Sorry of the looooonnnggg delay. Been really busy.Anyway, here is the third chappie!
Henry yawned. He nearly bumped into the electrical pole, again. “God, why am I so sleepy today?” said Henry with half-closed eyes. Not even a Mamak’s spicy sambal could wake him up. Usually that will do the trick. It was suprising it doesn’t work this time.
He adjusted his sling bag. “I really don’t need this. First period is Physics and Encik Nazeem is the Discipline Teacher.” The image of the 40 years old teacher flashed in his mind. With a cane in his hands and a weird, disturbing smile plastered at his face, he is one teacher you did not want to feel sleepy at. For some reason, Henry started to hear caning sound.
Tang! Henry felt the cold metal pole made contact with his forehead, hard. “Ouch!” Henry rubbed his forehead in pain. He realized he was walking with his eyes closed a few seconds ago. Henry massages his forehead to ease the pain. “I’m going to feel that in the morning. Wait, it is morning.” Unfortunately, his lame jokes didn’t manage to ease his pain. The good news is, he was wide awake.
Henry grumbles. “Who is the genius who builds electrical poles here? Well, he was definitely a practical joker.” Henry sighed. “All this laments are not good for my health.” He continues rubbing his red forehead and move forwards.
Before he knew it, he was at the station. It was a busy morning as always. People were chattering. Shoes made contact with the tiled floor. The screeching sound of LRT wheels against the rail. Yes, it was your everyday normal morning. Henry went to queue at ticket counter. There were three people in front of him so it won’t be a long wait. A minute passed at he arrived in front of the ticket counter. He was greeted by a bubbly female worker.
“Good Morning! Where will you be going today? Said the bubbly female worker with a huge smile plastered on her face.
“Er...Masjid Jamek station please.” Henry was slightly taken back by her cheerfulness.
“That would be two ringgit and thirty cents.” Henry gave her two blue notes and a few coins. She took the money and gave Henry an orange ticket.
“Here you go and enjoy our day! Oh yeah, good luck with the red forehead!” the female worker smiles again before greeting another customer. Henry walked away from the counter. He could hear her cheerful greeting among the footstep sounds. He made his way up to the platform.
Henry smiled. That woman’s cheerfulness made him forget how rotten his day was a few minutes ago. Henry concluded that cheerfulness is what the world need right now. “I think that woman just got employed. I never saw her around here before.”
Speaking of cheerfulness, he hasn’t seen Michelle yet. That girl’s bubbly personality is like Henry’s everyday cup of coffee, it just made his day. Her cheerfulness knew no bounds. It was really rare to see Michelle being gloomy in the morning. “Please don’t spoil my day now by showing up gloomy, Michelle.”
Just as Henry finished his train of thoughts he saw Michelle. “Hey Michelle!” He waved his hand. Michelle looks at his away but something was wrong. Droopy eyes, limp posture, and no smiles to be detected. “No, it can’t be! Please be bubbly! Please be bubbly!” Henry closed his eyes and hope for the best. “Hey Henry!” “Heh?” Henry opened his eyes. Michelle was a few metres in front of him, waving at him. Her eyes were wide open and she wore her signature smile. Michelle literally skipped her way towards Henry.
“Good morning!” Michelle did a little salute. “Er..Good...morning?” Henry was taken aback by the sudden change of character. Not that he is complaining but something smells fishy. “Hey, what is with that puzzled look? Do I look weird” asked Michelle. “Erm...no, I was just wondering about something.” Henry faked a smile. “Oh, you look so funny.” Michelle giggled but it was obviously fake.
“Er..Michelle, are you okay?” Henry asked with a hint of worry. “Heh? Of course I’m okay!” She flashes him a big smile. “Okay, seriously, is something wrong? You are not your usual self today.” Henry asked again. Michelle’s face faulted for a second but it was noticeable. She let her head down for a second and look at Henry again with a smile on her face. “There is nothing wrong with me. Please don’t ask me anymore.” Michelle said in a calm tone. Even so, Henry could detect something was not right with Michelle’s words.
“Screeeeeech!” The LRT made it stop at the platform. People started flowing in and out of the carriages as sounds of footsteps fill the air. “Our train has arrived. Shall we go?” Michelle said without looking at him. “Ah...Hm...”Henry nodded. They entered the train together. Michelle maintained a certain distance from Henry even though it was crowded.
The train started to move forward. People staggered for a second at the momentum before regaining their balance. Henry grab holds of the metal railings to maintain his balance. He stole a glance at Michelle who was looking at the floor. “What is wrong with her? Why is she suddenly treats me like some kind of disease?” Michelle swayed slightly as the train picks up speed. She was not smiling nor frowning. It was stale. No emotions were present at her face. No happiness, no sadness, no anger. Just a blank stare at the floor.
“This is bad. Something is disturbing her but I didn’t know how to make her tell me!” Henry screams in frustration in his mind. “I wish I read Dad’s How to Make Friends and Influence People. That will help.” Henry glances at Michelle once more. She was empty. “Damn it! I need to cheer her up!” Henry inhaled. He puts on his best smile. “Hey, did you see the cute cat you saw yesterday on your way to the station today?” Henry said with all the cheerfulness he could musters. His attempt was an epic fail. Michelle looked at his face. “No, I didn’t.” She replied with a flat tone. “That didn’t work.”
“Woi, weirdo!” Henry heard a familiar voice. Yes, it was his nemesis. Wait, maybe not to the level of nemesis but close enough. Zati walk towards him with a sinister grin on her face. She saw Michelle’s expressionless face and looked at Henry. She frowns. “You freak! You harassed the school idol!” She points her index finger at him accusingly. “What? No I didn’t!” Henry tries to defend himself. Everyone around him are staring him with disgust. “Liar! Come Michelle, let us go away from this freak.” Zati took Michelle’s hand and tries to pull her away. Michelle pulls her hand back, resisting Zati’s tug. “Please, would you leave me alone?” Michelle gave Zati a big smile. “I’m in no mood today.” It was obvious Michelle was serious despite her smile.
Zati was taken aback by Michelle’s action. “Psh, whatever! Go with your freak friend.” Zati turns around and walk away. Everyone was definitely staring at them. At the corner of Henry’s eyes he could see people murmuring to each other but Henry couldn’t care less about them. Michelle is acting really weird. There is got to be something wrong with her. Henry just watched his best friend’s expressionless gaze at the floor as the ride continues.
*
School today was terrible. He got scolded for not concentrating in class. His assignment was rejected and he had to do it all over again. He was late for lunch thus all of the food was finished when he arrived at the canteen. All that plus Michelle didn’t said a single word at him the whole day. It was officially his worst day ever.
Henry walks out from the school compound. He let out a sigh. “Today was hell.” He leans at lamp post. “Well, I hope things got better after this.” Students flow out through the school gate, happily chatting with each other. Then, Henry spotted Michelle, still with her expressionless face. Henry exhaled. “Here goes nothing.” Henry inhaled.
“Hey Michelle, over here!” Henry calls out for her. Michelle broke from her expressionless gaze and glanced at the origin of the voice. A small smile appears on her face. She moves toward Henry. “Hey, you were waiting for me?” Michelle asked with a slight concern in her voice. “That was an improvement.” “Well, I was just looking for you because maybe you want to go to the Shopping District again?” Michelle looked at Henry in the eyes. She smiles. “Okay, but I have some business to attend to first.” “Okay, I’m cool with that.” Michelle turns around and glanced back at Henry. “Then, shall we?” Henry simply nods. “Yes, she is returning to the normal Michelle!” Henry cheered from inside of his mind.
They walked towards the shopping district without any exchange of words. Henry was afraid to say anything because he didn’t want to worsen the situation. Michelle didn’t wear the expressionless face anymore. She looks a little nervous. Whatever, it is still emotions right? Why is Michelle nervous? Henry didn’t dare to ask. The scene in the LRT flashed through his mind. It was scary and creepy seeing Michelle acting like that.
“Hey, can we stop at the Video Store?” Michelle said, still with her monotonous voice.
“Erhm..okay but what business you have there?” Henry asked her. It was weird for Michelle, someone who seldomly watch DVDs to have some sort of business at the video store. “Oh well, this might be a good opportunity to search for a new anime.”
They arrive in front of a small video store situated along the road towards Pak Ismail's Ice Store. Various posters of latest DVDs were plastered on the display window. Above the entrance was a sign that says: Classic's Video Store. A weird name for a video store but it works. Michelle went inside the store followed by Henry.
Henry was greeted by cool air. Air conditioning is always a treat during a hot day. That is the reason why he loves going inside air-conditioned shops for no reason. The video store was packed with rows of DVDs and Blue-rays arranged neatly on shelves. DVDs from blockbusters,drama,soap opera,anime, indie movies, you name it. This particular video store have it all despite of its small size. The service was great too which definitely surprises him as it is hard to get good service nowdays.
Henry watch Michelle browse through some Korean drama DVDs. She still has her blank look plastered on her face. Is she acting? Henry decide to just leave her alone for a while. He walk towards the anime section. His eyes browse through the titles. “Naruto,Bleach,Gintama,Toradora...Argh! This is the same stock as last week!” Henry sighed. “Well at least I save this week's DVD budget for other things.”
“Hello, Henry. Browsing through DVDs again?” he heard a familiar voice. He turns to the origin of the voice to see a familiar grinning face. The man's face was tanned. There were traces of acnes on his face. He wore a yellow shirt and cap with the store's logo on it. “Hey Amir. It was your shift today?” The Malay man crossed his arms and frowns. “The newbie that was supposed to work today call in sick so I decided to take his shift.”
“Oh I see. One question, why the stock is still the same as last week?” Henry asked.
“Oh about that.” Amir face faulted. “Our stocks were delayed because our manager just passed away.” “Heh? Seriously?” Henry was shocked to hear his favourite video store manager jjust passed away.” “Yes, he passed away this morning. He fell in a coma yesterday and passed away. His family said he died because of the new unknown disease. What it is called again?” Amir rubbed his temple, trying to think. “ABAD?” Henry recall the news he watch last night. “Yes, ABAD. He passed away because of ABAD.” “Oh,that was a sad ending for him. Send my regards to his family.” Henry replied gloomily. “Of course.” There was a pause. “Anyway, did you came here alone?” Amir asked in his usual cheerful voice, in hope to lighten up the mood. “No, I came with me friend,Michelle.” “Oh, that chinese girl? Didn't she just left?” “Really?” Henry said in disbelief. “Yes, she left before I found you-” “Do you know where she went?” Henry cut Amir off.” “Er..she turn to the left and walk away. That is all I know.” Amir was slightly intidimated by Henry's sudden change of character. “Thanks for your information!” Henry said before running off. “Henry, wai-” Henry left the store. Amir sighed. “What's up with him?”
