Mau Kenalan Gak?

** Updated on 01 November 07 **

Something happened yesterday but I didn't blogged about it as I was busy preparing for today's Physics CA 2. The test is over and now I can write what happened yesterday.

I was with my friend (Let's call him Van) from Effective Communication eating at the canteen below LWN. He's from Jakarta, Indonesia. We were eating half-way when suddenly he waved to someone behind me. I didn't bother to turn around and look as after all, it's his friends. So after waving, he said something.

Van: Hey. Did you know that they are from Medan like you?

When I heard this, I turned around as I wanted to see who his friends were. It's nice to meet people from the place where I grew up in.

Me: Where?
Van: There! Those three girls over there.

Girls?!?! Did he just say girls? Is he trying to hint something?

Van: One of them is attached already.

I was thinking why would he tell me that.

Me: So how did you meet them?

And so we talked about the 3 girls. I looked at them but couldn't see their face as their backs were facing me. They were over at the Malay stall buying something.

Van: So do you want to get to know them?

Lol...what is this? Matchmaking?

Me: Haha...why would you say that?Van: Don't worry...they are very nice people.

Lol...

Then I saw that they finally bought their food and walked over to my side. My back faced them so they couldn't see me. Van, who was sitting in front of me saw them and waved at them! Oh no! He's really going to intro me...better do something fast.

Van: Makan di mana? (Where are you guys eating?)
One Girl: Di situ. (There.)
Van: Oh oke. (Okay)

Phew! He was just asking a simple question. The 3 girls walked past me. I didn't get to see them and I don't think they saw me. Even if they did, they would only see my back at most. Then suddenly...

Van: Oei! Mau kenalan gak? (Oei! Do you want to get to know someone?)

I almost choked on my food. What on earth was he thinking? I don't know how many of the girls heard him shout. Sheesh...it made me sound so despo.

Van: Dia besarnya di Medan juga. Habis itu datang ke Singapore untuk study. (He grew up in Medan too. After that he came over to Singapore to study.)
Girl: Oh gitu yah. (Oh I see.)

Shucks. Now I have to say something...I hope there wasn't any rice or sauce over at my mouth else, it will be a very bad first impression. I just wrote a 7-part story on some girl from Medan and now something similar happened. Sheesh.

I turned around and I saw her...

Yup...she does look like someone from Medan. Anyway, I better say something.

Me: Dari mana?
Girl: Medan.
Me: Oh...which part?
Girl: Er...yah Medan.
Me: As in...Medan mana?
Girl: Medan...yah Medan kan?

Lol...this is going nowhere. I rephrased my question.

Me: Jalan mana?
Girl: Oh...Jalan ABC.

She told me the name but I can't remember. She was standing behind holding her plate of rice and it's not very nice if I dragged the conversation any further. Then I smiled and she left. After she left, I continued to eat.

This incident made me think about the story I wrote (the posts before this). It's really a coincidence. Then suddenly I realized something...could her name be...

Me: Hey...do you know her name?
Van: Oh you mean the girl you talked to just now?
Me: Yah...
Van: Well...her name is...

I was listening...could her name be exactly the same as the lady in the story?

Van: Vindy.

I see...so that's how it was.

(Note to Vindy: It was nice meeting another person from Medan :) )
(Note to Van: Lol...you almost made me choke on my rice!!!)

She Likes Me? (Part 7)

It sure has been a long time since I last continued to blog. Exams are coming and project datelines are near…what more can you ask?

I guess this is the last part of the story. I just hope that no one will get shocked over this part.

So where did I finish? Oh yah…here it is.

We made our way beside the lift lest we block someone. It was night and the
breeze was nice and cold.

Me: Simple, you know my blog's address right?
En: Yes. Why?
Me: It has something to do with your question earlier on
regarding my answer.
En: Oh that one.

She looked embarrassed at the
mention of it.

Me: Well, I wrote the post titled "She Likes Me?"
En:
Haha...that one...
Me: Let's just say that that series of stories will end
at around part...

I thought of the number of parts I needed...

Me: Part 7...yes 7. I will tell you the answer by then. As Part 7 will
be the last one. At the same time, I will also tell those readers the answer.
After all, for the story to go until part 7, it's a lot of suspense don't you
think?
En: Haha...true...true.
Me: Well I guess that's my answer.
En: Yah...an answer that doesn't really answers the question.

We laughed. With that, we talked for a while more before we said goodbye.

I thought of what has happened from Part 1 until now and came to a conclusion...it
was there at the very start of it...I guess I was right...I just only need 7
parts to this story.

(To be continued)

Why do I only need 7 parts? Because the 7th part will be the last. Simple. How about my answer? Is it one of acceptance or rejection? I need not answer that question for a simple reason.

I don’t know how many of you noticed it, but it has all been but a story. Let me repeat…it’s just a story. I left some hints in the story to imply that it’s just a story.

One very obvious hint was that why didn’t she tag on my blog? According to the story, she knew my address right? Well, now you know why.

