"Hey! Jan, are you happy? Tomorrow is your big day!" Rachel asked.
"What do you mean by "my big day"? It's yours too." Janice replied.
"Sigh...you dummy. You are the top Aces scorers in our school. Don't act dumb!!! You know I hate that!!!" Rachel said.
"Okay whatever." Janice said.
On Graduation Day, start off is the Principal's boring speech followed by graduates taking their certificates. Finally, it ended by photos taking session to remember this very special day.
After Graduation Day, Rachel and Janice were on the phone.
"Do you know that Jason and the others are organizing a trip overseas for our class to celebrate our graduation?" Rachel asked.
"I know. And they ask us to meet in school tomorrow morning." Janice replied.
"So are you going?" Rachel asked again.
"No. It’s because you should know right?" Janice explained.
"Oh. Okay. Sigh. Nobody accompanies me tomorrow. Looks like I have to go alone tomorrow, I pity myself." Rachel cried.
"Okay you win. I accompany you to school tomorrow. But I'm not going to the trip." Janice said.
"Yeah, I know. Okay see you tomorrow! Bye!" Rachel said.
"Bye!"
The next day, Rachel was already under Janice's house waiting for Janice.
Jan: Hi Rachel! Good...
Before Janice could actually finish her sentence, Rachel interrupted.
Rachel: Why are you so slow?!!! We are going to be late!
Jan: No we won't be late!
They reached school.
Rachel: Hi everyone!!!
Rachel waved cheerfully to the others.
Angel, Apple and the others waved back to her.
"Hello!"
Kenny: Okay! Hello everybody!!! Jason, Jenny and I have been organizing a graduation trip. We have talked to a couple of sponsors and a few agreed to sponsor us half of our expenses which include hotel and air fares. So where do you think it will be?
Rachel shouted: Malaysia!
Angel: Thailand
Apple: Hong Kong
Jacky: Taiwan?
Kenny: All wrong! We are going to Spain!
Everyone cheered!
Kenny: But the sad thing is that we cannot take the whole lot of you here which are around 50 people...so...
Everyone jeered.
Kenny: Okay, quiet down guys! We have talked to the sponsors and one of the hotels is willing to sponsor only five of us here. So we would choose by drawing lot. Okay those who are interested write your name on a piece of paper and put it into this box.
Jenny continued: They would be sponsoring us the accommodation and meals daily only so the air tickets and all other expenses you need fork out yourself. Jason, Kenny and I are paying for all our expenses.
Jennifer gave a short briefing on the trip.
Kenny: Okay ready for your decision? If you got chosen, you must go. So I say only the interested ones so please hurry up!!! Places are limited!
Rachel: Jan, want?
Janice: I say I only accompany you.
Rachel: Don't worry! You won't be that “lucky”!
Rachel quickly scribbled her name on a piece of paper and Janice on the other piece of paper.
Janice saw it and tried to snatch it but it was too late. Rachel had already put them into the container, which was already full of names.
Angel, Apple, Jacky, Susan and a whole lot of the people put their names into the box.
Kenny: Time’s up!!! We shall pick the names here. Let’s see.
Kenny digs his hand into the container.
Everyone prayed that they would get chosen except Janice hoping not to be chosen.
Kenny took out the first piece of paper.
Kenny: Drum rolls everyone! Guess who? Angel Tan! Congrats!
Angel cheered!
Janice sigh a sign of relief. Kenny dug his hand into the container again and took out the second piece of paper. Angel and Apple prayed as they hoped to go together.
Kenny: Drum rolls please everyone… Who will it be? Here comes our second lucky person...Apple!!! Angel and Apple jumped, yelled, hugged and kissed each other.
Kenny: 3 more left. Who will be our lucky winners? This is so exciting!
Rachel prayed hard.
Kenny: Here it comes! Jacky! Congratulations!
Jacky: Great!
Jacky secretly wished that Susan would get chosen too. Susan also hopes that she will get chosen as Jacky was chosen.
Kenny: Okay. Now it is time for the second last name. Who shall be the lucky person?
A moment of silence filled the air as everyone was nervous and excited about the results.
Kenny: Susan!
Susan and Jacky were filled with joy and happiness. Kenny picked the last name from the container.
Kenny: Our final person. Who will it be?
Rachel prayed very hard hoping it would be her. She thought, “Please be me.”
Janice thought, “Oh! I had a bad feeling about this one. Hope that my intuition is wrong."
Kenny: Last but not least. Here it comes. Who is the lucky person? And this lucky person is...
