A SimpLE SToRy

Hello!!! I'm really proud to say that I just completed this mid-length story. Its 40 chapters long (sorry, my initial projection was just 30), but I do hope you will all enjoy it. Its real simple, but there are several messages and ideas which I'm trying to get across, so I hope you all will enjoy it. And please persevere and complete reading my story. I know it looks real intimitading... Anyway,you will realise that there seem to be holes here and there. Its actually for each individual of you to fill in with your own ideas.So HAPPy ReadIng!! =)

Chap 1

I looked through the thick clear glass and waved to my parents. I had just walked past the customs and am now about to board my flight to the United Kingdom. It will be close to a next before I would next see my parents again, as I am about to pursue a degree in Engineering at the prestigious Imperial College in London. To me, it was a dream come true as I had always wanted to study in the UK. The fact that a famous Multi-National Corporation (MNC) was sponsoring me means that I will be saving my parents’ hard-earned money and yet proceed on with my dreams made me feel even happier.

As I continued to wave at them, tears began to swell up in my eyes and bittersweet feelings engulfed my heart. Through my teary eyes, the blurry images of my family slowly evolved into those of my past.

Chap 2

My name is Robert Poche James. I grew up in Henckon Town, with my parents in a white-coloured apartment that has a small porch as well as a garden. My mother is a homemaker who does all the chores and looks after my whole family’s wellbeing well my dad is a white-collared worker who earns enough to feed my family comfortably. My cousins, Jacky and Jaclyn live just down the street and they frequently visit my house. In fact, I remember spending most of my childhood playing with them. Being younger than them, they will constantly treat me to goodies, as well as share with me some of their toys.

I do not have much recollection of what I did before I started school. I only remembered vaguely all the lavish birthday celebrations which my parents threw for me as well as all the fun and enjoyment I had as a kid. I also remembered touring California with my family, particularly Disneyland, as I was able to live some of my greatest fantasies (especially on meeting Mickey Mouse) then. Looking back, those were certainly some of the most carefree and enjoyable moments of my life.

Chap 3

I attended Willow Junior School, which was just a short 10 minutes walk from my house. It is named after all the willows that grew in and around the school compound. Like most state schools, it provided ‘standard’ lessons for students of all races, and following strictly according to the syllabus set by higher authorities. Unlike the richer private schools, which were able to pursue their own programmes and activities, my school was a boring, mundane place and its purpose is simply to train students to sit for the state examinations at the end of 6th grade.

Junior School was simply a period of time in which I spent half the day pouring through books and the other half of the day engaging in physical activities with my friends. I never thought that the texts were challenging, and I constantly excelled in all the various subjects. Without any stress, I was able to play with my friends during breaks or after school, and some of the games that we played include badminton and basketball. However, there was one particular game which left a deep impression in me, something which I thought that was only peculiar to my school (and I still think it is). We called the game ‘Handicapped’. Basically there are 2 teams – one team is in charge of catching the other one. There can be infinite number of people per team (but we usually play 5 a side), and the team of catchers are supposed to catch the ‘runners’ by hopping on one leg. Of course, it’s not like soccer where all the players are playing at the same time. Instead, what we have is that it will usually be just a ‘one-on-one’ situation, and the space is around the size of a third of a basketball court (or half a badminton court). It was really challenging, but at the same time real fun. In a sense, it was a good way for us to train our leg muscles without running up and down the entire length of the school field.

Chap 4

I love chatting with people, and through long hours of conversations with them, not only do I get to understand them better, I also felt better especially when I am troubled. But weirdly, I could only get along well with my classmates or people whom I feel comfortable with (and it was rare). Fellow schoolmates (even though they are in the same grade as me) are like total strangers to me. Well, its not that I don’t want to talk to them, maybe its just that we tend to shy away from each other. And I’m afraid of getting hurt, especially when all I know about these people is their faces and names. I have absolutely no confidence that I am able to find people who not only understand my feelings and thoughts, but are willing to protect them as well.

Chap 5

What are true friends? Are they people whom I understand and know you so well that when you all come together, words no longer play a part? Or are they people whom you can talk endlessly for hours over the phones? Are they people whom you can live with or without?And what about best friend? Is he someone whom you will do anything for, and do you expect anything in return? Or is he your greatest enemy at the same time, someone who actually hinders your development?

