Reflection

"Do you think my nose is too flat?" Cathy asked, shifting her face left and right to find the right angle for a full view of her nose bridge.

Joanne, her best friend in her polytechnic, washed her hands at the basin and looked up at her friend's reflection.

"Please! If that's flat, mine is what?" She asked, pushing her nose down. "My nose will be like a pig's nose already."

Cathy sighed. "I feel so imperfect. My eyes! Look at them!" She cried and pushed the side of her eyes upwards. "I wish I have double eye lids and slits at the sides. That will make me look so damn sexy."

Joanne laughed and joked, "aiya, if you want it to be like that, you might as well go and do plastic surgery."

Cathy looked at her friend and grabbed her hands. "Yes! Maybe that's what I should do. I've been contemplating for like three years-"

"Stop! Please tell me you're not serious!" Joanne asked in shock, her eyes opening wide.

"I can't be more serious." Cathy replied and nudged her friend towards the exit of the ladies as some girls moved towards the basin area.

Once they were out, Cathy went on. "I've been thinking for the past three years." They started walking towards their next lecture hall. "I'm so damn tired of how I look. My eyes, my nose, my lips, my teeth... practically EVERYTHING. I'm so fucking flat chested too." She stopped her pace and looked down at her AA cup breasts she tried very hard to conceal by wearing A cup brassieres.

Joanne raised a palm to chin level and spoke in a diva-like attitude. "Puh-lease. You're perfectly fine! With your built, if you have a fucking D cup breasts, I will get freaked out okay? I mean, SERIOUSLY freaked out."

They arrived at the staircase leading to the lecture hall and Cathy sighed, hugging her file. "I don't know, Jo. My mind is in a mess. Ever since Matt dumped me I -"

"Don't mention that jerk. He is not even worth mentioning, okay? ANY guy who judges a girlfriend by her looks, are simply not worth your time and effort okay? If Matt wanted a sex bomb for a girlfriend, he shouldn't have chosen you right from the start. He was with you just because you're rich. You should have known that." Joanne interrupted, shaking her head.

Cathy was getting irritated. "Stop speaking of Matt like that. I know why you don't want me to do surgery. You're afraid I'll look better than you." She blurted and knew at that instance, she made a terrible, terrible mistake.

Joanne stopped at her pace abruptly and looked at her friend in shock, her eyes tinted with anger and disappointment.

"Look, Cathy Sim, the truth was plain and simple. Matt wanted you back then because you're just fucking rich, okay?! I stayed by you because I was your best friend. I've never thought you were ugly, and is this how you speak of me?! Am I such a person in your eyes?! Do you know what risks there are when you go for cosmetic surgeries?! I was concerned and all you cared about was yourself and what YOU think!" She retorted and raised a hand to stop Cathy from speaking. "Do whatever you want. I really don't wish to speak to you anymore."

With that, she jogged up the stairs and proceeded to the lecture hall alone.

Cathy stood at the side of stairway in tears. She wiped the snort off her nose as she turned her back towards a group of students coming up the staircase.

**********************************************

For three days, the two girls did not speak to each other. Cathy had attempted to create conversations between the both of them, but Joanne was still angry and had refused to reply to any of Cathy's approaches.

On the fourth day, Cathy decided to make the decision alone. She stared into the mirror at home for an entire hour, figuring every single spot on her face that required correction. After analysing thoroughly, she briefly took down the features she wanted to correct in a notepad.

She braced herself for the second blow when she approached her mother for a second opinion. She was confident her mother would disagree flatly upon this absurd request. However, she decided to do whatever she had to do to make herself beautiful.

"Mom," Cathy started, standing at the entrance of her parents' bedroom.

Her mother was doing her pedicure with her manicure artist, Phyllis. It was an awkward time to approach Mrs Sim, but Cathy felt it was also the best time because her mother, herself, believed in retail and beauty therapy.

"Oh, Cathy! My precious daughter! Come in! Do you want your nails done?" Mrs Sim asked generously with a wide smile. She was wearing a loose white shirt and hot pink tights. Her hair was permed with perfection, not a single strand was out of the way. Her small framed body was leaning comfortably against a massage chair with Phyllis kneeling on the floor, polishing the toenails with a thin layer of transparent nail polish.

Cathy stepped in and went forward to her mother. Phyllis gave her a smile and Cathy returned it politely. She sat on the edge of the king sized bed and placed a hand on her mother's.

"Mom, I've something to talk to you about." She spoke, almost inaudibly.

Her mother was admiring her new fingernails when she stopped to look at her daughter with queer. "What? What did you say?"

Cathy inhaled deeply. "I have something to say." She repeated, this time louder.

Mrs Sim giggled. "Oh, I thought what. Speak."

Whenever her daughter spoke like that, Mrs Sim always knew it was a favour. Since she was in a good mood, chances of approving any request is high.

"I want to do plastic surgery."

Phyllis heard that and painted the outside of the last second toe with a jerk. She looked up apologetically and proceeded to take a cotton pad from her work-box. "I'm so sorry." She repeated over and over again as she clumsily poured a small amount of nail polish remover from a small bottle.

Mrs Sim was speechless during the entire time, and was even unaware of Phyllis's mistake. For awhile, she thought she heard wrongly.

"Phyllis, did... did my daughter just said she wants to do plastic surgery?" She asked in disbelief, looking at the poor lady who was trying her best to salvage the mistake she made earlier on.

Phyllis looked at the lady and kept quiet. She went back to wiping the excess nail polish off the side of the toe.

"Cathy! What are you thinking?" Mrs Sim asked, her voice loud and clear. "Do you know what you're talking about?!"

Cathy grabbed her mother's hand, her eyes in tears. "Mom! Please help me! I feel so... so ugly and hideous if I don't do something about myself!"

Mrs Sim shifted the other hand over her daughter's. "Girl ah! You look fine! What's wrong with you?"

"I'm NOT fine! Look mom! Look at my eyes! They're TINY. Look at my nose! I don't even THINK I have a nose. And my lips! They're so thin! I don't even see my lips! And my teeth! You look! They're so crooked and yellow! I can't stand it anymore! Even my breasts are so small!" Cathy railed, ignoring the presence of the manicure artist who was trying her best to do her job despite the shouting.

Mrs Sim sat up and inhaled deeply. She withdrew her legs gently and dismissed Phyllis for a break downstairs for some tea before continuing with the pedicure later on. The manicurist nodded quietly and went downstairs.

When the door closed, Mrs Sim shifted her seat and faced her daughter who was filled with desperation to look better.

"Girl ah. You look okay to me. Why you want to do such things? You got see that Michael Jackson? You want your nose to fall off like his someday is it?!" She asked worriedly, her brows frowning.

Cathy shook her head. "Mommy! Michael Jackson did it in what? 1980?! It's 2008 now! It's different! It's not so painful now too. I really want to do it! Please support me!"

Mrs Sim looked away in despair. She knew her daughter well. Once Cathy sets her mind into doing something, she does it all the way.

She knew that her daughter had been toying with this idea for years, but she never really brought it up because she was not confident. Now, Mrs Sim knew that her daughter meant business and she can only encourage her.

************************************

That night during dinner, Mrs Sim brought the subject up to her husband.

"You know, it's not possible. I will support anything she does, but not this. This is way too much." He reasoned, scooping some soy sauce chicken onto his plate of half eaten rice.

Mrs Sim scooped a few more pieces of chicken bits and place it on her husband's plate. "She is really serious about it now. You know your daughter, if she wants to do something, she MUST do it. I don't want her to end up doing something stupid for the surgeries. You don't want anybody who knows you to come up to you and tell you your daughter is working as something unglamorous outside right?"

Mr Sim was quiet now. He scooped a spoonful of rice and fed himself.

He was a big man, with a balding head and a gold tooth. He had delibrately gone and extract a tooth for that, because his mother believed that a swelling belly and a gold tooth represent prosperity.

Mrs Sim knew that she hit the spot. To her husband, nothing mattered more than his own reputation in the business.

"How much?" He finally asked, lifting his bowl towards his lips to take a sip of the double brew chicken soup.

Mrs Sim placed her silver spoon by her plate and fiddled with the tablecloth's edge. "Cathy wants to change quite a few things, so it will cost about thirty thousand to forty."

Her husband nearly choked at his soup. Mrs Sim had to pat his back repeatedly to soothe the coughings. As soon as he could finally breathe normally, she passed a glass of water to her husband which Mr Sim took gratefully with a shakey hand.

"You must be crazy. Do you know how much money that is?" He finally spoke, taking a sip of clear water.

Mrs Sim went back to her chair beside her husband's and nodded. "Yes. But I'm willing to forego my mahjong and manicure sessions for a year. Just let her go. She just wants to be beautiful. You don't want her to keep blaming us for giving her the ugly features right?"

Mr Sim was getting angry. He slammed the glass on the table and looked at his wife. "What?! Blame us for giving her a face like that?! Who does she think she is?! We give her everything. A car, a room, a laptop, a walk-in wardrobe, a very expensive bathroom... we GAVE her everything, Amelia! What else does she want? Now she has the damn guts to say we gave her the ugly features?! Is this the way a daughter should speak to her parents?!"

"But-"

"No buts!" He stood up and threw his napkin on the table angrily. "It's all your fault Amelia! You keep spoiling her! Again and again! Is this how you teach your daughter? To spend forty thousand at the age of eighteen?! This is insane! I left you at home to educate Cathy and look what you've done!"

He stormed off into the study room and slammed the door hard enough for Mrs Sim to tremble in tears.

*******************************

Cathy heard the argument her parents had and she felt sorry for implicating her mother who did all she could to help her. She lay chest down on her bed, her head buried in her folded arms, and cried.

******************************

It was a Saturday the next day. Mr Sim and Mrs Sim were sitting outside their porch with a pot of tea and some kuehs, enjoying the breeze. Mr Sim was flipping through the papers, reading to his wife some news that were important. Amelia loved to listen when her husband speak. He always had this airs about him which attracted her since she was a teenage girl.

When he finally closed the newspaper and remove his spectacles, she spoke softly. "I've calculated last night. I got about twenty thousand with me. Can you just pump in another ten for Cathy? I really want to see her happy. She did not even have dinner last night. I had Armin send up the food and when I went upstairs this morning, the food was left untouched. I think she was really upset."

