Episode 16 - Blessed

23 hours of flight without transit is so torturing! Thank God Mom paid for me a first class seat travelling with Singapore Airlines.


"Miss would you like a glass of orange juice?" An handsome steward asked.

I nodded my head and took a glass of orange juice from him. I'm not sure in which part of the world I am right now. 14 hours more to go!! I switched on the television and picked out a movie to watch. But no I found KBS Music Bank. That can kill the boredom . But soon after I got into a deep sleep.

"Good morning passengers of SQ 09. We will arrive in Singapore in about 10 minutes time. Please ensure that your seat belt is fasten and stay in your seats. Cabin crew please return to stations," the Captain gave instructions through the sound system.

"Hello Singapore!!!!! It's been long!!" I shouted in my heart. I can't wait to meet my family!

I walked down the way to the baggage area. As I was waiting for my luggage, i saw my little brother waving to me hoping that he could be seen. I waved back. I wish I could run to them now but the luggage is stopping me! Oh there comes my pink luggage!! I took it away and ran out to the arrival hall.

I let go of my luggage and hugged my mom.

"I missed you!! " Tears were already falling!

And then I went to hug my dad! I miss dad's hugs. My brother, Aiman, hugged me from behind. I miss this monkey! Nazrul was a little to shy to hug me as we are both grown up now. So he just gave me a wide smile.

"Aiman! Did you lost weight? Where is your pau cheeks?" I jokingly asked. He grinned at me .

As i was talking to my family, suddenly I received a hug around my neck! It was a moment of shock! I turned around and saw Irma!!

"Nisa , I miss you!!" She hugged me from behind.

"I miss you too!!!" And then I saw Rhea, Eve and Geralyn running towards me . Another group hug!!!! I'm so blessed!!

Tears start to roll down my cheek. I miss this group of girls as much as they miss me! Dad took my luggage. I walked with the girls hand in hand just like how we did back in Japan.

Episode 15 - Returning to my Homeland

"Are you done with your packing Nisa? We got 1 hour plus before leaving for airport," Mom came into my room and sat on my bed.

"Yes Mom . I'm almost done with packing. I have a great feeling that it would be overweight," I said that while putting my MacBook into its bag and then into my luggage. My luggage is sweet pink. Mom got it for me while doing our monthly shopping last month.

"Take it. Some money for you to spend in Singapore," Mom passed me a whiye envelope. I was reluctant to take it but Mom placed it in my hand.

I opened the envelope and took a look at the amount. A thousand dollar in Singapore currency. Astonished.

"Mom why so much? I'm just going for 2 weeks! " I said . I'm not good with money. I'm scared I will spend it away.

"Just take it. Shop in Singapore. Once you come back, there'll be a surprise, " Mom smiled it away.

Mom is full of surprises. But after she surprise me, I will feel bad after taking the surprise as I know she might spend a bomb on it.

I took my Iphone 4 from the drawer, too out its Sim Card and place the Sim Card into my Iphone 5. I'm leaving my New York line in New York.

I sent a message to Adelyn using my Singapore line.

'Hi Adelyn. I'm flying off to Singapore soon . If you need to contact me, comtact me using this number okay. Bye and take care. '

I decided not to leave any message for Daniel. I know he is still angry with me. In school, he pretend like he doesn't see me. An eye for an eye.

Episode 14 - A Tough Decisions.

A month since I avoided Daniel. I have been trying to figure out myself what is the real reason I've been avoiding Daniel. A month left before I return to Singapore for 2 weeks. I couldn't concentrate in lecture today. I don't really get it what he's saying. My phone vibrated and I brush my papers aside to get my phone.

- A new message received -

'Meet me at the linkway to Block B. Urgent' . A message received from Daniel.

"Adelyn, I need to head out for a while. See you later," i informed her. She was shocked to see me packing my bag in a hurry. What could be that urgent? When the lecturer's back was facing us, I sneaked out of the lecture theatre. Nisa is a badass.

I made my way to the place Daniel asked me to go. Seriously, what could be so urgent? I increased my walking speed.

As I reached the place, Daniel turned around like he know I am approaching.
Daniel gripped my hand as soon I stood infront of him.

"Nisa tell me what have I done? Why are you avoiding me? " Daniel questioned me

"No im not avoiding you. I just don't wanna be close to you," sometimes the lie is better than the truth, I thought.

"You know that I like you and I want to he by your side. You know that," Daniel said. He start to sound teary.

"No i dont know," I replied. I'm still in my stubborn self. I'll just pray hard that I won't regret this in the future.

"Look into my eyes now and say that you don't know. Look! " Daniel demanded.

I looked up to his eyes and said "I don't know."