Henry turn left from the video store and run. “How could she leave without telling me? Does she wanted to go to the Video Store just to leave me there” Henry was confused. Michelle was acting really weird today. He was worried of his friend's sudden change of behavior. Henry ran while dodging people who was in his way. His eyes scan the area in front of him for traces of a certain Chinese school girl.
Then, he saw her. About 50 meters in front of him was Michelle. Her ponytail and slim figure confirmed it. Henry stop running. “Michelle!” Henry call her name. Michelle didn't turn around at him. She didn't hear him. Henry call for her again. This time she stop walking but she turn left into an alley. “Wait, why is she going into an alley? There are gangsters in there!” Many unwanted senarios flashed through his mind. “Damn it, what is with you today?” Henry continues his running. He stop at the entrance of the alley Michelle entered just now.
For some reason, he was nervous. He took a deep breath and enter the alley. The smell was horrible. Foul odour attack his smell receptors, sending unwanted messages to his brains. Graffiti decorated the alley walls. Rats, dead or alive are everywhere. Henry was slightly shaken. The alley had a sinister aura around it. Why would Michelle go to a place like this? Considering her personality, she would curse this alley and leave as soon as her foot touch the filthy grounds.
Suddenly, he heard a cry. It was Michelle's. Henry run towards the origin of the cry as fast as his feet could carry him. When he arrived, he couldn't believe what he saw.
There was Michelle,pinned by a huge bald man in ragged clothes to the wall. The man's right hand was on her forehead while his huge left hand pinned both of Michell's hands to the wall. Michelle's face was frowning in pain. Tears flows down her red cheeks. Anger well up instantly inside Henry. Someone is molesting his best friend! Unforgivable!
Henry clenched his fist and charged towards the bald man. “Get off her, bastard!” Henry pull back his fist, ready to punch the bald man's shinning head. The bald man noticed Henry's gallant charge and release Michelle. Michelle dropped to her knees,sobbing uncontrollably.
“Ahhh!” Henry launched his fist towards the man's face. The man just grabbed Henry's wrist, effectively block his attack. The bald man shoved Henry to the dumpster. Henry's back connected with the dumpster. Pain surged through his back as he fell on his knees. “Bastard, that hurts!” Henry cursed the man and stood up again,ignoring the pain on his back. The bald man smirked. “You think you are so gallant protecting a girl? You made me laugh!” The man provoke his anger. “Why you-” Henry charged again towards the bald man. Before his fist could connect with the bald man's face, Henry feel air being knock out of him as the man's huge fist connects with his stomach. The bald man then grab Henry by the collar and threw him back at the dumpster. Pain surges through his body once again.
“Crap...” Henry muttered under his breath. He tries to gather the energy to charge towards the perverted man again but his body was screaming at him to stop. “Damn it...” He pant heavily. The pain at his gut and back intensified. He gritted his teeth to withstand the pain. He never been to a streetfight before. How the hell should he knows how to beat the crap of a guy who is litteraly twice his size.
Bald man laughed. “Pitiful brat.” He turn towards the sobbing Michelle. “Now, where were we?” Michelle look at the man with fear in her eyes. “No.Please no more!” Michelle cried as more tears falls down her even redder cheeks. She held her hands in front of her defensively. “Go away! Don't touch me!” She scream again. “But I have complete the ritual.” The bald man grab Michelle's hands. “Let go of me yo-” The man pull Michelle up and slam her to the wall. He grab her throat,choking her. Michelle open her mouth to scream but no sounds came out. The man grab her forehead again. Michelle eyes widen as a huge surge of pain entered her.
“Aaahhhh!” She screamed. Her eyes were widen and filled with pain. She tries to break away from the man's grasp but it was futile. The man is too strong for a girl like her. The man grab her forehead tighter making Michelle scream louder.
Henry watch the scene in disbelief. Anger welled up inside him but his body won't hear his orders. He gritted his teeth to control his rage and fury. His face was so hot, he swore he saw steam rising from it. He scan the area around him. He saw a wooden stick not far from him. He crawl towards the stick and grab hold of it. He forces his body to stand up. He readies his weapon and charge once more towards the man. The bald man was so busy doing his so called ritual that he didn't notice Henry's charge towards him. Henry lift the stick above his head. “Take this bastard!” He swung the stick down at the man's head. The man staggered forwards and let go of Michelle. Michelle stop screaming and slid down to the ground. Her eyes were still wide and filled with fear. Her breath was laboured and more tears fall down her cheeks.
Henry's victory was short lived when the bald man turn towards Henry, black void eyes filled with rage. “You insolent brat!” He grabbed Henry by the collar. Henry's feet left the ground. The wooden stick fell down to the ground. “You are going to pay for that!” The man swung Henry and threw him at the wall. Henry's back made contact. His vision was distorted for a while. He became dizzy of the pain surging through his body. The man's strenght was incredible. To lift a high schooler with one hand and throw him to the wall with such force was super-human indeed. Who is this guy?
Henry feel the huge hands at his collar again. His feet leave the ground once more.The bald man stare at him with his dark eyes. “W..W..What do y..y..you want w..w..with Michelle.” Henry said. Fear is making him harder to speak. The man smile. “She will be an important person of the future.” “The f..f..future?” “Yes, she will change the world as we know it.” The man said,smirking. The man's eyes scans him and he smiles. “I have been searching for someone like you. I thought I need to search far and wide for someone like you but you came for me.” He chuckles. “How lucky am I.”
This man is making Henry sick to the stomach. All the thing he says was disturbing. He was a total lunatic! Before Henry could reply, the man's right hand slammed into his forehead. “Go and keep it for me.” Instantly after the man finished his sentence, pain surges through him. The pain he felt before was overwriten by even more excrutiating pain. A flood of emotions ran through his head. His brain feels like it have been struck by a train. The side of his head were pounding. He saw a myriad of colours,swirling and dancing, obscuring his vision. His body feels like it was being ripped apart hundreds of times.
Suddenly, the pain stops. His vision came back at him. He saw the man again but this time, his eyes were red. Before he could gasp of the horror, the pain returns. Weird images and sounds attacks his mind.
“Will you be my friend?” “Henry, they are just being playful” “We are moving to Malaysia!” “Weirdo! Freak!” “Hey, I'm Michelle.” “Hello,good day to you.” “Open your text book to page five.” “King of Ice-cream!” “Manager had passed away.” “ABAD is killing people.” “Please,No more!” “AAAHHHH!”
Henry was disoriented. All of his memories flashes through his eyes. Is he going to die? Henry gritted his teeth as the pain intensified. He let out a painful scream. His brain feels like it had been squished and juiced. He was exhausted. Then, he heard a gun shot.
The pain stopped. He fell down on his butt. He heard the bald man's scream with several other voices. “Stop, we are the police!” He heard footsteps and more gunshots. His vision was still distorted. Weird colours obscured his vision. He tries to look at Michelle but his vision was too distorted. He feel a presence near him. “Hey kid, are you okay?” said the presence. Henry tries to reply but no sound would come out of his mouth. His energy were rapidly drained. Soon, his vision gradually turns black. Before he passed out, he heard an unfamilliar voice. “What a weakling.”
*
Friday, August 20, 2010
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Chapter 2:An Ice cream Madness
Finally, chapter 2 is out! This chapter is basically a filler chapter, just to finish Henry's ordinary day at school. I promise chapter 3 will get the story moving. Anyway, enjoy!
Chapter 2: An Ice-cream Madness
The school bell rang. Loud cheers was heard through the Form Four corridor. Students started flowing out of their classrooms. The silent corridor was bustling with life once more. Only teacher's pets stayed back to have a chat with the teachers.
Henry walked out of the classroom and sighed heavily. "God, I hate Maths." "You shouldn't say that." Michelle popped right beside me. "Heh? Why is that?" Michelle grined. "Because I love Maths and it is my true forte!" She showed a thumbs-up. "Whatever. I'm not supposed to talk to you remember?" Henry flashed an evil grin. "H..Hey! You're still at it?" "Not talking until I got my ice-cream." He walked away. "H..Hey! Wait for me!" Michelle chased after Henry.
They walked down the stairs, through the corridors until they arrived at the school gate. It was a remarkable sight at the school gate. Student walking out of the school, smiling and happily chatting with each other. Happy that they survived a day's worth of torture one more time. He also saw a few couples snugling with each other, holding hands and enjoying each others company. Henry remembered it is April. 'Heh. Spring love but here, there is no spring. Tropical love maybe?' Henry walked out the gate with Michelle. 'I wonder when can I get a girlfriend? Considering the gossips in school, it might be almost impossible. Well, unless...' Henry looked at Michelle. 'Wait. What the hell I was thinking!' Michelle looked at him. "What is with you? Staring at my face?" Michelle said, annoyed. "Heh? Well, nothing really." Henry escapes her glare, trying to hide his blush.
"Well since you want your ice-cream so much, let's go to Pak Ismail's. My treat." said Michelle. Henry smiled. He like the sound of 'my treat' It was music to his ears. "Well, if you insist." He was smiling from ear to ear. "What are smiling so wide for?"
They walked towards the direction of the station but rather than going straight to the station, they took a detour to the left towards the famed "Student Heaven Shopping District" Well the shopping district was no different than any other shopping district. It was just smack right in the middle of the KL's Golden Triangle of Education (Henry wondered who was giving all this stupid nickname) which consist of Kuala Lumpur's Bestari School, Kuala Lumpur Girl's School and Tunku Abdul Rahman Academy. It was the student's favorite hang out place after school. Students from all three school would come to this famed shopping district to hang out with friends. Couples would go to restaurants, girls would go window shopping, boys would go to the cyber cafe, nerds will go to the Comic Corner, and delinquents will stroll the street acting all high and mighty. Henry and Michelle came to this shopping district on a daily basis. Most of the time, they would go to Pak Ismail's Ice-cream store.
Henry and Michelle walked down the streets while happily chatting with each other. They passed the Dvd store, several mamak stalls, the cyber cafe and the Comic Corner before arriving at a small white store situated at the end of the shopping district. There was a colorful sign board above it with words 'Pak Ismail's Ice-cream Palour.' Below the store's name was a writing with a smaller letter that says: Best Ice-cream in Town! To tell the truth, Henry thinks the slogan is right. Pak Ismail's ice-cream taste more original and thus tasty than most of the branded ice-cream out there. Maybe because it has a homey feel to it?
