Charleston, South Carolina

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It was almost two p.m. when I finally step home, dreading lunch, in spite the delay of my bus schedule. We are living in an abandon quarters which have been assembled during the Civil War.

Mom was busy handling Chuck, my youngest brother. He was chubby, fussy yet entertaining little monster in our family. Since I was almost an hour later than expected, she has got everything taken care of and has taken a brief shower from the contemporary handmade pipeline.

Pity her, she has been staying awake in the wee hours, going laundry, and getting breakfast ready for the entire family.

She has tied the knot, way back in 1922. We used to enjoy luxuries and abundances during my childhood, which was before dad diagnosed with cancer a couple of years ago. He couldn’t tolerate the agony of the therapy resulting him to commit suicide; leaving behind his beloved wife; who was then in her late 30s, my three other siblings and tons of medical debts. The only valuable asset left with us, at that time, was our villa.

Despite the urgency in clearing medical debts, we have sold it to real estate agent for £1.35 million. The amount was actually below market price and we are at a win-lose-situation whereby mom is inexperienced. With the balance of a few thousands, we have no other options but to migrate to Carolina, South America, thanks to Paige Penelope, dad’s high school acquaintance.

At first, Jaclyn was looking forward to stay with our grandparents. However, they have not appeared ever since that day’s incident at the funeral parlor. It was after a heated argument grandma had with mom. She just walked out the parlor without having the trouble even turn to bid goodbye to her grandchildren.

Well, as of personal interest, I have not been favoring my grandparents since I was a child maybe it is due to the hypocrite smiles written on their face. They are kind of camouflaging their expression and thoughts each time when mom was around. It has never been a time they included mom into their conversation moreover to pronounce her as a member of the Longman’s.

As far as I could remember, there was once, when mom laid ill on the bed. And, dad was not around for two consecutive days. Before leaving for his business trip, he has sought Debra, my grandma; to cook some nutritious yet simple, easy digestive food until he returns. It was not denying, saying yes was easy but she never turned up nor has called. Luckily, I bumped on our neighbor, Mrs. Smith on my way back from the grocery which has done a great deal with the cooking and laundries.

Upon dad’s return, mom has been so tolerant and lenient that she hasn’t slip-off even a single word out of her mouth but, on the contrary, thanking her in-law for their undone deed.

Something interesting ‘bout Deb, I found through these years: “She has many a times forgotten ‘bout the important dates she has to make payment on utensil bills but, surprisingly, she has never missed out on any occasions when she has to collect her monthly allowance or making visits to the commodity market or doing grocery.”

Couldn’t believed my ears when I eavesdropped on the conversation between Penelope to mom mentioning it was grandma’s idea to acquire the villa due to the old grudge, tapping on her shoulder, comforting her.

Then, on a spring evening, mom came with the news that we will be making a journey to Charleston via train, a week from now. She showed us the tickets holding in her hands and promised us a better living. But I could see her scarifies in her eyes behind the promise.

(to be continued)

Different Characteristics

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While waiting for the lecturer to arrive, I flipped through the schedules in my hand which was given by a lady at the registration counter, a week ago. Since the semester has just begun, there is no rush to finalize on the effective subjects listed, but I would prefer if someone could offer me an orientation, and wonder if there would be any.

The atmosphere turned dead silence when a guy alarmed the rest of his associates that someone was approaching. Wow, everyone appeared to be frantic, holding an uptight face fearing they could give the lecturer a bad first impression.

Indeed, the one stepping in the room was a lady, in her late 40s’. As far as I observed, she is gawking at each and every student that caught in her eyes sight, especially those at the front rows.

She spoke in a well mannered intonation but the language she was using was rather peculiar, something to do with the slang, but I simply couldn’t figure out those coherent words to describe. Somehow rather than not I can judge her as a conservative type, from her attires, and a bad perm. Another gadget, I found interesting was her half-orange-frame dislocated spectacles which doesn’t fit her dark complexion at all.

Later, it is learnt that she will be teaching us economics. She is recognized as Mrs. Locke Butcher. We were, then, asked to flip to chapter one, exactly as what was happening to the outdated elementary school, slipping off my introduction to the rest of the classmates.