Chap 6

School was never a challenge to me, so I wasn’t surprised when I topped my school in 6th grade. Not that I really bothered, cause all along I’ve just wanted to attend Randall Middle School (which both Jacky and Jaclyn attended). But, due to my grades, my teachers recommended to my parents to send me to Cheston Private Middle School, as it happened to offer classes for students on what they called an ‘Advanced Placement’ Program. I didn’t really understand what it means, but apparently it’s a program, which enable students to skip some of the basic modules and do some high school modules. In a sense, it was like an accelerated program. My parents thought that it was a great opportunity for me to challenge myself, and they snapped it out immediately. Not that I care, cause why would any twelve year old care about which particular school he is attending?

Chap 7

Saying good bye to a group of friends whom you have known for six years was real tough and real sad. We are all going our separate ways, studying in schools which are distances apart. I sometimes wonder whether we will meet up again in future or talk to each other the way we used to. In an era where there the Internet was still being developed and icq was non-existent, keeping in touch seemed to be as tough as climbing Mount Everest – extremely tough but possible.

Chap 8

I flipped through the pages of my autograph book, and emotions began to swelled up within me. Reading through all the comments, notes and ‘interesting’ stuff that my friends had written for me brought back wonderful memories. I’m wondering, when I flipped through it 5 years down the road what will I think? Will the fond memories which I fondly cherish still strike a deep chord in my heart?

Chap 9

Cheston Private Middle School is a school that has students who come from mainly well to do families. My parents were only able to secure and pay for my place there via the Cheston Foundation scholarship, which was awarded only to deserving bright students, and I was lucky enough to be considered to be one of them. As I step through the school gates for the first time, there was both a sense of excitement and apprehension – excited at meeting new people and fearful that I might not be able to adapt to the school environment.

My fears were not unfounded at all. My class was totally unlike any that I’ve seen, and it was full of geniuses who were bubbling with energy. Firstly, my new classmates used plenty of difficult and flowery language in their daily conversation that I had some trouble trying to understand what they mean at times. Not just that, there are weirdoes who always seem to have some intellectually challenging and thick science book with them; people who are reading literature texts by William Shakespeare (the unabridged versions) and John Steinback; mathematical freaks reading books titled ‘Mathematical Puzzles of the Century’; nerds reading stuff like the ‘How to beat a Chess Grandmaster’ and so forth. You can say that I was totally freaked out. I mean, all along in my life I’ve only read books like the Hardy Boys and yet here, there are people my age who are reading stuff which I never knew existed.

Surprisingly, I never died from shock that day. I must say that this was partly due to the success of my form teacher, Ms Brown. She was a young, pretty and friendly lady who facilitated and encouraged interaction and communication among us. Thanks to her, I was able to adapt quickly to the new environment and made some new friends. After talking to them, I’ve realised that they are just like me, just like any normal thirteen-year-old. However, their interests in a particular discipline, with encouragement from their parents, had led them to read up in depth into the subject, and they have now gained such a level of understanding that puts them almost on par with high school students. What special skills do I have? Will I be able to be like my new-found friends and go on to scale new academic heights?

Chap 10

I joined the Alpha Gamma Beta club as part of the school’s requirement that every student must take up at least one afternoon activity. The club’s job is just to plan activities for members (such as gatherings) as well as organise community projects on behalf of the college. There were roughly 80 of us in the club, and there was a good mix of both sexes. Naturally, I tried my best to mix around with people who were not from the Advanced Placement classes (finally a group of normal people!), and they remind me of the company that I enjoyed back in junior school.

To my disappointment, the rest of the school seemed to treat me like a ‘freak’. Besides having a different family background from them, I was from a different class, a class for the more intellectually able students. They were suspicious of me, and there seemed to be a invisible yet obvious barrier that impedes all forms of communication between us. I hope that this is just temporary, and that I will be able to build up a better relationship with the others as time passes.

Chap 11

I just called Samuel, my very very very good friend from Willow. He can actually be considered to be my best friend (I think he understands me real well, and we don’t have trouble communicating either), but I refused to call him that as I am a firm believer that your best friend is your greatest enemy.

He’s adjusting well to life in Hilton Middle School, and he thoroughly enjoys being in the science club there. Yet, he seems to be suffering the same problem as me as well. Apparently, his fellow peers are wary of him (could it be that they are just shy?), and his current classmates by virtue of the fact that they are taking classes in Advanced Mathematics (which is a rarity for a student in a public school in 7th Grade). Other kids seemed to think that because they are smarter, therefore they are elitist and hence will not socialise with people from the rest of the classes. I’m thinking that this is a ridiculous idea, and yet I know that it is true as I am personally experiencing the same thing as well. Is it just me, or are others feeling the same too?