Her husband dropped three cubes of sugar into his tea and stirred it quietly.

"How? Please, Roger. I want Cathy to be happy." Amelia pleaded.

"Okay. I'll just pump in another ten thousand or so. Since you want to spoil her, you spoil her yourself. I'll just give what I can give. You know nowadays my business is not too good." Mr Sim finally relented before taking a sip of his tea.

Mrs Sim's face lit up and gave her husband a quick hug. "Oh, I love you, Roger! You're the best!" She cried happily and planted a kiss on his bald head.

**************************************
Cathy received the good news as soon as her mother finished her tea. She was ecstatic. Her dream was finally coming true.

*************************************

During the school holidays, Cathy spent most of her two months vacation in the hospital, going through several surgeries. In just two months, she did her eyes, nose, botox and lip fillers. By the time school re-opened, she looked totally different. In fact, even her ex best friend, Joanne, could barely recognise her.

*************************************
"Mom, a photographer from HER WORLD magazine wants me to model for a brand! He just called me!" Cathy gushed, running down the stairs into the living room. Her parents were eating grapes and watching the evening variety show.

Mrs Sim smiled. "Did you say yes?"

Cathy jumped in beside her mother and nodded. "Of course! Daddy, they know that I'm Roger Sim's daughter and would like to add a small interview as well. Isn't that marvellous? People will know about you and it'll help in your business alot."

Mr Sim laughed. "Then I have to thank you for being so nice."

Cathy felt happy. For once, she felt beautiful. She went back into her room and danced infront of the mirror. She looked closely and admired the flawless works of her surgeon. She pouted slightly and decided to get another dosage of lip filler tomorrow.

*******************************************

The day for the photoshoot arrived. Cathy went to the studio happily in a plain white tank top and jeans. The photographer welcomed her and shook her hand before asking her to proceed to the changing room.

She was guided to a small room with bright lights and racks of beautiful clothes. In there, she was greeted by several make up artists and some other models. She got dressed into a beautiful champagne evening gown and sat infront of the mirror. Her make up artist, Alicia, came up and started to work on her face.

"Oh, what pretty eyes you have! Not many Chinese have these eyes." Alicia gushed, spreading a thin layer of foundation over her face.

Cathy giggled.

"You look perfect, but if only you have bigger breasts. Look at this dress, it's hanging so loosely down your chest. I think Rim will have to photoshop that part." Alicia commented, applying loose powder over Cathy's cheeks.

Another model sitting beside her, Junni, smiled as her make up artist applied a light brown eyeshadow above her left eye.

"Being flat chested is very sad." She remarked.

Cathy looked at Junni using her side glance and spoke. "Most models are flat chested."

Junni stood up from her chair and laughed. "That was passe. Now, you've got to have the front and back to look sexy. It's how the market is nowadays. Wake up, baby."

With that, she sauntered out of the make up room.

Cathy gripped the arms of her chair and looked into the mirror as Alicia did her eyes quietly.

**********************************************

"Mom, I want to do my breasts." Cathy insisted, following her mother around the three storey bungalow. "I wanted to do it the last time but Doctor Rossi told me it will take more than two months to heal completely. So now, I want to do it."

Mrs Sim sat on a couch in the living room and Cathy follow suit, settling herself beside her mother.

"Girl ah. I gave you a pretty face. Now, you want pretty breasts too. What is wrong with you?" She asked, fanning herself with a magazine she was reading. "Armin! Turn on the aircon! So hot!" She shouted for her maid who came running out of the kitchen.

"Mom, please. Just one last surgery. I am like AA cup! I want at least a C cup. Please!" Cathy begged, almost on her knees.

Mrs Sim cooled down as the cool hair filled the room.

"Okay. Just one more. After that, stop bugging me to let you do this and that. Okay?"

*******************************************

Cathy went for her breasts surgery. Before the surgery, her doctor warned her of all the possible risks she might face and that the operation will be slightly more complicated than the eyes and nose.

After they reached a certain understanding, Cathy proceeded with the surgery.

******************************************

The surgery was a success. During the recovery stage, her breasts were starting to take form. They appeared firm and larger than usual. Cathy had requested for a generous C cup, but was rejected by her doctor because it would be dangerous to increase the size of the breasts drastically from cup AA to cup C. Hence, they settled for cup B which Cathy found no reason to complain about.

After the seventh week of the surgery, Cathy was starting to feel pain on her left nipple and sometimes, it would get unbearably painful at night when she slept sideway.

"Cathy, I think the tissue in your left breast is not accepting the sillicon very well. It's showing signs of rejection." Doctor Rossi explained after the test conclusions were out.

Cathy looked at her doctor worriedly. "But my right breast is fine!"

"Yes, yes," the doctor replied, playing with her pen. "But your left breast is not. So, we have to operate on your breasts again to take out the sillicon pads."

The young girl started crying. "What about my other breast?"

Doctor Rossi sighed. "I'm sorry to tell you these, but such rejection are relatively minimal. Guess you're unlucky. I've to take out both sillicons for you to look normal as a woman, then I will reconstruct your breasts to firm up the tissue and allow them to recover. We can't keep those sillicons inside, it might cost your life. We must do it soon."

Cathy covered her face in her hands and cried for a long time.

*********************************************

It has been six years since that surgery. Cathy regretted every moment of it, having to step in and out of the hospital to reconstruct her breasts once in awhile. Each time she looked in the mirror, she would cry at her sorry state. Her breasts were no longer small and beautiful. They are now saggy and deformed.

She met a lady at the hospital once, waiting to see the doctor to talk about breasts reconstruction and surgery.

Out of goodwill, she told the lady.

"Don't do it. You're beautiful the way you are. Don't be like me." With that, she pulled down her button blouse and revealed her deformed left breast to the shocked lady. "Six years, and I'm still paying for this price. Don't regret it."

The lady thanked Cathy and left the hospital shortly after canceling her appointment with her doctor.

BEST Friend, BAD Friend

Min Joo's life was close to perfect. She had a happy family, a group of close knitted friends, excellent conduct in school, perfect results, and a very good buddy, Kelene.

Basically, she had everything a girl ever dreamt of having. Her parents are well off, giving her all the luxurious and material comforts most girls only hope for. The family lived around Siglap area and her father dabbles in the fastfood business.

At the age of twenty, she pursued medicine in one of the best local university in Singapore. She had everything, but little did she expect the person who might hurt her most, was around her all the time.

Nothing wakes a person up better than betrayal.

******************************

It all happened one year back, when Min Joo and Kelene decided to attend the same course after their A levels. Two girls met when they were Primary school and they absolutely loved each other. Even in Secondary school, when Min Joo was in the Special Stream and Kelene in Express, they still met everyday during recess and after school.

They were that close. People practically thought they were siblings. Min Joo, although wealthier than Kelene, never compared their differences. Min Joo gave her best friend everything she had. Hence, they always ended up with the shoes, clothes, bags and laptops. Min Joo always made sure she bought double of everything.

Kelene on the other hand, is the daughter of a Yong Tau Foo stall owner and his wife. They did quite well, though. Their little stall made more money than the other stores in the coffeeshop. Most of the ingredients were sold out before dinnertime. However, Kelene was never proud of her parents. That was why her parents hardly attended any of her schools' events.

On their first day of school, Min Joo was whizzing past the cars on the expressway in her BMW. She did her soft curls the day before and she loved them. She realised that her hairstylist, Kylie, knew exactly what she wanted. Kelene had done the same and they looked like two peas in a pod. Apart from their complexion and features differences, almost everything about them looked alike. Min Joo loved the similarity. It made her feel extremely close to her best friend.

Kelene was sitting beside her, touching up on her make up. She was extremely excited over the first day of school. After all these years of tedious schoolwork and ugly uniforms, she finally made it to the University.

"Do you think there'll be cute guys in our class?" Min Joo asked. She was glowing in the sunlight in her bright yellow 1970's strap dress.

Kelene giggled. "Well, I don't know, but the doctors I've met so far, are not bad looking."

Min Joo pulled the brake and looked through the rearview mirror with a grin. "I'm so excited. You know, it took me exactly three years to get over Russell. I'm now all ready to find a right guy and start all over again."

"I'm sure you will. After all, you're such..." Kelene smiled sweetly and dragged the last word with a bit of a cute tone in it. She stretched over and gave Min Joo a big hug before completing the sentence, "a good friend!"

Min Joo hugged Kelene back. She was blessed to have such a good girlfriend. She was determined to find Kelene a good boyfriend too, if she ever finds one.

*******************************

"I'm even amazed how you two look alike! You guys even have the same curls." Serene, a new classmate gushed when they were at lunch.

Min Joo gave a wide smile and picked up her fork. "We've been best friends since Primary school okay? She's like my other half."

"People sometimes think we're lesbians." Kelene added with a laugh.

Min Joo cut a small cube of her beef steak and fed it to Kelene. Kelene accepted it with grace and did the same to Min Joo.

"Oh my god. I am starting to think you guys are lesbians as well." Serene remarked with a slight shiver in her voice.

Min Joo laughed. "We understand."

**********************************

After school that day, when the girls were about to leave the school campus, they bumped into a senior whom they met during the orientation. Both girls thought he was cute.

"Oh hey." He said with a smile when he saw the two girls near the carpark.

"Hey." The both of them replied in unison, only to realise that both of them were blushing.

"I haven't got your names during the orientation. I'm Neth." He introduced himself and stretched out a hand.

"Min Joo."

"Kelene."

Two girls took turns to shake that large, firm hand. Both girls were almost breathless. Neth was not only blessed with good looks, he was also studying criminal law in school. This was his second year and he had been very popular amongst his peers for his friendly and kind nature.

Neth flashed them another charming smile, showing his perfect set of straight, white teeth. "Well, see you girls around. You guys going home?"

Min Joo nodded shyly. "Yup. Home."

"Well, alright then. I'll catch you some other day. Bye!" With that, Neth walked away towards the school's canteen.

Kelene placed her hand against her chest and looked at her best friend wide eyed. "Oh my god. I could hardly breathe."

Min Joo leaned against the pillar weakly and felt her face. "I feel damn feverish. I think I am fucking blushing."

