Interwind

By: Qayzr

"You can take your stupid bear with you!"

And then she threw out the apology gift I gave her just ten minutes ago. Right out the window of the 8th floor. The teddy survived, but not all the chocolates stuffed inside.

I can't exactly rush up to the girl's apartment so I waited for her to come out her balcony. I waited, and waited. People pass by, some watched, some laughed. All that would be a normal sight, if it was not 2am in the morning. So I took deep breaths and let passersby be passersby.

“Aquila!” I only had the face to shout once, but the hope inside was as if I shouted a thousand times right in her ears.

I kept on waiting with the flesh at the back of my neck contracting, my face towards the sky for I’m not quite sure how long. Then I fell asleep.

"Aree, wake up dude. Wake up. I can't cover for you anymore. Lecturer's looking." A mildly frantic voice surprised my slumber.

"You better keep that story away, man. Professor Pang ain't gonna be very pleased. Finish it later!" He added.

I was immediately but strangely alert, quickly hid the story draft and took out my pretend notes. Thankfully I brought the right one. Yes. Contracts Notes, and I even got all the dates written on top. I await Professor Pang with calm and confidence.

"Very impressive Mr. Fauzee. But you're getting sloppy. I stopped giving contract classes for half a year now."

Well, it’s a good thing I live by the rule that you can't win em all. There was nothing I can do but apologize. I did. An unconvincing one at best, but I nevertheless did. She had better things to do than telling me that I'm unworthy to study law, so she gave me the you're-unworthy-to-be-here look and walked away.

And so the day went on as normal as it could be. It was spectacularly dull. Nobody got punched in the face; nobody spilled curry on their perfect whiter than white shirt, nobody tripped and fell hurting their faces while rushing to class. Not that anything like that has ever happened here, but you can't blame a guy for having imaginations.

"You should really kill your habit of sleeping by the side of the road" A sweet voice caressed my eardrums.

"How long was I asleep?" A reply followed by a brief yawn.

I didn't really hear what she said afterwards. All the facts present in my head was that I gave her a pink teddy bear stuffed with all the chocolates she like, we hung out at the cafe and afterwards I said something really hurtful that made her rush up back to the 8th floor and throw away the gift. I know and conscious only of those facts.

She finally stopped talking.

I don't know what's appropriate here. Is this a trap? What is she doing here anyway? No way had she come down from the eighth floor just to remind me not to sleep on pavements.

With a striking uncertainty about everything, "What made you come down?" I asked.

"I... I... I'm sorry." It was not of her character to stutter.

Out of the silence, my right shoulder was tapped "Aree! Come on! Class started six minutes ago!"

I wonder how somebody so meticulous, so detailed, would be late for class. It’s like knitting from scratch and then burn the knitted hat. Well, that's Haikal for you. I'd probably be drifting away with my writing if it wasn't for him. Not that it's going to be the first time should it happen just now. It's strange nobody else is running. Probably all of them are comfortably resting their butts in the lecture hall, not being screamed at for being late. The thought of that just made us run faster.

Finishing line, the door. It was oddly soundless. I slowly pushed the heavy wooden door, expecting glares and stares. What greeted us was far from it, it was a sarcastic laugh.

“Congratulations, we’re one of the few people who weren’t informed about the class cancellation. Eighty-two batch mates and the four least-informed ones are here in this lecture hall right now. As you all know, nobody tells me anything. What’s your excuse? Got too caught up with your stories again, Aree?”

It was Hilmi. As he was mocking us and himself, he walked down quite quickly from the top row of the lecture hall seats with piles of files on his hands. The rows and rows of seats number in the hundreds, each row was elevated behind the other. I guess Hilmi was too used to sit at the back row, he didn’t even hesitate taking his steps with those files.

“I was just pranked. Should have seen this coming. See these files? None of it is mine. And something smells like rotten garlic rubbed with feet and eggs! Hope my birthday next year falls on a weekend!”

Well this is a dumb moment. One of those files is mine. I forgot today was his birthday. Everyone gets pranked on their birthday here. The plan this year was to get Hilmi bring all the files stuffed with nasty surprises to an empty lecture hall. The feet smell was mine, I stuffed my file with old futsal soles.

“Happy birthday dude! Come, I’ll buy you lunch. Aree, care to join us?” Haikal said out loud, enough for a lecture hall full of people to hear, if it was actually filled.

After they both left, I just sat down with compliments from the weight of my stupidity. I didn’t get much sleep and I wasn’t that hungry so I was left alone to drift away with my writing..

"I love you." and I didn't believe her, I just couldn't say it.

