The Life Game by Emilyn Foong by Young Author Scheme

* Yo u n g A u t h o r C l u b * Yo u n g A u t h o r C l u b *

The Life Game

Emilyn Foong

Heartwarmers

The Life Game

Written and Illustrated by Emilyn Foong

To my mom for being understanding to my constant need to use the computer to type out my stories and encouraging me to do better. Love you always! To my friends for being my inspiration! I remember even you slightest comments you say in passing, and sometimes use them in my stories.

Chapter 1 "Stay here, Faith." A mother dressed smartly in an important looking business suit led her young daughter to a bench overlooking a playground full of children. "Do not move away, understand? I'm just going off a while." I nodded obediently and took out a book to read as I sat at the bench. My mother and I had just moved into the neighborhood a few days ago and mom was bringing me out to get some things for a house warming party. After a while, I found myself looking longingly at the playground, watching wistfully as other children my age ran around gleefully, dashing around the jungle gym, and sliding down the slides. A little boy that was playing a game of marbles with a group of friends caught me looking and ran over. "Hey, wanna play with us?" He smiled cheerfully. A couple of his friends came over curiously, and scrutinized my light green dress and white sandals. "I doubt she will, Sky!" They mocked, "Won't want to get her dress dirty!" They darted off giggling, and resumed their game. I bowed my head in embarrassment, and quietly shook my head. Sky turned to join his friends, but as if like an afterthought, ran back and gave me a daisy from the grass patch. I looked up in surprise, and meekly accepted the flower with a smile. Sky seemed satisfied that I was cheered up, then finally turned and ran after his friends, leaving me to once again watch in envy at the joy of others, wanting so much to join, yet afraid that mom would scold me for dirtying the dress she had specially picked out for this event. "Let's go, Scarlet." Mom materialized behind the bench and without looking at me, motioned at me to get into the car. I hurriedly packed my book into my Muffy backpack, and followed after her. Upon impulse, I 3

glanced back at the playground and caught Sky's eye. Sky was waving goodbye and smiling, and as I waved back with the daisy in my hand, I somehow felt a little less lonely, and much happier.

Chapter 2 I was walking home that day after a particularly long and boring remedial class and feeling tired and cranky, when I stopped short in front of a sign that announced road works, blocking me from my usual shortcut home. I frowned impatiently as I mentally planned the detourthe path would take me through an extra few block of flats, and all I wanted was to go home and get some rest. I stayed in one of the old flats in Tampines, and there had been lots of road works on the stretch of path that I always took on my way home. I plugged in my walkman, and hummed along as I walked, trying to make the trip seem faster than it is. Just as I was passing the sheltered basketball court, I noted from the corner of my eye a flash of orange speed towards me, and before I had time to duck, I was hit hard on my cheek, knocking off my glasses in the process. “Ouch!” I immediately bent down to look for my glasses. Half blind, I patted the ground around me and heard footsteps running towards me. I was passed my glasses, and placed them firmly back on gratefully. As the world came into focus, I saw what hit me- a dirty basketball. “Very sorry,” A lanky boy with dark brown hair that I recalled seeing somewhere around school ran up to my side and held me by my arm. “Are you ok?” “Yes, I’m fine.” I brushed down my school uniform, and self consciously placed a strand of hair behind my ear and smiled back. “Thanks.” “Don’t bother, since I was the one who knocked you off your feet in the first place.” He dribbled the ball around his feet. “No problem.” I couldn’t stop smiling. “I’m not that fragile.” “Sky!” One of the two boys back on the court called. “Is the game 5

still on or not?” “Wait a sec!” Sky called back, turning back to me with an apologetic smile. “Sorry about that. My guys aren’t the patient lot. See you around?” He sounded almost hopeful. “Sure. See ya.” I didn’t move, watching as he ran back in the game dribbling the ball then scored a two-pointer in one swift motion, to delighted cheers from his friends. As he cast a proud grin over his shoulder back at me, I ginned back with a thumbs-up, watched for a while longer, and then went on my way, my mood much better already.

Chapter 3 “I’m home!” I called, though I knew that there would be no one at home to answer me- my mom would be at work as usual, but yet I was hopeful that maybe, just maybe, by some miracle my mom would be off work, a warm home cooked meal ready on the table, a grin on her face. I couldn’t help frowning despite myself- mom never got a sick leave and thought of family time as a waste of time which could be spent in the office earning more money- mom placed her work before all else, including her own daughter. I left my shoes by the door, and changed into my jogging gear, grabbed my freshly charged walkman, a filled bottle, then turned back to rummage for lunch in the refrigerator. I caught sight of the Pizza Hut Delivery bag and the post-it pad on top the box. Without reading the note, I scrunched it up and tossed it into the bin expertly without a backward glance. I already knew what it would contain- another apology memo from Mom about canceling tonight’s dinner date. It would probably be a last minute meeting, an important client to pacify, a business deal to discuss, something along those lines. And the pizza would have to be my dinner while she wined and dined outside. I felt angry that mom thought it was so easy to blow me off another dinner date- one that she had already rescheduled half a billion times. She would insist that whatever cropped up last minute was very important, that she just couldn’t afford to offend the client and that if I would just be more sensible and understand how hard she had to work to feed her, to clothe her, to pay for the mortgage and the bills, and so on and so forth. I felt like she was reading the riot act to me each time, an excuse to silence my protest for her continued absence. Still, I took a slice of her guilt pizza and headed out, hoping to make two extra rounds on the track beside the field opposite the flat burn off the extra food. 7

Chapter 4 I just finished my third round- I didn’t really keep track as I was lost in thought, as the case many times. Jogging with music flowing through my ears helped me to think, and it felt more refreshing after a jog than tiring as it seemed to most my friends. This was a routine exercise I kept up almost every day, just another activity to stay out of the empty house which made me feel lonely and abandoned- I stopped for a water break at the benches overlooking the playground beside the track. Casually scanning the area, I watched peacefully the sight before me. Little children from the childcare centre were running around playfully around the playground set, some older kids were playing with kites on the field and a bunch of boys were playing basketball. The scene reminded me of the time I first moved to the neighborhood, as I sat at this exact bench and watched other kids my age play. As I watched some boys play a game of marbles, I caught sight of a little girl fall from the swings and land abruptly on her hands and feet. Rushing over, I caught sight of the young teacher in charge of the children chatting to a parent with a young boy. “Hey, you ok?” I asked the little girl gently. “Does it hurt?” The little girl had started to bawl her eyes out and the other children were rushing over to see what all the commotion was about. I was at loss- how was I to get her to stop crying? I used a tissue to stop the bleeding and a little of the water from my bottle to wipe the wound. The teacher had also come over, and catching sight of the graze on the girl’s hands, ran inside the childcare center to get the first aid box. “Don’t cry. Look.” A boy ran up and waved a miniature puppy keychain in front of her. Like magic, she stopped crying and made a grab at it. I looked up at surprise and saw that the boy that managed to 8

get the girl to stop crying with a simple keychain was the one that hit me with the basketball this afternoon. “You!” We cried in surprise at each other and burst out laughing. When the teacher returned, the child was no longer crying, but smiling and waving the keychain around. The other children watched her play with the keychain, each trying to make a grab it to play. “What are you doing here?” I asked Sky- I remembered his name when his friends called him. “Just finished a game.” He smiled triumphantly. “I won, as usual.” “I watched you play for a while.” I nodded. “You’re good.” “I would have gone better with ‘marvelous’ or ‘outstanding’, but I’ll take the compliment anytime.” His smile was infectious. As the teacher cleaned the girl’s hands and applied ointment, the children surged around us, urging us to play a game of hide-and seek with them. Sky and I exchanged amused glances then shrugged as he went to count to fifty and I ran off in a fit of giggles with the kids to hide.