Kelene giggled. "He's cute. Super cute. Let's go." She grabbed her friend's hand and led her to the car.

"Maybe, just maybe, he and I can work something out." Min Joo mumbled dreamily as she unlocked the car's door with a smile.

But she did not realise that, Kelene heard what she said.

*****************************************

The next few days in school were passed on quickly and it was finally Friday. The girls loved Fridays. It would mean a night of party, party and more party.

Kelene was at Min Joo's house that evening. They decided to settle for some "GOLD RUSH" look as Min Joo slipped into a Gucci mini dress studded with golden sequins.

"Do you want to borrow my gold top? It's definitely nicer than your Topshop gold dress. It makes you look like a carpet." Min Joo remarked, taking out a beautiful Guess gold top from her wardrobe.

Kelene, sitting by the dressing table, looked away from the mirror. She was applying mascara.
"Oh, that's very cute."

Min Joo smiled proudly and proceeded to remove the curlers from her hair. "Of course. It's mine. You should learn how to dress up sometimes, Kel. Stop shopping at Topshop, Mango... These shops are passe."

Kelene screwed the mascara bottle tight, turned, and face her flawless friend. "I can only afford such brands. I'm not you. I'm not Min Joo with a rich dad."

Min Joo stopped at the removal of her curlers and stared at her best friend. "What do you mean by that? I've given you whatever I have. How can you, of all people, say that I'm just "Min Joo with a rich dad"? That was totally, extremely, hurting." She went on to remove her curlers. "If you know what I mean, I've never despised you."

Kelene broke out a smile and hugged Min Joo. "Yes, I know! Don't get so uptight! It was just a comment. I know how much you love me."

Min Joo's anger seemed to have eased at the sound of that. She liked it when Kelene cared so much about her.

"Well, I guess I'm okay. Hurry and try that top. It'll look fabulous on you."

****************************

The night at Ministry Of Sound was a blast. Min Joo and Kelene went into the VIP room to search for Min Joo's friend, one of the rich businessman's son.

"Min Joo! Look who's here!" Jack welcomed with wide arms when the two girls were granted entry to the VIP room.

"Oh Jack!" Min Joo gushed and gave him a hug.

"Kelene!" Jack greeted the girl behind Min Joo and gave her a hug as well.

"Sit! Order whatever you want. It's on me." Jack offered generously, throwing his wallet on the table.

That was Jack. Always full of enthusiasm and money. He was highly sought after at his university although, to Min Joo, his look was slightly below average. However, he was great company and great fun.

"Hmm! How about a dozen shots of tequila?" Min Joo ordered.

A lady took the order and walked off towards the bar counter.

"How was school for the first week?" Jack asked, taking a generous gulp of his Chivas, a big cube of ice chinkling against the glass. He was leaning back against the comfortable sofa in his black button shirt and pants.

Min Joo placed her gold clutch beside her and straightened her dress. "Fine. Nothing specatacular like I thought."

"Yeah. Except that senior, Neth." Kelene added with a childish giggle.

Min Joo nudged her friend and looked at Jack with a grin. "He's very, very, cute. I think he may not be totally Chinese. He had these pair of deep, dark beautiful eyes. He resembles Utt."

Jack laughed. "So fast you all find new target already huh? Looks like I'll have no chance again." He added with a tinge of sadness in his voice.

Everyone knew that Jack had been into Min Joo for almost ten years now. Min Joo, however, never felt anything special for him.

"You can have Kelene!" Min Joo laughed and gently pushed Kelene to Jack.

A tray of a dozen shots of tequila came just in time. Kelene needed that. Sometimes, she simply could not stand Min Joo's childish attitude.

"Let's drink." Kelene changed the subject and picked up a shot glass. "Let's drink to our first week at school." She toasted to Min Joo and felt the gush of alcohol rushing down her throat. She quickly picked up a slice of lemon and placed it on the top part of her tongue.

*************************************

As the two girls were about to leave the club at four in the morning, they met someone they never thought they would meet at a place like that.

Neth.

"What are you doing here?" Kelene asked, slightly tipsy. She was lucky to have a good tolerance for alcohol.

They were at the entrance when they spotted Neth smoking outside. Min Joo was totally wasted. She was leaning against Kelene.

"Neth." Min Joo slurred, waving her clutch infront of the smoking guy. "Hello." She giggled.

"Hey. Yeah. You guys club often too?" He asked. Kelene could not help it but sink into those pair of dark brown eyes. He was not only tall, but fit. He looked extremely handsome this very night in a dark red button shirt tucked into a low waist straight cut Levi's jeans.

Min Joo stumbled forward a little and Kelene struggled to catch her. "Yeah. Apparently, Min Joo is drunk." She replied awkwardly, pulling her best friend by the wait.

"Hey! I'm not drunk. I know you," Min Joo pointed her clutch at her friend, "Kelene, and you," she shifted the direction of the clutch to Neth, "Neth."

Neth laughed and threw away the cigarette butt. "Ok ok. I'll see you guys at school. Take care." With that, he left Kelene standing with Min Joo in her arms, staring into space.

For once, Min Joo looked stupid infront of a guy they both liked, and Kelene could almost feel herself smile.

**************************************

The next morning, Kelene woke Min Joo up at eleven. She made some breakfast using what she could find in Min Joo's kitchen. The maids offered to cook, but Kelene insisted on cooking personally. After all, she was in a good mood.

"Joo. Wake up. I made breakfast." Kelene called softly, shaking her friend who was still sleeping under the covers.

Min Joo stirred abit and mumbled, "awhile more."

Kelene laughed and pulled Min Joo up to a sitting position. "Wake up! It's eleven! It's Saturday, we shouldn't waste our time staying at home on a Saturday. Wake up! I made some sandwiches and eggs." She quipped and placed a tray of food on the bed infront of her groggy friend. "Breakfast in bed. Perfect isn't it?"

Min Joo yawned and rubbed her temples as she picked up the glass of freshly blended tomato juice. "Oh, splitting headache." She murmured and finished the glass of juice in a gulp.

Kelene smiled and shifted the plate of food slightly forward. "Eat this, and you'll feel better. I can't imagine how much you drank last night. It's shameful to let Neth-" She paused halfway at the mention of their senior. Quickly, she took away the empty glass and stood up. "I'll go wash this."

"Wait, wait. What about Neth?" Min Joo asked, convinced that Neth must have seen them last night. She had a very faint memory of seeing someone like Neth. However, she was not sure if he was the correct guy.

Kelene wanted to slap herself for blurting this out. She could have kept that small conversation a private memory for Neth and herself. Now, it is all ruined.

She turned around and smiled awkwardly. "Nothing. We sort of met him last night outside MOS."

Min Joo's mouth dropped open. "Oh my god. We did, did we?! I knew it!" She was hitting her head absent-mindedly as she continued. "Oh! Why did I get myself so drunk last night?! I must have appeared stupid. Did I? Did I appear stupid? Oh Kel, tell me!" She was practically begging from the bed.

Kelene smiled. "No. We didn't speak. We just said hi and left. Don't worry, Neth doesn't really know that you're drunk." She lied. "Besides, it was so dark, he wouldn't be able to see the state you were in. So no worries."

Min Joo, in her white nightgown sat up. "Right! He wouldn't have seen how stupid I looked right? It was dark and I bet he drank too."

Her best friend turned around and headed towards the bathroom with the empty glass still in her hand. "Yup. Don't worry."

Kelene went into the bathroom and turned on the tap. The water ran freely down the pipe as she looked into the mirror. She saw a tired face looking back at her. She hated her looks. If only she looked half as pretty as Min Joo, probably, Neth might noticed her.

She splashed some cool water against her face and felt like crying.

***************************************

That day, the girls went shopping at Orchard Road. It was their favourite shopping paradise. There are not only branded products that Min Joo loved, there are also delicious Japanese food that Kelene cannot succumb her temptation to. The two girls were browsing in a Gucci shop when Min Joo's cellphone rang.

"Who's that?" Kelene asked, looking away from the neatly arranged bags on the shelves.

Min Joo looked at the caller-ID and shrugged. Slipping some shopping bags onto her shoulder, she picked up the phone.

"Hello?"

"Hi. Hey. Um. This is Neth."

Min Joo nearly dropped her phone when she heard that familiar English accent coming from the other side of the receiver. Kelene grabbed her friend's elbow to stop her from fainting.

"Hello?" Neth asked.

"Oh, yeah. Hey. Hi." Min Joo stuttered, sitting down on a couch.

Neth laughed. "Oh, I think you're quite surprised at this sudden approach. I got your number from the orientation students' list. If you remember, you wrote your number there."

Min Joo remembered. At that time, she wanted to search for Neth's number too, but she did not know his name at that time.

"Oh. Yes?" She asked, still trying to catch her breath.

"Oh. I was thinking, em. Since tomorrow is a Sunday, do you care to go for dinner tonight? I know a great place for pasta." Neth asked, his voice not a tinge of nervousness.

Min Joo gripped her phone and let out a wide smile. "Sure! Where? What time?"

"I'll pick you up at seven? Your place?"

"Sure. Sure. Yes. Okay. See you. Bye!" Min Joo hung up the phone and grabbed her friend's hands. Kelene had been sitting beside her patiently, trying to guess who that person was on the other end.

"Oh. My. God." Min Joo cried, stressing each word. "That was Neth."

Kelene's heart fell. She dropped her bags of shopping stuff and her eyes were wide open.

"Shocking right?! I was also damn shock! He asked me out for dinner tonight! How?" Min Joo gushed, shaking her friend's hand.

"Neth called? And asked you out for dinner?" Kelene finally managed this question with alot of difficulty.

Min Joo nodded blissfully. "Yes! My god! I can't believe it!" She squealed and looked at her friend. "Do you want to go tonight? Let's go together. Neth said the place he's taking us to has great pastas."

Kelene shook her head. "Nah. It's a date. You two go ahead."

Min Joo giggled and hugged her friend. "I'll never, ever, dump a best friend for a guy. Never."

***********************************

Neth came by at exactly seven pm. He was driving a red Volvo. Although the comparison between his old car and Min Joo's BMW was pretty big, Min Joo told herself that when he officially becomes her boyfriend, she will buy him a new car that will suit his charisma.

