18 and 17

David, a hybrid Australian - of Iban and Scottish parents was in town and asked me last week if I could bring him over to the village, any village he said. He's a cousin somehow and it beats me how we're related but never mind that. He lives in Melbourne and comes back to the motherland once every few years and since he just turned legal this year, I thought why not.

And yesterday at noon, I drove over to his house to pick him up. On my way, he texted me and said if it was sweet if he could take his equally hybrid Australian girlfriend along. And because I'm a nice person, I said ok.

I arrived at the house and both hopped into my ride. And like kids should, both were very excited. Okay...I must admit that the cousin's girlfriend was beautiful and I just couldn't take my eyes off her. Silly me but suffice to say that my good judgement was clouded as always. I have this weakness you see, when it comes to beautiful things. And just before we left she made it a point that she was up for a little bit of drinking. I knew then I was in trouble.

We went to the waterfalls and did justice to a bottle of that good spirit, langkau, with the ususal suspects and left for the village after an hour or so. I think it was the langkau that induced David and girlfriend to be extra friendly with the village people who are naturally hospitable to a fault. But it is still Christmas and as local tradition dictates, one must not refuse an invitation to their houses. Besides, 'tis still the season to be jolly.

After the third house, more drinking and time check, I suggested we leave. It was then 1800 hrs. But Dave wouldn't have it and insisted we stayed a little bit longer. Girlfriend smiled. I became soft in the knees.

While David was served more langkau, I had to make sure the girlfriend was kept in check. It wasn't easy.

But all was well with the world yesterday and we all had a good time except when we left the village and as soon as my mobile had connection, I checked and swear I had 27 'missed calls' from one number which happened to be girlfriend's dad.