"Come on! What are you waiting for?" Michelle was already at the store's entrance, waving at him. He snapped out from his thoughts. "Uh..yeah. Wait for me." Henry hurried to join her.
Upon entering the store, he was greet with air conditioned room. Cold and nice. Malaysia is a tropical country where it is hot and humid. Having a nice cold, air conditioned room was a treat. The store was not so small in the inside.There was a white counter with a cash register on top of it. Next to it is where the ice-cream were displayed. A huge variety of ice-cream was displayed from the classic chocolate and vanilla to the exotic durian flavor. A price listing were displayed above the counter with mouth watering illustration. There were a few people inside most of them were students.
Both of them sat at a table at the corner of the store. Michelle pull out a ten ringgit note. "Quick and decide what you want." Henry took the note. "Are you sure?" Michelle sighed. "You always treating me ice-cream so I'll return the favour." She let out a smile. Henry smiled back. "So want will you be having?" asked Henry. "Michelle eyed the menu. "Just give me durian ice-cream with waffles." Henry was baffled. "Durian Ice-cream with W...Waffles?" "Yeah, what is so weird about that?" Michelle raised an eyebrow. 'She is adventerous today...' "Whatever, it is your money." Henry scanned the menu. "I'll just take Pistachios then." Henry walked away. "Be right back."
Henry walked at the counter. There was a woman in her 20's at the counter. "Welcome! Can I take your order? Wait. Henry?" She paused. "Oh,it is you. Sorry.Sorry. Didn't realize it was you." she grinned sheepishly. "Hi Farah. Where is Pak Ismail?" The woman turned her head around. "I don't know. Maybe he went out for abit." That old man. Pak Ismail, he knew him ages ago since he was a kindergaten. He was his father's lecturer during his father's college days. He opens an ice-cream palour after he retired.Although he is a kind person but his behavior can be a little erratic at times.
"Well, may I take your order?"
"I'll have the Pistachio Paradise and Durian Ice-cream with..waffles.."
"Waffles? Wait,that is Michelle's order right?" asked Farah. Henry just nooded. Farah sighed. "It is the time of the month right?" Henry was startled. "Er...I don't know.."Henry said. "Whatever, that will be RM 10.50." Farah punched the cash register. Henry gave Michelle's ten ringgit note and his spare 50 cents to Farah. "Thank you for you purchase. I will bring your ice-cream in a minute. Remember Pak Ismail's Ice-cream is best in town!" Farah flashed a smile. There was a pause. "You know that is chessy right?" "Blame the old man. He said it will grant customer's satisfication."
Henry walked back to his table. Michelle was circling her fingers on the menu at the table. "I'm back. Miss me?" Henry flashed a smile. "You were too long. I'm bored." "But I just went away for like 3 minutes." Henry sat on his chair. "Whatever. I'm bored nonetheless." replied Michelle annoyed.
"Here is you order." Farah appeared beside their tables with two bowls on each hands. One bowl has green Pistachios Ice-cream while the other has yellow ice-cream with waffles. "One Pistachios Parade and one durian ice-cream...with...waffles." Farah glanced at Michelle. "Why you ordered that is the first place?" Michelle looked at Farah. "Oh hey Farah. Nice meeting you here." "Oh hey.Well I work here." Farah smiled. "Wait..Hey answer my question!" said Farah,annoyed. "Don't know. I just feel like it. Now give me my ice-cream!" "Wait, you seriously want to eat this crime of nature? Are you mad woman?" said Farah holding the bowl away from Michelle's grasp. "Crime of nature? It's just ice-cream!" Michelle exclaimed. She reached out for the yellow coloured crime of nature. Farah pulled back the bowl at the last second making Michelle to land on the floor.
"What is your problem Farah? I paid for it!" Michelle said in an irritated tone. "Well I am going to give you if you didn't try to pounce me!" "Pounce? I was trying to get my ice-cream!" Michelle stood up. "Ice-cream? It is a crime of nature!" "It is just an ice-cream with waffles. Come on I'm hungry!" "I was just going to give it to you!" "Then why you didn;t give it to me?" "Then stop screaming!" 'You scream first!" "No you!" "You!"
Henry sighed. He facepalmed himself for the effect. He knew this is going to happened. It is not the first time Farah and Michelle fought over something. He must admit, it is kind of amusing. A little entertainment won't hurt. "Well hello there." said a kind warm voice. They turned to the origin of the voice. The voice came from a smiling old man wearing a striped shrit and black pants. His spectacles and balding head seems to glint for a second. It was Pak Ismail, the owner of this shop.
"Erhm..well she.." Farah tried to explain before Michelle cut her for. "She wouldn't gave me my ice-cream" Pak Ismail looked at Farah. "Well, Farah will you please give this young lady her ice-cream." he said with a kind tone. "But sir...she ordered something er....unacceptable." "Well nothing is acceptable in our restaurant. The customer is always right." Pak Ismail flashed a smile at Michelle.
"Well then, is this right sir?" Farah showed the bowl of yellow ice-cream with waffles to Pak Ismail. "Hm?" Pak Ismail took a look at the bowl. He froze. "W..W..What is this?" his tone changed. "This...This..is..Madness!" Henry chuckled at that cliche' phrase. "I am sorry but this is unacceptable. We will replace your order." Pak Ismail said in a serious tone. He snatched the bowl away from Farah's hands "I'm going to throw it away." "No! You can't!" Michelle grabbed for a spoon. She strike a pose for dramatic effect and quickly took a spoonful of durian ice-cream and waffles. "Behold! The power of Durian and Waffles!" Henry facepalmed himself again. She move the spoon slowly into her mouth for even more dramatic effect. She took a bite. There was an awkward pause. A minute passed with the three of them starting at Michelle.
Henry suddenly became worried. "Hey,Michelle?" Henry waved his hand in front of her. No response. Henry frozed. The crime of nature did this. "Hey..Hey..wake up!" said Henry, his voice became more and more worried. The spoon dropped to the floor.
"Hey, Henry.."said Michelle in a weak voice. She stared the floor. Her hair obscured her eyes. She looked at Henry with huge watery eyes. "The thing is so,so,so GOOD!" she practically screamed at his face. Her eyes resembles the eyes of a girl in an anime he watched. "Heh?"
Michelle clasped her hands together. "The creamy, exotic flavour of the durian compliments the crispy hand-made waffles. Together they create heaven in your mouth." For some unknown reason, ray of lights shone upon Michelle. Henry could have swore he heard choirs' 'ahhs'. 'What is happening?' Michelle spread her arms. "Everyone who had suffered sadness and depression in this world. Fear not! Salvation is here! Savour your taste buds to this piece of heaven!" said Michelle in a heroic manner. Henry facepalmed himseld for the third time in 5 minutes.
"This is blasphemy!" Pak Ismail bursted. "There is no way that crime of nature is salvation! This is totally absurd!" He eyed the crime of the nature slash salvation in his right hand. The yellow ice-cream had began to melt. The waffle no longer stood up on the ice-cream. An extra spoon laid on the table. For no reason, the spoon was slightly glowing to highlight it. 'Must not resist to temptation.' Pak Ismail gulped.
"Taste it Pak Ismail. You will not regret it." said Michelle in a zombie-like fashion. "N..No I will not taste it." He looked at Michelle. He switched to the crime of nature. Then, to the extra spoon on the table which glowed a little bit brighter for emphasis. He looked at Michelle. Crime of nature. Spoon. Michelle. Crime of nature. Spoon. "Taste it.." His inner demon taunted him. Michelle. Crime of nature. Spoon.
"Argh!" Pak Ismail screamed. He knew his manly pride will suffer from this action for he couldn't resist the temptation. He took the extra spoon and scooped the ice-cream dramactically. He held the spoon in front of his mouth. He sent a death glare to the piece of ice-cream in front of him. "Finishing Move!" Pak Ismail said dramactically. Henry facepalmed again. "Pak Ismail's Chomp!" he shoved the ice-cream inside his mouth and close his mouth quickly. There was a pause. The tension was thick. Farah waited in anticipation. Michelle was hypotized by the ice-cream. Everyone was staring at the noisy group. Henry felt all of this was a big cliche'.
Suddenly, Pak Ismail's eyes began to water. The spoon dropped. "That is amazing!" Pak Ismail's eyes glittered. He hold the already-melted ice-cream to the air. "Everyone! From this day forward, this item will be on Pak Ismail's Ice-cream Store Menu as Premier Ice-cream! I shall called it..." "The King of Ice-cream!" Michelle cut Pak Ismail off. "That's it! The King of Ice-cream!" For some reason, people started to clap and cheer. 'What is happening to the world?' Henry had his fifth face palm of the day.
*
Henry entered his house and closing the door behind him. He let out a sigh. "What a day." The ice-cream mayhem ended when Pak Ismail officially made that ice-cream waffles combo into the menu. Seriously, what is so weird about durian ice-cream with waffles anyway? Sometimes he couldn't understand people. Always thinking everything is special but the truth is, everything is perfectly normal. Yeah, perfectly normal. He liked that.
Today was abit hectic but nothing out of the ordinary. At least Michelle is happy eventhough his forehead hurts after continueus face palms. He waited for her to regain her sanity before making their way home. They reached their stops when the sun is going to set. That was quite late for a student.
His house was your average Malaysian terrace. It has two floors, a small porch and an even smaller back lawn. The interior decorations was simple. Maybe it is because both of his parents are such workaholics that they are too busy to decorate the house properly. Even so, the house is still clean and tidy.
Henry walked pass the living room and the dining room. The living room was tidy except for the opened newspaper on top of the coffee table. The dining room was quite and empty despite it is already dinner time.
"Ah, Henry. You're back." he heard a female voice.
"Oh, Hi mom. Sorry for being late." In front of him, standing at the kitchen's doorway was his mother, Mrs. Karen Edgewhite. His mother was as the same height as him. She was thin and her skin was pale yellow. Her hair was straight and stops at her shoulders. She was wearing a t-shirt that says 'Life is a dream' and light blue shorts. She holds a coffee mug at her left hand. She was smiling but her eyes were half-opened signifying her tiredness.
"I'll let you out of the hook this time just because I'm tired." she took a small sip of her coffee. "The darned editors didn't like my storyline and said 'It does not fit with our culture' crap. So, I need to rewrite the whole thing again-in one night." she said with a frustrated tone. "God, they are crazy." she took another sip of her coffee.
