‘You look very familiar’ I told someone during an open house function at Restoran Pucuk Ubi; after a long eye contact coupled with a lingering smile. It was closing time and people were leaving.She stepped forward and said “Yes, I’m in your Friendster’s friend list”
I gave her a clueless expression. “Really? Which one?” I asked.
I know… I’m useless.
“Well, I was your junior in high school. Four years apart. You guys were the prefects, so most of us know your batch.”
“Okay…” I said, shuffling my memory bank in despair, knowing very well I needed more clues.
“We met in Miri recently, but you were drunk then. I sent you and Sam home… I don’t think you recall anything that night.” She offered another clue, right between the eyes.
Damn! Of all the things I want people to remember me by; drunk and hopeless!
But indeed I remember that night. We had a guys night out at one of Miri’s popular night spots called Cherrie Berries. Most of us went to college together back in 96.
One of us was driving but we had too much to drink all the same. So Sam called her to send himself and I home, because he wasn’t confident the designated driver can handle more than two destinations.
We made a quick pit stop at a 24 hour eatery. While everyone ‘reloaded’, I made a few ‘unloads’ at the sink. Not proud of it but it had to be done.
Anyway, I still couldn’t recall her name so I asked her straight “What’s your name again?”
“Tracy” she replied.
“Ah, Tracy Chapman! Yeah?” I indicated the artist that sings to mind.
“Yes” she said first. Then a quick “No”, setting the record straight.
“I know, just kidding. I like her songs” I explained.
We chatted for a short while because she and her friends had to leave early. She was in KL for her master's degree in education program during school holidays. We took one for the photo album before saying good night.