One reason why I decided to write this story is because it has been a long time since I wrote a long story (the previous one was “The value of honesty in a relationship”). The second reason was that I wanted to see how it will be like if I change from writing from a third-person perspective to a first-person perspective. It’s not easy I tell you…haha.

Honestly speaking, there is someone who I suspect may have feelings for *ahem*. How do I know? Simple. If she looks at you for quite sometime, then more or less it’s there. I decided not to pursue the matter or find out because the exam is near.

At first, I decided to stop quite early…somewhere around Part 2. It’s because someone I know asked why didn’t she tag on my blog if she knew my blog add? The answer was simple. It’s because it’s a story. That’s why I always replied by saying “Don’t jump into conclusions, wait until the last part.” Thinking back, maybe I should have stopped instead of keeping everyone in suspense. However, if I had stopped, no one would know how the story would end. I don’t know, each has their own reasoning. I hope that everyone enjoyed the story :)

It was fun writing this story. It was fun writing all my previous stories. Nevertheless, it’s time to study.

So I wish everyone all the best in your exams.

(Note: If I have a girlfriend, I may not blog about it :D)

She Likes Me? (Part 6)

Exams are coming soon and I figured out that if I am going to write the next part after the exams, it will mean that the next part will come after November...and that's a looong time. So I guess I will just continue.

Where did we stop? Hmm...oh yah...here:

(Note: This is the 6th part. Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4. Part 5.)

She walked towards the lift and I walked towards the bus interchange. I walked for a few steps and thought of the things that happened.

En: Wait...

Huh? She ran over to where I was.

Me: What happened?
En: I just wanted to say...

She was breathing heavily...I don't blame her. The distance was quite far from the lift to where I was.

Me: Take your time...no hurry.
En: .......

After a few seconds, the heavy breathing stopped.

En: I just wanted to say...
Me: ...
En: Thanks for accompanying me.

Fair enough.

Me: You are welcome.

With that En walked towards the lift while I walked towards the bus interchange. Like I said, En's a polite and nice person.

En: Stephen! Wait...

(To be continued...)

What could it be? Did something happen?

Me: What's up?

I sensed something...

En: You know the message on the folded piece of paper?

Oh that one...but what about the message?

Me: Uh huh...what about it?
En: I just wanted to know how you feel.

That was...I don't know...direct? She's asking for my response to that sentence...things are getting serious. I thought of loosening the situation by cracking a joke, but there are times when a man has to be sensitive and play along.

You see, I don't know what to say. It's hard...

Me: Oh...I see.

I tried to buy time as I know that in such a scenario the words spoken must be very carefully chosen.

Me: By the way, what time is it now?

En looked at her watch.

En: It's still early.

She didn't really answer my question. I looked at the watch and saw that it was around 9.40pm. That bought me only a few seconds but it was enough. I knew what I wanted to say...I just hoped I won't make a mistake. Before saying anything, I looked at her face. She really looks different. It may be the last time I see her dressed in such I way. Somehow I knew that she will not dress this way in NTU.

En: Er...so...
Me: Haha...relax...in case you don't know, we have been standing here like for the past few minutes. Do you want to sit down?

I guess those few seconds were still not enough, I need more time to think. This is very different from exam questions where you can skip to the next and the most write something on the exam paper. This situation involves emotions and that from a girl which I personally feel is something precious.

Personally I feel that it's an honor to have someone to like you. I mean you and I are just average people who dig his/her nose once in a while, but when someone likes you, it's a totally different thing. I can't explain it well...I don't know why...I guess it's a real complex thing. I will try again. When someone likes you, in that person's eyes, you are that wonderful man/woman who means a lot to him/her. So in a way...it's an honor to be that wonderful person in his/her life.

We walked and found a place to sit. It was a stone table. She sat opposite of me. Oh yah! I haven't asked if she liked the gift!

Me: By the way, do you like the gift?
En: Haha...it's the same huh?
Me: Well, until now I still can't figure it out.
En: Haha...take your time...I know you can...

You see, I gave her the same thing she gave me. A key chain. It's a different shape though and it doesn't have my name as you can't expect me to find the same key chain she gave with my name on it in such a short time. Nevertheless, I was right about one thing...the thing is that the key chain has a significance and I am supposed to find it. Girls...

I looked at my watch. It was 9.45pm. She must not go back late, lest her mother gets worried for her.

En: So...what's your answer?

We got back to the topic. I need to give my answer.

Me: I don't have much time now...
En: What do you mean?
Me: Before my answer, I have to explain something else to you.
En: Okay...so can we meet up some other day.

This time she initiated it.

Me: I'll contact you on the next outing.
En: Outing huh...

I guess she hates that word.

Me: Oh look at the time now. It's late...
En: Oh yah...I am so sorry to have made you stay until so late...
Me: No worries...I am fine...after all I appreciate you taking off your glasses for today even though it's hard on you.

She blushed...aw. She stood up first followed by me. This time I waited and walked along with her to the lift. I pressed the button.