Chap 12

I think I am losing touch in Mathematics. I used to top my class in junior school in Mathematics, as well as represent my school in numerous inter-school competitions, but now, I am nothing more than a loser in the subject. I’m struggling with the current curriculum, and I’ve just barely managed to pass my last Math test. Maybe I’ve made a wrong choice in coming to Cheston.

The worse thing is that my teacher just selected students to represent the school in the inter-school competition and I was not selected at all. I am totally glum and disappointed – it seems to me that I am really just an ordinary human standing among a bunch of giants who seemed to be able to do things so much better than you or I. Hai. I guess I will just have to try higher next year to try to get into the school team.

Chap 13

One year of School has finally ended and I’m pleased that I’m making academic progress. I got 3rd in class (which was totally amazing) and I’ve top my class in some of the science modules. Well, the feeling is great, and my dad just promised to bring our family to Canada for the holidays. Life is great after all!

Looking back, I think I’ve accomplished very little over the past year, especially in terms of intangibles. Although I’ve made much progress in my studies, I haven’t exactly got to make a lot of new friends. Most of my activity mates are more like acquaintances, and my classmates seemed to be insensitive to my emotional needs. Hmm, but thanks to latest breakthrough in computer technology, the new games that were released were so great and I thoroughly enjoyed playing them. Of course, by taking up most of my time, I was able to ignore the slowly growing emptiness inside me.

Chap 14

I have just finished To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee and I must say that it is a great book. It’s a good satire of American society in the past, and I must say that I think the author’s point is strongly highlighted. But I felt a tinge of sadness as well. It seems to me that although racial discrimination is now milder than before, discrimination is still everywhere around us, just that it is present in a form that few will realise it.

Even though more than a year has passed, my relationship with my activity mates doesn’t seem to have taken a turn for the better. On the contrary, I think it has taken a turn for the worse. I really believe that they are biased towards me. Its like, when things go wrong, they will almost certainly point their fingers at me and attribute it to me by saying “He’s the one who came up with such a crazy idea so its all his fault.” They do not seem to care about how the problem arose, or whether the problem cropped up at some other stage other than the planning stage (ok, I’m in charge of planning). The worse thing is, recently the school just blacklisted a student from my class for vandalism. Now, this is just a one-off incident but the rest of the school is now treating us all as criminals. They have the notion that because we are smarter than they are hence we are ‘super-villains’ who pose a threat to their everyday activities. They are all now starting to shun us. Never have I felt more discouraged and lonely in my life…

Despite all their foolishness, I have never blamed them. After all, humans are always fearful of what they do not know or know little of. It is just a matter of interaction and I have faith (although it’s dying) that we will all eventually click together.

Chap 15

I think the Internet is the world’s greatest creation thus far. Not only is one able to obtain mountains of information, keep up to date with the latest news, you are also able to make new friends and even chat with people who could be living miles away from you! For example, I was just chatting with a British. He happened to be a fellow online ‘gamer’ whom I know from one of my many times playing Yahoo games. It was a pretty interesting conversation that I greatly enjoyed.

Oh, I just chat with Ernest over ICQ. Well, we’ve never really talked to each other before (in the sense of small talk) even though we are in the planning committee. Even if I had to talk to him, it was purely about work. But just now, we had a pretty interesting informal online conversation. I’m starting to think that its possible after all for me to talk with my peers from the other classes.

Chap 16

Something amazing just happened – I went out with Ernest and Nigel to celebrate Zach’s birthday! It is totally scintillating, considering that we seldom talked and I have never gone out with them before. Yes, although we have known the existence of each for the past 1 year and 8 months, we have never clicked together or gone deeper to understand each other better. Ok, I always know that the three of them are very close (they often eat together, leave school together and I also heard that they go out together as well), but me mixing with them? It was an idea, which I will not even dream of!

Maybe they were just lonely? But I seriously doubt it. Nevertheless, I was real happy even though it wasn’t my birthday. The fact that I am making new friends, and celebrating a happy occasion was enough to make me feel satisfied. I’m just hoping that it’s not a single event and that I will continue to carry on my friendship with them.

