The Love Series: Precious Gift

Hello, my reader! A very happy Valentine's day to you all! Hope you all have been enjoying the love series. Love comes in all forms. Never forget this. Enjoy this day with your loved one and this includes your friends and family. Again, happy Valentines day! =)

Lily sat on the floor in her bedroom, in front of the cabinet. She slowly turned the key and opened the cabinet. It was filled with all kinds of things inside. She took them out one by one slowly and let the memories flow. All the things were given by her best friend, Ethan. The first thing she took out was a seashell.

Ethan and Lily were running around at the beach. They were only 4 years old. Their parents were sitting under the tree, talking. Suddenly, Ethan bent down and picked up something. It was a seashell. Lily came over. "Here, Lily. I want you to have it." "What's this for?" "For you to remember our friendship!" "Okay! Let me find something for you too!" Lily started looking around. She picked up a dried coral. "I think this is nice, Ethan. Here you go!" "Thank you!"

Lily smiled. That was the first time they exchanged gifts as a token of their friendship. A seashell and a coral. She took out another item. It was a bag full of dried dirt.

"Ethan!" Lily ran after him. They were 7 years old. School was over. The day before, Lily went out with her parents and saw something that reminded Lily of Ethan. It was a Power Rangers pencil case. She bought it for him with her pocket money and she wanted to give it to Ethan. She hadn't been able to find Ethan in school. Ethan turned around. "Hey, Lily!" "I saw this yesterday. I thought you might like it." "Oh, wow. Thanks! I will definitely give you something tomorrow. Gotta go now! See ya!" Lily smiled and waved goodbye. The next day, Ethan came to her classroom with a bag full of dirt. Lily's smile turned into a frown. "What is that?" "It's a mud pie! I perfected it after hours of hard work, you know! Do you like it?" "Uh... Ya. Thanks." Ethan smiled happily and left. Lily's girlfriends laughed and teased for quite some time later on.

A mud pie as a gift for a girl. Typical boy. Lily shook her head as she thought about that dreadful day. Then, she took out a doll made of dried lemongrass leaves.

Someone knocked softly on the door. Lily opened her eyes. Ethan came into her bedroom. They were 10 years old. Lily was sick and Ethan came over to visit her. "Hey, Lily. How are you doing?" "Okay, I guess. I am just sleeping all day and all night." "Here. I made you something. I know you get a little bored in here sometimes. Thought this might keep you company." He handed her the doll made of dried lemongrass leaves. "Thank you, Ethan. You are so kind." "Get well soon. I sort of miss you in school. No one to bully." "How nice to hear that Ethan. I think I won't get well anytime soon so that I won't be bullied by you." They both laughed. Lily took out an origami swan from her bedside table's drawer. "When I wasn't sleeping, I was folding this. Here." "Thanks. It's nice."

That boy can be so sweet yet so clueless sometimes, Lily thought. After they graduated from primary school, Ethan's family moved away. But they still communicated through letters and later on, emails. There were still quite a number of small little things that they give each other over the years. Keychains, magnets, different kinds of origamis and handmade bookmarks. Then, she took out a teddy bear.

It was school holiday. They were 16 years old. Ethan's family came back for a visit. Ethan and Lily met up at a cafe near their house. "Long time no see, little girl." "What do you mean by "little girl"?! I am 16, you know." "Right, right. All grown up and wouldn't want this little gift already, I suppose." "What?! No! Give me that!" Lily snatched that paper bag away from Ethan. That familiar teasing grin that she loved so much appeared on his face. "Still that same tomboy I left behind. Never changed." "Oh, shut up." Lily peeked into the bag and squealed. "Oh, this is so cute! A teddy bear!" "Little girls like teddy bears. So, I bought a teddy bear for you." "Who says only little girls like teddy bears? All girls, no matter what age, like cute things. Such as this teddy bear here." "So, where's mine?" "Where's yours what? Teddy bear? I thought boys don't play teddy bears." "What? No, not teddy bear. My gift!" "What gift? Since when I said I will give you a gift?" "Come on... It's tradition!" Lily laughed. She took out a package for Ethan. Ethan eagerly tore open the package. "A pair of socks?" "Why? It's nice and can be used for years to come." "Oh, fine, fine." They both laughed again.

Lily never met Ethan again until they were in university. They continue to send emails to each other. Once in a while, they would chat with each other using Facebook or Whatsapp. They still send small gifts to each other. Notebooks, diaries, stationaries, etc. Lily fingered the necklace around her neck.

