Chapter 59 - Countdown to a Happy New Year 2001

The next morning, I was jolted awake by a loud commotion outside. I wondered what was happening and got out of bed to investigate. That's when I heard Sylvia's stern voice lecturing someone.

"You have to be careful, even if he's a man! It doesn't mean you have to act like you're getting married!" I couldn't help but chuckle at Sylvia's motherly tone. Mom was laughing too, and I could sense a mix of amusement and embarrassment.

But where was Tama? I hadn't seen her since last night. I opened the door to find Tama looking confused, Sylvia giving her a stern stare, and Hazlan looking worried. Hazlan's parents were there too, observing the scene with interest.

I listened in on their conversation, trying to make sense of what was happening.

"As a woman, there's a limit, Tama..." Sylvia explained, her voice firm but concerned. I wondered why she was being so harsh, especially since she had done something similar with me.

Tama responded in Lun Bawang, "Well, you did the same thing." Sylvia shot back, "Tau kinanak keli' kareb idan belajar" - a woman must learn to limit herself.

Tama nodded and smiled, while Sylvia glared at Hazlan. "Where did she sleep, then? Eh, senior?" Hazlan stumbled over his words, and I intervened to explain.

"Sil is just strict when it comes to someone she's close with, she means no harm, bro..." I tried to mediate, but Sylvia was having none of it.

"Yeah... sorry about that. She took my bed, and I slept in the spare room... although..." Hazlan trailed off, and I gave him a warning look, sensing Sylvia's gaze narrowing.

"What is it?" Sylvia demanded, her eyes piercing. I glanced at Mom and Hazlan's parents, who were sipping their drinks peacefully, seemingly entertained by the drama unfolding before them.

"Uh... I took a bath..." Tama mumbled, avoiding eye contact. The tension was palpable, and I wondered what had really happened last night.

Sylvia's eyes widened in alarm, her voice trembling. "Don't tell me... she didn't?"

Hazlan's parents burst into laughter, holding their bellies in mirth. "Hahahaha, don't worry about it, Sylvia! She pulled off the same stunt as last time with you, Alex!" Hazlan's father chuckled, wiping tears from his eyes.

"We gave her some clothes, and she asked Hazlan how to wear them. My wife couldn't say anything because it was too funny! Hazlan was the one who taught her how to wear them..." Hazlan's mother added, giggling.

Sylvia's face turned beet red as she stood up, bowing deeply. "I'm so sorry! I realize she has no common sense in that..." She grabbed Tama's hand, pulling her into a bow as well.

Mr. Kamaruddin turned to Mom, a warm smile on his face. "You know, she's really mature for her age... kinda lucky to have her as a daughter.”

Mom beamed with pride. "Well, that's why I like her a lot. I don't need to say anything at all because she knows what she's doing..." She trailed off, leaving us to wonder what she was really thinking.

I facepalmed, shaking my head in disbelief. "This is insane... What have we gotten ourselves into?!”

Tama, still looking confused, whispered to Sylvia, "What's wrong? Did I do something bad?”

Sylvia whispered back, "You asked Hazlan how to wear clothes... again.”

Tama's eyes remained confused, “Yes..."

Sylvia and I simultaneously facepalmed, our foreheads creasing in disbelief.

"Uh, Tama, Hazlan is a guy, and he's not exactly equipped to handle... distractions like that," I explained, trying to choose my words carefully.

Sylvia chimed in, rubbing her temples, "Yeah, maybe it's time you learned how to handle these situations with a bit of common sense.”

With the drama settled, Hazlan and his family prepared to leave for Beaufort to visit his grandparents. Amin and Mariam were already with their families, having spent months in the US with me. Siti, meanwhile, was staying with Uncle Usman to care for Aunt Salima.

As it was New Year's Eve, Mom suggested we celebrate at home, since Dad and Uncle Usman were busy with errands in KL. I didn't pry, trusting Uncle Usman to handle whatever it was.

Mom mentioned she'd bought fireworks for the countdown later that night. Just then, my phone rang – it was Mariam.