"Hey Min Joo." Neth greeted cheerfully as the girl in a black mini dress approached him from her main gate.

"Hey!" She greeted back in a wide smile.

Neth was about to open the door for Min Joo when he realised someone else tagging behind her.

It was Kelene.

She was dressed in a light blue doll dress that had little frills at the collar. Her hair was pulled back with a LV hairband Min Joo bought for her a year ago.

"Hi." She said when Neth met her eyes.

Neth was taken aback slightly for her presence. Nonetheless, he replied her politely. "Hey."

Min Joo grinned and tugged Neth's elbow. "She is my best, best friend. I can't leave her out for such a wonderful dinner right? Kel loves pasta. So I thought we can all go together."

Neth, still slightly shocked, smiled awkwardly. "Right. Yeah. Okay."

Min Joo giggled and opened the backdoor of Neth's car. "Kel, come!"

Kelene could sense Neth's disappointment. The disappointment was written all over his face. She walked forward and past Neth. She slipped into the car slowly and closed the door.

Min Joo got into the front seat and they made their way down to the fanciful restaurant Neth recommended. All the while, in the car, only Neth and Min Joo conversed. Kelene was simply an ornament, at least that was what she felt.

**************************************

The restaurant was quiet when they made an entrance. It had a romantic ambience and the place was lightly dimmed. Couples were seated at their tables, holding hands, enjoying each other's company and the live classical music band on the stage. A waitress came up to them and asked Neth if he made any reservation.

"Neth De Souza." He replied.

De Souza. So, he is an Eurasian, thought Min Joo quietly.

The lady gently scrolled down a list of names using her index finger and stopped at one.

"Neth De Souza. Table for two?" She asked and looked up.

Neth coughed and scratched the back of his head. "Three actually. An extra person decided to come along. Can we make any arrangement?"

The waitress by the name of Nancy smiled politely. "Yes, sure. We'll just add an extra chair. Please follow me."

Kelene was feeling terrible. How could Min Joo do this to her? How could she bring her on HER date? It was totally unforgivable.

While Kelene was feeling negative, Min Joo felt the opposite. She was very happy her friend could share this joy with her. She was glad that her Kelene was part of her first date.

They found a seat that faced the Singapore River directly sat down. Min Joo loved the scenery. It was beautiful as the lights in Singapore begin to light up like little stars. The boats packed with tourists were floating beneath them, taking photos of the beautiful ONE FULLERTON and THE ESPLANADE.

"This place is beautiful." She gasped almost breathlessly as a gust of breeze blew at her face gently.

Neth smiled. "I'm glad you like it. I ordered some red wine as well. Are you fine with it?"

Kelene wanted to reply, but she realised that his eyes were only on Min Joo. She kept the comment to herself.

"Yes, sure. I'm fine with anything." Min Joo replied, crossing her legs beneath the table to make herself more comfortable. "Kel, how about you?"

Kelene smiled weakly and opened up the napkin over her laps. "I'm fine."

Neth gave a signal to the waitress and the waitress came shortly with a bottle of red wine in an ice bucket. She poured into the three glasses gently and walked off after saying, "enjoy."

Neth smiled and picked up his glass. He raised it slightly, "cheers to our first dinner." He spoke softly.

Min Joo chinked her glass against his and looked at Kelene.

"Kel. Your glass?" She asked.

Kelene pretended to be dreaming and sat up. "Oh, yeah." She picked up her glass and gently knock it against theirs. "Cheers."

Their dinner was basically more about Neth and Min Joo. Kelene had been quiet throughout the entire dinner except when Min Joo urged her to speak. She watched quietly as the two lovebirds conversed with laughter and giggles. Kelene had the urge to leave, but she knew that this move would affect the whole dinner.

"Excuse me, I need to use the bathroom." Kelene spoke as she wiped her mouth with the napkin on her laps. She just finished her mini chocolate fondue and the last course was coffee.

Min Joo was just recovering from a laugh when she looked at her friend. "Do you need me to come with you?"

Kelene smiled and stood up. "No, it's okay. I can go on my own."

Kelene went into the ladies and locked herself in a cubicle. She sat on the toilet cover and sobbed. She felt humilated, and extremely ugly sitting right next to Min Joo the whole night. She was never invited. She was never asked to come along. Why did Min Joo insist she tagged along? Now Neth probably thinks that she is irritating and someone with no sense of initiative. All these thoughts made Kelene sobbed louder.

She stopped sobbing when someone else came into the bathroom. Wiping off the tears and smeared mascara, she flushed the tissue into the toilet bowl and came out. Gently, she splashed some cold water against her face and looked into the mirror. Her make up was running and her eyes were red. For awhile, she felt sorry for herself for landing herself in such plight. She should not have agreed to come.

However, the night had to end. Bracing herself, she wiped off the water droplets off her face and opened up her handbag. She took out her concealer and gently dapped it across her face.

Even if Min Joo made her look bad infront of Neth, she was going to end it with confidence and presentability.

She finished off the touch up with some pink lipstick and pressed her lips together.

"I'm not going to lose to her."

************************************

That night, Kelene went home with a thousand of mixed feelings. Neth had dutifully sent her home before sending Min Joo back. The thought of their private time together suffocated Kelene.

As she walked down the HDB corridors of tenth level, her cellphone beeped.

She took it out from her bag and saw "1 new message received".

Thnx babe for comin with me tonite! Neth is a great guy isnt it? Im glad tat u were there with me on Neth's n my 1st date! Luv ya! Goodnite my BFF!

Kelene had a sudden urge to throw her handphone down from where she stood. She held back and leaned against a wall. Tears were trickling down her cheeks. These were the tears she prevented from falling all night. Now, they flowed freely.

Sobbing loudly now, she sat on the floor and covered her face in her hands.

That night, Kelene decided what she should do.

*******************************

On Monday, Kelene made her way to school on her own. She saw Min Joo coming towards her from the school's carpark and quickened her pace towards the lecture hall.

Min Joo, dressed in a dark blue checkered top and white short pants ran up to her best friend.

"Kel!" She called and stopped her friend's pace abruptly.

Kelene bit her lower lip as she hugged her files tighter towards her chest.

"Kel. I tried calling you the entire Sunday! Why didn't you pick up your phone? I even called your house. I nearly make my way down to your place okay? I thought something happened to you!" Min Joo asked worriedly, placing a hand on Kelene's elbow.

Kelene forced a smile and turned to face her friend with a pretty face. "Um, I was helping out at my dad's all day. You know, Sunday, busy day for my father."

Min Joo looked more relieved. She smiled slightly. "Oh. But you should have at least dropped me a SMS or something. I was worried sick. We contact each other everyday since Primary school. If you don't contact me suddenly, of course I will worry. Right?"

Kelene smiled widely and before she could reply, Neth came jogging towards them.

"Min Joo!" He called out cheerfully.

Min Joo turned around and waved at her new interest. "Neth!"

Neth stopped infront of them and realised Kelene was around. "Oh, good morning." He said, directing it to her.

Kelene nodded with a weak smile. "Morning." She glanced at her watch delibrately and looked up. "I have to run. Lecture. See you guys later." She excused herself and ran up the stairway.

"Kel! Kel!" Min Joo called out from behind but Kelene continued walking, ignoring the calls.

"She's been acting strange since Saturday. I wonder if anything's wrong." Min Joo asked, her brows frowning, showing that she was thinking of something seriously.

Neth shrugged. "I don't think so. She was fine when I dropped her off on Saturday night."

Min Joo disposed the negative thought and shrugged as well. "Oh well. Perhaps." She smiled and looked at Neth. "I don't have lecture this morning. Want to do breakfast together?"

****************************

Kelene was at Min Joo's house that evening. They were lying lazily around in bed with fashion magazines. Min Joo was munching on a chocolate bar when her phone beeped.

She jumped out of bed and rushed to the dressing table. She opened the message and smiled to herself.

hey sweetie. im going home now. had a long day. call u later. hugs and loves, ur boy. xoxoxo

"Neth?" Kelene asked, sitting up from her lying position.

Min Joo grinned and jumped back into bed. "Yeah."

"Are you guys sort of together?" Kelene asked, putting her packet of chips aside.

Min Joo giggled and faced her best friend. "I don't know Kel. Everything feels just right when I'm with him. He's so handsome, so smart. He is practically everything I look for all these years. I think he likes me too."

Kelene looked away. "Oh really."

"Yeah. If we get together, oh Kel. I don't know what to say. I'll be on cloud nine. It's like a dream come true." Min Joo spoke dreamily.

"Oh yeah. It will be." Kelene replied coldly and reached into her bag of chips once again.

**************************************

"Hello?"

"Jack? This is Kelene."

"Oh, hey."

"Look, I have something to propose. Are you free to meet up?"

"Oh, sure. What is it about?"

"Min Joo."

****************************

The week breezed past quickly. It was finally Friday night once again. Kelene urged Min Joo to go clubbing since she was not feeling too happy the whole week because of PMS. Min Joo totally understood. Her best friend was not herself since Sunday.

"You know, I promised Neth I'll not go clubbing."

The girls were dressing up in Min Joo's room. Min Joo was applying a light touch of blush across her cheeks.

"Oh please Joo! I need to let it out. I had a hard week. Can't you just come with me? Just tonight? We'll keep it from Neth." Kelene pleaded, kneeling on the bed with her hands clasped together.

Min Joo stopped and turned around. "Oh, alright. Last time okay?"

Kelene smiled widely and went over to give her best friend a hug.

"You're my best friend."

**************************

Jack was waiting for them in the VIP room. He was thinking back of the conversation Kelene and him had on Wednesday. They met up at Vivocity that very evening for dinner and Kelene proposed something that he was looking forward to for the past ten years.

"You know, after Russell, she never really dated any other guys." Kelene was saying, taking a sip of her white wine. "You had a great chance, but she never really did see you, because this guy Neth came along."

"Neth?"

"Yeah. A senior in our school. I think they just got together recently. That's why I come forward to you now, before they sink in any deeper. I'm sure you don't want Min Joo to start going out with this guy. You know how serious Min Joo is about relationships. You don't want to wait for another three to five years again." Kelene spoke confidently, leaning back against the chair.

