Читать книгу All Inclusive - Farzana Doctor - Страница 11

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My goodbye-cum-congratulations drinks with my roommates left me with a sore head. I had sweat profusely during the night and awoke to damp sheets.

I never was terribly skilled at drinking, not having had much practice before Canada. At the end of my second year, I joined my students’ celebrations and they taught me about rum, tequila, and vodka. I learned to choose bar rail drinks because they were usually on special before ten p.m. and my budget was tight and my bedtime early. My favourite drink was rum and coke; the cola’s caffeine and sweetness perfectly counteracted the bitter alcohol’s depressant effects.

I would be fine if I restricted myself to one or two, accompanied by peanuts or pretzels. Too few snacks or an extra drink would push me over the edge into nausea, headaches, and regrets. The previous night on the porch, I’d consumed four Budweisers and skipped my supper.

I covered my eyes with a pillow and sank in and out of a hungover sleep filled with thoughts of Nora. Over and over again, I dreamt that I was dialling her phone number and inviting her to lunch. Perhaps my unconscious mind was pushing me to make contact. When I awoke I told myself I’d wash up first, dress, and then speak with her.

I feared that not phoning would be unmannerly. What do you say to a woman with whom you’ve just had relations but will never see again? But I was waffling on that last point. I couldn’t stop thinking about her russet curls. I’d never before run my fingers through such soft hair. And those pillowy breasts and bottom! Her silky white skin.

I was a scientist and didn’t really believe in kismet or fate or karma, but that morning, in my hungover state, I engaged in the whimsy of maybe we are meant to be! I was entertaining delusional thoughts: I’d return for a visit or she could come see me in Bombay. She’ d planned to study Eastern Religions and what better way for her to learn than to go to the source?

Perhaps it was because she was my first? Of course I didn’t tell her that — I’d be mortified if she knew. Could she tell? I’d tried to be suave. I kissed her and moved my hands the way they did in the few pornographic movies I’d seen.

I’d never even crossed the threshold of a girl’s bedroom before, let alone made love. I’d dated a couple of girls in Bombay and fooled around a little. Those experiences were memorable, but not even close to what I’d experienced with Nora. No, Nora was different.

Obviously she wasn’t a virgin. I couldn’t tell exactly how experienced she was, but besides a little nervous giggling, she appeared to know how to handle herself. Oh how warm and inviting she was! I’ll never forget the sensation of losing myself inside her for those precious few minutes.

At midday, I dragged my luggage down the staircase. I dialled her number from the foyer phone. It rang and rang and my heart beat so quickly and my stomach churned so violently that I thought I might vomit. When she picked up, I shoved the receiver into its cradle.