"I love you too, I’m tired. Let’s not fight tonight please?"

 What else was I supposed to say? Let’s fight some more, I’m not done here yet? Perhaps that wouldn’t be the best question I could come up with. I have no idea why I’m still here; I don’t even live in this college!

“Can you just go back now, please?” I could feel by that tone of voice she was too sleepy even to stand there in front of me.

“You do realise we need to talk, right?” I hate to sound commanding, especially towards her.

She rubbed her eyes and fiddled the ends of her hair “Okay, but not now. Go back. You’ve been here for two hours. Lunch later?”

This kind of leniency does not come from her that often. Usually fights like this will continue with deafening screams and scary hand gestures. It ends with severe silent treatment, usually. I saw the victory she was handing me; I wasn’t going to let my swollen but tired ego give that up.

“You should really start paying attention to people more than your pen and paper, Aree.” A deep but familiar voice came out of nowhere. It wasn’t a male’s voice. So it must be a ghost. I always knew this hall was haunted!

“Hilmi said four people were in this room. You, Haikal, Hilmi…”

Now I’m really scared.

"Boo!" Soundwaves transformed into a physical being, it was Aquila from behind, scaring the life out of me.

"Aquila! you do not scare me like that!" Again, i hate to sound commanding but I almost peed in my pants, I think I'm allowed. She stood down immediately.

“Hmm.. Sorry I scared you. I forgot about your lovable over-imaginations. Still up for lunch later sayang?” She hugged me from behind, took her bag and hung it over her shoulders, smiled and walked towards the door.

She stopped halfway and looked directly in my eyes. I could not concentrate on my paper, only she has that effect on me.

“Yeah, I’ll meet you at the café in a few minutes alright, I need to finish up here..” i answered.

So I took out my trusted pen..

“And then after all that I only remember waking up at my supposed contracts class and shuffling my pretend notes…”

The Train Heading South

By: CiceroSeesZero

I dread stepping into the train today. Last week I decided to visit my parents on the north side of the city and now I have to go back campus, south of the city. I mean, really south. Far end of the south. Worst still, my mp3 player just ran out of juice and I'm running out of patience dealing with the delays and the crowd.

My mother just had to accompany me to the train station just to make sure I reach here safely. What annoys me is that she takes so much time doing it and I don't think a short trip to the train station requires me to bring an adult, let alone my mother. Because of that whole commotion, the earlier train, which is the least crowded one for the whole day, I missed. I almost raised my voice today but I didn't. The silent treatment was far more energy-saving.

So the train came, eventually. I'll try to look at this positively. At least it's clean. Thank goodness this is the last station, so everyone that was in the train when it came had to vacate their seats. I like empty trains. However, it was a long stretch of the imagination to think that it would remain that way for long. The northern side train stations are usually the ones that are most compact with people, but the train was not full. Not yet, at least.

So I stepped inside. I immediately looked for a seat at the far corner. Why? I don't intend to sound rude but usually people are more compelled to give up their seats to the less fortunate when they are in front. It'll be a tad bit of a fuss for somebody in the far corner to give up their seat, so it'll be understandable if somebody in the far corner did not stand up and say to an old lady, "Madam, I insist that you sit. I'll be fine.." because it's just cruel to see an old lady walk to the far end of the corner in a crowded train.

I got my seat. perfect. at the far corner, right under the air-conditioning. I looked around, there was only three people on my row. a snazzy looking businessman, a cop who has just finished the graveyard shift, I reckon, and a little bairn of somebody with a tennis bag hanging from his left shoulder.

The train started to fight inertia and moved forward. I looked at the child and he was anxiously waiting for the train to stop. I knew he wished the train would go faster. He gripped his bag and looked at the train map above. He did look around and saw me glimpsing at him. I looked away.

"Next station, President's Stadium"

A sweet voice from the interkom told us where we were at.

"Coach Henry is going to be really mad. I'm late, I'm late, I'm late." The kid exclaimed.

The little boy then stood up even before the doors slid open. He was all fidgety, and the tired policeman carved a simper as he looked closely at the kid. The doors opened and the policeman turned his attention to the window. He slouched a bit and exhaled loudly as if to get attention.

The businessman was a young fellow, at worst maybe he was just reaching his early thirties. It was just seven thirty, but now he was more fidgety than the little kid. He kept looking at his expensive Pull and Bear. His briefcase was compact. Maybe he has some big meeting today. I'm puzzled as to his discomfort, it was too early in the morning for any office to be in operation. I noticed a slight tear on both his shoes.