Jack took a sip of his wine and leaned back. "What do you mean? Why are you telling me all these?'

Kelene smiled, crossing her arms over her chest. "Simple. Because I like Neth, and you like Min Joo. It's simple isn't it? It's like one plus one, will always equal to two. If we work hand in hand together, we might just get what we want."

Jack arched a brow and looked at Kelene with a puzzled look. "What do you mean?"

Kelene laughed. Jack had never seen this side of her. Kelene had always appeared to be quiet and polite.

"My, my. Jack, are you THAT dense? No wonder Min Joo never looked at you. You're dense." She remarked coldly.

Jack finished his glass of wine and poured himself another.

"What do you want me to do?"

********************************

"Hey Jack!" Min Joo called out and brought Jack back to earth.

"Oh, hey." He managed with a smile and looked at Kelene. "Hey."

"Hi." Kelene greeted back and sat down.

"I'm here to accompany Kel tonight. You probably won't see me much anymore. I'm not even supposed to be here. My boyfriend would get mad at me for coming back here." Min Joo told Jack as she took her seat beside Kelene.

Jack smiled. "No worries. This secret is safe with us."

Kelene smiled back and gave Min Joo a gently pat on the hand. "Neth wouldn't know."

Min Joo finally smiled. "Well, alright. Let's drink to our hearts' content then! A dozen shots of tequila please!"

*************************

By three a.m, Min Joo was drunk. She was blabbering nonsense and swinging her shoes all over the room, the bouncer had to pick it up for her several times until Kelene decided it would be better if the shoes remained off.

She smiled at Jack when Min Joo was lying on the sofa.

"I'll go, and make a phonecall." She spoke in a crisp voice and walked out of the room.

Jack looked at the drunk Min Joo and touched her face.

"You're mine. I hope you forgive me." He whispered and brushed a strand of hair away from her face.

Min Joo groaned and swept Jack's hand away.

*******************************

Kelene was waiting outside of MOS as Neth's car stopped by the pathway. Quickly, she gave Jack a call.

"He's here. Bring her out." She spoke quickly and jogged up to Neth's car.

Neth stood out from the car and saw Kelene approaching him. He could not see Min Joo.

"Where is she?" He asked.

Kelene looked into his dark brown eyes. "Neth."

"Where is Min Joo?" He asked again, looking past the girl.

"She-" Kelene was about to speak when she saw Neth's eyes fixed on something behind her.

She turned around and saw Min Joo walking out with Jack. Jack was grabbing her by the waist and when they were nearer to Neth, Min Joo planted a long kiss onto Jack's lips.

Neth's eyes dropped and looked at Kelene.

"What is going on?" He finally mustered the courage to ask.

Jack came forward with Min Joo still in his arm, wasted. She was slightly conscious, leaning against Jack's shoulder.

"That is Min Joo's boyfriend, Jack." Kelene replied softly.

Neth looked at Jack immediately, searching for an answer.

Jack looked at Neth. "I'm Jack. Min Joo's boyfriend. I'm sorry if she didn't tell you anything. She had been two timing me several times the past ten years, and each time I forgive her because I love her. This time, I have to stop it before it gets out of hand. I hope you understand."

Neth was leaning against his car as Jack spoke. Kelene could see Neth's face turning white.

"Kelene. Tell me this isn't true. Did you call me to come just because of this?" He asked, his voice shaking.

Kelene reached out and touched Neth's arm which he withdrew almost immediately.

"Look. This is the truth. I meant to tell you on Saturday, but realised that it wouldn't be too good for me to interfere. So I got her boyfriend to talk to you instead. It would be much better and understood. Now you know, Min Joo isn't suitable for you. She has someone else-"

Neth went back into his car before Kelene could complete her sentence.

He stepped on the accelerator and went off.

In his mind, there were thousands of questions. That girl was Min Joo's friend for over ten years, why would she lie about something like that? And that guy, Jack, seemed sincere about what he said too.

Nothing beats Min Joo's kiss for Jack.

With that, Neth made up his mind.

********************************

The next morning, Min Joo woke up with a splitting headache. Kelene was beside her, sleeping.

She sat up and inhaled deeply. She needed oxygen for her brain. She felt like her head was splitting into two. She always knew that going clubbing with Kelene was safe. She can be dead drunk, and the next morning, she would always be at home.

She decided to give Neth a call. After all, she did not contact him all night. He would be worried sick.

Quietly, she walked towards her window and dialed Neth's number.

It took awhile before Neth picked it up.

"Hey baby. I'm up. You sleeping?" She asked, her voice raspy.

Neth was quiet over the other side.

"Baby?"

"I think, we can stop seeing each other. Really Min Joo. What game are you playing?" Neth asked, his voice thickened with disappointment.

"Game? What are you talking about?" Min Joo asked back, gripping her phone.

"You fucking have a boyfriend and you didn't tell me! You made me think you're all so single and available since the orientation! Thanks so much for fucking leading me on." Neth shouted, his voice breaking into sobs.

"I-" Min Joo wanted to say something but was at a loss. What was happening?

"Shut up! I don't want to listen to your lies anymore! You fucking liar. How can you do this to me?! I actually DID love you, and YOU betrayed my love for you. How can you date someone and at the same time tell me you like me? You're just a fucking player." He ranted angrily, "I don't want to ever talk to you again. Even if we see each other at school, PLEASE do not come forward. I will turn nasty, so don't try me. You don't want me to humiliate you at school."

With that, he hung up the phone mercilessly, leaving Min Joo standing in her pink nightgown, completely dazed.

Min Joo turned around and looked at Kelene, still asleep. What happened last night?

She sat on a couch and thought carefully. She could not remember anything distinctive besides getting drunk.

She tip-toed across the room and took out Kelene's phone. She peeped at the call log and dropped the phone with a dull thud.

Kelene woke up to that sound and sat up groggily. "What's that sound?" She asked before regaining her senses when she saw Min Joo standing by the dressing table, her face looking straight at Kelene. She had tears in her eyes.

"Joo. What is it?" She asked, pushing the covers aside and got off the bed.

"Tell me, did you call Neth last night?" Min Joo asked calmly.

Kelene smiled nervously. "Of course not. It was our secret, remember?"

Min Joo picked up the phone that dropped on the floor and showed it to Kelene. "Then, why did you call Neth at three in the morning?"

Kelene took a step back and covered her mouth with one hand. She had totally forgotten about the call log.

"I-" She started.

"What?! What did you do? What did you say? Why does Neth think that I have a boyfriend?!" Min Joo asked, now angry.

Kelene took a step forward, this time braver. "Tan Min Joo, what happened today, was purely YOUR doing." She started, taking a step forward again. "YOU think you own everything, anything. Oh, you're the happy little Min Joo everyone loves. But you are wrong! There are other people who deserve some love too! Like me!"

Min Joo stumbled back and knocked against her make up stool, tears in her eyes.

"You think, being rich, being beautiful, makes you EVERYTHING? Isn't it? You get the best guys, you get the best things, you have a great family, well, YOU SHOULD HAVE JUST KEPT AT THAT!" Kelene shouted, pointing at Min Joo with her index finger as she completed her last sentence.

Min Joo covered her ears and screamed.

"Stop! Stop!"

Kelene laughed coldly, walking towards the bed. "Min Joo. Look at you. You have this day too."

Min Joo, now crying, grabbed Kelene by the arm and shook her. "Tell me! Tell me! Why did you do that? I gave you everything. Everything I have. Why do you have to do this to ME?! I'm your best friend! How can you do this to me?!"

Kelene broke free from the grasp and pushed Min Joo onto the floor. "Shut up! You gave me EVERYTHING? Yeah, sure, you gave me heartbreaks and insults too! What a PERFECT package."

Min Joo sat up and hugged her knees. "Why? Why did you have to do this? What did I do?" She asked in between sobs.

Kelene smirked and knelt beside the crying girl. "Do you remember, in Primary school? People often laughed at me for being your dog. And do you remember, what you said? You told them that I'm a cute puppy you bought from a pet shop. Do you remember that? I bet you don't! Because to you, it was a joke! A bloody fucked up joke! In Secondary school, we met Russell the same time, but he DID NOT even look at me! Not even once! As long as you were there, he could never see me! When you were not around, do you know that he smiled at me? He spoke to me with such gentleness I thought I could fall in love with him. But YOU! You had to take him away! Why?! Why?!" Kelene cried and shook Min Joo by the arm, causing the nightgown straps to fall sideways from Min Joo's boney shoulders.

"You had FUCKING everything and I have none! NONE! I worked so damn hard in JC to get into the medical course and YOU!? You got your fucking dad to pay for your degree! Why?! Why do you have to keep tagging around me?! Why?! Do you know how ugly I feel when I'm with you?! Because you MADE me feel that way! You took me out on YOUR dates and made ME feel like shit. I like Neth! I love him! But you had to take him away! Like the way you took Russell away from me! You're doing the fucking same! Now, you know, how it feels like to be dumped by a guy and great for you, Tan Min Joo. Congrats to having your FIRST imperfection in life!"

With that, Kelene stood up and went into the bathroom.

Min Joo was shaking badly as she curled herself up on the floor. What exactly happened? What did she do? How? How could Kelene treat her this way, after all these years of being together. How?

Kelene came out shortly in her own dress and grabbed her bag. Before heading out, she turned around. "I hope your NEXT BBF wouldn't suffer the same fate as me. It's insufferable."

Ending their friendship at that, Kelene left the room.

**************************

Kelene was waiting at the void deck of her house in a black tanktop and straight cut jeans when a red Volvo stopped infront of her.

She smiled as Neth stepped out of the car. "Hey." He spoke, with a wide, handsome smile.

"Hey, yourself." Kelene teased.

Neth opened the front door for Kelene and Kelene slipped into the car.

Kelene smiled as she fastened her seatbelt.

Finally, she takes the front seat, and she is no longer just an ornament.

Neth placed a hand over Kelene's and asked, "so, where do you want to go for dinner?"

Kelene sat up and looked into Neth's deep eyes. "I'm okay with anything."

Neth smiled. "Right, I'll take you to somewhere beautiful and romantic for some Japanese cuisine. Okay?"

His girlfriend nodded in approval as the car left the side curb.