Chap 17

The year is coming to an end and I must say that I’ve been really busy for the past month. Not only do I have to prepare for my examinations, I’ve also been spending a lot of time with Zach and Ernest (I’m starting to call ourselves the Holy Trinity). Well, we are becoming so close that most of our common friends are starting to associate us as an entity.

I must say my rapidly growing friendship with them have also helped to open up my social circle as well. People are now warming up to me and they no longer treat me as an ‘alien’. Although there are still occasions where people treat me as if I’m an all-knowing genius who is supposed to know and solve everything, they are starting to understand me more as a person. In return, I’ve also grown to know others better and to care for them as well.

Oh yes, my exams had ended and I think I did well in them. Who cares! I’m more interested in planning for my trip to Mexico with a group of friends from Alpha Gamma Beta (yes, the Holy Trinity will be there!). I had a hard time begging my parents to let me go (they cited safety and hygiene problems), but after much persuasion, they finally consented. It’s going to be a one-week trip and I hope that we will have a lot of fun together. I can’t wait to go and suntan on the beaches of Mexico, enjoying the pretty sights (haha). The feeling is always great when school ends.

Chap 18

Oh, I think I’m falling in love. There’s this girl whom I just met on the street (well turns out that she just moved into the neighbourhood), and I find her real cute. She’s also transferring into my school and studying in the same level as I am! Those gorgeous big eyes and the long, silky blonde hair down her side, she’s just so lovely. Is she my angel? I don’t know, but I do know that I’m constantly thinking about her. Oh yes, we just exchanged email addresses as well (don’t ask me how), and I’m looking forward to chatting with her online. But I’m still confused – it’s the first time I’m experiencing this feeling. Is it a fleeting moment? Maybe I should consult Nigel (he’s the prince charming in school) as he had several girl friends before. Hmm, life is a headache!

Chap 19

The trip was superb! Everything went according to plan! We had great fun wakeboarding, surfing, swimming, ogling at females and eating ice cream on the beach. We also went mountain biking as well and the thrills and excitement we had was totally indescribable. Oh yes, we also stripped Nigel to his birthday suit and forced him to wade in the sea. Haha, nudism anybody?

I sort of revealed to the gang about the girl whom I think I’m falling in love with. They are of course stumped, since they have no idea who I was talking about. But they are real encouraging, and they suggested strategies as to how I can win her heart. I will keep those ideas in mind.
My trip has certainly done much in creating a friendship which I’ve never experienced before. I think I can totally trust the people in Alpha Gamma Beta after all. They are able to empathise with me and help me when I am in a dilemma. It’s a type of warm feeling in my heart which I’ve never experienced before, and yet I think its totally wonderful. May this warmth in my heart lasts forever!

Chap 20

Today was Valentine’s Day (or Friendship Day), and it was a totally sad day for me. Hai, something within me was urging me to call her and ask her out, but I guess I’m too shy and timid to do something like that. But then again, we seemed to be able to chat really well online, and we are quite comfortable with each other’s company (at least over the net). In the end, I went to Carinetti’s, a café, which specialises in Italian cuisine, with Nigel and (who else?) the Holy Trinity.

We sat down and ate like a group of forlorn, lonely fifteen-year-old bachelors (actually, we are). Its Valentine’s Day but all of us had no partners to spend the day with. I can just imagine the others getting laid and enjoying themselves totally, but yet, there we were single and desperate.
“Cheer up Robert, at least your not entangled in the love web! Not like me. I’ve just got rejected and I’ve got no date to go out with. Life sucks,” said Zach. Apparently, he seemed to have forgotten ‘her’.

“Oh yar, you’re much better than any of us here. I mean we either got rejected or we just split up with our ex. You don’t have to experience the agony of being hurt…” he continued.

“Yea, I know. Come on guys’ cheer up! Today is Friendship Day as well and what’s the point of brooding over this kind of sad issues?”

I don’t know, but the very fact that there are 3 other guys to spend your Valentine’s with is not a heart-warming thought at all. But, its not exactly very bad as you at least still have some company.

Sigh, I wonder how many more lonely Valentine days I need to spend before I will finally have a date.

Chap 21

I’m going to High School soon (in around 5 month’s time) and the workload in School is certainly building up. All the teachers are trying their best to make sure we excel and score distinctions everywhere possible so that we can get into all the top schools. I don’t really care and neither do my parents. In fact, they will be happy as long as I go to a school, which I like.

