F

A Love Mern*ries mf rmy past (*"SgS)

It was B years ago when J was just a young boy of the age of 15' J is a friend of mine

and he is still a iypical ah beng. At that time, he was studying in a certain school in the

west and in the past, the policl have always have their eyes set on that very school. J

was one of the students there and was the second batch of students' He was very young

and rebellious as he had friends from bad company that led them astray' He was rather

quiet and it was really hard to strike any kind of conversation with him' I was an

average looking boy but had always had trouble with those bullies in school. Whenever

other students *orid offer him heip, he ll refused their offer and went off alone to settle

the problems. In a result, he ll find himself in the principal office the very next day'

J was an ah beng then, but was not popular as his outlooks was rather nerdy and having

rather messy hair. So many didn't realfy believe the rumors about him in SS. But within

his mind, the rumors are siating the truth about him and he never had thought about

stopping the rumors. He just simply bo chup' J never had good attendance in school as

his'arrival to school *as ilways during recess. To the guys that were from.the lower

secondary, he was like a fearsome character in school as he was quiet and carried a

portur" tirat wouls sent chills down one's spine. To the girls in school, he was like a hot

topic and many of them would talk about him wherever they go.

Many were jealous of I as he was popular among the ladies, but unfortunately, J was not

interested. He never had thought of starting any relationship. He only know that school

sucks and school is boring, Everyday, he ll come to school and sleep, but eventually, he

was still able to pass his exams. Everyday was a routine for him until one day, he met

one of his pal who was in the same org as him and told him, "Eh J, Lao Da (aka boss)

ask me to tell you that Saturday is his BBQ... You better come hor'"

"Orh, okay, Is at where ah?," J queried'

,'Dunno lei. I think is pit 18 ah... East Coastthere la," replied that guy a9 he walked off' J

looked at the guy blankly and walked off to the bus stop where he would take that very

same bus bac[ home. Everyday was a long journey for him whether to school to go back

home. Itwasa long long 1'L/2hourjourney. Time passed normally smooth for him and

soon it was Saturday. This where it changed his life"'

Upon that Saturday night, J was at Marine Parade where his grand parents apartment

was located nearby. Ri any singaporean, the underpass to East Coast Park was near that

area, As J was an ah beng and was well known with his or9, he was famous and had

several enemies that were not in good terms with his org' During that time, the only way

to fend for his life was to bring a weapon along, well known as the parang. His parang

was wrapped with a sheet of white cloth and kept well under his shirt and in his pants

where it would not be seen by others. Only he ll know'

He made his way to the underpass after a drink at the coffee shop nearby. When he

arrived at that very location, J found the place rather quiet and realised there were

voices heard. More like a handful of guys chatting outloud among themselves after some

eventful programmes they had for that evening. J did not care and was not nosey about

it, so he jusf continued on with his normal stroll to the venue that his boss got ppl to

info* him. ne walked down e slope and still balancing himself by the slope down plane.

When J could see e tunnel of the underpass, he never doubt his hearing and there was

really a small handful of 2 to 3 guys gathered in the corner, facing their back at him. To

a 15 year old tennager like him, those guys he saw were definitely older than him. lmade a guess of their age about L7 or 18. The main thing was not their age but, wat are

/

they doing as there were things found lying on the floor'.There was a wallet pinkish

white in c-olour and a school bag that can only be slinged to one side' J was never a nosy

person so he decided to mind his own business as he only came for the BBQ and not

here to create trouble for his boss in any way'

Then at that moment, he heard a faint struggle of a feminine voice with a slight .s-otln{ of

weeping. That faint weeping caught his attention and he turn to look at the handful' He

tried to move around to find a view to see in between those tall guys, but nothing can be

seen as they are really good in blocking his view. J was a street smart kind of person

and looked at their legsind saw a paiiof legs that comes with a greyish checkered skirt.

J.was confirmed that lhere might be more than it meets the eye. He took a deep breath

as he never like to get into troubte and shouted at the group in hokkien, "oi!! wanna

bully ppl come find-ppl like me la. Got guts come try me out..!!" His sudden speech

echoed through the tunnel and it was # effective method for him to get unwanted

attention. It pulled through and the 3 guys turned around' Instantly, the girl shrunk into

the corner and the S guyi approached him. He knew he could not stand a fight with 3

guy. tl'tut might be stronger or more swift than him. Without hesitation, he took out his

paiang and pointed at the three, taunting them to come'

The three guys were shocked and eventually took out whatever they had to fend

themselves. one of them took out a bicycle chain, another took out his belt while e last

one took out his jack knife. A fight occurred and blood spilled onto the ground as well on

the people aroun-d. When one oithe guys suffered a dgeR slash across the chest by his

purung.'The guy fell and the fight stopped. In result, the guy was dragged by their

iriends anO 1ed. j then upproalhed the girl who was in a state of shock and asked

whether she was alright. 6he did not reply but, just shrunk back' J realised that his

white shirt was stained with drops of blood and he was still holding to his parang.

Instantly he threw his parang away and asked, "Miss, are you alright?" with a pale face,

she nodded slowly. He picked her up and with a little fuss, he managed to keep his

parang with his stained white cloth.

I then arrived at the BBQ pit where most of his pals are playing around, sparring among

one another and drinking. He was considered one of the youngest amongthem and also

one of the most skilful ones there. He led the girl by the hand and went off to mingle

among the crowd. A familiar voice was heard from behind, "Eh J!! How nice bringing

your {f along... Still dare to tell me no gf..." It was J's boss who commented as he

walke? pastlhem. J could not explain h-imself as his boss was walking away. J wondered

why he would say that and realised that the girl was holding to his hand. He looked into

thegirl,s eyes and she blushed. when it was morning, J sent her home by cab which his

boss sponsored him the money for the cab fare. The girl laid on his leg and slept through

the journey.

When they arrived at Punggol where all the bungalows were, J accompanied to the gate

of her house. J yawned anA spot<e outloud, "Now you're back home safe and sound."

When he stopped, the girl kissed him on the lips and it was a short one' She scurried

into the bungalow and left J in shock, He snapped out of it and boarded the same cab

back home. On his way back, he felt unconfortable as there was something stuffed in his

pocket. It was a note with few words and a set of numbers; Ling Hui and her handphone

number. He smiled and went back home.

upon the very next day when every student would make his way to school, I was still

fast asleep in his bed and did not take e effort to get up early to school' He could not

even be bothered about switching off his noisy alarm clock so that he could sleep

peacefully. Like a daily lifestyle, [e would wake up at 9 and reach school at 10 in the

morning to have breakfast in school. But, that day was different. His phone rang and he

was irritated by the ring tone of his phone. With his face still buried in his pillow, he

reached out blindly for his phone and picked up the call. "Hello,,." uttered J with ahoarse voice.

,'Is this XXXX XX XXXX, J??" spoke a low voice. He found the voice very unfamiliar andgave a gesture to acknowledge. "Its time you wake up and report at Police HQ in

fOOOttrJ. " Beforehe could speak, the conversation ended, He then woke up and witheyes squinched closely, he took a peek of who was the caller. It was not registered in his

phone but he definitely recognised that number. It was really the number for the police

ne. fnis call woke him up totally as he recall of the fight during e weekend, He began tocuise and swear as he prepared himself to make a trip there. Upon arrival, he was there5 mins earlier and went straight to the counter. The police sergeant was there to aid him.

"Sorry mdm... Err.. I was told to report here for some reason..," spoke J softly as he

have never had any good feelings about this place. The police sergeant looked at him

blankly and asked ioi tris IC. He passed her his IC and she began to check. After a while,she gave him a sudden expression which shocked him totally. Within minutes, twoblok6s dressed in plain clothes came up to him with SSB passes dangling from their shirtarrived before him, They looked fierce and became to turn soft. They maybe fierce buthe beared no fear for them but just worried for the fight during the weekend.

"Boy! Comel My BIG BOSS wanna see you..!!" roared one of the blokes. He followed

closely with them as they walked to the lift. In the lift, it was very quiet and he did notwant io move at all, One of them pressed the top floor of the building. In his mind he

thought. Die., That guy must have died orthis won't go all the way up there.. Die'. Die,,

A soft bell sound was heard and the lift door slide open, revealing the big hall before him

with a few officers on desk and one busy on a large desk. His guess was the large deskwould be the one asking him. He swallow down a breath of air down his dry morningthroat. "Hey boy! We ain't gonna wait all day you know! So MOVE IT!!" hissed the otherbloke as he felt a push from him. He nearly lost his balance, but he managed to gain

back his posture due to his flexibility.

As he walked closer to the large desk, his heartbeat was thumping like a magnum beingpulled consistently. Then when he arrived, he was breaking out cold sweat, Theatmosphere was tense and heavy. He could feel the pressure within the premises. "Ibelieve you're J.."uttered the man who looked as though he was in his near forties and

well dressed. He dare not relaxed as he definitely hold a high position there.

"yes.. Sir.." replied J with a slight taste of fear. Then the man began to organized hisdesk and search out a docket filled with his name and many documents within it'

"This.. is your docket and you see you are involved in various cases with your big nameon it.. Most probably with all this you will get yourself at least a sentence of 20 years ofjail at least,"explain the man. J then swallowed another breath of air down his dry throat.I'So my dear boy, you are seemed to be one of the youngest dare devil that i wouldpersonally look upon this case." In his mind, he began to think again, Damn,. Boy do ihate the suspense., Do you mind just get over with it..,77l "But now, i give you a deal torepent for all this., A deal that would clear your name from all this.." He felt a suddenrelief. "All you have to do is to sign here and you can clear your name.."

J raised his eyebrow with utter disbelief and picked up the contract to read up its content.J's jaws dropped when he saw he was to protect or be a personal bodyguard in disguise

as I friend for his daughter. The thing that made his jaws dropped further was that his

daughter's name was named as Annabelle Tan Leng Huey, J then wondered and

convinced himself that it was not the same person. He considered for a while and thensigned the contract.

At that moment, he left quickly for the lift and when the lift opened, he saw Ling Hui

within the lift and it was the shock of his life. He wondered why was she called, Then the

thought of the case was not mentioned and maybe she covered him and confessed on

fris behalf. He cursed and sweared in his heart for this might have been his unlucky day.

He turned around and walked alongside with her. By the table before she could speak, J

spoke out in a flutter, "Saturday fight of blood whether anybody died it has nothing to do

with her. I solely take all responsibility for it." At that moment, Ling Hui began to giggle

uncontrollably and the man smiled'

"Its good that you're honest about it,."uttered the man as Ling Hui continued to giggle

a*ay. "This is my daughter.." J instantly turned and looked at her with great awe' "This

is who you're contracted to protect.. Do it well.." She turned around and looked at him

innocently.

uHi, J.. Nice to meet you.. Call me Annabelle or Ling Hui.." uttered Ling Hui politely. Itwas the shock of the season for him and the two left the office for the lobby using the lift.

He was still shock as it was terribly hard to believe. Ling Hui is the daughter of this god

of justice..??!! At that moment, J did not kbnow whether to laugh or to cry"'

When they left the building, they were quiet and not a word was said to each other' J

was lost in his thoughts as questions began to pop out from nowhere and they would

linger in the emptinlss of his mind, leaving them unanswered. in his mind, he pondered

ab6ut it. Why me?? Why of all must it be me?? Im an ah beng, dun he worry i ll do

anything?? io suay... At that moment, J did not noticed that Ling Hui was staring at him'

Suddenly, she gave him a nudge. "Uh,..??" spoke J who was startle by her soft nudge'

"Hey, is there really that much to think about?? You seemed very lost in your

thoughts..," queried Ling Hui as she began to start a conversation.

"Nothing...," replied J as he began to look around.

"Sure,.??" queried Ling Hui to reconfirm her doubt.

"Nothing really..,"replied J as they turned all quiet again. He knew only Ling Hui would

be able to answer to his questions, but he rather just put them aside as he did not want

to trouble her with his questions. In the end, he kept it in his heart and concluded to his

thoughts. I guess in time these question will have answers naturally", As they walked,

Ling Hui sudtenly jumped in front of him with a wide grinning smile filled withcontentment and bliss, J startled again and shrunk back.

"you won't mind accompanying me to do some window shopping in Orchard right??"

inquired Ling Hui, J was quiet for awhile before he nodded to acknowledge. Happily and

excitedly, Ling Hui pulled him along and they went to shopping malls together. J wasyoung anO aiO not really know what was love as he had never been into one before. J

mereiy accompanied her as a friend or a bodyguard through her trip in the shopping

malls while Ling Hui would hug to his arm and happily telling him things about herself' J

was still in a loss. He practically did not know what was going on and why was she tellinghim all about her.

When the sun began to set, it would soon be the end of the day as Ling Hui had to go

home. Ling Hui O6gan to sulk like a little girl. J noticed her sudden expression and looked

at her. She noticed' his stare and looked back. Their eyes met and all of a sudden, J felt a

sudden feeling and looked away. Ling Hui giggled. "Lets go home" hehe.." uttered Ling

Hui as she continued to giggle away. That feeling that J suddenly felt was small and

unnoticeable. J did not cire and put it aside, but to what J would not know that thisfeeling is known as love,

When they reached near her house, Ling Hui released her grip from his arm and ran intothe gate of her luxurious house. She waved to him and ran into the house' J took it as a

normal day with a tiring chore. As he made his way home by bus, he felt a suddenvibration in his pocket. It was his handphone. It was a message from Ling Hui' '? believe

this is my firstiime messaging a guy.. Anyway, i really enioyed my day today" Can do itagain tomorrow..??" J stared at it for awhile'

J smiled and thought. Maybe this is a good way to spend my time.. Then, he replied her

msg.. ,,okay,. see you tomorrow.." He went home and rested for the day,

J's lifestyle changed. It was no longer like it was in the past where he would go to school

and linger elsewhere. Ling Hui have stepped into his life and all had changed because ofher. J would spare some of his time with her and with each day spending some of his

time with her, that feeling that was small and unnoticeable began to grow along every

minute he spend with hei. To a green horn like him, he could not explain why he feltthat way. Like whatever she did, he would find it adorable and sweet. Everything thatshe did for him was affecting him by the minute. He began to feel confuse'

J went to approach one of his mates in the org that was his best friend ever since his

primary school. His friend, M noticed his confused expression and queried, " Eh J, whyyou so loss..??"

"Dunno lei.. Suddenly feel that way," answered J as they sat down at one of the coffee

shop in their neighborhood.

"Eh? There must be something behind this.. Tell me lei., Maybe i can see how to helpyog.." suggested M who became very curious about what was bothering his good friend.j agreed anO negan to tell him what happened for the past few days with every possible

detail that he cold remember. "Wa seh. Sure anot? Unbelievable..."

"I not bluffing you lo. *jia seet bo ka ler hao siao la (its in hokkien which means reallynever bluff you la) what happen sia..,??" spoke J as he laid his forehead on the edge ofthe table.

"Ok la,. Joking nia., This feeling you have is called love,. only like this, you will feel like

this lor... you dunno meh?" spoke M, J looked at him fiercely. "Ok ok.. But the way you

tell me ithink that ger oso like you leh..Why not go jio her la,.??" At that point of time,J totally ignore him., "Oi!! You listening anot,,,??" Truly at that very moment, J was no

longer tisiening as his phone was vibrating in pocket, telling him that it received ameisage. "Ho ho-- must be her.. K la.. Dun xli siao (means disturb) you le.' I still got

things to do.." M walked off ,leaving J there alone. J did not feel alone as he was busy

typing the message to Ling Hui. He know Ling Hui was there to accompany him. Each

diy went on with time together and frequent flow of messages. Without words of mouth

or gestures by hints. With a mutual understanding between both of them, they gradually

from strangers became friends, friends became best of friends and in the end became a

known couple to all.

Until one very night when they spend the night at East Coast Park, they had a whole day

of fun and began to rest by one of the bench. They sat near the mac donalds facing

towards the blach. It was quite hot that night and Ling Hui had a sudden urge to have

ice cream, With the cooling breeze of the beach, J obliged and went to mac to buy ice

cream. That time, J was from a well to do family and he was brought up not to spend

unnecessary money. He bought the ice cream from mac and never thought he spent his

money without its worth it was for her. As he walked back smiling, he then saw Ling Hui

,--

was being pestered by a group of guys..