I thought to myself, "What a pompous young man. Still busy rising up in the corporation, bought an extremely expensive watch just to impress his fellow colleagues. Not like he could really afford it. He can't even repair his shoes."

"Next station, Business Square" My thoughts were interrupted.

The businessman tapped his feet, increased the frequency as the train got nearer to the station. The train stopped and in a cool manner, the businessman exited the train. It was apparent that his cool manner was only going to deteriorate and his pace will soon pick up.

It was just me and the policeman on the steel bench-like structure. The train was filling up but strangely only a few decided to occupy the train segment I was in. I notice the policeman trying to position himself closer to me.

"Hey good morning. An undergrad eh?"

I answered truthfully. The last time I lied to a cop, it got me scolded by my father at 3am at the police station. Besides, there was nothing to lie about here.

"Err, sir, yes sir."

"Where do you go to? the course you're taking?"

He had a calming voice for an old policeman. I pretty much eased into the conversation.

"Southstar University sir.. It's my second year as a literature student"

"Wow, that's a long way to go. Both the course and the journey, I mean."

The policeman was clearly tired. he kept yawning under his hand while he talked to me. I didn't wanna intrude on his sleep but he was spirited to talk to me. So I guess I'll just entertain him until he gives up himself.

"So, sir.. fine weather we're having?"

"Quite. But I can't really enjoy it now, I just got out of a 12-hour graveyard shift lad."

"Why don't you sleep? I'll wake you up when you reach where you are going.. It wouldn't be a problem."

"I can't. I'm on duty here, railway security.. Two trips to end north and two trips to end south."

No wonder he's tired. I asked him as to why the struggle. He explained that his wife just gave birth to twins, on top of his 4 other little children and he's financially helping his younger brother for his wedding next month.

"Next station, Senses District"

I was too busy chatting with the officer until it skipped my attention that it's been three stations since the Business Square.

I saw a couple walking in with several bags, most of them are in the hands of the guy.

"Look at that. A happy couple. Branded goods in hand, a more than healthy wallet. One day they are gonna regret buying all those handbags and shoes."

"With all due respect sir, what if they really could afford it? what if they were saving specifically for those lavish accessories?"

"Nobody saves to spend like that. and you never really have enough money. We all have the responsibility for other people. You see, you only wear a pair of shoe at a time. Some people still walk around barefoot, stepping on scorpions and landmines"


My conversation got more engaging, more intense. Oddly, he doesn't like a policeman now and weirder still, his voice got more familiar, like I knew but can't really point out. I kept on thinking, and kept on talking.

A minute passed and the next station we were at, a mother of three little children came and sat in front of us. The two brothers of the same mother were lively. Maybe too lively for some taste. they were wrestling each other while the mother was holding their little sister tight in her arms, trying to distract the baby from the noise her brothers are making.

"My mother had it worst. I grew up with eight siblings, me being the fourth, I don't get as much attention as I liked but when you realise that they will always be that net when you decide to jump a cliff because all of your friends are doing it, attention is just something physical."

"Hmm.."

"I hate it when I see teenagers blaming lack of parental attention for their immoral behaviors. My mother died when I was 14. I'm doing okay."

I didn't know what to say to that. Made sense, considering what happened with me and my mother earlier today. My heart felt a bit sore, I only had three siblings and everything a teenager could wish for. Education, enough money, two living breathing ridiculously loving parents...

I looked at the mother's eyes. full of care, engulfed with fatigue. There's no panacea for the energy given up raising a child. Mainly because it's not a disease or discomfort.

"It's after you are fully grown, fully nourished, fully showered with care and love it becomes a bane for them. For most of them, at least. You forget them, you leave them."

Did he know what I was thinking? That statement was almost like a continuation of my thoughts. We both continued to converse, mostly about petty things but he was so passionate talking about our country. I'll never forget the movements of his thick eyebrows while he talks. It sort of jiggles. It's very distinctive.

The train got more crowded.

"Son, you remember the businessman just now? He's a nice person, six years practicing as a lawyer in a disgraceful firm. His watch was a gift from his company, but in turn his company made him a corporate slave, doing every task of the executives without the pay. Not worth the watch. I talked to him just now before we boarded"

"Next station, Cicero Complex"

"Okay, here's my stop. And yeah, you were supposed to exit the train six stations ago to transfer to the train heading south to Southstar."

He took his hat and took off, leaving me with the distraught feeling of stupidity. So I took a ride backwards in six stations. What a waste. Now I have accompaniment to my ideas, so I kept it myself, keeping quiet all the way back, observing people and asking myself "Why am I here today? a lot of these people make more significance to the world than I do."