"Yo! It's New Year's Eve, what's the plan for celebrating at my house?" she asked, sounding bored. I figured Amin was with his family, and I recalled he'd left Sabah for Pahang due to family errands. I wondered what his family background was like.

"Hey, Mariam! We're actually celebrating at my place tonight. Want to join us?" I invited, curious about her sudden interest.

"Yep, that's the plan," Mariam said, her voice dripping with mischief. "Mom and Dad are bored too, so I suggested hanging out at your place." Uh-oh, I knew that tone all too well. Whenever Mariam had a plan, chaos was sure to follow, and I'd be the one getting dragged into the mess.

"Uh, fine then..." I hesitated, asking Mom for her opinion. She replied with her signature enthusiasm, "That's great, the more the merrier!!" Classic Mom.

I relayed the message to Mariam, who squealed with excitement. "Nice!! Mom, Dad!! We're going to Alex's house!!" I could hear the commotion from her house, followed by a conversation between Mariam and her parents.

"Please behave, Mari!!" her mom cautioned.

"What's that for?" Mariam protested.

"You know what I mean..." her dad replied, his tone firm but amused.

Mariam hung up with a sly "fine... kukuku... see you tonight then, bro..." leaving me wondering what I'd just gotten myself into.

Meanwhile, Sylvia was engrossed in the news, her eyes fixed on the screen. Suddenly, a breaking news report from LA caught her attention, and she turned to me with a questioning gaze. Mom joined in, her curiosity piqued.

"Okay... seems like there's a lot of action going on... mind sharing all that again?" Mom asked, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. Sylvia glared at me, as if I was responsible for the drama unfolding on TV.

I shook my head, "No idea what's going on, but I'm sure it'll be fine..." Yeah right, who was I kidding?

I tried to explain the situation, but it only led to more misunderstandings. "Uh-oh... seems like my son is getting another candidate," Mom said, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Better ask Mariam about this…"

I knew I was in trouble. Sylvia changed the channel to MTV, and coincidentally, Mika's music video was playing. She was performing a pop-romance theme, wearing a stunning yet revealing dress.

Sylvia glared at the screen, then turned to Mom. "Looks like darling has an artist in his list of future wives, Mother?”

Mom raised an eyebrow. "I have to agree... is this what you mean by trying to settle something? I thought you were going to meet Nat about this.”

Hana cracked her knuckles, her eyes blazing. "Big brother... another bad girl…"

I dreaded this scene - a horror show of angry females in front of me.

Just then, another music video started playing, this time a hip-hop theme. I tried to change the channel, but it was too late. An advertisement for perfume came on, featuring Natalie.

Hana's eyes widened in excitement. "It's big sis!!! Wow, she's beautiful!!!”

Sylvia turned to me, her gaze piercing. "Wow, she's famous now, right darling... especially wearing that sexy dress.”

Mom beamed with pride. "Proud of Nat.”

I facepalmed, wondering how my life had become a drama-filled soap opera.

Mom dropped a bombshell, "Remember your cousin, Awang?”

"Yeah, what about him?" I replied, recalling Uncle Usman's son.

"Mr. Rahman thinks you're the best candidate for the school experience and ambassador for SIGMA. There's a 3-month event at MCKK for international schools' performances, and you're one of the top students," Mom explained, a sly grin spreading across her face.

I wondered if I was qualified, but the prospect of peace and quiet was too enticing. However, Sylvia had other plans.

"I wonder if there's an all-girls school nearby to keep an eye on him, Mother?" Sylvia asked, treating Mom like her own.

Mom chuckled, "Don't think so, dear. MCKK is an all-boys school, and Mr. Rahman believes you're the best fit. The other candidates have attitude problems and struggle with the criteria.”

Sylvia glared at me, her eyes blazing. "Aww, fine then... As long as you study, Mother?”

I felt like a victim, "Why am I the one being targeted here?!”

Mom joked, "With all that commotion, I wonder what other girls you'll bring home…"

I tried to reason, "It's an all-boys school, I won't have time for that!”

