Left

"Just a little bit more." The lady holding the brush told her.

She closed her eyes since she wasn't very familiar with the pinkish powder that was brushed onto her face. It was a big day and she had to look her best. At least, that's what everyone around her told her. To her, the meaning of the ceremony was greater than anything else. She could care less of how perfect she looked.

"What time is it?" She asked another lady who was taking pictures of the decorated room. She should not be late. Keeping in check of the time was important for she would not want to be a person who lets people wait. She relaxed her lips as the lady painted the outer line.

"It's almost 9.30."

She still has half an hour before the scheduled time. Her hair was pulled up and curled, A few strands were pulled a little too hard and she winced in her mind.

"Thank you." When the lady told her the process was over. She was now dolled up and sitting as still as she could for fear of ruining anything.

"Elise?" She turned towards the voice and saw her best friend at the doorway.

"You look so pretty that I couldn't recognise you!"

"The makeup was done pretty well then. Where did you go just now?" She switched topic before she starts complaining of how horrifying makeup was. She could write a thesis on the traumatic psychology of makeup if she wanted to.

"I was helping your mom, she was making sure the place was perfect. You know, occupational hazard." Zoe laughed while admiring how beautiful her friend was. She was dolled up and that never happens. This was the time to appreciate it.

"Thank you so much." Elise smiled for her friend always understood and helped out whenever she needed it.

"Just help me look for a guy. I would thank you for it." Zoe teased. She wanted to pinch Elise's cheeks but remembered there was makeup and resisted.

"You look beautiful." Zoe couldn't help but sighed.

"Thank you. You've said that earlier."

"I know. I'm just admiring your makeuped face."

"Appreciate it as much as you can lady, this doll is as rare as the blue moon." Elise posed dramatically as Zoe started taking pictures of her.

Her phone on the dressing table buzzed and she felt a chill down her spine.

Zoe passed it to her naturally since she was closer. Thou Elise felt weak when the phone was in her hand.

"I'm sorry." The message showed on the screen even before she unlocked her phone. The sender was from the groom of the day.

"What's it about?" Zoe asked before realising something had happened.

"Looks like you'll be my honeymoon date. Interested to go on a trip to Whitehorse for a week?"

[Essay] Pencil Case

Hello, everyone. Today I want to share with everyone about my pencil case. It may be a small object, but it's actually a big part of my life.

What is in a pencil case? Pens, pencils, erasers, correction tape... all in all, stationary.

When I was in secondary school, there's more than just stationary in my pencil case. I used to put sewing needles and threads or a few band-aids in it. My pencil case was my emergency kit. The sewing needles are stored in a pencil led casing while the threads and the band-aids are stored in a side pocket of the pencil case. Do you still remember when girls had to wear pinafore as a part of the school uniform? The pins or buttons tend to come loose at the worst timing. Whenever that happens, I could take the sewing needles and threads to sew them back immediately. The band-aids would come in handy whenever there's any paper cuts or small injuries.

My pencil case is also something I feel safe or even confident with. Holding my pencil case while walking into the exam hall, I feel confident. This is because I know that I am well prepared. As the quote goes, the first step in being successful is having your tools well prepared. With the tools I need in this pencil case, I can concentrate on answering the exam questions without having to ask the examiner, "Hi sir, do you have a pencil sharpener?" or whisper to my friend, "Can I borrow your eraser?" or risking myself into getting caught for talking in exams.

Last of all, my pencil case is something that I need whenever I want to express my thoughts and emotions. If I feel sad or moody, I would take the tools I need from my pencil case and write down my feelings or a short story. This helps me when I feel bothered by troubles because when I am writing things down, I am also organizing my thoughts and maybe, just maybe, I would find a solution to the problems I'm facing. If ever I feel creative, I would draw or make crafts using the pencils, ruler, penknife or glue that is from my pencil case, For the friends who has my Facebook, I'm sure you've seen me posting photos of my artworks.

A pencil case may seem small and not that important. But to me, it is something that I always have by my side. This pencil case stores my stationary, acts as a personal emergency kit, a confidence booster as well as a helper whenever I feel down. I believe, my life is colourful than it could be because of the things I can do with the help of my pencil case.

----------- ------------ ------------- ------------- ------------ ------------------- ------ ------- ---------- ----------

This is an essay that I wrote a few weeks back for a subject called Public Speaking. Yeah, it's a speech about introducing myself through an object. I'm not sure if it actually fits with what the lecturer wanted... but I hope it's good enough :)

Ice Skating

"Sir, you'll be up in awhile." A girl knocked on my door and said. I thanked her as she left hurriedly. I checked myself in the mirror. I was wearing a sparkling red and black costume. I took deep breaths and wobble my limbs to shake off the nervousness. Even after so many competitions and performances, I'm still having these nervous moments. It's harder to believe it when people know that you are the national representative...