Chapter 5 “That was the first time I didn’t mind playing ‘Ice and Water’ half a million times.” Sky grabbed his bag as we waved goodbye to the kids as they went back to the childcare centre. “Why, I was beginning to wonder which ones were the kindergarteners were!” I teased. “Like you weren’t having fun yourself.” He rolled his eyes at my jibe. “Same for you.” I smiled. We walked in pleasant silence for a while, then got an ice cream each and sat at the bench and tried to eat it before it melted. Well, I tried, while Sky just bit chunks off his cone. “Hey, I just realized I didn’t get your name!” Sky exclaimed, breaking the tranquil silence. “I certainly got yours, Sky.” I smiled, licking up the melting mess. “I don’t remember telling you that.” He frowned in concentration, trying to recall when I heard his name. His concentration broke when a bit of chocolate dripped on his shirt. “Your friend shouted it out on the court just now.” I handed him a tissue with a smile. “Oh right. Luke certainly has a loud mouth.” He frowned a little more, and then smiled his lopsided smile again. “So, are you going to tell me to tell me your name or do I have to guess?” He prompted. “Guess.” I smirked, wondering how many tried would he take to guess my peculiar name- Scarlet was uncommon, but so was Sky. Maybe he was used to strange names. “Well… Jessica?” He tried. I shook my head, smiling wider. “Isabella?” His smile faded a little when I shook my head. “Priscilla? Audrey? Annabel?” He tried, frowning harder with each 10

attempt. “Cristabel? Victoria? Carrie?” “No, no and no.” I laughed. “Try something different.” “Clue?” He probed. “Well…” I tilted my head to a side while I thought. “A color.” Sky frowned again, and as I watched the setting sun cast deep shadows across his deep face, a beautiful shade of tan which emphasized his check bones, and the evening sun gave his face an orange hue, a beautiful picture. I was absorbed in my thoughts that I almost didn’t hear his next string of guesses. “Huh?” I shook out of my daze. “Well, I tried all the basic colours, but judging from your expression, it’s no normal color.” He smiled a little. “I give up. Are you going tell me or shall we stay here guessing all night?” I sighed; it was fun to watch him try. “It’s a really silly name, so don’t laugh ok?” I said in a stage whisper. “Well… It’s Scarlet, but I’d rather you call me Scar.” Normally, when people learn of my name, they make fun of it, mock me or made a huge deal out of it. “That’s a nice name.” Sky shook his head, dismissing the alternative and smiled a smile so genuine I felt relief and smiled along with him. “Scarlet. Not Scar.” That peaceful silence went on for a minute, an hour, I couldn’t tell. It felt so nice to just sit by his side and listen to the sounds around us, and occasionally share a giggle when either of us dripped the ice cream. Finally, he stood up and held out his hand to me. I looked up questioningly before taking his hand and letting him pull me upwards lightly, then bending down and plucking a daisy from the ground, placed it behind my ear. He watched me blush with a smile, then whispered my name softly. “Scarlet…Scarlet…” 11

Chapter 6 I rubbed my dripping wet hair between the folds of the towel, and casually draped the moist towel across my shoulder. I had reheated the pizza before my long bath, and as I carefully cut out a large slice and took the plate to my room along with a can of Sprite, I pulled the curtains wide apart and turned on the stereo. My homework lay undone on the table and heaving a weary sigh, took a swing of the fizzy drink to keep myself awake and tried to concentrate on algebra. I was just through the first few questions and my brain felt as if someone had left it in a sauna overnight. I rubbed my temple impatiently as I glared at the question for a clue on how to solve it. Suddenly, I heard a familiar soft laugh, and looked up. Sky stood resting his chin on his palm, his arm on the window sill just opposite mine. “Staring at the questions won’t reveal any clues.” He smiled. Believe me, I’ve tried.” “How…What are you doing there?” I asked, surprised. “Well, I was reading some comics,” He picked up a Marvel Comic from his desk and waved it at me. “But I saw someone focusing so hard on her homework, it was amusing to watch.” “How did you know I was doing homework?” I looked down at the exercise book and frowned. “You have that typical ‘I-hate-homework-face’ on.” He showed me an expression that looked rather constipated. “Hey, I don’t think I looked like that.” I laughed. “Well, you made it look as if you have some enmity with that-“ He broke off and turned around abruptly. Somewhere behind him, I heard someone call for dinner. “Coming!” He answered. I couldn’t help letting my face fall a little. Sky caught my expression and turned back apologetically. 12

“Hey, I’ll see you around ok?” He said it as if it was more of a statement than a question, but I nodded anyway, turning my attention back to the torturous workbook. I noted out of the corner of my eye that Sky lingered on uncertainly at the window before scribbling something on a piece of paper, taping it to the window then went inside quickly. I waited till he was gone then I looked up- he had drawn a smiley face with a fork and knife at its side, and written “Off to Dinner” at the bottom, and a little flower was drawn at the corner of the paper. I couldn’t help smiling when I saw it, before my mood dropped again. Sky was enjoying his dinner with his family while I had takeaway by myself. Sometimes, I sighed, I just wished my mom would be at home to share a proper dinner together. My parents were divorced when I was at a young age, and I hadn’t seen my father since the divorce, approximately a full ten years. I always fantasized what it would be like to have a full and proper family, sharing a meal over joyful laughter and casual conversations about their days, to feel that warmth that radiated from the families I saw at the playground. Their faces were full of smiles and I just couldn’t help feel a surge of envy whenever I saw my friend’s parents pick them up from school, or that twinge or anger whenever they complained that their parents nagged at them or insisted to know where and who they were going out with. I wanted to scold them and tell them that they were lucky to even have parents to yell at them. For me, well, mom was rarely at home and it almost felt as if I had no parents at all. I know my friends envied me, thinking that mom’s absence meant much freedom, though I would much prefer having mom home and nag at me to do my homework than to be outside. Speaking of homework, I really needed to finish this assignment. I sighed inwardly. Homework was the unwanted companion that was constantly a never 13

ending pile on my desk. I drank the Sprite again and broke out of my miserable charade. Homework was enough to fill up my spare time, but I suddenly didn’t feel in the mood to tackle math problems- not that I was ever in the mood to- since I had enough real life problems and didn’t need some educator issuing more. I gave up and had an early night instead. Pizza for dinner again wasn’t that inviting anyway.

