爱の恐惧

Love Phobia

[ Chapter 17 ]

We were given

two hands to hold,

two legs to walk,

two eyes to see,

two ears to listen,

But,

Why only one heart ?

Becausethe other one was given to someone for us to find ...

------------

" Juliet .... " Reagan said.

" huh .. ? " I responded ...

I've responded to him unknowingly. I was in fear. Somehow my intuition tells me that he knew it was me.

" that was her name ... tsk .. come to think of it .. it was real ironic how it all began & ended. I used to be so adamant about my platonic relationship with her, only to find out at later stages, it was a term that most has refered to as "love" . Yet this love doesn't consist of kisses, hugs, & even confessions. It was just a beautiful love story woven by a blanket of light & purity. Perhaps this is what love has been all about, the simple truth & vast meaning behind it .. S'Agapo "

I was left dumb founded after hearing what Reagan has said. My tears slowly flowed down the cheeks. That feeling cooped up within me all these years just exploded in a burst, it gushes out like a endless river flowing down the stream.

--------------

After my sharing, the shadow is crying again.

" hey you alright ? did you see something again ? or did i mention anything to trigger your tears ... ?? hey if I did .. I'm real sorry about it ... "

I was rather panic-stricken, cause I'm not really good with dealing such situations, moreover towards a stranger.

The shadow only responded by shaking her head vigourously.

Just then at this moment, the lights came back to life, the whole school building was lighted up again. It seems that the night walk has ended. I went into eye contact with the frightened schoolmate.

" Juliet .... " I murmured.

She was in tears, & immediately ran out of the classroom after seeing me. I chased after her. I do not want history to repaeat itself anymore. It was a scene back then which left me in regrets till now, I just want everything to come to an end.

" Juliet .... Juliet ..... " I shouted as I chased after her down the corridor.

At the end of corridor, Juliet suddenly ran into the arms of another schoolmate. I ran closer, only to find out that it was actually Joanne.

Juliet was crying softly in the arms of Joanne. & I appeared stunned, not knowing what to do. Joanne seems to be in a confused state of mind too.

" what happened ... ? " Joanne broke the ice by asking.

" sh .. she .. she seems petrified by the night walk just now ... " I stuttered.

"Juliet dearie .. its all over now .. shhh ... dry up your tears ... " Joanne whispered to Juliet.

" erm .. I think I should be getting back to my group .. see ya around ... "

I turned my back towards them & walk off solemnly. Seeing Juliet in good hands, I kinda feel at ease, but I was kinda affected by the appearance of Joanne, it was kinda weird to talk to her the way we did before in the past before that incident, & moreover she knew juliet which made things more complicated.

-----------------------

" Juliet dearies ... you ok ?? " Joanne trying to calm me down.

I nod my head in a monotonous manner.

" I'm so sorry earlier on, i was being pushed from the crowd, then I loses you ... you seem really petrified from the night walk ar ... must feedback to the senior .. tsk tsk .. " Joanne explained.

" nah its ok .... anyway its over .. " I replied with a smile.

In my mind, i was praying that it will be all over between me & Reagan.

-------------

" RIng !!! Ring !!!!!!! " the school alarm went off.

It was the first day of school after orientation. Mixed feelings engulfed me through this whole of orientation especially after i finally get to see Juliet. I was eager to see her once again, & clear all the misunderstandings & doubts we have back then.

I went into the lecture hall with anticipation of getting to see Juliet again. Upon entering, I tried to search for her, but to no avail, once again it failed just like the previous experiences I had .. I found a empty seat & sat down. It was kinda demoralizing after the numerous attempts.

" sighs ... a bad start to the day .. " I mumbled to myself.

Just then, I heard a familiar voice behind me ...

" phew ... glad we make it in time ... Joanne .. can you pls wake up early next time .. ? tsk "

I immediately turned my head around, & saw Juliet talking to Joanne. My actions seem to have captured the attention of both, & they paused their conversation.

" erm ... hi .. good morning ~ " I stuttered ending off with a smile.

I could see the stun reaction on both their faces.

" hi .. mr shakespeare .... " Joanne suddenly interrupted the awkward & tense situation between us.

It was just like the good old days, where me & Joanne will greet & make fun of each other.

" uh .. come on .. we've completed that syallabus .. isn't it .. no more shakespeare .. hurhur " I replied

" ta-haa ~ bleah .. " Joanne answered me back teasingly.