It was night time. They were 21 years old. Both Ethan and Lily were on semester break. They met up at a cafe. After dinner, Ethan took out a box. "Open it." Lily smiled. She opened the box and saw this beautiful necklace. She was speechless. "Do you like it?" "This is beautiful. I love it! Thank you!" "Turn around. Let me put it on for you." Ethan lifted the necklace out from the box and put it on for Lily. Ethan took Lily's hand. "Lily, we have known each other since we were kids. I just want to let you know that you are the most important person in my life." Lily held her breath. Is he going to ask me to his girlfriend? Lily thought. "You will always and forever be my number one best friend." Lily exhaled in disappointment. Ethan released her hand and smiled at her. Lily took out a box from her handbag. Ethan smiled. "For me?" "No, for that waiter that I don't know at all. Of course it's for you, doofus!" Ethan laughed and opened the box. In it was a watch. He took it out and flipped it. His name is engraved at the back. "Wow, Lily. This is really awesome. Thanks!" He put on his watch.

"Lily! Are you ready?" Lily's mother called for her. "Coming!" Lily put back all the things into the cabinet carefully and locked it. She looked at herself in the mirror again. She was dressed all in black. Lily walked down the stairs. Her parents gave her a tight hug. They were going to attend Ethan's funeral.

At the cemetery, after the burial, Lily walked up to where Ethan's mother was standing with some other people. She hugged Ethan's mother. "He was just 21 years old. So young. So full of life. Ready to take on the world. But that cancer......" Ethan's mother started sobbing again. "I am so sorry, aunty." "Oh, wait, Lily. He left a letter for you."

Back in her room. Lily held the letter in her hands. She slowly opened it and started to read.

My dearest Lily,
I know I will be gone when you are reading this. I only have months to live. I already know that when we meet at the cafe. You have no idea how much I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. I was ready to ask you to be my girlfriend that night. But when my medical report came back a day before, I knew I couldn't ask you that. No, I cannot be selfish. Life can be quite cruel to us.

I do not allow you to grief for me for long. Move on with your life. Remember all those dreams that you told me? Remember all those places that you wish to visit? Go. Chase your dreams. Visit those places. I wished I could be there with you every step of the way, to travel the journey of Life with you. But I can't now. It seems I have lost the map.

Not everyone can find a true friendship that can last their entire lifetime. We found it. I am really glad that I found this friendship before my life ends. It is one of the most precious gifts that God can give to us - true friendship. A true blessing. The things that you gave me, none of it can top this one amazing gift - you. Nobody understands me better than you. I thank you for this friendship.

Thank you for everything. I am really sorry that I cannot give you happiness anymore. I suppose all good things must come to an end. Don't grief for me any longer. I have no regrets. You shouldn't have any too. Live your life to the fullest. Find another happiness. You must promise me you will do all these. If you don't, I will come back and haunt you and will give you no peace. I can guarantee you this.

Don't cry anymore. At least you and I both know that love is blessing one other and wish each other well and happy.

I love you, little girl. Goodbye.

Love,
Ethan.

Lily wiped away her tears. She folded the letter and put in back into the envelope. She thought of all the good times they had. They would tease each other, complain to each other, share their darkest fear to each other, talk about their hopes and dreams for the future. All those little gifts have a little story behind it. She will treasure those gifts and remember those memories.  

"I promise, Ethan. I love you too. Goodbye."     

The Love Series: Endless Time

Lost time is never found again. - Benjamin Franklin

My family is small. Just me, my father and mother. My father's name is Tan Chung Fatt. My mother's name is Wong Mei Qing. We love each other very much. 

I am hiding under my blanket. The sound of a glass breaking can be heard. Mommy and daddy is fighting again. I peek at the clock beside my bed. It is 2 am. Mommy is crying and daddy is coming up the stairs. I can heard heavy and angry footsteps. A door slam shut. Daddy must be in his study. I hear mommy cleaning up the broken glass. I pull my blanket closer around me and hug my boaster more tightly. When will this stop?

My father is the CEO of a big company. He works very hard everyday. Sometimes, he would come home very late because he needs to work. He will always come into my room with my mother and kiss me goodnight. If he comes home late, he will still come into my room quietly to kiss me. No matter how busy he is, he always have time for me.

I knock on the door quietly. Then I step into the room. Daddy is reading something on his huge desk, his back to me. "Daddy?" "Go ask your mom. I am not free." "But-" "I said I am not free." "Okay" I have not seen daddy for a few days. I just want to talk to him, hug him and kiss him. But I suppose he isn't free for any of that. 

My mother is a marketing director. She works very hard too, like my father. But she comes home earlier than my father everyday. She will sit down beside me when I do my homework and help me with the problems that I don't know how to do. She is always there for me, telling me what is right and what is wrong.