Silence for a very long time…
Kenny: Janice!!!! Okay, seemed like that’s all for today. For those lucky ones who are selected, please leave your details with Jennifer so that we can resister for boarding passes and hotel rooms. Thank you for coming down today and good day.
Janice nearly fainted when she heard her name being called out.
Janice: Oh no.
Rachel yelled: Jan, you are selected! You are so lucky!
Janice murmured: I don't want to go.
The crowd disappeared slowly with a bit of sadness filling the air.
Janice walked up quickly to Kenny, followed closely behind by Rachel.
Jan: Kenny, can I opt out? I don't want to go.
Kenny: Then why you write your name?
Jan explained: Because...
Jason who has not spoken a word during the selection finally spoke up: No! You didn't hear what Kenny say just now! I don't care what explanation you gave.
Janice said quickly: Can Rachel replace me?
Janice pulled Rachel in front.
Kenny: man, cool down.
Jason walked away.
Kenny: I’m really sorry Janice, you heard that. There’s nothing we can do. That’s our policy. Please leave your details with Jennifer. Anyway, see you at the airport. Goodbye and have a nice day!
Then quickly follow up with Jason. “Hey, bro, why...”
Jennifer said, “Bye! See you guys soon at the airport!” and caught up with Jason and Kenny.
Rachel: Bye!
Janice, Rachel, Angel, Apple, Jacky and Susan chatted on their way home.
Angel: Why you don't want to go?
Janice: Nothing special really, I just don’t feel like going.
Jacky: Guys, I’m going this way. So catch you guys later okay?
Angel, Apple and Rachel: Okay, see you! Bye!
Jacky said goodbye and took a peek at Susan, then walked away. Susan blush a little.
Rachel: Sigh.
Apple: Rachel, why are you feeling so sad?
Rachel: I didn't get chosen to go with you guys, that why.
Apple: Oh come on, don't be sad. We will take plenty of photos for you to see when we come back and we can even send you postcards to inform you what we are doing there.
Rachel: Okay. But I will miss you guys. Anyway, you say you will send me postcards, don’t forget! Or else I won’t forgive you when you come back!
Apple: Sure! No problem!
Susan: Guys, I'm heading this way. Catch you guys at the airport okay?
Apple, Angel, Rachel and Janice: Sure! See you around, Susan. Bye!
Apple: This trip is going to be good for the two of them.
Rachel: You mean Susan and Jacky?
Apple: Yes, the two of them.
Rachel: I think so too. Both of them have feelings for each other but just don't dare to express their feelings out.
Apple: Hey girls, Angel and I are going this way. See you guys around okay? Bye!
Rachel and Janice: Bye!
Angel: Bye!
Apple signalled to Rachel to tell her to have a talk with Janice who has been keeping rather quiet after the meeting. Rachel signalled back indicting that she would.
Rachel: Jan, are you angry with me?
Jan: No, why would I be angry with you?
Rachel: Jan, come on, I'm sorry. I know you don't have money to go to Spain and yet...
Jan shouted angrily: And yet you help me sign up for it!!! Now what shall I do? I do not have money either did my parents!
A moment of silence filled the two of them.
Jan: Rachel, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have lost my temper on you.
Rachel: It is okay! I'm all right? Err. Then how about you?
Jan: I really don't know. My parents had spent all their money on my University fee and they are trying to save up money for my brother now. I don’t know what I shall do.
Rachel: How about I persuade my parents to lend you money?
Jan: No Rachel. Thanks for the suggestion but I do not want to trouble anyone. I will try and solve it myself. Thanks anyway.
Rachel: I still feel guilty. I’m really sorry Janice.
Jan: It is okay. I think I save and scrimp a bit on food should be okay I guess. Yap, I reached my block already. See you around.
Rachel: Okay bye!
Jan: Bye!
Two days later...
Janice mother, Silverstein: Jan, could you go to the provision shop and help me buy some onions.
Janice: Sure, mum.
Janice got her wallet and the house keys and headed for the door.
Silverstein: Wait, Also get me some chillies.
Jan: okay mum!
Janice waited for the lift to come and enter the lift. When she reached the ground floor, she walked out of the lift and knocked onto somebody. Her wallet and keys dropped on the floor.
The guy went down to pick them up. Janice quickly apologized. The guy stood up and handed the things back to Janice. Janice was surprised.
Janice: Err. Hi! It's you.
It was Jason!
A moment of silence filled the both of them.
Janice: Err. How come you are here?