"I wonder, how Min Joo is. I haven't seen her around in school." Neth spoke, breaking the short silence in between them.

"Oh? I heard she left Singapore. Well, it would be better for her that way, especially after what she did to you." Kelene replied, dabbing some lipgloss on her lips.

Neth smiled and placed his hand over Kelene's again. "Thanks for telling me the truth that night. I would have been hurt if you didn't do what you did."

Kelene smiled and held onto Neth's hand. "You know, everything I did, was worth it. Because, it was all for you."

"I would do anything for you, Neth."

Believe

Seven year old Jon was sitting in his mother's bedroom. He was, for awhile, at a loss. His mother had been lying in bed for days after his father's funeral. Jon did not know what ailed his mother, but after losing his father, he knew that cannot do without her.

"Mom. Please eat something?" Jon pleaded softly, placing a spoonful of porridge against his mother's cracked lips.

His mother turned and back-faced her son, tears falling down the side of her eyes.

Jon sighed and placed the spoon back into the bowl. For the past three days, he tried to fix his own meals, and function the washing machine. Cooking plain porridge was easy. His mother used to cook him porridge when he was ill. To him, it was even better than medicine.

"Mom, please eat." He continued in a soft voice, shaking his mother lightly.

Mrs Ng did not respond to her son's plea. She was too sad, too heartbroken to eat anything. Life can never be perfect without her husband. How could he leave her? How could he leave her and a seven year old son in her care? How irresponsible.

This went on for another day before she totally lost consciousness.

*************************************

When Jon was ten years old, another mishap befell on his mother. Mrs Ng was diagnosed with breast cancer.

She had problems trying to pay off the monthly bills and Jon's living expenses. Now, with this illness, she had no idea how she could cope with it. Although everyone around her told her that breast cancer is not fatal, there were, in fact, many who died due to that too.

What if she could not survive through this ordeal? What if the cancer cell spreads? What is going to happen to Jon? Who is going to care for him?

Nothing worried her more than Jon.

"Mom, are you okay? Is it painful?" Jon asked one day, when she was going through chemotherapy.

Mrs Ng smiled as if she was never in pain. "Always believe, Jon. Believe. Only by believing, you can do something. You can do anything in this world. Like me, I believe that I will get well, and yes I will! I won't let anything pull me down. So, my dear son, please also always remember that."

From that day onwards, Jon finally learnt how to believe.

And because he kept believing, his mother got well.

**************************************

Jon was an average boy in school. He was not very tall, and was very small sized. He was fair and had big round eyes that sparkle whenever he smiled. When he entered Secondary school, he found a group of friends he could mix around with and like every teenager, discovered music.

At fifteen, he was determined to learn beatboxing.

Beatboxing is a form of vocal percussion connected with hip hop culture(it has been called the fifth element of hip hop) although it is not limited to hip hop music.It primarily involves the art of producing drum beats, rhythm, and musical sounds using one's mouth, lips, tongue, voice, and more. It may also involve singing, vocal imitation of turntablism, the simulation of horns, strings, and other musical instruments.

It all actually started with an audio clip his friend sent him on beatboxing. He found it interesting to be able to do something like that, and was bent on learning it, making it his interest, and hobby.

Jon went into a beatboxing forum one day, and read all about it. With all that information given and stated in the forum, he started practicing on his own. He did various sounds with his mouth and impressed everyone with what he could do.

Perhaps, due to his immense interest in beatboxing, he was confident enough to join a talent time competition that very year when he was still a freshie.

That day, Jon was extremely nervous backstage.

"Don't worry, okay? Just do it!" His buddies were cheering for him, trying to give him some courage.

Jon looked out and saw a studio seated with a relatively big number of audiences and several cameras on stage, and off. His heart raced. What if, he lost it? What if, he became some sort of an embarrassment afterwards? Suddenly, he was not very confident with his beginner beatboxing skill.

The group before him finished their performance and the host was announcing Jon's next performance.

"That's it. Either I make it, or I don't." Jon muttered under his breath in his white T-shirt and baggy jeans. He gripped onto his microphone and stepped out onto the stage when the host announced his name.

Everyone in the studio applauded. Some cheered.

Jon stood in the middle of the stage, took a deep breath and looked at the expectant eyes of his friends who came to throw him any support he needed. The spotlights were shining on him mercilessly, and the cameras were fixed on him, waiting for him to do something spectacular.

Calmly, he lifted his microphone, and placed it near his lips.

The rest, was history. The audience went crazy when he did what he did. Everyone was impressed.

A new talent was born.

Since then, Jon had been recognised as "Singapore's Walking Jukebox".

********************************
Through the years, Jon continued to search for higher levels of beatboxing. Very often, his hardwork was not recognised. People look forward to the end results, and they demand it to be good. Jon practiced everyday without fail, hoping that one day, he will be able to bring more entertainment and joy to people around him. He always believes that hard work pays off.

People started to recognise him in 2006 and he gained a little fame for his boyish boy-next-door looks and his talent.

Jon, like any other boys, found someone he loved along the way too. From there, he learnt what loving someone really meant. It completed his soul. It lasted for about three years, before he was left alone again, in search for a special someone to fill in that empty slot.

His videos were put up on the Youtube website and several other beatboxing related websites. It was about 2006 to 2007, his beatboxing got him somewhere.

He was asked to beatbox at a local club, take part in commercials, and attend events that he was asked to attend. He met several beautiful people along the way, and also, inevitably, he met some people who brought down abit of his ego and confidence.

However, Jon, unlike other famous people around, there is practically no airs about him. He was friendly to almost everyone. To him, everyone was a friend.

That was also why, so many people loved him.

************************************

This story is actually depicted from a real life character, Dharni, who went through life with a single parent, and still, maintained the very humane side of a human being. His love for music, had made Singapore very proud of him and his acheivements.

There was a good quote Dharni made me believe in.

The one that truly inspired me.

Learn.
You learn as you go.
And when you learn, you'll fail.
You get back up on your feet,
And try again.
This time you fall again.
You look back and think where you've gone wrong...
Think hard.
And you'd realise that that problem is just right in front of you.
You correct it.
Continue learning as you get stronger.

Believe.
Believe in everything in every possible way.
If you believe, things will happen.
Seeing is believing as they all say.
Overlook that and everything is possible.
Open up to new perceptions from different people, different things, put them to good use and you'd be wiser.
Miracles will happen.
Bizzare Phenomenons, what-so-ever...
You will grow.
And be formidable.
If you just, believe.
Believe in the unbelievable.
Believe that it's all possible.

You can want anything.
You can have it.
What you really want to be.
What you really want to have.
What you really want in life.
You just have to learn, and believe.
And

WORK HARD FOR IT WITH ALL YOU GOT WITHOUT THE SLIGHTEST DOUBT IN YOUR MIND THAT IT'S NOT POSSIBLE!

Because that's what your mind wants you to think, but it's NOT!

Because you dare to churn out your dream into reality.


I have learnt. Have you?

********************************************

Editor's note: Dharni is now beatboxing every Saturday at BUTTERFACTORY down at Clark Quay. To catch him, go down on Saturday nights.

Thanks, Dharni, for allowing me to write about you. Although not every single detail is correct, I hope that with your story, I can inspire more people in believing. Thanks for telling me so much more about you.

For readers, if you know any ordinary person, who does extraordinary things, please let me know. I would love to use these people, to make Singaporeans more aware that we can do whatever we put our minds into.

Meanwhile, remember...

BELIEVE.


Below is a clip of Dharni's beatboxing performance.

Ever After

It all started on a cool summer's day in November, 2006. I was at work, as usual, when I recieved a phonecall from an old classmate.

"Hello?"

"Lisa! It's me! HuiMin! Remember?"

I was busy sketching out my new spring collection when that phonecall came. I was not very pleased with the interruption. With the phone clutching between my ear and shoulder, I gave a very cold reply.

"No."

The other party did not seem to realise my displeasure. She went on in her usual cheery voice.

"Tan HuiMin! Singapore Chinese Girls School? Remember? You're Lisa Sim right? Remember the girl who used to sit beside you for a consecutive four years in school? The one in pigtails."

Oh. THAT Tan HuiMin. My impression of her was not pleasant. She was loud, fat, and ugly. I often made fun of her pigtails.

Well, that reply made me look up from my work for awhile.

"Oh. HuiMin. Yes, I'm surprised you called." I said, in a clearly surprised tone.

I leaned back against the big armchair and took off my spectacles.

"Yes! You remembered right?! You used to call me Fat Min!" HuiMin gushed excitedly.

I rubbed my temples. To think she could be happy about that nickname I gave her.

Realising the pause, she continued.

"I found your office number when I browsed through a fashion magazine the other day. You're so capable now ah! Got a fashion company, and became an international fashion designer! You even have shops in New York! I must say we're all very impressed with your acheivements and we're very happy that you made-"

"Ok. Just tell me what is your purpose for calling." I interrupted. I was having a terrible headache and her voice really irritated me. I had to rush off these few sketches and attend a fashion show in Paragon.

Still not sensitive to my feelings, HuiMin went on, laughing. "Okay, okay. Well, it's my baby's birthday next week. She's turning one and I'm inviting all our friends to my house for a birthday celebration. Please do come. You didn't attend my wedding."

There was a sense of sadness in her voice that I could not avoid when she mentioned that I did not attend her wedding.

How time flies. I am already thirty and my ex classmate is already a mother. I reflected upon that and realised that I am still single, and an extreme workaholic.

"When is the celebration?" I asked, browsing through my Blackberry to check if I will still be in town on that day.

"Next Sunday!" HuiMin replied happily.

Gosh. How can anyone be so excited throughout an entire conversation?

I muttered "Sunday" as I scrolled towards the date. I had a flight at night to New York City. It was scheduled to fly at nine.

"I think I should be able to make it. SMS me your address. I'll come in the afternoon for awhile. I've to fly to New York at night that day." I replied, making a short reminder on my appointment list.

HuiMin hung up the phone excitedly with a loud "bye! See you then!"

I placed the receiver back onto its cradle and inhaled deeply. I looked at my sketches and slipped my feet back into my heels under the table. Swiftly, I walked out of the office and went up to Sandra, my personal assistant who I love dearly. It seemed that I could never do without her.