Daniel let go of my hand and took a step back. And then he took a step forward.

"Fine. Since you insisted of not knowing my feelings towards you, I will leave you alone. I won't care about you anymore. But don't come back to me saying you are sorry. Cause once you do that, I'll never let you go," Daniel wiped of his tears and left.

I stood by the linkway without bothering the surrounding. I started to tear. Why am I tearing when I made the decision already? Sometimes, stubborness leads to nowhere. But I know now its not the matter of stubborness, I'm just unsure of my feelings towards him and I'm not ready to open up to anyone yet. I'm just not ready.

Episode 13 - Second Thoughts

It's gonna be a year eversince I left Singapore. A new year is coming and I made up my mind to leave everything behind as new year approach.

A normal Tuesday. I reached home with a sour face as gym today was really really tiring.

"How come you gained a kilo Nisa? I thought your diet plan is working well!!" Coach nagged at me. I kept my hea down all the time. I can't blame anyone else but myself. I feel fat nowadays. That's because Daniel stuff me with food. Everyday he would picked me up and have dinner together. Sometimes I rejected but he would appear out of nowhere. Just like now.

"Nisa, Daniel is waiting for you at the porch," Mom came up all the way to my room just to tell that. She could have called me.

"Mom can you do me a favour? Can you tell him that I'm not feeling well. Please ," I asked. I do not know why but I just do not want to meet him today.

"Okay darling. Have a good rest. Call me or Mak Ima if you need anything. How's gym? "

"Tiring as it is," I replied coldly.

"So you want to avoid him is it?" Mom asked. Wow how did she managed to know.

I nodded. Mom then gave me a kiss on the forehead and then she left the room. Soon I heard a car driving off. I looked out of the window, red jaguar was zooming past the dark street.

'Sorry Daniel'


Next day in school during lunch, Adelyn was telling me about this new movie and we should catch it together. A plan after school. Thank God my baking class is cancelled today.

"Rise of The Guardians is really awesome. Okay the trailer makes the movie awesome! Popcorn is on me!" Adelyn seem to want to go so much.

"Okay lets' run to the cinema once Mr Naggy released us! " I said.

We called our Marketing Lecturer Mr Naggy as he always nag at us before and after a lecture. How did his kids survive his nags? But on the other hand, I miss Mom's nagging.

As i was sipping my Coke, I saw Daniel walking towards me. Ohmy, what does he wants now?

"Adelyn let's go. I need the library," i pulled Adelyn away.

"Are you avoiding Daniel? "

Why does it seems that everyone can see me through? Am I that really bad in pretending.

"Yes I'm avoiding him and don't ask me why!" I turned to Adelyn and speak the truth.

Daniel was shocked as I walked towards his direction without looking up to him and smiling .

'I just need to get away from you'

Episode 12 - Daniel

Daniel is like a guy best friend to me. Apparently, Adelyndon’t agree to it.

“A guy and a girl can never be bestfriend only. One day oneof them will sure to fall in love with the other one, ” Adelyn said when I keptstressing on how good friends we are.

I agree to that as Rhea once said “In love, always expectthe unexpected” But I’m still not ready to open up my feelings to anyone yet.

A loud vibrations felt inside my pocket. A smile on my face.I answered the phone call.

“Hey. How’s your presentation just now?” Daniel asked.

“Its okay. Thanks for asking!” I loved it everytime beforeor after he would ask me about my presentation.

“Okay. Meet for dinner after your baking class?”

“Sounds like a perfect plan” I accepted the offer this timeround.

Knowing him for almost 2 months now, I can say that Danielis a good man. But never judge a book by its cover. Just like what happened betweenme and Kevin. He was nice to me at first and then he change for I don’t know whatreason. I fear that history will repeat itself.

Pak Salleh picked me up from school to my baking class. 15minutes drive and 20 minutes from home. I need to get a car license soon. I can’ttrouble Pak Salleh everytime. He had to send Mom to work every morning and thenpick me up from home to school. Then if Mak Ima need to run errands, he had tosend her too. And then with a little rest, he needs to pick me up if I have notrack training . But if I have track training, he would pick Mom up from work. IfI have track training or baking class or gym session, he would have to pick meup too. And the routine continues. I know it is tiring for him and he isalready in his mid 40s. He should get some rest.

I got in the front seat. I never regard him as my driver buthe is more like a father-figure to me as my real father is in Singapore. I wonderhow Dad is doing in Singapore. I miss my family.

“Nisa. You forgot your baking tools this morning. I put itin the back seat,” Pak Salleh told me.

‘Phew’ for a moment, I forgot about my baking tools.

“Thank you Pak Salleh! I totally forgot about it. Thank you,”Im always thankful to Pak Salleh. He is my hero . Okay, too dramatic Nisa.