I asked her to watch a movie this coming Saturday, and she agreed. I’m so ecstatic! A date finally, and I can feel my heart beating with excitement. What should I wear? What present should I buy for her? Will she like roses or chocolates better? Oh, such sweet thoughts! I simply can’t wait for Saturday to come!

Chap 22

Life sucks! I just got a big f***ing abrasion on my right knee. And today’s a Sunday. Well, let me explain to you all that have happened.

It has been an eventful week, cause my classmates had called me to ask me to join them for cycling on Saturday, but since I already had a date, I turned them down. Suddenly, yesterday she called to tell me couldn’t join me for the movie, as she has to take her dog to the vet. Apparently her dog fell sick. But, she suggested meeting for lunch at the mall, Hansen’s, and I was pondering over it for a moment. So I thought, maybe I shall ask Ernest to go out with me after my lunch with her, at least I won’t have a wasted trip.

So I called Ernest but it turned out that he was sleeping already. I decided not to trouble him and I turned down my lunch appointment with her at the same time. In the end, I decided to go mountain biking with my friends at the nearby quarry.

Mountain biking was great! It is an activity which I totally love, and I always enjoy feeling the wind blowing in my face. On top of that, the beautiful natural landscape appeals to me as well. Interacting with my classmates was also a great way for me to relax and to find out more about their personality and thoughts. Sadly, as we were on our way back, a cat had to appeared out of nowhere on the track, and I had to force myself to swerve out of its path so as not to hit it. Although I’m usually quite skilful with a bicycle, luck and fate dictated that I was to lose total control of my bicycle and I ended up grazing my knee. At first, I did not feel much pain, but the moment I saw the large amount of blood oozing out, I started screaming. It was real painful (actually, I think the sight of the blood makes it even more excruciating). Well, luckily my pals brought me back home and they helped me apply some medication on it to ease my blood loss (and pain).

Ernest called me that night and asked me about my weekend. It was then that I found out that he went to Hansen’s mall today for lunch with a group of friends and that he had tried to ask me to accompany him in the morning. However, I had already left home by then.
I was totally irritated and pissed off that night! Not only did I blew a date for nothing, I also got an injury. I finally understood what people meant by the saying that ‘bad luck doesn’t come just alone’. This is certainly the worst week in my whole life!

Chap 23

Oh man, how fast time flies. I’ve cleared all my final year examinations, and the results will be released soon. High School will be coming soon and I hope that I will be able to attend the school of my choice. Let’s keep my fingers crossed.

It’s not that I must say, but I think I will miss my friends from Alpha Gamma Beta. On hindsight, even though I only knew them better over the last one and a half years, it is more than enough. They are certainly people whom I cherish, whom I share fond memories of together. The times we spent after school planning and doing work are moments that I will love to relieve again. I guess to show them that I do care, I shall make for each single one of them a gift that tells them how much I truly care. Hmm, let me think…

I’ve been wondering, will we ever end up in the same school together? Is it necessary for us to be physically that close? After all, we are just neighbours, and we chat a lot frequently over the Internet. Will I eventually develop a relationship with her?

Chap 24

Yesterday was prom, and I must say that it is one of the most memorable days in my life. I felt both grief and happiness yesterday, something, which is real rare. I do wonder whether all along, my life is being decided by some mightier life form up there. Hmm…

Even though everyone looks so gorgeous and stunning yesterday, there was this atmosphere of gloom that could not be masked. After all, it’s the last day that we are ever going to see the whole batch together, and it is the day which we bid farewell to some of our most intimate friends. I was fighting so hard to control my tears, as I never knew when I will ever see my classmates or my buddies again. Deep down, I was also doubtful as to whether our relationships will continue to remain strong, or it will eventually be broken down into nothing more than just forgotten memories.

Well, amidst all the “farewells” and sadness, I actually found joy. She danced with me! Yes, she did. I am still amazed how it all happened (I’m shocked that I actually have the courage to ask her, and that she was actually so nice as to agree to my request). As we danced to Mariah Carey’s Hero, I felt a kind of closeness, a type of intimacy which I’ve never felt before. Is she my lover in life? Hopefully, after yesterday, we will be closer and even go out on dates together. Life isn’t that bad after all.

Chap 25

I had just finished making all the presents for my buddies. I shouldn’t reveal it but let me give you a clue – it is something that will last through our years and even after our lives. =P Tomorrow is our society’s annual farewell bash, just that this year its special cause I’m part of the group that’s saying goodbye. It has indeed been a fulfilling 3 years, as not only did I picked up new skills, I’ve also made many great friends. May our friendship last forever and I’ve do hope that they will like the present which I’m going to give.