Chapter 7 School was a weary routine of lessons, lectures and assignments. It felt good to be out finally after a particularly long remedial session. The road works were still on, though I did not walk the extra distance with the same gloom as the before, I had a new happy feeling, almost expectant, and the smile danced around on my lips and as I passed by the basketball court, I wasn’t surprised to see Sky practicing some shots with his friends, and sat down to watch, clapping softly whenever he got past defense and scored a goal. After a tight match, the guys took a break and I stood up, dusting the seat of my skirt while Sky half jogged to stand in front of me. “Hey!” He ginned his lopsided smile. “Great to have an audience.” “Great shot just now.” I nodded towards the court. “Though it was careless to pass the ball to the wrong team.” “You distracted me.” He smiled. “Thanks for the ‘Great’. I know I am.” I laughed lightly. “Well, you sure don’t have any self esteem problems.” “Confidence.” He corrected and did another dribble with the basketball around me, doing a couple of tricks before I snatched it easily mid bounce and dribbled to the hoop while he tried to block me. I faked a left then turned swiftly right and scored a goal. Appreciative cheers rose from court side as Sky looked at me with new admiration. “Sky, you lost to a girl!” Luke hollered. “Oh ya? I bet you wouldn’t stand a chance against me, much less a girl!” Sky called back. “Hey!” I pretended to pout. “Girl in question here can hold her own you know.” Sky walked over and ruffled my hair. “Sure you can.” 15

I meant it, and to prove my point, dribbled to half court, took aim, tossed the ball into the net neatly. Suddenly, I was accepted as a jock and everyone was ready for a game. No introductions were needed, I had already picked up their names when they yelled it across the court for the ball- Joshua was the one a master at stealing the ball and Luke was a head taller than him, and was great at defense and it was hard to get a ball past me. I played with Sky against them both. After a few games, I got into the rhythm of it, and even managed to score a few extra points.

Chapter 8 Finally, everyone started to feel tired and we took a break. The guys were just chatting when the matter of my name came up. I realized that Sky hadn’t called me by my name at all during the game, so they didn’t know. “Call me Scar.” I smiled. “You’re Luke and Joshua right?” “Has Sky been talking bad about us?” Joshua asked. “And just call me Josh.” “You’re the girl he knocked out yesterday right?” Luke asked, and faked a toss at my head. “Yup, and it still hurts.” I rubbed the spot. “Sky, you definitely owe me one.” “You can take it back anytime.” He tapped the side of his head near the spot where he hit me. “So you’re the mystery girl he’s been going on about!” Josh exclaimed, and Sky elbowed him violently and I raised an eyebrow questioningly. “Sky’s just shy to admit it,” Josh told me, fending off Sky. “Anyone could tell you are that girl just by the way Sky looks at you.” Sky threw the ball warningly at Joshua but he caught it expertly and continued as if Sky just hadn’t warned him to keep his mouth shut. Typical case when you’re spilling some juicy secret and nothing’s going to stop you from dishing out all the details. “Hey, she’s from our school too. I wonder what class she’s in.” Joshua mimicked Sky’s voice. “Do you think she’s hurt? I wonder if I’d see her again.” This time, Sky lunged at Joshua and Luke bellowed in laughter while I blushed uncontrollably. Luke moved to Sky’s seat beside me and offered me some chips from a bag. 17

“Five bucks on Josh.” He challenged. “You’re on.” I accepted the chips. “Sky wouldn’t even get a scratch.” Luke snorted and turned his attention to the wrestle match on the ground. Sky seemed to have the upper hand, and soon he had Josh in an unbreakable headlock and Luke surrendered five bucks to me. Sky released Josh and they came over to join us, helping themselves to the chips. I passed the fiver to Sky and stuffed it into his back pocket when he refused it. Sky gave up and kept the money, then slung his arm casually over my shoulder then turned to the boys and got talking about some game that was on last night. I listened with mild interest, till I noticed the time on Sky’s watch. I shook his arm off me and grabbed my bag, then turned to leave, calling a goodbye over my shoulder just as Sky ran up behind me and caught me by my arm. “Hey! Scarlet, what’s wrong?” He asked, worried. “Are we boring you? I thought you liked hanging out with us.” “I’m really sorry; I’ve got to go…” I tired to push his hand from my arm. I was so late! “Is it Josh?” He asked, even more worried. “I’ll get him to shut up if he’s bothering you. I’ll…” “I really need to go, ok?” I cut him short, a little irritated. “See you around, ya?” I felt his grip loosen and slid it off my arm, and then half ran home, not sparing a look back, my mind focused on getting home in time. I was so late.

Chapter 9 I reached home at ten past seven, and noted the black stilettos outside the door. I cringed with guilt- mom was home already. The light in the study was on, and mom seemed to be on a business call. I showered and changed out of my crumpled school uniform which was crusted with an additional layer of dust from the game of basketball, then quickly went to the kitchen to set up the table for dinner, only to find it already set, and that my mom had made the effort of cooking herself. I glanced at the clock, it was half past seven and my mom was almost done with her call. I stood quietly outside the study and waited for her. Mom emerged, still in her business suit, or her power suit, as she liked to call it.. Mom glanced briefly at me, and then made her way to the table, I took my seat after her, then began the meal in silence after her. We were halfway through the meal when she suddenly spoke. “I didn’t know you were so busy, Scarlet.” She looked up from her plate. “Are things in school that difficult?” “I’m coping fine.” I answered, trying not to meet her gaze. “Oh. I was wondering if you grades were that poor that you had to stay so late to catch up on your work.” “I can handle my work fine.” I pushed my food around the plate. “Don’t just answer ‘fine’. Why are you home so late?” She asked, an edge creeping into her voice. “Today, of all days?” I paused. I was expecting her fiery rage straight off, her rant the minute I stepped into the house about keeping her waiting, how her time was precious and each minute she spent with me could be spent making more money on the stock market. But I hadn’t considered my excuse, what I would tell her about where I went. “I was just playing basketball,” I tried to make it sound that it was nothing much, “forgot about the time, that’s all.” 19

“Time is precious. Time is money.” Mom chanted. “The time I spent waiting for you could be spent watching the stock market. More time at work to finish the stack of work my bosses has assigned.” “This won’t happen again” I promised. “Of course it won’t, because I’m not allowing you to engage in some rowdy sport and neglect your work.” She gestured towards my room, and I winced the second time with guilt, remembering last night. “I’ll go out only after I finish my work next time.” “Work’s never ending.” “It will have to end eventually.” “If it did, I wouldn’t be working so hard outside to pay the bills.” Mom snapped with impatience. “You always whine and complain about me not being at home more often or spending more time with you. Now when I especially return early to have dinner with you, you’re late!” “You’re the one who’s usually cancelling our dinners with work excuses!” “I work to put food on the table, to find your studies and whims!” “Well, if you didn’t treat me as a liability that much, maybe I wouldn’t have to keep going out to find something to do instead of staying stuck in there like a prisoner!” I yelled back. “No one’s ever around and it feels more of a prison cell then a home!” “I have to work hard outside to pay for this roof over your head.” Mom yelled back. “This is your home, not a prison cell.” “A house and a home are very different.” I snapped. “A house is a building. A home is where a family live.” “Well, if you hate it so much, then why don’t you just go to your room? After all this house is a prison cell to you!” Mom slammed the table and went back to the study. “Fine!” I stood up angrily, storming to my room, making sure to 20

slam the door hard and loud.