Pak Salleh just smiled.

“Oh and today you don’t have to pick me up after my class. I’mgoing for dinner with Daniel. I told Mom already,” I informed Pak Salleh.

He just nod his head. And in no time, he stopped the car in frontof ‘Velvet Love’. 4 hours of baking lets go! Proper use of fondant is theagenda for today! I entered the baking kitchen. Seem like I am the latest fortoday.

“Okay class, since everyone is here. Let’s get started!” MsMary spoke.

“Please take a cake at that corner over there. Get back toyour station after that and wait for the next instruction,” She ordered.

Soon, I was too concentrated in doing my work that I didn’t seethe clock ticking fast.

“Okay that is all for today class. I hope you guys had thebasic of fondant today. Next week we will be making designs with fondant forall types of cake. See you all next week,” Ms Mary dismissed the class. 

Yay!Class is over! I packed my cake, took off my apron and left the kitchen in notime.

As soon as I got out from the shop, I saw Daniel standingthere with his back facing me. Exactly the way I like a man to pose. ‘Nisa, geta grip of yourself!’

“Hey! Did you wait long?” I asked him. I feel bad of makinghim wait for me.

“Nah no. 15 minutes. I was being too fast.” He giggled itaway. I love to see everytime he smile as he shows off his dimples.

“Haha. Where are we going?” I asked. I was hoping secretlythat he would bring me to Grey Papaya. I am craving for that please.

“A surprise.”

I sat in the car singing along to Everything had Changed byTaylor Swift and Ed Sheeran.

‘ I just wanna knowyou better now, I just wanna know you better now, know you, know you’

“Yes I wanna know you better too” Daniel replied.

I was taken aback. 

Episode 11 - Is It A Sign?

After sorting out my thoughts, I start to build up myself again. Kevin is not the only guy in this world. If before he enter my life I can live a happy life, why not after he ‘left’ me. To think about it, he didn’t left me. In the first place, we didn’t even have a proper status in our relationship. But its hard to tell myself that he Is my past now. No point waiting for him.

I walked down the hallway to my class. 45 minutes to class and I am early. Its going to be a long day today even though it’s Friday as I have track training today. But hey yea , no complaints!

Adelyn approached me from behind                             

“Nisa!! By any chance do you know who is Daniel?” She asked with her eyes wide open.

“No, who is that?”

“I don’t know how he know you but is he waiting for you at the library. Go to him!” Adelyn rushed me.

I was surprised. Since I am still early for class, no harm finding out who is Daniel. I walked towards the library. A 5 minutes walk from my faculty block.Standing at the entrance of the library, waiting for Daniel. I wonder how he looked like.Suddenly, a guy approached me from the left.

“Found your way around school already?” this blue eye guy approached me. And he took my thick accounting book from my hand.Oh so he is Daniel!

“Yes, I am getting used to this school.” I replied “Oh and how did you even know my name?”

“I am a senior remember?” he giggled it away. With those dimples on both side of his cheek. Guys with dimples is a major turn on, I swear!

“Yup, a senior. Anyway, what’s up you wanting to meet me?” that sounds a little too casual Nisa. But this is way too awkward.

“Are you free for lunch? I know you cant make it for dinner. Track training.”

I was taken aback when he know I am in Track and Field.

“Sorry I am on diet,” Goodness sake Nisa! What have you done?? You should never tell a guy that you are on a diet.

“oh wow, okay then.  Just thought of treating you to Grey Papaya!” He offered. 

Oh my! I love Grey Papaya! They have the most awesome hotdog bread. It has the same concept as the hotdog bread in Ikea back in Singapore. But I already said I am on diet, there is no way that I am taking back my words.

 “Thank you for the offer. Oh and I am late to class. Talk to you another time,” I said. I need to get away from this awkwardness situation. And there seem to be no one around the library at this timing. To be honest, I still have 25 minutes to class. Well.

“Oh okay do you want me to walk you to class?” He offered.

“Hmm no thanks ,” I rejected politely.

“Okay then. See you around!” He passed me back my book.

Okay mission accomplished.

Class started a little late today as Mr Brown was rushing some stuff before entering our class. Its problem discussion day. I can never get the hang of this topic. I opened my book and I saw a little piece of paper.

‘212-457-9876. It was nice getting to know you’ . I smiled it away and looked up to the screen.

“Daniel is a good guy. It can help you to get over Kevin,” Adelyn whispered to my ears.

Yes, I told Adelyn everything about Kevin. She Is like my best friend now and I can share with her almost everything and anything. I’m glad to have her. About moving on, its not easy. We all know that its easy to say that we will move on but our heart knows best. 

