PRETTY NIGHT

The needles of rain reflected the sparkles of streetlights prettily.

It wasn’t too long ago when I airkissed the 2 gorgeous ones goodbye in the harsh drizzle.

It just took seconds before the rain doubled its speed and density.

The sturdy wind flaunted its mighty strength, and I couldn’t help but feel intimidated.

Whipped out the shawl in my bag, and its embrace was my only source of solace.

I let out a weak cough.

It was of a low, husky key. A dap of masculinity after the excessive coughing throughout the evening.

I came to the end of the building, and heaved a sigh of relent.

I pulled the shawl tighter together, bowed my head, and stepped into the wild.

Walked from Clarke Quay towards Mohammed Sultan.

It was chilly.

The wind once again howled. This time, it seemed to tease more than to frighten.

I didn’t up my pace, and I was suddenly thrilled by the rain that kissed the lonesome figure in the dark.

The weather was no longer my nemesis, it was my playmate.

Therapeutic, I say.

Was suddenly reminded of Gracie.

It would have been fun with her around, dancing, skipping, laughing, giggling, jibing, in short, making a fool of ourselves in the rain, with a slight tinge of alcohol in us.

Brr.. cold.

Yet, how enchanting was the night.

Was in a slight mess when I finally walked into the shelter, where a few clubbers walked past as they made their way to the carpark.

3 guys offered a lift, upon seeing the shivering lass.

No, thanks.

Was unable to locate Meiling at Dbl O, and made my way out.

A huge crowd was ushered out of the club as the night came to an end.

Many were trapped in the rain.

I stepped out, once again, walking a distance to get to the nearest 7-11.

The rain didn’t bother me. In fact, it perked me up.

It wasn’t long before I finally board a cab, staring longingly into the blurred picture of the streets, framed by the cab’s window.

Cough.

More coughs.

I need a new pair of lungs.

***

I spanned my tensed limbs lazily on the bed. Early noon.

As I maxed out the muscles, I could feel the aches seeping in.

I tried to start the brand new day, but the grogginess that engulfed me made my head 10 times heavier than it normally is.

Well, that happens when you have too much brain, I supposed.

Or, when the flu bug is slowing feasting on your energy, choking up your airways.

I couldn’t help but wonder if the dose of cough syrup had worked its wonder for more than 7 hours.

It must have.

May cause drowsiness. Hell yeah.

The last thing I remember was, the player barely finished spinning the 3rd song on the CD.

When I woke up today in early noon.

I struggled to keep the eye lids open and it was almost impossible as I tried to do the daily chores.

Even the monitor failed to rouse my interests.

I flipped over with my front pressing against the bed.

Mmmmm. How com….. com… ZzzZzz.. comfy..

Pried open my eyes again, and checked the time. Late noon.

I lazed on the bed a wee bit more.

This time, facing up.

I was 3/4 gone when I could hear a growl of gargle.

I was awoken by my own snores.

Turned to my left, and …. Mmmmmmm…. Zzz…

It was 6pm, when the cloud in the head cleared, and I finally decided enough, is enough.

***

It was one of those feel-bad days when I didn’t feel much confidence within.

Decided to skip an audition cos.. I just didn’t feel good enough.

Made my way to City Hall, with a craving for Auntie Anne’s pretzels.

Believe it or not, I had never tried it until Janice bought one in Johor few days ago.

Deprived, Denise commented.

Speaking of eerie coincidences.

Was walking aimlessly at the mall, up the escalator, when I saw a familiar figure, heading down on the opposite escalator.

I alighted from the escalator, and U-turned onto the downriding one, while scrambling to get my phone out of the bag.

She hadn’t seen me.

’1 Message Received’

I opened the message before dialing Denise’s number.

Surprise, surprise.

No pressies for the correct guess who the message was from.

Yup, Denise.

She was alone in town, and asked where was I.

I called, and let known I was right behind her.

She waited at the tip of the escalator, and we both mused at the coincidence.

We ventured to Burger King, and chatted over dinner, before getting Jeremy to join us.

Janice joined us shortly after, and the 4 of us walked to Clarke Quay together.

The weather was nice. Wasn’t too humid like it had been for the past few weeks.

I must have been -deluded- losing weight.

I could feel my new pair of *cough* size 26 Levi’s sliding down as I strutted around in them.

We became the earliest customers, and had a round of drinks at Attica. Raf joined us shortly after.

Apparently, the photographer needs to brush up his skills a little.

Slightly better there.

The tall giant was in luck for the night with 4 gorgeous chicks flanking him on the dance floor, spicing his evening up.

By midnight, Jeremy and Denise had to leave, and it was left with only Janice and Raf.

We graced the dancefloor, and met a very gorgeous lady who is almost reaching 40s.

A flight-attendant, is she, and her fingers were well adorned with mega carats and flashy names like Tiffany and Bulgari.

Yet, she looked really young and has an elegant air about her.

It was a fun and interesting night, albeit a tad sickly.

Didn’t drink much cos my voice was already a few octaves lower than it normally is, and I wouldn’t want to be mistaken to be a transvestite or something.

Was bidding David goodbye when the 2 babes suddenly scurried out of the club WITHOUT yours truly, and left me in the lurch.

Nice friends, I have.

The 3 of us went outside where the open area is, sprawled on the cushions on the floor, and had a nice heart-to-heart girly talk along the river.

It was a nice, slow, sentimental one with the wavering spark from the candle giving us a tinge of romanticism. A little melancholy, a little dazed.

Left pretty early, but not before we stood outside the club, chatting about MotoGP with Jamail and Douglas.

I insisted that Alex Barros is not plump, like what the 2 guys had suggested.

I insisted that Max Biaggi is not a snobbish brat.

I insisted that Sete Gibernau is not as serious as he seems.

Raf was there to second my opinions and override their misconceptions too.

But I cringed when the 2 babes ganged up against me to illustrate what a gullible bimbo I could be when it comes to trusting people.

Hello!!!!!???? Don’t forget you guys are MY PALS. And there’s a saying in Chinese, ‘Wu Yi Lei Ju’(something along the line of birds of the same feather flock together), alright?

Grr….

Muahaha.

It was there where we witnessed some commotions which took place within the club.

Interesting.

The clouds gathered and we could feel the breeze sweeping across, bringing down the potted plants in its path.

Signs that we should leave before the storm comes, and trapped us within.

Today’s Meiling’s birthday.

Happy birthday, my dear.

You’ve come a long, long way.

I need a new pair of lungs.

Buy me a couple, anyone?