Henry let out a chuckle. His mother works as a freelance writer, writing short stories to local magazines and newspapers. His mother was half-chinese which explains the pale skin tone. Her mother was a Malaysian but she moved to America to marry his grandfather. His mother met his father in a diner where his mother works and two years later, they got married. Henry was born in America and stayed there for five years. When his father got an assignment in Malaysia, they came to Malaysia. At first, they wanted to stay here until his father's assignment was finished but his mother insisted they moved to Malaysia. His father agrees and the rest is history.
"Well, good luck with your work mom."
"Thanks for the encouragement. I really need that." his mother said. Her words seems to have an air of sarcasm around it. His mother also has a knack for sarcasm. He wondered if sarcasm really a family trait?
"Dinner is on the stove. I made Chicken Curry. Be grateful, I'm sure you didn't want more Maggi for dinner. Now, my work calls." she said before climbing up the stairs.
"Thanks mom!" Henry walks into the kitchen and towards the stove. He opens the pot's cover and a nice aroma greets him. "Finally, a proper dinner." Henry went over to the dishwasher. Henry caught a glimpse of a yellow can in the sink. He checked the can label. The can had a picture for a cartoon chicken giving a thumbs-up. Across it's chest was 'Instant chicken curry' writen is bold black letters. Henry squited his eyes in annoyance. "Instant curry.Yey...another instant dinner." He sighed. He wondered how his mother can survive on instant foods for so long and can still be healthy. All these time, his father was the main cook of the house. Too bad, he usually came home late so its good bye to his proper dinner. Henry let out another sigh. "I guess its instant dinner again."
*
"That instant curry was good. Even though, its instant." Henry flicked through channels while talking to himself. After having an oddly satisfying dinner, he had a refreshing bath and finish his homework. Now, he just flipping through channels hoping to find something decent over the local television network which is near to impossible. He cursed his father's tardiness for paying bills. Now, he need to suffer nights without satelite television. He just finished his newest anime recently and found no reason to watch older animes even though he was bored to death.
Henry sighed. "They really need to put something interesting into the local television programmes sooner or later. I'm sick of reality shows that involves singing or dramas with evil women." Henry continue his laments. He changes the channel again.
"-reported that a new disease had appeared right here is Kuala Lumpur." "Heh?" The news was on. There was a line of text at the bottom of the screen that says: Mysterious Deaths caused by weird disease. The anchorman continues. "So far, there are three confirmed deaths associated with this weird new disease. The cause of death was malfunction of the brain although what caused the malfunction was unknown. The autopsy reports were released today. The report says that the brain function perfectly before all three of them suddenly went into a comatose state. After a few days in comatose state, the brain stop functioning followed by the whole body. Neurologist said that maybe this disease was a one of a kind disease and had put Neurologist into high alert of a new revolutionary disease."
"Wow, that just sucks." Henry commented. "To live our life and died when your brain shuts down." "Moving on, mad man Krazes is on the loose. The mad man who had-" Henry switch off the television. Henry yawned. "God, I'm sleepy." He stood up from the sofa. "Too bad I hate sleeping but my body needs sleep."
*
It was dark. Not even a speck of light was spotted. He felt his body floats free in the oblivion but he couldn't see his body. He was just an invisible eye, staring into the darkness.
"I guess I'm asleep." said Henry in his mind. Since this oblivion was technically his own mind, he could hear every laments and comments from his thoughts "Hello Darkness! I'm back! I wish I could just see you but its dark in here!" His thoughts echoes through the darkness. It was weird at first hearing his thoughts echoes through the darkness. Soon, it becomes Henry's only source of entertainment and the time where he thought out of more sarcastic comments for Michelle tomorrow.
"I wonder how a real dream would look like?" He thought. "Maybe I dreamt of being rich or marry to a cute girl." Henry paused. "But I had a feeling that dreams are more than that."
Chapter 2: An Ice-cream Madness
The school bell rang. Loud cheers was heard through the Form Four corridor. Students started flowing out of their classrooms. The silent corridor was bustling with life once more. Only teacher's pets stayed back to have a chat with the teachers.
Henry walked out of the classroom and sighed heavily. "God, I hate Maths." "You shouldn't say that." Michelle popped right beside me. "Heh? Why is that?" Michelle grined. "Because I love Maths and it is my true forte!" She showed a thumbs-up. "Whatever. I'm not supposed to talk to you remember?" Henry flashed an evil grin. "H..Hey! You're still at it?" "Not talking until I got my ice-cream." He walked away. "H..Hey! Wait for me!" Michelle chased after Henry.
They walked down the stairs, through the corridors until they arrived at the school gate. It was a remarkable sight at the school gate. Student walking out of the school, smiling and happily chatting with each other. Happy that they survived a day's worth of torture one more time. He also saw a few couples snugling with each other, holding hands and enjoying each others company. Henry remembered it is April. 'Heh. Spring love but here, there is no spring. Tropical love maybe?' Henry walked out the gate with Michelle. 'I wonder when can I get a girlfriend? Considering the gossips in school, it might be almost impossible. Well, unless...' Henry looked at Michelle. 'Wait. What the hell I was thinking!' Michelle looked at him. "What is with you? Staring at my face?" Michelle said, annoyed. "Heh? Well, nothing really." Henry escapes her glare, trying to hide his blush.
"Well since you want your ice-cream so much, let's go to Pak Ismail's. My treat." said Michelle. Henry smiled. He like the sound of 'my treat' It was music to his ears. "Well, if you insist." He was smiling from ear to ear. "What are smiling so wide for?"
They walked towards the direction of the station but rather than going straight to the station, they took a detour to the left towards the famed "Student Heaven Shopping District" Well the shopping district was no different than any other shopping district. It was just smack right in the middle of the KL's Golden Triangle of Education (Henry wondered who was giving all this stupid nickname) which consist of Kuala Lumpur's Bestari School, Kuala Lumpur Girl's School and Tunku Abdul Rahman Academy. It was the student's favorite hang out place after school. Students from all three school would come to this famed shopping district to hang out with friends. Couples would go to restaurants, girls would go window shopping, boys would go to the cyber cafe, nerds will go to the Comic Corner, and delinquents will stroll the street acting all high and mighty. Henry and Michelle came to this shopping district on a daily basis. Most of the time, they would go to Pak Ismail's Ice-cream store.
Henry and Michelle walked down the streets while happily chatting with each other. They passed the Dvd store, several mamak stalls, the cyber cafe and the Comic Corner before arriving at a small white store situated at the end of the shopping district. There was a colorful sign board above it with words 'Pak Ismail's Ice-cream Palour.' Below the store's name was a writing with a smaller letter that says: Best Ice-cream in Town! To tell the truth, Henry thinks the slogan is right. Pak Ismail's ice-cream taste more original and thus tasty than most of the branded ice-cream out there. Maybe because it has a homey feel to it?
"Come on! What are you waiting for?" Michelle was already at the store's entrance, waving at him. He snapped out from his thoughts. "Uh..yeah. Wait for me." Henry hurried to join her.
Upon entering the store, he was greet with air conditioned room. Cold and nice. Malaysia is a tropical country where it is hot and humid. Having a nice cold, air conditioned room was a treat. The store was not so small in the inside.There was a white counter with a cash register on top of it. Next to it is where the ice-cream were displayed. A huge variety of ice-cream was displayed from the classic chocolate and vanilla to the exotic durian flavor. A price listing were displayed above the counter with mouth watering illustration. There were a few people inside most of them were students.
Both of them sat at a table at the corner of the store. Michelle pull out a ten ringgit note. "Quick and decide what you want." Henry took the note. "Are you sure?" Michelle sighed. "You always treating me ice-cream so I'll return the favour." She let out a smile. Henry smiled back. "So want will you be having?" asked Henry. "Michelle eyed the menu. "Just give me durian ice-cream with waffles." Henry was baffled. "Durian Ice-cream with W...Waffles?" "Yeah, what is so weird about that?" Michelle raised an eyebrow. 'She is adventerous today...' "Whatever, it is your money." Henry scanned the menu. "I'll just take Pistachios then." Henry walked away. "Be right back."
Henry walked at the counter. There was a woman in her 20's at the counter. "Welcome! Can I take your order? Wait. Henry?" She paused. "Oh,it is you. Sorry.Sorry. Didn't realize it was you." she grinned sheepishly. "Hi Farah. Where is Pak Ismail?" The woman turned her head around. "I don't know. Maybe he went out for abit." That old man. Pak Ismail, he knew him ages ago since he was a kindergaten. He was his father's lecturer during his father's college days. He opens an ice-cream palour after he retired.Although he is a kind person but his behavior can be a little erratic at times.
"Well, may I take your order?"
"I'll have the Pistachio Paradise and Durian Ice-cream with..waffles.."
"Waffles? Wait,that is Michelle's order right?" asked Farah. Henry just nooded. Farah sighed. "It is the time of the month right?" Henry was startled. "Er...I don't know.."Henry said. "Whatever, that will be RM 10.50." Farah punched the cash register. Henry gave Michelle's ten ringgit note and his spare 50 cents to Farah. "Thank you for you purchase. I will bring your ice-cream in a minute. Remember Pak Ismail's Ice-cream is best in town!" Farah flashed a smile. There was a pause. "You know that is chessy right?" "Blame the old man. He said it will grant customer's satisfication."
Henry walked back to his table. Michelle was circling her fingers on the menu at the table. "I'm back. Miss me?" Henry flashed a smile. "You were too long. I'm bored." "But I just went away for like 3 minutes." Henry sat on his chair. "Whatever. I'm bored nonetheless." replied Michelle annoyed.
"Here is you order." Farah appeared beside their tables with two bowls on each hands. One bowl has green Pistachios Ice-cream while the other has yellow ice-cream with waffles. "One Pistachios Parade and one durian ice-cream...with...waffles." Farah glanced at Michelle. "Why you ordered that is the first place?" Michelle looked at Farah. "Oh hey Farah. Nice meeting you here." "Oh hey.Well I work here." Farah smiled. "Wait..Hey answer my question!" said Farah,annoyed. "Don't know. I just feel like it. Now give me my ice-cream!" "Wait, you seriously want to eat this crime of nature? Are you mad woman?" said Farah holding the bowl away from Michelle's grasp. "Crime of nature? It's just ice-cream!" Michelle exclaimed. She reached out for the yellow coloured crime of nature. Farah pulled back the bowl at the last second making Michelle to land on the floor.