Hana, the tiny but mighty 7-year-old, choked me, "Yep, big brother!!" Her grip was surprisingly strong!

It had been a while since I'd experienced this level of drama, but at least the cheerful moments made up for it. Since returning from the US, everything had been serious, but I wasn't annoyed by the lightheartedness – only the girl trouble, which Sylvia was kindly helping me with.

Mom announced that we needed to prepare for the celebration, and Sylvia offered to cook, showcasing her skills learned from the restaurant. "Maybe something easy, like fried chicken that Melissa and William taught me…"

Just then, Melissa called, and Sylvia's demeanor changed. "Uh-huh... Grand Uncle wants to celebrate? Tell him to find a coffin and die there!!!" I was taken aback by Sylvia's cold response.

"Don't tell me..." I had a bad feeling about this.

Sylvia confirmed my fears, "Yep... they want to celebrate with us too." Her annoyance was palpable, while Mom smiled mischievously.

"See, I told you you all wouldn't be bored," Mom said, as Sylvia protested.

"Mother!! That old man is not someone I want to deal with! He'll turn this place into a restaurant, believe me!! Mother?!”

Mom reassured her, "Nah, he just wants to spend time with you. You're his favorite grandchild, after all." I realized she was talking about the old man I'd met before. It was rare to see Sylvia act so childishly, reminiscent of Nat's behavior. That was when I started to like Sylvia – her vulnerability and playfulness were endearing.

Sylvia's excitement was palpable as she rattled off her menu: "Fried chicken, potato salad, mocktail of Ribena soda, fried rice, fried noodle, and cake!" I was taken aback by the elaborate spread, wondering if it was really necessary for a light meal.

Mom smiled slyly at me, "See, I told you she's reliable." Yeah right, like she wasn't trying to make things worse for me. I rolled my eyes, knowing Mom was enjoying the drama.

Hana, however, was supportive, "Big sis, I'll help ya!!" Sylvia nodded, and they began preparing for the party. I cleared space, trying to make sense of the chaos. The kitchen was a flurry of activity, with Sylvia and Hana chattering excitedly as they cooked.

Dad called, asking for Mom, and I passed the phone to her. She explained tonight's event and asked to speak to me again. For the first time, Dad offered constructive advice, "As a Muslim, I think it's best for you to make thanksgiving prayers, okay? You're the man of the house for now…"

I agreed, feeling a sense of responsibility wash over me. Dad seemed different, calm and collected, unlike our previous conversations. I asked about the woman he is with, and he explained Uncle Usman is with him, handling family business.

After the call, Mom and Sylvia smiled at me, and Sylvia hugged me tightly. "I'm really happy to see you like this!!" Mom revealed Dad had accepted Sylvia as a candidate and asked her to handle it. I wondered if Dad was trying to create more trouble for me!

The scene was a heartwarming mix of drama, comedy, and slice-of-life moments, with a touch of cultural nuance. The aroma of fried chicken and potato salad filled the air, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging amidst the chaos.

I received another phone call, and my heart skipped a beat as I saw the caller ID. It was Nat's dad, Mr. Hawk!

"Mr. Hawk, how are you, sir?" I asked, trying to sound calm.

"Did you see the adverts?" he asked, his voice hinting at something more.

"Yeah... there's something strange going on right now," I replied, trying to start a conversation. I explained how Dad had changed his tone and started giving advice, but Mr. Hawk seemed to know more.

"Yep, Usman told me about it. Your dad asked for advice, and don't be surprised about the candidate thing..." Wait, what? Mr. Hawk was in on it too?!

Just then, Nat's voice burst through the phone, "DAD!!! Why didn't you tell me that was Alex you were talking to?!”

Mr. Hawk chuckled, "Uh-huh, the jig is up, eh Nat?”

Nat's tone changed, and she asked me, "Hey Alex, what are you doing right now?"

I hesitated, "Uh, I'm preparing to celebrate New Year's Eve with Mariam's family and Sylvia's family.”

Nat's response sent chills down my spine, "Just celebrate, got it? Or else I'll be there, putting a leash on you, got it..." Yikes, what was with women and control?!