"...The moment you've been waiting for! Everyone, please welcome U-know Yunho!" The MC announced. I kicked my skates and skated towards the center of the ice rink. I struck a pose and the lights dimmed. In a millisecond, the music started, the spot lights shone, the crowd cheered as my performance started.

The beat to "Rising Sun" echoed in the hall and I dashed towards the crowd. Only turning at the last second before I jumped and gave a triple rotation in mid-air. The audience cheered and clapped. I danced on the ice rink, following the rhythm of the music and feeling the emotions. I performed a few spins and more jumps.

Then towards the second verse of the song, my partner came out. Claudia dressed in fiery red skated towards me and I caught her. We spun together and the audience went wild. As the beat of the song changed to a faster one, I threw her and she spun mid air. Landing swiftly after that, she made another jump  and rotated twice before I caught her hand and we continued dancing.

As the second chorus end, she bowed and skated away. I was alone again for my final act. I had to do a continuous jumps of triple-rotation. I calmed myself and waited for the right tempo to synchronize with my heartbeat. And then... I started the chain of jumps.

"Jump, One, two, three... jump, one, two, three... one two... "

One moment, I was in the air, twirling. The next, I made a careless landing and slipped. I fell knee first onto the cold hard ice. Something cracked.

My mind went blank. The crowd went silent. I froze in a kneeling position as I dare not move. The staffs scurried towards me. My coach, Changmin was way ahead of them. He and the staffs helped me from a kneeling position to sitting on the ice. My coach checked my knee, barely touching it or moving it.

"We'll have to bring you to the medics. Immediately." He said and I was brought to the hospital pronto.

"I'm not going to tell you to be depressed or optimistic. But you'll have to brace yourself for whatever the results." Changmin said as we waited for the X-ray results. I knew he wants me to expect the worst. Since he, once a medical personnel, must've known how serious was my knee.

"I'm afraid I have bad news..." The doctor came in with the x-ray results. He then revealed that there was a big crack in my knee... as well as a badly twisted ankle and... ...

...never ice skate anymore...

The words I never wanted to hear came.

"Can you check again doctor?" I said immediately, disbelieved, anger flowing through my blood.

"Yunho, calm down." Changmin said and held me down so that I won't stand up.

Changmin and the doctor talked a little longer. I was given the basic explanations. What to do, what not to... how to heal it... but I wasn't listening anymore.

I sank into an endless pit. I am stopped from doing what I've been doing all my life, what I love... what my heart is... I can't ice skate anymore...

Changmin drove me home that day. He didn't say much. He just told me follow what the doctor said. As the car stopped in front of my house, he told me to rest early. Using the new crutches given by the hospital, I dragged myself out of the car and bid goodbye.

For the next few days, I stayed at home alone.  I was practically doing nothing since I had to lessen the movements of my leg. I was constantly watching TV or lecturing myself for being so careless. Alcohol seems to be such a good companion when you're being down. Yet, somehow, miraculously, I have prevented myself from touching the bitter juice in the fridge by imagining Changmin staring at me with his eyes bulging out with fire. Only now I realized how dependent I am towards my coach. I would turn on my phone every morning, hoping to get a text or a missed call from him. However, Changmin being my manager as well, went to sort things out with the media and endorsements. Of course he would be busy...

It was almost a week I stayed in the compound of my house. Locking myself from the outside world. Not knowing what is going on out there. I knew I had to get up and not be depressed. I mentally slapped myself for being so grey.

Well, they say jogging helps you to clear your mind. But I'll have to improvise a bit. Changing my clothes and wearing a cap, I took my crutches and left the house for some fresh air.

I walked through the streets. Admiring the weather, the buildings, old and new, the new shops, the stalls... Watching people busying with their things... 

How long ago was it when I walked through the streets? For almost 10 years ago? It's been quite a long time huh? I've been ice skating my whole life... what should I do in the future? What can I do?

Before I could find an answer, my stomach growled madly. I looked at my watch and it showed 2pm. Seems like I've skipped breakfast and lunch... 

The next shop was a small grocery stall owned by a sweet old lady, Mrs. Kim. I used to come here with my mom before I went to train as an ice skater.

"Welcome!" Mrs. Kim greeted and I smiled. She hadn't change that much, just a few small wrinkles. I smiled. Seems like she doesn't recognize me anymore.

I explored the store a bit. It wasn't a very big store, it wasn't small either. There were so many shelves and different variety of foods. I admit, I was quite lost. I didn't know what to look for first.  

I was staring at a bunch of purple round things when I heard...

"Yu..Yuu..Yunho-sshi?"

I turned to see a petite girl with a pony tail. She looked at me with her small but twinkling eyes. Somehow, I have this feeling that I've seen her, a lot of times... but I didn't say anything, what was I suppose to say?

"Umm... could you tell me what is this?" I picked up the purple round thing and asked.

"Eh?... It... It's a mangosteen." She was surprised but still answered. 