"What is your problem Farah? I paid for it!" Michelle said in an irritated tone. "Well I am going to give you if you didn't try to pounce me!" "Pounce? I was trying to get my ice-cream!" Michelle stood up. "Ice-cream? It is a crime of nature!" "It is just an ice-cream with waffles. Come on I'm hungry!" "I was just going to give it to you!" "Then why you didn;t give it to me?" "Then stop screaming!" 'You scream first!" "No you!" "You!"
Henry sighed. He facepalmed himself for the effect. He knew this is going to happened. It is not the first time Farah and Michelle fought over something. He must admit, it is kind of amusing. A little entertainment won't hurt. "Well hello there." said a kind warm voice. They turned to the origin of the voice. The voice came from a smiling old man wearing a striped shrit and black pants. His spectacles and balding head seems to glint for a second. It was Pak Ismail, the owner of this shop.
"Erhm..well she.." Farah tried to explain before Michelle cut her for. "She wouldn't gave me my ice-cream" Pak Ismail looked at Farah. "Well, Farah will you please give this young lady her ice-cream." he said with a kind tone. "But sir...she ordered something er....unacceptable." "Well nothing is acceptable in our restaurant. The customer is always right." Pak Ismail flashed a smile at Michelle.
"Well then, is this right sir?" Farah showed the bowl of yellow ice-cream with waffles to Pak Ismail. "Hm?" Pak Ismail took a look at the bowl. He froze. "W..W..What is this?" his tone changed. "This...This..is..Madness!" Henry chuckled at that cliche' phrase. "I am sorry but this is unacceptable. We will replace your order." Pak Ismail said in a serious tone. He snatched the bowl away from Farah's hands "I'm going to throw it away." "No! You can't!" Michelle grabbed for a spoon. She strike a pose for dramatic effect and quickly took a spoonful of durian ice-cream and waffles. "Behold! The power of Durian and Waffles!" Henry facepalmed himself again. She move the spoon slowly into her mouth for even more dramatic effect. She took a bite. There was an awkward pause. A minute passed with the three of them starting at Michelle.
Henry suddenly became worried. "Hey,Michelle?" Henry waved his hand in front of her. No response. Henry frozed. The crime of nature did this. "Hey..Hey..wake up!" said Henry, his voice became more and more worried. The spoon dropped to the floor.
"Hey, Henry.."said Michelle in a weak voice. She stared the floor. Her hair obscured her eyes. She looked at Henry with huge watery eyes. "The thing is so,so,so GOOD!" she practically screamed at his face. Her eyes resembles the eyes of a girl in an anime he watched. "Heh?"
Michelle clasped her hands together. "The creamy, exotic flavour of the durian compliments the crispy hand-made waffles. Together they create heaven in your mouth." For some unknown reason, ray of lights shone upon Michelle. Henry could have swore he heard choirs' 'ahhs'. 'What is happening?' Michelle spread her arms. "Everyone who had suffered sadness and depression in this world. Fear not! Salvation is here! Savour your taste buds to this piece of heaven!" said Michelle in a heroic manner. Henry facepalmed himseld for the third time in 5 minutes.
"This is blasphemy!" Pak Ismail bursted. "There is no way that crime of nature is salvation! This is totally absurd!" He eyed the crime of the nature slash salvation in his right hand. The yellow ice-cream had began to melt. The waffle no longer stood up on the ice-cream. An extra spoon laid on the table. For no reason, the spoon was slightly glowing to highlight it. 'Must not resist to temptation.' Pak Ismail gulped.
"Taste it Pak Ismail. You will not regret it." said Michelle in a zombie-like fashion. "N..No I will not taste it." He looked at Michelle. He switched to the crime of nature. Then, to the extra spoon on the table which glowed a little bit brighter for emphasis. He looked at Michelle. Crime of nature. Spoon. Michelle. Crime of nature. Spoon. "Taste it.." His inner demon taunted him. Michelle. Crime of nature. Spoon.
"Argh!" Pak Ismail screamed. He knew his manly pride will suffer from this action for he couldn't resist the temptation. He took the extra spoon and scooped the ice-cream dramactically. He held the spoon in front of his mouth. He sent a death glare to the piece of ice-cream in front of him. "Finishing Move!" Pak Ismail said dramactically. Henry facepalmed again. "Pak Ismail's Chomp!" he shoved the ice-cream inside his mouth and close his mouth quickly. There was a pause. The tension was thick. Farah waited in anticipation. Michelle was hypotized by the ice-cream. Everyone was staring at the noisy group. Henry felt all of this was a big cliche'.
Suddenly, Pak Ismail's eyes began to water. The spoon dropped. "That is amazing!" Pak Ismail's eyes glittered. He hold the already-melted ice-cream to the air. "Everyone! From this day forward, this item will be on Pak Ismail's Ice-cream Store Menu as Premier Ice-cream! I shall called it..." "The King of Ice-cream!" Michelle cut Pak Ismail off. "That's it! The King of Ice-cream!" For some reason, people started to clap and cheer. 'What is happening to the world?' Henry had his fifth face palm of the day.
*
Henry entered his house and closing the door behind him. He let out a sigh. "What a day." The ice-cream mayhem ended when Pak Ismail officially made that ice-cream waffles combo into the menu. Seriously, what is so weird about durian ice-cream with waffles anyway? Sometimes he couldn't understand people. Always thinking everything is special but the truth is, everything is perfectly normal. Yeah, perfectly normal. He liked that.
Today was abit hectic but nothing out of the ordinary. At least Michelle is happy eventhough his forehead hurts after continueus face palms. He waited for her to regain her sanity before making their way home. They reached their stops when the sun is going to set. That was quite late for a student.
His house was your average Malaysian terrace. It has two floors, a small porch and an even smaller back lawn. The interior decorations was simple. Maybe it is because both of his parents are such workaholics that they are too busy to decorate the house properly. Even so, the house is still clean and tidy.
Henry walked pass the living room and the dining room. The living room was tidy except for the opened newspaper on top of the coffee table. The dining room was quite and empty despite it is already dinner time.
"Ah, Henry. You're back." he heard a female voice.
"Oh, Hi mom. Sorry for being late." In front of him, standing at the kitchen's doorway was his mother, Mrs. Karen Edgewhite. His mother was as the same height as him. She was thin and her skin was pale yellow. Her hair was straight and stops at her shoulders. She was wearing a t-shirt that says 'Life is a dream' and light blue shorts. She holds a coffee mug at her left hand. She was smiling but her eyes were half-opened signifying her tiredness.
"I'll let you out of the hook this time just because I'm tired." she took a small sip of her coffee. "The darned editors didn't like my storyline and said 'It does not fit with our culture' crap. So, I need to rewrite the whole thing again-in one night." she said with a frustrated tone. "God, they are crazy." she took another sip of her coffee.
Henry let out a chuckle. His mother works as a freelance writer, writing short stories to local magazines and newspapers. His mother was half-chinese which explains the pale skin tone. Her mother was a Malaysian but she moved to America to marry his grandfather. His mother met his father in a diner where his mother works and two years later, they got married. Henry was born in America and stayed there for five years. When his father got an assignment in Malaysia, they came to Malaysia. At first, they wanted to stay here until his father's assignment was finished but his mother insisted they moved to Malaysia. His father agrees and the rest is history.
"Well, good luck with your work mom."
"Thanks for the encouragement. I really need that." his mother said. Her words seems to have an air of sarcasm around it. His mother also has a knack for sarcasm. He wondered if sarcasm really a family trait?
"Dinner is on the stove. I made Chicken Curry. Be grateful, I'm sure you didn't want more Maggi for dinner. Now, my work calls." she said before climbing up the stairs.
"Thanks mom!" Henry walks into the kitchen and towards the stove. He opens the pot's cover and a nice aroma greets him. "Finally, a proper dinner." Henry went over to the dishwasher. Henry caught a glimpse of a yellow can in the sink. He checked the can label. The can had a picture for a cartoon chicken giving a thumbs-up. Across it's chest was 'Instant chicken curry' writen is bold black letters. Henry squited his eyes in annoyance. "Instant curry.Yey...another instant dinner." He sighed. He wondered how his mother can survive on instant foods for so long and can still be healthy. All these time, his father was the main cook of the house. Too bad, he usually came home late so its good bye to his proper dinner. Henry let out another sigh. "I guess its instant dinner again."
*
"That instant curry was good. Even though, its instant." Henry flicked through channels while talking to himself. After having an oddly satisfying dinner, he had a refreshing bath and finish his homework. Now, he just flipping through channels hoping to find something decent over the local television network which is near to impossible. He cursed his father's tardiness for paying bills. Now, he need to suffer nights without satelite television. He just finished his newest anime recently and found no reason to watch older animes even though he was bored to death.
Henry sighed. "They really need to put something interesting into the local television programmes sooner or later. I'm sick of reality shows that involves singing or dramas with evil women." Henry continue his laments. He changes the channel again.
"-reported that a new disease had appeared right here is Kuala Lumpur." "Heh?" The news was on. There was a line of text at the bottom of the screen that says: Mysterious Deaths caused by weird disease. The anchorman continues. "So far, there are three confirmed deaths associated with this weird new disease. The cause of death was malfunction of the brain although what caused the malfunction was unknown. The autopsy reports were released today. The report says that the brain function perfectly before all three of them suddenly went into a comatose state. After a few days in comatose state, the brain stop functioning followed by the whole body. Neurologist said that maybe this disease was a one of a kind disease and had put Neurologist into high alert of a new revolutionary disease."
"Wow, that just sucks." Henry commented. "To live our life and died when your brain shuts down." "Moving on, mad man Krazes is on the loose. The mad man who had-" Henry switch off the television. Henry yawned. "God, I'm sleepy." He stood up from the sofa. "Too bad I hate sleeping but my body needs sleep."
*
It was dark. Not even a speck of light was spotted. He felt his body floats free in the oblivion but he couldn't see his body. He was just an invisible eye, staring into the darkness.
"I guess I'm asleep." said Henry in his mind. Since this oblivion was technically his own mind, he could hear every laments and comments from his thoughts "Hello Darkness! I'm back! I wish I could just see you but its dark in here!" His thoughts echoes through the darkness. It was weird at first hearing his thoughts echoes through the darkness. Soon, it becomes Henry's only source of entertainment and the time where he thought out of more sarcastic comments for Michelle tomorrow.
"I wonder how a real dream would look like?" He thought. "Maybe I dreamt of being rich or marry to a cute girl." Henry paused. "But I had a feeling that dreams are more than that."