En: Thanks.
Me: Haha...it's okay...it takes only a bit of effort to press that button over there.
En: Yah...but still you made that effort right?

Interesting way to argue.

Me: Okay...okay...

I looked at the elevator and saw that it will take a while for it to come down. So what should I do now?

Me: The elevator's coming...send my regards to your mum.
En: Okay.

"Ding"

Wow...that was fast...

The door opened I stood outside as En walked in. She looked at me and smiled. As the door closed she waved goodbye. I smiled and waved back at her.

Did I do the right thing? I guess my answer was still not ready yet. I rather answer later than answer now and make a terrible mistake.

I walked towards the bus stop as thoughts of recent happenings flooded my mind. Phew...a lot sure has happened.

All of a sudden, I thought of the answer! It was so simple! The meaning of the key chain...was...yes...yes that must be it! After all, that's the only reason I can think of. I got excited and wanted to tell En my answer, however, she's already back home. So I guess I can only SMS her.

My SMS: Hi...sorry to disturb you, but I finally thought of the meaning of your key chain.
En's SMS: That's fast...where are you? It's late already.

That's nice...she's concerned for me. However, I was too excited. I SMSed to her my interpretation of the key chain.

My SMS: Does the key chain represents...
En's SMS: Well...it's correct. I told you you are smart.

I couldn't believe the answer was so simple.

The key chain she gave was one without any keys. Why? Because it was not complete. What it lacks was one thing - a key. She gave this key chain to the one whom she thinks holds the key to her heart. Simple but deep in meaning.

Let me repeat that.

The key chain she gave was one without any keys. Why? Because it was not complete. What it lacks was one thing - a key. She gave this key chain to the one whom she thinks holds the key to her heart. Simple but deep in meaning.

My SMS: Erm...is it possible for you to come down? If not then it's okay.
En's SMS: Wait...I ask my mum first.

I finally decided on my answer already. Was it too late? I hope her mum allows her.

My phone beeped. I checked.

En's SMS: I am on my way now.

I waited at the lift. I don't know which floor she stayed but there was one coming down. I walked over to the lift and waited. I could see that the lift was almost reaching the first floor. I cleared my throat and waited in front. The lift door opened...

Me: Erm...En I thought of my answer already...

I looked up and saw an old man! The old man looked at me with those eyes and I smiled sheepishly. It was so paiseh lah...then I heard a giggle. It was En! En was behind the old man...lol. En looked different now as she was in her home clothes. Simple shirt and pants.

En: I didn't know I grew so old in such a short time...
Me: I am sorry...I didn't know you were behind the old man.
En: So what was it that you wanted to say?

We made our way beside the lift lest we block someone. It was night and the breeze was nice and cold.

Me: Simple, you know my blog's address right?
En: Yes. Why?
Me: It has something to do with your question earlier on regarding my answer.
En: Oh that one.

She looked embarrassed at the mention of it.

Me: Well, I wrote the post titled "She Likes Me?"
En: Haha...that one...
Me: Let's just say that that series of stories will end at around part...

I thought of the number of parts I needed...

Me: Part 7...yes 7. I will tell you the answer by then. As Part 7 will be the last one. At the same time, I will also tell those readers the answer. After all, for the story to go until part 7, it's a lot of suspense don't you think?
En: Haha...true...true.
Me: Well I guess that's my answer.
En: Yah...an answer that doesn't really answers the question.

We laughed. With that, we talked for a while more before we said goodbye.

I thought of what has happened from Part 1 until now and came to a conclusion...it was there at the very start of it...I guess I was right...I just only need 7 parts to this story.

(To be continued)

She Likes Me? (Part 5)

This is the 5th part. Enjoy. I won't write the next part for a long time as I have an exam coming up soon.

I stopped here the other time.

(Note: This is the 5th part. Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4.)

In short, she looks beautiful.

Me: Yah...yah. I heard what you said. You asked what time did I arrive right?
En: No.

This is the side effect of being stunned.

Me: Sorry...I was kinda lost.
En: Lost? In what?

Oops! She caught me. I better say something smart.

Me: Lost in that tutorial of mine which I did last night.

Nerd answer.

En: Haha...you still thinking about that? Well I was asking whether you are hungry.
Me: A bit. Why don't we look for a place to eat?
En: Okay.

So there I was with En as we find a place to eat in West Mall. How will our outing turn out? I am not too sure. Is she sincere? I can't say. What has she got to explain? I don't know. More importantly...why does she need an outing to explain herself instead of in the library?

(To be continued)

It was awkward since it was the first time going out with her. I looked at her. She seemed confident though. I guess maybe I think too much. To break the ice, I thought of a question from my "question bank". Should I use the "What's the square root of 2?" or the "If I integrate cosx what will I get?" or the "As we walk through the shopping mall, do you know the amount of friction between our feet and the ground?".

Finally after careful consideration, I chose one.

Me: So what do you like to eat?
En: How about you? For me, anything's fine.

You know, she somehow looked different. Unlike the En I knew. I even had to ask myself whether it was En I was going out with.