Chapter 10 I had been crying for the last ten minutes when I finally clamed down a little. I wiped my tears with the back of my hand and curled up on the bed, trying to muffle my sobbing with the pillow. I pulled the blanket protectively over me- it always made me feel safe. “Hey, don’t cry. I hate to see girls cry, or even hear it.” A voice drifted into the window. “Cheer up, okay?” “Go away!” I cried. “Let me save a little dignity.” “I will when I know you’re ok.” Sky persisted. I got to my feet angrily and flung the curtains wide open angrily. I stood in front of the window, my hands clenched into tight fists at my side, and glared at him. “I’m not, so will you just get lost?” I snapped. “Love to, but can’t.” He smiled. “ I actually do live here you know.” I sat back on my bed in a huff. When would he get the idea that I would like a moment to cry in peace? “Hey, come on.” He pleaded. “I’m just worried ok? You ran off so suddenly just now, you’ve got the guys worried. They think you’re in trouble or something.” “Go away.” I lay back down on the bed. “Can I just have a moment to myself?” “I can still see you.” He called back cheerfully. “if you want to avoid me, you have to stay closer to the wall on the other side of the room.” I looked over at my closet which took up the length of the wall and decided that I would just ignore him. Maybe Sky would finally get the message and go away. “I’m not leaving till you tell me what’s happened.” He folded his arms across his chest. “I was late for dinner with my mom ok?” I sat up, hugging the 22

pillow close to my chest. “Now she’s angry at me.” “So? It’s only seven thirty. When do you two normally have dinner?” I cringed inwardly at the term ‘normally’. “Seven.” I sighed. “Still early.” Sky smiled again. I was starting to find his smile more annoying than charming. “Go have dinner now then.” “She’s angry I was late for ten minutes.” I threw up my hands in the air frustrated. “When she’s the one thst keeps cancelling our dinner appointments!” “Woah, dinner appointments?” Sky asked, puzzled. “You have to arrange to have dinner together? She’s your mom! Don’t family have dinner together daily?” “She thinks work’s more important than me!” I continued. “She thinks I’m a stumbling block to her career!” “Oh. Working class.” Sky frowned. “Well, if it helps, my dad’s like that. He places his work above everything, including his own health. Sometimes I wish that he’d look after himself more often.” “My mom adores her job.” I frowned too. “She treats it like it’s her life. Are all parents that obsessed with work?” “Maybe she just wants to work harder to give you a better life.” Sky tried to explain, his tone soothing. “My mom always tells me that my dad works so hard because he wants to give me the life he never got to have.” “I don’t care for anything if she’d just spend more time with me!” I pouted. “I’d rather lose everything than lose my mother to her work!” “Everybody shows their love and care in many different ways. Maybe you mom’s way of showing concern is like my dad’s- provision.” Sky tried to reason, but I wasn’t really listening. “You mom’s just using then only way she knows how to show she cares for you, by working 23

hard to give you everything you need and want.” “You’re naggy.” I grumbled. “Don’t you have somewhere else to be? Playing basketball with Josh and Luke? Homework?” “I only have this CME worksheet.” Sky made a show of looking all over his desk for it, then dramatically plucked the paper out from other the pile of comics. “Want to help me?” “Sure, if you’ll go away afterwards.” I sighed. “Ok, you promised, so you must stay and help me finish the whole worksheet.” Sky read aloud the first question. “How do you resolve conflicts?” “Easy. Wait till both parties calm down, the persuade them to apologize and compromise.” “Ok, next one. In a conflict, are you the one ready to pull punches, the one to back off, or the mediator?” “Depending on the situation, but normally the mediator.” “Same.” He smiled. “What do you do after quarrelling with someone?” “Well, think through what exactly were you quarrelling about, then try to make up with that person, apologizing if it was you mistake, or forgiving the person that did you wrong.” “There you have it.” Sky put down the paper and smiled triumphantly back at me. “Have what?” I asked puzzled. Didn’t Sky have to write anything on the worksheet? “Think through what exactly did you and your mom quarrel about, and go apologize or forgive.” “No way! She’s the one at fault!” I realized that Sky didn’t really have any CME worksheet. “So Scar can’t practice what she preaches.” Sky mocked in a singsong voice. 24

“Well, she’s the one who caused all these scars in the first place!” “Then be gracious.” Sky replied, firm. “Grace is undeserving. Be the better person.” “I don’t want to be the better person.” I pouted. “I want her to apologize to me.” “Well, she’s your mom, and this cold war between the two of you has got to end sometime.” Sky shrugged. “Well, in the meantime, if you get too bored not talking to her, give me a call and I’ll fill your quiet with chatter. I’ll keep talking until the cows come-“ “Ok, ok.” I smiled. “I get the idea.”

Chapter 11 The next week passed in a fashion that my mom would approve. Sky would wait for me after school and to play basketball, then do homework together, discussing answers from our rooms, and texting whenever we weren’t with each other. Sky ensured that homework was a priority, and made sure that I revised after the game. “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, but all play and no work makes Jack lazy and ignorant.” He didn’t need to encourage me much. Studying with Sky was fun, and every time I approached him with something I didn’t understand, he would explain it in a way that was simple to understand and even interesting. Sky never did let our games drag on too long, an alarm would always be set and rung promptly after an hour out on the court, after which we would jog back home, and after sending me home, then would he go home himself. Only till Saturday did Sky let up the routine and leave me be, convinced that I had studied enough. I woke up early that morning and got bus 15 to East Coast Park and watched the sun rise from the horizon; the fiery ball of flame a magnificent orange, glistening in the light blue sky, and sat peacefully listening to the shops behind me gradually opening for the day. I thought about a lot of things while I sat timelessly on the sandy beach, where all was still and the only sounds were those of the waves crashing against the shore. There weren’t many people around, just a meager few cycling or skating by on the track behind me. I felt sentimental then, remembering once long ago where Grandpa would drive us down to the beach in his huge lorry where our whole extended family would sit in the container at the back and pretend that we were on a roller coaster with each turn he took. My aunts and uncles would be there, and mom would patiently teach me how to cycle. She would park the family bicycle by a bench, and then I would climb onto 26

the bench then sit firmly on the bike. She would tell me to be careful and not afraid. I was only five years old then, and the family bicycle was so big to me then that the seat was just above my head. I would smirk with pride whenever I hear people whisper behind me that I was riding an ‘oversized bike’. That became the name for the family bike. I was so excited then, thinking that if I could ride a bike so much bigger than me, there was surely nothing that I couldn’t do. Mom was by side constantly, riding beside me on the track, encouraging me and guiding me. But most importantly, she would always be by my side when I fall, and making sure I got back on my own feet myself. Mom was always there. Mom had been always there. Now, she was everywhere but by my side. Did it mean that only children needed their parents by them? My friends always grumbled about their parents being too naggy or irritating, or embarrassing them by sending them to school. I frowned at the thought. At least they had parents that would bother to nag or irritate, or would actually take the time to send them to school. My mom was barely aware of which class I was in, of what subjects I took, of my grades in school. My mom was always too busy for the parent-teacher conference- not that it mattered since I was a goodytwo-shoes in my class, and my grades, except for that dreadful math, were okish- and her phone was never on when my teachers tried to call her to inform her that I was ill and needed someone to fetch me home. Mom hadn’t been there for me when I needed her, ever since she decided that I had ‘grown up’ and could take care of myself, which was when she moved out of Grandpa and Grandma’s place, and got the flat nearer to her work place. Suddenly, there was a whim in my heart not to grow up. I wanted to stay in a state which was considered a child, and then my mom would return to my side, and take attentive care of me. I sighed, knowing that 27

it was impossible and far too late for that. Firstly, there was no way I could time back or be a child again. Secondly, mom loved her job more than anything. She wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give it up for me. Her love for me would be a memory. A distant fantasy, gone with time.

