Chapter 10
(Part II)
I was in the hospital, still partially dazed from the unfortunate
event. My eyes were staring, with no particular focus upon the
alabaster-like wall right in front of me. Beside me stood a
Filipino nurse attending to my wounds, wrapping and applying
whatever necessary on my wounds. Though I felt burning sensation
sizzling around my injuries, its nothing compared to the anguish
of seeing Rick getting hit in attempt to protect me.
Hows the other guy? I managed to snap from my drifting thoughts
and constructed a sentence.
I dont know, said the nurse in her Filipino ascent, but hes
over at the other room.
As I lumbered my way towards the direction pointed by the nurse, my
hands were desperately trying to find any form of reachable support
to assist me, as the next worst thing that could happen to me is a
bad fall and I want to prevent that.
Then I heard some blabbering hostile voice as I turned into the
room. I paused by the door a feisty woman, probably in her
forties, was blasting her frustration and anger at a familiar
figure.
The figure was Rick.
The woman swung her hands aggressively with every spoken word,
completely displeased with the response she gets from Rick. Rick
was silent, but his eyes had a defiant spirit, despite the rain of
words the lady threw at him - she never did break his
composure.
Suddenly, my feet felt ponderous; it seemed hesitated to inch
anywhere further.
I dont understand why would you get into a fight like these? Have
you been mixing with the wrong company? I know that dad and mum is
busy at times, but that doesnt mean you have the prerogative to
act like hooligans and fight like one?
Mum
how many times have I explained that I DID NOT INITIATE THE
FIGHT! I saw my friend getting hit by a group of ah lians, obviously I cant leave her
in the lurch right?
You could have called the police why take matters into your own
hands? What if they had weapons with them? Do you know how
dangerous that is? What if they hurt you with it? You could have
died you know?
Rick folded his arms defensively and lowered his head a
little.
These gangsters are crazy, they can waste their life fighting
because they dont know what they want to do with their life. Son,
THIS IS SINGAPORE! There is simply no room for trash like these.
The next moment you will see some of these kids in the Straits
Times committing bigger crimes and being a regular patron in jail.
I dont want you to have any connection with such people nor
lifestyle. You are a doctor-to-be and these people are going to be
laborers, cleaners or end up salvaging drink cans from the trash
bins in the future: you are not going to be like them.
Mom, you are not being rational
Rational? Son, I telling you that your mum is being rational here.
And who is this friend you are protecting? And pray tell me how do
you know her?
My mind screamed an intuitive warning, but I lagged a second; Rick
caught my presence and his eyes softened a little. Sensing the
change in his visage, her mum looked over her shoulder and caught
me standing by the door before I could escape out of view. Our gaze
met and I could literally see her scrutinizing every fabric of my
skin and clothing, like how my mum would check the freshness of
fish at the wet market.
I dont remember seeing her at church who is she?
She just a friends friend. I knew her from Alvin.
Thats a good attempt at lying son. Have you forgotten that aunty
Celine is your mums best friend? And no
Alvin do not have
such friends.
Ricks mum then walked up to me, all the while gazing deep into my
eyes. I was rooted at where I was standing, completely immobilized
as if I was trapped by some formidable evil magic.
Girl
I dont know how you have gotten to know Rick, but it
doesnt matter actually. You are pretty for a girl of your age, but
my son isnt suitable for you.
MUM! SHE ISNT MY GIRLFRIEND! yelled Rick across the room.
Dont yell son; I know you have better taste than this, replied
her mum sarcastically, before turning to me, Girl, tell me: what
are you doing now?
I am working and studying
taking my Os I murmured.
And which school are you studying at, may I know?
*Tian Cai Secondary School...
*(Upon
Yunhaier's careful consideration, actual school have been edited to
protect identity and as well as to prevent potential flame
war)
Pardon my ignorance, I knew not of your school. And working? Why
are you working? What are your parents doing?
I grew extremely uncomfortable with her interrogation because I
know her mum is trying to prove a point to her son about a wretched
being like myself.
I did not answer her; I just spun around and ran towards the
nearest stairs.
(To be continued...)