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Chapter 1:Henry
Sinopsis:
Henry is a normal teenage boy with one disadvantage-he can't dream. Although it seemed an insignificant fact but that weakness is only a piece of the puzzle. There have been an outbreak in Malaysia. A disease called Acute Brain Activity Disorder (ABAD) kills people just by shutting down their brains. Little do the people of Malaysia know, that disease is not your ordinary disease. Rather, it was a tool to set up the stage for an evil plot. And Henry was right in the middle of it.
Dreams...
Are representations of your reality...
Dreams...
It carries a curse and a prophecy...
Darkness...
It fills my special lone time..
The space which is once my mind scape..
That were decorated by dreams.. .
Dreams...
Where are you?
Are you really...
A dark abyss inside my mind?
Tick...Tick...Tick...
A black haired boy woke up. He sat up. His eyes widened and his clothes was drenched by his sweat. His breath was labored. He was clearly traumatized. After a few moments, his breathing slowed, and he relaxes.
The boy sighed as he rested on his back on the bed post. This boy is Henry Edgewhite. His parents were originally Americans but then migrated to Malaysia, a developing country in South-East Asia. He lived his whole life just for the heck of it. He tried to be as normal as possible. He thought being too special or extraordinary was downright troublesome.
However, there is one thing that sets him apart from everyone else that-he can't dream.
Every time he sleeps, only darkness accompanied him until the sun came up. That is the reason he hates sleeping and always woke up early.
Henry looked at the clock. It was 5.30. 'It is still early. Well is it better to get a head start. As usual.' He got up from his bed and ready for school. After he is done making his bed and have a nice bath, he went to the mirror.
His body was normal. It was not muscular nor it is fat and flabby. His face was clean from acne and blemishes. His black hair was still wet. After a few moments, he slid into his school uniform: a white short sleeve shirt and a dark green pants. After adjusting his black tie on his neck, he left his room. Henry couldn't be careless about his messy hair.
His mom was still sleeping so there was no breakfast. Henry likes it better this way. He prefers eating at the nearest mamak stall, a small restaurant ran by India-Muslims. He took his bag and keys and left the house.
He took a deep breath of the morning air. Same as always. The birds are chirping, the sun is rising and the newspaper boy delivering newspapers on a bike. Your average day. He walked along the road until he reached the mamak stall. Doni's Mamak Stall. A small restaurant near a playground. Well, it was more of a stall than a restaurant. It only had an open-air kitchen,two small miniature kitchen,a few umbrella on top some tables and chairs. Henry sat on his usual spot: the one facing the playground and the farthest from the kitchen. He like this spot because it seems isolated so he could be at peace. He flopped on to the chair.
"Ah, Henry. Nice to see you." said a male voice. Henry looked at the origin of the voice. An Indian teen was standing beside him. He wore a simple white pagoda shirt with ragged pants. Through the sleeves of the shirt Henry could see the teen's muscular biceps and toned abs. Although the teen has a tough body, he wore a sincere smile on his face. "Muthu, good morning." Henry smiled. "Good morning to you too. May I take your order?" he took out his notepad and pen. "I'll take my regular." "So you will be having Nasi Lemak and Teh Tarik." Muthu jotted down the order. "Anything else?" Henry shook his head. "No, I'm good." "I'll be right back." Muthu walked away from Henry's table.
Henry rests his chin on his hands. He was enjoying the peaceful morning. A normal, peaceful morning. Next to his table was two men. Based on what they are wearing, Henry concluded they are some people who work in an office. They are chatting animatedly, occasionally laughing out loud.
"Hey, did you hear the news?" said one of them. "What news? The news of Farhan's engagement?" said the other. "No, not that. The hot news of a mad scientist running loose." "Interesting. What is it all about?" "There is a mad scientist who killed everyone in his department one week ago! The police is still trying to catch him. The worse part is his office is really close to us!" said the first man excitedly. "Seriously? That is a disturbing news."
"Henry?" Muthu's voice cut off Henry's concentration to the conversation. "Dozing off early in the morning?" asked Muthu. "Nah, I was just thinking." Muthu grinned. "Whatever you say." he walked away.
Henry sipped on his Teh Tarik. The creamy tea tasted great in his mouth. Teh Tarik was his favorite drink. He tasted it when he first came to Malaysia.The Teh Tarik was Malaysia's signature drink. It is your normal tea, but it is prepared by pouring the tea from one cup to another to create the bubbles on top. The action when the tea is poured from one cup to another is like pulling the tea.Tarik means to pull in Malay. Thus Teh Tarik was born.
Another dish he liked is the Nasi Lemak. A hearty serving of rice cooked with pandan served with a spicy sauce called sambal, anchovies,a slice of boiled egg and peanuts. An almost staple food in Malaysia eaten mostly during breakfast sometimes even lunch and dinner.
He finished his breakfast. He was satisfied and full. The taste of sambal still lingers in his mouth. He picks up his bag and made his way to the LRT station.
*
It was lively at the station. Taman Melati station, the nearest station to his house. Sounds of people chattering, cars honking and heavy footsteps rang to his ears. As busy as always. He paused for a second before climbing up the stairs. "Normal. Just the way I like it."
The platform was packed with people even though it is still early. Students, officers, civilians, nurses, businessman you name it. It was like a huge job convention. He could have sworn he saw a wealthy CEO living in a huge bungalow near his house took the LRT. Then again, with all the hype about global warming, it seemed that everyone preferred to use public transport. Surprisingly, Malaysia which was famous for its bad public transport had turned into a public transportation hub. Henry walked into the crowd to reach for the ticket counter. Again, chatters rang to his ears, but he has gotten used to it. Even now, he still gets several weird stares every now and then because of his American face and accent, but he just shrugs it off.
He bought his ticket at the counter. He cursed himself for losing his monthly public transportation access card. That card simplifies life by 25%. He walked along the platform trying to get a seat but lucky was not on his side. Henry just leaned against a stone pillar.
“Henry!” a female voice called out for him.Henry smiled. He knew that voice too well. He turned his head towards the voice. The owner of the voice was a Chinese girl a little shorter than him. She wore a blue pinafore with the school badge emblazoned at its left breast over a white blouse. Typical Malaysian school girl uniform. She tied her hair into a ponytail, and it went just below her shoulders. She was smiling with her hands waving at him. She walked toward him.
“Good morning Henry!” she said with enthusiasm.
“Good morning Michelle. You sounded happy. Did something happen?”
She smiled. “Oh yes. I saw a cute little kitty on the way to the station. It was so cute!” Michelle made a cute face trying to imitate the kitten's face.
“Eh? You got excited for a little cat? How old are you anyway?” said Henry sarcastically. “So? You got excited for a...a...” Michelle shuttered. She narrowed her eyes. “You never got excited over anything. How old are you? 99?” “Eh? I can be excited something has given the chance. Like when...”He paused. “When..when...er...” Michelle pointed her finger at him. “See? I told you.” Henry raised his hands. “Fine,fine. I lost. Shesh.” Michelle laughed. “Hahaha, I won.”
Henry smiled. This was a normal routine between him and his best friend, Michelle. They would greet each other, have a childish fight and laugh. They would get stares but Michelle didn't care one bit. It was their own way of greeting.
It wasn't long before the LRT came. As soon as the door opens, people rushed into the LRT hoping to get a place to sit. Thank god it was still early, if not he would be trampled by now. Henry and Michelle entered the carriage after the initial pushing was done. There was still a lot of space, so there is no reason to break through the crowd. There was no place to sit so they decide to stand.
Michelle sighed. “Man, my head is sore.” She rubbed the sides of her head while closing her eyes. “Why is that? It is rare for you to sigh early in the morning.” said Henry. “I just had a terrible dream last night. I couldn't sleep the whole night.” Henry's face faulted at the word 'dream'. He didn't know why but he felt jealous, whenever he heard that word. That word which is purely fiction to him. Out within his reach. Only Michelle knew about his little secret. Michelle realized his sudden face fault. “Oh Henry I'm sorry!” She put her hands together as a sign of forgiveness. “I didn't know what I was babbling about!” Henry looked at her. “No, I won't forgive you.” said Henry playfully. “Heh? No Henry! You can't do this to me!” said Michelle,surprised. Michelle was practically screaming and is shaking his body back and forth. Everyone stared but he didn't care. He just loves teasing her early in the morning. Henry stopped Michelle from shaking him more. “Okay, I'll forgive you but only after some ice-cream.” Henry grinned. “Heh? That is bribery!” “No ice-cream, No forgiveness.” He grinned wider. “Fine! Hmph!” Michelle pouted. Henry laughed at his little victory.
“No wonder it is noisy in here.” said a female voice a few pitches lower than Michelle. Think all like an alto rather than a soprano. “A weirdo is disturbing the school idol early in the morning.” TThe sentence had a weird air of sarcasm around it. Henry looked at the owner of the voice. “Zati..” he muttered under his breath. Zati looks like a normal school girl wearing a white baju kurung with a blue long skirt which stops at her shoes. Her tudung was in perfect symmetry, a feat among high school students. Her flawless light brown skin compliments her perfect tudung. Plus with her really curvy figure, Zati is a beauty. Unfortunately, she is only beautiful outside. The self appointed leader of a group of extremely beautiful but evil girls.She is famous for her charms and seduction technique among the boys and extreme bullying among the girls. Oddly enough, even with her bullying, she never got expelled. With sarcasm to boot, she is the girl Henry loves to hate.
Zati went in front of him. “What is with you disturbing other people's peace. It's 6.50 and you are already making a mess.” Henry just kept quiet. He glances at Michelle. 'Please save me!' Henry cried in his heart. Michelle nodded as if as she heard Henry's thoughts. “Um..Zati let the weirdo be. Let's go somewhere else.” Michelle took Zati's hand and started pulling her away. “Wa..Wait I haven't finished insulting him! Michelle!” cried Zati hopelessly as she succumbs to the Chinese girl's pulling.
Henry sighed. Michelle was a popular girl in school. An angel who is bubbly and treat everyone as a person. He was an outcast. Frankly speaking, he was bored with life and wasn't interested in people at all. So, the people at school thought he was a stuck-up and treat him as an outcast. His one and only friend at school was Michelle. The one who talks to him and hears him out regardless of everyone's sayings. Now she had to take care of Zati so basically he was lonely.
The LRT stopped. “Setiawangsa station.Setiawangsa Station.” said a feminine voice over the intercom. People started to flow into the carriage. Soon, the carriage was full of people. Michelle was nowhere to be seen. Henry leaned against the wall of the carriage. The guy near him was banging his head with his MP3 on full blast. Henry could hear heavy metal music clearly from the guy's earphone. 'Seriously, keep it down. You will become deaf faster.'