J's expression changed and rushed over. Ling Hui saw J coming and quickly make a turnto run overto his side, but one of them held her back by the wrist of her hand. Thoseguys were a bunch of indians, perpetually half drunk, J was calm and went past Ling Hui

is.he passed her the cone of ice cream. At that very moment without thinking, angerrushed to his head and he threw a forceful punch right into the guy's face' The guy

released her and fell flat onto the grass patch. The guys that most probably his friendsmoved forward to welcome a fight with empty glass bottles in their hands. J grew up insuch environment and showed no fear to them. His eyes was only filled with anger thatburns in the core of his sight. J was small in built and manage to move the fight away

from Ling Hui as he had no intention on getting her hurt'

J threw punches and kicks that were swift and smooth. Within minutes, the drunkardslaid onto the grass and not a movement from them. Instantly at that moment, J did not

care about the guys that harassed Ling Hui. Like a natural movement, he held onto her

hand and led her to mac where he found it to be safer for trouble. I heard her giggling

away again. "Finally, dare to hold my hand huh?" teased Ling Hui. J did not reply and

smiled.-When they sat by the mac donalds, J sat down with Ling Hui at one of the table

and Ling Hui suddenly rummaged her bag. J was at a loss as he did not know what she

was doing.

"What you looking for..??" queried J as he saw anxiety printed upon her face'

"you don't move,,,," snapped Ling Hui. J stay still. LinG Hui smiled as she pulled out her

scarf and tissues. She ran off to the toilet and came back with damp tissues. When she

began to dap his deep cuts on his arm, he then realised his open wounds well known as

living souvenirs from the fight. Ling Hui stared at him with awe. "Don't you feel

anything..??" J raised an eYebrow.

"No, Used to it |e... No feeling de..," replied J as she continued to tend to his wounds and

eventually, she wrapped his wounds with her white knitted scarf. "Hey, don't stain yourscarf... "

"Don't want.,, Scarf can buy, your blood can't buy...," replied Ling Hui innocently. J

smiled again and Ling Hui was puzzled. J and Ling Hui left the park and took a cab back.

Sending her home has been a routine for him and he never regret spending the money.

When ileft ln the cab and Ling Hui was back at home. His phone vibrated, He reached

for his phone and it was Ling Hui leaving a message to him. "Rememberto go see doctor

har.. You no see don't come find me hor'., Ok?? '#"

J felt his heart melt and happiness filled his heart. He replied back and promised her tosee a doctor in the hospital that was near his house,

Upon one evening when their relationship between each other became closer than before,

J and Ling Hui were out to the library in Toa Payoh" J was actually reluctant to go as he

had nevei like going to the library at all. He did not show boredom on his face and justkept in him, He did not wish to let his boredom spoil Ling Hui's interest in seeking

knowledge. When they were at the library, wherever Ling Hui went, J would just follow

behind and practically looked around, pretending to search for a book to read. Theirsearch for a good book began and it was a long search. When they manage to find the

shelf with their book that they were lookingfor, J had a feeling that they had been

watched and it was not a pair of eyes from one direction, but many pairs of eyes fromdifferent directions.

Ever since young, J was send for lessons to master different form of martial arts' With

little time, J only mastered a few of the nine that he picked when young and it was a

norm for him to build up a foundation of sense and instincts. He began to eyeball the

situation without making big reactions to attract any unwanted attention' He began to

glance his view and only manage to spot three of them, but he sense there were more'

Fis instincts tell him there could not be only mere three. Then all of a sudden, he felt aslight tug on his black sweater that he wore out with her, He broke away his thoughts

and shifted his attention to Ling Hui. "Yes my dear...??" whispered J who was still deep

in his thoughts and uP on his guard'

'What's on your mind..?" murmured Ling Hui who was busy reading through her book to

make sure it was a good book that was worth reading'

,,Just don't like the feeling of being watched... Somehow ifelt different from what i see,"

uttered J as he continued to search for them.

"If they wanna look, let them be...," uttered Ling Hui who could not be bothered about it'I thought about it and chose to ignore as well, but kept up his guard on them' When

t_ing Fl'ui and J left the library,: felt that they were being followed. It was not the firsttime he felt that way. Each [ime they were out together, he would feel it' It was starting

to irritate him. But each time he looked around there was not a single soul at sight. He

then stared at her awhile and began to think. Is there something that she's not telling or

was it iust mY imagination..?? hmmm...

when they arrived at secluded place in Toa Payoh, he saw a group of four guys walking

towards them. He assumed that it was them, but his instincts told him that it was not

them or there might be others besides them. He whispered into her ear and asked, "You

know those guysi?" Ling Hui broke away from her focus on reading the book and look up'

She laughed and looked at him, nodding away'

"The guy that led them is LongZai.. One of my mum's subordinat€s',," explained Ling

Hui li[e it was nothing serious at all. When he heard his name, he recalled that he was

not a small fry as he played a big role in one of the established orgs. J did not care as

his main objective was to protect Ling Hui if danger comes. From her words, I could not

say that she was lying about it which means her mother might be a nightmare to him.

He began to curse and swear. in silence.. The guy stopped in front of them. "You looking

for me--??" The guy dropped a glance of disgust on J and looked back at Ling Hui. J did

not like the look upon his face and clenched his fist. I calmed down and waited fortrouble to come bY.

',Missy, your mum wants to see you and your boyfriend.. If you don't mind, please come

this way," uttered the guy as he bowed slightly to usher along. J's facial expression

changed'like he suddenly realised end of the world was today. He was completelystunned and evolved into a state of shock. As they walked, they arrived at the car park

near one of the blocks in that area and went up on a car. One of LongZai's subordinate

took e wheel and drove them to where her mum was at, I did not know where they were

heading as he was still in a state of shock, When they arrived, there was a coffee shop

nearby and it was filled with lots of punks that were staring at their direction' I hated

such situations. They arrived at the stairway and LongZai let them take the front as the

rest followed behind. J began to sweat and Ling Hui took her hankerchief to help him

wipe off his sweat.

',you hafta understand that you're my first boyfriend in my fifteen years. It'll be

normal for my mum to ask to see you,, Furthermore, she's not that fierce as you think,"

explained Ling Hui as she continued to wipe his sweat and when they were nearly there,

they heard a iemale voice shouted. It echoed through the stairway, even the four guys

behind shrunk back in fear.

tr** **I( ***X ***!II YOU ALL X** HOLES CAN'T DO A SIMPLE THING IS IT??!!!!''shouted the female voice. J assumed that it was her mum.

"That was ygur mum right??" uttered J as he began to Sweat even more'

"Ya why??" replied Ling Hui as she looked puzzled'

,'This not call fierce ah??" queried J as they arrived at the door. Before LongZai could

knock the dorr, an uncle rushed out of the door and stumbled down the stairs,eventually went rolling down e stairs. J swallow a breath of air down his throat and

LongZai led them in. Ling Hui hopped to her mum's side and hugged tightly, leaving J

standing alone. "Hello auntie.."

"So this is my future son in law ah??" teased her mum where Ling Hui looked away shyly.

"Did he bully you..??" She shook her her head slowly. "Good.., If he ever, tell me.."'

"Orh... He wun de la.,'," replied Ling Hui.

"ya,. I believe he wun dare or he no need to stay in Singapore le," assured Ling Hui's

mum. " Sit down..' With her fierce stare, J did what he was told. " I heard from uncle

that you saved her before and you are one hell of a punk in your org' You wanna work

for me..??"

"Mummy--," pleadgd Ling Hui.

"This is a business opportunity.. IS up to him, you have no Say to this, my daughter,"spoke her mum as she turned back her attention back on him'

"Sorry, I'm loyal to my org.' I reject your offer," uttered J.

"What a waste.. It's hard to find loyal one with a reputation of their own', But it good to

know that you have the guts to reject my offer..," commented Ling Hui's mum as she

added on, "Since my daughter is with you, I hope you really take care of her,

u ndersta nd. . ??"

"I will de, auntie..," rePlied J.

"Good..," uttered Ling Hui's mum as she whispered into Ling Hui's ear and passed her apaper envelope. She smiled heppily and kept it in her bag. Ling Hui walked over and

brought him downstairs.

"What did your mum say? What did she give you??" queried J out of curiosity'

"My mummy acknowledge you being with me and wants you to come up my house

anytime. If can, spend a time of tea with her oso. Then the envelope got money and part

of it is mu allowance. The rest is your reward for saving my life," explained Ling Hui' J

raised an eyebrow and Ling Hui passed him a thin stack of 50 dollars..

,'Wa.. This is exagerrating..," replied J, They went off to have fun at Sentosa. He sent

her home using his own pocket money and this time, he sent to the doorstep and went

back home. On the cab while messaging to Ling Hui. Thoughts ran through his mind thathe could not believe about it as well.Ling Hui's father is a high ranking offical.. Her

mother is an org's big hoohah,, What a background she have... haish'. But I still lave her

no matter what,. J smiled and went back home".

At that moment, J had met her parents and it would be even harder not to meet up with

since he had known them, With this, theirtime to be alone together became lesser and

lesser as most of the time, J had to go out with the parents along with Ling Hui instead

of her alone. J might have gain that strong feeling for her but in time with such

distractions, J sensed that his feelings were fading off as well. J did not turn cold to her

as she was still his girlfriend or maybe a close friend. He was still unsure of the relations

between the both oi them, but he was tasked to protect her as he could remember at

the back of his head. Ling Hui did not know as she was not aware, She was always been

the innocent one and did not want to know anything except be with him' On the other

hand, J held onto his feelings and continued to love her, but with her parents keep

interrupting, it was irritating him tremendously. He was tolerated until one day, it could

not be kept anymore and it burst out in anger'

Upon one Friday evening when the streets of Orchard was filled with people, the young

lover birds was strollingitrrougtr the streets, But, it seemed that J was not enjoying at all

as he beared a face thit was is black as a kettle and eyes that had no focus on anything'

Ling Hui became worried and queried,"Dear, you okay??" Ling Hui began to feel scared

as J unknowingly threw a fierce stare at her.

"Nothing. Just not in the mood for anything," uttered J who still did not wish to tell Ling

Hui about it and continue to ponder about it.

'There,s something bothering you, right?" queried Ling Hui as she acted adorably in front

of him. As much ul n" could laugh, he just had no mood at that point of time. Ling Hui

did not listen and she was starting to irritate him. As she began fill him up to the rim,

the spill of anger occurred.

'Which part of my sentence you don't understand me..?!! Stop bothering me!! I'm really

not in the mood,.. Sorry," replied I as he began to simmer down. Ling Hui was petrified

and tears began to welied up. Eventually, tears rolled down her cheeks as she sobbed

silently at the spot. J could feel guilt and an ache in his heart as she was down, but

whatever that lingered in his mind, he really need the time to think it over. "I'm really

sorry. I really need time to be alone. I hope you can go home alone," J left her there and

walked off. He thought much about the time he had together and the time he spend with

the family. He woudered whether were they the same touch of feeling. It was a tough

decision ior him to differentiate the two feelings as they were quite similiar.

After about an hour or two, he was at one of the shopping mall in Orchard and began to

walk around. Then all of a sudden, a loud explosion occurred. It was like a bomb'Everybody was calm and some of them dived to avoid injuries. J was at a loss as he did

not know what was going on. J followed and saw fleets of people armed with weapons

run in or sky scrape down from the top levels of the building like a show. Without him

knowing, those people began to surround him and pointed their weapons onto him as

though he was a dangerous criminal. Hw was shocked and wondered what had he done

to deserve this. One 6f tf'em walked forward and suddenly assault him' He was instantly

hand cuffed and with string knots tied to each limb of him including his neck. He was

then escorted to a Police bus.

It was starting to be harder to believe and up on the bus, he was forced to sit at the

backseat of the bus with fierce eyes and lethal weapons perpetually placed at his

direction. He thought he might be going to some prison or back to police HQ with such a

bus and with so m-uctr peopG on board. The journey was long and hot, but the more they

journey, the more J felt unusual about the situation. He was right' They were heading for-Runggol

where Ling Hui lived. To his horror, it stopped exactly in front of her house and

ner iither walked out of his house in bermudas and a white shirt. The officers rushed

down and stood in rows or ranks, leaving J lost in his maze of thoughts. One of the

officers ushered him down with a force of violence.

I had never such a feeling..'

J was then standing by the bus and waited for things to happen. Her father talked for a

while and dismissed the fleet of officers. The police bus drove off and her father glared

at him as though he had killed Ling Hui. One of the plain clothes officials uncuffed him

and led J into ihe house. When they arrived into the living room, the atmosphere was

very tense and filled with killing aura. J turned to look and saw her mother was seated

with a handful of middle aged men armed with various weapons. As a kid of the age of

fifteen, it was rather scary for him to see such scenario. Instantly, he scurried up the

stairs to her room. Her room was closed and her door was locked. From the outside, he

heard things were smashed and objects were thrown everywhere. Then after awhile,

there was silence.

J instantly became worried and banged the side of his fist against the door, shouting,"

Ling!!nre you okay?!l Lingl! Open the doort!" After a while, the door was unlocked and

the door swung open. t-inj Hui stuck out her head and stared blankly at l. J shrunk back

and stared nlant<ly back, [ing Hui smiled happily despite all the tear marks on her face' J

used his palms and wiped ofi her tear marks. Ling Hui giggled softly and held onto the

wrists of his hands. He stopped, Ling Hui then hugged him and buried herself in his arms.

"I thought you don't want me anymore," uttered Ling H,ui as she continued to hug her' J

stroke her irair back and kissed her forehead. Ling Hui felt touched and like a rag doll,

she came back to life. She pulled him into the room and the whole room was in a wreck'

Just before she closed the door, she shouted out,"Pa.. Ma,. I okay le'," J sat by her bed

and looked at her with awe. Ling Hui then closed the door and laid down on his thigh' J

looked at her with lots of questions on his mind. "You looked like you have lotsa

questions to ask.."

"Ya. But ihave no idea of where to start"," replied J.

"you must be wondering why is there such a big event," guessed Ling Hui as J nodded,

"Its normal.." J's eyes widened. "Yes it is.. When young, Im always doted as I'm the only

child in the family. whenever I come home crying, this'll happen,.."

"Since this is the case, I believe you are well protected by your parents right?" quizzed J'

"yup.. I used to have a bunch of nannies follow me all over the place, but the feeling was

very odd and uncomfortable. Everybody looked at me as though I'm a marsian from

Mars," explained Ling Hui.

"Nannies??" quoted I out from her sentence.

',Oops.. I called them nannies cos they're naggy.They are people that were hired by my

mother and specially selected to be my bodyguards in case people wanna use me as a

hostage or to seek ransom," explained Ling Hui.

"Bodyguards?!" exclaimed J as his jaws dropped. " Why do you need them"'?? How

many of them..?? Then why do you need me.'??"

"I have no idea about that.. If you wanna know more ask my mum.'. She's the one who

got them here. If I'm not wrong should be 16 of them, I think'.. I never liked them

iround me, so i suggested them to be out of my sight, but within distance of not being

known to others th-al we've any relation. Need you..?? You're my boyfriend'. Hahaha","

answered Ling Hui accordinglY.

J, at that moment, he began to take note and thought about what she had said' It was

unbelievable to him and he decided to test it out when he found the right time for it'After coaxing her to bed, J left off for home. More thoughts in his mind'. "Wow,' No moretears only smiles... I must reatly watch it orthe nexttime i ll be the youngest in theobituary column... Bodyguards?ll This must test it out," hmmm..' " Another day had

ended,

A week had passed, it was a busy week for them as it was the examination period forthe both of them. J took it easy as he had never had any problems with his subjects, but

the only thing that troubled him the most was Chinese. His very own nightmare since

young. Ling Hui in the other hand treated her studies like reading a book and knew

euury detail that she could apply for her studies, It was rather tedious for her as her

level of studies was much higher than J, but despite all this, she was still most willing tohelp J with it. During a Saturday morning when they agreed to spend their time togetherto study for their upcoming examinations, the venue that they decided to meet up was

Toa payoh. At that moment, J was still in bed with his thick japanese blanket over him.