"O...okay... Thanks..." I said awkwardly. What was I doing? A week out of socialization and I can't talk anymore?

"Umm... Yunho-sshi, I'm a fan of yours...can... may I have you're autograph?" She asked timidly. 

And suddenly, it hit me. She's the girl in the crowd that cheered for me, supported me since the beginning. She's the girl I laid my eyes on for every skating performance I had. For almost every performance, I would share an eye-locking moment for a person in a crowd. Even if it was just seconds, it was always with her. How could I have forgotten?

"I'll sign an autograph, but before that, could you do me a favor?" I asked, still unsure of where I'm going with this conversation.

"Eh?... Okay." She nodded and smiled widely.

"Could you accompany me for a late lunch?" I asked abruptly.

"Huh? What...?" She was surprised of course.

"Please? I really want to talk to someone, someone who's always been supporting me, someone like you." I pleaded.

"O... okay." She accepted. We shopped for some groceries and went to look for a place for some late lunch.

We went to a local restaurant famous for their traditional Korean food. We chose a table at the corner of the restaurant and ordered food. After the waiter left, I then asked what was her name.

"I'm Hyesun. Um... Yunho-sshi, are you feeling okay?" She asked earnestly. the worry in her eyes were unshielded.

"I'm fine. My leg's healing a lot." I said and smiled.

"No... I saw the news that you... you can't skate anymore... Yunho-sshi, I'm asking are you feeling okay here?" She asked while her hand pointed to her heart.

"I... I'm trying to adjust to it... I know I can, just need a little time..." I said honestly.

"Yunho! hwaiting!" She cheered and her cuteness made me smile. She was naturally cute, and it made her shine.

"Hwaiting!" I cheered as well.

"Yunho-sshi, not to be offensive, but have you thought about what are you going to do in the future?" She asked me when we were eating.

"I haven't decide anything... do you have any ideas?" I kept on chewing my food since my stomach had been empty for such a long time.

"Hmm... since you're still studying... just continue?" Hyesun ended with a question mark.

"Yeah... I guess that's what I'll do for now." I sighed at the thought of the future, starting all over again with something other than ice skating.

"Don't worry, you'll find your way eventually." Hyesun gave me a smile that warmed my heart. She just knew what to say to make me feel better...

We talked more as we ate. Later I know a bit about Hyesun. She's 3 years younger than me, studying business management at Gwangju University. Even thou she's still studying, she already had a small business. She has such a bubbly personality, just that she doesn't show it much since she's quite shy. Throughout the meal, I talk a lot and she listened to me blabber too.

As we finished our meal, I thanked her and gave her an autograph like I promised before. She bowed and said thank you a lot of times.

"Can I have your number?" I took all of my courage and asked her before she left.

She nodded. Her face went red as she typed in her number into my cell phone.

"Thank you Hyesun. Thank you so much." I said as she boarded the public bus.

After that unplanned lunch, I decided to continue my studies in Seoul National University as Changmin also agreed that it's a good decision. He said that I can still be in the ice skating scene, not as a performer or athlete, but as a coach. He said that I have potential in coaching and encouraged me to give it a shot. I would follow him for the training sessions and learned how he taught them. What should I be focusing on and what should I be doing. It wasn't what I expected but I am content.

And Hyesun? I contacted Hyesun whenever I can. We became good friends. After she graduated, we decided to start a proper center to teach kids to ice skate. We're still in the process of setting up the center. And do you know? As we spent more time together. I realized, I like her a lot... Should I ask her to be my girlfriend?

~END~

Happy belated bday~ coffee~

FYI, I joined the competition... :D  

Cold

"Didn't you say you're working today?" She asked with little strength in her voice.

"Nah." He answered without looking at her. He continued drinking beer. It was his thirtieth can.

And the final blow.

She took her luggage and went out of the house. Closing the door quietly. That will be the last time. She's never coming back.

She went to a place she left 4 years ago. The house she bought for herself after she got her job.

She took the old key out of her pocket and unlocked the door in front of her. Everything was still in place, the same as 4 years ago. The cleaner she hired kept the place spotless too.

Putting her luggage aside, she sat on the soft carpet and felt the fabric with her hands. It warmed her hands that were so cold.

Right now, she just wanted to forget him. She wanted to erase the memories with him.

He's changed. He isn't himself anymore. Day by day, he lives life on his sofa, drinking beer and talking nonsenses. She tried helping him, she really tried... but the bruises... she had endured... no, it wasn't a life she wanted... not with him... not with the monster now...

She hated him, despised the monster he is now...

Her heart hurts as the memories of them together flashed in front of her.

She still loved him...

Just An Imagination

"Why won't you go home? I see you sitting here every night."

"I don't have a place to go back to."

"Did you run away from home?"

She looked at him. Her eyes showed that she was longing for something... but... what was it?

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't be such a busybody," he apologized immediately.

