Girlfriend tales

 "Is this a prank of some kind?" Hye couldn't believe this was happening. A surprise party on the beach. Did things always happen like this at sunset as the waves lapped up on the warm beach?

Oh, she was used to cold Seoul, a real headache in the winter. Maybe it was just the traffic. No, it was cold. A large knitted muffler always helped.  It was the perfect reason to get away on winter break.

Actually, it was amazing here in this little seaside village. She'd found herself a cozy little place near the sand. She would have never known about it if it hadn't been for her old friend Jess who came here on her honeymoon. 

Of course, Hye was going solo. It was the first time for everything she guessed. Of course, she just knew she would be a nervous wreck by now and probably hiding under the covers in her little thatch roof room.

 And yes, she'd found plenty of cats to feed out by the little place that served breakfast. And there was that dog that showed up least expected on the beach carrying a stick and wanting her to play a game with him. 

It was nice to be alone. But it felt a little scary too. She was used to crowds. And there weren't any until the party happened. It was like it might all be in her imagination. After all, she'd seen the view of the epic Taipei mountain range. It was like a whole new world left untouched.

Of course, there were guys and music and free drinks too at this native party as the sun went down.

"Oh I shouldn't," Hye knew better. Let the rest get tipsy. She needed to keep her wits about her. 

"What do you think is gonna happen?" This one dude asked who was too cute for his own good. Of course, as Hye looked him over she was certain she was overdressed for this occasion in her maxi sundress and shower slippers. After all, he was only in his swimming trunks and flip-flops. He was also golden and dark-haired. 

Hye looked back at him a little nervous. "Scary stuff, you know. I see it on the internet all the time. I don't trust anyone." She shrugged as someone was passing around a fruit platter. It was true, fruit was her favorite.

"Go ahead," he smiled.

She smiled back and shook her head, no. And then he popped a grape in her mouth.

"Anything happen yet?" He wanted to know with that silly grin on his face.

"Not yet." But she waited. It was coming, like a wave deep in the ocean that had her name on it. He swept her off her feet and twirled her about. She hadn't been slung around like this since she was a tike and her uncle came home from the army. 

Hye looked at him wide-eyed. It was intoxicating and of course, childish. Oh, she was ready to show him a few moves and they weren't dance moves, but it was as if she had no choice. She was already dizzy. Finally, he let her go and she staggard back on the outskirts of the party.

"Are you some kind of caveman!"

He laughed at her.

"OK, so..so I'm just a joke to you, is that it?" She picked up a handful of sand ready to throw it in his eyes.

"If I told you the truth, would you believe me?" He took a step away as if he knew when to back off.

They were alone now, away from the fire where the meat was burning and the music was hardly a pulse.

"What?" She winced hard.

He handed over her wallet. 

"Look Hye you need to be more careful," he told her his name was Gulf and he used to live in Thailand but he wasn't sure he was going to be here much longer either. 

"YOU STOLE MY WALLET!" Hye was furious now as she kicked sand at him.

"No," he winced. "I got it back for you."

Hye scrunched a frown. She didn't know if she could believe him or not. He got out his wallet and showed her his I.D. Yes, his name was Gulf.

Of course, English was neither their native language. Although, they were speaking as much English as they knew.  He said he wanted to start an eco-friendly business, but he still worked at the convenience store in the wee hour of the morning and took online classes. 

"I don't go to the beach often either," he said as they walked toward the place she was staying. In the end, he gave her his phone number.

"Call me, we could go to lunch, maybe you'll see I'm not all bad in the daylight." He grinned and she gave him a nod that she just might take him up on the offer.