He was practically still sleeping and refused to get up. Then, his phone started to buzz

away as it began to vibrate while it rest flat upon his study desk.

The buzzing was irritating, but eventually, J chose to ignore it, He was irritated and

began to ciawl out of bed, He dragged himself to his desk and reached for his phone'

tyi-ng upon the marble floor of his bedroom, he viewed the phone as the buzzing stopped.

There were sixteen missed calls and he scratched his head, wondering what was theurgency to all this. He checked that it was Ling Hui and she left a message querying

where was he now. Instantly, he jumped up onto his feet as he recalled he had a studyappointment with her at Toa Payoh, Like the swiftness of the wind, he rushed around toprepare himself and rushed off to Toa Payoh on the MRT'

When he boarded the MRT, he sent a message to Ling Hui to inform her that he would

be late. This was the first time that he was late for such an important appointment. J

began to worry that she would furious that he let her wait for him. When he left thestation, he dashed off to find Ling Hui. Upon arrival, he realised that she was not angryat all, but smiling away while enjoying her Mac Donalds breakfast. Without catching his

breath, he sat down by her table and panted away. "S,.Sor"Sorry,' Could'., pant.. W.'

wake.. up... pant pant, " apologized I who was still trying to catch his breath.

Ling Hui giggled away and placed a Sausage Egg Mc Muffin and a cup of coke on his end

of itre table. "I bought this for you.. There's always a saying.. Its better late thannever.,," giggled Ling Hui as she continued to enjoy her packet of fresk milk. Her words

melted his heart and realised that she actually very forgiveable. J felt very fortunate thatshe was not unreasonable. After their breakfast, J began to search for his wallet to pay

for his meal. When he took his money, Ling Hui glared at him and to reply to her gesture,he slotted his money back into his wallet, They cleared the table and began to take outtheir books to study. Ling Hui did not bring any books except for assessments for him torevise on. For herself, she only brought her required notes for her to have a minorrevision.

The revision was long and tiring. Ling Hui was always there to guide J through his

nightmare. Time really quickly and very fruitful for him. When J looked around, it was

alieady in the evening, J decided to stop here and go out for a walk. When they walked

around, they arriveA it tne open grounds of Toa Payoh and he suddenly remember thathe had wanted to test something out. J did not dare to ask and hesitated. Ling Hui

noticed and asked,"J, you still have questions.'??"

"Not really questions.. I feeling kinda stiff and wanna exercise.. So, I have one request/"

answered J as he scratch his head while wearing a big smile.

"Oh.. Request,.. I grant you that," replied Ling Hui, She took out her handphone andcalled out. When she ended the call, he began to walk to the center of the open concretegrounds, he saw various men dress in suits of black and wore sunglasses walking out ofdifferent positions of the open grounds. When he took up position, he began to regretabout his request, but he was happy that she was so willing to oblige. "According to myrecord, six people that was twice your built was nailed down 6 seconds flat.." He

swallowed a breath of air down his throat.

Two of them arrived first and before they could grab hold of him, J made a sidestep and

swung a kick up, hitting the two back. One of them grabbed onto his ankle and he

leaped up and smashed a back hook into his face. He got free and thrusted a back thruston the the other by his stomach, hurling him off his feet. A fist that was half his head

was thrust at him. He shifted and another thrust a kick straight for his face. He leaped

back and all of a sudden, he received a firm grip on him. Instantly, he salvaged himselffrom the checkmate and broke free, using a simple technique in Akido. Another fist cameat him and he leaned away. It was a close call for him. One of them was thrown off by

the punch and went outcold. To reply to the assault, he returned a kick the swept acrossthe concrete floor and threw the two off their feet. The moment he got up, a forceful kickwas thrust at him and he blocked with his forearm. Numbness filled his arm, but he was

fortunate that the kick did not break his arm. The man leaped and plunged a kick downat him mercilessly. He strided aside and swung his numbed arm into his throat, causinghim to land flat onto the ground unconcious.

A sudden kick took him unaware and he flew off his feet. The moment he was on his

fours, a pair of muscled arms grabbed him and threw him forward. He immediatelygrabbed hold of the solid arm and swung himself, kneeing the man on the back of his

head. Eventually, the man fell on all fours, J landed on all fours as well. The fight lastedfor some time as the numbers increased rapidly. The moment when the numbers hadreached to sixteen men, J was exhausted and totally nailed against the hard concretefloor with no way to struggle his way out. Panting and sweating, his weary eyes lookedlong at Ling Hui, They released when Ling Hui gave them the cue.

With this record that J had broken, Ling Hui enjoyed the event which J enjoyed it as well.J felt energized and the two went to a shady park to rest. They talked and had a slightdiscussion of what had happened just now. There were laughters, jokes and mostly werefilled with sweet nothings. The two fell more deeply in love. J sent her home that dayand before Ling Hui left him with a kiss. She spoke,"J, I really enjoyed my time with youand really to spend even more. You're the only one that is worth of all my time., I thankyou for that,,, J, tomorrow is an important day for me.. Are you willing to spend thewhole day with me..??"

Without hesitation, J opened up his heart and followed his feelings that deared her alot.He nodded with a smile that melted her heart. She smiled with radiance and kiss him onthe lips. Before her lips could left his, J held onto her and it became a long and enjoyableone where their heart became one. After some time, J released his grip upon her and

she took a few steps back. Placing one finger on her lips, she gave a soft giggle andwhen she looked at him, their eyes met. Naturally, she blushed unknowingly, She stoodawhile and left home. J fhen went home with a firm feeling of love.

Upon the very next day, J was late for school and it was like a normal routine for him.He arrived in school at 10am when recess in his school had just began. He went to thecanteen and began to buy his breakfast to eat. J was very tired as it was quite a tiringday for him yesterday. He was the fear that everybody had in their eyes. Everytime he

would sit at the certain table and it would always be empty. The impression J gave to therest of the school was sitting by his side or in the same table was only seeking to see

their grave. J was just a disaster to them. He had never liked that sort of feeling, but he

had never blamed them and felt very depressed in his heart. At that moment, he felt no

sign of depression or loneliness. He only felt the strong feeling of missing someone. Atfirst, he felt quite wierd about it, but now, he felt it was normal to feel that way.

The recess bell sounded. It was the end of recess and J was still taking his own sweettime to eat his food. Just before he was done, he felt somebody was standing in front ofhim. He guessed it was some nosey prefect who never like to treasure his life. He threwa fierce at the person and realised it was Ling Hui in her school uniform with a prefectbeside her. She startled him, "Arent you suppose to be in school..?" queried J

"yes.. Just that I don't go school on my birthday,.. I do this every year," spoke Ling Hui

with a smile. J raised an eye brow and found it quite odd about it'

"Den can I meet you after school??" inquired J. Ling Hui pouted and showed him wateryeyes. J sighed and told her to wait awhile. J ran off back to class and apologised to theteacher that he could attend class for today. Instantly, he ran back to her side andwithout hints or gestures, he held to her hand and led her out of the school. With theirhands held firmly, Ling Hui could feel his warmth and love that was secured in theirhands. Ling Hui smiled radiantly and let out a soft giggle. I turned and looked at her.After a while, J queried,"Today'S your birthday... So what do intend to do".?? Yourparents not celebrating with you..??"

"Nah,. Every year is always a lonely birthday for me., They are always busy, but I don'tblame them for it..," replied Ling Hui as she started to feel slightly disappointed about it.J could that expression of her face. "I really wish you could celebrate with me eventhough I don't really know what's important about today.. I really wish icould feel itwhenlwasachild.."

"Sorry if I'm rubbing it in.. Let's not spoil your mood as a birthday girl.. But do you everwish that they will celebrate with you through your birthday..??" queried J.

"Used to..," uttered Ling Hui softly.

"Would you want them to..??" queried J who had a scheming plot.

"Yea of course.. Who won't want to..??" replied Ling Hui.

"Okay.. Hmmm...," uttered J as he began to wreck his brain to come out a programmefor the day. After a few minutes, J was ready to bring her around. "First stop is home...I'll meet you at Bugis at about.., 1pm.. Is that alright with you..??"

"Okay..," replied Ling Hui who agreed, The two parted and went home to prepare.

It was nearly 1pm when Ling Hui arrived at the water display floor near the Mac Donalds.Ling Hui waited silently and was very grateful that J was willing to accompany herthroughout her most important day of her life, but to her in all her life, it was nothingimportant as it was like normal day in her life. Ling Hui began to feel sad and disheartenthat her parents had always forgot about it ever since young, Just before her tears couldwelled up, J came along with another guy. Ling Hui stared blankly at him. "Sorry I'mlate.. This is my best buds who's four years older than me. He's in the forces and alwaystopped the charts in his division. His name's Gary..." introduced J as his friend raised his

hand and waved. "This is our main lead actress for the day.. Ling Hui.." Gary reached

out for her hand to hint a polite gesture.

Ling Hui instantly stood up and shook hands with him while saying,"Hi.., Nice to meet

you..." Ling Hui wondered why he brought a friend. They went to the arcades to playgames, had a simple lunch and a sundae by the cozy Swensens restaurant in Parco

Augis Junction. They chatted with jokes and slight debate between the two whichbrought laughters and great joy to Ling Hui. She enjoyed it greatly. After a while, theyleft the table after J paid for the bill with the money that her mum gave him in the past'

Gary then went off after seeing them to the theatres at the fourth level of the shoppingmall. Ling Hui found it odd for Gary to leave abruptly and could not help it but toask,"How come you're leaving.'?? Got things to do..??"

"ya,. Sort of.. Anyway, enjoy the movie,.. I'll be back after the movies," replied Gary. Jhad tickets for a popular movie at that time, well known as Titanic.. J brought her in withhis hands carrying a box of popcorn and a large drink, Ling Hui slipped her hand into his

arm and hugged tightly onto it. She felt so fortunate. The atmosphere in there was

romantic and loving for her. It was like a dream to her. She had never felt anything like

it. Right after the movie, they chatted all the way down with a basket of commentsaboui the movie. When they reached the lobby of where the car lobby was, there was a

sports car waiting for them. It was Gary in the car. J opened the door for her and theyboarded the car.

"So iS your share done..??" beseeched J as Ling Hui would cuddle in his arms.

"Yup, the rest is up to you.. SO with this favor, weire quits, right??" guessed Gary.

"yup, really quits..," replied J with an evil smile. Ling Hui found their conversation verysuspicious. She then queried again,

"What are you talking about?" inquired Ling Hui. J and Gary laughed away. "What??!"Ling Hui raised an eye brow.

"Nothing.. Its a surprise.,," replied J who could not stop laughing.

"you better tell me hor or I wun talk to you for the rest of the day," threatened Ling Hui

harmlessly.

"Wa.. Threaten me wor... Its a surprise for you.. Having surprises once in a while isalways good for a boring day..," spoke J as he began a war of tickles with Ling Hui.

"Why you..!!" hissed Ling Hui as the war of tickles began. It was already reaching in theevening and they arrived at East Coast Park where they first met. They spend timewatching the sun set at the horizon of the beach. Then a group of gangsters began towalk towards their direction. J walked forward and she assumed that they knew each

other. To her horror, an argument occurred and J threw a forceful punch, hitting the guyoutcold. J shouted at them and told them who he was. J added that he would be herethe whole day and if they had the guts, they could bring their whole org down. I walkedback and Ling Hui shouted at him,"What are you doing?!! Trying to 9et yourself killed!!"Ling Hui was fuming mad.

"Relax.. No worries.. They don't have the guts..," assured J. When it was night, theywere at one of the restaurants, sitting down. The waiter brought a huge cake that was

for at least sixty people. It was a birthday that had her name written on it with twentyone candles lit up on it. Ling Hui smiled happily and hugged tightly on J. "Quick make awish before the wish comes.."She quickly made a wish with her eyes closed and opened her eyes. " So what do you

wished for..??" Before she could answer him, they heard a familiar voice shoutingthrough the restaurant'

''WHO'S THE MOTHER F**KER THAT WHACKED MY PEOPLE AND CALLED ME A

B***HI!! IF HE KNOWS WHAT'S RIGHT FOR HIM, STAND OUT NOW!!'' ShOUtCd

Ling Hui's mother when they turned and saw her. Ling Hui stared at J with eyes so widethat it would just popped out, J giggled and one of the guys pointed at him. J stood upand walked forward which surprised her mum, J was scolded terribly and before shecould take action, J whispered into her ears, Her mum swallowed down her anger wentover as a group of officers in plain clothes stormed in with a high ranking official. It washer father. Ling Hui's jaws instantly dropped'

"Alright, everybody.. Stay in your seats and show us your identity card...," instructed herfather. When he saw his wife was there as well, he was surprised. "What's going on

here?? Gary why are you here..??" He pointed at J and J just looked at him like a typicalpunk that was not even scared of death, "I think you really owe us an explanation.."

"YeS, me too or I won't guarantee yOu'll live past tonight.." agreed her mum.

"No,.. I don't owe you two any,.," replied J fearlessly as he added on,"You two,,. owe herone,.tt

"What explanation??" queried her father who was terribly lost.

"Today's her birthday.. She really wish you two will accompany her through thisimportant day of hers," replied J. Her parents kept quiet as they were too busy that theyforgot about their dearest daughter's birthday each year, "I believe you two have timenow right??" They were loss for words and sat down with a crowd to join in the fun' Ling

Hui was very touched that J went through all this trouble to make her wish come true.When she turned around and wanted to kiss J, he was not there. She began to lookaround frantically. All was there was a small well wrapped parcel and a small card. Itwas from J, She opened the parcel, It was a necklace made from white gold and with a

sapphire as a pendant. She opened up the card and read'..

"Ling Hui, I'm sorry that I've to leave you cos tomorrow I still need to attend lessons dueto exams that's around the corner. I hope you'll understand. The necklace is my gift toyou. I used my savings to buy this for you. Hope you like it. You must always rememberwishes do come true if you really wished and worked for it. Happy Birthday and enjoyedthe company.

Your Beloved

J"

Ling Hui was happy and their efforts of their love went even deeper than before. Ling Huiknew that their love had reached to the state where they could not live without eachother, When J was about to doze off, J thought about it and he felt the same way forLing Hui as well.

Their relationship went through like a fairytale and it was loving between the both ofthem. Time went quite quickly for the both of them. Soon, the time came once againwhen his boss would ask him to go for his BBQ birthday celebration at East Coast Park.

This time J went to the BBQ with Ling Hui and it was fun for them. Their time togetherwas never once filled with sorrows or frustrations. Everybody see them with eyes of envyand to their eyes, they were the most loving couple that they knew. All went smoothuntil one of his pals ran back with bruises and blood on him. His boss went forward andtook a look. "Ah zai, are you okay? Who whack you??" queried his boss anxiously as

somebody had already spoiled his day.

"Run.., Run.. They are coming.." spoke the guy as he went unconscious. Before theycould heed their advice, There was a huge group of people armed with various weapons,striding towards them. Out of anger, J took out his parang and walked to the front whereall his buddies were, leaving Ling Hui behind where it was well guarded. Ling Hui's heartbeated so hard that it nearly jumped out of her chest, His boss grabbed him by the backof his collar and pulled him back.

"This is not your fight... Bring your girl out of here... Go now!! We can handle fromhere..," uttered his boss as he walked all the way to the front with his thick chains thathe took out of his bag, The numbers were great, but he had to follow orders, He ran offas he pulled Ling Hui along with him. They ran into the underpass which would lead

them to Marine Parade. Then a line of six guys hindered them from their exit, but when

they turned around, there was another line of seven guys blocking their way, They weretrapped and no help was there forthem. J did not want anything to happen to her'Among them, one of them looked very familiar. That very same guy took a step forwardand spoke,"H"y, long time no see... How's life..? Don't worry.. I'm here to return you

what you gave me last year... Then continue the things that I had not finished with.' Butthis time it will be faster and easier..,"

J was not worried about himself. He was much worried for Ling Hui, As for her, she feltthe same for him. All of a sudden, J whispered her a set of instructions as that guycontinued to babble on. "Ling, When they moved in, I'll need you to make a run for it.Don't turn back. Go as far aS you can. GO hOme even better"'," whispered I'

"But..." replied Ling Hui softly.

