This story is called Thoughts of the Living which i wrote specially for my friend Nabilah. Its only the first chapter...so yea..enjoy!

Chapter 1 - Departure

“Don’t forget to thank all your teachers for your excellent SPM results. They helped you get to where you are now,” said the school principal, Mrs.Norsham. A loud “Yes” followed and echoed throughout the entire hall. “I can’t believe I obtained straight A’s! I expected a few A’s and nothing more. I mean, come on and look at me. I barely studied for the exam! ,” said Justwin who was still trying to absorb her wonderful results.

“Yeah Justwin, good for you, unlike me, I only got 5 A’s!”said Ashwinna as she stared miserably at her result slip. I looked at her blankly and said “Cheer up Ash, at least you didn’t fail.” People were staring at us in an annoyed way as we walked past them to the canteen. It was probably because Justwin and I were the only students in school who managed to get a distinction in every subject. I was thrilled as my parents were going to be extremely proud of me. Also, I couldn’t wait to go to Germany.


I was planning to study architecture there and at the same time visit all my old friends whom I missed so very much. When I was just 11 years of age, my father received a letter from his company stating that he was to work in Germany. Therefore, my family was uprooted for 3 years. We had the time of our lives in Germany as it was entirely different from my place of birth, Malaysia. People there are much more open-minded about things and discussed topics which we Malaysians find either embarrassing or sensitive. We grew in love with the country and always found chances to go there for vacations. However, I am extremely happy that I finally have the chance to study there one more time to relive all those beautiful memories.

“What are you thinking about, Nabilah?”Justwin asked, staring at me as she chewed a prawn cracker which she bought at our school’s canteen. Her question brought me back to earth and far away from dreamland.
“I just remembered about Germany. I miss it there...,” I said as I bit my lower lip. Ashwinna gave me an understanding look and started to say “Don’t worry Bil, you’ll be on your way there sooner than you know it!”
“Yeah, you’re going so soon,” Justwin chirped in. I started to smile. “What will I do without you two monkeys?” Justwin let out a loud laugh at my statement and then looked at Ashwinna who was staring thunderstruck at us two. She said “I can never ever understand you two. Every single little thing seems to be so funny.”

She never ever did understand my jokes I always shared with Justwin during lessons in school. We would get a good scolding from the teacher every time we were caught talking and not paying full attention to her. Our most hated punishment was to stand outside of class as it was embarrassing. The class’s blabbermouths would then start talking about us to one another. It was not one of my best memories I’d say. What I loved about my form 4 and 5 was the fact that Justwin and –

“OH MY GOD!! Nabilah, look over there! ,”Justwin shrieked, pointing a perfectly manicured finger into the direction of a school boy who was walking towards us. I never noticed her nails before this. We stood up quickly from our benches. Oh dear God, this was not just any ordinary school boy. He was a school boy we had always admired since our fourth year at this school. Don’t get me wrong, we weren’t in love with the guy. We are just awed at his appearance. He was a year younger, had beautiful striking black eyes which contrasted against his super fair skin. Last year, Justwin had this habit of not knowing when to stop looking intently at him and that led her to being known all around the 3rd formers.

“Nabilah, remember what I said about the last day of form 5?”Justwin whispered as her eyes glistened with hope.
What did she say about the last day of form 5? I suddenly remembered. She wanted to hug him on the last day of school! “Yes, I remember now! Are you really going to do it? ,” I asked, thinking how insane she was. But if she were really to do so, I will most definitely not miss my chance for the world. He stopped directly in front of Justwin and looked at her in his usual blur fashion. I swear Justwin is going to collapse any minute now. I can just feel it.
“Congratulations on your results,” he said to Justwin, smiling like he had never smiled before. I cannot believe this. He’s actually talking to her! He never said a single word to us before this and now he initiates the conversation? Justwin was squirming terribly now. “Umm..Thanks. What are you doing here? ,” Justwin replied, finally daring to look at him. As if she would miss the chance to look at him face to face.

“I’m a prefect so I have to help with the result papers and stuff. That’s how I saw yours.” “I see. By the way, I hope you still don’t think I’m like...in love with you or something. I swear I’m not! ,” Justwin claimed. “Yeah, I get it. It’s nothing.” “Well then, you best be on your way because I can see that teacher over there calling to you. ,”Justwin said, pointing to the teacher standing far behind him.
“But before that, can I have a hug?” Justwin asked hopefully. He started blinking his eyes nonstop and adjusting his tie. That was what he always did when he was shy and or nervous. He looked so cute doing that. “Uh uh uh...Um um um..Uh uh uh...Ok? ,”he responded. Justwin smiled happily as she pulled him into a tight warm hug. Her dream just came true and so will mine.

“Hey, can I have a hug too?”I asked quickly before he left. Before he could even answer, he was already in my arms. If only time would stop and hold me here forever. I expected Ashwinna to grab him as well after I released my hold on him but she did not. “Bye guys,” he said as he left for the hall. The way he spoke was so adorable yet so gay. I laughed out loud at that thought. I always thought his voice sounded quite gay. “Ok, what is wrong with that guy? That’s exactly what he did when Tri-Xha talked to him last year. As if he’s never spoken to an older person before,” said Ashwinna, wrinkling her nose.

She was absolutely right. He never ever did speak comfortably with elder people. He would fidget with whatever he had on nervously and would mumble incoherently. I guess that was what made him seem adorable. I notice him quicken his step as the teacher beckoning him motioned her hand for him to move expeditiously. Justwin brusquely sighed and said “I can’t believe we’re never going to see him again. At least this was a perfect farewell.” We were never going to be able to hangout with one another like this anymore in due time. Ashwinna was staying in Malaysia, Justwin was going to study in London, and I was to be in Germany. It was dismaying but inevitable.
“Guys, you do know that I’ll be leaving tomorrow night right?” “Yes…we all know that,” answered Justwin. “And we’ll miss you a lot.” At that moment, I realised how much I was about to miss them. Terribly.

“Nabilah, take care of yourself when you’re there ok? ,” said mom as she gave me a hug. Dad didn’t say much except “Don’t fool around. Make sure you study hard.” I wasn’t about to say anything much either. I had nothing to say to them.I spoke to them every single day anyway.
“Bil, when you get there, please check whether Tokio Hotel’s latest CD is out already. And if it is, please buy it for me ok? ,”said my sister who was a bona fide fan of them for years now. I grunted at her request and agreed.

“Ok, Kak Shidah. Whatever you say. You da boss.” I waved to them, entering the doorway of the airplane which will bring me to paradise.