Episode 10 - Lost Control

No time was wasted at all. I’m starting to feel so tired and I just want to return to Singapore. To my mom’s arms. Is this what it feels to be homesick. I am only free to enjoy myself on Sunday. The rest of the day I am occupied. Since I joined Track and Field, I became so exhausted. Its only the beginning.

Every Monday, I have Track training. Every Tuesday, I have Gym session. Every Wednesday night, I go for my baking class. Every Thursday, I have driving license. Every Friday and Saturday, track  training.

My body started to became rebellious and gave me an 2 day off.Thank God that I didn’t miss any important notes during lecture as Adelyn jotted down for me too. Assignments are piling up too.

I laid down on my bed scrolling Instagram.

As I was scrolling all the photos post, I came upon a photo by Kevin. A photo of him and Andrea. ‘Thank you for today @Andreaaa <3’ My heart shattered. So is Andrea one of the reason why we drifted? But why her? Tears start to roll down. Now I am more motivated to move on. That is one of the reason that I decided to move here. Nisa, keep your feet on the ground. 

Episode 9 - Getting Into Shape

School is fine to me. It is much less stress here compared to Singapore. A month since I started school. And I can say that my classmates are a bunch of good people to be with. Apparently, I have gyming session today and I can’t join for dinner with classmates.

I reported to FitWellness Gym today. Mom hired a personal female coach for me. My coach Is from Japan and she is Coach Mika. I always talked to her about Japan. Everything about Japan that I had experienced during my stay there. Even though at home, there is gym but I need to get the skills and ways right  first. I need to lose a lot of weight before leaving for Singapore.

“According to the record, you had lost 3 kg this month! Keep it up and you will reach your ideal weight in no time.” Coach Mika broke the news to me. Yay! I was elated to hear that. My eating right plan is going well!

Gym session went as per normal. I feel so satisfied every time I sweat! That feeling of satisfaction is so good.  

Episode 8 - A New Friend Made

Pak Salleh dropped me at the entrance of the college. Oh God, this college is huge. I took a deep breath and entered the school. I pray that this would be a good day.

I still got 15 minutes left until lecture starts but I’m still strolling around finding the lecture theatre. Ltn5. How far can you be? I seek the signage for help. Guess they will be the best of help throughout my 3 years here.

“Hi you seem a bit lost? I haven’t see you around. First year? Need any help,” a blonde hair guy with blue guy approached me. But oh wow, he got so many questions and I’m not sure which question to answer. Keep calm Nisa.

“Yes I just want to know where is LTN5?”I think this would be the best question, right? Or maybe not.

“Just take an escalator up and turn left,” He smiled at me. Those shining white teeth. Oh god, he is so charming. Okay Nisa, snap out of it. So yes escalator up and turn left.

I smiled and said “Thanks”.

Well this is a good start. My day is starting good.

Entered the theatre with mix feelings. I wonder how am I going to get used of not sitting with Irma during class.With little confidence, I picked the seat the at most back. Easy to doze off too. Well I think lecturers like to spot those at the back.

A curly brown hair again took the seat beside me. As soon as she settled down, she turn to me and smiled.

“Hi I’m Adelyn. Nice to meet you.  You are?”

“Nisa. I’m from Singapore. Nice to meet you too. Are you a local in New York?”

“Yup, I am a local here. Singapore is a good country. What class are you from?” She asked me.

“I am from BM1. What about you?”

“Ohmy! We are going to be classmates! I am BM1 too!!” she gave me this wide smile.

“Let’s be friends!” I said. First day of school and I made a new friend! Yay me!

The lecturer gave a hint that he is starting the lecture soon. Okay let’s do it!

Episode 7 - A New Beginning

It’s been a month since I settled down in New York. Surprisingly, I am loving the life here. Starting college tomorrow. I am sure nervous. I have not make friends yet. The other day, the orientation, it was a  bore. It was just a tour in school and getting to know this and that. It was really a total waste of time.

“Nisa come down! I have something to discuss with you,” Mom called me through the house Intercomm. Yes the house is so big that we need to call each other. But there is at least 2 telephones in every floor.

“Yes Mom?” I reported to Mom in the first floor living room. On the first week, I got lost in the house. I didn’t know how to get back from the swimming pool to the main living room as there is a secret tunnel that leads to the indoor swimming pool. Its cold outside so I prefer swimming in indoor pool.

“Tomorrow is the first day of college. I allow you to return to Singapore after a year,” Mom broke the good news to me. “Oh and, I signed you up for baking class every Wednesday night,”

I swear this is my best day! A baking class every Wednesday and getting a diploma in Business Management. That is like killing two birds with one stone. And I got 12 months left till I take a short break in Singapore. Im so excited, yes I am! I ran to take the elevator up to my room, took my phone and tweet ‘Wait for me Singapore, in 12 months’. This got to be the best day.