En: By the way, what's the square root of two?

Huh? What on earth is happening? Why the sudden weird question? Furthermore, it was from my "question bank".

Me: That's a weird question.
En: I agree...

She looked at me and smiled. Did she just read my mind and knew that I was about to ask her that? Oh my...I think she works for the CIA. Maybe she's trying to tell me that by asking such a question, I will look weird.

Anyway, we were still walking about aimlessly not knowing where to eat. I don't know what's her budget for dinner so I didn't dare suggest anything. If I suggest "Koufu", she may think I am a cheapskate. If I suggest "Pastamania" she may think that I spend too much money on food. You see, going out with a girl for the first time has its own equations to solve.

Me: Why don't we eat at Koufu?
En: It's fine with me.

Great. This equation was solved. We made our way to the top at Koufu.

Me: You said you wanted to explain something...
En: Oh yah...
Me: I am all ears.
En: It was Thursday night right when you called?
Me: Uh huh.
En: Yeah...when I picked up the phone, I didn't realize it was you. I gave you my number on the night of the concert, but waited for a long time. I thought you would never call.
Me: No...I tried to call you. In fact, I tried to call you on the following Monday night. But it seemed that your phone was engaged everytime I called.
En: Really?

She smiled. I guess when you tell a girl that even if you can't reach her, but at least you have tried, she will be content. At least that's how it was for En.

En: Maybe my phone was switched off.
Me: I thought you were having some intellectual conversations with your friends regarding the exam questions.
En: Haha...you think too highly of me.
Me: Well, you are in NTU and all NTU students are smart...
En: Haha...seriously...

We reached Koufu and looked for a place to sit. Ooh...just nice. There's a place there. En was in front of me and she sat down. I sat in front of her. It was a two seater. Should I order for her?

En: What do you want to eat? I'll help you buy.

Too late.

Me: Hm...mee tiong sim?

(Note: Mee tiong sim is a type of noodle found in Medan.)

En: Haha...well, if you give me the money to fly to Medan...
Me: I was joking. Er...how about you? What do you want?
En: Well...it depends...

Sheesh...so many unknowns and variables...how to solve?

Me: Okay. I'll take the mini wok noodle.
En: Okay.

With that, En walked off towards the stall even before I could pass to her the money. It's not very nice if she paid for it so I placed the money on the table.

As she bought the food I looked at her. Thoughts came to my mind. Thoughts such as, "What is the work done by En when she walked from here to there?". That was a joke. Seriously, I couldn't believe how things were turning out. It all started with an innocent trip to collect a box. The box led to her number. Her number led to a call and poof, here I was with her. She looked different, unlike the...

Eh...she just looked at me...

As I was saying, she looked different, unlike the En I knew.

What's that? She's buying from the same stall. Hm...no wonder she said "it depends". Oh she's walking over, I better place the money over her side so that she'll take it.

Me: Sorry to have troubled you.
En: It's okay.

Did she see the money?

Me: Here's the money for my food.

She looked at me. I looked at her. I looked at the money. I looked at her again.

Me: Why?

Then suddenly she laughed.

En: Did I look fierce? Haha...you looked kinda scared.

Sheesh...girls.

Me: Seriously, I feel bad if you don't take the money.
En: It's okay.

When a girl rejects you for the first time, stop insisting.

Me: Well, thanks.
En: You are welcome.

Before I ate, I prayed (in case you don't know, I am a Christian). When I finished, En said something.

En: You are a Christian?
Me: Yes. Why?
En: Same.

With that, she said a prayer and began to eat her food. She ordered the same mini wok noodle as me.

Me: So what was it that you want to say?
En: Well...I was happy that you called.
Me: Okay...
En: Then I told you to wait remember?
Me: Yes...
En: It's because I had to inform my mother that you called me.
Me: !!!

At that point of time, I almost choked on my food.

Me: What do you mean?
En: You see, my mum knows about you.
Me: As in...
En: She knows that I like you.
Me: Then why did the phone suddenly hang?
En: The phone wanted to play hangman.
Me: -_-

I guess I have found someone who really can talk at my wavelength.

En: Relax...I was joking.
Me: I know. Sometimes I do that too. Like in the middle of a serious conversation, say something stupid and see those faces...haha.
En: Really? Wow...I didn't know you were like that.
Me: Haha...I guess you'll find out. Anyway, please continue...
En: Oh yah, my mum hung the phone.
Me: But why would she do that?
En: You see...it was a...
Me: Uh huh?
En: Test.

You know, I just had 3 CAs and recess was coming. Having an unofficial test such as this was really the last thing in my mind.

Me: Test? Was it for "Motherhood1001: Preliminary Checks Before Going Out With Daughter"? Is it some new module I have to take?
En: Haha...I see what you mean.
Me: Well, I told you didn't I, I can talk crap sometimes.
En: Okay...okay...yah it was a test. I guess she just wanted to talk to you.
Me: I see...
En: She said that you are a polite guy and sensitive too...