Chap 26

I have never felt sadder my whole life before. Although I have expected the bash to be full of tears, I was not at all prepared to take on the huge tsunami of sorrow that engulfed me.

It was a real simple event yesterday. Our juniors had prepared all the food and of course, there were representatives who ‘officially’ bided farewell to us. We, as the outgoing seniors, also thanked them for their efforts, and we shared with them some of our dreams for the society’s future.

But, after the whole furore died down, we (the outgoing batch), went to the nearby park. We had a simple session of giving each other’s presents, as well as a mini discussion of sorts on our future plans and goals. Of course, we took plenty of photographs throughout that we all felt like movie stars (the flashlights hurt our eyes too!). As the day drew to a close, we slowly left one by one, until only Nigel, Zach, Ernest and I were left.

We just sat down and talked and talked and talked until it was close to midnight. Even though it was pitch black already (and we had already talked for around 5 hours), an end was still not in sight. To us, that period of time felt just like our last moments on earth, before we will all eventually separate, just like Cinderella when midnight approaches. Is this the end of our fairy tale?

It was also then that I felt that I have been accepted into the group, that there was no difference between us. It was also then that I felt that a special bond had been formed, never to be forgotten or broken.

Chap 27

Ernest just called me. I could hear tears in his voice. It is so unlike his usual gusto and manly character, but I don’t blame him. He had been going through all his farewell gifts, and saw my message. I guess that truly touches him. I don’t blame him as well. It’s not easy for me to write this now too. My mind is totally clogged up with memories, as well as ideas of separation.
But I must say this: Ernest you had been a great friend. I’m sure you know what I mean since you saw my special message for you. It has been a great time knowing you, and I do hope we remain buddies, pals, and friends forever.

Chap 28

Oh man, high school is super busy. The days are longer, the coursework are tougher, and the teachers are ridiculously demanding! The only good thing was that my days in middle school had already taught me some of the high school stuff, so I wasn’t struggling like some of my other new classmates. In addition, I had also learnt how to juggle between school work, projects, leisure and after school activities when I was studying at Cheston, so High School was not exactly too ‘hot’ for me to handle.

Oh ya, just to mention, most of the people in my school come from a large plethora of schools, and they are all pretty interesting. I had been having a great time learning and finding out about other school cultures and programs. Of course, that had kept me busy for a real long period of time.

Anyway Ernest and I are together (well the feeling is good), but we are drawing further apart as we both joined different after school activities (he took up rugby while I opted for swimming). Not just that, we are doing totally different courses, hence we don’t even see each other for lessons. Well, the only good thing now is that I’m trying to convince him to participate in this student exchange program to San Diego High School in California. It will not only allow us to have an opportunity to get together again, and also allow us to tour and have fun in California! Isn’t that great?

She’s not in the same school as me at all. Well, I’m really sad. But things aren’t that bad, I mean she’s still my neighbour. However, due to my hectic schedule, I have not talked to her for the past few months. I do wonder: has she forgotten me? Are we even fated to be together?

Chap 29

California was fantastic! I enjoyed myself thoroughly! In addition to touring around San Diego, I also had time to visit San Franciso (with the fabulous Golden Gate Bridge), as well taking a look around Hollywood, Los Angles. Yea, you can say that I totally made full use of my 3 weeks stay in California.

But I guess the best part of the whole trip was that I was able to know more people. Hmm, I am real happy as I actually got to know somebody who is able to click well with me. His name is David, and he is a student in San Diego High School. We met on the first day of the program, and he was just sitting beside me. At first, I did not really pay much attention to him (I don’t feel very comfortable sitting beside a stranger, much less talk to him), but gradually we opened up to each other and we realised that we actually have a lot of things in common, even though we are living kilometres apart.

Well, Ernest went with me too, and he also made a new friend called Michael. The 4 of us had a very close relationship (me, Ernest, Mike and David), and we go out together most of the time during my stay in California. We also had a group of very close friends, and we called ourselves the ‘Rockaholics’. Haha! It was indeed a pretty wacky group of people.In fact, we even booked a hotel room once and we just had some ‘teenage fun’ there (oh well, its just alcohol and porn). It was definitely one of the most memorable and enjoyable moment in my life.

