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.