I take my Maths workbook to mommy. She is in the kitchen, looking at her laptop. "Mommy?" "Go ask your dad. I am not free." "Daddy isn't home." "Then, go back to school and ask your teacher. Pay more attention in class." I go back to my room quietly and look at my Maths book. They are always so busy. When will they be free to notice me?

My parents have very busy jobs. No matter how busy they are, they always have time for me. They will take me out to parks and have picnics. They will attend my school plays. Sometimes, they will ask me to invite my friends over to our home and have a tea party. They will prepare special food and drinks for us. 

Today, teacher asks us to invite our parents to our upcoming Mooncake Festival Celebration in school. During recess, some of my classmate surround me. "So, is your parents coming? I have never seen your parents before." I remain silent. "Told you so. Her parents won't come. I wonder why?" "That's because she doesn't have parents! The top student in class don't have parents!" My classmates start to tease me. "You don't have a mommy! You don't have a daddy! You are a nobody!" Then they leave me alone. I wipe my tears silently. 

When it is my birthday, they will buy me a birthday cake and celebrate with me. The presents they give me is always extra special and nice. They will throw a party for me and invite all my friends and their parents to come. They will blow out the candles and cut the cake with me. Even when it is not my birthday, they will still give me little presents.

It's my birthday. I believe mommy and daddy will remember my birthday today. I wait for them the whole day and night. I wait and wait. The clock strike 12. It's midnight and they are not back yet. Finally, I ask my nanny about them. It seems that they both have a meeting and event to attend tonight and won't be back until late. I go to my bedroom and look out the window. There is a star shinning brightly. "My wish is to have my mommy and daddy spend some time with me." I then go to bed and cry myself to sleep.  

My parents show me their love through the things they do for me. I have no doubt that they love me and I am their precious little girl. I love my parents very much too. I appreciate what they do for me and how they work hard to give the best for me. There is always time for me and I love them for that. They always put aside their work just to spend time with me. My parents are awesome.

During recess, teacher ask to talk to me. "You wrote a very good essay here and I submitted it for an essay competition. You got the first prize!" I smile a little. "Could you ask your parents to come to school to see me?" I freeze and look at teacher with wide eyes. "You are not in trouble, don't worry. It's just that I would like to meet them and personally tell them about your achievements in class. I know they have requested for your report card to be mailed to your house but I would still like to meet them." I look away. "From your essay, I can see they are great parents. You are a special child and now I can see why." I look at teacher with tear-filled eyes. "What I wrote are all lies."

20 years later...

My phone rings. I give an annoyed little sigh and pick up the phone. "Ah girl, hi! How are you today?" "Mom, I am busy." "Oh. Sorry. Just want to ask you whether you want to come home and have dinner with your father and I. It's your birthday today." "I have plans already." "Oh. How about tomorrow night?" I remain silent, thinking. "Baby... I know your father and I haven't been the best parents. We were so caught up in our work and our problems we just forget what was more important. Finally, we got everything we wanted but we lost the most important thing in our lives. You." I still remain silent. "I know it's a bit late but we would like to give you what we should have given you." "And what is that, mom?" "Time. And love." "I got to go, mom. See you tomorrow night, 7 pm. Bye."

We think there is endless time to live but we never know which moment is last. So, share, care, love, and celebrate every moment of life. - Unknown

The Love Series: The Power of Words

The clock struck 5 and sounds of bags being zipped up and murmured farewells can be heard. Another work day was over. Katie remained in her office for a little while longer, not wishing to join in the rush hour traffic. She continued looking at the documents when her phone buzzed. She looked at it. It was Sam. She smiled before picking up the phone.

"Hello?"
"Hey, baby. Done with work?"
"Work is never done, Sam. What's up?"
"Oh. Well... Nothing, actually. Just want to check up on you and hear your voice."
"Check up on me? I am not a two-year-old anymore, thank you very much."
"That's not what I meant, baby. I just-"
"Never mind. If you are done hearing my voice, then please leave me alone to do my work."
"Okay. Bye."

Katie hung up the phone. 3 months into her first relationship and she still cannot understand why Sam says the things he said. Checking up on her? Worried about her? Hearing her voice? Missing her? Thanking her for nothing in particular? She has never heard all these phrases before. To her, all these just means that he didn't trust her enough to look after herself and he is just way too free. What is wrong with him?

Sam looked at his phone blankly after the call to Katie. He was in a state of confusion. Most girls find it heartwarming when their boyfriends called just to check up on them and hear their voice. Not Katie. She was his first serious girlfriend. He really loved the way she smiled and her seriousness towards their relationship. But it seems like whatever he said is always wrong. What is wrong with her?

