There I sat on my bed, facing the windows. Staring at the heavy rain that flooded the canals and the ground. Everything was blurred by the heavy downpour which fitted what I was feeling now. My hand reached for the small ikea black photo frame, featuring the two of us. Ferline and me. She was my everything.
Feminine, with a pair of large brown eyes, pointed cheekbone, and a pair of luscious pink lips. Her hair was naturally wavy and thick, and to hide it, she would always tie it up.
Seeing her smile in the photo of us sent that bolt of lighting to my heart, numbing every single channel that pumps blood to it. As I pressed the photos towards my heart, I closed my eyes.
Reminiscing the past with her.
The door opened and Hilda came in, holding a cup of hot ginger tea, specially prepared for me.
Me: Get Out! Get outtt!
I threw whatever pillow I had on my bed towards her, except the photo frame which was firmly clamped using my arm towards my chest. Hilda dropped the tea and the hot liquid scalded her feet as she held her feet in pain, the cup was shattered all over the floor. I turned my head and stared out of the window again. Holding that black frame. It was the only thing that could give me the comfort I need.
The reflection of the glass revealed that lifeless side of me. Unkempt hair, unshaven goatie, lifeless eyes. Everyday was like a dead end to me.
Hilda picked herself up, vacuumed the broken glass and went quietly to the kitchen. She placed her hands on the kitchen sink, and trembled. Her body shivered and tears rolled down her frame.
She then composed herself and poured another glass for me to drink. As she walked towards me, handing me the cup of water, my hands forcefully hit the glass as it flew off her hands.
Me: Cut the pretendence! I don’t want to see you! Out!
Hilda: It has already been so long… why?
Me: Shut up!
Yes. Ferline is dead. And today was her first death anniversary.
Hilda was my childhood friend. We grew up in the same neighbourhood. She was petite with long dense hair, wears frameless glasses, with natural rosy cheeks, small almond shaped eyes with full lips. She was quite the ‘belle’ in school with no lack of suitors courting her. But she had always remained single. And I didn’t know why.
Ferline on the other hand was one of her best friends, they always go out together, studying, shopping and playing. We were studying in different faculties. I was doing some research at the college library where I saw both of them discussing some projects on the table.
Me: Hey Hilda!
Hilda: Hi Max!
I couldn’t keep ny eyes off Ferline, despite seeing her for the first time.
Hilda: Ooi… OOI Max! Quit looking at her like that! Keep your eyes on the beautiful me ok! Hummph!
Hilda’s voice was so loud that the students turned their heads and looked towards to where the sound was coming from. And there was Hilda, standing up with her hands on her hips.
Max: Oops. Sorry.
I bowed to apologize.
Hilda: That’s better. This is Ferline. My best buddy.
Me: Hi Ferline. I’m Max.
I couldn’t help by kept my eyes on her. She wasn’t really that pretty, but its her eyes which captivated me. The pair could communicate even without speaking. Ferline just gave me a smile. That Mona Lisa smile I could keep locked inside my brain permanently.
I knew I had this affinity with her. And I wanted to know her more. It felt that we had knew each other for some time. I had to excuse myself after finding the research I need.
Before I left, Hilda shouted again.
Hilda: Max! I see you at the gates at 530pm! Let’s go back together!
Sigh the ‘chor lor’ side of her never change. I nodded and waved goodbye, stealing another glance at Ferline.
And there I got the Mona Lisa smile again.
Hilda: Ooi! What are you thinking about?
Hilda patted my shoulders which made me jump in shock, nearly dropping the batch of project files on my hands.
Me: Don’t scare me like that!
Hilda sticked her tongue out and behind her was Ferline, giggling softly. I felt that tad of embarrassment, trying to compose myself.
Me: We are going home together?
Hilda: Of course! Ferline and me are doing our project together. You have two babes accompanying you home. Happy or not?
*Of course I am*
This was a good time to know more about Ferline.
Walking happily to the bus stop and boarding the bus, that Hilda was blabbering nonstop about how clumsy I was when I was young, and the embarrassing moments. I could feel my shade of red turning darker and darker. Hilda and Ferline was sitting behind me, and I could hear that sift giggle. Ferline was the total opposite of Hilda. Real ladylike unlike the super loud girl.
Half of my life stories were thrown before we reached our destination. AS we were walking past the coffeeshop, Hilda suddenly stopped.