The LRT took a sharp turn to the left. Henry stumbled to his right bumping a person. “Oh sorry.” he said before looking at the person's face. He was awed. In front of him was a school girl wearing his school's badge. A head shorter than him and wore a pinafore similar to Michelle's. She had a hair band and let her hair down, which stops right after her shoulders. Her eyes were hazelnut brown. Beautiful.
Henry's face flushed. “Um...Sorry about that.”
“No, it is not a big deal.” she replied softly. She moved away from her spot towards the next carriage.
Henry just watched her passed him. “Who is she?”
*
“Masjid Jamek Station. Masjid Jamek Station.” Henry adjusted his sling bag. It was his stop. The door opened and he stepped out from the LRT. Henry's eyes searched for the hair band girl or Michelle.
“Woit!” he heard a familiar voice. It was Michelle. She walked beside him. “Zati was a handful really.” Henry smiled. “Tell me about it. You save my neck. I hate her insults and her sarcasm suppresses mine, which made me jealous.” “Hahaha, yeah right. You and your sarcasm are worse than Zati's” Michelle laughed as she slid her ticket into the ticket machine. “Really? I'm honored” Henry slid his ticket into the same ticket machine. “You are so full of yourself.” Henry laughed.
It was a few minutes walk from the station until they reached their school: Kuala Lumpur Bestari School. The school was made of several buildings. The main administrative building was situated between the lower form building and the upper form building. The science and technology building was situated perpendicular to the three buildings. The school field was just beside the lower form building. It was one of Kuala Lumpur's finest school. Sighing, Henry entered the school's compound with Michelle.
*
Class 4-F was noisy. The teacher hasn't come in yet. Zati was gossiping with her fellow friends. The netball team was chatting animatedly. The bookworms enjoyed their reading despite the noisy atmostsphere. The nerds were fawning around a Video Game magazine. The remaining boys talked about Arsenal's defeat by Chelsea last night. To sum things up, everyone is with their own groups. He was a neutral person or an observer as Michelle said it. Even Michelle went over to Zati's group after the latter literally drag Michelle from her seat.
Henry rested his chin on his hands, obviously bored. He did not belong to any of the said groups, and he didn't care to join one. They would just ignore him thanks to the rumor started by Zati that he is cursed. When he thinks about it, maybe Zati is right. He was cursed to not dream and hate sleeping, which explains why he didn't just sleep before class. While the class broke the decibels record, he would just stare blankly or maybe eavesdropped on a little.
Michelle cast a glance at him. She gave him a forced, disturbing grin and mouthed 'Help me!' before nodding at Zati's blabbering. Henry smiled slightly. “I wish.” he muttered under his breath.
The class door slid open. The class felt silent. A girl entered the class. Black shoulder-length hair, hazelnut eyes, black hair band. Wait. It is THE girl at the LRT. Henry froze. 'She was in my class?!' The girl paused at the door, realizing that all eyes were on her. Her face turned deep red. “Um...I..I am...I...” She shuttered while looking at the ground.
The class door opened again. “Good morning students! Please take our seats! I...” the teacher paused as she lays eyes on the new girl. “Oh I see you found your classroom already. Good for you.” The teacher, Puan Zaleha went to the teacher's table in front of the classroom. “Students, I would like to introduce you to Erika Kang. A new student here is KL Bestari School. I wish you would give her a warm welcome and help her at the first day here.” Puan Zaleha gestured at Erika to introduce herself. Erika flushed again. She was hesitant about a while before taking a deep breath. “I...I am E...E..Erika Kang. I...I h..hope to ha..have a great sch..school year w...with all of y..you.” she spoke softly.“Alright then Erika, you can sit at an empty seat beside umm...”Puan Zaleha pointed at him. “What is your name again?” she asked Henry. “Henry miss.” “Right. Henry. Erika, you can take your seat beside Henry.” Erika nodded slightly and went towards her seat.
The whole class whispered to each other, commenting on Erika.
“The girl is cute!”
“She is an angel.”
“What's up with the hair band?”
“Hey,hey Zati. That Erika is really shy. Perfect for our next victim.”
“Yeah Zati, she just smiled to herself at the corridor.”
“Really? That is it! Girls, we have our victim!”
“Poor girl, not even five minutes in the school she had been shunned by Zati. A new record.”
'This is not happening. An extremely cute girl is seating next to me.' Henry found this piece of information is a little hard to register. He looked at his right to see Michelle. Michelle had an evil grin on her face. Henry look back to the front of the class, holding back the urges to cast a quick look at Erika. All he can hear was the sounds of books shuffling as Erika took out her books.
“Alright class, today we are going to learn about functions. First we must..”Puan Zaleha goes on with her lecture. This is going to be one hell of a school year.
Henry is a normal teenage boy with one disadvantage-he can't dream. Although it seemed an insignificant fact but that weakness is only a piece of the puzzle. There have been an outbreak in Malaysia. A disease called Acute Brain Activity Disorder (ABAD) kills people just by shutting down their brains. Little do the people of Malaysia know, that disease is not your ordinary disease. Rather, it was a tool to set up the stage for an evil plot. And Henry was right in the middle of it.
Dreams...
Are representations of your reality...
Dreams...
It carries a curse and a prophecy...
Darkness...
It fills my special lone time..
The space which is once my mind scape..
That were decorated by dreams.. .
Dreams...
Where are you?
Are you really...
A dark abyss inside my mind?
Tick...Tick...Tick...
A black haired boy woke up. He sat up. His eyes widened and his clothes was drenched by his sweat. His breath was labored. He was clearly traumatized. After a few moments, his breathing slowed, and he relaxes.
The boy sighed as he rested on his back on the bed post. This boy is Henry Edgewhite. His parents were originally Americans but then migrated to Malaysia, a developing country in South-East Asia. He lived his whole life just for the heck of it. He tried to be as normal as possible. He thought being too special or extraordinary was downright troublesome.
However, there is one thing that sets him apart from everyone else that-he can't dream.
Every time he sleeps, only darkness accompanied him until the sun came up. That is the reason he hates sleeping and always woke up early.
Henry looked at the clock. It was 5.30. 'It is still early. Well is it better to get a head start. As usual.' He got up from his bed and ready for school. After he is done making his bed and have a nice bath, he went to the mirror.
His body was normal. It was not muscular nor it is fat and flabby. His face was clean from acne and blemishes. His black hair was still wet. After a few moments, he slid into his school uniform: a white short sleeve shirt and a dark green pants. After adjusting his black tie on his neck, he left his room. Henry couldn't be careless about his messy hair.
His mom was still sleeping so there was no breakfast. Henry likes it better this way. He prefers eating at the nearest mamak stall, a small restaurant ran by India-Muslims. He took his bag and keys and left the house.
He took a deep breath of the morning air. Same as always. The birds are chirping, the sun is rising and the newspaper boy delivering newspapers on a bike. Your average day. He walked along the road until he reached the mamak stall. Doni's Mamak Stall. A small restaurant near a playground. Well, it was more of a stall than a restaurant. It only had an open-air kitchen,two small miniature kitchen,a few umbrella on top some tables and chairs. Henry sat on his usual spot: the one facing the playground and the farthest from the kitchen. He like this spot because it seems isolated so he could be at peace. He flopped on to the chair.
"Ah, Henry. Nice to see you." said a male voice. Henry looked at the origin of the voice. An Indian teen was standing beside him. He wore a simple white pagoda shirt with ragged pants. Through the sleeves of the shirt Henry could see the teen's muscular biceps and toned abs. Although the teen has a tough body, he wore a sincere smile on his face. "Muthu, good morning." Henry smiled. "Good morning to you too. May I take your order?" he took out his notepad and pen. "I'll take my regular." "So you will be having Nasi Lemak and Teh Tarik." Muthu jotted down the order. "Anything else?" Henry shook his head. "No, I'm good." "I'll be right back." Muthu walked away from Henry's table.
Henry rests his chin on his hands. He was enjoying the peaceful morning. A normal, peaceful morning. Next to his table was two men. Based on what they are wearing, Henry concluded they are some people who work in an office. They are chatting animatedly, occasionally laughing out loud.
"Hey, did you hear the news?" said one of them. "What news? The news of Farhan's engagement?" said the other. "No, not that. The hot news of a mad scientist running loose." "Interesting. What is it all about?" "There is a mad scientist who killed everyone in his department one week ago! The police is still trying to catch him. The worse part is his office is really close to us!" said the first man excitedly. "Seriously? That is a disturbing news."
"Henry?" Muthu's voice cut off Henry's concentration to the conversation. "Dozing off early in the morning?" asked Muthu. "Nah, I was just thinking." Muthu grinned. "Whatever you say." he walked away.
Henry sipped on his Teh Tarik. The creamy tea tasted great in his mouth. Teh Tarik was his favorite drink. He tasted it when he first came to Malaysia.The Teh Tarik was Malaysia's signature drink. It is your normal tea, but it is prepared by pouring the tea from one cup to another to create the bubbles on top. The action when the tea is poured from one cup to another is like pulling the tea.Tarik means to pull in Malay. Thus Teh Tarik was born.
Another dish he liked is the Nasi Lemak. A hearty serving of rice cooked with pandan served with a spicy sauce called sambal, anchovies,a slice of boiled egg and peanuts. An almost staple food in Malaysia eaten mostly during breakfast sometimes even lunch and dinner.
He finished his breakfast. He was satisfied and full. The taste of sambal still lingers in his mouth. He picks up his bag and made his way to the LRT station.
*
It was lively at the station. Taman Melati station, the nearest station to his house. Sounds of people chattering, cars honking and heavy footsteps rang to his ears. As busy as always. He paused for a second before climbing up the stairs. "Normal. Just the way I like it."
The platform was packed with people even though it is still early. Students, officers, civilians, nurses, businessman you name it. It was like a huge job convention. He could have sworn he saw a wealthy CEO living in a huge bungalow near his house took the LRT. Then again, with all the hype about global warming, it seemed that everyone preferred to use public transport. Surprisingly, Malaysia which was famous for its bad public transport had turned into a public transportation hub. Henry walked into the crowd to reach for the ticket counter. Again, chatters rang to his ears, but he has gotten used to it. Even now, he still gets several weird stares every now and then because of his American face and accent, but he just shrugs it off.
He bought his ticket at the counter. He cursed himself for losing his monthly public transportation access card. That card simplifies life by 25%. He walked along the platform trying to get a seat but lucky was not on his side. Henry just leaned against a stone pillar.