Janice thought, “Is it my imagination or he really blushes?”
Jason: Err. I came to tell you that the trip going to be in two days time.
Jan: Huh? You came down personally to tell me this?
Jason: Because your house phone is engaged and there is no other ways I couldn't get you so I came here. All the others who are going have already got the agenda this morning.
Jason reached for his wallet in his pocket. By the way, he was wearing jeans and white T-shirt which made his dark skin stood out. He opened his wallet, took out the agenda and handed it over to Janice.
Jan: Really thank you for the trouble to come all the way here but I don't think I'm going to the trip.
Jan thought: Oh my goodness. Will he scold me again? Stupid mouth!!!
Jason: Huh? Why you are you not coming? Not free? No, you can't. You have to come. It is our policy. No matter what reasons you give, you still have to come.
Janice: But the thing is…
Jason: I don't care, you must come.
Janice never saw Jason behaved in this manner. She found it funny and let out a loud laugh.
Janice: Sorry, I just think it is funny.
Jason laughed too.
Jason: Why? Am I always very serious? Anyway, see you at the airport in two days time.
Jason quickly handed the agenda to Janice and ran down the stairs.
Janice yelled and ran after him. "Wait up..."
Janice tripped on the last second steps and lost her balance. Luckily, Jason caught him in the nick of time. Janice was shocked. Jason held her up.
Jason: Are you all right?
Janice relieved: Yap. I'm all right.
Jason: Okay. Must come!!! See you!
Jason walked away quickly.
Janice: Wait!
Jason turned back and yelled: Don't worry about a thing. I have already paid for the flight and accommodation. See you at the airport! Bye!
Janice murmured: Bye.
Janice returned home with the agenda in her hand feeling happy and at the same time puzzled by what Jason had just said to her.
Janice thought: “Don’t worry about a thing. I have already paid for the flight and accommodation.” What does he mean by that? Does he know that I do not have money to pay for the trip?
Silverstein saw Janice returned home.
Silverstein: Jan, what took you so long?
Janice saw her mum quickly hid the paper away.
Janice: Oh I err…
Silverstein: Where are my onions and chillies, my dear daughter?
Jan: Ops. Mum I forgot. Don't worry. I'll help you get it now,
Silverstein: Sigh. So blur.
Jan: sigh. My blurriness is inherited that from you, Mum.
After dinner, Janice's family was watching TV while Janice was in the room thinking and writing her diary.
26 August 2010
Today I met Jason in my block lift. He came to look for me. I knew Jason since I was in Secondary school. I was Secondary two that time and he was in Secondary four. I was walking to the library when he walked past me. I felt my heart rose to a hundred. The strange feeling I never had before. Then I got to know his name and class because he was a popular guy in school back then. He was rich, smart, good at sports and active in CCA and is every girl dream lover. Well, I guess that includes me as well.
Since then, I went to the library every single day, as I knew he always goes there to prepare for his GCE “O” Level Examination. My friend, Pauline, knew that I like this guy so she encouraged me to tell him my feelings.
"No! He is leaving soon..." was all I could reply every time.
Pauline said, "Yap, that's why you are going to tell him! If he's gone, you will be going to regret!"
I said," No I won’t! Maybe I only like his looks..."
Pauline" Sigh. I really can't stand you."
The last time I saw him in Secondary School was when I was in Secondary Three when the graduating Sec fours came back to the school to take the result for their exams. I thought I never saw him again, but so coincidentally, we studied at the same university and studied the same course. We attended the same lectures and tutorial throughout our university life.
However, I don't like his attitude! He thinks that he is the greatest! He thinks that everyone is under his feet! So what he is good-looking? Girls just sticking around him like flies! Always act cool! What a jerk he is!
I thought it was just a teenage crush but till today, I found out that I still like him. The way he talked to me today. "I don't care, you must come", "See you at the airport!" and the way he caught me when I fell. Sigh. I think I still like him. Am I?
Jan closed her diary and started talking to herself.
"How should I tell my mum that I'm going to Spain?"
"Sigh, they sure ask why I have so much money to go."
"Sigh. I have to tell sooner or later."
Janice walked out of her room.
Jan: Mum, Dad. I have something to tell you.
Silverstein: Come honey, sit down here.
Jan sat down opposite her parents.
Silverstein: So what is it you want to tell us?
Jan: Err.
Jan took a deep breath.
Jan: I’m going to Spain with my course mates.
Dad: Huh what? How come you got so much money to go?