Hilda: Ooi Max, walk with Ferline to my block. I’m packing some pratas!
I nodded. Of course spending time with Ferline alone would be the most ideal. I smiled. We walked slowly and I offered to take her files and she agreed.
Me: Sorry about that loudspeaker. She’s always like that.
Ferline: That’s her bubbly character. Beside its interesting to know about you.
I blushed again.
Me: Do you happen to live around here?
Ferline: Nope. I live in the East.
Me: Its a distance from here to there. Perhaps you want to give me your number. If you are going to work late with Hilda, I can send you home ba.
She looked at me in surprise and smiled. She took my mobile and typed her number.
I quickly saved her number and put it back to my pocket when the loudspeaker yelled.
Hilda: Oooi! You two walk like turtles! And hey, you are carrying Ferline’s folders. Here! Carry mine too!
Hilda threw her bag onto my forearm, carrying the fodlers to fall and I picked it up clumsily.
Ferline wanted to help but Hilda stopped her.
Hilda: Let him do it. He’s our servant!
I continued walking behind them before I reached Hilda’s block. She then took her bag and waved goodbye.
I made my way home happily. For I have Ferline’s number.
The question was. Was she attached?
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There were just so many questions ringing on my head. The first thing I did on my way home was sms her, letting her know my number.
Me: It’s me Max. Don’t work too late k?
She replied almost immediately: Sure.
I quit texting her too much in case Hilda saw the message and went on doing my own stuff and taking a short afternoon nap.
I must have been dead tired. I woke up around 8 plus by a message that made me jump in fright.
Ferline: Max, you there? You mind sending me home? It’s quite late already.
Without even hesitating, I replied: Yes! I wait for you at Hilda’s void deck?
Ferline: Thanks Max.
Now my heart was thumping. Yes!
Me: Daddy can I borrow your car? Need to send a friend home.
Dad: Ok. Be careful ok.
Me: Yesh!
I grabbed the car keys and was on my way, and there Ferline was standing, waiting for me.
I waved my hands and she managed to see me.
She ran towards my car and I could see her hair swinging and her breasts bouncing with her body which gave me an erection. But I tried to hide it.
Ferline: Hi Max.
The very softness of her voice made my day. I smiled back and asked her address and drove off.
And it was the first time I had supper with her.
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Ferline was wearing her red spag with a push up bra to flaunt her deep cleavage. Her hair was nicely tucked behind her ears, with a pair of shining crystal hanging down. Her short pants revealed her slender legs which was a huge turn on to me.
Me: What do you feel like eating?
Ferline: I’m not too sure, you have any recommendations?
Me: Shall we head to You Tiao Wang? The food is quite nice there.
Ferline: Sure.
Her Mona Lisa smile again. Whenever I see that my legs will go wobbly.
I ordered quite a spread and she was surprised.
Me: You always do projects till so late?
FL: No choice, so many things to do, so little time.
Me: I see. So hows the progress?
FL: Good I guess. Perhaps a few more discussions and we are good to go!
Me: Nice!
And there I was trying to dig something from her. I pretended to look around cautiously.
FL: Max, are you alright?
Me: I’m checking, just in case your boyfriend sees us.
She giggled.
FL: I’m single Max.
Puts on acting skills again.
Me: Say what?
FL: I’m single.
Me: Oh wow for a gorgeous girl like you its unbelievable.
FL: Don’t be silly Max. I’m not gorgeous. No one wants me.
Me: I want!
I didn’t know why but I shouted. The entire group of people turned their heads, facing my direction and see me turned red. Ferline giggled again. Dipping the doughsticks into her soya milk.
FL: Perhaps I could take it as a compliment Max. Your girlfriend gonna kill me if she hears this.
Me: I’m single too Ferline. And available.
She laughed.
FL: Isn’t that Hilda your girlfriend? You two are always so lovely dovey.
Me: No. She is my childhood friend. I’ve always treated her as my sister. Really. Believe me.
FL: Hahaha.. ok I believe you. But did you know why Hilda’s still single?
Me: *Scratches head* Why?
FL: I think you must have been a dumbbell. Can’t you see from her actions? She likes you Max. She has been rejecting countless guys because of you.
Me: ….
I gobbled down my food and kept quiet.
Me: There are just some things that is not destined to be.
She smiled.
We chatted and I sent her home.