So the session ended off with that hope re-ignited in me. I knew that It was a chance not to be missed this time.

-------------------

" RING !!!! " break time finally came.

" Joanne dearie ... you .. "

" STOP !!! I know what ya going to ask .. " Joanne interrupted me before i could continue on ...

" actually .. I've been sorting out my thoughts all these time. Reagan wasn't at fault for that incident, he didn't let me down, well at the very least he was being frank with me, instead of letting me sink deeper into this misunderstanding, it was more on my wishful part that allow this friendship to have gone wrong .. I can't possibly let my pride overturn all these, to lose a good friend, " Joanne ended off with a smile.

" uh-huh .... actually .. Joanne .. I've something to confess too " I replied back.

" hmmm .. confess that you actually know Reagan ? "

" huh ? how you know ? "

" te-hee ... it all started from the orientation .. when you first met each other in the lecture hall ... the way you both looked at each other, I should have guessed that you both have something going on, well I got further confirmations during the night walk .. tee-hee "

I was speechless. Inside my mind, it was full of twirls, I'm just confused on what to do next.

" Joanne dearie .. I'm sorry .. I didn't really meant to hide it from you ... "

Joanne gave me a hug.

" Nah .. its okie .. some things aren't at the right moment to reveal, or else there will be more frictions causing more misunderstandings ... "

" Thanks for being so understanding .... Joanne dearie .. "

I started to tell Joanne the story behind me & Reagan from day one till now.

" wow .. fascinating ...the "fatum" between you both ... gosh .... " Joanne appears to be overwhelm by the story.

" "fatum" ? I would rather labelled it as a feud between the two families .. *sighs* .. I just don't know how to face him anymore, if he ever get to know the truth behind his mum departure .. "

" But ... its not your fault at all .. why let the wrongdoings of the previous generation fall upon this generation ... moreover you can't deny that "fatum" link between you both, & I'm honoured to be part of this link between you both ... tee-hee " Joanne teasingfully said.

" awww .. come on .. lets not get started again ... " I replied

" well ... afterall I know mr "ROMEO" little secrets too ... tee-hee .. I not only study with him for the past 4 years okays ... " Joanne making fun of me again.

I started to visualize in my mind, if only that fearful truth didn't exist, what will be the outcome of me & Reagan ?

" aww .. Joanne pls spare me .. I'm all confused now .. don't get it going ... "

" tee-hee .. yes Juliet dearie .. but i ought to let you know that mr "ROMEO" is a good catch okays .... look at the popularity he has .. mesmerizing all the girls here with his "SOTONG" look .. hahaha "

" sighs ...... "

" RING !!!! " it was back to lesson time.

We will be going back to individual classroom for home room period. It was also a first look at our own classroom & classmates for the next 2 years.

" hey .. Juliet dearie .. I'm all excited to know who will be our classmates ? make a guess , will we see mr "ROMEO" again .. keke " Joanne whispered to me.

" well .. its bad enough that we are in the same lecture group le .. pls spare me .. " I gave a piercing look towards Joanne.

Just at this moment, Reagan entered into the classroom.

Joanne acted as if she striked lottery, & was in a frenzy mode.

" hey ... Juliet ... you can't win the "fatum" afterall .... tee-heee " Joanne joked.

" sighs ....... "

------------

I went into the classroom, hoping for a chance to be in the same class as Juliet. Fate didn't fails me this time, as she appeared right in front of me.

I went in & sat down.

Before long, our home room teacher came in.

" alright .. class .. address me as miss Tan ... I'll be your home room teacher for the next 2 years to come .. feel free to approach me if you guys have any problem with studies or even your personal problems .. hmmm firstly let me take a good look at this class ... come on loosen up don't be so tense ... whats with all that serious look in all of you ... I'm not that scary right ? " Miss Tan ended off with a dorky expression.

The whole class broke into laughter.

" hmm .. I don't like what I'm seeing at the current class seating arrangement ... why the girls seating at one side & guys one side .... tsk humf ... I prefer to see a balance in this small community here .. guys ... don't let your ego stop ya ..& girls stop being paiseh (shy) ... okays !!! alright .. lets do some switching of seats ... that guy with that "SOTONG" look ... " Miss Tan pointed towards my direction ..

I turned my head behind ...

" Hey .. its you ... stop turning your head ... "

Only then I realised that it was me , the guy with "SOTONG" look ?

The class broke into laughter again ...