"Just go.," snapped J. The guy stopped. They turned to look at him.

"What are you two talking about...??" queried the guys as he walked forward'

"Nothing..," replied J as he walked forward and within an instant, he swung out hisparang across the guys chest. "X marks the spot!!" He instantly shouldered him downand threw his parang at the direction that they were heading. Ling Hui hestitated, butJpushed her to go. The punks all dodged the flying weapon and went straight for him.Ling Hui ran out without fail and turned back to look. J was desperately fending for his

life without any line of hope. J saw her stopped. He shouted,"GO!!! ' Ling Hui ran off and

J continued to buy time for her. He knew its hard and he would not live to be togetherwith her anymore, but as long as she's still alive and happy with somebody else'scompany, J would be happy for her. Exhaustion took over him and he had no morestrength to dodge the lethal assaults. He stood still and received painful hits. In his ownpool of blood, he laid still with numbness and has never wished to move. His time was

up and he began to think back of all the beautiful memories that they cherished together'Wearing a weak smile, he felt tired and wanted to take a nap. At that moment, he felt a

drop of water on his cheeks. It was Ling Hui who was sobbing away, seeing J as thisstate. "Why did you turn back..??"Just before darkness overcame his conscious mind, J

heard her calling for his name.

Then it was a long time he fell into deep sleep. He was unsure whether he alive or dead.'Whether he was still breathing or not., Until one day, he came to. He was woken up by

the ray of the golden sun that sipped through the curtain of the room. When opened his

heavy eyelids, he realised that he was not in his house neither is he in the hospital. J

wondered how did he come here. When he fully recovered from his concussion, J

realised that he was in Ling Hui's house. J was covered by her blanket and at thatmoment, he realised that his top was bare. He was heavily bandaged on the top and itseemed very cooling at the bottom. A thought came into his mind and startled him'Instantly, he looked under the blanket and to his relief, he was still in his underwearexcept he was in shorts. He struggled back up and made his way out of the bedroom'

With the support of the wooden railing to the staircase down, he saw both of her parentat home. The atmosphere was all tensed up and his sxth sense told him that things wasnot right at this very moment.

Ling Hui was nowhere in sight. Her mother was giggling away and whispering commentsto her husband. On the other hand, her father was busy reading the papers and wasvery reluctant to be bothered by anything. The thing that sent chills was his sternlooking face that was filled with anger. At that moment, Ling Hui walked into his viewwith only his top and nothing else. (Maybe an underwear below ba) J's jaws droppedinstantly and he knew that her parents had taken it wrongly, There was no way for himto clear his name with such attire she wore.

In such a fix that Ling Hui created to her parents, he knew that he could turn backanymore because her parents had their eyes fixed on him. For the weekend, J

accompanied her throughout till he went home, cursing and swearing. But in his mind, J

thought it in another way along the way home'

"Maybe it wilt turn out good somehow.. Ya.. Maybe so.. Only time will tell.." thought J ashe entered his house.

For the next few days, J was still at home recuperating and never really thought of going

to school. He rather chose to stay at home and rot away. J laid upon his bed and beganto think back about what has actually happened for the past one year from the day theyhad met till this very day. J found it quite hilarious to meet her for the first time in sucha way, but it seemed that God put it in such a unique way for them to meet. As thoughtscontinued to run through his mind, he then received a call from an unknown number. He

assumed that it was a wrong number and decided to leave it alone. After a fewpersistent attempts, J picked it up out of irritation. When he picked it up, he just keptquiet and let the caller to speak first. He only heard faint sobs from the background.Instantly, he knew it was Ling Hui. Before he could talk, the caller replied J,"Hello mydear friend... I believe you're aware that your little darling is in my hands..."

"What do you want??!!" exclaimed J who felt a slight threat with her in their hands.

"You don't seem to want to know who am I..?? How surprising..," commented thti caller.It was masculine low voice judged by J from the reply.

"I can't be bothered by small fries like you... What do you want??!!" shouted J whowas terribly worried for Ling Hui. To him at this moment, only Ling Hui could allow himto be so worried,

"Its good that you're willing to go straight to the point. I admire your character. Alright,back to business... See you at HarbourFront the world trade center hawker center. Seeyou at 6pm.. Don't be late...," replied the caller.

'DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH HER OR I'LL SKIN YOU ALIVE!!!'' shouted J who wAS

burning in his flames of anger.

"Oh, don't worry... We won't touch her unless you choose not to turn up.. If really that'sthe case, I won't guarantee that she will still be clean,..," spoke the caller as he endedhis call with a set of laughters that echoed through the background. At the samemoment, out of anger, he threw his phone against his cupboard. His grandma rushed into see what was the commotion about and saw him dressed ready to set off. Themoment he stepped out of his house, he instantly called his buddies for a meet up, Itwas the first time for him to call them out with such urgency. They were the only onesthat he would trust and fight alongside with them. They are his brothers of blood.

At around near early evening in the far ends of Jurong, J sat down under the void deckof one of the blocks around there, J was tensed up and extremely worried for Ling Hui.As he waited for his brothers of blood to appear, J had a pack of cigarettes on the stonetable, It was common pack of cigarettes that nowadays people would chose to smoke,Marlboro Reds. As the wait continued, he continued to torture his lungs with his longthick inhalation of smoke. The more he waited, the more he smoke, the more he wouldthink and the more the anxiety continued to eat his calmness mouth by mouth. After awhile, J stopped his heavy puffing and stood up. At that moment, from the corner of his,eyes, he saw a fast object was tossed straight at him. With immediately reaction, he

tapped the fist away and returned a turning kick as a reply. A firm grip grabbed hold ofhis foot and a familiar voice spoke,"Brother, you're still vigilant as ever..." It was one ofhis brothers that he waited for a while and all five of them had arrived. J was known tobe an included member among them and he was being placed as the third among them.

"What took you guys so long..??" queried J.

nAhh,.. Our brother's angry.. Just now got meeting la,. Don't get so worked up about itla.. Just..," replied the youngest and the most agile among the group well known K,

"Alittle..,," spoke his best buddies among them, M who looked at his watch andreplied,"Late.."

"Never mind.. So you got bring my thing??" inquired J,

"Ya, Boss asked me to tell you to be careful and he suggest we work together instead ofyou alone go there and dig a grave," replied S who was ranked second in the group. He

passed J the bag and he stuck his head in to look. He smiled back with satisfaction.

"Okay, we're ready,., Let's go..," suggested J.

"Wait, Boss asked me to pass you this to you.. He said your one is old and rusty. He

imported one from Thailand specially for you," spoke L who was the leader of the six, He

took out a weapon wrapped with white silk cloth. J took it from his hands and it wasslightly heavier than the usual he had. He took out his parang and finally noticed that itwas rusty and old. He took the parang and threw it into the rubbish bin where nobodywould usually noticed. He never chose to view the gift that his boss gave him andinstantly slot it into his trousers beneath his shirt. He never liked to attract unwantedattention and they quietly set off on a cab to the world trade center'

On the cab there, L called S on the phone and when he put down his phone, S took out awalkie talkie that was linked to a mini comms set and passed it to J. "Channel 5..."instructed S as the rest switched on their walkie talkie and began to listen through thecomms set, J did what he was told and heard L's voice.

"J can you hear me..??" spoke L through the comms.

"Yea,, Loud and clear..," replied J.

"As you all know, we won't be tagging along with you fully as we don't wan to find a

dead end or being outnumbered. Plans are easy. You go in and we will assist you as

much as possible in a distance. Your volume must on loud so that during yourconversation we can know what to do before things could happen. So synchronizedtiming 5.04pm...," instructed L as they began to tune their watch.

When they arrived at the bus stop, J had already put on the equipment that his bosspromised to lend it to him. His pals spread out to every possible way and unable to be

spotted. J went up the stairs and began to look around. A guy shouted and waved at him.

Fie noticed and walked over. The guy was not alone. He had quite a few big blokes with

him. J was not scared at all. He was only worried for Ling Hui's safety. He sat down on

the table where there were only six seat and it was near the open end of the market' "J..

J.. Finally, you've come... It a pity that you chose to come or we guys can have a hell offun with'her... haha.,.," laughed the guy who had several tattoos on his right arm'

"What do you want..??" hissed J who was displeased for his last comment.

"Oh nothing much... My brothers didn't had enough fun with you lying in your blood,"

uttered the guy as he leaned forward.

',Den leave her alone.. Let her goll This is between me and the rest of you," hissed J who

slammed his fists onto the table and leaned forward as well. Two of the guys pushed him

back to his seat. J sat back down and smacked thier hands off him.

"He's a angry boy, Mwahaha"'" uttered one of the big blokes'

"Do you want to see her..?" queried the guy'

"yes, what's the condition??" uttered J who knew that he would not let him see her just

like that.

,'Smart 1ad...," commented the guy as he sat back. "My kids requested you to have a

friendly match with you and according to my information, you are a good fighter' So is

that a deal??"

"I'll deal you unless I know she's safe'.," uttered J.

" Dun worry, I bring you to where they are and I'll explained to you the regulations,"uttered the"guy as they escorted J to a secluded place with an open space' "If you can

defeat us, you can go get your dearst out of here safely. If not, just prepare to fight and

fight., Her iocation is in the jungle well guarded by my men. She's in a container. Now

can we begin...??"

,'Sure..," replied J as he took off his blazzer and stood in position. "Who wants to eat my

fists first??" J clenched his fist as his first opponent stepped in. From his comms set, he

was told by L that he acknowledged the linformation of the location. J preserved his

strength and stamina in the first round and could nail down the fight easily but his

injuri6s hindered him quite a bit. He knew it was not the end of it because punk in those

diys did not really mean what they said due to their tradition practises' The conditionmatch lasted for nearly an hour and J was breathing hard. When commenced with theincoming fight, he received communication from L.

"J, the princess is safe and sound.,. K and S is on their way to assist you"' Prepare topull out.,," uttered L as he ended the transmission. At that moment, J gave a forcefulpunch and the guy went outcold. He stood up and took a deep breath.

',How about this? Let's end this fast and quick.,," uttered J as he gestured them to come

all at a go. The guy found it odd and tried calling for his men but, nobody answered forawhile. Nevertheless, he signalled the rest to go. As they surrounded J, J stood calm and

showed no fear in his eyes. the guy kept calling but nobody still picked up' Then the call

was picked up/

"Hello, what took you so lon9.,??" shouted the guy.

"Not very long..," replied a voice that the guy had not heard of and there was an echo. It

was S holding to the phone. When he dropped the phone, the two drew out their weaponand charged in to rescue J. After a long run, they managed to shake the pursuers loose.J contacted L and they would meet back at Jurong. They rushed back and met up. J

returned the equipment back to them and gave them some money as a treat to dinner.He then brought Ling Hui who was safe and sound. Ling Hui was still fast asleep when J

carried her to his house and into the room. He got his sister to help her change herclothes and he tucked her in to sleep.

to be continued,..

J pulled out his mattress and laid down to sleep as it was quite tiring for him. In themidst of his deep sleep, he felt slightly warm up. He woke up abruptedly and when hewanted to get up, he saw Ling Hui cuddling in his arms under his blanket sleeping.. Hesmiled and went back to sleep, Upon the next mornig before the sun rose, J woke up andsent Ling Hui home before he went back to school. When Ling Hui woke up, she foundherself in her bed and realised there was a message received on her phone. it was J.

"I come ever and find you after school, ok..??"

It was christmas eve that day when lovers were out together enjoying their timetogether. It was rather quiet at Orchard when all the lovers were finding their spot tospend together. During that day in school, J was approached by many to go on dates forthat day as he had always been very popular in school. Practically throughout the wholeday, he only chose to reject offers of girls that took out their courage to ask him out. Hecontinued to break every person's heart and disappoint every person's efforts on gettinghim on a date. J would always end his phrase with the same few words,"Sorry I'm notfree today.. Some other time ok??" He had never wanted to see anybody crying on suchan eventful day for him. All he did in school was staring in space with one hand in hispocket waiting for huis phone to vibrate. Period of lessons, he waited and waited. Untilwhen it was near the end of school, he received a message from Ling Hui.

Right after school, he took a look and replied that he would meet her near her house.Like a child very happy, he rushed home and began to change for the occasion. He wentfor a long bath just to make sure he smelt good in front of her. When he came out of thebathroom and went into his room to change, he saw 12 missed calls. He searched it outand realised it was Ling Hui who called. Frantically, he called back while he was stillsoaked wet and still in his towel, J waited for awhile and Ling Hui picked up,"Hello..."

"Oh hi, can I speak to Ling Hui please..??" queried J politely.

"Yes, I €ull,.," uttered Ling Hui.

"Sorry, I was bathing just now.. You called for..??" queried J who plugged on his handsfree and continued to prepare himself.

"Yes.. What time are we meeting and where??" inquired Ling Hui.

"Oh, I didn't tell you ah??" spoke J as he stopped awhile,"I'll meet you at Marina Squarenear the Esplanade." He looked at his watch and calculated the time that he needed tomake his way there. "We'll meet around Bpm at the entrance, ok??"

"Okay., See you there," spoke Ling Hui who giggled away and the conversation ended. ldropped his phone onto his bed and began to change into his chosen clothes that hesaved up to buy with his allowances. He left the house and made his way happily to theMRT to make his way to Marina Square. It was a long ride and he kept his mind going on

deciding how to spend his time preciously with her. On the MRT there, his thoughts wereinterrupted by a wave. He jumped out of his thoughts and looked up. It was one of hisfemale juniors, Fenni who he was told by her friend that she had a crush on him. Hesmiled and she sat down beside him.

"Today's Christmas Eve.. WHere are you going out alone today...??" queried Fenni. J

turned to look and smiled at her before going back into his thoughts. "Well, are youmeeting somebody up..??" J just practically ignored her as in his thoughts and his heart,there was only Ling Hui that could fill up that space. "If you not meeting somebody/ canI have.., a date with.., you..??"

"Miss, you're from my school right??" queried J who knew about her persistent charactereversince she was secondary one when he was secondary two. Fenni had never seen J

that fierce looking before and it was quite scary for her, She nodded slowly. "Then Iguess you know what's going on in school.,??" Fenni shook her head in reply to hisquestion. "Then let me be kind enough to tell you what has happened today..." Shestared in fear at him. "Today alot of girls including you has taken their attempts to askme out, but I told them I'm not free.., You know me for so long, I believe you know mewell enough, right??" Fenni shook her head. "Okay then.. If you choose to be persistentabout it, then I'll not guarantee that you'll be the next one I'll ask out for a date. Youmay not even stand a chance at all. Can you understand??" Fenni nodded slowly as J

stared coldly at her. "Good that you're willing to understand.., Till next time.." J got upand left the train at City Hall.. All Fenni could do was stared at him leave her on the train.

I did not feel good doing such a thing to a girl who had feelings for him, but he just hatepeople to irritate him like pesky flies and thought they knew everything which in thiscase they knew nothing about it. J took out his phone and message one of his juniorsabout Fenni and asked them to take care of her. J rushed off to meet Ling Hui. When hearrived, she was not there. He waited for a while and looked at his watch. It was alreadyB.30pm. J continued to wait and received a message. It was from Ling Hui. "Dear, I willbe at the GV here. I want to watch movie., Come find me ok??" J smiled and began towalk towards the theatre. When he arrived, Ling Hui was there looking at the screens fora good movie to watch. I did not call her instantly. J was mesmerised with her dressingthat day. She wore a long elegant dress that was made from satin. Her dress broughtout his beautiful figure which made many guys drooled over. She had never liked to puton make up as she found it troublesome, but for today, she had her cosmetics on andshe was very beautiful, just like a swan in the lake. With her long hair, she was like aprincess, Then he looked at his attire and realised that he could hardly match with her asit seemed very ruggard compared to her. He sighed and decided to surprise her frombehind.