I woke up the next day with a shoulder ache. Blame the non-stop 2 hours gyming yesterday. I am motivated to get in shape before I return to Singapore. Yes, I am so tempted to that. And now I had to get ready for school. Sigh, Pray that all will go well. My phone deliver a whatsapp tone to notify me of a new whatsapp message.  From: The Crazy Bitches . My chat group whatsapp with my Irma, Eve, Rhea and Geralyn.

Irma : All the best for 1^st day in college. Be friendly and smile!!

-Phone vibrates again.

Eve: Nisa!! Have fun for your first day!! Love you!!

Rhea: Oi!! If got handsome guys, don’t forget give me one! I want a boyfriend!

Geralyn: If they bully you tell me, I send Zac Efron protect you. Have fun!!

It’s true that one motivation text can save your morning mood. But I got 4! I’m so blessed.

Nisa: Thank you girls! Geralyn, I’ll anticipate Zac Efron appearance! If not, when I returned to Singapore, don’t want to give you souvenirs!

Well, gotta get ready. My mood is getting a little bit better. 

Episode 6 - Teary Night

I’m trying to sleep, but the voices in my head are too loud, and I’m remembering  all these things that I’ve done. So I turn to my side and face the empty space, and breathe slowly. Close my eyes, open them and close once more. I see his face now. Now, I know why I wont be able to sleep. I suppose this is why people are insomniacs; the voices wont go away, the memories keep coming back, and the people haunt them in the darkness of the night. I turn the lights on, sit on the edge of my bed and cry. Just a little bit, just to make it easier to breathe. I turn the lights off and try to sleep again , it’s going to be a long night. 

Episode 5 - A New Place, A New Start

The landing was abrupt. My sleep was disturbed by “Good Morning passengers of SQ34. We will land in 10 minutes in New York. Please stay seated and fasten your seatbelt. Cabin Crew please report to stations,” The Captain gave instruction.

Hello New York!!!!!! My tiredness from the 23 hours without transit flight starts to wash away  as soon as I left the plane. Godmum or what I call her as Mummy is waiting for me at the departure hall, I guess? She is my godmum since I was young and she moved to New York 3 years ago to pursue her career. And she offered me to study in City College of New York. I was thankful for that honestly.

As soon as I stepped out from the departure hall, a lady in Red Coat was waving to me. Its been a year since I last saw her so I couldn’t remember her that well.

She walked to me, “Welcome to New York dear! Lets go home and have a good rest,” she hugged me tightly. Yes I feel secure in her arms, moreover she is my godMum. Thankful that she treat me as her daughter as she is still unmarried at her age. Well, she is a career-minded person. Oops.

I felt asleep in the car and the journey felt long. The weather is a no good for me. Though I’m all excited about seeing the snow for the first time in my 18 years of life but it is freezing cold!!! -6degrees Cold.

The car stopped in front of this elegant house. 4 storey-house. The street that we passed by is full of big houses and this is boy such a big house. Im amazed.

“Mom are you sure this is the correct house?” I asked her in doubt

“Yes darling. This is my house which also means this is your house. Come on in.”

Wow my mouth is hanging open.

As soon as the door open, I was really speechless. This house is for sure big. To be exact it is 5 storey with a basement.  Wow!

“Welcome Nisa! From now on this is your home. Oh and this is Mak Ima. She is the helper of this house. She’ve been with me from 3 years ago. Any food you want to eat just tell her. And this is Pak Salleh. Our driver. Since you do not have any license, he is gonna drive you around. But no worries, Im gonna register you up for driving license soon,” Mom introduced me to this people which I hope will be a great help to me.

“Mom do you have Wifi here?”

“Obviously we do! How am I gonna access the internet then?”

I just laughed it away. Im just being stupid right now. That also means I miss being stupid in front of my friends.

“Come let me show you to your room. Then I’ll leave you alone to explore the house,”

I followed Mom to the elevator. Omg! Seriously there is even an elevator inside the house. I thought this is just gonna happen in Teen Cribs shown in MTV.

So yes then is another door that open up and as soon it opens up, my life is as though it is complete. My room is like a princess! I cant believe all this. What’s best, there is a walk-in wardrobe for me. I walked to my right and there is a spacious personal space for me to surf the internet and stuff. New Laptop!

“I got you a new MacBook. I know you have your laptop with you but there is no harm having a new one right?” Omg my dream laptop!!

“thanks Mom!! I’ve been wanting this! Is this by any chance my handphone?”