Before I could respond, Sylvia snatched the phone and started a catfight with Nat.

"Don't worry about Alex, as long as I'm here, no one's getting near him, not even you, Nat…"

Sylvia put the phone on speaker, and Mom chimed in, "Hey Nat, proud of ya! Sylvia's here too.”

Nat taunted, "Yes, mom... don't forget Sylvia, just make sure you cook for everyone, not just sticking with Alex, okay?”

Sylvia shot back, "Oh, don't worry, you must be busy selling all that perfume you're promoting." Ouch, that is sharp!

Nat counterattacked, "Well, at least my face is worth something! Unlike some people who have to rely on their cooking to get noticed!”

Sylvia replied, "Noticed? You mean like how you're always trying to get Alex's attention? Please, I'm the one who's been taking care of him!”

Nat snapped back, "Taking care of him? Ha! You mean like how you're always bossing him around? I'm the one who truly understands him!”

Sylvia retorted, "Understands him? You don't even know what he likes for breakfast! I'm the one who's been by his side all along!”

Nat shot back, "Oh yeah? Well, I know what he likes in a girl... and it's not some controlling, possessive person like you!”

Sylvia fumed, "How dare you! I'm just trying to protect him from people like you who only want to use him!”

Mom intervened, "Okay, okay, girls... let's not fight over my son. There's enough of him to go around!”

The phone call continued, with Sylvia and Nat exchanging witty remarks and sarcastic comments, each trying to outdo the other.

Meanwhile, Hana jumped over to Steward and said, "Hurry up Steward!! I need your help!”

After the heated phone call, Sylvia turned to me and said, "Alright, let's get back to preparing for the party. We still have a lot to do!"

As we worked, Sylvia occasionally checked her phone, still bickering with Nat through text messages.

"I'm going to make sure Alex has an amazing time tonight!" Sylvia sent.

"Oh yeah? I'm still the one he's thinking about!" Nat replied.

Sylvia chuckled and shook her head, "I doubt that.”

Hana piped up, "Can I help with the decorations? I want to make sure everything is perfect for the party!”

Sylvia smiled and handed her a string of fairy lights, "Of course, Hana! You're the best little helper ever!”

As the evening approached, the house was transformed into a vibrant party scene, complete with balloons, streamers, and a giant banner that read "Happy New Year!”

I couldn't help but feel grateful for the people around me, despite their quirks and disagreements. It was going to be a night to remember, even if Nat couldn't be there in person.

I couldn't help but think that if Nat and Sylvia were in the same room, they would either become the best of friends or fierce rivals - or perhaps both. Their strong personalities and sharp wit would create a dynamic that would be fascinating to watch. But what struck me most was that their friendship or rivalry wouldn't be centered around me; instead, it would be built on a foundation of mutual respect and trust, forged through their own shared experiences and interests.

We finally finished preparing, and Sylvia summoned me, Hana, Steward, and Tama (who was being a superstar by looking after Sam) to get ready.

Sylvia decreed that we must wear traditional Lun Bawang attire, and Hana squealed with delight, bouncing up and down like a rubber ball. "Yep, big sis!!!" She looked adorable, and I couldn't help but chuckle.

Meanwhile, Mom had a mischievous glint in her eye. "Let me see if I can have some fun..." Uh-oh, I thought, as she dragged me into her room.

"Mom!! No way! You're not turning me into a tribal fashion disaster!!" I protested, but she just laughed maniacally.

"Ah, don't worry about a thing!" she said, as she forced me into a traditional outfit that made me look like a cross between a warrior and a... well, a fashion victim.

As I emerged from the room, I wondered what the others would think. Would they laugh? Cry? Or just face-palm so hard they'd get a headache?

Mom kicked me out of the room, and I slunk away in embarrassment, muttering under my breath. But before I could escape, Sylvia and Hana called out to me, "Hey, come out now! Look what we have here!!”