Silverstein: Peter, calm down. Let Jan explain.
Janice seeing that the situation is bad. She lied.
Jan: Err...No. Our University is sponsoring us all our expenses as we are the Aces Scorers to let us have a nice time, relax ourselves, to give us a break. You know we work so hard these few years.
Dad: Oh okay...
Silverstein: When will you be going?
Jan: In two days times...
Silverstein: So fast? What you need? You must tell me now so I can get it in time...
Jan: No. It is okay. I will buy them myself. Thanks mum. I’m tired already, I’m going to bed. Goodnight.
Silverstein: Good night honey.
The next day, when Janice's parents were out to work...
Jan thought: How? I told a lie...all because...
Jan picked up the phone, and dialled Rachel's number.
Jan: Hello, is Rachel in?
Rachel: Jan! So how is it going?
Jan: I'm in deep trouble!!!
Rachel: Why?
Jan told about Rachel about the whole story...
Rachel was shocked: What?! I always thought Jan is a good student would lie to her parents!!!
Jan: But I really have no other solution and my dad got so angry.
Rachel: But strange, Jason actually paid for you first. Ha! Maybe he got a liking for you.
Janice: I think you are thinking too much. But anyway, I would pay him back once I start working and get my first pay.
Rachel: You also don’t think so much then, since he has already paid for it, you just go and enjoy yourself, don't worry about so much things okay?
Jan: Yap. I think you are right.
Rachel: When you are going?
Jan: Tomorrow morning.
Rachel: What!!! So fast!!! And yet you are talking to me like the trip is next year!!! Go, go, go...go and pack your luggage...
Jan laughed for the first time in the morning.
Jan: Hey! You sound like my mum!
Rachel: By the way, how long you go?
Jan: 1 week.
Rachel: Sigh. That’s long! I would miss you and all of you gone already, that is so sad while I was left alone in Singapore.
Jan: Don't worry. I will buy lots of goodies for you and take lots of photos to make you jealous.
Rachel: Okay! Don’t you dare to forget!
Jan: Yap.
Rachel: Okay, got to go. Don't disturb you packing. Bye!
Jan: Bye!
Janice felt much lighter after talking to Rachel.
The next morning,
Jan's thoughts…
Same old quiet house...
Mum and Dad had left for work early in the morning.
Sigh. I should go to the airport too.
------------------------------------------------------------
At the airport...
Apple, Angel, Kenny, Jenny, Jacky, Susan and Jason had arrived at the airport. They spotted Janice walking into the entrance.
Apple and Kenny waved and shouted: Jan! Here!
Janice spotted them and walked towards them.
Apple, Angel, Kenny, Jenny, Jacky and Susan: Hey Jan.
Janice: Hi!
Apple: Jan, you are slow and always late.
Jan: I'm sorry.
Jason: Hi Jan!
Janice whispered: Hi
Jan blushed.
Jan thought: Oh my god, what the hell, I’m feeling so warm but he is way too cute.
Kenny: Hey guys! I think we should go check in now.
Apple cheered: Yeah!
Jason talked to Janice: Come, I'll help you with your luggage.
While taking the luggage, Jason's hand accidentally touched Jan's hand. Jan quickly moved her hand away.
Jan whispered: Thanks.
At the airplane, Jan is sitting in between of Susan and Jacky.
Angel and Apple were sitting in front of them while Kenny, Jenny and Jason were sitting behind of Janice, Susan and Jacky.
Kenny was sitting in the middle of Jason and Jenny.
Total sitting arrangement:
Front: Angel and Apple
Middle: Jacky, Janice and Susan
Back: Jenny, Kenny and Jason
Jan: Susan, can I change place with you?
Susan: Why?
Jan: Because I don't want to be plays gooseberry...
Susan: Jan! How could you!
Jan: You dare say you don't like Jacky?
Susan: I...
Jan: Come on! It's your opportunity!
Janice pushed Susan out of her seat and grabbed her seat.
Susan made an angry face at Jan. Janice shrugged her shoulders. Susan sat down uneasily.
Jacky: Are you okay, Susan?
Susan: I'm fine. Thank you.
Jacky thought: Jacky, you can do it. Say something else to attract her attention.
Jacky: Su, do you want some drink?
Before Susan could reply anything, Jacky already called the stewardess.
Jacky: Could you get this lady besides me a glass of orange juice and a cup of tea for me please.
Stewardess: Sure. It's my pleasure.
A moment later…
Stewardess: Miss, Here is your orange juice. Sir, here is your coffee.