Unfortunately, it was not all fun and laughter throughout. Ernest and I actually quarrelled, and that ‘bachelors night’ we had was the main cause of our rift. In retrospect, I find the 2 of us acting ridiculously childish then.What happened was that on our last day, we had a dinner to bid farewell to each other. The whole gang was present there and we were simply recapping our stay in California, when I actually touched on an issue that led to our ‘cold’ war.

“Ern, I think that Mike is one of the best, cleanest and decent dude that I have ever met in my life.” (Well, even on that eventful night, he did not drink, smoke, or indulge himself in any vices)

“What do you mean by that, Bob! What do you mean! Are you trying to say that Mike doesn’t belong to our clique? Are you insulting him for being so innocent and pure? Your not as great as who you think you are, scum!” (Ok, I think Ern mistook my previous line – he thought that I was being sarcastic.)

“Oh no, that’s not what I mean. I do respect him!” “Stop fooling me! You think I don’t understand you well enough?” (Again, he seems to have misunderstood what I was trying to say)

“NO! I’m not trying to insult him!”

And with that conversation, the 2 of us started shouting at the top of our voices, staring at each other, and even hurling insults. It’s amazing that we did not actually fight each other. I must say it was a scary scenario for the people around us (who actually knew of our close ties) were totally shocked. They did not know how to react, except to separate us. On our return flight back the next day, the 2 of us ignored each other throughout even though we sat beside each other. It was indeed a tense scenario.

Chap 30

I am starting to regret my quarrel with Ernest. It is totally horrible, and it has certainly affected our relationship. We did not speak to each other for a whole week! That is amazing considering the fact that we used to talk over the phone at least once every 2 days. I do regret that I did not make things clear with him back then, and to let him see my side of the story. Of course, I guess I should have backed down too and not just quarrelled. Come to think of it, we were indeed childish to fight over such a small, insignificant and dumb issue. I hope the spat will not affect the bonds that we had created. Ernest, you are still and always will be my best friend.

Chap 31

I’m starting to have second thoughts on my own ideas of friendship. All along, I have always believed that a close friend is someone whom you have known for a long time. But I guess that’s not true anymore. Time is not a factor, experience is. Knowing a person well doesn’t mean that you all are close; understanding and ‘silent communication’ is. It is not just the joys that matter; instead it is what each of you are willing to do for each other when the other is in need. And to find this kind of special friend in this world, fate is the key.

Chap 32

I have not been communicating with her for a long time – its close to one and a half years. We do greet each other occasionally on the streets, or engage in small talk when we are online, but we are drifting apart. I guess this is fate that the two of us are just not meant for each other. I’m starting to have doubts on whether it was all just a crush, a ‘hallucination’ by my mind that duped me into believing that I like her. Maybe all along, someone special has been right there for me, but I just never noticed due to my obsession.

Chap 33

Wow, it has been a real hectic period for me. School was real busy, as there were plenty of projects and assignments to be completed. I’m also busy doing research on universities that I am interested in. Enough about school stuff. This period of time has also been really exciting. Let me briefly describe.

David flew over to Henckon Town to visit me. It was cool, and we had a lot of fun together. Although the town was small, we had a great time exploring the different historical and geographical areas, as well as enjoying ourselves in the pubs. On top of all the fun and laughter we had, something special also happened to me, thanks to him.

Valentine’s Day happens to fall within the week that Dave was actually in town. For the past few years, I had always spent my Valentine’s day with the “Trinity” (we always made it a point to get together during this period of time), but this year was special, as I decided to spend Valentine’s Day with Dave (he’s alone here, so I guess I ought to keep him company). While, Dave had another idea. He happened to know about ‘her’, and he strongly encouraged me to go on a date with her. It was weird initially, as I have not really been keeping in touch with her, much less to go out on a date with her. However, his persistent encouragement gave me the courage to ask her out on a date to the cinema.

I was really scared when I called her. A whole multitude of emotions was running through me – I was afraid that she might be frightened with my sudden request and reject me. Surprisingly, she actually agreed to my request without a moment of hesitation! I was truly shocked (and happy too!)

So, what happened next was that we went out on Valentine’s Day. We watched a simple romance movie and we exchanged presents too. It was a moment that I will always remember… I hope that we will continue to go out more often in future…

Well, the week was not that fantastic, for Dave eventually had to fly back home. I sent him off at the airport, and it was a real sad moment for me. But, ever since the tearful moments I experience in 2 years back, I have learnt to control my emotions much better now, and I was able to resist my tears. I firmly believe that as long as the 2 of us keep in touch, we will always remain as close friends.