I pointed to the Iphone 5 beside the laptop. Now what’s up with Mom showering me with all the gadgets.

“Yes darling! I got you a new New York line so it is convenient. Configure it alright,” Mom said to me.

“Okay , I give you a rest now. Oh and please call your mom to inform her you reached safely okay. I whatsapped her though but I think she would want to hear from you too. Rest Well,” Mom left me to settle stuff on my own.

I configured my old Iphone 4 to get the Internet Connection. As the normal teenager, that is the first thing every teenager get to first. As soon as I got Internet connection,  a whatsapp message to mom was sent.
 

‘I am safe in New York. I miss you already!’

I sent a whatsapp message too to my cliques. And there is an email notification. It is clearly stated there that it is from Kevin. Let me just ignore it today. The mood is too good to be ruined
.

And then next is to tweet! ‘Hello New York!!!’

I’m somehow glad that I am already in New York after delaying it for a while. Time to explore the house. From the balcony of my room I can see the view of the swimming pool which also have  jacuzzi . I’m in love with the view. What makes it more beautiful is the snow which started to drop. I went out from my room. Lets get the exploration begins! So yes, to summarise up there is a movie theatre at the basement, an arcade room and a gym! Time to lose most of the fats. There is a library at level 2 and an indoor mini swimming pool. There is a total of 16 rooms! I am so amazed. And I sure do feel so tired! Time to crash to bed. Jetlag is taking over me. Goodnight.

“Nisa wake up. Time for dinner,” mom whispered to my ear.

I take look at my watch. 7am dinner? Kidding me?

For once I forgot I am in New York now. 12 hours difference. Sigh, I always hated Jetlag.

After dinner, I could not get back to sleep. I ended up unpack my luggage and place it neatly in the walk-in wardrobe. 

Episode 4 - Goodbye Love

“SURPRISE!” Rhea hugged me from behind. I was shocked as I was unloading 2 big luggage from my dad’s car to the trolley provided by the airport. Terminal 3, Row 10.

“Hey!” I hugged her back. “Where is the rest?”

“Oh they cant make it. Im not sure why.” Rhea’s pretty bad at lying. I knew something was not right but yea I accepted her answer at this moment.

I walked into the cold airport pushing the trolley. Parents and brothers were in front and I spot few girls sitting down at the chairs near Row 10. Let’s just pretend I didn’t see anything.

 I bet the three others girls, Irma, Eve and Geralyn are hiding somewhere! But then  no, they walked towards me with a Big Farewell Card.

“Don’t read it here. Read it inside the plane,” Geralyn said it as she passed me the card. I cant squeeze the card inside my bag so I got no choice but to hold it. I walked to the check-in counter and hand my passport  over to the lady sitting behind the desk. Pretty as her name. Rose.

“Please place your luggage over here miss,” Dad hand me an helping hand while Mom was busy talking to the girls. From the place I’m standing, I can see Mom enjoyed talking to them as they all share the same interest – KPOP. Meanwhile on my side, the luggage were weigh – 42KG! I had to pay an additional tax as my luggage were overweight. SIA allow 30kg baggage. Dad handover to the lady three pieces of red note.

“Here is your passport miss. Enjoy your flight,” Rose said.

“Thank you,” I said and walked over to my family and friends.

Pictures were then taken. Time past by so fast times like this and I was left with 40 minutes in Singapore. Dad who is a staff of airport went,

“I think you should enter the departure hall. Your gate is A1 so it will take at least 10 minutes of walking from here to your gate,” He said. He know better than me so I abide his words.

“Bye Mom. Take care . Love you. I’ll come back soon,” I hugged her tightly as I don’t know when I’ll be meeting her again. Tears started to wet my cheeks. I do not want to be away from my family but its for my own good.

“Bye Dad. Take care of your health. Eat your meals regularly. Love you,” I hugged my dad tightly. He gave me a kiss on my forehead. Now my eyes is like waterfall.

“Brothers, please don’t be naughty. Take good care of Mom and Dad. If they complain to me about you two misbehaving, once I come back, watch out,” I said to them jokingly. I will miss them so much so much.

I walked over to my friends. Group hug is the best. The 4 of them were already tearing.

“Nisal, study hard. Come back soon,” Eve said to me.

“How can you leave me? Now I will have no one in class that can tolerate my irritating-ness. Take good care of yourself and please when you come back, please bring one angmoh for me,” Irma said to me with her red eyes. 

“Haha I will find for you, that is if you have not get together with Allen. Please update me about our classmates,” Classmates refers more to Kevin.

“I know the classmate refer more to Kevin,” Geralyn said.

“Take care. If you fall sick must eat medicine okay. When life gets tough, just remember Geralyn and everything settle,” Geralyn laughed.