When he crept up on her, a guy pushed him aside. He was rather tall and had a strongbuilt. "Miss, I just saved you from a creep.. So what's my reward..?" the guy spokeconfidently. Ling Hui looked back and saw J was trying to get up and his anger was justlike hell had just broke loose. Ling Hui looked back at the guy with a smile. She gavehim a slap across his face. The guy got angry and wanted to hit her. Before the guycould do so, he felt a sense of danger coming from J who he pushed aside, He stoppedand turned to him. To his horror, J was already below his chin, giving him no chance toretaliate. J made a jump. He kneed him on the bottom of his chin and his jaws fell off, J

then grabbed him by the head and smashed it on the concrete ground with a loud thout.The guy was outcold and laid still. J held to her hands and brought her elsewhere instead.

They took a train down to Orchard instead and went to Cathay Cineleisure to have a

movie. They began to discuss about what movie to watch and when J bought the tickets,Ling Hui heard rumbling and realised that it was J's stomach. "You haven't eat ah??"queried Ling Hui, J smiled widely in awe as he scratched his head. Ling Hui giggled awayand brought him to a restaurant to eat. Just before they entered, he looked at the

restaurant's name and swallowed a breath of air down his throat, When he sat down, helooked at his menu and then looked at his cash in his wallet, As he calculated whether hehad enough to last through the night, Ling Hui snatched his wallet off his hands and keptit into her bag. J tried asking back for his wallet, but she just just made funny faces athim. J then realised that Ling Hui was persistent too, but why was he not angry about it?

J then thought and realised this was why they say love can endure through all tests. J

played street smart and ordered the cheapest mela he could find, but even the cheapestwas 25 bucks. J really felt like crying. With no other alternatives, J ordered it to fill hisstomach and Ling Hui ordered as well, but to his horror, It was not only two dishes oftwo.,There was eight dishes served onto the table. He then queried,"Sir, do you makeany mistake..?? We only ordered 2 and not 8..."

"Sorry sir, yorl ordered eight not two," persisted the waiter'

"There muSt be a mistake Somewher€,...," spoke J who was trying to argue back.

"My dear, we ordered eight.,.," spoke Ling Hui who smiled. J looked at her with a loss ofwords.

"Why order eight??" queried J.

"I don't really believe can't finish the food and with such a small amount of food, you'llstill be hungry de," spoke Ling Hui who had observed him well enough. I was beingoutsmarted and he felt like an utter failure, Ling Hui laughed away at his comicalreaction to the situation. After meals, J asked for his wallet so that he could pay for thefood. Ling Hui did not care and stuck out her tongue at J. "Waiter, may I foot the bill??"

"Why yes... But ain't your boyfriend supposed to pay..??" queried the nosey waiter'

"I'm not letting him this time... Masters..??" queried Ling Hui who took out a platiniumMasters Card and footed the bill. J was shocked that she had such capability at such a

young age. Once they left the restaurant, Ling Hui looked at the time and suggested togo walk around and shop some stuff. J could only tagged along as Ling Hui was holdingto his wallet. He went through with her in shop and much things were bought. All thethings that he carried had not attracted his attention. The thing that caught his attentionthe most was the things that she bought and kept in his bag.

It was nearly time to go for the movies and went into settle down. J bought couple seatsand sat down together to watch. Ling Hui cuddled in his warm arms and laid on his firmchest to watch the movie. J did not feel uncomfortable about it. Right After the movies,Ling Hui was still fiddling with his wallet. "Ling, can return my wallet now...??" pleaded J

who really wanted his wallet back. Ling Hui stopped and looked at him. She thought forawhile and tossed his wallet back to him. When he caught it, he was very happy, but henoticed an odd thing about it. His wallet was rather flat. When he opened it up, it wasempty. Not even his identity card was inside.

I then realised all the content was taken out. When they reached back home, Ling Huiasked for his wallet again, "Return my content then igive you my wallet," demanded J.

to be continued.

"No we give each other together," suggested Ling Hui. J handed over his wallet in frontof her house, Ling Hui returned him a new wallet with everything intact. He was puzzledabout it. "Merry Christmas., Thank you for the gift," She kissed him and ran into thehouse, "Sometimes, its not the money you spent on me, I'll be happy about it. Its the

thought that I cherished most... Thank you.." J then left off for home with a smile and anew wallet in his hands,

(really no choice... hope you readers enjoy this'.. t$;

Upon the next day which was a festive season for all, a joyful day that many otherswould enjoy. To J, it was just another holiday for him to hide under his blanket to sleep.He never liked Christmas or should I say he never had Christmas before..? J's familynever celebrate Christmas as it was never part of his custom to do so. As a result, thiscustom became a psychological calendar in his mind that Christmas Day was justanother holiday, At this very day, it was all different for him. For his sixteen years of life,it was the first time J received a present. It was not any present of a stranger, but forLing Hui. He was very happy about she replacing his old tattered wallet, but in his mind,he could not think of any reason of why she wanted that wallet'

J shoved that question to the back of his head like a detective's unsolved documentbeing thrown into a pile of documents in the store room. J just went back to sleep andcontinued to dream about Ling Hui until he heard his phone buzzing away on his studytable where he left his phone to charge, J once again dragged himself out of bed to pick

up the call. The moment he heard the voice of the caller, he woke up instantly. It washis root of his energy, Ling Hui, his one and only love. "You still sleeping ah??" queriedLing Hui.

"Sort of,. Rather tired...," replied J in his hoarse voice.

"Oh, am I disturbing you..?" queried Ling Hui.

"No.. Of course not," assured J who began to clear his throat. He heard her giggled in

the background. J did not like the silence in the conversation and began with his own."You just woke up ah??"

"Nope. I woke up long ago. Just don't wish to call you early in the morning. I guessyou'll be still asleep," explained Ling Hui.

"Not to worry. No matter how early you call, I'll be there for you cos you're all thatmatters to me now," spoke J who was surprised that he wouls say such words ofromance to her.

"Aww... So sweet of you... Hmmm..," commented Ling Hui cheekily.

"Hey, its rather rare to hear me say this once in a blue moon," replied I as he addedon,"Why the sudden early bird?"

"Oh, just feel like to...," replied Ling Hui.

"Going out with your parents..??" queried J,

"Nah, they're never free on such occasion. They're always attending to functions on sucha day... Important people, you know la," replied Ling Hui.

"Then where are you heading?" queried J.

"Was heading somewhere.. Now heading nowhere.. Just waiting...," replied Ling Hui inpuzzles.

"Waiting for??" quoted J.

,'Waiting for you to open the door," giggled Ling Hui. J's jaws dropped and dashed to thedoor. When he opened the door, he saw Ling Hui was all dressed up waiting for him' She

was dressed in a turtle top fur winter wear and a skirt with cotton white leg warmers. Itwas as though she wanted to see snow in Singapore which was impossible' J on theother hand had just woke up and all he wore was a pair of short and noting on top.When Ling Hui saw that, she began to giggle uncontrollably. J then looked at himself and

realised that he was not very presentable, but in his mind, he could hardly make a fuss

about it. He reached for the keys that were nearby and let her in, He then led Ling hui to

his room and like a dead man, he fell flat onto his bed.

Before he could doze off, He felt very uncomfortable abor.it his position and turned tolook, Ling hui was perpetually staring at him. He smiled and uttered,"You seem to be

enjoying your glance on me..." Ling Hui startled.

"Huh??" queried Ling Hui who began to focus on him'

,,you seemed so deep in your thoughts. What are you thinking about. '??" analyzed J who

sat up. Ling Hui looked away from his stare.

"Oh, nothing..," replied Ling Hui. J sighed, He grabbed her by the waist and hugged her

in bed like she was his personal bolster. Their face was very close and Ling Hui's eyes

opened widely, staring at him. J kissed her and it was a long and affectionate kiss. "Ididn't know you loved to ambush people hor"."

"Ambushing people once in a while is good for your health," replied J with a smile as he

bounced out of his bed and grabbed for his towel. "Be ready in a while". I can guessed

where you wanna go today in this attire,." Ling Hui sat there and waited for J to get

dressed, With his stigtrtty long hair and contact lens placed in, he dressed himself in a

white plain shirt, and a leather vest with fur grey collar and a pair of jeans. He brought

along a pair of gloves. he put on his boots and posed in front of Ling Hui' Ling Hui

giggled away.

"you going for cosplay ah?? Dressed until like that,.," replied Ling Hui.

"Just feel like bringing you to somewhere special. You interested to go'.??" suggested J'

Ling Hui became curious about it. J brought her to a place near his house which had

estiblished not long ago and it had a special event on that festive season' The place was

called Snow City. He paid for the entries and went into to see an open space that was

filled with falling snow and white snow on it. There were ice sculptures of swans and

several other things the created a romantic environment for him. There were snowmans

build up randomly by people or had already being made for the occasion' Ling Hui loved

the environment and they played snowballs, made a snowman out of the snow off theground, laid on the ground and made imprints of angels by moving their hands and legs.

ihey ran around and took pictures together. They played all over the place and timepassed really fast. Both of them was tired and hungry.

J then brought her to eat and went to watch a one time event during that day which

really burnfa great hole in his pocket; Disney on Ice. They went to watch people ice

skate and theyenjoyed the whole performance."Have you ever skated like them

before??" queried J suddenly when the performance ended'

"No why??" replied Ling Hui as she looked at him with a puzzled look.

"Do you wanna try,.??" queried J as he led Ling Hui out of the place.

"Worth the try..," uttered Ling Hui.

"Okay, then lets go...," uttered J as he brought her to the skating ring. He brought herinto the skating ring and thought her how to skate, They skated together hand in handand with J's guidance, she managed to learn how to skate. J showed patterns in the ringto her that was full of flaws compared to the professional skaters. When they left theplace, it was already night and Ling Hui was late for home, J instantly hailed a cab andsent her home,

As usual, J would send her to the gate and she kissed him, She smiled all the way, butshe was not as happy as usual. He still felt something was bothering her and he knew nomatter how he persisted, she would not choose to tell him. J waved good bye to her andleft home on the cab. On the way back, J received a message from Ling Hui. It read;

"J, I really enjoyed myself today., You are the first that ever made me happy all thistime and accompanied me all this time. I thank you for that. Love you. Miss you. SweetDreams and rest well.Good night..,Merry Christmas.."

J smiled upon that message she sent to him and sent her one message before hestepped into his house. "Need not thank me for it. As you are whom I loved most, whomI treasured most and only you who made me who I am now,..Love you lots and miss you always"

A new year had begun when J and Ling Hui was both seventeen. Ling Hui had finishedher studies at the age of sixteen and awaiting for her result of whether she could go to aJunior College or a Polytechnic nearby. On the other hand, J was unlike Ling Hui whowas in the express stream. He was a normal academic student that managed to strugglethrough his years in school even though his records in school was thicker than the lawbook or the oldest bible. J at that moment had began to prepare for his 'O' LevelsCambridge Examinations at the end of the year. J had never wanted to let his parentsdown by just scraping through his examinations with just passed results. It was crucialpoint in life for him.

Because of him preparing for his examinations, he placed all his efforts and attention onit. In result, he chose to neglect everything and the balance upon everything wasaffected, including their sustained relationship between J and Ling Hui. Ling Hui was anunderstanding girl and J considered to be the most fortunate boyfriend to have such anunderstanding girlfriend. When J was striving hard to study for his year endexaminations, Ling Hui had never disturbed him except for messages of concerns to himthrough the handphone. J was happy that she was considerate enough not to ask himout during the weekdays, but when during the weekends, J compensated Ling Hui tospend his weekends with her and entertained her with programmes that he came out onhis own. Through his struggles, he has easy moments and hard times to handle as well,Despite all these, he was still willing to spend all his memorable and joyous momentswith her.

J had to juggle them all at once. It was tough for him, but he did it out of good will.During this period of time, he had never thought of neglecting Ling Hui, but without himalways by her side, Ling Hui was not used to being alone. Ling Hui missed him greatlythrough her days in school and always wondered what he was doing. Thinking whethercould he cope with his studies, whether is he free to talk, whether he would reply hermessage or not. Such thoughts that yearned for answers were not her standard ofthinking could cope while she was at home, Each day when she was at home, she waspractically staring at her four walls, awaiting for J to message her or to call her.Whenever she woke up and saw her handphone had no messages, she felt empty like as

though J was no longer with her anymore. J had never left her and she knew it in herheart, Ling Hui just took it that he was just busy.

After two years together with him, she had forgotten that feeling that accompanied hersince young, WheneverJ was not around with her, this feeling would come back to herlike an old friend visiting her to have a long stay, This feeling she was intolerable andmost of the time, she really felt like crying out just to let herself feel better about it. Thisfeeling was known to all the singles and unattached as, Loneliness, Each week she wouldonly wait in anxiety for the weekends to come as that was the only time, she would seehim with arms wide opened. Until one day when she was on her way out of the JuniorCollege that she was allowed to have a three month orientation, she realised that thesun was out shining on one of her gloomiest day. J was there to pick her up from school.Ling Hui rushed across the road and jumped into his arms. Everybody saw that sightimmediately knew that J was her boyfriend. Some felt envy, some felt disappointed andsome were even jealous about it. They had a long hug and at the very moment, she feltloneliness had left her. Nothing the warmth from his heart filled her cold lonely heart. Itwas a long time she had never felt that way. When J slowly carried her and placed herby one of the seats under the void deck. Ling Hui struck off with a conversation. "Dear,where did you go all this time..??" queried Ling Hui.

"Nothing much. My high towers of books crashed on me due to poor foundation of it bythe contractors. Got myself buried in them, Only recently managed to dig myself out,still thinking whether to sue those contractors," joked J as he end with laughters.

"Wah... When did my dear learn to be so crappy??" laughed Ling Hui as she commented.

"No choice.. Studying for my examination had never been my forte... Sometimes, ireally need to crap a bit to release some stress," replied J.

"So how are you coping with your preparations for the O's..?? Need any help..??"suggested Ling Hui who would be willing to help him even though she was not an allrounder. Just as long as she could be with J, she would not even mind wrecking herbrain to teach such a slow learner like J,

"Still okay.. Still can cope.." replied J who tried to put on a brave front. J was quiteegoistic and never liked to trouble anyone, not even Ling Hui.

"You sure??" queried Ling Hui who knew J too well that he was never one that had resultwith flying colours, except sometimes he had one colour flying all the time which wasRed.

"Okay.. okay., I need some help on my Mathematics and Geography," replied J who feltdefeated as he could not hide anything from Ling Hui since she knew him for a nearthree years. J knew that Ling Hui was concerned and missed him greatly to createopportunity to meet out to study as an excuse. J had the same feelings as well and knewit would be a torture for her to be alone whenever he wan not with him.

"Then can we meet up everyday after school to let me give you tutorial on it?" spokeLing Hui.

"Okay, where do you suggest..??" requested J.

"Anywhere that you feel comfortable," uttered Ling Hui.

"Then... I'll set at... the playground near your house. Good and quiet environment,"suggested J.

"Okay then..," uttered Ling Hui. Forthe whole time before the prelims, J was coached byLing Hui through his studies and each and every day, J learned to overcome hisdifficulties with her explaining him on how to use the formulas to solve mathematicsproblems. J was also taught on how to study and understand the various ways toprepare himself for his tests. Their aims and goals was to test it out on his prelimsbefore his O's. When the test came, Ling Hui prayed hard for him to pass his tests. Hewent through them and tried his very best so that he would let down her and his familyfor all the efforts they put in for him. I took every test confidently. When the results wasout, J was no longer one of the bottom ten in class.. He managed to get the top twentypositions in class.

J was very contented with his results and his teachers praised him for his tremendousprogress. He decided to work even harder for it. It was a long preparation for him withlots of hard work in guidance for Ling Hui. Soon, November came. J was all prepared toface his greatest fears. He went through every examination and found them easy, Whenthe O's ended, J rushed off to find Ling Hui. When he hugged her, he fely something wasvery wrong. She was totally not herself anymore. J began to wonder why she was nothappy for him and queried,"Why so down..??"