Chap 34

Life has never been better for me. She’s now my girlfriend and we go out at least once a week (it couldn’t be helped, as we both happened to have busy schedules). I’m starting to view things from a different perspective, and I am so thankful to God for allowing us to ever meet in life and having the opportunity to find comfort in each other’s company.

Chap 35School is over finally! Yes, my 12 years of basic education has officially come to a close. At this moment, I’m just hoping that I will be able to do well enough to secure a scholarship to pursue my university education. The United Kingdom sounds like a good place, and I’m particularly keen to study in London.

High School doesn’t seem to have much of an impact in my life. Although I’m close with some of my classmates, there’s still a fine gap between us. Maybe it’s because we never went through any difficult times together or any team-building activities (unless you consider passing examinations and doing projects as adversity). But no matter what, they will also remain a part of my life, for they did help to shape a portion of me, no matter how large or small. I shall always remember the class as one that believes in living one’s life to the fullest, based on one’s desires. It’s a philosophy of life that does remind you that no matter what others say or think about you, it is ultimately your life.

Chap 36

Well, graduation prom was yesterday, and it was certainly very much different from the prom which I attended 3 years back. People do change with time. The tears were no longer present, for I could control them better now or rather, I just don’t have that special bond with my high school mates. However, it was an event in which you actually do see boys acting as gentlemen and girls as ladies. Certainly, it marks the fact that we have now all grown up, that we are mature thinking adults and that we should no longer rely on our parents.

She turned up for my prom, and she was real dazzling. My classmates were even more shocked, for none of them knew about our special relationship. Throughout the night, I attended to her needs and tried my best to make her feel comfortable too (she doesn’t know any of my friends). Later, I sent her back as well. It is a night that I will remember for I formally introduced her to my social circle. I hope she find the people around me nice.

Chap 37

I seriously do not understand what happened between us. She’s flaring up at me and accusing me of being insensitive to her needs. What’s wrong? I’m really lost, because she’s now starting to evolve into a stranger. Why? What has happened? She was never like this in the past. The worse thing is when I try to talk to her, she will start to scream. I just hope it is only temporarily and things will go back to normal, just like every other quarrel we had in the past.

Chap 38

Yippee! I aced my examinations and General Motors just offered me a scholarship to study in the UK! Best of all, Imperial College has formally accepted me. Indeed, I can finally fulfil my dream of studying in London.

Many of you might wonder why am I choosing to leave the US to go study in UK. Indeed, with my grades I should be able to obtain a place in either Cornell or Michigan. However, I want to experience a different environment and mix with different people as well as learn about different cultures. I do not wish to be stuck in my homeland all my life. The world out there is big and it is a gateway for us to discover new things for ourselves. Of course, the idea of living independently appeals to me.

Oh yar, our relationship is back to normal. Apparently she was real upset over some family problems. I’m going to tell her about my joy. I hope she feels happy for me too.

Chap 39

Life is a total mockery! I might have fulfilled my academic dreams and got a fantastic job as well, but my love life is in total shambles. We just broke up! She claims that she doesn’t know me well enough (that’s dumb because we’ve been together for close to 2 years), and that I have changed. She also claims that I am not respecting our relationship simply because I’m going overseas to study, and that a long distance relationship will never withstand the test of time. And with that, she suggested that we break up, so as to prevent harm to each other.

I know I sound full of anguish but it’s not true! I guess the best way to explain my sorrow is through this poem which I just penned down.

Jewel of my life,

Always bringing shine to my hive,

Cause you’re the one I loved.

Quarrels may come but we survived,

Understanding the key to our being.

Enough of all the good times,

Love has forsaken us.

In the darkest moments

Nothing is there for me,

Even you, my precious one.

Chap 40

I continued to walk to gate 69, but memories kept flowing back into my head. The past 18 years of my life had indeed been an eventful and memorable one, something which I will treasure. Nonetheless, I’m still regretful that I’ve never clarified things with Ernest, that me and her had to part just like that. Maybe I should have spent more time and clarified things with her. However, it has indeed been an experience, which will always have a place in my heart.

As I looked out of the plane’s window, the clouds in the skies seem to be suggesting something to me. Indeed, even though I am leaving my home as well as my loved ones, it is not the end. Instead, it is the beginning of a new phase in life, a phase which might give me even more memories and shape me as a person. After all, light and love are always present around us.