Eve then hugged me . “Im going to miss you so much.” She cried. Now my shoulder is wet. I hugged her back.

“Girls don’t worry. We might be far but we’ll always keep in contact. We can whatsapp. Skype, OOvoo. You name it. But I guess the time zone will be one of the hindrance,” I had another group hug from them.

And finally its time to enter the departure hall. My steps was so heavy as I walked to the policeman to hand over my passport. I turned around for the last time and waved goodbye for the final time. At that point of time, I’m determined to start anew.

While waiting for the gate to open, I opened my email and sent a long email. The one that had been in my draft since yesterday.

“Passengers of SQ34 please board the plane now. Gates will close in 10 mins time,”

I know it’s time for me to go. Goodbye Singapore. And hello New York.

--Email sent--

To: Kevin Ang(AK1691@hotmail.com)

From: Nisa (nisa11@hotmail.com)

Re: Untold.

Hi. I think by the time you read time, probably I’m already on the plane to New York. You had never once want to ask  me why am I going there for? I don’t think there is a need to ask right. Do you ever once realized that we had drifted so much. So much. We used to be so close. I had never had the chance to say this but I like you.  I think the feelings had gone far beyond of just like. I started to love you but when you stopped talking to me, I felt that I had done something wrong to you. Which until now I can’t figure out what is it. Thank you for all the memories we had. I decided to stop loving you and I’m sorry if this email freak you out. All the best in the future.

Regards,

Nisa.

Episode 3 - Begin Again

29 December 2011.

It was a normal Saturday for me. I felt it that way. It’s actually my last weekend in Singapore. Time pass real fast. Saying goodbye yesterday to my classmates was hard. They even prepared a mini farewell party for me. I was touched. In the short 11 months, we had grew bonded as class.

As my friends walked out of the lecture hall, I decided to sit there for a little while. Memories play back through my mind. Those boring lectures. I will miss this atmosphere so much. Holding back my tears and with heavy footsteps, I left the lecture hall.

“Nisa where are you? Come down to South Canteen. We are having lunch here,” Wendy rang my phone up. I looked at my Swatch Pink watch. ‘Are they serious? Lunch at the canteen where at this timing, it will be hell lots of people’.

The moment I came out from the lift, two guys pulled me out and blindfold my eyes. I was surprised. Astonished. What do the guys want from me? And at that point of time, my phone rang . But yes, how can I answer my phone call at this point of time. They pulled me or rather make me ran.

“Who are you? Where are you bringing me?” I kept repeating those sentences to them. And then they made me sit on a chair obviously. My world become brighter. In front of me is a small cake with wordings ‘All the best in New York’ !

“ALL THE BEST IN NEW YORK! WHOOHOOO!” my whole class shouted. Rhea, Eve, Geralyn and Irma was there too. I was shocked. It moved me so much. Kevin stood there like there’s nothing he can do. I’ll miss him terribly.

“Speech speech speech,” requsted Josh, a buff Eurasian guy in my class. His geek specs made his face kind of shrink .

“Okay. This is unexpected. Firstly, Thank you for this great surprise. Honestly, I appreciate.  For the past 8 months we were class, we bonded strongly. From class outing to just simple lunch together, I’ll treasure them all. I will miss arguing with you guys. I hope the classmates that I’m gonna have will be the same as you guys. Thank you once again. Ahh I run out of words already. Haha, so yup.” Teary eyes. I could not continue my speech. Wendy was already tearing in one corner. My class girls too. I’ll miss Pamela’s dumbness. Hannah’s non-stop laughing. Gossiping about KPOP with Kathy. Whitley too. I hugged them one by one. The first and last hugs to them except for Wendy. A group hug with Rhea, Geralyn, Eve and Irma. Haha i cant possibly hug the boys. But why was Kevin eyes red?

Clappings were heard. It was way so awkward. I mean the entire canteen was clapping.

“Are you done packing? 4 hours left and then we are off to the airport,” mom came into the room and remind me of the few hours I have left in Singapore.

I switched on my laptop, typed and saved in the draft. Unprepared. 

Episode 2 - Sparks Fly

12 June 2011

So yes, I crashed on this guy, Kevin who is also my classmates. On the first month of school, I told Irma that I will never fall in love with any of our classmates, but yes BAM! Sparks fly. I hated him on the day of our orientation as he was noisy,  way too noisy.
 But then on 12 June 2011, I texted Irma,

“I think I have a crush on someone” I know Im a dead meat when I shoot my mouth, but I cant seem to hide stuff pretty well.

“OMG WHO? Nicholas, Kevin?”

My heart beated very fast when Kevin name appeared.