I almost puke.

En: Most importantly, she said that you asked for her permission to talk to me.
Me: !!
En: My mum thinks that it's nice for a boy to ask the mother before talking to the daughter. It's like showing respect to the mother.
Me: Wow...I guess it must be some Hollywood roller-coaster ride.
En: Well...you can say that. I am sorry to put you through that. I mean...my mum...
Me: I understand. If I have a sister, I may do the same. I may even go out with my sister on her first date!
En: Haha...and what would you do?
Me: Make sure that my sister don't get bullied.
En: Your sister must be very lucky.
Me: I don't have a sister.
En: -_-
Me: Haha...you know you look cu...

Then I realised I was about to say "cute". It's too fast, better say something else.

En: What's cu?
Me: Cu...

I was racking my brains for another word that may rhyme with that new "cu" word I just created. How I wished I had thesaurus.com with me.

En: Are you trying to say that I am...

Oh no! She's almost getting it.

Me: Wait...
En: Why?
Me: Do you hear that?
En: What?
Me: Listen...
En: I don't hear anything. What did you hear?
Me: Oh...nothing. It was just someone cute who talked.
En: Oh I see.

Did she get it? Was my delivery too abstract like the derivative of some complex function? Haiz...engineers lah...what to do. Honestly, she's cute.

En: By the way, do you think I look different.

OBVIOUSLY! But it may be a trick question. It's so tricky that it's almost rhetoric.

Me: Yes, you do look different.
En: Different in what way?

Is she trying to fish for something?

Me: In a good way.
En: Well, I've never dressed like this before. I wore my specs all the time since small. But my mum told me to take my specs off for this dat...

Then she kept quiet. Haha...I guess it's her turn. I returned the favor.

Me: What's dat?
En: Er...

I had a feeling she meant "date".

Me: So what's "dat"? Is it like some new word we are suppose to learn for our MSE course?
En: ....er....

She's blushing. I felt bad. I decided to end this little trick.

Me: Are you trying to say...
En: I have something to say.

Wow...her trick is different from mine. I let it go.

Me: So what is it?
En: You look nice too you know.

That caught me off-guard. I began to stammer.

Me: Oh...ok...

You know that you look weird when you stammer with noodles in your mouth.

En: I think you better eat your food before talking...haha.
Me: Okay...

I was complimented! I guess my T-shirt and jeans wasn't so "boring" after all. Or maybe it's boring but the person wearing it wasn't for En.

We ate and finished our food. Then we thought of where to go.

En: Food is done. So where are we off to next?

Do I look like a tour guide?

Me: How about we just walk around?
En: Well...okay.

So our "tour" of West Mall began. She stood up from her seat while I stood up from mine. Then suddenly, she lost her balance and tripped! By instinct I grabbed her hand.

En: Oh...sorry...you see I...

Then she stopped and looked at my hand. What was I doing! Sheesh...it's so drama-ish. I let go.

Me: Sorry.
En: ...

We both walked out of Koufu silently. It was waaay awkward man.

En: That was why I was hesitant to take off my specs for this outing.
Me: Oh...so that's why.
En: Yes...but my mum said I looked better without my specs, hence I decided to take it off.

Aw...that's sweet. She did it for me. I was touched (even though no one touched me).

Me: Well, don't worry...fortunately I was there.

I tried to act like a hero and she smiled.

So we walked about looking at shops and items. Then she said she wanted to go to the toilet for awhile. So I waited outside. While waiting, I thought of an idea. I ran to a gift shop and bought something. Since she didn't want the money for my noodles, I'll buy her a gift. I bought the item and placed it in my bag.

She walked out of the toilet.

En: Thanks for waiting.
Me: It's okay.

So we talked about phonons, bosons, muons and the likes until around 9.00pm.

Me: It's getting late and I feel that you should go back home. Your mum maybe worried.
En: Okay.
Me: Where do you stay?
En: I stay near Boon Lay MRT.
Me: Wow...that's near.

So the both of us walked to the MRT. We were near the gantry gate where you tap your EZ-Link. Should I give her the gift now? Else if she passes the gate it'll be too late.

En: I guess it's here that we say goodbye.
Me: Goodbye? Since when was a "bye" good?
En: Haha...true. But nevertheless I need to go home already like you said.

Aw...she's blaming me.

Me: Well okay...enjoy your recess.

We waved hands and parted. She tapped her card and took the escalator up to where the MRT track was.

When the time was right and when she didn't see me, I quickly tap my card and ran up the staircase. Engineers can run too in case you don't know. As I ran, I could hear the "Doors Closing" message. Oh man, I better run faster. Then like never before, I jumped into one of the carriages and the door closed behind me. Phew. The people around looked at me. I smiled and waved at them. No, I didn't wave. I just smiled.

I looked around and there she was. I purposely took the carriage far from her so that she won't know I was in the MRT. She was leaning against the glass panel near the door while staring out of the window. Luckily her back was facing me so she didn't know I was there. I walked slowly over to her. There was an empty seat just behind the glass panel she was leaning against so I took the seat.