"Sandy. I'll be making my way down to Paragon later on. Get Roy to prepare the car by," I paused and took a quick glance at my Dior watch, "one. Don't be late. And Sandy, do me a favour will you? Get me lunch. I don't think I'll be able to go for mine because I still have to rush quite a bit of sketches. Will you be sweet enough to get me some sandwiches?"

Sandy was already making her phonecall to Roy to prepare the car at one. That was why I loved her. She is extremely efficient and she knows exactly what I look for in a personal assistant. I can never be too pleased with this young lady.

She hung up the phone and returned to me with a wide grin. "No tomatoes, wholemeal bread. Correct? Want me to get you some Latte as well?"

I laughed and started to make my way back to my office. "You know what I want."

*************************

That week breezed past like lightning when I had to attend countless of fashion events, interviews and at the same time complete my next season's collection. I was extremely busy, I almost forgot to get a baby gift.

Thankfully for Sandra, she came over to my house on Sunday morning with a Ralph Lauren Baby Girl's Set, all wrapped up in a beautiful silver wrapper. She even got me a mini gift card to fill in.

I was extremely touched by her visit. She always knew what I needed.

"I thought you might have forgotten." Sandra was telling me with a grin when she passed me the gift. "Ralph Lauren Baby Girl's Set. Three hundred and fifty bucks. Receipt in the paper bag."

I took the paper bag and looked into it. I smiled tenderly and gave her a warm hug. "Oh Sandy. How can I do without you? I had clearly forgotten about the afternoon appointment!"

I signed a cheque to Sandra before I told her to enjoy her Sunday. I knew that I could trust her to take care of my company in Singapore while I was away. She had been doing so the past four years.

In my black Versace dress and Prada clutch, I made my way to HuiMin's house.

I never knew that this trip, could change my life forever.

*******************************************

I was clearly amazed at the number of people that were invited to the baby's birthday bash. HuiMin lived in a fanciful condominium in the East and everyone was downstairs, enjoying the buffet lunch and barbeque. There were children running around, screaming at the top of their voices, while some men stood around and spoke in low voices.

I felt totally out of place. It had been an extremely long time since I attended a barbeque and I realised that I was apparently overdressed for this event. It was humid after the afternoon rain. I walked with poise in my Gucci shoes, hoping not to slip and fall.

I barely made it to the barbeque pit when I heard some women screaming at the top of their voices. "Lisa Sim!"

I was clearly embarrassed at the overwhelming greetings. Everyone turned to look at me as I made my way to the barbeque pit. I was blushing, I think.

"Oh Lisa!" A lady in a plain polo t-shirt and khaki shorts stepped forward and gave me a big hug.
I gave her a quick hug and released her. She smelt of persperation and food. Honestly, I was not feeling too good about hugging her. I was more worried if she might dirty my two thousand dollars dress.

"It's me, HuiMin!" She gushed, picking up my hand and leading me to a group of smiling ladies under a shelter. "Come! Let's meet our ex classmates!"

I groaned inwardly. They all looked totally out of place. Or should I say, I was the only one looking out of place. They were all dressed in the most "unglamorous" clothes, in my context. And, god, don't they ever do facials?

"This is Mary, Sharon, Tiantian.." As HuiMin went along with the introduction to a row of aunties, my mind drifted away for awhile. To me, it did not matter who was who. They all looked alike.

I managed to force a smile as I took a seat beside this lady, by the name of Mary. Apparently, she was from my class too in Secondary Four. Somehow, I could not remember her.

"I was the one sitting at the back. Remember?" Mary asked, trying very hard to refresh my memory.

I was getting annoyed. Besides having to get stuck in an awful place without air condition, I still had to go through torturous questionings. Why do these ladies keep wanting me to remember them? It was not necessary.

In my opinion, anyway.

Soon, everyone was around me, talking about my career, and asking me questions regarding fame and beauty.

"Oh wow. Look at your skin! They're so fair and firm! Mine all dropping already." Mary complained, pulling down her own cheeks. "How do you maintain all that?"

I smiled, "well, I do facials every once a week. I have a facial therapist back in New York who does that for me each time I go back. Otherwise, I go to a facial shop around in Singapore which he recommends. He is the key to my flawless skin." I replied and blurted, "I think you need a good facial. Seriously."

Mary laughed. "Aiyo! How to do? I have two children and only my husband is working. Where to find the money to do all these? You're really very lucky! Thirty, not married, and still so beautiful. Plus, you're so rich! We are so envious!"

Another lady, by the name of Tina chipped in. "Ya! How to compare to you? You're a fashion star leh! We are all just housewives. More like aunty already."

The group burst into laughter at that sentence. Sad to say, either I did not have a sense of humour, or I simply did not find it funny.

"Well, it still boils down to maintaining how you look." I insisted and took a sip of low graded fruit punch. I had no choice. This fruit punch tasted slightly too sweet and I only drink fruit juices and plain water. Nothing else.

"I heard that your nose is fake." Mary queried, causing my nose to be the main attention within the group.

I could hear soft mutters of, "yeah. It does look abit fake hor..."

I coughed delibrately and stood up, "excuse me, bit I need to go to the ladies." I excused myself as politely as I could and walked towards HuiMin. "Where is the ladies?" I asked quietly, still feeling their eyes on me. I was extremely uncomfortable.

HuiMin pointed towards the direction upwards and told me her apartment was on the third storey, fourth house from the left. I took my gift and took the elevator up to the third level.

During the period in the elevator, I had made up my mind to find an excuse to leave this barbeque as soon as I could. Those ladies were worst than the fishmongers in the market! They were nothing like women I knew in my social circle. A question came into my mind as I thought of these. Will I be like these women if I got married and have kids?

I shuddered at the thought as the elevator brought me up to the third level. I made my way to the fourth house with the most fanciful door. It was painted brown with floral designs on it. I was impressed with the inviting welcome.

I took off my shoes and went into the house. There were some men around the house, apparently friends of HuiMin's husband, sitting around, enjoying beer and some barbequed meat. I smiled politely at her husband, John, as he made his way up to me. We were introduced briefly earlier on.

"Come up to see the baby?" He asked, holding a plastic cup, his breath reeking of alcohol.

Yes, the baby. How could I not ask about the baby? She was supposed to be the star of the afternoon and I did not see her around.

"Oh yes. I did not see her downstairs." I asked, trying to be concerned about the baby. I am never fond of kids. "I need to pass her this gift." I continued with a smile, handing over John the Ralph Lauren paper bag with both hands.

John took it with gratitude. "Wow. Expensive gift. I'm sure with your great taste, our Sara will love what you have for her in there! Thanks!"

I gave him a light pat on his shoulder as I looked over his shoulder, "so, where is Sara?"

He brought me to the nursery. It was very well decorated. Once again, I was impressed with HuiMin's sense of house furnishing. She might not know how to dress up, but she knows indeed, how to make her house look its best.

The nursery was painted in a baby pink shade with Sara's photo enlarged, and printed on the wall. The white baby cot was resting against the adjacent wall and there Sara was, sleeping soundly in a white baby doll dress.

Somehow, I felt no connection to her.

"She's beautiful." I spoke, my voice in a crisp. I tried extremely hard not to look away from the child. I was more interested in the decoration of the room.

John stood beside me and smiled tenderly. I could see a sense of pride in his eyes. "Yes, she is. Min and I love her. We're going to work as hard as we can to give her the best things in life."

I was touched by those words. My parents never really bothered about giving me anything in life. They flew around often and I was always left alone at home with four maids. I grew up without knowing exactly how my father looks like. It was until three years back, when I finally started living with him in Miami whenever I visit the city.

"Oh yes, where is the ladies? I need to use it." I asked quietly, trying to hold my bladder. I had been trying to hold it in for half an hour and I really needed to release.

John kindly led me to a bathroom at the end of the corridor. As I used the bathroom, I looked around in awe. The bathroom had a fairytale theme. I think they got it renovated recently for their daughter. I was impressed through and through with the meticulous thoughts of HuiMin and John.

After I was done, I opened the door and was shocked when a man fell through. He was apparently drunk and I held on to him, his head leaning on my chest. How convenient.

I pushed him up lightly and he stood up straight.

"I need to pee." He said, looking at me with his bloodshot eyes.

I totally had a bad impression of him. How can anyone get dead DRUNK on a baby's birthday bash? Totally unethical.

I moved aside for him to use the bathroom. However, as he stepped forward, he lost his balance again and grabbed my breasts roughly.

I screamed and slapped his hands off. The other men came running towards us upon hearing my screams. "HE TOUCHED ME!" I screeched, still hitting aimlessly at the drunk man's hands.

John rushed forward and grabbed his friend from the back. Some guy came up too and tried to help this drunkard up. I straightened my dress and was terrified to see a wet patch on my dress.
"Oh my god. He pee-ed on me." I spoke in horror, stressing word for word, still staring at my dress. "It's Versace."

John apologised profusely. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. He's drunk."

I groaned inwardly and went back into the bathroom. I was mortified. How could any grown up man urine on ME? Especially on my precious Versace dress! I was close to tears as I wiped fiercely over the wet spot that was starting to smell.

I was busy wiping away when a gentle knock came on the door.

"Lisa, it's me, HuiMin. I heard about what happened. Do you need my help?" She asked kindly.

"No, thank you. I would prefer it if you leave me alone." I replied, trying not to sound too irritated with the interruption.

"Alright. Just let me know if you need anything." HuiMin replied and I heard her footsteps fading off the corridor.

I was upset. It had been a long time since I was so upset over something. This dress was my priced treasure. How could anyone ruin it?

I stayed in the bathroom for as long as I could remmeber, trying to salvage my dress.

I was absolutely sure I smelt of urine, but I could not appear too petty infront of the crowd, hence, I calmed myself down and walked out of the bathroom as graciously as I could. Everyone was scattered around like nothing big had happened. Everyone seemed to have forgotten all about me. For awhile, I was actually kind of annoyed.

I was about to exit the long stretch of narrow pathway of rooms when I felt a pat on my shoulder. Startled, I turned around and saw the guy who urinated on me earlier on, standing behind me, his eyes still bloodshot, but his face no longer showed any signs of tipsyness.

I was actually quite angry at the sight of him, despite realising how beautiful those pairs of eyes were for a man.