I then called my mother to apologize about what happened this morning, even though she was befuddled why I was doing it.

I got down the station when it reached my destination. I looked up at a television screen they have installed as a distraction to the lateness of their trains, there was our vice president of the country making a passionate speech in front of a crowd of thousands. At the end of the speech, they were cheering awfully loudly.

Now I know why those eyebrows were familiar.

AweSeries: Project FiSuRe: The Xinotians (Part 3)

Part two: click here

 

 By: Qay

"Ouch!" Hawwa outcried and quickly pulled her hand.

"Oh my, I'm dreadfully sorry. I forgot, the strongest of you humans have about half of the strength of our weakest Xinotian" Rukka said with a concerned look on her face.

"Xinotian, is that what you call yourselves? So, I suppose this land is called Xinotia?" Haidar interrupted.

"No, friend. This whole planet we call Xinotia. We do not differentiate Xinotians." Rukka explained.

"A planet without differentiation.. that means.. A whole planet without.. discrimination? How can that be?" Haidar with a puzzled look on his face.

Back when the Earth flourished with possible continuance of history, Haidar was one of the most outspoken and critical historian about how Earth is going to cave in under it's own pressure of ignorance. Nobody trusted him.Wars kept on going, people were still divided, and worst, it all continued to just happen, as the media took complete control of the masses.

Now there is only the present, if they cannot save it, the history of mankind would end in a bitter note.

"Discrimination? Oh yes, the disease that destroyed Earth! I never understood that. Why does such a thing exist there?" As if the look that was once on Haidar's face was transferred to Rukka.

"It's more puzzling that it does not happen here.. Look at you Rukka, you're too much stronger than me. I'm sure there are smarter people here than me or you. Don't you have any sense of superiority and inferiority? Don't you have leaders that you choose from the best amongst you?"

"We do, yes. Every civilization needs a leader. But a leader is accountable to it's followers. If there is flaw, it is not on the leader's side. Society is to blame. Society needs to change, the leaders would be changed accordingly. Here we can accept this. We choose leaders who are not hungry for power, but hungry to serve for the betterment of everyone" Rukka firmly uttered the words.

Haidar inquisited about how Xinotians with different languages, tone of skin, lifestyles, are seen in other Xinotia's eyes. Rukka answered, "Simple. We see each other as each other, and each of us is one of everyone. We do not use our differences to compete, but to complete."

Rukka went on to explain to everyone that gathered there that the Earthlings were friendly visitors that are in desperate need of help to find sustainable resources for their dying planet. Before she could finish her explanation, she was pulled to the crowd by one of the golden ager.

Rukka went back to be in the company of Commander Ayokunle and gave them three rules to follow.

"First, You are the visitors. We prefer not to harm you but please, we beg, no destruction of any part of Xinotia, no matter how insignificant you think your act may be." Rukka then nodded her head down.

The whole team nodded in agreement.

"Second, we will assist you as long as we are capable to, provide sustenance and intelligence assistance for you and also everyone in your voyage, but you must not hide your agendas."

Commander Ayokunle looked Rukka straight in the eyes, without a blink. the others seemed to be in vague acceptance of the term.

"Thirdly, do not sow any seeds of Earth's diseases. We are most concerned of violence, intolerance, and hatred."

All of them pretended to not know a thing about Earth's diseases.

The whole team was invited to stay at Rukka's home. Commander Ayokunle refused to welcome the handed hospitality as he was not convinced they were purely friendly creatures. He told Rukka that he had a duty to take care of the people inside the space transporter, by any means necessary. He was not ready to expose other Earthlings inside the space transporter to the Xinotians.

"Commander, I will take the risk and stay with them, there is still a lot of studying to do here with the plants. I believe they would not do us no harm" Hawwa outspoke.

"Yes, Commander, allow me to accompany her." Said Chee Ping from the left side of Haidar.

"Fine, as you both wish. Make sure to be in full access communication with me at all times. I couldn't care less where you will be. If I summon you, Make sure you are there to answer." Commander Ayokunle said with a very commanding tone.

The crowd had dissipated after the explanation by Rukka as Rukka said that she would find a team that would assist the Earthlings in their endeavour.

Still with his gun on his hand, Commander Ayokunle and Haidar walked back to the massive space transporter slowly.

"I want all our weapons to be in full functionality within two hours. We gotta have some form of protection from these creatures.... just in case." Captain Ayokunle spoke to Haidar in a quieted down emphasis.

(End of Part 3)