"Nothing..," replied Ling Hui as usual.

"Sure.,??" queried J.

"Sort of," answered Ling Hui,

"Care to tell me about it..??" inquired J who was very concerned for her.

"Not now.. Maybe another time,. Dunno how to start.,.," replied Ling Hui. "Accompanyme through this holidays, okay??"

J nodded and added on,"When you feel better or you're prepared to tell me, then you tellme ok??" Ling Hui gestured with agreement. J sent her home and went back home toprepare for a whole load of programme for Ling Hui.

It was the beginning of the December Holidays, J strived hard to make each and everyday Ling Hui's holidays eventful and each day was a different day with unlimited range ofprogrammes for her to be entertained, J had only one aim was to earn back the smilethat Ling Hui had when he first met her. J had never stopped trying to earn back thatvery smile that had always came with all the memories they had and the all the love thatthey had nurtured through these near three years. But it seemed to get even harder aseach day gone by. Eventually after two weeks, J had lost his strength and determinationto create more programmes to bring back that one smile he missed so much. J gave upand until one day, Ling Hui felt how J was feeling. That very day when Ling Hui got up,there was not even a call or a message from him at all. Ling Hui messaged him and afterquite some time, he did make a reply back to her, saying that he was playing basketballat his house downstairs.

As she sat by her desk, she remembered one that J had told her before. Whenever he

chose to go to the basketball court, he would only go there when he was filled withunsolved problems or a spill over of frustrations. He would go there to have a good gameand pour out all his anger and frustrations, so that he need not to affect others with it.She looked out of her room window and uttered to herself,"I think its time to tell J whathe really need to know..."

Upon the very next day, Ling Hui gave J a call and dated him out for the first time, LingHui chose to meet him at Orchard Heeren. Ling Hui arrived much earlier than I and

waited. When J arrived, she felt a sense of chill emitting out from him and she realisedthat her emotions had really affected their relationship. Then Ling Hui put on a smile andposed adorably at J, asking,"Dear, you won't mind accompanying me to do someshopping right??" J looked blankly at her and nodded with a smile. They strolled the longstretch of shops in every level of Heeren and she bought many different kind of clothes.

J, on the other hand, was an observant teenager. He noticed that Ling Hui had boughtmany things today like as though she was heading overseas for a very long time ormight even be leaving him for good. In his mind, he thought about her benig very oddfor the past two weeks till now. J at that moment was like a vase filled with frustrationsand he was already filled to the rim. For the second time, J had lost his cool and thepromised that both of them agreed was broken. "Ling, why are you buying all these stufffor..?? Is there something that you're hiding from me.,?? Can't you just tell me aboutit??" spoke J outloud.

These words that projected from his mouth were just sharp cold daggers that plunged

into her glass made heart mercilessly. This pain that she felt was great and torturous. Itworse than the hurt she used to have physically. Instead of revealing a face filled withtears, Ling Hui continued to wear a mask of happiness and replied,"Dear, I just feel like

shopping that's all. I wished to buy you something that its from me and only meant foryou. You have done so much for me. Can't I buy something for you'.??" J kept quiet'Ling ttui brought him all over the shopping mall to search for suitable clothes for him.

She even bought the limited edition AirJordan shoes for him, For the whole day, theywent shopping, playing games in the arcade and sitting down by the fast food restaurant,chatting away. Eventually, J was still thinking about the matter while Ling Hui knew himwell enough that J was still thinking about it.

When J sent her home on the cab, J was staring out of the window and began to thinkabout what happened today. While Ling Hui looked at him and she really felt like crying'In the end, she did not. She knew that she had affected her greatly and his attitudechanged greatly. Ling Hui laid upon him leg and feel a slight sharp pain in her heart.Hear glass made heart was cracked for the first time when she saw J was in such a state.She went home and J went home. She sent a message to J telling him to meet tomorrow'J agreed and his thoughts was all about the odd reactions that Ling Hui gave him.It was a Friday morning and J was still fast asleep. J received a message on the phone

and it became a normal routine for him. He dragged himself out of his bed and went

overto check whose message has he received. It was Ling Hui's message. it wrote;

"Dear, today I wished to recall alt the memories that we had together ever since the firstday we met, Will you go throught it together with me..??"

J found her reactions each day was getting more and more odd, J could no longer know

what she wants or what her mind was thinking about. J felt like he was lost in a maze

and she became a total stranger to him. J then realised that nothing would stay the

same as time that passed was a cruel thing. Time could change everything/ every person

including Ling Hui. J replied her message and agreed to her request as a boyfriend or

maybe a husband in future.

Ling Hui sent him the time and venue to meet which was the Marine Parade Underpass

at 2pm. J could not sleep anymore. He did not feel the urge to sleep on as the past few

days had been rather odd for him. He could not even sleep well last night. J was in deep

pain as though he would lose her at any moment, but what he did not know, Ling Hui did

not change. She was still the same girl that he once met and loved, She was just unable

to share the news to J as she feared J could not take it. Because of this sudden change,

this relationship became unstable and they began to drift apart'

At 2pm, J was there early and he waited for Ling Hui. When she arrived, she dressed like

the first day when she got to know J. He walked to her and she asked,"Let's play a game

for today. I ask you questions and you'll answer, okay??"

"Okay," replied J as Ling Hui began to walk to the far end of the tunnel and stood by the

right corner of the exit.

"Still remember what happen here..?? My question is how many guys were there..??"

beseeched Ling Hui.

"3 guys and they were all over you," replied J as he walked over as well.

"Why did you choose to save me,..??" queried Ling Hui.

"Because you're in distress and it won't be me if I choose to ignore," replied J honestly.

"Okay...," spoke Ling Hui as she pulled J to the next place which was the BBQ that J

brought her to enjoy, "Remember here,..?? What was the thing that you bring me to

eat,..??"

"If I'm not wrong, its a plate of two chicken wings," answered J.

"Then why did you bring me here and not leave me alone??" inquired Ling Hui.

"I don't want you to feel lost. I don't want them to find you. I can't make myself not

worry for you if I leave you there," explained J'

"Alright then, We can proceed to the next place...," spoke Ling Hui. She brought J to the

Police HQ lobby and the two sat by the waiting area where the couch was. "You still

remember here??"

"Definitely," replied J.

"Which floor did you go and to meet who??" questioned Ling Hui.

"The 20 plus floor.. Don't quite remember on that one... I was there to meet yourfatherand eventually, I met you," replied J.

"Why did you agreed to protect me..?? Is it because my father gave you the task to do

so.,??" queried Ling Hui.

"Yes, your father did give me that task... But as your boyfriend its my natural duty toprotect you," replied J.

"Good answer, let's move on," gestured Ling Hui. When they walked out of the building,

it was already in the evening. They went back to East Coast Park and went straight tothe Mac Donalds. They sat by the bench near the beach and the sun was setting' "Wow...

The sunset is really beautiful, isn't it..??"

"Ya... Was that a question..??" replied J.

"Okok,.didn't know you are so unromantic.. Never mind... Let's continue... Rememberhere??" uttered Ling Hui as she looked at him.

"Yes I do.,.," replied J.

"What did you buy for me..?? What flavor..?? And which race are those guys thatdisturbed me??" inquired Ling Hui.

"I bought you vanilla flavored ice cream. Those guys are indians," replied J.

"Did you protect me out of the task of my father?? Did you regret spending all thosemoney on me,.??" queried Ling Hui.

"No, I did not do because of that... And NO, there's no regrets to spending its worth. You

are my girlfriend and everything to do for you is more than worthwhile," replied J whofelt slightly offended.

"Okay, time to move on.. Its not getting any early now," replied Ling Hui as they set offon a cab to the far corners of Mountbatten Road. J remembered this place as it waswhere he met her mother for the first time. Her shouting was still a phobia that lingeredin his mind. Ling Hui brought him to stand in front of the staircase where they heard hermum shouting. "Remember here??"

"Yes of courser" replied J

"What are doing that day and who was the guy that brought us here...?? How muchmoney did I give you??" queried Ling Hui.

"We were actually going to the library because you wanted to borrow some books toread. The guy that brought us here was actually LongZai, your mum's subordinates.. Itsabout 5-6k ba," answered J.

"How do you think of my mum..?? If I were to ask you to quit your org, will you do it forme??" asked Ling Hui.

"She's fierce,.. Very fierce... But now, its okay.. She's a nice person and caring mother...Yes, I will.., Cos you will be worried for my safety... You wan, I can do it now...," repliedJ. Ling Hui smiled.

"Let's move on," suggested Ling Hui. J was then brought by Ling Hui to ParagonShopping Mall. They sat outside the shopping mall. "Remember here??"

"Yesr" answered J.

"What happened here and how many people did my father sent to catch hold of you..??"

inquired Ling Hui.

"We had a heated argument and your father sent a whole squadron of thirty to catchhold of me," replied J.

"What's bothering you that day?? Aren't you scared..??" queried Ling Hui,

"The time that your parents are taking from us when i could actually spend quality timewith you... Yes, I'll be scared like everybody will be scared as well... But no matter what,I will not choose to run away as its my fault to leave you there crying," explained J. Ling

Hui was happy with his answer and gave him a peck on his left cheek'

"Let's move on," spoke Ling Hui as the the moon was already out.They went off to Toa Payoh where the open space was, Ling Hui stood by the lastposition she stood when the fight commenced. "How many bodyguards were there..??And till when were you nailed down..??"

"Twenty bodyguards... When sixteen of them come at me, I'm nailed down,,,," replied J.

"The timing was 20mins,.. When I told you that I have those nannies,.. Did you believe

me..??" queried Ling Hui.

"With your background, its understandable.., With you, its unbelievable...," commented J.

"ACceptable.., Come On let's mOVe it... We have abOut... four places to 9o.,.," utteredLing Hui. They then set off to East Coast Park once again where the restaurant was. "You

must be hungry,. We can eat while we talk.,." Ling Hui ordered food for J and when they

began to eat, Ling Hui took a sip from her glass of water. "You still remember here..?" J

took a bite out of his fillet and nodded. "What day was it that day...?? And what was thegift you gave me??"

"It Was your birthday... I gave you a necklace," replied J who was still eating.

"What was my wish that day and how much did it cost,..??" quizzed Ling Hui.

"Your wish is to have your parents to celebrate with you...Out of immense trouble, Ifulfil your wish... The necklace costed me a bomb but for you, its priceless," spoke J.

When they were done eating, Ling hui had already footed the bill when J wanted to pay.

They left the restaurant and went off by cab to Snow City. "Look at this, remember whathappened that day...??" It was the scar marks on her wrists caused by the ropes.

"Yes I do... it came from those that had kidnapped you before," replied J.

"Can you take out the wallet i gave you..??" requested Ling Hui. J took it out and showed

it to her. "I gave you this because I'll hope to be remembered by you no matter whereyou go..." Then they arrived at Snow City and they entered. "Remember here..??"

"Ya, I brought you here...," replied J.

"We did many things here... Remember what we do here'.??" queried Ling Hui.

"Yes, We made angels on the snowy floor, we played snowballs and made a snowman of

our own/" replied J accordingly.

"Were you happy when you're with me??" queried Ling Hui.

"Yes, I'm happy," replied J.

"I'm glad to hear that... Now let's go back to the underpass...," murmured Ling Hui.

When they arrived at the underpass, they stood at the center of the underpass and

merely looking at each other. It was near midnight. "We've complete our journeythrough memory lane... Now I need to tell you this.." J was all ears.. "After Christmas, Iwill no longer be in Singapore.., My parents are migrating to Australia... They said its my

choice to choose whether I wish to stay at Singapore or go along with them., I did not

have the courage to tell you at first... But now, I know I have when your love for me isso great.,. I feel its no longer my choice to choose to go or stay.., I feel...you have thatchoice as well..." When J heard the news, his mind instantly went blank.

"Is this a joke.,?? Cos I don't find it funny at all," replied J.

"No, I'm serious and I'm not joking.. This is my last question... Whatever is your

decision, I respect the decision you make, okay??" assured Ling Hui.

Okay...," answered J

"Would you want me to stay??" queried Ling Hui. At that moment, J simply kept quiet ashis mind was still blank and he knew his words meant to her greatly. J could not answeras the the decision he make would change his life totally. Everything would be decidedupon what he would choose to say. J could not give an answer and said,"Dear, give mesome time to think about it..?? Its too sudden,. Sorry.." J sent her home and wenthome.. When he laid on his bed and stared on the ceiling. His phone vibrated again. He

knew instantly that it was her. He took a look and it wrote;

"Dear, I know its hard for you to make such a decision.. And you might go into adilemma... But whatever the verdict is, I respect your decision...

Love you and miss you dearly...

After seeing the message, J dropped his phone onto the floor and stared blankly at theceiling. With the huge clot of thoughts in his mind, he could not sleep. He had lost all hisstrength to do anything anymore.. Not even for her.

As J laid through the night, the time went past very slowly. J began to think backthrough the memory lane that he went through together with Ling Hui. There werepains,.. There were sorrows.. There were much happiness.. There were memorablemoments.,. There were so much to be remembered. More than a song writer couldcompose everything out of his memories and feelings. It was long journey that theywent through. A journey of three years where feeling of two were bonded and couldeven withstand the strongest storm in any of the seas. With such a sudden news,nobody in this world could take it not even J. Thoughts about what I and Ling Hui hadtalked about during their journey through memory lane was fruitful and beared muchmemories.

J gave thought about the decision that Ling Hui wanted him to decide on. In his mind, itwas hard for him alone make decision with a blank mind. J knew he had not recover

from his shock. Each day that passed for him was a brand new day and each day he

began to resemble more and more like a lifeless zombie. He could not even think in the

rig-ht state of mind, not even his mum's instructions he could follow accordingly' J was

reatty in a loss. J was then visited by a friend that was very close to him' H.is name was

Jack who graduated from school the same time as him. Jack grew up with him and they

were like brothers. When he saw him in this state, he was angry about his reaction' No

matter how Jack scolded J, J just could not be bothered by him as he seemed to be

hiding in his nutshell, unable to face reality about his problem. Jack told him one fact

that 6rought him back to reality, "Jl! You can't stay like this forever!!The world won'twait for you to progress!l You must really get yourself together!! If this decision you

don't make yourself, nobody could do the same foryou!!".shouted Jack in his room

where J was hiding under his blanket, not wanting to see the light of the passing days.

J finally got back up his feet after few days had passed, J got up using the last of his

strength*tnat he could gather in him. He sat by his bed and Jack sat down beside him'

"Whaiever the problem*is, i know you can solve it.,." replied Jack as he left' J looked

into space and 'his

thoughis began to move. It was a hard decision for him as you all

know.

J could not ask Ling Hui to stay as he had his things to do in future and he might not

have time for her. -She

would be lonely to live in a house all alone. Much dangers she

would faced when her parents are not around, It might be worse if J braved through

dangers for her when ihose he face had capabilities far more stronger and powerful than

he expected. He could not protect her each and every day. Neither could he protect her

twenty-four hours per day. But, on the other hand, J could not ask her to leave because

J could not bear to imagine a day without her. A day without her would be exactly like

hell to him or mabe woise than hell. I knew Ling Hui would be lonely in Australia as she

would need to know all her friends all over again. When she faced danger or difficulties

there, J would no longer be by her side to help her and assist her. He would no longer be

there to protect her anymore. It was cruel thing for I to decide' He was just like the

chess piece on the chess board representing the king and it was as good as stalemate'

Whatever moves that J chose would only get himself to foul the rules.

J was in a great dilemma. He went to play basketball to use his way to solve his dilemma,

but there was no avail. I tried everything that his friends suggested him to do. Until one

day when he went down to East Coast Park once again, he sat by the beach where the

coastal winds would blow in, someone sat beside him and the person spoke with a

feminine voice,"You thinking about something..??" J turned to look and saw Fenni. lcould not be bothered about her. "If you can't find solutions for yourself, it doesn't mean

I can't find one for you..,"

J resented to fate since Fenni was willing to help. "Ya,I'm currently in a dilemma..'''replied J.

