A Sweet Memoir!

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They used to be a very loving couple. During weekends, after preparing breakfast; she will come and greet us with hugs and kisses then we will be taking a warm bath together. The rest of the day will be spent strolling in the park and doing grocery. Occasionally, we will be having picnic or organizing field excursion with luncheons pre-arranged by mom.

In a fine December morning, while at the play land, I saw dad embracing mom with great height after which she has whispered something to him. At first, I thought it was nothing extraordinary, but after hearing the news that she was pregnant, I jump up with joy. Within the same week, the entire family holds a banquet, inviting my grandparents over.

The next consecutive day, dad goes down town one day, with mom. I am staying home with the part-time sitter. They arrived eventually, in the evening, with lots of goodies for Christmas, while I am in the kitchen refilling water. I can see from afar the largest odd-shaped item, wrapped in glassy floral paper; being put away before mom and I stepped in.

I guessed it must be for mom. Then hand-in-hand we refurbished the interior with Christmas tree, fanciful lights, balloons and cute handmade clay toys with bells and glitters, and not to be left-out socks with our names sew on it.

On Eve of Christmas, we had grilled turkey and friends were invited for dinner. The food was excellent. Mom has specially hired a chaperon, somewhere in Italy, to make this dinner a success. The environment too is very cozy like a match made in heaven. We had chats, drinks and games whilst listening to carols prior midnight where we countdown. A wonderful evening we had, and shortly thereafter, I have fallen asleep.

My slumber was disturbed by the break of dawn. I strolled down the hall. To my astonishment the gift seen yesterday was lying before me. Since it has my name printed, I unearthed the gift without any haste.

Stood before me was a 12” teddy bear. I examined it carefully then discovered it was actually wearing a platinum necklace with a shining stone. “This set of gift has seen advertised on a TV commercial sometimes ago, but how would they know my desire when, in fact, I have not disclosed to anyone at all?” I thought silently, “or, do they have the ability to read my mind?” I try to consider every possibility.

I still continued glaring at the stone, mesmerized, enthralled by its dazzling beauty. With an approval smile, they revealed the authenticity of the masterpiece. “What, 0.3 carat diamond?” I repeated after them with a glow stamped on my face. I jumped up, embraced both my parents, astonished, thanking them for being so thoughtful and prudent.

Meanwhile, as the approaching of 2^nd trimester, mom was getting more lethargic due to the pregnancy complications therefore a maid is hired. She helped mom with the laundry and some gardening while waiting for the arrival of the baby somewhere in September. The baby has finally arrived, earlier than expected. Everyone was ‘rushing-in’ to view the baby.

For the whole week, I felt a sense of left-out, lonesome, introvert and on top of all this, inferior and green with jealousy. Mom noticed something pretty wrong with me. She sneaks in during bedtime, one day, to ‘untangle’ me.

“On the day you were born, things were even worst,” she intricate, “with people dashing-in to witness our little miracle and even mom is being thrust aside.”

She added, “Trust me, dear, their curiosity will ease after another couple of months.” Before leaving, she kissed my forehead, stroked my silky hair then left with an affirmative smile. She meant the whole world to me. Every word is accounted vividly in my memory box until this very day. I appreciate every single deed and the struggles she has done in bringing me up and for this family.

(to be continued)

Art of Living

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Ultimately, we have arrived at the basement terminal. A typical feeling was strongly felt as I screened through the place. There was no welcoming crowd, unlike those homecoming events back in New York. I looked away, despaired. Here I can see many strangers were shuffling in and out either with welcoming or escorting, weeping and binding farewell, all comes with a reason.

We waited patiently for mom who has went to the information counter, with our luggage placed on the ground; next to the benches where we were resting. It was a sore to the eye seeing scavengers all over the place. Unexpectedly, my view is distracted when a kiddo walked up to me begging ‘some offerings’. With no more than a blank stare, there was no other reaction to offer. I was simply too exhausted.

I gazed as she turned around, walking towards another adolescent. Never denying they lead a miserable living, in search for food and shelters, but I believed they have better alternative than to becoming a scavenger, haven’t they? My eyebrows knitted, pondering the qualms we will be facing in this foreign land.

Shortly thereafter, mom came back with the information, “The bus terminal is located three blocks away from the main station.”

Whether we like it or not, we ought to be there to catch the five and a quarter shuttle that will bring us to our destination. And, with the load of our luggage and tiring limbs, we staggered all the way there.

“Just another few miles away,” mom reassured us, constantly.

We were lucky to get there in time. The bumpy ride, of ten minutes, halted at a drink-commercial bus stop. There was no farther instruction given after alighting from the shuttle. We stood there a while, waiting, scrutinizing the place. Dickens has begun to itch uneasily due to the steaming heat and has a sore shoulder by helping Jaclyn to carry her luggage from the terminal. Again, I looked at mom expecting an instruction or something. But she simply wasn’t focusing the path we were heading.

“Have we gone astray?” I asked in a coarse tone, without even allowing her another second to think. I’m not sure we have made the right decision, in the first place.

Not very far away, I saw this vague shadow. It was waiving towards our direction. The figure was getting much closer. She was short and stout, about 230 lbs with curly gray hair. I caught a glimpse of her deep sagging cleavage when she bends forward to speak to Jaclyn.

I turned to mom just managed to catch sight of her face that glows with a wide smile upon seeing her. She is greeted as Mrs. Baker. According to their dialogue, it is learn that she was duly responsible for our well-beings in Carolina and was bringing us to our new home. Along the route, there are many stray cats, old benches with bird droppings and junk rusty items.

“Please help yourselves out,” she pronounced, handling over a bunch of keys to mom “I will be back shortly with dinner.”