She smiled and asked, "are you the new security guard?" to brush off the question he had asked.

He nodded, "Yea, I still can't quite understand how other people stay awake at this time... luckily coffee was discovered."

She giggled. It had been so long since the last time someone actually talked to her. She missed having a conversation.

"You want some? I got it from my mother back in Ipoh. It's the best coffee in the world." He showed her his flask.

"Sure. Thank you." She looked at him. Her eyes sparkled under the starry night sky.

He poured some warm coffee into 2 paper cups. The two then shared their thoughts outside the mall, on the wooden bench.

It was almost an hour they sat there. The cold wind didn't seemed to bother the two as they kept each other company.

The young man looked at his watch and was startled at the time. He had totally forgotten about his duties to check the premise.

"Thank you very much for the coffee. It was really nice. A good coffee indeed. Thank you to you too... for talking to me." She said while standing up to stretch a bit.

"You're welcome. You should go get some sleep. I need to start my work too." He said and packed up his flask and threw the paper cups into the dustbin.

"Where were you, kiddo? you scared me. And I was starting to think if you were robbed... or were you just lazying around?" The senior security guard said when the young man appeared at the CCTV room.

"I was outside at the wooden bench. There was a camera in that area too, didn't you see me? Just there." the young man pointed at one of the screens with the bench that he and the girl had sat together. He then looked at the elder who was staring at him like he was a wacko; the younger man wondered if the elder had dozed off while he was gone.

"There's no wooden bench around here. I can't find you through the cameras too. Where were you?" The senior was stern this time.

"I was at the wooden bench just outside the mall. I was talking to a girl for an hour. She had been around the mall every night for the past few days." He explained.

The senior security guard was quiet, his eyes widened.

"There ain't no wooden benches around here, only steel benches. That bench had no one sitting on it for the past 2 hours."

For A Lovely Friend...

There were so many people around me. They were congratulating me. I am a world-class designer and have opened more than 100 outlets in 20 countries. I just got the Prime Minister’s recognition. I was given a lifetime achievement award for my work. He gave me a pat on the back and I was to give my speech to the 5,000 people in the hall. “First of all, it is an honor for me to receive this award from the Prime Minister himself. I would like to thank my parents, my family who were always by my side supporting me. Thank you to my friends, my colleges, my first, second and third boss, that taught me so much. Thank you also to my wonderful husband……

“Hello? Wake up girl, you have lots to do today,” someone whispered into my ear. The sight in front of me slowly disappeared. I rubbed my eyes and lazily opened them. “Eh, wake up now!” It was Lee Ngoh calling me up.

It was a dream? I should have put earplugs! “I’m up. I’m up. Thanks Lee Ngoh.” He left the room, probably for breakfast.

After making my bed, I looked out the window. Winter has passed a few days ago and it’s spring. The sun is shining brightly. The garden is full of life. The flowers are starting to bloom and attracting butterflies. The old oak tree on the left corner of our garden is starting to weave itself a brand new outfit. “Perfect weather for the event.” I said to myself with a smile. After taking a bath and all dressed up, I went to my study table to take a look at the list I prepared two days ago.

"Why aren't you down for breakfast?" I turned around to see mother. "We have a lot to do and you're going to be my assistant. So make sure you're focus." She continued. I nodded and tucked the list into my bag.

After breakfast, I followed mother to the venue for the event. We are organizing an engagement party for mother's best friend and long time partner of the company, Aunt Hemlatha. This was a special request from her boyfriend, Mr. Minho. I don't know much about this guy, but what I heard from mother was that he is an artiste working in a famous entertainment company. The venue was actually an air-conditioned studio owned by the company.

We rented it and mother designed a setting according to a photo Mr. Minho gave her. The setting will be a replica of a small town in Paris, where they first met. This is what I'm imagining of how they met...

Aunt Hemlatha was having a vacation in Paris. On the other hand, Mr. Minho was having a mini concert there. Aunt Hemlatha was having a walk down the streets after dinner, enjoying the night scene of Paris. Mr. Minho had just finished his concert and was walking away from the crowd, maybe sneaking out of the crowd. He walked on the lonely streets, thinking deep. Both of them accidentally bumped into each other, under a mistletoe. They looked into each others eyes, and it was love at first sight, or maybe both of their consciences were saying "meet someone in Paris! Instead of being alone in a night like this".

"Honey, please stop your blogging drafts for awhile and help me call the store for a follow up on the ring," mother called out.

After the followup on the ring, I went to see the replica setting in Studio 1. There were around 10 people running around carrying boxes, ladders, and some of them were sweeping the floor! Mother was so cool! She was like a conductor, taking control of the staffs while making sure nothing is missed out. The Paris setting was awesome, the buildings were exactly like the ones in the photos, just enlarged. They even put cement-like pavements on the floor that was also in the photo. Behind the replicated setting was where Aunt Hemlatha's and Mr. Minho's parents will be hiding. They have not arrived yet and the staffs were arranging a few tables with chairs. The plan was to have a small feast after Mr. Minho popped the question and Aunt Hemlatha's answer.