" taa-haaaa ~ yes .. mr "SOTONG" boy .. its you ... & oo ~ just for your information .. I've always this liking for "SOTONG" .. thats why i usually address those handsome hunks as SOTONG .. " Miss Tan joked.

" awwww ... HANDSOME HUNK !!! " The class sychronising together to shout, playing along with the joke.

" Thanks ... Miss Tan for your compliment ... " I replied back ...

" taa-haaa alright enough of jokes .. hmm you switch places with that lady at the middle, the petite one with specs ... "

Miss Tan was refering to Joanne, which means I'll be sitting next to Juliet. I turned my head towards Juliet & Joanne direction, to see Juliet's shocked reaction.

I nodded, & slowly approach my way towards the table.

" Good luck to ya .... " Joanne whispered to me in a soft tone, before gathering her stuff & make way towards my old table.

I sat down & take a look towards Juliet, she was clearly avoiding from keeping an eye contact with me, as she looked down the table most of the times.

" hmm .. okays .. I'm satisfied with what I'm seeing now .. this shall be the new seating arrangement .. lets gets on to knowing you guys well ... hmm who shall start the ball rolling first ... " Miss Tan asked the class.

" the " SOTONG" boy ... " Joanne suddenly shouted.

I was kinda taken aback, & soon after the class started to cheer & applause for my introduction ..

" woo .. you're becoming popular ... " Miss Tan joked.

I brave up my front, muster my courage, & walked to the front. Just at this moment, a familiar scene was reanacted in my mind, when Juliet first came over as a transfer student back then ...

"Hi everyone, my name is spelled ... R O M E O, Romeo ... I'm sure most of you have just completed that R & J syallabus during ya O lvls .. so you guys should know me at the tip of your finger tip .. "Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight!/ For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night."

The class broke into laughter ...

"hee .. alright enough of jokes .. I'm Reagan previously from RI .. hopefully I get to know all of you, & lets create some havoc for Miss Tan this 2 years .. okays .. "

" YEAH !!! " the class started to make some noises

" o .. & before I go back to my seat, YOU !!! ask me a question " I pointed towards Juliet ...

The whole class went silent & looked towards Juliet direction.

" s-oo-so-so you got a girlfriend named Juliet ? " Juliet unexpectedly greeted me with a smile.

The whole class went into hilarious laughter mode again.

I gave a smile back instantly,

" nahz..so u wanna be my Juliet ? " I replied back.

We both stared at each other for the first time since the night walk incident.

It was just exactly like how me & Juliet first met back then.

[ To be cont.. ]

My bounty is as deep as the sea,

My love as deep; the more I give to thee,

The more I have, for both are infinite.

William Shakespeare

爱の恐惧

Love Phobia

[ Chapter 16 ]

Distance is not for the fearful,

It is for the Bold

It's for those who are willing to spend alot of time in exchange for a little Time with the one they Love.

It's for those knowing a Good thing when they see it,

even if they don't see it Nearly enough.

-----------------

" it hasn't ended ? Me & Reagan hasn't end , which explains why I saw him today .. why ? why ? WHY ? I thought to myself ....

I just couldn't concentrate on the orientation anymore. For the rest of the day. I seem to be lost in my thoughts. Davin has tried ways & means to liven up my mood, but it was futile. Ironically, Joanne seems to be in a similar mood as me, she wasn't really herself for the rest of the day too, I noticed that change in her after the forfeit. I gathered she must have got influenced by me, thus that upbeat mood was gone.

Wind blew upon our faces, as we both sat down back to back lost in our own thoughts.

" Juliet .. I've something to confess .... " Joanne suddenly interrupted my thoughts.

" huh ? confession about what ? "

" I saw him ... "

" huh ? saw who ? "

I was kinda confused, until it struck my mind that Joanne was refering to that guy who rejected her.

" ar .. at where ... ??? " I immdiately asked before Joanne could replied me.

" that guy who shouted out the answer to your question earlier on at the lecture hall ... his name is Reagan .. " Joanne answered.

I went blank for that moment.

" you mean that ..... Re .. a ga n was the guy that you've been mentioning to me all these years ? ? ? "

Joanne nodded in reponse.

My heart sunk upon hearing that. All this while, I thought I've managed to avoid him, but in actual fact he has never once left me, he has disguised himself as an unknown figure beside me. All these years, I've heard so much about him, it was like I never avoided him at all ...

" Juliet .. I was the one that told him the answer to the question .. I'm so sorry !! it was like suppose to be our little secret . I just didn't expect to see him here today "

" neither do me ... " i muttered to myself.