Chapter 12 I reached home mid afternoon, and after a long bubble bath, finally got into my regime of revising. That was my promise to mom, after all, my last bargaining chip if she ever decided to broach the topic of my grades and stop me from playing basketball with the boys, I could at least be in a position to argue back that I wasn’t neglecting my studies. Sky wasn’t in, and lately he kept pasting new signs of him being gone, like “Game in court”, “School” or even “Out for a sec. Don’t miss me!”. I laughed when I saw the last one on his window as I sat down at my desk. It was so typical of Sky to make anything sound humorous. I was halfway through my revision when his mother came in to tidy his room. I decided to be polite and wave, calling “Good afternoon, Auntie!” Sky’s mom looked in surprise, then came over to the window nodding with a smile almost like Sky’s. “Good afternoon! Little lady, you’re Sky’s friend?” She plucked the note off the window as I nodded. Her speech had a thick Chinese accent that was absent in Sky’s voice. “Sky’s happier. Thank you.” She did a slight bow and I raised my hand to stop her. “Please keep him happy.” I frowned at the strange request. I had never seen Sky upset over anything before, he was always so jovial it seemed as if nothing could affect his mood. I smiled and nodded, puzzled. “I promise, Auntie.” I smiled. “Sky’s my friend. I won’t let him be unhappy.” “Thank you…thank you…” She seemed touched at my simple words, even though I didn’t think much of it. She broke off, startled by the front door of their flat opening, and waving goodbye, went back inside, drawing the curtains. She seemed almost nervous, almost afraid, and I tried not to think much about her strange behavior. 29

Chapter 13 The next few weeks passes in a flash. I met up with the boys almost daily to practice. Josh taught me how to steal the ball and got me to try against Luke, but no matter how, the ball refused to go where I wanted it to, and every time I tried to sneak the ball away from Luke’s hands, I just ended up losing the ball even if I did get it away from him. Sky shouted encouragement from court side as we practiced, though I knew he’d rather have the guys play a proper game with him. I felt bad for taking up Luke and Josh’s time while they taught me, and often tried to convince them that I could use a practice match, so that Sky could get on the court and have a game. Sky was patient, and always got Josh and Luke to cool down on the training if he felt that I had practice enough. We also went out for movies and lunch, and the time I spent with them was the highlight of my day, and more often than not I found myself smiling for no particular reason, just that I felt light and happy. Mom had let up about my participation in ‘rowdy sports’, possibly because of the gradual increase in grades. Sky would often walk me home first, and rarely mom would be home, but if she was working on some important assignment, he would greet her politely, and smile even if he was met with a curt response of a dismissive nod. Sky seemed happy always, and whenever I was around him, my mood elevated tenfold - no, more, so much more! - and I enjoyed his presence. There weren’t awkward silences that any of us felt complied to fill in. Whenever we were silent, we would still feel as if unspoken words hung in the air, and it was peaceful way of communication. Sky would take me to the beach and fly kites, swim or cycle; to the mall and made faces as I tried on outfits; the playground and sometimes play with the children. The little girl that we had helped many weeks back, an innocent young girl named Tina, was particularly fond of 30

hanging around us, even if we had no sweets to offer. She would sit between us and listened to Sky tell stories. Sky stories were the most interesting; some might even think outrageous, kind. They were always of a particular unhappy boy called Tommy on his perilous search for true joy. Tommy would meet fairytale creatures like the lion and tin man of wizard of oz, Rapunzel and Cinderella, who would in turn guide Tommy in his quest for true joy with the morale of their own stories. “What do you want, Tommy?” His Fairy Godmother would ask. “Anything your heart desires, ask and you shall receive.” “I want joy.” Tommy said. “Joy that shines through my heart.” “Such joy is rare.” “I want it.” Tommy insisted. “it’s the only thing I’ll ever want.” “Seek and you shall find, Tommy.” The Fairy Godmother would vanish with a wave of her wand. “Seek and you shall find.”

Chapter 14 After jogging, all you want to do is to kick back and relax, preferably sitting on the armchair in my room with a cup of hot chocolate and soothing music playing in the background. That was what I was doing that late Saturday afternoon- till Sky bounded up to the window with Joshua and Luke with loud cheers and disturbing my serenity. The curtains were wide open and I was too comfortable to get up and close the windows, so I tried to focus on the music and ignore the noise emitting from the room opposite. “Scar!” Joshua’s ever cheerful voice disturbed my peace once more. “Hey, I didn’t know you lived so close to Sky!” “I live on an entirely different block.” I snapped. “And currently I’m wishing I lived further.” “Aww… Come on!” Sky pretended to be hurt. “I’m a jolly good neighbor!” “A noisy one too.” I stood up and turned to the window. “What’s so worth celebrating?” “Oh, nothing. Just another win for the all-star.” Josh pretended to wave it off, till Sky elbowed him hard and they fell on the floor wrestling. “Sky lost a game to Josh and now Josh’s so proud about it he can’t stop boasting.” Luke explained, side stepping the mess of limbs on the floor. “Sky owes us pizza.” “Break it up, guys.” I tip toed to look over Sky’s window sill. “How old are you? Mentally?” “He’s the under developed one.” Sky shoved Josh aside and stood up. “I bet I could win back the game if you played with me.” “Now?” I frowned. “Another time perhaps. You guys just ended a game.” 32

“Thanks.” Luke sighed. “I’m so tired I feel as if my bones are going to fall into a neat pile on the floor.” Josh slumped on Sky’s bed and sighed in agreement. I looked up at Sky but his gaze didn’t meet mine. Josh and Luke had great stamina, and didn’t tire easily. Sky must have been pushing them too hard. I sat back down on the armchair and turned up the volume for their benefit, then listened as they discussed the game earlier in vivid detail. Sky seemed edgy though, and I couldn’t help myself watching him instead of listening to the narration of the game. Sky kept casting nervous glances towards his room door, as if he was afraid of being in his room. “Guys, let’s go down for dinner ok? I’m hungry.” Sky interrupted suddenly, after the sound of his front door opening was heard. I frowned at his strange behavior. It was almost dinner time, and Sky always ate at home with his family. I felt a nagging feeling at the back of my mind, and realized that he hadn’t been doing just that for quite some time. In fact, he had already been bringing his meals to his room to eat as we chatted for almost a week. I hadn’t thought much of it, neither did I take into consideration his uneasiness whenever I mentioned how I envied his family being full and complete. I felt as if I was missing something, and as I pondered upon it, missed Luke calling my name, asking me for my opinion on what to eat. “Huh?” I shook out of my daze. “I’m fine with anything.” “You can’t order ‘anything’.” Josh mocked. “Whatever you guys get then.” “We’re thinking fast food.” “Proper meal?” “Value Meal.” “Seriously?” “Unless you’ve got a better idea.” “Fried rice at the back…” 33