Before she turned her back, I wind down the window, stuck my head out.
Me: Ferline…
FL: Yes?
Me: Ermm. Do… Do… you think we can go out together like today?
She gave me that smile again and nodded before she ran to the lift.
*yesh! yesh! yesh! woohoo! woohoo! hurray hurray!*
My heart was springing up with sunshine, and I looked forward to seeing her again.
My phone rang and it was Hilda.
Hilda: Ooi! Where are you? I’m hungry. Wanna meet at our usual supper place?
Me: I’m tired Hilda. Perhaps next time?
Hilda: You always tired one! Hmpph. No more appetite already. NIGHT!
And she hung the phone already.
Why was I getting the feeling that Hilda thought we were an item?
Halfway through my journey, my phone rang and there was this message from Ferline.
FL: Thanks for sending me home Max. See you again. Good night. Sweet dreams.
Ahh.. this short and sweet message had already left me on cloud nine.
I want to see you again Ferline.
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Looking at Hilda and Ferline, they were just poles apart. How can they be best buddies?
Ferline’s words were ringing in my mind.
FL: I think you must have been a dumbbell. Can’t you see from her actions? She likes you Max. She has been rejecting countless guys because of you.
This had never crossed my mind at all.
I collapsed on bed and fell asleep.
It has been a stressful week, neverending projects and exams! After this there would be a short holiday which make me look forward to. Finally a break. But what am I supposed to do with the holiday? Go back to my usual workplace to work? Let’s decide when the holidays are nearing I guess.
Ferline and I was smsing each other almost daily, catching up with each other. The chemistry between us seemed to work out really well. It felt like we had telepathy, we could read each other’s mind. Amazing! Is that what you call ’love at first sight'?
Just then, my phone rang.
Hilda: Ooi! You going anywhere for the short break? I booked a chalet already! Me you and Ferline ok!
Me: Ok I’ll be there!
Hilda: No aeroplanes ok! Else I will ignore you for the rest of your life.
Me: Ok! You are so naggy.
Hilda: Hmpph!
She hung up.
How apt. Another chance to go out with Ferline again. As I look at my fingers, just a week more to the break.
*Faster faster I thought to myself.*
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The week ended with excitement bursting through me. Chalet chalet time!
But how do I get the opportunity to have time with Ferline with Hilda around? I was trying to think of ways to be around Ferline. I took out my phone and texted her.
Me: I’m so looking forward to the chalet.
FL: Me too.
Me: I’m actually looking more forward to seeing you Ferline.
FL: *Blushes* Me too.
Me: You busy now?
FL: Nah. Not really. Maybe going out with Hilda for window shopping. Want to join us?
Me: With Hilda? Nah. Hahaha.
FL: I’m sure she likes your company, Max. She’s been always talking about you.
Me: Nah. How about supper tonight?
FL: Not too sure. I let you know later ok?
Me: I’ll be waiting.
FL:
I grinned as I took an afternoon nap. I was totally exhausted after the week of intense studying overnight.
I held Ferline’s hand as we strolled on the beach. Her head close to my arm. The sparkling glitters of the reflection on the waves were so beautiful, the sound of the waves soothing. It was quiet and the world felt as though there were only two of us living in the whole wide world. Her delicate fingers, her enticing eyes, her femininity, her beauty was flawless. We stopped by the empty bench, with my hands over her shoulders, her head leaning on me. We didn’t say a word, we let our emotions and chemistry do the talking. She placed her fingers on my chest, near my heart, feeling the thumps. She lifted her head and smiled at me. Our eyes locked, exchanging our souls. Looking at each other, sharing our thoughts, feeling that tinge of happiness and closeness we have for each other. As we leaned ourselves closer to each other without noticing, I could hear and feel her breath, her eyes closed, the smell of her hair brought by the wind, and just when our lips were going to touch…
My phone rang, making me jump out of that beautiful dream that I had, and it was Hilda.
Hilda: Ooi! Want to join two pretty ladies for supper? At my block. I see you there in 10 mins!
Me: Orh.
There I saw the both of them eating the famous prata.
Hilda: Aiyo! Your ten minutes so long is it?
Me: Sorry. You just woke me up.
Hilda: You so tired is it?
Me: I didn’t expect to sleep so long.
Hilda: Go order your prata!
Ferline just smiled.
As I made my order and sat down, Hilda ordered me.