" huh ? I beg ya pardon ? " Joanne asked

" ar .. nothing ... no worries dear ... " I turned my back & smiled at Joanne.

" you're really my bestie ... so forgiving towards me ... " Joanne turned around & hugged me.

----------------------------

" Reagan .. you've single-handedly saved group 1 ... well done !! " my mentor patted on my shoulder.

I just smiled back.

After the mass game session at the lecture hall, I became more popular than ever. I could hear whispers gossiping about me, giggles at my silly actions. Though I'm getting all the attention from them, but what really concern me was Juliet. I rather just have attention from her alone than to be in the limelight.

" she never forgot me !!! if not she won't be stammering & weld up tears when i replied her .. " I'm thinking to myself.

The secenario of someone grabbing her hands tight leading her to the school compound kept reanact in my mind.

" Juliet's boyfriend ? & Joanne was Juliet's friend ? "

My mind can't settle down at all, it seem to be in a twirl of question marks seeking for its own answers.

-----------------------

" You guys must have seen japanese famous show about 7 haunted locations in schools. I like to tell you that there are really 7 “rumored” haunted locations in our school !!! "

Davin started to liven up the atmosphere for the infamous night walk, the highlight of this camp. Davin started to light up the white candles formed in a circle shape, & stood in the middle of the circle.

" Juliet dearie .. this is getting so exciting " Joanne whispered to me.

VJC was notorious for their night walks. Each orientation, they will really crank up ideas & stories to make this whole night walk look like a real belief. Though I've heard of some real absurd stories about their night walk before entering, the experiencing part is really different. They really create that intense atmosphere among everyone, start to spread rumours about certain parts of the school from the start to make it seem so real.

" okays .. everyone .. you all will roam freely around the school compund in total darkness, after hearing what I'm about to share with you all, you all can choose to travel in groups or even alone if you dare ... every compartment of the school will be unlocked, & free to roam but enter inside at your own RISK ..

1st: Endless Corridor

Block 3 of science facaulty, i believe to be either from one of the floors from 4th Level to 6th Level. Many students and graduates feedback that they often got ‘trapped’ in Block 3 corridor. The feedback was that they tried to walk through the corridor but it was endless. Like they walking on the

same area forever. It happened even in daytime ... & once I even rescue my classmate who called me on my mobile claiming she was stuck in a corridor situated at there.

2nd: Haunted Toilet near Auditorium

This is actually true. A Malay cleaner in his thirties was cleaning the toilets. So he went to the rumored toilet to clean it up. As he wiped the water stains on the washing hand basins, the 2nd last cubicle door suddenly banged and made the poor cleaner jumped in fright. he looked behind and tried to find out whats behind the cubicle door but it was snapped shutted, like as though the door was stuck. He tried a few times with effort to open but with no effect. So he sighed and finished the cleaning work instead. When he about to leave the premise the toilet suddenly open with a creepy sound and the cleaner look .......

3rd: Swimming Pool

Many people do not dare to swim at night.There is a rumor that says a black figure will appear in swimming pool. First symptom is you heard a sudden splash sound from behind and then you find someone swimming at you with free style. This however is a rumor i heard from my classmates.

4th Music Studio

Many students reported seen a poltergeist inside the muisc studio. It often danced around and suddenly went into the mirror and was gone. I have checked the studio was not often in use and the investigation have to come to a halt due to a certain club member who broke the mirrors in the studio.

5th Figure in Bio Lab

One famous rumor of all. There rumored that in one of the bio technology lab, you will find a guy with pale face doing some last minute testing. The moment you turned your head and come back to face him, he was gone. it was believed to be one of the students who got killed in a motorbike accident outside the college when he was rushing for his bio practical test. More is unknown.