The discussion was interrupted with Sky’s room door opening. Sky’s dad stuck his head in, gave an annoyed frown and stepped into the messy room. Sky’s dad seemed like a serious man, and he had a commandeering presence that made all of us fall silent. “Ah. The riff raffs are here.” Sky’s dad sounded as if he was greeting sewer rats. “Sky, your mother and I need to speak to you.” Sky nodded, then whispered a few words to Luke, who nodded in the same solemn manner, then led Josh out. A few moments later, the front door was heard. Sky’s dad stood with his back to me, and had an arrogant air around him as he watched the pair leave. I felt conspicuous, so I pulled my curtains shut. Sky seemed angry, and I felt almost afraid seeing his face cloud over with anger. I left my room with an uneasy feeling. Sky didn’t seem to like his dad. I hadn’t seen his father around much, but whenever I did, he wasn’t friendly, but spoke easily with English, a contrast to how Sky’s mom spoke. The tension in Sky’s room had turned from joking to nervous. I thought back to how Sky had brought up the topic of dinner when the front door opened. Did he know that his father would want to speak with him? Was his excuse of dinner just an attempt to avoid him? I stayed in the study listening to music and reading some magazines. I couldn’t focus. Something didn’t feel right. I snuck back to my room, and as I opened the door, I could already hear Sky and his dad shouting at each other. Embarrassed at myself for intruding, I closed the door almost immediately, but not before I had caught a few words that were louder than the rest. They weren’t pleasant, and Sky must had been really upset to be spewing such insults at his father. I had never seen Sky in a temper, and he sounded vastly different from the gentle tone he used with me. I returned to the study and stayed there till I drifted off to sleep, not daring to return to my room.

Chapter 15 Sky seemed fine after that. He would still smile and laugh and joke, but Luke would tell me that whenever I wasn’t around, Sky would be pushing them to practice basketball harder than ever. Sky just shrugged it off saying that it was good training. No one brought up the incident about Sky’s dad, though it was constantly troubling me. Sky didn’t want to talk about it, and I wasn’t going to make him. One day, was passing by the basketball court after remedial class and Josh seemed to be quarrelling with Sky. They didn’t notice me, so I took another route home, and avoided the court for a few days. Sky was becoming short tempered, and got frustrated over the slightest of things. I stopped texting him, and after a while, so did he. His windows were closed, and this time, with no “Be right Back” signs pasted on it. Sky needed time to cool down, and I gave it to him. Josh would sometimes call me, trying to get me to talk Sky around. Sky was upset about something, but he wouldn’t tell anybody, and just kept venting his anger on them, forcing them to keep practicing with him, till they couldn’t take it anymore. Sky seemed at lost whenever he saw me in those few times he drew his curtains, as if he didn’t know if he should try talking, and would end up turning away from the window, doing his work quietly. I would take it as a sign to excuse myself and stay in the study. Sky was turning into a stranger, and I was upset at myself for not being able to cheer him up nor find out what was, and could possibly upset the jovial Sky that much.

Chapter 16 Sky was waiting outside my door one Friday afternoon. Mom wasn’t due home for hours, so I invited him, but he refused, and said that he just wanted to go jogging with me, as I usually would after school. I changed and went out to meet him, then together we jogged in silence a few rounds around the field. As we passed by the playground, Sky would bend down and pick a bunch of little daisies, a few more on his second round and even more on his third. His hand was fully clutching the bunch of yellow and white daises, and I couldn’t help from asking out of curiosity what exactly he was doing. He smiled then handed half the bunch to me, and patted the seat beside him on a bench nearby in silent invitation. I sat beside him he finally smiled a genuine smile, one that I hadn’t seen in a long time. I hugged him on impulse- it felt so great to finally see him smile again! Sky hugged me, and I felt a few tears slide down his cheek. I pulled back in surprise to get a clear look at him, but he held me tightly, and I burrowed my face in his shoulders, letting more tears flow down from his face. I felt a little scared and helpless. What kind of friend was I if I couldn’t even cheer up my friend when he was sad? But the moment felt like it was inappropriate to do anything. No words were necessary. Sky’s sadness flowing from him like a chilling wind, and it felt so strange to see him cry. The joyful, joking Sky was breaking down into tears before me. It’ll be all right, I thought, as if he could hear. It’s ok… A minute, an hour, I couldn’t tell. Time seemed to come to a standstill in that moment, and all I could hear was my steady breathing and Sky’s soft gasps of breath between sobs, and the cold tears flowing down our cheeks. I stroked his back and cried his tears, in vain attempt to absorb his pain and release him from his misery. Finally, I heard his 36

breathing smooth over, and the damp on his cheeks dry. The sky was already setting, and I suddenly remembered another moment like this, us sitting on the exact same bench facing the playground, daisies in my hair, the sunset as our background. We pulled apart slowly, took a look at each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teary eyes and giggled like little children. The glow of the sunset emphasized the depth of his cheekbones when he smiled, and his face has an orange tinge that made him seem almost glowing. We sat there, arms still around each other for another moment or so, till he stood up and offered me his hand. I took it without question as he hauled me up, but held on to it as we walked the remainder path home.

Chapter 17 My answer came in a few days, in the most unexpected manner. While we were walking hand in hand back, Sky suddenly stopped short, his body suddenly tense and rigid. I turned and saw his father in a taxi that had just stopped across the road, and watched in shock as Sky’s father turned and kissed the lady beside him on the cheek before exiting the taxi. I was speechless. I watched as Sky’s father stood on the curb, waving goodbye as the cab drove off. His business coat was slung over one arm, and his briefcase in the other. As the cab drove off and Sky’s dad turned away from it, he caught sight of us, standing on the opposite curb. His expression was a mixture between guilt and shame. Sky recovered from his shock and turned back where we had came, and ran off. I went after him, mildly aware of Sky’s dad calling his name. The pieces fell into place as I chased after Sky, worried that he might do something foolish. When did this start? Was this what had been troubling Sky? When did he know of this? I realized the answer before I thought about it as a whole. The week where Sky stopped being happy, where the texting stopped, when Luke sensed something wrong, when Sky’s dad entered his room that day and their fiery exchange- no long before that, before the day his mom came to me with the strange request to keep her son happy. I had known all along something was wrong, something big, but never had I expected this. When my parents divorced, I was a child. I barely knew my father, so the loss didn’t affect me. But Sky grew up with his father. How different would it be? How much more did it affect Sky? How would he take it? Sky ran slightly ahead of me, and finally I put on the last burst of speed and caught him by his arm. “Sky-“ I pleaded, and was cut off as he shook his arm from my grasp. Sky’s father had caught up with us, and we were near the other 38

