"Are you still up?" Jessica asked, sitting up, rubbing her eyes.
"Did I wake you? Sorry."
"Look, if it would make you more comfy sleeping naked, just do it already. I really don't mind," Jessica said softly, giving her a knowing smile which she couldn't see anyway since the lights were off, and the room was dark.
How did she...Choi Sooyoung, you traitor... we're SO not friends anymore!
She didn't know why she did it, and it really was against her better judgment, but the very next moment, her lips were on Jessica's and she was kissing her rather savagely, desperately pushing her tongue against lips that refused to budge. Then, she felt a pair of hands on her chest, pushing her away.
"What the fuck are you doing?" It didn't sound angry. It didn't even sound like a question.
Silence. She had never felt so ashamed. Did she just force herself on this poor, unsuspecting girl?
"Sorry." She finally found her voice.
"When was the last time...you know...?"
" Last time... what?"
"The last time you had sex or even kissed someone."
"Uh..." She felt stupid. "I can't recall."
"Then it must've been a long time ago for you to act the way you did. All deprived, and needy." There was just that element of mockery in Jessica's tone of voice that riled her up a little.
"Stop teasing, alright?"
"Hey, it's okay, you know. It's not only men who have sexual urges."
"...."
"You just went about it the wrong way."
"Huh?"
"You could've asked. You know... ask and ye shall receive. "
"What d'you mean?" She heard the other girl sigh.
"Do I have to spell it out for you?" In the dark, Jessica Jung reached out and softly touched her face. "By the way, some girls like it slow, gentle and unhurried. I'm one." She paused, felt for Yuri's hand and brought it against her breast. "Want me to show you?"
***
In the morning, the rain had trickled to a light drizzle.
Jessica turned her body around to face the person she had just had the most amazing sex with the previous night. There was a difference between just having sex and making love. At this point of time, it was probably the former, but she had a hunch that very soon, and if she played her cards right, it would be the latter. She could definitely see herself falling for this girl with the sun-kissed complexion and laidback surfer's attitude. In fact, she was almost sure she'd already fallen for her.
All those uncertainties that had clouded her mind for the past few weeks finally saw some light, and she had by then figured out all those stolen sidelong glances, the seemingly accidental or unintentional brush of fingers when items were being handed over to each other, be it the car key, a book, or a banana. They had been too lingering to be accidental. It was all clear to her now.
She leaned over and lightly grazed her lips on her bed partner's shoulder.
Kwon Yuri stirred, brows furrowed, the corners of her mouth twitching before opening her sleep-deprived eyes.
"Mmmm...mornin'." She shifted closer, placing one hand on either side of Jessica's head, propping herself up, fixating her gaze on her lips.
"You want to kiss me, don't you?"
"You know, right?"
And the next moment, Jessica had pushed her flat on the bed, rolled on top of her, resting the entire weight of her body on her, asking, "Am I too heavy for you, Skinny?"
"Never. You're puny."
"Puny? Kwon Yuri, I'll have you know I'm bigger than you."
"Yeah, right....but only - there."
"Shut up and kiss me, guurrrl."
"Ask and ye shall receive."
*** tbc
A/N: I visited Bali some years back and I'm writing this based on what I know and remember of the beautiful island. Indonesian readers, please read this with a pinch of salt if things do not exactly sound authentic.
Here are some footnotes for those interested:
*Tanah Lot - where Jessica was supposedly painting the sunset. A large off-shore rock formation on which stands a Hindu temple. The sunset is nothing short of spectacular here.
*Legian - where Yuri supposedly stayed, is a beachfront town in Bali, and there are some surfing activities around here.
*Ubud - where Yuri supposedly took Jessica to get her art supplies. A town somewhere in the middle of Bali. It's a centre for all things artsy and cultural, so you'll probably find some art and craft communities here.