"Get that remote control for me and then stay out of my way!" Katie scrambled to her feet and got the television remote control for her uncle. But before she could sit back down on the narrow little table to finish up her drawing, her aunt hollered for her. "Hang out that basket of clothes, you lazy girl! Can't you see how busy I am already? You are nothing but a nuisance to us. Damn your parents for going so early and adding to our already very heavy burden. You better make yourself useful!" Katie quietly went to hang out the clothes. Her cousins came and disturbed her, making fun of her. They took down all the clothes that she had hung and threw it in the mud. Then they ran to their mother and said Katie dirtied their clothes on purpose. Her aunt grabbed her and took her to her uncle. Her uncle stood up and undo his belt around his waist. She knew she would be spanked for a crime she did not commit. She started screaming and crying. The belt came down on her sore butt.

Katie woke up, gasping. Sam was driving the car. He looked at her with concern and took her hand.

"You alright?" 
"Yeah, yeah."
"Nightmare?"
"Not exactly."
"Hey, whatever it is, you can tell me. I am here for you."
"Look, I am fine, okay?"
"Okay, okay."

Sam released her hand and continue driving. Soon, they reached his parents' house. They rang the doorbell and Sam's mother, Mrs. Tan, opened the door. She threw her arms around Sam and hugged him tight.

"Hey, mom!"
"Sam! So good to see you, dearie!"
"Yeah. Miss you too, mom. This is Katie."

Sam introduced Katie. Mrs. Tan hugged Katie too. Katie stiffen. This is all so weird for her. Her aunt never hugged her before.

"Hello, darling! It's good to finally meet you! Sam never tell me how beautiful you are!"
"Uh... Hi, Mrs. Tan."
"Come on in! I have just finished cooking!"

They went into the house and Mr. Tan greeted them heartily, hugging Sam and shaking hand with her.

"Well, son. It's been so long!"
"Hey, dad! This is Katie."
"Hello, Katie. I do hope Sam has been behaving himself!"
"Hi, Mr. Tan. Sam has been really good to me, no worries."
"I am just joking! But it's still good to know my son is behaving himself."

Mr. Tan roared with laughter. Katie just stood there, smiling uncertainly. This family is very weird. Where is all the shouting? Where is all the sarcasm and biting remarks? Why is it that this family is hugging people and joking around? This is all very new to Katie.

Throughout the whole visit, Mr. and Mrs. Tan were very warm and hospitable to Katie. They forbid her to help out in the kitchen and kept taking food for her during dinner. When they talked to Sam and asked him about his work, they never once shouted at him or say anything sarcastic. She was waiting for an argument to start but there was none. They just conversed normally and laughed a lot, embarrassing Sam every now and then but it all showed genuine love.

When Mr. and Mrs. Tan asked about Katie's family background and got to know that her parents passed away in a car accident when she was 7, Mrs. Tan reached out and patted her hand. They were genuinely sorry and concerned for her. How is this even possible? She is an outsider, like her aunt always said. She doesn't have any rights to anything. Everything she has now, she earned it by working hard.

During the drive home later that night, Sam took her hand again.

"Sorry about my parents. They can be too friendly sometimes."
"No, it's okay."
"You have been very quiet. Is everything alright?"
"Yeah."
"You sure?"
"Seriously, Sam. How many times do I have to tell you?"
"Okay. Fine. Sorry."

They drove back in silence. Sam dropped her off at her rented apartment. She went up to her room and lie down on her bed, processing her evening with Sam's parents.

A few weeks later, Sam and Katie went out for dinner.

"So, when are we going to meet your aunt and uncle?"
"You seriously wouldn't want to meet them."
"Why not? You have met my parents. I would like to meet your guardians too."
"No, Sam."
"Please, Katie. It wouldn't be as bad as my parents."

Katie went silent. Sam sighed but didn't say anything more on this subject. He then talked about other things.

Katie was driving with Sam to meet her aunt and uncle. The whole way, Sam saw how tense she was and she was holding on to the steering wheel really tightly.

"Hey-"
"Don't say a word, Sam. Just don't."

Sam kept quiet. But he was worried. Why was she so tensed up? What's wrong?

They arrived at the house. Katie rang the doorbell. Her aunt opened the door.

"So, you are back. This is your boyfriend, huh? Never thought you are good enough to get a job, let alone a boy."
"Uh... Hi, aunty."
"No need to be all sweet on me, boy. I got nothing for you."

Katie's aunt went in the house. Sam looked at Katie but Katie avoided his eye contact. They went into the house. Katie's uncle was watching the television.

"Hi, uncle."
"Who are you, boy?"
"I am Sam, Katie's boyfriend."