“Henry!” a female voice called out for him.Henry smiled. He knew that voice too well. He turned his head towards the voice. The owner of the voice was a Chinese girl a little shorter than him. She wore a blue pinafore with the school badge emblazoned at its left breast over a white blouse. Typical Malaysian school girl uniform. She tied her hair into a ponytail, and it went just below her shoulders. She was smiling with her hands waving at him. She walked toward him.
“Good morning Henry!” she said with enthusiasm.
“Good morning Michelle. You sounded happy. Did something happen?”
She smiled. “Oh yes. I saw a cute little kitty on the way to the station. It was so cute!” Michelle made a cute face trying to imitate the kitten's face.
“Eh? You got excited for a little cat? How old are you anyway?” said Henry sarcastically. “So? You got excited for a...a...” Michelle shuttered. She narrowed her eyes. “You never got excited over anything. How old are you? 99?” “Eh? I can be excited something has given the chance. Like when...”He paused. “When..when...er...” Michelle pointed her finger at him. “See? I told you.” Henry raised his hands. “Fine,fine. I lost. Shesh.” Michelle laughed. “Hahaha, I won.”
Henry smiled. This was a normal routine between him and his best friend, Michelle. They would greet each other, have a childish fight and laugh. They would get stares but Michelle didn't care one bit. It was their own way of greeting.
It wasn't long before the LRT came. As soon as the door opens, people rushed into the LRT hoping to get a place to sit. Thank god it was still early, if not he would be trampled by now. Henry and Michelle entered the carriage after the initial pushing was done. There was still a lot of space, so there is no reason to break through the crowd. There was no place to sit so they decide to stand.
Michelle sighed. “Man, my head is sore.” She rubbed the sides of her head while closing her eyes. “Why is that? It is rare for you to sigh early in the morning.” said Henry. “I just had a terrible dream last night. I couldn't sleep the whole night.” Henry's face faulted at the word 'dream'. He didn't know why but he felt jealous, whenever he heard that word. That word which is purely fiction to him. Out within his reach. Only Michelle knew about his little secret. Michelle realized his sudden face fault. “Oh Henry I'm sorry!” She put her hands together as a sign of forgiveness. “I didn't know what I was babbling about!” Henry looked at her. “No, I won't forgive you.” said Henry playfully. “Heh? No Henry! You can't do this to me!” said Michelle,surprised. Michelle was practically screaming and is shaking his body back and forth. Everyone stared but he didn't care. He just loves teasing her early in the morning. Henry stopped Michelle from shaking him more. “Okay, I'll forgive you but only after some ice-cream.” Henry grinned. “Heh? That is bribery!” “No ice-cream, No forgiveness.” He grinned wider. “Fine! Hmph!” Michelle pouted. Henry laughed at his little victory.
“No wonder it is noisy in here.” said a female voice a few pitches lower than Michelle. Think all like an alto rather than a soprano. “A weirdo is disturbing the school idol early in the morning.” TThe sentence had a weird air of sarcasm around it. Henry looked at the owner of the voice. “Zati..” he muttered under his breath. Zati looks like a normal school girl wearing a white baju kurung with a blue long skirt which stops at her shoes. Her tudung was in perfect symmetry, a feat among high school students. Her flawless light brown skin compliments her perfect tudung. Plus with her really curvy figure, Zati is a beauty. Unfortunately, she is only beautiful outside. The self appointed leader of a group of extremely beautiful but evil girls.She is famous for her charms and seduction technique among the boys and extreme bullying among the girls. Oddly enough, even with her bullying, she never got expelled. With sarcasm to boot, she is the girl Henry loves to hate.
Zati went in front of him. “What is with you disturbing other people's peace. It's 6.50 and you are already making a mess.” Henry just kept quiet. He glances at Michelle. 'Please save me!' Henry cried in his heart. Michelle nodded as if as she heard Henry's thoughts. “Um..Zati let the weirdo be. Let's go somewhere else.” Michelle took Zati's hand and started pulling her away. “Wa..Wait I haven't finished insulting him! Michelle!” cried Zati hopelessly as she succumbs to the Chinese girl's pulling.
Henry sighed. Michelle was a popular girl in school. An angel who is bubbly and treat everyone as a person. He was an outcast. Frankly speaking, he was bored with life and wasn't interested in people at all. So, the people at school thought he was a stuck-up and treat him as an outcast. His one and only friend at school was Michelle. The one who talks to him and hears him out regardless of everyone's sayings. Now she had to take care of Zati so basically he was lonely.
The LRT stopped. “Setiawangsa station.Setiawangsa Station.” said a feminine voice over the intercom. People started to flow into the carriage. Soon, the carriage was full of people. Michelle was nowhere to be seen. Henry leaned against the wall of the carriage. The guy near him was banging his head with his MP3 on full blast. Henry could hear heavy metal music clearly from the guy's earphone. 'Seriously, keep it down. You will become deaf faster.'
The LRT took a sharp turn to the left. Henry stumbled to his right bumping a person. “Oh sorry.” he said before looking at the person's face. He was awed. In front of him was a school girl wearing his school's badge. A head shorter than him and wore a pinafore similar to Michelle's. She had a hair band and let her hair down, which stops right after her shoulders. Her eyes were hazelnut brown. Beautiful.
Henry's face flushed. “Um...Sorry about that.”
“No, it is not a big deal.” she replied softly. She moved away from her spot towards the next carriage.
Henry just watched her passed him. “Who is she?”
*
“Masjid Jamek Station. Masjid Jamek Station.” Henry adjusted his sling bag. It was his stop. The door opened and he stepped out from the LRT. Henry's eyes searched for the hair band girl or Michelle.
“Woit!” he heard a familiar voice. It was Michelle. She walked beside him. “Zati was a handful really.” Henry smiled. “Tell me about it. You save my neck. I hate her insults and her sarcasm suppresses mine, which made me jealous.” “Hahaha, yeah right. You and your sarcasm are worse than Zati's” Michelle laughed as she slid her ticket into the ticket machine. “Really? I'm honored” Henry slid his ticket into the same ticket machine. “You are so full of yourself.” Henry laughed.
It was a few minutes walk from the station until they reached their school: Kuala Lumpur Bestari School. The school was made of several buildings. The main administrative building was situated between the lower form building and the upper form building. The science and technology building was situated perpendicular to the three buildings. The school field was just beside the lower form building. It was one of Kuala Lumpur's finest school. Sighing, Henry entered the school's compound with Michelle.
*
Class 4-F was noisy. The teacher hasn't come in yet. Zati was gossiping with her fellow friends. The netball team was chatting animatedly. The bookworms enjoyed their reading despite the noisy atmostsphere. The nerds were fawning around a Video Game magazine. The remaining boys talked about Arsenal's defeat by Chelsea last night. To sum things up, everyone is with their own groups. He was a neutral person or an observer as Michelle said it. Even Michelle went over to Zati's group after the latter literally drag Michelle from her seat.
Henry rested his chin on his hands, obviously bored. He did not belong to any of the said groups, and he didn't care to join one. They would just ignore him thanks to the rumor started by Zati that he is cursed. When he thinks about it, maybe Zati is right. He was cursed to not dream and hate sleeping, which explains why he didn't just sleep before class. While the class broke the decibels record, he would just stare blankly or maybe eavesdropped on a little.
Michelle cast a glance at him. She gave him a forced, disturbing grin and mouthed 'Help me!' before nodding at Zati's blabbering. Henry smiled slightly. “I wish.” he muttered under his breath.
The class door slid open. The class felt silent. A girl entered the class. Black shoulder-length hair, hazelnut eyes, black hair band. Wait. It is THE girl at the LRT. Henry froze. 'She was in my class?!' The girl paused at the door, realizing that all eyes were on her. Her face turned deep red. “Um...I..I am...I...” She shuttered while looking at the ground.
The class door opened again. “Good morning students! Please take our seats! I...” the teacher paused as she lays eyes on the new girl. “Oh I see you found your classroom already. Good for you.” The teacher, Puan Zaleha went to the teacher's table in front of the classroom. “Students, I would like to introduce you to Erika Kang. A new student here is KL Bestari School. I wish you would give her a warm welcome and help her at the first day here.” Puan Zaleha gestured at Erika to introduce herself. Erika flushed again. She was hesitant about a while before taking a deep breath. “I...I am E...E..Erika Kang. I...I h..hope to ha..have a great sch..school year w...with all of y..you.” she spoke softly.“Alright then Erika, you can sit at an empty seat beside umm...”Puan Zaleha pointed at him. “What is your name again?” she asked Henry. “Henry miss.” “Right. Henry. Erika, you can take your seat beside Henry.” Erika nodded slightly and went towards her seat.
The whole class whispered to each other, commenting on Erika.
“The girl is cute!”
“She is an angel.”
“What's up with the hair band?”
“Hey,hey Zati. That Erika is really shy. Perfect for our next victim.”
“Yeah Zati, she just smiled to herself at the corridor.”
“Really? That is it! Girls, we have our victim!”
“Poor girl, not even five minutes in the school she had been shunned by Zati. A new record.”
'This is not happening. An extremely cute girl is seating next to me.' Henry found this piece of information is a little hard to register. He looked at his right to see Michelle. Michelle had an evil grin on her face. Henry look back to the front of the class, holding back the urges to cast a quick look at Erika. All he can hear was the sounds of books shuffling as Erika took out her books.
“Alright class, today we are going to learn about functions. First we must..”Puan Zaleha goes on with her lecture. This is going to be one hell of a school year.
Hello and Welcome to this ongoing story/blog!
Hello,I'm Nazran. An average high schooler staying in Malaysia. The reason I make this blog is to publish my ongoing story to the world. I write fantasy and slice of life kind of story and this story is a mixture of both. I hope you will enjoy the story here.
This story is a part of my ongoing Project SitN hence the name of the blog url. It sets in Malaysia, my home country. The story revolves around a disease called Acute Brain Activity Disorder, ABAD for short. ABAD kills people by first putting them into a coma then shutting their brains down thus killing them. What people of Malaysia didn't know that this disease is just the tip of the iceberg. Sounds interesting? Definitely. First Chapter is coming up just in a while!
This story is a part of my ongoing Project SitN hence the name of the blog url. It sets in Malaysia, my home country. The story revolves around a disease called Acute Brain Activity Disorder, ABAD for short. ABAD kills people by first putting them into a coma then shutting their brains down thus killing them. What people of Malaysia didn't know that this disease is just the tip of the iceberg. Sounds interesting? Definitely. First Chapter is coming up just in a while!
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