"Tell me,., Two heads can think better than one...," spoke Fenni. J told her everythingthat he could recall. Fenni then looked at him. "Sometimes in life, you can't have the

best of both, But love come and goes just like Fate, its cruel and I've learnt it myself.

Love is sacrificial,.. If you really love someone, you must learn to let her go..." J's mind

absorbed that certain advice that Fenni gave. It sounded logical and applicable to his

current situation. Finally, his mind was made up. His decision he made is cruel for the

both of them, but that cruelty they beared was temporary'

Upon Christmas Day at Changi Airport, Ling Hui and her family was about to check in.

Si-re could not bear io leave not until J come to see her off. When she was about to leave,

her name was called out and it echoed through the terminal. She turned around and saw

J panting away. In his hands, he held onto a smal present, He took a deep breath and

stood bdfore her. "Ling Hui, my decision is to let you 90, Even though how much I loved

you and how much I could not bear to have you leave my side. I have learn to let you goand you might even find better happiness there. I believe there will be someone elsebetter than me. I love you, I still love you... I really do.. This fact is always true. But, tomy capabilities I know I can't protect you forever... Sorry...," spoke J.

It was Ling Hui's turn to feel lost and all he could do was to hug her. When they huggedfor the last time, J's eyes for the first time was filled with tears and it rolled down hischeeks. He let go and left a peck on her forehead. "If you still love me, promise me,..Promise me that.. you'll take care of yourself okay??" whispered J with smile and his tearcould not stop falling. When Ling Hui turned her back at him, J knew she was alreadycrying softly to herself and it was like a spear made from ice being plunged into his heart,After seeing her plane left, J went back home.

The loving couple that had been made by destiny and fate had parted. They each were ineach their own country and divided by great waters. Love was a source of energy ormaybe a drug that is harmless yet addictive, Like all drugs, there were withdrawalsymptoms, These symptoms could affect one's mind and the numbness in the heart justas though like a lifeless zombie, or even worse it might even caused death. After LingHui had left, J became very directionless and each day, he would merely wear a maskwith a vague smile to hide his tears of the night, Each day was very painful for him as

his everyday life had always involved Ling Hui. Wherever he went, it was only her whowas always by her side. J also had his fair share of regrets in letting her go, but he knewhe could not be selfish even though love is selfish, It would not be him if he asked her tostay and suffer along with him. He could not bear to do so.

Before the December Holidays ended, J found a job that he hoped that he could occupyhimself and not to think about anything else. He did not decide himself, but throughencouragement of his friends, he picked himself up and found a job at Marks & Spenceras a Sales Assistant with the help of his mum. Many of the girls that had secretlyadmired him, seen his emotionless face and felt very heart broken that J had changedinto a emotionless puppet. While waiting for his results, he became a typical loner andpractically had no intention in mixing with anybody. During his off days, it was long andempty for him. He would walk around the shopping malls near his workplace. When he

saw some cute stuff, he recalled Ling Hui telling him this,"Wa... Dear, this toy so cute..,But my dear more cuter..."Before he could reply, the image of Ling Hui beside J faded away. I knew that was hisimagination but he was just normal to feel that way. There was also a time when one ofthe RPG games came out, he would find the image of the front game cover very familiar.Then, the faces would change. It was the memories of him and Ling Hui. Having suchmemories were torturous, worth to be remembered.

Three months later when he had adapted with his environment of being alone and morestable with his life, J changed to be a stronger person and became a total new strangerto his friends. He would still meet his friend coincidentally or even those who liked him inthe past. J had became more like an unapproachable person who wore an aura that wasfilled with blood and fury. Among his colleagues, there was a lady that was four yearsolder than him who was willing enough to befriend with him and they would always hadlunch or breaks together. For the first time for a friend, he was willing to come out of hisnutshell to widen his circle of friends. In his mnid he thought,"/'m finally ready to puteverything in the past and will not recall it anymore"

Until one day when he working, he was replenishing the stocks in the food andbeverages department of the Paragon outlet that he was working. He was alwaysengrossed in his work until a familiar voice spoke.

"Excuse me, may I know where can I find the Ladies department...?" queried a femininevoice. He did not reply as he knew his senior was at the counter. He continued toreplenish the biscuits that the stock was running out, but his curiosity was overwhelminghim and when he turned to look, he saw a pair of shoes that looked so familiar and itwas facing his direction. Eventually, he knew the lady was not asking his senior, but him.He got up and used his hands to straighten his uniform before he faced her. Whilestraightening his shirt, he saw a familiar set of clothes that he used to see, He looked up

and saw a familiar face. "Sorry, mdy I know where's the Ladies Department..??" It wasLing Hui. She changed her hairstyle and was more tanned. She was not alone. She was

with a caucasian. He smiled that she was willing to get on with her life.

"Miss, it's over there. My colleague over at that department will assist you on yourneeds," ushered J as he continued to do his stuff. It might been three months and his

heart was partially healed, yet numb. But with memories, he could still feel the slighttwitch of pain in the depths of his heart. His pain was when she did not even leave atrace of memories in her mind, but on the other hand, he need not to be bothered thatshe would do anything silly or foolish, J was happy for her. When she left with the guy tothe section, he smiled and happily continued to work. After awhile, his female colleagueapproached him and helped him with his stock replenishment'

"J, let me help you with this.." suggested his colleague.

"No need I can do this alone. Its not difficult at all," replied J as he continued.

"I'll do this. She told me to ask you to go over," whispered his colleague' J's eyesopened widely and stared at her. "Ya, I'm not bluffing you,.." In J's mind, his thoughtsgone wild and realised that she still had not forgotten about him. He felt that he still had

i stgn of hope that she had forgotten about the relationship. He took a deep breath and

walked over.

"Yes?? How may I help you..??" queried I who stopped beside Ling Hui.

"Does this dress looked nice on me??" queried Ling Hui who was merely staring at thedress that she picked uP.

"Yes my dear. It looked nice. Anything will look nice on you, dear.." replied thecaucasian. J just kept quiet and stood there.

"I ain't asking you," replied Ling Hui sternly who did not seemed interested in him at all."Do I look nice in this...?"

"Oh yes of course. You're the customer after all," replied J.

"Can you not be so cold...??" replied Ling Hui.

"Miss I don't belong to this section at all. If you wish to have some advice, my colleaguewill gave her fair share of advice to you," suggested J who rather get back to work.

'If that's the case, then I'll get going. See you during lunch," replied Ling Hui. Beforethey left, the caucasian pulled her back by force.

"Who's this china boy..??l Don't I mean to you, Annabelle??" questioned the caucasian'

"You should know it well enough that I don't go anywhere without a reason. Yes, I comehere to tour, but its you who think that we're here for a short romantic holiday. I shalltell you my reason to this island. I'm here to see him. If you wish to go back yourcountry, I won't even ask you to stay at all," explained Ling Hui. Instantly, J's jaws

droppedwhenshe.pointeqgtl,I'shehadnotforgottenallabouttherelationshipanddid not move on *,[f, n"i f if". "Oh yes' i;uu not intioduceJ' This is J' the one that solely

beared my heart. This is James, on" orino.l nutt tlat I can't be bothered about'" The

caucasian was furious and swept his parm at her with a full swing'

"Why you...!!" shouted the guy as.his palm nearly',f:3:l"d her face' but it stopped' J

elbowed his hand up and stood in netrrleen them. "what you want, china boy"??" Ling

Hui was smiling away

',If you two wanna make a din here, then the security will have to call the police.'. Want

to have an argume"i * . fight, pt"ur"-io-r&tt" it oitside the shop, This is a shop not a

battleground. Thank youl'l afvis,gd: url'r. *ulked off' t-inq ttui instantly lost her smile'

The guy did not .ur"'uni instantly '*""g " p"nin ut trlm'-He tapped the fist aside with

the back of his hand, ,,If you choose to c-ontinue, we can settle tlris after work as a form

of a warm uP."

,,You,reon,,,repliedthecaucasianS:h"walkedoff.Thetwolookedathimgo.LingHuiturned around uno-r""r."Jui r,irn. "suu"voi'iuting,tunch-oiafter work"" she sounded

disappointeo anout j. He was not evJn sr,aten uy ner *oidt or her tone' J continued to

work as his colleagues were talking "u"riii. J explainedto them of how it was and

revealed nothing Jnout the past. Rig;i"ft;; *oiri, r'11 r"m"i" colleague tagged along and

J was asked to meet at Plaza singup;ru io.. oinnut' : nrougtli his coiieague along' At the

restaurant, tne t"iJ 'ui Oo*n with t-ing Hui and the caucasian'

,,Hello, my dear. Is work tiring'.??" queried Ling Hui with concern'

,,Why do you call me dear'.?? When We,re no longer together'.' i k.now.its hard for you to

accept, but its "

f;;; Jit"i'uri," reptii*:''i'rto oio "not

tit<e prolonged matters' it was

painfut for him a" o" ii so cotdty urJul'uriv t-o rtut, but he had to ao it or it would be

endless'

"Why can't I..?? We didn't even broke up"' replied Ling Hui as J came to think of it that it

*u, ttue that theY did not do so'

"But,Ionlybelongtothepast"'repliedJ'LingH'll:itquietandJdidthesame'ThedinnerWaSnotactuallybecameudinn","'Itwasmorelikeachatbytherestaurant.

"Anyway, as long as you :!il1 tu,:u.g for me and you don't have anyone in mind' it won't

be impossible tnit you still.don't -ir-, t",; r"piito r-ing rrui stubbornly"At that moment'

J fert rike knocking his head uguinri-tl"'i,uriii'ro end it'a'with his tife' He felt that she

would not just give up unless she ;;;il ,"u tou" in his eyes with his arms around

another.Unfortunatelyatthatmoment,J'seyeswasonlyfilledwithnothing'butfrustrationt. r"iiiuiions that Ling Hui had created'

,,Ireallywishedyoucanju:IgiV:uponme'Ireallydon'twishtoturnbackandlreallynop" Viru can do the same"' replied J'

"I can't be you" It won't be me if I do it"'protested Ling Hui'

,,your caucasian boyfriend is a nice guy. I believe h_e can take care of you, right??" spoke

J in desperua,on IJ'r,uiook"o at rrimi.-itre Australian just looked at him blankly'

,,one, he.s not my boyfriend. Two, even though he is, he can never replace you,'' replied

Ling Hui firmlY'

,,Argh...l! why must it be me..?? won't you just leave me alone"'??l Forget what I just

said. I going home," groaned : ut'n-u *Jr[",i off without bidding farewell' J had thought

alt had ended for him and he could chsose to move on' but she turned back' she turned

back on that path i;;t f;; rrirn. gi, ."u"**,t"ll.wed him and as he sat by the steps

right outside t|.re sffipi-ng ruil, J buried -his

facu into his curled arms'

,,J,areyoualright??,.queriedh.iscolleague,.S.J.didnot-answerherandshesatbesidehim. J mumbled rorr]uthing to her..'A;itWn-tdid you tuV"ZZ I did notquite hearyou""

;l; h";r; him sobbing quietlv and uncontrollablv'

"Could.. could'. you leave me" (sniff)" me"' me alone"??" mumbled J'

,,okay,ifthatmakesyoufeelbetter..'Ifyounegd!gtakeadayoff,I'llhelpyoutalktothe supervisor,,,replied s as she sto-od^;J;;Jsnurned his head' she left' In his mind'

ii" u"g.; to think about the unexpected incident'

"WhY,.?Whynow"'??Whenlhaveforgotteneverything"'??Whycan'tsheiustleaveme alone.'?? Why'can't she iust get6"iiii her tiie"?? Whv"?? Why??"

Atthatmoment,hefeltthatsamepainthreemonthsaqo'Herealisedhiswoundswasnot healed at all. It still lingered in his heart. But ever since they parted' J had never

thought of satvaging the relationsrripii';ll'i; iesigneo trimself to Fate' whatever that

Fate had brought trim, tn his heart, it-*u' like a mixture of feelings; anger' sorrow and

happiness. He nai'no'idea wnich on" iol*press out first' It felt tike J was about to

explode. ,,J, I knoinr ;J; r.rurt ur,nJ as'me, but I really hope that we still have a

chance to do so"' I'm going off' Take care"'"

with his tears to wash his face,.he looked up and saw the same shivering back view of

her where he knew she was crying.;rttn ft;au.se 91 him' I felt even worse and like a

kid that lost his way, he walked oir"Iii'onrlrs uno sonuing uncontrollably' J went back

home and fe, sick ihe next day. wilir;j;i;;-* r..'i, ueo airo staring at the ceiring, J's

handphonenuzzed-anOhewenttochec'kwhoitwas'Itwasher'

"I know its hard" Itwas hard on m.e as wett',t-ry1lty'.|,un care what is going on and how

far apart are we,. My heart nga gnti you a.n_a neuer vyltt it be taken by another' Anyway'

I,llbeheadingorrt^t'Iwon,tgive'upandlgue?2you,knowthatwellenough.Youmuzi,x"-rui" unJ r,'ti .,it ,"'i toil;. toJrtni ioiiura fo'r christmas" Buaiz"

Jdidnotreplyherandcontinuedtolayinhisbedashistearscontinuedtorolldownhischeeks in grace of his broken and shattered heart'

Timewentonwhen]couldnotgointohiswantedcoursesinNPandwentintolTEDoverinstead, he had ,tiri tnut numbness'i"-rrir1""rt and this time it was not only with

wounds, uut a rrieno-uiong with it *utt t no*n as Loneriness. J had quited his job once

schoot started ";; ;" *.s-a rresnmJn ih;". He did not want to be so popular like he

was in secondary school. He kept ;'T;; p;"iile lust like a nobody in school and tried to

give peopre tne impression that r..,J*i"s loil oian ioiot to ietatibnsnip. He wore a pair of

spectacres that *;5';rd ""0'i..'L-r^'.ir

was forever *"rry, He reaty hope.he did not attract

any attention, urlluentually, gr.'giilril'rere did not spared lrim' tne girls still had eyes

on him and talking away'

Inclass,thereweretwogirlsinhisclassandtheguysinhisclasswerethetypicalahbengs that were no Oifr"*nt from-nim, Lut ne chole not to go back his ways' J just

studied his way through and rike ; ;;;tibl; purron, h;;hd io live alone with no friends

in school, The semester for nim wai rough as the q"yti" his class li!"-to tease him like

an atien that did not belong ao a6ilirJ''tli ot1.t", iio not care that much'Studv hours

were long and tiring for him.and ff;; were oreat<r. ru"nt'ully, he just continued to mix

around until it was near christmas *r,"i. .r," fulfilleJ the promise that J received

f €F

throughmessage.shecameintoschoolandlookedforhimwhilehewasoccupiedwothhis NSC competitio;';;;i and his truiiing t'',urd !o1 his taekwondo competition' He was

practising hard for ii t" ."f" sure he ;;iii;t"lf .chosen-foi it' nit hand phone vibrated

in his pocket. r're roofeO at it and it *a's ftei' J sighed and picked up the ca]l' He left the

classroom where n" r'riO training. : wai toto ttraisne wai at the canteen' J wondered

how she knew aUor]t'n".io," iito tnis-sc.ooi *nutu she was at Australia' Till now' it was

still a mYSterY.