Sam extended a hand towards Katie's uncle. He didn't take it. He just stared at him coolly and then went back to his television. Sam was even more confused. Katie's aunt came into the living room.

"What do you want?"
"Nothing, aunt. We just want to visit you."
"Visit me? Please. I know you are not so goodhearted. I got no money for you."
"No, aunt. I am not here to ask for money. We really just came for a visit."

Katie's aunt frowned. Then she turned away and went back into the kitchen. Katie's uncle ignored them. They sat awkwardly in the living room for a few minutes. Finally, Katie stood up and left without another word. Sam followed.

They got in the car and drove in silence for a while.

"Katie, stop the car."

Katie did what Sam said. She turned into a park near her childhood home and stopped. They got out of the car and sat on a bench.

"Just say it."
"Say what, Katie?"
"That I am disgusting. My family is awful. You want to break up with me."
"Why would I say all those hurtful words to you?"
"Because it's the truth."
"No, it's not."
"I can handle it, okay. Just spill it out and get it done."
"Katie."
"I am not as fragile as you think I am, okay."
"Katie."
"I have totally prepared myself for this already. I won't do stupid things."
"Katie."
"I didn't want you to meet my aunt and uncle because I know you would be disgusted. They are so different from your parents."
"Katie."
"I am a nobody, Sam. I have nothing. If your parents see what you saw today, they wouldn't approve of me anymore."
"Katie."
"My whole life, I only know sarcasm and biting remarks. That is my world. This is who I am."
"Katie."
"You deserve someone better, Sam. I am no good for you."
"KATIE!!!"
"What? What?"
"I love you."

Katie looked at Sam. He looked back at her steadily. A tear slide down Katie's cheeks.

"Say it again."
"I love you"

Katie started to cry. Sam hugged her tightly and kept repeating that 3 powerful words to her. Katie finally understood the meaning of love and the power of words.

Love is accepting each other's flaw and help each other to become a better person.

Words have the power to destroy a person emotionally and mentally but can also heal and uplift a person.

Epilogue: Those 3 powerful words that Sam said was the beginning of Katie's healing process. Sam and Katie dated for a few years. During that time, Katie changed a lot. The healing process was long and sometimes very hard but Sam was there with Katie all the way through. Sam's loving, encouraging and comforting words brought Katie out of her shell. From a low self-esteem girl to a confident girl. Later on, Sam and Katie got married. 

Lovey-dovey February

It's February! It's the month of love. Right? Valentine's day is around the corner. Of course, Chinese New Year is also coming. So, it's a month full of celebrations and fun.

This post is just to give you all a heads up on what is coming up for this special month. A series of short stories specially for this season of love and celebrations.

Love can be interpreted in many different ways, agree? So, let me present to you...
The Love Series:
- The Power of Words
Katie doesn't understands the meaning of encouragement, comfort and love. Her family background has been complicated and all she knows is biting remarks and sarcasm. Now, as she enters into a relationship with Sam, she is about to find out the power of words and discover the true meaning of love.

- Endless Time
"Mommy and daddy is fighting again..." "Could you ask your parents to come to school to see me?" "My wish is to have my mommy and daddy spend some time with me." "You don't have a mommy! You don't have a daddy! You are a nobody!" "Daddy?" "Go ask your mom. I am not free." "Mommy?" "Go ask your dad. I am not free." "Why can't my daddy and mommy give me a little bit of time? Why?"

- Precious Gift
One of our lives' precious gift given to us by God is our friends. Ethan and Lily are the best of friends since they were toddlers. They give each other gifts as a token of their friendship...or is it something more than a token of friendship?

- Just 4 U Services
Juggling a full time job and 2 young children can be really tiring. All these stress is resulting to a strain in Bob and Caroline's marital relationship. Bob knows deep in his heart that this is the one and only woman he can love his entire life. But Caroline isn't convinced. Bob needs to think up of something to save his marriage. Fast.

- Gentle & Loving Touch
Tara is saved by the social services from the clutches of her abusive parents. She is adopted into a loving home. But she refuses to open up to this new family. She is always hiding in a dark corner. Everyone is about to give up when someone comes and saves the day...or something?

That would be the Love Series. Here is another series that would have you laughing your head off. (I hope...)
The city girl & The kampung boy
A hilarious story between the meeting of a city girl and a village boy back in the 1980s. Both of them, involving their friends and family, explore each others' background and a lot of funny things happen along the way. The ultimate question is: will they be able to overcome their differences and obstacles and stay together? Or will this be their downfall?

So, this is it. A little introduction to the stories that will appear this month. Stay tune and hope you enjoy reading!