We walked unwillingly down a little stone path, still with the load on our shoulders, heading towards the main entrance of our new home. I simply couldn’t tell how awesome the others felt when the main door opens up wide before us. With another few puffs of wind and a thin mattress, I bet, we could easily fall into deep slumber.

Our floor area was barely 480 square feet. You can see everything in just one glance: a bedroom, an airy hall, some light furniture, our luggage and, our uninvited guests, house flies. I saw how despaired mom was, looking at the stove, without her dreamed kitchen and those favorite utensils.

Eventually twilight has come to greet us together with some creepy noises originate from pest and inserts from every loop holes you can find. We exchanged sinister gazes each time upon hearing those sounds, fearing that they might have an attempt to attack us.

The next morning started early. On the dining table, there was a note seeking us to help ourselves with the prepared breakfast as mom has gone down town to make several essential purchases. While waiting for her arrival, we unload our clothes from the luggage then stacked in the dark oak wardrobe, and do some simple chores.

A thunderous engine was heard, pulling up at our compound. Without seconds, we had run to the entrance to check out what happened. There it was mom, in tomboyish attires, alighting from the front seat instructing workers to unload some newly brought furniture. I stared at mom awkwardly as I have never remembered an instance mom putting-on such attires before. She looked, as though, braced up to face the uncertainties.

Meanwhile, it was astounding seeing workers unloading piece by piece of furniture into our residence: a set of sofa with cabinet, a queen-sized bed then on the installations while the other man doing some wiring work at the patio for electrical appliances.

The one and only power point installed by Mrs. Smith earlier wasn’t appropriate for high voltage electrical appliances, but I couldn’t figure out the reason behind the extra two installations at the other end of the patio.

Upon the removal of plastics wrappings of the sofa, we seated contently with a beam printed on our face. Mom walked to us looking impressed then uttered, “I have taken up an odd job doing laundry for the neighborhood starting next week after the machines arrived.”

“But mom, I thought I heard machines,” I sought for confirmation.

“Yeap, I brought two,” she added, “one is for dry cleaning with front opening,” walking away to double check the arrangements at the patio.

I followed her swiftly behind. She might have expected I will be throwing her with a dozen of questions. Before I even started, she uttered in a convincing tone, “Honey, no worries,” she said while reaching out for the gardening equipments brought earlier, “Mrs. Smith and I have make necessary arrangements. She will be in-charge of bringing in those laundries and circulating back to customers.” I just kept quiet, visualizing over the scenario, hoping there wouldn’t be any setbacks.

“By the way do you mind giving me a hand,” she invited me to do some gardening, diverting my attention away. The rest of the day spent, apart from touching up the compound, we have cat naps then stroll down the neighborhood, to the hardware shop located at the corner of junction.

Since school will only be commencing in a couple of months later, I offered mom some help with her odd jobs which was mostly in drying up and packing the laundries. Time flies and it was almost end of a season.

(to be continued)

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The day arrives, eventually. We have geared up and are heading our way to the train station located southeast of our resident. Penelope will not be around. We are escorted by our sixty-five-years-old ex-chauffeur, Mr. Davis Brown, to the station.

When we arrived there, it has already packed with different ethnic groups from different society levels. Dickens and Jaclyn can’t wait to see our new home at Charleston furthermore this was our first opportunity riding on a train.

But, things weren’t as simple as mom has told us earlier. I just can sense it, somehow. I steal glances of mom now and then. She seems to be frowning, puzzling about something beyond words. Then I heard of whistles blowing, indicating its’ time for abroad. We managed to find ourselves a compartment next to the window, just right in front of the entrance of the 1^st class cabin.

I looked out through the window panes, as the engine rumbles, admiring gorgeous countryside scenery. The brisk wind, softly puffed my facial hair and fringe leaving behind a tiny hint of morning dew from the green forest. I witnessed gaurs plough the field whilst young kids fooling around with their Sheppard Dog and cows licking its’ calves.

My attentions turned to my siblings. Dickens and Jaclyn were busy whispering to themselves – too indulged in their fantasies, I guessed, while Chuck has fast fallen asleep, with the pacifier dangling loosely on his half opened lips, in mom’s loving care.

When I steered my attention back to the outside scene, I saw an army of militants jogging along the river bank with echoes of command as we were passing through a valley. They were smartly dressed in tracksuits; looked tough and macho. It must be really something being a militant, I thought.

Craig simply slips into the picture, unnoticeably.

He has been nice and gentle all this while, at least, from the first impression. I couldn’t figure it out why I haven’t got the courage to ring him up upon my arrival home the other day.

“Have I doubted his sincerity or is it due to some other reasons?” I reminded myself.

Why would a guy entertain a total stranger? He didn’t even know what my last name is. And, must I border to ring him up at the first place; furthermore he is a million miles away from me.

“No, it wasn’t true,” I doubted.

“One thing for sure is I am missing him constantly,” I frowned, adding some wrinkles to my face.

“Since this is the case, how should I start my teleconversation? And, what if he couldn’t recall a single incident at the beach nor the café? Perhaps, he could have ‘deleted’ me from his database, after all these years.”

A long screeching sound was then heard when the engine pulls up indicating we have arrived at the exchange station. We take this opportunity to freshen ourselves up. It only reaches our turn after a long, extensive queue. We had some bread and tit-bits for luncheon, at the cafeteria, which mom has prepared earlier.

We only headed-off our second half journey when the sound of horn was blown. As more passengers entered into the Economic Class compartment, the train bustled with charters, mixed with the sound of luggage being stowed.

Despite the restricted space, I have heard Chuck complaining of pins and needles over his left leg. The naggings were very irritating however mom was very patience and ingenious of thinking ways to persuade him.

(to be continued)

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)