My SMS: So where are you now?

I looked at her. She took out her handphone and replied.

En's SMS: On the way to Jurong East. How about you?

This was the climax of it all...

My SMS: Behind you...

I looked at her as she took her phone and read the SMS. Her face changed totally and looked behind. I stood up and smiled...

En: Why you...
Me: Shhh...this MRT doesn't belong to you you know.

I don't know why but it felt peaceful and quiet.

Me: I remembered that you didn't wear your specs because of this date.

She laughed. I guess I lost the game. I said the word.

En: That's very thoughtful of you.
Me: Of course! Your mum said so!

We laughed.

We reached Boon Lay and alighted. We walked to her flat which wasn't far from the MRT. Surprisingly, her flat was quiet unlike the bustling and busy Jurong Point.

I have to give her the gift now.

Me: So this is your flat is it?
En: Yes.
Me: I guess this is the second goodbye huh?
En: Since when was...
Me: a "bye" good. You learn fast.

She didn't laugh or smile this time. I guess I know why.

Me: Don't be sad. Cheer up.

She looked at me. I felt sad for her looking at those sad eyes. Sheesh, it's just going back home. It's not like the end of the world or something. I guess girls can be emotional at times.

Me: Oh yah, I have something for you.
En: What is it?
Me: I don't know whether you'll like it but...here it is.

I took out a box with the gift inside. She took it and opened the box.

Me: So what do you see?
En: ...

She smiled. It was a good sign.

En: Thanks.
Me: You are welcome.

I looked at the time and it was around 9.30pm.

Me: It's getting late. Your mum is waiting.
En: I know.
Me: I think even without your specs it should be fine from here.
En: Yes...

She walked towards the lift and I walked towards the bus interchange. I walked for a few steps and thought of the things that happened.

En: Wait...

Huh? She ran over to where I was.

Me: What happened?
En: I just wanted to say...

She was breathing heavily...I don't blame her. The distance was quite far from the lift to where I was.

Me: Take your time...no hurry.
En: .......

After a few seconds, the heavy breathing stopped.

En: I just wanted to say...
Me: ...
En: Thanks for accompanying me.

Fair enough.

Me: You are welcome.

With that En walked towards the lift while I walked towards the bus interchange. Like I said, En's a polite and nice person.

En: Stephen! Wait...

(To be continued...)

She Likes Me? (Part 4)

It's the end of recess, are you happy? I am partly happy and partly sad. Happy because I get to see my friends. Sad because I think my friends don't want to see me. It's a joke.

Joke or not, recess is over. So instead of thinking about the end of recess, I will just continue with my story. Where were we? Oh yes...we stopped at this point:

(This is the fourth part to this story. Part 1. Part 2. Part 3.)

Then there was silence. I kept quiet, not knowing if she heard what I said.

Me: It’s me.
En: Yes I know. I heard that.

Oh good. At least she heard it. Now what should I say?

En: Wait a while.

Oh ok, at least, now I have some time to think of what to say. Maybe I should just ask her how her CAs were. Then maybe from there let the conversation flow. I waited for her to come back.

Suddenly, the phone hung up. What happened?

Anxious, I tried to call again. The ring tone was there.

???: Halo? Siapa tuh?
(Hello? Who is that?)

What on earth happened? The voice changed completely. The voice sounds like an aunty. Could it be her mother…?

(To be continued)

At that point of time, I thought I heard wrongly. I wasn't prepared to speak to En, even more so if it was her mother! Can you imagine the fright from it? Anyway, I had to say something as the other party has already asked who I was.

Me: Ini Stephen.
(This is Stephen)

Since she asked me in Bahasa, I might as well answer her in Bahasa.

???: Stephen siapa?
(Who is Stephen?)

Of course, she won't know who "Stephen" is as only En knows me.

Me: Aku adalah kawan En.
(I am En's friend)
???: Oh gitu yah. Kok gitu malam malam mau telepon anakku?
(Oh I see. Why are you calling my daughter so late at night?)

Yes! I was right. She is En's mother. However, I have another big question to answer - why did I call her? Was it late? I looked at the clock and it shows like 9.30pm. Personally, 9.30pm isn't late at all, but of course different people may have different definitions of late.

Me: Karna tadi waktu aku telepon En, En suruh aku tunggu tapi teleponnya tiba tiba mati.
(Because when I called En just now, she asked me to wait but the phone suddenly hung up.)
En's Mum: Oh gitu.
(I see)

So what's going to happen? Is she going to ask for my GPA next? I don't know, I just hoped that she won't interrogate me further. It was then that I said something.

Me: Tante...
(Auntie...)
En's mum: Yah?
(Yah?)

I was about to ask whether I can speak to En, but it may seem to abrupt and impolite. So I tried to phrase it in a different way.

Me: En ada di situ gak?
(Is En around?)
En's mum: Iya. Kenapa?
(Yes. Why?)