Jacky and Susan: Thanks.
They both blushed.
Stewardess: Welcome.
Susan's thoughts: Jacky is a nice guy.
Jack’s thoughts: Do I look like a jerk to her (Susan)? Hope not...
Jacky: Err. Does this orange juice suits you?
Susan: Yap.
Jacky: Oh. Okay. Err. What you intend to do after this graduation trip?
Susan: Oh, I already got a job in ABC Company. The pay is pretty good and the benefits too. How about you?
Jacky: Oh! Same here, I also got a job in XYZ Company as investor. What do you do there?
Jacky and Susan involved in the chat.
Janice's thoughts...
Susan and Jacky have a good starting which I think is good. Sigh. How about me? Do I make a right choice in coming Spain? I hope so. Jason, how I wish you were sitting beside me now.
Jason's thoughts:
Sigh. I feel so bored. I wonder how Janice is now.
Jason took a peek in front at Janice.
Jenny's thoughts:
Who Kenny thinks he is anyway! So idiot! I hope I can sit with Jason. He is so handsome and so cool!
Kenny's thoughts:
I like Janice. Everyone thinks I'm a playboy or flirt. Well, maybe sometimes. But Janice is different. She's cute. I wonder how she thinks of me.
Angel and Apple were playing snap together. Hence, making quite much noise and was told by the Stewardess not to be that loud as they might disturb others passengers.
Angel’s thoughts:
Apple is cute. She is everything to me. She is lively, active and always full of energy.
Apple's thoughts:
Angel is so adorable. How could I don’t fell in love with him right? I mean he is always so kind and gentle and understanding.
Finally they got off the airplane and reached the hotel.
Apple: Wow! Grand place! Our money is not wasted!
Janice: Oh my god! It’s such a grand place!
Kenny came back with the room keys.
Kenny: Okay. Initially, they agreed to give us 5 rooms which are more than enough for 5 of you. Now the management said they only willing to give us 2 rooms for the five of you here.
Groaning and grumbling…
Jennifer: Quiet down guys, Jason, Kenny and I had booked 2 books, if one of the girls doesn’t mind can actually share room with me. It is a double bed.
Angel: Hey, so now we have 4 rooms right? How about we draw lot as to who shall be each other roommates? We can use the room number to represent the room we shall be it, isn’t it fairer?
Jason: Okay, I don’t mind. Jennifer, how about you?
Jennifer: I’m okay with it.
Everyone agreed with this idea. Kenny took a piece of paper and tore it into eight pieces. He wrote two times of 1 to represent the 1st room and two times of 2 to represent the 2nd room until he reaches number 4.
Angel told Apple: Let’s hope we are in the same room.
Apple: Don’t worry! We are fated to be together, we’ll be in the same room.
Jacky thought: I hope…Well…I hope I can be in the same room with Susan.
Kenny thought: Janice.
Jenny thought: Jason.
Jason thought: Janice.
Janice thought: I like to be in the same room with Jason but…what if I’m so unlucky…that I took the room with only one bed in it?
Susan thought: I hope to be with Janice. It is because I still not very confidence with Jacky.
The results-
1st room: Apple and Angel
2nd room: Jenny and Kenny
3rd room: Susan and Jacky
4th room: Jason and Janice
Apple to Angel: See, I told you. We are fated together.
Angel gave her a smile.
They took their keys and went to their respective rooms.
Jennifer: Lady first so I get to choose the bed. I want this bed near the window.
Kenny: Whatever.
Kenny thoughts: Sigh. Why I am so unlucky to be with this unreasonable girl!
Jenny thought: I simply hope to be with Jason. All is Angel’s fault. Think of this stupid idea.
Jacky: Susan, which beds you want to sleep in?
Susan: Any bed is fine with me.
Jacky: Then you take the right one while I take the left one.
Susan: Okay.
Jacky thoughts: It's a good start. Hope we will have good ending. But this is not doing any good.
Susan thought: Su...Relax...
Angel: Apple.
Apple: Yes?
Angel: Sigh. I thought we have the master bed. Sigh.
Apple: Angel! You so disgusting!
Angel: Yea. That's what you like about me.
Apple: Yea. You are right.
Apple gives Jacky a kiss on the lips. Jacky kissed back. They fell into a long kiss.
Jason: We only have one bed.
Janice thoughts: Oh! I so unlucky! On my god!
Jason: Janice, are you all right?
Janice: Oh I'm all right. We have to assemble in fifteen minutes right?
Jason: Yap.