end of the field. I held on, and finally Sky’s dad called out his name. “Sky! Please! Give me a chance to explain!” He panted. “Ok, then!” Sky yelled, throwing his hands in the air. “Feed me another lie. She’s just a colleague right? That kiss meant nothing? The separation was purely lost of love between you and mom?” “Sky, I-“ “Explain it to me!” Sky yelled. “Tell me it wasn’t true!” “I can’t, Sky…” “I don’t want to hear it!” Sky broke off, then grabbed my hand and pulled me away from the sobbing man. We ran and ran and ran, till we were too tired to run and reached an empty car park. I held onto a black car for support, and heard the most painful sound ever. Sky screamed his anguish, pain, confusion, anger and hurt, his bitterness, his lost, his fear, and hearing his wail made me want to curl up and die. I bore so much sorrow that the sound hit me with so much force it could have been solid. He tossed his head up and wailed to the skies, his arms outstretched, and slowly sank to his knees crying, the agonizing wail dwindling down to a whimper. I had never seen Sky like this before, and it scared me. I hugged him again and cried with him, the two of us a scared pair kneeling in the middle of the car park, our cries echoing against the flats, making it seem like thousands were crying that haunting sound.

Chapter 18 We sat there timelessly, till a car drove in and horned at us. Sky seemed to stunned to move, so I had to tug him lightly and urge him to the side. He didn’t speak a word, his eyes were closed, his skin was cold to the touch. I sat with him, till he stood up in a zombie like shuffle and walked off without a word. I followed by his side quietly, and we continued in this manner the rest of the evening, till the sky was dark and the starless night enveloped us. Sky seemed to be moving without a destination, and I was getting a little fearful. Did he intend to walk all night? We were now close to a pavilion along Bedok reservoir. I hadn’t realize we had walked so far. I guided him to the pavilion as a light rainfall started to break through the cover of the trees. We sat in the pavilion and listened as the insistent rainfall escalated to a heavy downpour. After a moment, Sky started crying again, but this time, he spoke. His words seemed rush, as if he was afraid of giving himself time to think his words through or he would change his mind about speaking. He told me how he heard the constant quarrels between his parents, how he read his father’s text messages to his mistress by accident, how they quarreled over it. But he had never expected this- so close to home, so blatant! Sky had came up with numerous excuses for his dad, that he was just acting in a moment of folly, that for a moment he was ready to believe any lie that he was presented with. He cried till he was tired and had no more tears to cry, then fell asleep with his head on my lap. I stroked his damp face, wiping the sweat and tears away, combed his messy hair. His eyes were shut, but he wasn’t forcing them shut out of pain, but there was a serenity that I hadn’t seen in him in a long time. Sky was free of worry as he slept, it made me wish that he could carry forward this peace and forget all that had happened, to treat it like a nightmare. But that was impossible, this nightmare was cruel reality. 40

Chapter 19 Sky had calmed down much after his rest, and when I woke he was up and thinking. “Morning.” He called. “Morning.” I smiled. “Sorry about last night.” “Don’t worry about it.” Silence followed. Sky stood up and offered his hand to me, and we walked slowly to the direction of home. “I’ve thought about it.” Sky began cautiously. “I’m going back home.” “You sure?” “If things are as bad as I think it is, the one that needs my support the most now is my mom.” Sky seemed determined. “She needs me by her side now. No matter what happens.” “What about you?” “You’ll be there for me right?” He smiled. “I guess I’ll really need you support throughout this then.” “You can count on me.” I smiled back. “I’ll be there for you. Every step of the way.” “Promise?” “Promise.” Sky took a deep breath, and the both of us began the way home.

Chapter 20 There was a fuss when Sky returned. Almost no one noticed me standing there beside him. After a while of telling Sky how worried everyone was, Sky’s mom turned to me and thanked me profusely bringing her son home. I smiled and sat down with Sky on the sofa as he told them about how he felt since he was told of the separation, and that sense of betrayal when he saw his father being intimate with another lady. Sky’s tone was measured, his face creased with sorrow as he spoke his mind, and all I could do was to sit by him, holding his hand, nodding, urging him on. His mother bore the same pained expression. It wasn’t any better for her in this whole situation, but seeing her son suffer as a consequence broke her heart. His father however, had an angry expression, glaring at the floor. By the time Sky finished speaking, I could see a slight tremble on his father’s shoulders. I couldn’t tell if he was crying or shaking with rage. That short emotional speech seemed to have drained all the energy from Sky and he leaded against me, his head in my shoulder, his eyes closed and his breathing slow and soft, coughing a little. I left him in that state, patting his hand comfortingly. Sky's mom was crying quietly on the couch opposite us, and his father sat rigid for a moment beside her, then stood up angrily and flipped the coffee table over with a cry of rage. Tears were down his furious face as he continued his mad rampage about the living room, finally ending by banging his hand against the wall. No one but me seemed fazed at his sudden outburst, it was almost as if they were used to it. The color had faded from Sky’s face, and he was pale and cold to the touch. His breathing was regular and his eyes were still shut. I knew not what to do- in fact, I felt that I was more of a hindrance, and a little awkward- I nudged Sky slightly, 42

and his hand suddenly slid off mine in a lifeless motion. I gasped in surprise and took his hands. They were as pale as his face, and felt too cold. I held my hand to his check to hold up his head, and sighed with relief when I heard his reassuring breath. “Sky?” I thought maybe he was asleep, though the voice in my head yelled that something was wrong. No one looked in my direction, and I shook his shoulders lightly. Sky’s body slumped over mine, and as I caught hold of him, yelling for someone to call for an ambulance, I noticed a small spray of blood on my blouse near where Sky’s head had been. I remembered him coughing and realization hit me like a ton of bricks. Sky had been coughing blood! I shook him even more violently now, trying to awaken him. His father had called the hospital, and help was on the way. Sky's mom was at his side, calling for Sky to wake up, to tell us that he was alright. The ambulance came, and I went on it with Sky, clutching his hand close to my face. Everything passed in a blur. I paid little attention to anything else, my mind focused on the sole thought that nothing must ever happen to Sky. I couldn’t cry, just paralyzed by fear. I sat trembling on the blue bench in the waiting room. Sky’s parents had gone with the doctor, and I was told to wait here, even as I refused. I couldn’t help, just whispered urgent prayers for Sky to be alright. Its going to be fine, I thought, Sky, you’re stubborn and strong. You’ll be fine.