6th The infamous "Red" room

A story abstracted from one of the graduates

I noticed that is wasn’t getting any brighter, in fact, it was somehow getting “redder” as if we have skipped morning and went straight to another dusk, only redder. It was unbelievable red that you cannot tell if it is dark or red but for sure you can discern that crimson shade everywhere. I stopped what I was doing and got up, then I saw I was alone in the room and my friend was nowhere to be seen. I turned to look and saw a woman dressed in an old-fashioned dress similar to the 1800s. She looked fair and she seemed to be standing high in the room. From the head I looked down slowly and saw that she was standing on a stool. The stool tripped and I shrieked in horror as she went dangling by the neck. She struggled, kicking and fighting till she was now looking at my direction, her eyes affixed at me and her face was something I cannot forget for the rest of my life. I closed my eyes thinking this is all a nightmare. Then what appears to be a knife darted from outside the window and struck the woman in the neck and I turned to look a floating man was holding several knives in his hand. He then looked at me and started to sharpen two knives as he looked at me with lust. He smiled menacingly with his eyes all wide that almost drove me insane, he then started throwing knives in my direction but it kept hitting the window railings that it flung in several directions. In anger of failing to hit me with his knives, he held on the railings and started to put his mouth inside, doing “smooching” actions at me occasionally banging his head on the railings. I shouted at the top of my lungs in order to wake up from this nightmare.

These are all I known of. The 7th horror site I do not want to know as it may lead to …. Anyway for you who are existing students to find out… if you dare. "

" Spooky ... " Joanne whispered to me.

Everyone seems to be in their commotion after hearing the stories.

" Joanne dearie .. give me a million bucks, & i also won't enter that red room ... "

Despite knowing that the stories were fictional, sort of created into a make belief to make this whole night walk more creepier, but you still can't deny that fear within you. Strategies were discussed, common sense & logic tells as long as you walk in a big group, should be quite safe & sound.

" Alright ... enough of the commotion !! the night walk starts now !!!!!!! " Davin blew off the candles from the circles & the whole school building lighted up at his command.

Everyone were kinda surprised upon the brightly lighted up school compound.

" Chey .. so much for the atmosphere they created earlier on .. tsk tsk .. " everyone started to jeer at the night walk strategy the mentors has used as they proceed into the building.

I turned my direction to look at Davin, to find him with that evil grin on his smile. I held on to Joanne's hands tightly, as I proceeded in.

----------------------

" Reagan .. you must protect us later .. our whole group depends on you .... " the girls noisily surrounded me as we went in.

I nodded with a smile. I still seem lost in my thoughts. Then Pahim words suddenly struck me.

As your feelings has finally reveal themselves in front of love, your destiny awaits you ... for you shall be the key to conquer the phobia .. It shall starts from the tale of star-crossed lovers to the tale of S'Agapo."

" The phobia .... LOVE PHOBIA ?? Juliet once mentioned to me before about her phobia .... "

I was more than determined to seek out the answers she has left 4 years ago.

---------------

Everyone were in a rowdy mood, as all the groups slowly progressed into the building. Just as the last person entered the building, a loud shriek scream was heard. then the lights went off. It was in total darkness. Most of the girls started to scream & run about, including some of the guys trying to playfully create more intense surrounding among the girls, started to run about shouting too. It was only at this moment then i realised Joanne wasn't by my side anymore. All of the groups were mixed up, & were dispersing rapidly into all directions.

" Joanne !! ~ !! Joanne !!!! " I shouted at the top of my voice, but no one seem to be answering to my response. It was then I realised i was all alone by myself. All the stories I've heard earlier on from Davin seem to come alive in my mind. I was fearful. I tried to gather my courage in roaming about, careful not to enter any of the compartments.

I crept around the school blocks, until i came to a dead end. In order to progress I must enter a compartment which I don't really feel like doing so. As i look back behind me, the long corridor pathway was eerie & dark with some darkly lighted crimson shades of red shining upon it. I looked around to realise that I'm at block 3 now.

" The endless corridor ???? " I started to panick & entered into the next compartment without realising more unforseen dangers are ahead.

I ran around the blocks endlessly, trying to find someone, but somehow everyone seem to be missing. Before I knew it, I've entered into another room unknowningly. I paused to catch my breathe after all the running. Only then I realise i wasn't alone. I saw one of the senior dressed up as the fictional character ( that woman dressed un in 1800s from the story earlier on ) , then I realised I was in the "red" room. I shouted at the top of my lungs & ran out. I saw a classroom nearby & quickly ran inside to hide.

-------------

I heard a loud scream nearby. The voice was seemingly familar. I quicken fasten my footsteps to trace the voice. I was all alone after I've lost my group near the auditorium. They went haywire shouting & screaming after they saw that malay cleaner rumoured to have quit after the incident. I traced the shouting voice to a nearby classroom. I went in & caught a shadow shivering in the dark .. I decided to approach it, with the risk that it might be a mentor trying to scare me.

" hey are you alright ? ! ? " I approached the shadow asking.

Just then, the shadow leap foward towards me, & hugged me in tears. I was in total disarray & stunned. Only then i realised it was a female schoolmate that was horrified by the night walk.