Soon, the caterer came and they started to set up a place for the food. I took a peek at what's been ordered and it was quite a colorful set of dishes, Korean, Malaysian, Fusion, it's all there.

"You're not going to steal a bite now, are you?" A deep voice came from behind me.

"Mr. Minho? Good morning! How do you feel? Are you nervous?" I asked excitedly.

Suddenly remembering what he asked, I answered "No".

Laughing, Mr. Minho said "I feel excited, nervous at the same time. It's been a few weeks since I saw her. Schedule is a bit tight lately. Tell me, from your opinion, what will..."

"Wei Seen, come here and help a bit with the flower arrangement over there. Oh, hello Mr. Minho. Sorry to cut into your conversation." mother pretty much shouted from the other end of the studio.

I scrambled to help with the flowers as Mr. Minho talked to mother. "I called Hemlatha and told her I'm working in Studio 1. I asked her to come after 1 hours, is that okay?" Minho asked mother, to which she smiled and nodded. He's parents and soon-to-be in-laws came into the studio, awed by the setting. Mother saw them and asked Mr. Minho to go have a seat with them and have a relaxed conversation. This was to keep Mr. Minho "unstressed". Mr. Jinki and Mr. Jonghyun also came, not as guests, but as director and cameraman. They'll be recording when Mr. Minho is asking the question, but Aunt Hemlatha wouldn't know.

The ring soon came and was given to Mr. Minho.

"She's here! Everyone, to your places!" someone shouted. Mother, the staffs and I were finishing up some parts, The guests were hiding where Aunt Hemlatha couldn't see them, Mr. Minho was standing near the door, waiting for Aunt Hemlatha. Everyone finished and went into hiding.

"Knock knock!" Aunt Hemlatha was at the door. It opened, "Hello?" She walked in and Mr. Minho held her hand.

"Work will be done in a bit, can you help me a bit?" Mr. Minho asked as he led her to the setting without waiting an answer. Surprised, Aunt Hemlatha asked,"Where's all the people? What work are you doing? Is it a movie?"

"Can you do me a favor? Just have a seat here," Mr. Minho let her sit on a bench in the Paris setting in front of the camera that Mr. Jinki was holding.

"What favor?" she was still clueless about what she is suppose to help.

"Please answer a question for me, truthfully from your heart. Can you do that?" Mr. Minho asked as he looked into her eyes. Mr. Jonghyun giggled for a second. Blushing a bit, Aunt Hemlatha nodded.

"Hemlatha, firstly, I'm sorry for not being able to meet you for these past few weeks due to my career. But I want to be with you, always. You are my life, my everything. Miss Hemlatha, will you marry me?" Mr. Minho asked, getting down on his knees and taking out the ring that had the words "eternally".

Aunt Hemlatha was quiet for awhile, she was blushing more.

"Yes," she nodded smiling just as radiant as the sun. Mr. Minho helped her wear the ring and gave her a kiss.

"Minho, are the both of them....are they filming this??" she asked like a child. He laughed and nodded. We who were in hiding came out and clapped joyfully for the sweet couple. She saw so many people and was probably in shock. Her parents hugged her. Her in-laws also congratulated her. Everyone was smiling. It was a very very happy scene.

"There's a small feast behind here!" mother called out and led the guest to the buffet. There were around 20 people, including family members and a few close friends. Everyone enjoyed the small feast, having conversation and constantly congratulating the couple.

"Your Aunt Hemlatha is getting married! We'll going to plan the best wedding dinner anyone will ever have, maybe in a few months time. You better get ready for a busy one." mother jokingly told me, personally, I think she really mean it......

Aunt Hemlatha, congratulation!!

21 Criteria... 1-10/21

We were chatting. Then there's this topic about 20 criteria for a boyfriend. But 21 is more interesting, cause 21 = adult. But when I got home, I realize I'll be having a hard time listing it. So, here's what you'll get, from dramas or movie...with a twist (I try...but I can't think of 21!! It's too tough!)

21 Criteria:

1. Handsome

Whispers: He's so cool! He's the coolest! He can never be compared! He looks like those Anime characters, just too cool! O my, those eyes! Electrifying! I'm having a Cloud9 moment!

GF: Em...How am I going to date if my classmates are here in the restaurant stalking you?

2. Kindhearted

BF: Cutie pie, please bear with them.
GF: I'm okay with them living here in our apartment, but we do need a little privacy, you know? You gotta control a bit about helping homeless and less fortunate people.
BF: I know I've been letting them stay here for a few months. But I find it really hard to tell 30 people that they need to go some other place.