*losmen - where Jessica and Yuri supposedly did the deed for the first time. A guest house or small hotel
*dings - surfboard terminology. Basically, when a surfboard is damaged through contact with hard objects, wear and tear, and whatnot, a hole is formed. So a ding is actually a hole which you can fill up with foam and later grind/sandpaper/whatever over the surface to repair it.
From her vantage point, Jessica gazed, entranced, at the sight before her. The setting sun, in all its splendour, was a shimmery, fiery orange splashed across the cloudless sky, casting the temple of Tanah Lot into a shadowy silhouette. The tide had come in with a vengeance; the waves swirling around, and beating furiously against the huge rock on which the temple resides.
This was only one of the many sights she had come thousands of miles to witness, and to put down on canvas - the famed sunset of Bali's Tanah Lot. For the past few days, she had trudged up to that very spot on a hilltop overlooking the Hindu temple, patiently waiting for the perfect moment, and that day, she finally managed to capture it all down with her paint brush.
Reluctantly tearing her eyes away from the spectacular view of the sunset, the artist focused her attention on her painting, deftly putting a few finishing dabs to it. While waiting for her painting to dry, she squatted on a flat rock, hugging her knees, gazing into the distance at the rapidly darkening sky; the fierce orange that had moments earlier adorned it, was being replaced with a purplish hue, as the sun sank lower into the horizon. Twilight had set in, and very soon, dusk.
Six weeks. She had been in Bali for exactly six weeks; painting and adding to her art portfolio, experiencing new things, visiting new places, getting acquainted with the friendly locals, and forging new friendships.
New friendships, and in an instant, Kwon Yuri came to mind, thoughts of her host flooding her mind like a tidal wave.
Jessica Jung couldn't for the life of her fathom what it was about the girl that had so intrigued her, for her to be perched there on that rock, of all things, wondering about her.
Was it the way she swaggered into the house each day after her early morning swim, or surf - or both - clad in her usual bikini top and low slung board shorts, her body wet and dripping, barefooted, leaving a trail of damp, sandy footprints on the hardwood floor? It was almost laughable but it had sort of become a daily ritual, waking up early just to catch sight of her swimmer/surfer extraordinaire host doing what seemed to be only second nature to her. Jessica, who was no exercise nazi herself, never once thought that watching someone else exert themselves, in this case, swimming and surfing, could be so...so...fascinating...for want of a better word. And then, watching that wet, tanned body strutting into the house after that was just so...so...rewarding. For someone who seldom got out of bed before noon, Jessica Jung had no regrets sacrificing that bit of sleep for some eye candy.
Or was it that look of concentration, rivulets of perspiration that had originated from her temples, slowly trickling down her throat, and finally disappearing between her cleavage, as she stood bent over her surfboards in the tropical noonday heat, painstakingly waxing them to tip-top condition? Suddenly, sweat had a whole new meaning, and Jessica Jung had actually been thinking of pheromones.
Perhaps it could also be the good-natured manner in which she nattered with her neighbours, gesturing animatedly with her hands, in her less-than-perfect Indonesian, Jessica thought with a laugh.
And then, there was the indelible memory of that reflection in the bathroom mirror.
Her artist's inspiration hitting her like a sledgehammer, Jessica rummaged in her bag, dug out her sketchbook, and began sketching from memory, what she had seen her first night in Bali. She couldn't see it herself, and nobody was around to tell her, but a bright tinge of pink had spread all over her face, crept down her neck, towards her chest. She couldn't see it, but she sure as hell felt the heat - she was blushing. Hard.
***
It was mid-October and the wet season had arrived. It had been pouring the entire day.
Kwon Yuri, who ran a surf centre at a resort a stone's throw away, had decided not to go in to work, with full knowledge that no one in their right minds would want to go surfing when it was raining cats and dogs.