I hesitated, but Sylvia's proud smile and Hana's giggles drew me back in. That's when I saw it: Mom, Sylvia, Hana, and Tama all dressed in traditional Lun Bawang attire, while I... well, I looked like a tribal warrior on steroids. My outfit was a fusion of ancient and awkward, with way too much skin and muscle on display.

Sylvia beamed at me, "That's my darling, we are Lun Bawang, okay? We must represent it!" Yeah, represent it... as a laughingstock.

Just then, the doorbell rang, and Mr. Habeeb, his wife, and Hakeeb arrived, looking like they'd stumbled into a cultural time warp. "Uh-huh, are we at the right place? Is that you, Alex?" Mr. Habeeb asked, eyes wide with wonder.

Hakeeb chuckled, "Bro, you're daring... but it looks interesting..." Yeah, interesting... like a trainwreck.

Sylvia greeted them warmly, while Hana bounced around, excitement radiating from her like a tiny, adorable sun.

Just when I thought it couldn't get worse, Zuan and the gang arrived, their jaws dropping in unison. "Bro!! That is something WOO!!!!" Dammit, indeed.

"Did you see this spear?" I grinned, proudly displaying my tribal attire, complete with a spear that looked like it belonged in a museum.

Geoffry suddenly dashed back to his house, exclaiming, "Bro, wait up!!" like his life depended on it.

Arie followed suit, shouting, "Wait up! I'm going back!" What was going on? Were they trying to escape the embarrassment of being seen with me?

"Bro, you just unleashed Pandora's box!" Zuan warned, shaking his head. "Now we're all doomed to wear tribal outfits!”

Geoffry and Arie returned, dressed in their respective traditional attire - Geoffry in Dusun and Lun Bawang, Arie in Murut. Now three of us were showing off our... erm... cultural pride, while Zuan looked like an outcast in his regular clothes.

"Bro, you're next..." Arie teased, wiggling his eyebrows at Zuan, who responded with a middle finger.

The rest of the gang arrived, bursting into laughter and applause. "You know you could make a warrior cry with those outfits!" Raj and Manuk joked, holding their bellies in laughter.

Geoffry grabbed my arm, excitement radiating from him. "You know our traditional dance? Let's make a performance, Sil! Cousin, we're going to perform!!”

Sylvia smiled mischievously. "Well, then be patient... and try not to trip over your own feet.”

Just then, Mariam's family arrived, accompanied by the unexpected Priscilla and Mr. Newman. Priscilla stunned us all by wearing a traditional Kazadan dress, complete with intricate patterns and a dazzling smile. The guys were speechless, drooling like Pavlov's dogs.

"Yaay!!! My babe is going tribal as well!" Priscilla exclaimed, charging at me like a raging bull.

But before she could tackle me, Sylvia swooped in like a guardian angel, pulling me towards her... and her impressive cleavage. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of softness. What the hell, I’m thinking?! Focus, Alex, focus!

Priscilla's face turned beet red with rage. "Bitch!!! What are you doing with my babe!!! We're having a party here, not a tribal mating ritual!”

Sylvia smirked, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Uh-uh, you're only here for the food, got it? Don't get too attached... or should I say, too hungry?”

Priscilla's eyes narrowed, her voice dripping with venom. "You think you're funny, don't you, Sylvia? But I'll have you know, I'm the queen of this party... and Alex's heart!”

The air was thick with tension, the drama palpable. It was clear that Priscilla and Sylvia had a history, and it wasn't a pretty one. I was caught in the middle, unsure of what to do... or where to look.

Priscilla's eyes locked onto me like a predator, her gaze intense. "Alex, come on, let's get out of here. I want to show you my new dress... and maybe more.”

Sylvia's grip on my arm tightened, her voice low and possessive. "I don't think so, Priscilla. Alex is with me right now. Hands off, girl!”

Priscilla's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. "Oh, I'm sure Alex wants to see my dress... and my charming personality. Don't you, Alex?”

I felt a surge of unease, caught between the two girls. "Uh, I...I don't know, Priscilla. I'm still trying to process Sylvia's tribal outfit.”