3. Rich

GF: There you go again into the bathroom.
BF: Why not?
GF: Indulgence. Taking a bath in dollars is not the proper way to be clean and hygienic!
BF: How many people get the chance to do this?
GF: I'm out of ideas. I give up. When you can't win 'em, join 'em. Wait for me!

4. Respect the elders

BF: Ma'am, good evening. How are you?
Mother: You chose a sweet boy.
BF: Please seat ma'am
Mother: Thank you. This sofa is nice.
BF: Would you like some tea?
Mother: Yes. Such a good boy.
BF: Cake ma'am?
Mother: Thank you. You are such a good cook!
BF: Umm...we bought it from the store. She said it's your favorite.
Mother: So cute.
GF: Mother, are you going to praise him for every gesture?
Mother: It's very good to respect the elders, rite?

5. Funny, makes you happy

GF: Why do you want to wear that red nose thingy?
BF: Cause I want to make you happy. You wrote it in your blog.
GF: But, today is my sister's wedding day, wearing the clown nose is not quite appropriate.

6. Writes love letters to you

BF: I failed my language test.
GF: I'm so sorry to hear that. Let me give you a kiss.
BF: But it's not fair.
GF: How?
BF: It said to write a letter to your loved ones. I wrote it, sincerely.
GF: To whom?
BF: To you.
GF: Aww...You're so sweet. But aren't you suppose to write according to what the title says? The point was "Write a letter to a brother whose currently abroad".

7. Musically talented

GF: You love music more than me, isn't it?
BF: No, that's not true.
GF: But you've been practicing piano more than we go out dating.
BF: Just sit back and relax.
GF: Wha....
BF starts playing "To my bride"
BF: Will you marry me?

8. Knows how to do house chores

Mother: The house is so clean. But you couldn't have done it, who did it?
GF: My BF.
Mother: Can I hire him to clean my house?

9. Doesn't get angry easily

Classmate: I'm gonna bet 50 dollars that you can't get your boyfriend to be angry.
GF: Watch and learn.
BF walks in.
GF: Honey, I broke your glass-made car.
BF: O dear. Never mind.
GF: But it's your most prized possession. There's only one in the whole world. It represents you.
BF: But it's still just a car.
GF: Aren't you angry about it? And all the other stuff I broke for the past week?
BF: They can be fixed. Don't worry about it.
GF: You really can't get angry, huh?
BF: I guess.
GF: I give up. Here's your 50 dollars. (hands to classmate)
BF: You were BETTING? HOW COULD YOU?
GF: And I'll take back the 50.

10. Sings with you, to you

Classmate: I'm so sure, I bet he can't sing!
GF: Are you that sure? I'll accept the bet.
Classmate: We'll see.
BF walks in.
GF sings.
GF: The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
BF: You're BETTING again.
BF sings along.
BF: And the truth in your eyes......(continues)
Classmate faints.

School Essay: Family Gathering

Modernization, because of it, technology is always improving, skyscrapers are built everyday and we are moving at a faster pace every second. Our time is spent on schooling, tuition, works until we do not have time for our loved ones, our family. This is why we have family gathering once in awhile to catch up on times and strengthen the relationship.

It's been 2 years since my family had a gathering. Mummy suggested we have one and she started to list out the relatives' names before anyone could say yes. I was told to find their phone numbers according to the list while daddy said that we should have a dinner at our house since it would be more "homely". We all agreed and started to plan the gathering.

After a few days, we received phone calls from our relatives saying that they would come for the family gathering, there was Uncle Keat, Uncle Terrence and his family, Aunt Ling and our grandparents. Our house will be filled with so many people! On the day of the family gathering, mummy and I went out to buy the ingredients for the cooking. As I was always going to my room for computer games, I didn't know how to choose the fresh vegetables and meat. Mummy taught me with full of patience. Later, we went to buy ice-cream for dessert.

When we returned home, we found out that the dining table is not enough for 15 people. My brother said that we could use the ping pong table and with the help of daddy, they carried the table into the dining area as I helped mummy in the kitchen. It was tough to work as there were many people coming for dinner. Luckily, Aunt Ling came early to help or we will be tired out.

Soon, our relatives came one by one. The living room starts to be filled with laughter as Uncle Keat was telling everyone about his life in Hong Kong. My brother and sister were playing scrabble with cousin Ian and Calvin. Both of my siblings were cracking their brains as they were so good at the game. I took a peek from the kitchen and my heart was filled with warmth to see the relatives chatting to each other happily.

"Dinner is ready!" I shouted as mummy was frying the last dish. Everyone in the living room hurried to the kitchen to try and help serve the dishes but was refused by Aunt Ling. She said the small kitchen will be too crowded to even walk. End up, only my younger sister was allowed to help us serve the plates of rice and bowls of soup. The dishes were also served onto the tables. My sister tried to use her exceptionally cute face and asked mummy for ice-cream but she failed. The whole family was laughing as she tried 3 more times but still failed.