I tried to calm her down, & reassured her its going to be alright since I'm here with her now. The shadow managed to calm down after some pacifying from me. It was then I find this situation seemingly awkward, she went quiet & I just do not know where to start from.

We both just sat down in total darkness in a secluded corner of the classroom. It sort of reminded me the days when me & Juliet spent our time together in the secluded corner of the library.

" those were the days ar .. " I mumbled to myself smiling.

" huh ? days ??? " the shadow spoke in a soft tone.

" ar .... no luh .. just kinda reminisce of my primary school memories with someone ... hurhur "

" I guess it must have been fun with that someone to have leave such an deep mark in you .. "

" hmmm .. not exactly .. It can takes only a minute to get a crush on someone, an hour to like someone and a day to love someone - but takes a lifetime to forget someone ... " heard of that before ? hurhur "

The shadow went silent upon hearing that ...

" sorry .. guess I must have bore you with my memories .. i guess it's hard to fathom one's heart afterall "

----------------------

My mind went blank upon hearing that phrase,

" It can takes only a minute to get a crush on someone, an hour to like someone and a day to love someone - but takes a lifetime to forget someone "

I knew it was him ... from the moment he spoke out that line.

" Juliet .... " Reagan said.

" huh ..? " I responded ...

Both of us went speechless into the night full of suspense & surprises yet to be unrevealed.

[ To be cont.. ]

Such is my love, to thee I so belong,

That for thy right myself will bear all wrong.

William Shakespeare

爱の恐惧

Love Phobia

[ Chapter 15 ]

Cinderella walked on broken glass,

Sleeping Beauty let a lifetime pass,

Belle fell in love with a hideous beast,

Jasmine choose a poor man,

Ariel spent her life on land,

Its all about the smile & tears;

Love is about facing your biggest fears

------------

" REAGAN CHEN !! REAGAN CHEN JUN FENG !!! "

" JULIET CHEN !! JULIET CHEN FENG LING !!! "

" Here !! " Reagan responded.

" Here !! " Juliet responded.

My mind went silent for a moment. I thought I heard a Juliet name being shouted out in this crowd. I scan around the crowd, searching for the source of voice being shouted, but somehow or rather it was in vain, because the crowd was too messy.

" I must be thinking too much ! " I thought to myself.

" Alright .. group 1 .. we are moving out from this crowd here, follow me !!! " one of the mentor shouted.

" Shit .. my group has left without me .. "

Slowly I managed to squeeze my way out through the crowd, running towards the direction of my group.

--------------

" JOANNE PEH !!! "

" Here !! " Joanne responded.

" Alrites .. last name taken, we are READY for orientation fun !!! I'm group 3 mentor Davin ... feel free to approach me if you've any problems " Davin winked.

Joanne started nudging me.

" Hey Juliet dear .. our mentor is sooooo CUTE !!! his winks so mesmerizing .. " Joanne whisper to me.

My attention shifted back to Joanne. I thought i saw him just now. I saw a familiar figure running towards the direction of group 1 that was led away from us earlier on.

" it must be hallucination ! " I thought to myself.

" uh - yaya don't get electrocuted by him ar !! " I teased Joanne, trying to forget what i saw just now.

" bleah ... he seem more interested in you though .. I noticed he kept staring at you .. "

" aiyo you think too much, I'm not interested & further more I won't snatch from my bestie okays .. hurhur "

" the two lovely ladies over there .. gossiping about me ar ??? " Davin shouted towards our direction.

Both me & Joanne sychronised our movements, shaking our head together, which led the whole group break into laughter.

" hahaha .. so group 3 has recruited a pair of our singapore version siamese twins .. " Davin joked.

The group broke into laughter again. Somehow from the start, the whole group has been solely influenced by his charisma & charm, except me. Perhaps I'm bearing a grudge from the start, he has made me the joke of the group. But I couldn't deny due to his spontaneous & light hearted conversation, he not only won over many of us, but also bond the group together. As many of our ugly sides, & jokes among one another started to be common, it wasn't that awkward anymore, instead it became fun & laughter. I guess thats the magic of orientation, or rather what Joanne has labelled as "the magic of Davin" .

----------------------

" Group 1 .. are we all present ? ! ? " the mentor shouted.

I managed to catch up with the group after some hardcore chasing. I was still grasping my breath, when i started to hear giggles & laughters around me. I looked up, only to see many pairs of eyes staring at me.