In the midst of the lesson, I heard whispers condemning, “How bored rigid it is!” and someone even yawned in the middle of the lesson. While me, I pray the lesson to put a halt right this very second.

The entire first half of the day ended almost in the same manner, except that now I have been introduced to the class and less mind-numbing. My neighbor was a Japanese. She has dark toned glossy hair, chalky pale complexion and introvert. It was relaxing to sit with especially when there are times you treasure silence, trying to concentrate on your assignments.

During break, I managed to know a hand’s full of classmates where we eat together and share some simple jokes. The food here was plentiful but it was sold from £1.50. The figure means a lot to me. Well, with an allowance of £18 a week plus the transportation and miscellaneous fees, I can tell it was rather burdensome and this was just day one.

I looked way, taking a break from reality. Across two long tables, I saw a long amber hair girl walking elegantly towards where Shawn is seated. She appeared to be cool and dazzling, judging from her body language, but her name unknown. I steal glances on them, occasionally, fearing I might have lost anything interesting. But, they seemed to be getting more and more involved in their topic of discussion.

I felt a surge of negligence, as a newcomer here, and some jealousy too. Then suddenly he looked at my direction. I blushed. The tempo was too dramatic until I couldn’t have time to think of anything to react but to appear dumb. He winked at me. I concealed my feelings, pretending to chuckle alongside with the rest of my classmates, gradually looking away.

School continued as usual, after break, and before long it reaches noon. The weather turned rather stuffy and bright. Good gosh! Just imagine how pity commuters like me who need to tramped my way for a few miles, from two destinations, exchanged buses just to reach a place called home.

My sweats are streaming profusely down my spine, forehead and neck resulting from the heat and carbon monoxide from vehicles battling on the road. Hence, I reached out my hanky which has been prepared by my adorable mom, last night.

Suddenly, I caught a glimpse on a £50 note fluttering not far away from the spot where I am standing.

“Shall I pick-up the bank note?” whispered my greedy self.

I try not to gaze at it fearing that someone might have noticed. But, I really need the money. School has just started and Mrs. Butcher has just incited us to purchase some additional workbooks – costs about £28. Within one second, I have make up my mind to ‘have possession’ of it.

(to be continued)

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“Is it him I am looking for or am I visualizing?” I commented. “He is, I guess, in his late teens, matured and rather good looking with well toned muscles and a sensible tanned skin. Most of all, he is blonde.”

“Hey, you seem to look prettier than I have thought” he opens up the conversation, with a blissful smile.

“This is Craig” he introduced himself while politely reaching out his macho arm for a hand shake, “Craig Nelson, your savior,” he teased.

“Arrrrgh ya,” I felt tongue-tied and anxious.

“Oh, what can I do to thank you?” I started abruptly, “I am actually on a vacation and will be leaving this island in couple of hour’s time. Do you fancy a decent meal right now?” I uttered, in a demanding intonation.

“Provided it’s convenient to you?” I waited excitedly for his answer.

“What, leaving in a couple of hours? You must be joking? I thought you might want to stay for a week or so …” he suddenly halted his conversation and looked away, upset.

I am puzzled but, on the other hand, I felt something strange going on. Each time when we exchanged looks, it seems to have some so-called magnetic strength that pulls us closer together. Oh, how I wondered this moment will be perpetual or, at least, last as long as it could – I guess the timing will do the trick!

Finally, before departing, we ended our conversation with a long cuddle and he then press me something he has clutched tight within his fist earlier. He repeatedly seeks me to drop him a line when I reached home but I didn’t promise.

“Looking back it has been almost three years since then,” I recap.

I twisted my wrist watch, it was five minutes pass eight; the crowd becomes larger with more and more students coming in. Ding, dong – the school “Graham Bell” strikes indicating class has begun. Tentatively, I saw everyone has been seated on their chosen coordinate and among his peers.

(to be continued)

Panama: Cynthia’s Place

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Every visitor’s features were imprinted with laughter as they indulged in boat riding, volleyball friendly match while Dad and I swam underwater for corals. No worries for Dick, he was a self starter and could easily be adapted to new environment with peers, even though they were strangers.