During dinner, there was less talking and more chewing. Everyone dug their chopsticks into the dishes nonstop as they were delicious. Uncle Keat even asked for a third bowl of rice. The fried fish, lemon chicken, prawns, tofu, vegetables are all finished within 30 minutes. After that, daddy excused himself and went to the fridge. He took out a box and I shouted out "cake!" Only then I realized that a few days later would be my grandmother's seventieth birthday. Uncle Terrence helped to put the candles and light them up. We all sang the birthday song and grandmother blew out the candles after wishing. The cake was cut and served to all. My sister still asked for ice-cream even after the cake and finally mummy allowed her to have dessert.

After the "family food fair", we all went to the living room for a movie. We watched "Ice Age 2", a comedy film. Throughout the movie, we laughed our hearts out. "Time to go," Uncle Terrence said after the 2 hour movie. The kids begged to stay as they hadn't played enough games. Uncle Terrence reminded them that they have a busy schedule the next day and they must have enough sleep. We all hugged each other tightly and bid goodbye. Our relatives left and we went to bed with a beautiful memory to remember.

Factual Essay: Why my hobby is a good one

**School homework. Just want to keep it.**

In our daily lives, we work or study and after that, we continue with our daily chores. After what is needed to be done is completed, we normally have free time or leisure time. This is the time we would use to relax or do any activity we like, our hobby. My hobby is drawing, it has so many benefits that is barely known by many.

Drawing helps me to relieve stress. After facing our school books, reading the dancing alphabets page by page for the whole day, taking out a pencil and a paper is one of the ways to forget about them for a moment. Doodling on the paper can bring us into our own little world where only calmness is felt. Then, when we feel better, we can go back to our books and continue to focus on studying.

Besides that, drawing also has been proven to train the right brain. The right brain is where we get our creativity. When the right brain is used more often, you will soon see that you can have more solutions to overcome a certain problem. Many said drawing is just a waste of time, but after researching for years, this old saying has been proven wrong.

Other than that, drawing also can make the hand more flexible. Drawing or sketching can lead a person to learn to control his strength which can be useful. Students usually need to draw a curve line in a graph. It is because of drawing, I learn to follow the flow in the fingers and draw a smooth curve line.

Believe it or not, drawing is also used in the medical field. A patient who suffers from depression, autism or mental illness is told to draw what they want on a paper. Later, a professional psychologist or a counselor will interpret the drawing which could tell them what is the root of the problems they are facing. The professional will then give them proper advice or medication, if needed to treat them.

In short, drawing has dozens of benefits. To me, it is not just a simple hobby, it is what I love to do. Drawing has given me so much, if you have the time, why not try it?

School Essay: The morning was warm and sunny...

The morning was warm and sunny. A perfect weather to start my day. After I washed my face, I went downstairs, imagining the aroma of the coffee and the tasty toast. But, there was nothing, only a gloomy, sad and desperate expression on my mother's face. What happened?

Worried, I asked my mother why she was sad. Only after a few times of asking the same question, she finally told me. "Elle ran away from home, Ann. Your father had an argument with her." After the words came out, I knew what had happened. I wasn't shocked. Not because I was heartless. It started 2 months ago......

Elle was the top student in school. She was loved by all teachers and of course her parents who have raised her. Father gave her a credit card when she was 18. And since then, she started using it to buy the things she wanted. Everyone thought that she will know how to use the card in a proper way. But everyone was wrong.

Within 2 weeks, she had used up almost RM 30,000 over expensive stuffs such as clothes, shoes, bags and other branded things. Father knew he should step in by then, and he gave her a lecture about saving, investing money for the future. My mother and I thought that she should have changed her crazy way of spending money. This is because she promised father that she would use the credit card responsibly.

Then it was the time the bills came in. Father saw the amount of the credit card bill and was astonished. The whole family was in the living room, checking their own bills. Then father said, "Ann, you and your mother should go and prepare dinner." Both of us went into the kitchen. Later, we heard him scolding. It was frightening for me, worse than the thunder sound in heavy rains. "How could you have spent so much? Elle, we trusted you, we know that you are responsible. But how could you have spent RM 50,000?" Father's voice echoed in my ears.

That scolding didn't stop Elle. I knew it in her eyes, she was not going to stop. I was right. Every week, father would check on her. And every week, the amount of money spent was multiplying. Until yesterday night, father had enough. I was told to go to sleep at 8 o'clock after dinner. Mother said I was too young to understand what is going on. I slept early as I had 6 hours of badminton training. I was tired out.

Father told Elle that he was going to take back the credit card. Elle was now brainwashed; She said she would run away from home if he did that. But he was certain, he must stop the credit card from being used in the wrong method. "Then I want to end our relation! I am not your daughter anymore. Goodbye!" as soon as she said that, she stepped outside of the house, not even considering twice.