She didn't get the hint! Either that or she's just trying to make things difficult for me. I guess I have to be direct.

Me: Boleh gak kalau aku ngomong sama dia?
(Is it allright if I talk to her?)
En's mum: Dia kayaknya lagi sibuk.
(She seems busy now.)

Ok, I get it. It's a gentle "no".

Me: Oh ok. Kalau gitu yah gak apa. Terima kasih. Bye bye.
(Oh ok. It's ok then. Thanks. Bye.)
En's mum: Bye.
(Bye.)

That end's the short conversation. I called to talk to En and end up talking to her mother. How nice.

After I put the phone down, I thought of all the things that happened and tried to make sense of it all.

First, she says she likes me and gives me her handphone number on the folded piece of paper. It took me quite sometime before I could reach her and when I acutally reached her, she asked me to wait and the phone suddenly hung up. When I called again, it was her mum who picked it up. The conversation was tense and I was nervous. After all, it's her mother! I didn't want to be impolite and sound arrogant so it was very tense. You think of what you should say then when you actually say it you think whether it was too offensive or not. It's not easy I say. The conversation ended with a gentle "no".

I understand. Maybe I should just give up.

It was a Thursday night and En's mum said "no". So I thought maybe I shouldn't have called and just forget about everything. That was precisely what I did. Maybe En wasn't even sincere at all. Haiz...

Friday I only had lab. So the next day, I went to school for lab. After that I went to the library to do my tutorials. I know that to do your tutorials before recess starts is kinda early but I have projects to do during recess.

I went to LWN, my favourite place for study. Do I expect to see En? Not really. I kinda have given out on it already. So I sat there with my Thermodynamics tutorial. It was a question on what is the temperature at the surface of the sun. There were a few numbers given in the question such as the solar constant. If the same question was given before the Internet, maybe things would be difficult but now in the Internet age, all you need to do is Google it. I didn't do that as you can't say "The temperature at the Sun's surface is x degrees Celsius according to Google."

So I had to look through my notes and try to piece the formula together. I was trying to link certain parts of it when I felt something hit my back. I turned around and it was a crumpled piece of paper. Someone obviously threw it at me. I didn't have time for such things as the question was still in my mind. I turned around and looked at the formulas again. I thought to myself that if I use this forumula and link it with this other formula, then maybe it will just work. That was what I did and I solved it. I was so happy. Then suddenly, I remembered something. Could it be...

I took the crumpled piece of paper beside me and flattened it on the table in front of me. Just as I thought. There was a message. The message was:

"I am sorry for the other day..."

I read the message after solving my question. At that point of time I thought maybe it wasn't really her fault and that I shouldn't judge her by thinking that she's insincere. It won't be fair to her.

I turned around and scanned around for her. There she was, seated two tables behind me with one friend of hers beside her. She saw me and looked downwards. Was she guilty? Her friend beside her laughed. I think I know who threw the paper.

The ball was in my court. Should I walk over or just continue with the next question on my tutorial? If I walked over and they ignore me, then it will be very no-face for me. Then again maybe I should just try.

I took my water bottle which was empty (so I can act as if I walked past them to go to the water cooler) and the piece of paper and walked towards En. As I approached the two of them, En was busy going through her notes while her friend was smiling and giggling.

I reached the table and placed the piece of paper on the table.

Me: Is this yours?
En's friend: Haha...

It's obvious that En's friend did it. En was busy with her notes. I decided that I better don't disturb En after looking at how panicky she was.

En's friend: Yes it's mine. But I can explain.
Me: Okay...
En's friend: Why don't you sit down in front of us?

En gasped. Maybe I should sit and hear her explanation. But where? In front of En or her friend? Maybe her friend to avoid any awkwardness. It's good that her friend invited me to sit as I need not pretend to go to the water cooler anymore as they didn't dao me.

I sat down and En's friend started to talk.

En's friend: You see, my friend has something to say but she's...
En: Excuse me...I need to fill my water bottle.
En's friend: See what I mean?

En left for the water cooler leaving her friend and me.

En's friend: You are Stephen right?
Me: Yes. You are?
En's friend: I am Kathleen. Call me Kat.
Me: Okay...
Kat: She told me an interesting story...which I won't elaborate. If she want to tell you, she'll tell.
Me: Well, that was helpful...
Kat: She's my friend and I respect her secrets.
Me: I understand. I was just joking.
Kat: Well, it wasn't funny.

Now you know why people don't find me funny.

Kat: All I can say is that she likes you.
Me: I know that.
Kat: You know!! Oh my...

By then, En returned and sat beside Kat.

Kat: Hey, you are back!
En: So what did you talk about?
Me: Nothing much.
En: How was your day?

That's a friendly gesture.

Me: I had lab early in the morning. After that, I came to Lee Wee Nam to study. It was then that I felt something hit my back.
En: I am so sorry about that. It was Kat who did it.

Kat smiled.

Me: Don't worry. I realised that.
Kat: I think I am not needed here. Enjoy yourself.

Kat took her handphone and wallet before walking away.