Chapter 21 Time passed by feeling like years and with each second I grew more impatient and nervous. Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. I pushed past the double doors ignoring the nurse’s shouts and ran to every room, checking for Sky. I head his mother crying some rooms down and as I slowed to a halt at the ward door, my hand resting on the door. I couldn’t hear anything other than his mother crying, yet in my curiosity and anxiety to know if Sky was ok, I didn’t want to see Sky all sickly. I didn’t know if I could take it if I saw him weak and frail. I had seen him break down, seen him angry, and seen him happy. Each time, his joy or sadness affected me almost as much as it did to him. I didn’t want to ruin the image of Sky laughing and joking around in my mind. I wanted him to stay as the jovial boy who joked around, taught me how to play basketball, cheered me up when I was upset. I heard a faint cough in the room, and pushed the door opened immediately. Sky was in a light blue gown and had a clear tube attached to the back of him hand. Sky seemed to have some life in him, rather than the sickly person I imagined. I sighed in relief and went over to hug in, making sure not to hit the machinery around him. “You ok?” I asked softly, taking his hand- the one without the tubing- and held it tightly. “You gave me a bad scare back there. Coughing blood and fainting.” “Doctor says I’m fine, just a little shocked and weak from catching a slight cold in yesterday’s rain.” He smiled, and I was seeing the happy Sky again. “Sorry for the scaring.” “Its ok, I’m just happy you’re fine.” “I am physically.” The last line was targeted with a pointed look at his father, who 44

still seemed like an angry man ready to burst out of control. “I’m still waiting for an explanation.” Sky’s tone was serious and angry. “Sky, please…” I began. “Let this go for now ok? You need to rest.” “I won’t rest easy till I know what’s going on.” “Not now…” A soft voice interrupted. Sky's dad finally spoke up, and I turned my attention to him. “Not now, then when? Does this even need an occasion?” Sky pleaded. “I need to know now.” Sky’s dad took a long deep breath and spoke in a voice so low I almost missed. I looked away, at Sky’s face, since I felt that I was sort of eavesdropping. But I had a promise to keep, that I would stay by Sky’s side. “Things between me and you mom had strained our relationship a long time ago, Sky. I’ve been having problems at work lately, and your mom and I weren’t getting on any better terms. I felt frustrated, and every night we would quarrel. One night I was out drinking with my colleagues, and I was drunk. I was blabbering all my troubles to Jennifer, and she understood…” He broke off, took a deep breath and continued. “I found myself liking her despite myself. I didn’t know what to do, but every time after your mom and I quarreled, Jenifer would be the first one I would turn to, and I guess how that started.” Sky had been quiet, but now he seemed torn between hurling accusations at his father’s explanation or maintaining his calm. I placed an assuring hand on his shoulder, and felt his body slack under my touch. He felt better that I was there, and I felt happy that I could help to make him feel better among this madness. “One day, your mom checked through my phone and saw the messages Jenifer and I sent to each other. She confronted me about it, and after a fierce fight, I thought you were the one who told her. After 45

all, you had been looking through my things a few days back, and were looking through my phone when I caught you. I went to your room to speak with you that day immediately after work, but your friends were there. It wasn’t appropriate to broach the topic, so I made them leave then tried to get you to confess that you were the one carrying tales to your mom, even though I knew that even if you did you were in no wrong, since it was my fault to begin with. You said you didn’t know what exactly was going on, but I didn’t believe you, and we quarreled for almost an hour. Remember that? After I stormed out of the house, I went to find Jennifer. I made an mistake, but I didn’t want to set things right. I continued enjoying her company, till yesterday-“ “I saw you and her acting all intimate.” Sky seethed. “Right in front of our own home. In front of me.” “I didn’t know you were there!” He argues. “So? You were just going to do it behind our backs?” “Sky, I-” “I hate you.” Sky’s words cut deep, and hurt so much that tears began to flow down across his father’s face. “Sky, don’t say that.” Sky’s mom and I tried to persuade him to take his words back, but thebitterness hung in the air, almost toxic. Sky’s dad lowered his head in shame and Sky took a deep breath then continued. “I hate you for ruining this family. I hate you for being unfaithful.” “I don’t expect you forgiveness-“ “And you might not ever get it.” Sky’s tone was firm. “But you made a mistake, and if mom is ready to forgive, maybe I will too.” I felt so relieved that I wanted to cry again. All eyes were on Sky’s mom, waiting for her to make that important decision. It seem like eternity before she finally replied. “Yes… I am.” 46

Chapter 22 Much has happened since then and now. Sky was learning to forgive; Sky’s father had learnt his mistake. Though they would never be the same happy family ever again, things were getting better. I had pulled my mom aside a few days after that incident, and told her all that had happened in Sky’s family. She understood, and was empathetic. I also told her how I felt about her continued absence, and she told me how she was just trying to make sure I had everything I ever needed or wanted, and she wanted to give me the life she never got to have, and along the way had gotten lost in the rush and responsibilities of her job she didn’t realize that she had stopped caring for me. The stress from her work made her irritable, and she couldn’t control herself from quarreling with me each time she was home. We reached a compromise to place family first, before work, and I agreed to place more emphasis and thought on my studies. Mom agreed that Sky was a good and beneficial influence to me, and often invited him over with his family for meals. Josh and Luke had been let in all that had happened, and they were supportive fo Sky. They made things light and easy whenever things got tense at home and Sky was in a bad mood and played basketball with us as usual. It felt great to have things back to normal- no even better now than before. Sky liked to give me little bunches of daisies from the field and we would make into daisy chains or rings or bunch them together like a little crown. “What’s with you and daisies?” I asked him one day. “I don’t know…” Sky shrugged. “I just find daisies particularly beautiful, in its own simple way.” “What about roses and violets, tulips and tiger lilies?” “Nah, daisies are enough for me.” He slid one behind my ear and smiled. “Its beautiful enough, just like you.” 47

I blushed in pleasure, and he cupped my face in his hands and planted a soft kiss on my forehead, breathed softly, then released me. I held on to his hands and smiled. Sky smiled back, happier than I’ve ever seen him before, and couldn’t help but laugh. We giggled like little children, sitting beside each other on the bench overlooking the playground, a pile of daisies surrounding us. The sun was setting again, and many times as before, I found myself admiring his beautiful boyish face, and looked into his deep eyes. “Scarlet…” He whispered in my ear. “Beautiful, beautiful Scarlet…” --- THE END ---

W h a tthe is

To find out more about the Young Author Scheme, please contact Catherine at Experiences & Experiments Tel 6336-8985 Fax 6348-8375, or visit www.catherinekhoo.sg

Every family has its problems; Scarlet and Sky are no different. Scarlet is the perfect daughter and student, but what she really yearns for is her mother's affection. Sky seems to have it all - basketball star, ace student with a perfect family to top it off. However, his happy family is hiding some secrets. How will they learn from each other that no matter what, family is forever?

I love to cycle, listen to music and munch on snacks. Pretty much your average teenager. I find it easier to write stories than speak to people, and in my stories I am who I want myself to be- be it in a magical realm where the elements are at my control, a secret agent lurking in the streets of London, or just imagining myself with a totally different persona- and the notebook I carry constantly with me are filled with scribbles or scraps of a story, based on whatever mood i was in, inspiration from anything and everything.

An Experiences & Experiments Books Pte Ltd Imprint ISBN No. 978-981-4320-33-7

Tel 6336-8985 / Fax 6348-8375 www.catherinekhoo.sg 52