-A text came in-

“ Omg Kevin? It cant be Nicholas, he got a girlfriend,”

And then we go on about how did I even fall in love with him . All started with a simple conversation about he reminding me of our assignments. Day after day, we texted all day long. I realized that he loves to run marathon. He’s always signing up for marathon until he got broke. Broke enough.  Whenever he have a marathon , he would text me before he leave for marathon and after he’s done with it. But all that stays as memories. You know you miss someone when you start to read old text and wonder where did you go wrong.

6 months past, I was mean enough to wish him ‘Happy Birthday’ at the very last moment of his birthday. I didn’t know what devil entered into me but yes, I decided to wish him at the last minute of his birthday. Okay that’s a lie. I was not so heartless.

16 November 2011, 2200

“Happy 21^st birthday. All the best for the future,” –Message Delivered.

I was so nervous waiting for his reply that I checked my phone every single second. Was he mad at me for wishing him so late when he was one of the few that wished me early on my birthday? Is he not replying me? Ah damn, I should put in some emoji. Why was I so dumb? I started to blame myself thinking of all the possibilities. Even the minor possibilities.

Time Check : 22:23

My phone buzz on the bed. The vibrations is like earthquake.

“Thank you. J” Just a thank you? Should he reply something better? Maybe it’s my fault for wishing him way too late. Too late to change situation.  I wanted to reply to something better than just ‘Welcome’ but yes, I could not think of anything better. I could not even turn to Irma for suggestion as she’s been bugging me to forget about Kevin and move on. She called him a jerk and I agree to that. But matters of the heart, no one would understand it better than you yourself. I decided to ignore the world, ‘Infinite- Paradise’ giving me the eargasms. Without realizing, I was in a world full of fantasy. Fantasy that would not happen when your eyes open and you have to face the real world. 

Episode 1 - A Recall

Snow started to ‘flood’ the frontyard of this luxurious house. Water’s too cold to even dip my body in the pool. I guess I’ll just chill indoors with ’50 Shades Of Grey’ and my hot chocolate.  My friends have been going crazy about that book. Trying to blend in, I decided to buy it. Well yup, I’m  a bookworm – that’s how I’ve been spending my weekends when I have no assignments. Time really fly. A year plus since I left Singapore. Never did it ever crossed my mind that I’m going to leave everything behind for studies and also, forget someone, hopefully.

11 December 2011

“Girls, lets meet up.” I said to my poly cliques that day after lecture. Geralyn, Rhea, Irma, Eve. I swear without this girls in Poly, probably my Poly Life would just be a normal one. Its just that time that I spent in poly is short. I mean all this transfer out thing wont happen if I did not agree to well, lets just say being forced.

Always the first to arrive, this elegant young lady, Eve.She gave me a hug.

 “Hey whats up! Miss you Nisa” Eve says as soon as she sat down.

“Pretty good, where’s the rest? Irma went to get her usual nuggets. Geralyn is usually early like early but no hahah”

As soon as I turned my head, I can see Geralyn smiling at me.  Man , Im gonna miss all this like yup all this crazy impromptu meet up at the canteen during breaks. So I waited till all of them settled down. While waiting, oh wow, I was arranging words in my head. Wondering how to put into words. No more delaying Nisa!

I took a deep breath. A deep one. As I was about to deliver my sentence, Rhea went

“Nisa why are you so quiet? Usually you have a lot to talk.”

I faked a smile. Oh my these girls don’t know the tornado in my stomach and brain.

“Girls, Im heading to New York end of this month….”

I have not finished my sentence yet but Eve went “Wahhhh, pack me in!”
        

Rhea “so shiok! How long ?”

Geralyn just widened her eyes as she was trying to fit in one takoyaki ball into her mouth. Well-known for being a photobomber and also Queen of Unglam. These girls, they never let me finish ,my sentence.

“I’m not going for holiday. For studies. I was supposed  to enter the college there last year but yes I delayed It till now. Staying with my godmum. And I’m going alone , ” Their faces started to change and yes we all got too emotional. No eyes were saved from the tears.

It was hard explaining to my friends the main purpose Im going to New York. Secondary school buddies was easier to explain to as they know me better. Terence and Tasha apparently who were my secondary school buddies, and also my secondary school cliques know that I had had delayed my entrance to the college as I wanted to feel the life of a polytechnic student. I get to know my classmates. Even though, the course that I took was not ‘perfect’ for me, but hey I survived almost a year of poly. During that period of time, I made beautiful memories. The highlight was when I went to Japan Educational trip with schoolmates. That was where my poly cliques was formed. I shall explain about that like later part of my story. I even fall in love during that trip. No lets say I also fall in love before I even went for the trip.