Out on the verandah, bent over a surfboard fixing some dings and cracks, she paused for a breather, staring at the overcast sky, grey clouds hanging low, thinking how the rain had caused her a considerable loss in revenue. For someone who had lived in the lap of luxury back home, she had decidedly become, by her own standards, a pauper in Bali. During the low season, the surf centre was operating at a loss. Nyoman, her partner, and Pak Made's youngest, had had to moonlight as a waiter at times to make ends meet. Fortunately for Yuri, she had somehow managed to stay afloat with a small monthly allowance she received from her late grandmother's estate.
She turned her attention to the other entity on the verandah - her guest-cum-companion for the past two months, the artist. Sooyoung was right when she said that she needed female company, and what company this one turned out to be. Beautiful. Quiet. And undeniably desirable.
Jessica Jung was standing before her easel, quietly working on her painting, oblivious to the fact that a pair of dark eyes was boring into her back.
What in hell can she possibly find to paint about everyday? Does she eat, breathe, and live art?
Yoohoo...lookie over here, Artist Babe.
The most awesome person this side of Legian wants some of your sweetass attention, yo.
Fine. You're ignoring me.
It's okay. I can take it.
It's not the end of the world, but it's raining and I'm bored.
Not amused by her soliloquy, she decided to make her presence known to the artist.
She cleared her throat. "Uhm, what are you painting?"
Jessica spun around to look at her host who was standing some distance behind her.
"Come closer and take a look?" She smiled, putting down her palette, and gesturing with her hand for the other girl to come closer.
Yuri, who had been slogging over that surfboard for the last hour or two, was in dire need of a shower - damn this muggy weather. She took a few steps forward then stopped.
"Closer. "
"I need to go shower. "
"Your shower can wait."
And Most Awesome Person This Side of Legian sheepishly allowed herself to be led by her hand till she was standing within centimeters of Artist Babe, their shoulders almost touching.
"Like it?"
It was an exact replica of the rainy-day scene of the beach and sea as seen from their verandah.
"Wow." Being awesome didn't necessarily equate to being knowledgeable about art. As such, offering constructive criticism was beyond her. " Mm...very nice."
Standing so close to the artist, Yuri caught a whiff of the shorter girl's freshly-washed hair - God, what's that insanely glorious scent? Peaches? - and she was terribly conscious of the fact that she was sweaty, sticky, and probably did not exactly smell wonderful. Also, she realised that Jessica Jung was still holding on to her hand. It was a nice, warm, tingly feeling that sent unimaginable messages to her brain at an alarming rate. It made her want to do unmentionable things to the artist. Like ravage her, maybe.
***
The rain had not let up. Yuri had promised the artist that she would drive her to Ubud to pick up some art supplies and they had gone ahead as planned.
However, on their way back to Legian, there had been a minor landslide and the mountain road had become inaccessible to traffic. Clearing the road of mud and debris in the pouring rain would take forever, and as it was getting late, with no signs of the road being open to traffic again at any time soon, the pair decided to turn back to Ubud to spend the night at a losmen.
***
Kwon Yuri was suffering from insomnia, but only due to current circumstances -
1. She was in a strange bed.
2. She was fully-clothed when she was used to sleeping in the buff.
3. There was someone lying next to her.
4. That someone lying next to her had stripped down to bra and knickers.
5. That familiar scent of peaches was a major turn on.
6. She was having all these unexplained urges of a sexual nature.
She couldn't even remember when she last had sex. She only knew that it had been too long, and then there was this beautiful creature lying next to her, smelling of peaches, clad only in her undies, turning her on immensely, and who she couldn't very well ask, "Hey, wanna have sex?" That would've been so ...whatever. Besides, she wasn't sure if Jessica Jung even liked girls.
Her thoughts were rudely interrupted by an arm carelessly flung against her chest. She let out a silent moan of pain. That was the last straw. She sat up in a huff, the motion of which caused the person next to her to stir.
"Are you still up?" Jessica asked, sitting up, rubbing her eyes.
"Did I wake you? Sorry."
"Look, if it would make you more comfy sleeping naked, just do it already. I really don't mind," Jessica said softly, giving her a knowing smile which she couldn't see anyway since the lights were off, and the room was dark.