Jslowlymadehiswaydownandsawabunchofguysthatwasfromhisclasswerejustpestering her. I Oid nbt care becaur";";;;;oltiunt this matter to drag any further'

but seeing her in this way, it was n"u"inir.up of tea at all' In the end' he rushed down

and she squeezed'ri;r';Ji t-hrougrt,.rtO'"g i"f,i"a.him' "So this is the guy you're waiting

for. Hey, choose r;:. irh1.kr.* oo'["ii"ii6un him since i look betterthan him"'

promoted n nimseiiwiifr tfre taugnteis?it"'e '"st of the guys J practically just ignored

them and all of a sudden, one of tn. g'yt-pushed him to-tl"re wail' ne got minor bruises

out of it'

,,See he,s so weak.. Choose me I'm strong..'," replied.another guy called M' This time J

had the last straw as the rest surrou;;d'h;;' He no longer caied whether Ling Hui

would think otherrjru nut only thinking on rlo* to bring ihe attention back to himself'

He walked up to theli;;;n .OO"O on]"Wo*' he's so h-eroic"' So small size wanna be

heroic,,, Mai r,ui ru.l.'; iinitantly tn|.J*'u'pi'ncrr a.nO hit ine guy down' He'moved back a

few steps andgesiu'red them to attac* iiir, ootn hands ino it6oa in position. J rereased

all his anger out to face the fight he weicomeO with both hands' The guys moved in and

each of them wanted a piece rrom triml i" point"o at A and gave him a thumbs down'

oncetheattentionwasawayfromLingHui,she.y",l,ttothesidetowatchherlovedonetake on the fight because of her' Liuit"Jio smile likehe was in the past and take them

on. I was a litfle rusty and ,eceiu"o [ui;t.i.; hits, but h" *ut able to hit the guys of

the guys down *itrr 6rooo flowing. nl riooo in position and ushered A to take him on'

,,Have the guts to'lurr me weat,1n". Jl".st l'rave the guts to take on a,weakling like

me,,, replied J who gestured rrtm rorce?rrit a assault hi;' A did not like his attitude and

gave it a try. E";; ;;;;h oi ti.r. that A threw o,. ,*uni'ui rtitn, J would tap or block it off

with a push tnaii";;d him back un"i ,"pii"O e?9h tim6,"Too siow!!" In the end when A

could no longer maintained the speed, j'maoe hi: T:yu and kneed his tummy' "You

wanna call me *;;k"' Why not call yourself weak"??!!"

AllAcoulddowaslyingonthefloorandholdhiswaistinpain'Jsquatteddownanduttered,,,Brother, you must kn?y noiurr peop!9 thatare quiet meanti?.u weakling that

you can cnoore io'ourty no|. ...": ,tJoi;;;;J broughtling r-rui out of the school' Atthe

bus stop, : sat oJw-n *itt'r t-ing nri to *uir: for a bus' r-ing riui was quiet as she knew she

caused alot of problems for him. stre *'ought most ptou"uoty I would not want to go out

with her at all'iJdo to-otrow where do you intend to go??"

LingHuismiledandrepliedhappily,,,J,meet.meaiiitvHall'..''Uponthenextday,Jaccompanied her through tne wfroii iuy inO lau-ghters traO fitteO the day' J only treated

her as friend, but to Ling Hui, i, '.J*"i ,irrv to f-eel contented that J was still willing to

be her friend or maybe she just -it""O"ittood the situation' J once again went back to

his rife where troubres became un JJo"J ructor to nis ni rife. whire Ling Hui frew back to

nustratia with smiles and more memories'

A few days later, J received an e-mail from Ling Hui asking him to be her valentine on

Valentine's Oay if he is still single': JiJ not 'ep-ty

unJJui"ieO the mail' He surfed the net

awhire ,",'.'or" u,ld'*";loff to sr6ep io pr"pur" another day of troubles'

A brand new year had begun and it was the end of the December Holidays as well' every

student that came uu.r.iiLr"d about *n"r" they went-or where did they had their

vacation, but : spelf r,i, iir" during ir.r" n"r'oais fruitfully, he did not go out and enioy

himself as his unnuuf "a-heuri

n"O "t""OV

i"u'"d t'lit, to be emotionless' Knowing he

had near one and ff;;iilonin, "r n"iib"vi he

-exploit"o r'it time well on helping out

his mentor to give mlnit" tutoring nu'yi"-["b*': had-mastered his skills well ever

since he was young and put in good prl.ti." due to ro.c"a iir.umstances' since he had

the time, t suggesieo to'r'i, mento. on wushu to give tooii" tutoring where the student

chose to pay more to get a privaa" uni p".t'"^.it'tor': eirned his share of tutoring and

learned much to nu,ioiu pioLtematic ir'riroi"n' But through his experience' he met a

voung girl that *.;'il,; lnJputit" *ho *ui *itting to leirn" He enjoved teaching her

even though she n"i ,."J" lots of *;;itk;; and hlr learning progress was rather slow'

Duringhisholiday,hetoo|ad'|risowntrainingbyhisT'4yearoldmentorthathewillneed to perfect or eventually, it was 1'; [""pinO himself fit and healthy' Ever stnce

Voung, I had always kept his promisel tf.'ai taitial arts that he learnt should not be use

ior fights, but for'i"r",.,!". prl'olo *#;;;ui toro and. beared this promise as long as

he coutd. That little girt was tike his;;;;; rirl"J n" ar*ays would take time to train her

up. she *u, younJ"i tnun I by aboutlvlutt qlq h" coached her with all his efforts to

make sure she o;:lj .r.,"'r'gh.ii;h;;;"" f"iuri *'" skills' J was a carins kind of a suv

and it seemed the little girl fellro|. rriir'J did not know or could not even feel a thing

since I was still hurt and partially _unt

uuluJ- one day *t"nl rtuo ended the training with

the sirt who was ;;;;;.; shan, : *""lJi"ll her the mistakes she made on her

techniques and the progression or eacn move. shan wai young and observant as she

atways paid mucn-uli*niion to him' lr,! ""tii"d that his eyes inowed no sign of joy or

life, onlY signs of sorrow'

oneday,ShantookouthercourageandspokeoutloudtoJafterhedidthesameroutine on doing his part to teach h"i*"ri. ';sir, "." spoke shan hesitantly'

,,Just call mi J.. Its after lessons".," replied I as he took out his bottle of water and

quenched his thirst'

,,J.,.whyeachdaylseeyou.alwaysthelifelesspairofeyes..??Istheresomethingnotnering You"??" queried Shan'

"Nothing...," answered J'

"Love life.'??" guessed Shan'

,,Yougettingrathernoseyaboutithuh.'??Youwantmorepractice.,'??''snappedJ.

',Notreally.Justconcernaboutit'..,,utteredShanasshelookeddownatthefloor.Bothof them went quiet'

,,Its time for you to go home and rest. Don't think too much ok??" replied I as he

shuffred her hair melsy and reft ";il;;;;;;,when nu ruuct"' h?Tllllas near 7pm' He

rested on his chair and glanced ni, cai"nJur. Valentine's Day was coming' J's thoughts

ran though in his mind and it waslJluei cont'aoictinglhe;tselves."] wanted to spend

his time with her and made sure she woutd oe rrappy,Lut on tne gtl"t,hand' I had never

wanted to encourage her to hold ;;;t h;p;t that he'would go back to her' This matter

had been bothering him for ouv,lno'ii u;* oiiuing him nutl' Rs days passed and

Vatentine,s Oay wa1 around tfre clrner. j ieceiveO-.; ;M; iiom Snan that she wanted to

have anoth., duy of practice neroie Valentine's oay' ioio not reply as she knew that if

he did not reply,'his answer was most probably a yes'

It was the eve of Valentine,s Day and J waited for Shan at the Sports Hall near her house

7

with equipment of his own. Then, his student ran in with four other kids around her age'

chasing behind ner.'if.,un iaw : inO *lt ftippy that she-was there' J dropped his

equipment onto the noo.*t "n

Stran stooJfilftinO him' J looked at the four kids and

observed their featur!, rn"v rtoppei uuruptedly before him."Brother, this is no

businessofyours..Stepaside.',,utteredoneoftheguysthatdyedhishairred.

"If its her business, I'll stand here""' replied J calmly'

"Step aside. You're nobody to her"' snapped the same guy'

"Whatif.'.Idon't"??"tauntedl'Thefourteenagerskeptquietandoneofthemgestured to turn tail'

,'I'llbebackforYoU,,,spoketheguyashepointedatShan'Whentheyleft,]turnedu;;rrd and looked at him with eyes of suspicion.

"Sir, I didn't do anything"' I swear""' replied Shan'

"Who are theY..??" queried J'

"Dunno," rePlied Shan'

.,Then I guess we,ll need to do some research about it,'' suggested ] as they went off to

take a look on wnat'*ii if.," issue about' When they were [6"t"' he saw LongZai sitting

by the table. ne warkea up and rut Jo*n in front of him by his table' His men were

agitated anO *uniJJ t" g; for him. i""gZ;i ,.uit"O his,hand effortlessly to gesture a stop

to their actions. As LongZai tit up "

;i;;;;i",1-rp-o.k:,"Mv guess is you're behind all

this...??,, He smiled at J-as he tappedihe ashes of his burning cigarette'

"Yes I,m the One... I just don't like what you're doing that's all'" commented LongZai as

he took a Puff off his cigarette'

,'This is between me and you. she's not anybody to be involve in this"'spoke J who was

unnuppy that he implicated Shan into the picture'

..True'She'snotanybodytobeinvolved.Justaslongasyouarewithsomebody,heorshe is never a nobody..." uttered long 2"i as he begln to fiddle with his burning

cigarette'

.,Want do you want??!!., hissed J as he slammed his fists onto the table' LongZai glared

at him.

,,ItS not what I want... Its what you want...,, roared LongZai who could not tolerate his

attitude and grabbed him by the .o'ifu1., p"iiing him forwJrd' I did not fear him' but he

was puzzleo uno-ri t ir.onoition. ,,iin!'r-iui rs ftnat "u"rv

grv wants"' S.he loved you and

you chose to giv!'upir i,vnut tn" r**r."vou think you "r:ulill

Play around her feelings and

throw her aside?!!l Do you think thatsworth killing you for". And I don't mind doing it

for her.'." J broke his grip off him and grabbed him instead'

LongZaicouldseehisbloodshoteyesandtearsall-welledup.''LongZai,ifyouwanther,you can trave trei... I don't pruv *iti'-hei feelings.'. I loved her" I loved her with all my

heart.,, But, if she has to leave, I must let go... oo yoi understand?ll You understand

right??!! Now she's back for me *'t"n *V f"'art die.d' you think I playing with her??l!

NOll I cannot love her anymore,,i;ff Utin'g her nowhere"' Its painful for me to see her

come to pick ,-" i,p,1ut f really just,.. wlnna be alone..' Don't you ever

understand??!!!" shouted J as he [;;;* him back onto his chair' His men charged

forward and J pushed shan oa.r.,liiiun, i guurr"d this is my last lesson for you"' Now'

watch and learn.. Its not worth to face dangers because of me".''

Jstoodinpositionthewaythathe.hadtaughthelan!showedherhowtouseit'Hedidnot crenched into a-riit roi direct nits. ne iJtaxeo his hand and swept past

'ke a willow

slapping on a pond. ;;"; viewed witn'ai,e anJpractised by the side where-it was safe

for her. Within half an hour, his t"n *u, nailed'down': wiff<eO up to LongZaiand pulled

him up. ,,I know snJs atiea'oy in Singapore... Tomorrow.I'll be meeting her"' If its a

ctearcutyou want, I'll do it... By r1oo[!i 6y croot ,I'LL DO irll!IYOU HEARD ME??!l!"

shouted J at l-onglui ", t i, voice ".niJ

idtougn ihe coffeeshop and smashed his fist

into the side of nis-iace. J was fifreO r^Iiin ""g'l;n and hatred' Everybody had the

impression he was " nitu.ar baddy ""J n'iiftJ a girl of inntcence for the sake of fun and

laughter. I had n"ulr lf1""gni o-f that'u't f" f1ua l6ved her so much and he had no choice

but to let her go. li was n"lre, fun or iluppv unout playing around with someone that he

loved so much. Whatever LongZai nui OT1L to J was inelast and final one' J's heart

shattered to dust and with its remain]ii*utlhen t<ept in a cast of steel where he no

longer beared tnelmotions. He n"cu*" u f'tutO, heaitless' merciless' cold person' J left

and sent Shan home'

TheverynextdaywhenitwasValentine,sDay,JdidnotcomeforthedatethatLingHuiorganised and she iri"o t" contact hi; ;;;;ly *uyr, but everything that she tried was

cancelled. J changed his number a,nd.Oi'L",'even his email' just before he change his

email, he left Ling Hui a message to'r'"r *tL* she onlylet to see it when she get back

to the hotel' It wrote;

Ling Hui,

Whenyouseenthismaitfromme,Ibetieveyouhav.e.discoveredthatyoucouldnotcontact me anymore. I hope you'lt.tJalie-it-tie way it is' Since we've parted' I really see

no pointfor us tiieet or.. it, puiitriio be so sudden" But ,m reat, tired and really

wishedtohavesomepeace.,,Ihop'eyou,lljustmo'veonandforgetaboutme,,Promiseme that you will fl'g{{ii"ut me ok?? Wish you all the best"'

Yours TrulY,

J

Ling Hui fell into her soft hotel bed with tears flowing off her face with no words to

Jes-criOe her feelings at that moment'

Even though all had ended with J putting on a clear..cut, Ling Hui-still did not give up and

continued to track out his number JnJ uoJr*rses with the herp of her father's assistance'

J was well trained and knew about it' There were many'occurence till this very moment

that r had known that she had not juu" up and J wourd stit be wary about her presence'

she was like a ghost to him where t" *"io dodge from her sight or hid in areas that

;;; *"trJ not iven choose to go and find out'

Day after day, month after month and soon, J began-to feel her pursuit grew lesser and

eventually, J went back to t is nor.iaif iie *ii.t otfier friends' A whole new group of

friends that he would like to "n:o'','iitf"''

n fu* weeks before his birthday' J then met a

girl that he liked inJrr'.lu trad the'same reetings for him' He fell deeply in love with

herand created a new chapter in frir iifu wtrer6 Ling Hui was left forgotten' During his

birthday at Music undergrouno ouring inu rioor" o1''tir year. J was together with this

new girl who he thought it as anoitr"irut" that he hoped'to cherish and decided to stop

lingering within f'ti, OJrf past' On itri-t JaV as : and tris pals were together' they made

that day a huge ;;"^t that everyooJy *olr9 look and his girlfriend would watched with

awe. J did not show much "*prurit-n

out of anything' butit the corner of his eyes' he

could see Ling Hui with a face filleJ*iirr iorro*s. sht was so obvious within the crowd'

but nobody was there to take notice of her except for I who had been with her for three

whole years.

J continued to dance on stage and smiled at Ling Hui' she smiled back' when the cake

was cut, J took on" ,tia" of lake una wunt"d to -ofrer to Ling Hui, but she was no longer

there. Months pasrwitir-asmooth sait oihis relationship evLn though there were ups and

downs, sometimes .u"n f"l.A to go througr'lrtittt und thin' J was willing to do it and he

did it for her sake. No longer for Ling iri. rrorn that day on, J had never heard from Ling

Huiagainasthoughsrrenaogivenupandwentbacktoherlife.Whenamarriagewasagreed between J ;;; ni, pi"i"nt giirrrieno, H' J did not want to keep Ling Hui in the

dark and sent her an e mait that ha would ROM1ng soon the very next year' Weeks later'

J found a mail in nis mailbox, saying,;'bo ngratulaiions.".I'm rea'lly happy for you"' Wish

you a blissfut ,uriiug" und a happi wedding,'" J smiled and kept that message'

J was who am I now. I am one who once loved Ling Hui and I chose to take the time out

from my time off to post all this into the forums not as a story or a fairytale' I post ithis

life long remembered incident as a r*"Lt memories of my past where she might get a

chance to read it out from the rorums nuit"rr' Maybe through her retired father"' Maybe

Through a friend who printed it out. This is my very o*n *iy of putting memories that I

think it had tost its worth to be kept ;t;t nuutt' i huu" chosen to release that small

portion of my neait ttrat I praced ihose memories in and reft this part of my past erased'

Wish her all the best and hope all's well for her"'

Loved you once and never again will it be once more"'

i"roii"t that I once cherished with my tears'

Are now left to be forgotten"'Forgive me for what I have done to you"

Foiget me as a past memory that we once"'Cherished'.,Loved...And cared.

Hape You will find someone"'Someone better.. '

Some one better than me"'

Bear that promise that you beared with pain"'

Promise me...Promise me You'll forget me, okaY??

This where I end my past, my story or maybe a fairytale"' ty"'

lnin ffiate: Oct[-ncnn:i*nl *('{Wrssts'. \46

nswers and clarifications

dr..lnno@--@