Hilda: Ooi! Send my friend home later.
Me: Orh.
Hilda: Ooi! Why your response so quick!
Me: Quick? Then you want me to answer you two minutes later is it?
Our bickering started and there Ferline was giggling over our arguments. It was pretty normal for me and Hilda.
I walked Hilda home and went to my car.
Ferline: Thanks Max. Sorry for the trouble.
I smiled at her as I started the engine.
Me: Ferline, I dreamt of you just now. And it was getting in the most emotional part, and Hilda destroyed everything with my phone ringing.
Ferline: Wow. What did you dreamt of?
I thought to myself for a moment.
I took a deep breath.
Ferline: Are you ok Max?
She said with a worried face.
I’m not sure how things will turn out. But I told myself.
I am going to pour all my feelings out to Ferline.
Tonight will be the day.
My heart was beating furiously.
I drove her to her house. The moment she tried to open the car door, I grabbed her arms.
Me: Ferline, I have something to tell you.
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Ferline turned her head. Surprised by my gesture.
Me: Ferline, I fell in love with you since the first time I saw you. I like everything about you. I know this may be too sudden but I think you are the one for me. Would you be my girlfriend please?
Our eyes met with electric currents coursing through each other. She kept quiet for a while. Then nodded her head.
That joy was simply indescribable. I was overjoyed and floating on cloud nine. I went out of the car, opened her door and carried her in my arm.
Me: I’m the happiest man on earth!
I swung in rounds with her in my arms. She held on to me happily too.
Me: I love you Ferline.
Ferline: I love you too Max. But you can let me down already. Your arms must be tired.
Me: I can hold you forever. And ever!
She gave me a kiss on my cheeks and whispered to me.
Ferline: Keep this from Hilda ok?
I nodded. And carried her to the lift lobby, kissed her and saw her going into the lift.
I could still feel that injection of joy. As I walked back to my car, I received a message.
Ferline: Goodnight dear. Thanks for sending me home. Muacks.
Me: Love you. Looking forward to the chalet.
Ferline: Me too. Sweet dreams. Dream of me again tonight.
Me: nah. I think I won’t be able to sleep tonight. I’m too happy for that
Ferline: I don’t want a panda boyfriend. I going to sleep soon. Nights.
Me: Nights dear.
I drove happily back home and started to plan what to do at the chalet.
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I packed my bag, ready for the chalet tomorrow.
All things checked. Candles checked. Lighters checked. Neon sticks checked. Everything goods to go!
Hilda: Ooi! We share a cab together. See you 15 mins at my block!
Me: Ok.
Hilda: You are early. Good. We will swing by to pick Ferline on the way.
Hilda was wearing a black spaghetti top with short blue pants, revealing her nice legs. She was wearing shades, with a long sporty bag slinged on her.
Hilda: Ooi what you looking at? Never seen a pretty girl is it?
She threw her bag at me and ordered me to carry it while she hailed a cab.
Me: So you want sit where? Front or back?
Hilda: Ooi. Of course front la. You know I like the seat why ask me again?
Me: Orh.
We were lucky to sit on the Mercedes taxi.
Hilda: Uncle, we go Bedok central first then to Costa Sands Chalet.
In 15 minutes, I saw Ferline, wearing a pink singlet with a black tube, together with short white pants. She looked so radiant everytime I see her. She waved to Hilda and sat beside me. I took her bag and placed it on my lap. She smiled at me and the uncle drove off.
Hilda was blabbering about gossips nonstop and then I took Ferline’s long bag, held Ferline’s hand and hid it using Ferline’s long bag.
Hilda took a glance at the rear mirror.
Hilda: Ooi! Why the bag so funnily positioned one? Why is it positioned in the centre of you two? Weirdos you are.
Upon hearing that I pulled the bag to my side.
Ferline: I’m quite embarassed he has to carry for me. So I figured we share the load this way.
Hilda: Nah. Ignore him. He is our servant.
Me: …..
We reached and I ended up paying all the bills, carrying all that bags. So the reason Hilda asked me along so I can carry all that bags for her. Nice friend she is.
Hilda: Ooi! What you standing there for? Go to room 309! Why must I be reminding you?
She said as she gave my head a knock with her knuckles.
Me: Hey that hurts!
Hilda: Who told you to stand there like a statue! You deserve it.
Ferline came over and rubbed the spot Hilda hit him.