" freshie .. your name is Reagan right ? " the mentor asked.

I nodded.

" uh .. are you hard up for breath because you're surrounded by the legion of girls here !! " the mentor joked.

" huh ? "

I looked around me, only then to notice that I'm the only guy in group one.

" I'm sure the guys out there gonna be envious of you .. man .. hahahaha ~ " the mentor joked once again. The rest of the girls broke into laughter too.

" Gosh .. man I'm getting awkward in this situation .. " I thought to myself. Just then, I decided to give it all out, it is suppose to be an orientation filled with fun & laughter, there is no point feeling shy & acting as some big figure waiting to be befriend by others.

" Hey .. mentor .. tell you a secret ... this group is all about GIRLS POWER .. & there must be a reason why I'm being post to this group right .. " I replied in a gayish tone & winked at the mentor.

I guess working at One-Stop Love Service Center has really changes me alot, from the once shy guy to a guy that is able to deal with situations more openly & not feeling awkward about it. The daily interactions with customers, girls showing hints of confessions to me has somehow open me up.

The group broke into laughter through my acting. Soon after i was able to bond with the group of girls fast, & in actual fact some of them already recognised me as the " guy being showcased in One-Stop Love Service Center " . I was like a mini well known figure among them. They were eager to know all about me & were surprised over the little fact that I held.

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" Our warmest welcome to you, freshies who has chosen Arts @ VJC. VJC is proud to provide you all with a wide array of teachings and programs that will enable you to achieve your academic and career goals. While at VJC, you may participate in personal enrichment, artistic and cultural events, athletic programs, and student leadership activities. This is your community college. We seek to be an integral part of your personal and professional development too. The central focus of VJC is to create a stimulating learning environment, an environment in which you can prepare for tomorrow and all that the future can bring. Therefore, your two years start now, at this very day, at this very moment. We hope your time here is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. We've specially prepared an exciting orientation programme, just for you . Enjoy & have Fun !!! "

Davin bow & smiled towards all the arts students in the lecture hall.

Everyone in the lecture hall clapped.

" wow .. I didn't expect Davin our mentor to be holding the Arts Student Union President Role too .. a awe inspiring speech made by him " Joanne whispered to me.

" awww .. my Joanne dearie .. you're blinded by love !! hurhur "

" bleah . humpfh .. its more than being blind okays .. tsk tsk " Joanne replied.

" Alrights ... FRESHIES ... lets start the mass games !!!!!!! since we have all eight groups in this lecture hall now .. make some NOISE !!!! you won't have a chance to do so that often in your 2 years of time when you come here for endless lectures sessions .. hahaha " Davin shouted.

" okays ... this game is simple ... each group will send representatives down here to where I'm standing & pose a question to the other groups, if the other groups don't have any answers to your questions, you earn a point, the highest group with most points wins & vice versa the lowest will the group with least points & will have to do a forfeit ... sounds cool !! " one of the mentor shouted.

" YEAH !! " the freshies shouted.

" lets get started !!! "

" What is invisible and smells like banana? " group 8 asked.

" Monkey Farts !!! " someone from group 6 shouted !!

" BINGO .. !!! one point for group 6 "

" What kind of flower do you have between your nose and your chin? "

" tuLIPS "

" If John 's mom has 5 sons and their names are Ja, Je, Ji, and Jo. Who is the last one? "

" John .. -.- "

The game was ongoing with lots of laughter & fun filled lame questions.

" alright ... last question .. group 3 shall pose this question .. this shall be crucial to them, because currently they are in last position with group 1 .. & who are they sending .... * drum rolls * we have group 3 singapore version of siamese twins to pose the last question." Davin jokingly said.

the whole lecture hall exploded into laughter as me & Joanne walked down the stairs to the stage.

" Joanne .. thanks to your Davin .. we are in the limelight now .. " I said in a irritated tone

" aiya .. come on its all for fun isn't it .. tee-hee .. come on lets think of a challenging question to astonish them !! " Joanne replied.

Both me & Joanne were struggling to find a challenging question, then a sudden thought just rushed through my mind to pose this question ...

"whats the relationship between the number 220 & 284 ? " I asked.

The whole lecture hall went silent. I could see discussions going on among my fellow schoolmates. Nobody seems to know the answers.

" well done ... Juliet dear .. didn't expect you pose this question ... our trump card !! tee-hee " Joanne whispered to me.