Now, mother was worrying sick and father was looking for his beloved daughter, hoping she would change. I hugged my mother, telling her that everything will be fine. But in my heart, I doubted, "will my sister ever come back?" Only until now, I realized money is the root of all evil. It is now ruining my sister and my family. I can do nothing but be by my family's side.

...Finally I have achieved my greatest triumph

Hailey walked home with a bright smile. She just won herself a first place at a talent competition. She was going to tell her parents the very special news. But little did she know,that one news will change her peaceful 17 years forever.

"No, you will not waste your life on such a foolish thing as singing!" Hailey's father reprimanded her. "But, I know that singing is what I want to do, as my career, my life. I know you want me to be a doctor, but since the first time I sang in that competition, all I want to do in my life is sing!" said Hailey, hoping her father would understand. Yet her father refused to stand down, "if you want to sing, then don"t come home. You"ll learn that life is a lot more tougher outside this house, the real world."

Suddenly, Hailey ran in to her room. She took out the luggage and packed a few things. Also , she took her piggy bank. "I will do it dad, I will not come home, I will fulfill my dream. I"ll let you see that I am capable of becoming a singer in life,"she kept repeating. She carried her bag and walked into the living room. Hailey looked at her mother who was in tears , her father filled with rage and her innocent little brother. Without a word, she stepped out of the house into the dark, silent night.

She had no place to stay. It was already 11 o'clock at night, no one would want a doorbell ringing just when they're drifting into their dreams. She walked to a nearby bus station. Into a dark corridor she went, where smoke of a cigarette from a homeless man puffed. There were many beggars but she found a small corner to sleep for the night

"Girl... wake up...hurry up..."Hailey heard a voice, waking her up uncomfortable sleep. It was a cleaner from the bus station. "Sweetie, you better get away from here. This is not a place for you and the security guard will be chasing people," warned the cleaner while pushing a few bucks into Hailey's hand. Hailey thanked her and bid goodbye to the sweet old lady. She knew where to go next. She had to find a place to live first and knew where to look.

After an hour of walking and bus riding, Hailey stopped in front of a house. There was a board hanging on the gate, written "Rooms For Rent, call Mr. Shawn, o12-5335148". She didn't call anyone but knocked on the door. A voice answered from within the house, "come in." She went into the house and looked around. It was quite new, everything was clean and tidy. It was not what she had expected, especially from a man living alone. "From the looks of it, are you interested in renting a room?" the man called Shawn came out from the kitchen. Hailey answered, "yes, how much would I need to pay?" Shawn said it would cost 350 dollars per month. Hailey felt a little lucky because she had been saving for the past 2 years, her pocket money from the part time jobs.

The next day, Hailey rode a bus to the city center. She went straight to the place where she will be one step closer to fulfilling her dream. It was the XX Academy. This is the place that provides training and courses for people who have a talent in arts. She signed in and was accepted immediately as one of the trainers recognised her as the winner of the talent competition which was organised by the academy.

During her days in the academy, she learned many things, there were vocal trainings, dance classes, and even a course in financial management. But, a problem was coming up. The money she saved wasn't enough to cover the expenses on the course and the rent. So, she went and looked for a job as a part time cashier. It wasn't a pleasant job, standing for 6 hours with only a small pay. But she knew she had no other choice. It was enduring everything or accomplishing nothing.

Within a month, Hailey had gotten used to the hectic schedule, going for classes and working after that. By now, she was also feeling lonely too. Hailey missed her family, she had no one beside her, she was all by herself. Every night, she would hide in a corner inside her room and cry. She knew, she must not stop what she was doing, even when she was at her weakest moment. "I must not give up, never! " she repeated to herself.

"Hailey, you are ready," Elizabeth, Hailey's trainer told her. It was already 1 year and 3 months since Hailey walked into the academy. She shed into tears, after all the hardship, she is finally moving on with a big step. It was time for her to shine as a singer. A producer, a director, a composer, a choreographer, anyone you would need to make an album was called in. Hailey was to make an album of 10 songs. She was overjoyed, wanting to tell her father what she is going to do. But, she waited, "I must complete this task first, I am not done yet!"

Soon, the day came for Hailey to sing on stage, her first performance as a singer. By now, her album was selling at a very fast pace. Every person in the hall was anticipating, wanting to hear the voice that had touched their hearts. Hailey made sure the microphone was fine. Then, she went on stage. When she sang, only her voice was heard in the hall. The audience was quiet, mesmerised by the beautiful voice that echoed through their ears. Hailey looked into the audience and was surprised, but kept on singing. In the audience were the three faces that she missed for such a long time, the people that she cried for every night. It was her family. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she finished her song with "you are my only one and I love you" while looking at her family. Hailey went down the stage and ran into her father's arms. The father and daughter hugged and apologised to each other. "My daughter, please come home," said Hailey's father without letting her out of his arms. She hugged him tightly, saying "I will go home daddy." With a smile, she added, "daddy, finally, I have achieved my greatest triumph"