Ferline: Don’t be so harsh on him Hilda.
Hilda: He don’t feel pain. He’s a man you know.
Me: ….
Hilda unlocked the door and jumped onto the bed.
Hilda: Oh it feels so good! Come Ferline! Max, put the bags down. Go and make us two cups of coffee.
Ferline: I don’t need it Hilda.
Hilda: Its ok. Ooi! You hear it? Go make coffee!
Reluctantly I went on to boil some water, waiting for the opportunity to spend some time with Ferline.
After I made the coffee, Hilda reverted.
Hilda: Why you take so long to make the coffee? Ferline, lets go out for real coffee. The one here sucks.
She grabbed her hand and stormed out of the room.
Hilda: Ooi! You take care of the room ok? Enjoy your coffees.
I was nearing on the verge of bursting but I gritted my teeth. I can’t lose my cool with my girlfriend around.
Ferline turned her head and blew me a kiss, neutralizing my anger.
The doors closed and there was silence. On the corner laid 3 bags, mine, Hilda’s and Ferline’s.
What was Ferline’s luggage filled with? What would she be wearing for the next two days? What lingerie or bikinis would she be wearing?
I slowly tiptoed to her bag and unzipped it. Feeling that adrenalin rush to both my heart and my rod.
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As I crept happily to Ferline’s bag, unzipping her bag, letting the nice feminine smell fill my nostrils. Upon unzipping whast greeted me was a spread of pink tops and lingerie. I bent down for a closer sniff, where I press my nose on the plain pink bra, feeling the texture at the tip of my nose. I was about to touch the rest of her things when suddenly the hard knock on the door startled me.
Hilda: Ooi! Ooi! OOI! Open the door! Quick! Quick! Ferline…. Ferline… Open the door now!
I zipped her bag and opened the door. Hilda sounded very nervous and urgent.
Hilda: Ooi! What took you so long? Ferline… Ferline… Where is her bag?
She stormed towards Ferline’s bag, threw her clothes all over, in search of something.
I was puzzled by her actions and did not question her on anything. She took out a silverish blue stick and ran out, I followed suit with the keys on my pocket.
There Ferline sat on the chair, panting heavily as if she was losing her breath. Her face pale, her hands were on her chest as though she was trying hard to breathe. Hilda, passed her the stick and Ferline pressed the top of the stick, took some deep breaths and finally the color on her face was slowly coming back.
That blue stick was an inhaler. I was shocked stiff by Ferline and she looked at me, smiled weakly. I went over and carried her. She hung her arms over me and we went back to the room with Hilda.
The entire room was full of Ferline’s clothes because Hilda threw it around. I placed Ferline on the bed and went to pick up her clothes back to her bag.
Hilda: Ooi. Take care of Ferline, I’m going to buy some hot drinks for Ferline.
I nodded and Hilda left, closing the door.
In an instant I ran to Ferline, checking if she was ok.
Me: Dear, are you ok?
She nodded and smiled.
Me: You gave me a scare.
Ferline (in a soft voice): I’m sorry. I didn’t know my asthma attack would come suddenly. I have a history of severe asthma, That’s why I always have the inhaler with me. I’m sorry to have made you worry.
I hugged and kissed her on her cheeks.
Me: What would I do without you dear. Don’t let it happen to you again. Next time I will accompany you where you go. Is it alright?
She nodded happily. I covered her with the blanket and continued tidying up the place. She slept for a while before Hilda came back.
Hilda: Ooi. How is she?
Me: She’s sleeping now.
Hilda: Phew. She had asthma since young. It has been hard on her to rely on the inhaler. But I know she is trying to fight it.
Me: Glad she’s fine now.
I got a fright just now more than ever, I still wanted to be there for Ferline. And always there when she needs me.
I jot down the inhaler model and tucked it to my wallet. I will look around for it and stock some up if possible.
Ferline slept till the evening where I went to buy dinner for all. And specially bought fish porridge for Ferline.
I opened the door to see the both of them watching tv in the chalet. Ferline, still weak but looking better.
Me: Hilda, the chicken rice is for you. Ferline, I bought fish porridge for you.
Without saying anything, I brought the fish porridge near Ferline and fed her using the spoon. She ate it slowly, glancing at me with a smile.
Hilda seemed to discover something between us, but she tossed the thought away. Perhaps its because Ferline was not well. She thought to herself.
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