En: I have something to say.
Me: I am listening.
En: It's with regards to that night.
Me: Oh...

I realised something. En was more vocal when no one's around. Maybe she feels that it's easier to voice her feelings and thoughts when there's only two people.

En: On that day...I was happy when you called.

That was kinda direct.

En: However, I had to...no wait...I don't think I have enough time here.
Me: What do you mean?
En: You see, I have a lot of things to say and I don't think the time I have now will be enough.
Me: Is it that long?
En: Yes. If only I had another chance to talk to you.

Was that a hint? I took it and helped her.

Me: How about we meet on Saturday? Recess is coming and I figured that you'll be free.

En's face lit up. I was right.

Me: So when would you be free on Saturday?
En: Let me see...somewhere after 5.

I understood. She wanted the outing to be at night. Of course I could ask why not in the afternoon or in the morning, but hey, it's a hint.

Me: So how about we meet for dinner?
En: That will be good!

You see, En was dropping hints through the conversation to make me initiate things like having an outing and a dinner. She hinted, I got it and more importantly I responded in the right way. I could have acted dumb and said something stupid, but I felt if En wanted to explain herself I should give her a chance. She's a smart lady.

Me: Okay. Then maybe we meet at 6.30 at NTU?
En: NTU?!?!

I can take hints, but I'll joke once in awhile.

Me: Haha...I was joking. Relax.
En: Haha...okay.
Me: For the place, can you decide?
En: Well...how about...NTU?
Me: Come...on...
En: Okay...okay. Where do you stay?
Me: Jurong area.
En: How about West Mall?
Me: I am fine with that. How about you?
En: Same.
Me: I guess that's it. So we will meet at 6.30pm at West Mall.
En: Yes.
Me: Okay, I guess I need to go back to my tutorial.
En: By the way...
Me: Yes?
En: Can I have your handphone number?

It's difficult for a girl to ask for a guy's handphone number. So instead of staring into blank space and say something like "I left it in the Physics lab", I gave her my number.

Me: Sure.

I wrote it down on a piece of paper and passed it to her. With that I went off and walked towards my table. As I walked I could feel someone touch my arm. I turned around and saw En.

Me: Huh?
En: You forgot your bottle.

Oh man...this is so paiseh.

Me: Oh...thanks.
En: You are welcome.

Luckily she didn't ask why I carried an empty bottle to her side and walked back without filling it.

When I sat down, I thought about what had happened. So far, En's a nice person. Oh well, I have to complete my tutorial and I continued working on it.

When I reached home I thought of what it would be like on Saturday night. What should I say? What should I wear? What should we eat? Will she misunderstand this and think that I like her? The aim of this outing was for her to explain herself since she wanted more time. Anyway, I decided to sleep and let the time come.

It was Saturday. I spent the morning preparing for my project. In the afternoon, I rested and took a break from studies. In the evening I studied the possible permutation and combination of all possible outfits I had from my closet. In the end, I decided to wear a simple T-shirt and jeans. Will I look boring? Maybe.

I left home and took a bus to West Mall.

I reached the place early. It was like 6.15pm. I walked about inside West Mall to scout for a possible place to eat. However, I don't really know En's food preference. Maybe I should just have a list of possible places. As I walked around, my phone suddenly beeped. I checked my phone and saw that it was a SMS from En! How did she know my number? Oh yah, I gave it to her in the library. You know, sometimes engineers can be forgetful with formulas in their head instead of simple details like this.

En's SMS: Don't move. Wait awhile.

Huh? It's not even the 1st of April. What's this? Okay...maybe I should just listen. So I stood there. Luckily I received the SMS in front of the M1 shop near the entrance so at least I can act as if I am looking at the handphones there. Imagine how dumb I would look if I stopped and stood at the escalator? I would jam up the whole queue behind me!

Then suddenly, I felt a tap on my back. I turned around and saw En. However, this time, she looked waaaay different from the En I knew.

En: Are you hungry?
Me: ...

Yes you are right, I was speechless. I didn't know what to say. First of all, she was no longer wearing specs. I guess she took it off. I didn't realise her eyes could sparkle that much. No there wasn't any glitter. It was just natural. Then she neatly tied her hair in some fashion which I didn't see before in school. And also...

En: Hey!
Me: Huh?

In short, she looks beautiful.

Me: Yah...yah. I heard what you said. You asked what time did I arrive right?
En: No.

This is the side effect of being stunned.

Me: Sorry...I was kinda lost.
En: Lost? In what?

Oops! She caught me. I better say something smart.

Me: Lost in that tutorial of mine which I did last night.

Nerd answer.

En: Haha...you still thinking about that? Well I was asking whether you are hungry.
Me: A bit. Why don't we look for a place to eat?
En: Okay.

So there I was with En as we find a place to eat in West Mall. How will our outing turn out? I am not too sure. Is she sincere? I can't say. What has she got to explain? I don't know. More importantly...why does she need an outing to explain herself instead of in the library?

(To be continued)