Contrary to the surface, the environment down here was calm.

We witnessed many amazing underwater species and corals, then, all of a sudden, I caught a glimpse of a dark spot battling towards where I stood! The wave became rough and I never have time to study the creature but it was certainly an exclamation mark. My mind signaled me to make a move however my limbs remain motionless, stunned.

Then a gush of energy come sideways and redirects me away. Hands in hands, we whirled all the way to the surface and then to the beach, panting for breath. I must have broken the Olympic swimming record if dad was to time me.

I felt my limbs trembling while my heart beat profusely grasping for air. Just as the sound of the environment faintly fades away, I caught a glimpse of a macho, soaked, tanned male leading me his hand, offering help. Before able to put my thoughts into words, I have already passed out, flatten on the sandy beach …

Upon waking up, I saw mom sitting beside me, applying traditional ointment. She asked how I am feeling only to notice that I am, as a matter of fact, searching for somebody.

She nodded with a grin and narrowing eyes. To my disappointment, she told me he has gone together with the crowd before handling over the ointment she had in her hands. I am impressed however, I guessed, the feeling would be better if he was somewhere around.

It was saddening, though, two days have gone, but I haven’t seems to be seeing his shadow neither in the gaming arcade nor bistros. And, I have noticed my curiosity wouldn’t be erased off if I didn’t manage to see him.

“Have I fallen in love with a total stranger?” I whispered alone.

Shortly thereafter, we were gathering at the chalet lobby again. We had our luncheon with the other family members at the nearby fishing village as planned. While waiting for the local delicacies to be served, I saw the outline of a guy walking towards the rest room.

“Yeap, it is no mistake,” I mumbled, without even noticing someone might have overheard, “It must be him!”

Without much delay, I excused myself and dashed straight to the rest room as well. But, he was nowhere to be seen! Then, my vision directed me towards a vague shadow, not far from where I am standing. To my disappointment this guy actually was a middle aged, grey hair man. I turned my head to the ground then walked towards our table and saw the strange look from the other family members as though someone had told them ‘bout the guy I fancied.

The feeling wasn’t pleasant as though I had someone slapped on my face. Due to this incident, I have not spoken to mom for the whole afternoon, not until mom approaches me and confessed it has nothing to do with her.

My rationale told me the frustration wasn’t merely on the humiliations I had at the restaurant, but it was more to failure of achieving the objective I desired. Since young I have been spoiled by my parents materialistically and emotionally. There was not an instance, which I remembered, have to drain my energy searching for something so pathetically and yet still in vain.

Seeing the gloom of my face, she has suggested me taking a final stroll down the beach or by the café, hoping I could be lucky enough to have an occurrence meeting with him. Before stepping out of my room, mom reminded “Our boarding time is 7:30 PM, please be back by then.” Her reassuring smile added confident in me.

I marched down to “Cynthia’s Place”, on the same evening. While waiting for my cappuccino to be served, I started looking around the café. Already had a few sips of cappuccino however still couldn’t get a tiny hint of his where ‘bout. It began pissing me off pondering over the constrained time frame. Its crystal clear there will not be any postponement of the boarding time - we will be heading to the harbour located three miles away in another couple of hours.

As I am having the next sip of drink, I saw a crowd across the street believed in having some disputes. However, that doesn’t arouse any of my interest to investigate farther which I normally would. Most customers as well as the restaurant assistances were startled and have begun to divert their attention towards the spot, to get the latest updates.

Since it has nothing to do with a total stranger, I thought it would be a bit wiser to finish up the remaining and make a move straight back to orchard room, to pack my belongings.

Out of the blue, a familiar voice approaches with lightly scented cologne. My thoughts went wild, heartbeat raised while my head slowly looked up.

(to be continued)

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My journey to school was quite lengthy. And, after about an hour or so, I have finally arrived. It was a relief.

The classroom was located far from the school entrance. While I was strolling down the sidewalks, I witnessed many students were smartly dressed in bright white and blue uniforms. It was a tradition to wear uniforms on formal events like this. Every students registered in this school, were given a roster on the mandatory dates to put on full uniforms, in respect of the belated donor of this premise as well as the school itself.