I took a step back, now taking cautious of him.

"Look, I... I'm sorry." He muttered, rubbing his forehead. "I... I wasn't really thinking. I... I'm sorry."

I placed a hand on my chest and gave it a little pat to hold back my temper before saying, "this, is a baby bash, and here you are, getting all drunk. Do you have any respect for the baby and her parents at all? This is not some wild party where you can get drunk and act irresponsibly."

He looked up at me, his eyes filled with apology. His pants still had a wet patch, reminding me of the absolutely irritating incident that happened an hour ago.

"I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't have done that. I wasn't feeling too good today. I guess I should have held back my liquor. Anyway, I'm sorry. Is there any way I can compensate?"

"You. Ruined. My. Precious. Versace. Dress." I replied, pointing to the unsightly spot on my dress. I was not going to mince my words, in fact, I made a point to make it very, crystal, clear.

I thought, for a while, his mouth might have hung opened for a good five seconds.

"Maybe, I can pay for the dry washing?" He offered, taking out his wallet.

I placed my hand on top of his hand and took a deep breath. "Dry washing, won't help. You urinated on it. It's not water, or beer. It's urine. This dress is ruined. Forget it."

"Look, how much is this dress? Maybe I can pay for this dress." He insisted.

Without showing much empathy, I replied. "it's two thousand dollars. Versace."

Once again, his mouth fell opened.

I sighed. "Forget it. My luck."

I was turning to walk away when he held on to my elbow.

"Wait."

I stopped at my pace and turned back. I was apparently very unhappy.

"This is my namecard. I guess I haven't introduced myself. I'm Mike." He was pushing a namecard into my hand.

I took it out of courtesy and handed him my namecard in return. "Lisa Sim."

His eyes opened wider than they already was. "Lisa? That fashion designer?"

I closed my clutch and placed it under my underarm. "I'll take it as we've politely introduced each other. Now, I've to go. I've to catch a plane tonight. I'm not in the best of mood, but yes, nice meeting you."

Courtesy was important. I learnt over the years that being polite at all times was essential. Even to people you dislike, knowing your manners was a total unrelated issue. It all boils down to your upbringing ultimately.

With that, I left him standing at the end of the pathway, staring behind me as I left the house.

Never in my wildest dream, I thought I might see him again.

*****************************

A month after that awkward incident, I was back in Singapore. I had been flying to and fro. I was exhausted that particular January. It was the New Year and I decided to celebrate 2007's New Year in Singapore.

However, I was alone. Sandra had to spend the New Year with her family and I was stuck at home at New Year's Eve, sipping wine and enjoying some home-cooked pasta. The television was not showing anything spectacular that evening, except the usual New Year's Eve countdown programmes. I was switching the channels, trying to find a good channel to settle down with, but, every single channel seemed to be celebrating this joyous event.

I gave up ultimately and popped in a VCD. I decided to catch MY FAIR LADY instead. I love classics. Audrey Hepburn had always been my idol. She was beautiful and classy. The exact role model I aspired to be since I was fifteen.

I was about to settle down back at my couch when my Blackberry rang. I was slightly annoyed. It was New Year's Eve! I think I deserved that short little break.

"Hello?" I balanced my plate of pasta on my bended knee as I held the Blackberry against my ear.

"Lisa? Lisa Sim?" A male's baritone voice asked through the other side.

"Yes? Who am I speaking to?"

"Mike."

I knew like eight Mikes during that year. It took me quite awhile to realise which Mike he was.

"Mike? That party guy?" I asked, totally taken off guard.

Why did this man call?

"Yes. I'm glad you remembered." He replied, his voice sounded slightly more relieved.

I dropped my legs down from the couch and placed my plate on the glass table infront of me. "Yes?" I asked.

"Yes. It's New Year's Eve. Not celebrating?"

I took a sip of my wine and leaned back against the couch. "No." I replied dryly.

"Oh. Your family?"

"Back in Miami."

"Oh."

There was a pregnant pause. His background was totally silent. I wondered if he was celebrating over at his side too.

"Well, is there anything else you want to ask?"

Finally, I broke the silence.

"Actually, yes. Can I meet you for awhile today? I need to tell you something." He requested, his voice thickened with sincerity.

I gripped onto my Blackberry.

"What is it that you can't tell me through the phone?"

"It's..It's something. Can I drive over?"

There was a sense of urgency in his voice I could not ignore. However, I was not fond of meeting any man outside the business line. To me, men meant trouble. I believed in that since I was fifteen.

"I'm afraid, it's not convenient. I'm alone at home, and I'm not used to meeting any stranger, especially men, at my place."

"We can meet downstairs, whatever. I just need to see you."

"I'm sorry. I'm really not interested in meeting up with you, and I'm not obliged too. Happy New Year, and goodbye." I ended the phone conversation abruptly and hung up.

Just then, from where I was sitting, I could see the fireworks coming from Clark Quay. They formed beautifully in the dark sky as I watched from where I sat.

A sense of loneliness was running through me. How could anyone like me, feel lonely? I had everything in this world. A nice penthouse in Singapore, a gorgeous apartment in New York City, two fashion offices, my own fashion line, four cars, three chauffeurs, great parents, two great assistants in Singapore and New York, botox, and a gorgeous wardrobe.

I fulfiled many dreams a girl have. The only thing missing was, love.

I stacked my cushions up at the side of my couch and took a big gulp of wine before lying down. I curled my legs up and lay that way while I could hear soft cheers coming from neighbours and downtown.

Tears were falling. I did not realise that until my nose felt funny. I closed my eyes and it brought me back to the time I was fifiteen.

I was a happy schoolgirl back then, exceling in everything I did. I was happy. I was truly happy. I had friends, I had a happy family, I was doing things I loved. Even at that time, I had someone I loved. I was complete.

I was in love with the only guy I loved my whole life, Kok Leong. He was from a neighbouring boys' school and we met when we took the same bus home daily. He would always make an effort to delibrately take the same bus as I did. As time went by that year, we made friends.

We did everything together, and I never forgot that pair of eyes that attracted me since the first day we met. They were deep and brown. Kok Leong had a little bit of Eurasian feature although he was pure Chinese. I looked forward to school holidays too, because we would meet up and go swimming, or have fun at Gay World or Happy World. Whatever world we went to, we were happy in our own world.

*************************************

The New Year passed quickly and we were all back to our regular life. I was busier than ever after the holiday. Sandra came back happier, and pregnant with her second child. She broke the news to her husband on New Year, at the strike of twelve midnight.

How romantic.

I could almost said that line with a smile.

That first week of New Year went on smoothly, until the second weekend. Mike called again.

"Can we meet for lunch?"

I was in the middle of a meeting when he called. I know it was terribly rude of me to keep my phone on during a meeting, but the office in New York calls me all the time to update me with the progress over the other side. I had to balance myself out.

I excused myself from my staff and walked out of the meeting room. I was totally irritated with that persistance.

"I told you, I am busy. Which part of this sentence do you NOT understand?" I asked, now with obvious irritatibility.

"I really MUST see you. This is very important."

I was losing my cool.

"Look! I don't have any reason to meet you. I don't think, there's any need for us to meet or anything. If you don't mind, I would appreciate alot if you could stop calling me." I hung up my phone abruptly after saying that firmly.

He tried calling a few more times, but I hung up on him mercilessly.

There was no need to deal with this man's business.

Besides, apart from Kok Leong, no other guy would have interested me.

To me, whether Kok Leong was dead or alive, I was still his.

**********************************

The following morning, I went to office as usual. Sandra was at her desk when I arrived. She was beaming with a glow only happy pregnant women possessed.

"Someone sent a parcel for you." Sandra said with a grin and handed me a parcel wrapped with a brown paper. "It was a guy." She whispered with a wink and settled back down in her seat.

I took the parcel and went into my office. Parcel?

I took a sip of my coffee before opening up my parcel like a Christmas gift. There was a gift box underneath the sheet of brown paper. The box had heart shapes printed all over it.

I tore the remaining sheet of paper left on the box and found myself facing a big rectangular gift box. Slowly, I lifted up the lid of the gift box and for a moment, I was lost for words.

In the box, was a photoframe with a photo of a young girl in plaits, hugging a handsome young schoolboy. They were smiling happily back at me in their swimsuits.

I fell back against my armchair, unable to catch my breath. I picked up another smaller box almost effortlessly beside the photoframe and opened it up gently.

What I saw made me sob like a baby girl.

It was a ring that Kok Leong and I exchanged fourteen years ago.

A silver ring, with our names engraved on it.

I touched mine on my fourth finger and sobbed even harder.

*****************************************

I took a day off that day. Trust me, I was not typical of me to do so. I drove down to Kok Leong's grave and sat by his grave with a bunch of beautiful flowers I bought for him. There were fresh flowers by his grave when I got there.

I looked around, hoping to spot anyone who might be around. Maybe, someone who knew him sent the parcel to me. I needed answers, I needed assurance.

I sat by his grave and looked at his photo closely. I placed my fingers gently over the small photo and felt tears falling down my face, smudging my make up. For years, I could not come to terms with his death. He was healthy and happy. He had everything going on around him. Why? How? How could he go? Most importantly, how could he leave me alone?

I remembered how I skipped meals and sleep over him. I did not even attend his funeral that year. I was simply too devastated when his brother called me that afternoon, announcing Kok Leong's death.

"He died of asthma. Last night. So, he won't be meeting you by the pool this afternoon." He had told me.

I remembered dropping the receiver.

I was still sobbing as I felt a tap on my shoulder.

I looked up and saw Mike standing behind me, his eyes filled with tears and a sort of sadness I could not comprehend.

****************************

I am not going to explain further, or elaborate anything else. Mike and I got engaged last month, and we have arranged to have a grand wedding three months later.

I am so glad I found him, or, the other way round, he found me.

All thanks to HuiMin's baby bash.

Oh yes, did I mention? Behind the photoframe, there were some words written in cursive. I only saw it after Mike proposed to me that very evening.

Lisa Sim & Mike Tan
12-08-1994

I've always been in love with you,
but there was only Kok Leong in your eyes,
I became Kok Leong,
My twin brother...
So that you can love me too...
I love you, my Lisa.