How did she...Choi Sooyoung, you traitor... we're SO not friends anymore!
She didn't know why she did it, and it really was against her better judgment, but the very next moment, her lips were on Jessica's and she was kissing her rather savagely, desperately pushing her tongue against lips that refused to budge. Then, she felt a pair of hands on her chest, pushing her away.
"What the fuck are you doing?" It didn't sound angry. It didn't even sound like a question.
Silence. She had never felt so ashamed. Did she just force herself on this poor, unsuspecting girl?
"Sorry." She finally found her voice.
"When was the last time...you know...?"
" Last time... what?"
"The last time you had sex or even kissed someone."
"Uh..." She felt stupid. "I can't recall."
"Then it must've been a long time ago for you to act the way you did. All deprived, and needy." There was just that element of mockery in Jessica's tone of voice that riled her up a little.
"Stop teasing, alright?"
"Hey, it's okay, you know. It's not only men who have sexual urges."
"...."
"You just went about it the wrong way."
"Huh?"
"You could've asked. You know... ask and ye shall receive. "
"What d'you mean?" She heard the other girl sigh.
"Do I have to spell it out for you?" In the dark, Jessica Jung reached out and softly touched her face. "By the way, some girls like it slow, gentle and unhurried. I'm one." She paused, felt for Yuri's hand and brought it against her breast. "Want me to show you?"
***
In the morning, the rain had trickled to a light drizzle.
Jessica turned her body around to face the person she had just had the most amazing sex with the previous night. There was a difference between just having sex and making love. At this point of time, it was probably the former, but she had a hunch that very soon, and if she played her cards right, it would be the latter. She could definitely see herself falling for this girl with the sun-kissed complexion and laidback surfer's attitude. In fact, she was almost sure she'd already fallen for her.
All those uncertainties that had clouded her mind for the past few weeks finally saw some light, and she had by then figured out all those stolen sidelong glances, the seemingly accidental or unintentional brush of fingers when items were being handed over to each other, be it the car key, a book, or a banana. They had been too lingering to be accidental. It was all clear to her now.
She leaned over and lightly grazed her lips on her bed partner's shoulder.
Kwon Yuri stirred, brows furrowed, the corners of her mouth twitching before opening her sleep-deprived eyes.
"Mmmm...mornin'." She shifted closer, placing one hand on either side of Jessica's head, propping herself up, fixating her gaze on her lips.
"You want to kiss me, don't you?"
"You know, right?"
And the next moment, Jessica had pushed her flat on the bed, rolled on top of her, resting the entire weight of her body on her, asking, "Am I too heavy for you, Skinny?"
"Never. You're puny."
"Puny? Kwon Yuri, I'll have you know I'm bigger than you."
"Yeah, right....but only - there."
"Shut up and kiss me, guurrrl."
"Ask and ye shall receive."
*** tbc
A/N: I visited Bali some years back and I'm writing this based on what I know and remember of the beautiful island. Indonesian readers, please read this with a pinch of salt if things do not exactly sound authentic.
Here are some footnotes for those interested:
*Tanah Lot - where Jessica was supposedly painting the sunset. A large off-shore rock formation on which stands a Hindu temple. The sunset is nothing short of spectacular here.
*Legian - where Yuri supposedly stayed, is a beachfront town in Bali, and there are some surfing activities around here.
*Ubud - where Yuri supposedly took Jessica to get her art supplies. A town somewhere in the middle of Bali. It's a centre for all things artsy and cultural, so you'll probably find some art and craft communities here.
*losmen - where Jessica and Yuri supposedly did the deed for the first time. A guest house or small hotel
*dings - surfboard terminology. Basically, when a surfboard is damaged through contact with hard objects, wear and tear, and whatnot, a hole is formed. So a ding is actually a hole which you can fill up with foam and later grind/sandpaper/whatever over the surface to repair it.