I walked passed a car park that stood right in front of our double storey block. They were some students, leaning against the Blue Bird and Mazda giggling; amused by funny little jokes while the others were stealing time, having short naps before the class began.

Well, for me, I was a stranger to this environment. Logically, the first approach, after stepping my feet in the classroom, was to find myself a place to sit – a location where I am comfortable of. However, there was nowhere to look without meeting curious eyes.

Many were wearing knitted outfit due to the damp, cool weather. I looked at the conditions of my attires. They were comparable with the others except for the yellowish stained on the underneath arm and collar, and the slight fit blouse. I have hold possession for this blouse for the past, say, two months or so from a secondhand trader in the neighbourhood.

Due to our unforeseen condition, it was a practice to inheritate 3rd parties’ wear-off as well as discolored garments which I have always hated. Sometimes, mom even has to bargain if the prices offered were beyond our targeted budget.

My classmates, I guessed, were from the nearby neighbourhood too, mostly Chinese speaking; contrary to me. I remained ‘invisible’ until a fine-looking guy approaches me then introduced himself as Shawn Dai Sh’ng.

“Hi, I’m Bridget Longman”, he greeted me after glancing through the tag pinned on my chess.

I just acknowledged with a simple nod and a grin.

He smiled back with a hint of dimple, much visible on his left then walked back to his seat.

He is 5’ 6”, too tall for his age, I commented.

I can judge the brown haired bloke was considerably popular among those petite twin sisters who were sitting just in front of him. From my intuition, they seem to have a lot in common and keen to share every single experience with him. I eavesdropped that the twins, Brenda and Brandy Morris, have just came back from their year-end-vacation in Honolulu and their occurrence snapping photograph with some American Idols on board.

I enjoyed their conversation but I, personally, have always feared of the deep blue sea. Perhaps I couldn’t prevailed over the phobia of being gulp-down by the rough wave or being attacked by ‘jaws’.

The flash backs still strike me occasionally although few years have gone. I turned to the pages of yesterday and could recall it was during our four days and three nights’ summer vacation at a fishing village in Panama:

At 10.15 am, we had already gathered at the chalet lobby waiting for the rest for the family members to brace themselves up. The sky was clear, and the tide line was scattered by palm trees that have grown along the island. From a distance, we witnessed pelicans resting their feet on those dull gold, sea green stones while the ravens wheeled above them.

We had a fine a-la-carte breakfast and then decided to go to the beach for the rest of the morning - swimming, scuba diving as well as spending some amusing time together.

The beach is crowded. We can’t wait to find ourselves a shady spot to place our stuffs. We headed towards the sea leaving mom and grannies behind. Mom did not join us. Instead, she prefers nude sun bathing and enjoying her fiction. While grannies, still holding their soft drinks, were sitting just a foot away from her.

“Where is Jaclyn,” I asked dad in concern. She was eight by then, a keen seashell collector. He pointed north to where Jaclyn stood while making payment at the underwater game counter.

(to be continued)

First Impression

That night, I couldn’t sleep well until midnight; perhaps I was anxious, too anxious about those upcoming events on tomorrow. I wanted things to be flawless, as I am entering a co-ed school, in this new neighbourhood.

At the break of dawn, even though I was fifteen minutes early, I have started rushing things up. Soon after I threw down a quick breakfast of cereal which mom has prepared, I started my journey.

Mom wishes me good luck. She cuddled me tightly for a few seconds, walked me to the gate then waved goodbye. The ground was wet and there were puddles with mud along the entire path, due to last night’s pouring. I reminded myself to be extra cautious and sometimes tip-toed to avoid stepping on the muddy water.

As I toddled to the bus stop, across the road, I can see that many commuters have already started their early journey. The weather was still murky. I got agitated by the stuffiness and the uneasy dampness on the seat and aisle on the six twenty bus I was ridding. The bus was, in fact, very packed with commuters of all sorts. Just imaged, I was swaying sideways and almost hitting strangers standing next to me when the driver stomp his feet on the brake paddle at the zebra-crossing.

(to be continued)