" wow .. wow .. what a challenging question ... uh .. first question of the day that somebody couldn't answer at all .. HAILS to GROUP 3 ~ !!! we have 10 seconds left, nobody can answer ... & group 3 gonna earn points from group 1 to group 7 & proclaimed as winner for this round ... " Davin ranted.

" 5 ... 4 ... 3 ............1 " Davin started to countdown.

Just when me & Joanne thought we are sure winners for this round, someone familiar stood up & shouted .

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" All the factors of 220 are 1,2,4,5,10,11,20,22,44,55,110 & of course 220. The factors of 284 are 1,2,4,71,142 & 284.

"If i add up the sum of the factors of 220 excluding 220 itself, 1+2+4+5+10+11+20+22+44+55+110 = 284

likewise i add up the sum of the factors of 284 excluding 284 itself, 1+2+4+71+142 = 220

The sum of factors of 220 is 284, the sum of the factors of 284 is 220. The pair is called Amicable numbers. It signifies my heart only got you ... & your heart only got me ... " I stammered at the last part of my answer.

All this while, i was struggling within my heart. I frozed when i saw both Joanne & Juliet going to the stage together. I didn't expect to see both of them appearing together, let alone seeing Juliet posing that question that has been lingering in my heart since young. I was real confused, yet somwhow I can't conceal that eagerness in me to have finally see her once again.

Everyone turned their direction towards Juliet after hearing my answer.

I could see tears welding up in Juliet's eyes as she reply,

" Co ... r rr ec t ! " Juliet stammered.

Davin somehow sense the atmosphere wasn't right, & immediately divert everyone attention towards him ...

" wow wow ... indeed an challenging question .. but somehow .. we have an winner here managing to solve the mystery .. its forfeit time !!! GROUP 3 LETS RUN !! its water splashing time !!! " Davin shouted.

Everyone started to rush out of the lecture hall towards the school compound.

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I was still shocked over what happen. I didn't expect to see Reagan appearing here answering an unsolved mystery I've left for him back then. I was just in a daze, unsure of what to do. My tears were slowly welding up, about to explode any moment. Just at this moment, Davin held my hands & lead me to the school compound.

" everyone lets attack GROUP 3 !!!! " one of the mentor shouted, & started throwing water bomb towards us.

I was totally lost at that point of time. I couldn't see Joanne by my side. I was searching frantically for her, but to no avail .. my tears were slowly flowing down, I just couldn't resist that feeling inside me. All i saw was Davin shielding me from the water bomb attacks, smiling to me. Soon, one of the mentor noticed Davin's actions, & started a mutiny to gather the attack point towards me & davin. we both got ultra wet due to the mutiny, & soon everyone started to laugh & joked about us,

" our President is in loveeeeee " many of the mentors jokingly teased davin.

After the water bomb attacks, I somehow manage to gather back my feelings, the water has conceal my tears well. It wasn't obvious to those who thought that I was crying earlier on. I started to search for Joanne once again when someone tapped my shoulder. I was fearful it might be Reagan, & hesitated in turning behind, only until I heard Davin voice.

" hey are you alright ? ? " Davin asked.

I turned behind to see davin & heave a sigh of relief.

I nod in reponse to his question.

" thanks for just now .. mentor " I replied.

" no problem .. & need not be so formal .. just call me Davin .. quick go get yourself dry .. & remember next time we shall be the one to incur forfeits on others le ar .. hehe .. see ya around .. " Davin winked at me, before walking away.

" Julietttttt dearie .... " Joanne started to run towards my direction.

" where were you just now ...... " I gave Joanne a hug.

" it was in a total mess earlier on, I just ran out with the crowd, so sorry dearie ... for not grabbing you along with me .. " Joanne said in a sorry tone.

" its okie luhs .. silly girl .. why apologise wor .. I was worrying for you .. " I gave Joanne my trademark smile.

Joanne gave me a hug back.

I slowly recalled back what the greek fortune teller has said,

" Miss Juliet .. sorry for interrupting your thoughts again .. but I've forseen that it hasn't ended, which is why cupid didn't continue on your future."

" it hasn't ended ? Me & Reagan hasn't end , which explains why I saw him today .. why ? why ? WHY ? I thought to myself ....

Somehow this orientation is the re-beginning of every thing ... my intuition tells me more surprises has yet to come.

Could it be the start or the end to everything ?

[ to be cont .. ]

I'll follow you and make a heaven out of hell, and I'll die by your hand which I love so well.

william shakespeare