Priscilla's eyes narrowed, her voice taking on a hint of desperation. "Alex, please. Just come with me for a minute. I promise I'll make it worth your while... or at least, make you laugh.”

Sylvia's eyes flashed with warning, but I hesitated, unsure of what to do. Priscilla's gaze was like a magnet, drawing me in with an otherworldly pull.

Just then, Mariam's voice rang out, "Nice, nice, keep going!!" She was wearing a stunning Murut dress, her parents by her side in traditional attire.

Amin arrived with his family, looking like he'd just sucked on a lemon. Mr. Faruq clapped me on the shoulder, saying, "There's a limit to showing off, but... AMIN! Look at Alex! At least he's more of a man than you are!”

I thought they were leaving Sabah, but it seemed they'd canceled their plans for this party.

"Oh, we couldn't leave this opportunity behind..." Mariam said, grinning mischievously. "More like another trouble for Alex!"

Well, since the plan of having a party just with us was foiled, Sylvia's family arrived with Mr. George, her father, and her granduncle in tow, joining the chaos.

"Oh my, you look beautiful!!" Mr. George exclaimed, beaming with pride at his daughter. "And there's Alex, the young man who's captured her heart!”

Sylvia's face turned bright red as her granduncle, a jovial old man with a mischievous glint in his eye, swept her into a bear hug. "Oh my dear grandniece, you look lovelier than ever!!!" He rubbed his face against hers, making Sylvia giggle and squirm in discomfort.

"Please!! Get away from me, Granduncle!!!" Sylvia pushed him away, laughing despite herself.

Mr. George chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ah, Sylvia, you're as beautiful! And Alex, you're a lucky young man to have captured her heart!”

I felt my face heat up, realizing I was the subject of their conversation. Priscilla, still clinging to my arm, whispered, "Don't worry, Alex. I'll protect you from Sylvia's clutches.”

Sylvia overheard, her eyes flashing with warning. "Oh, I don't think so, Priscilla. Alex is with me right now.”

Little did I realize, an aura of envy had settled among the boys, including Zuan and Hakeeb, who were eyeing me with a mixture of jealousy and frustration. Even Hana was cracking her knuckles, her eyes fixed on me with a fierce glint.

"Big sis, there's a limit, you know…" Hana whispered, her voice laced with warning. Jeez, now it was getting exactly what I was expecting - more trouble for me and a short life expectancy.

Just as tensions were rising, Mom announced, "Let's take a moment to give thanks. Mr. Habeeb, would you please lead us in prayer?”

We prayed in our respective faiths, and after that, Geoffry suggested a performance to kick off the party. Sylvia invited the other girls who wore traditional dresses, pulling Priscilla along, much to Mr. Newman's pride.

The girls started with a mesmerizing dance, everyone cheering as Geoffry signaled us to join in. Arie, Geoffry, and I took to the stage, transitioning from the traditional Lun Bawang to Sumazau dance.

The crowd erupted into cheers, with some of them joining in the dance. It was an eventful moment, filled with laughter and joy.

The group danced in harmony, their colorful traditional attire swirling around them. The energy was electric, with everyone cheering and clapping along. I felt carefree, lost in the moment, until the music reached its climax.

A thunderous applause erupted within our house, with cheers and whistles filling the air. It was like a happy family gathering, minus the drama that was about to unfold.

Sylvia took a bow, beaming with pride. "Well, then, thank you for enjoying our performance!”

As we began to devour the delicious meal she prepared, her Grand Uncle burst into the scene, carrying a massive kitchen setup. Yes, you read that right - a full-fledged kitchen, complete with blazing fires and sizzling pans.

Sylvia face-palmed, her eyes rolling in exasperation. "Grand Uncle, what are you doing?!"

William chuckled, whispering to me, "I told him it wasn't necessary, but he insisted on showing off his cooking skills.”

Melissa, trying to salvage the situation, added, "Well, at least we get to enjoy his famous char kuey teow! It's already legendary in town, after all.”

I raised an eyebrow, laughing. "Are you trying to promote his cooking show or something?"

The room erupted into laughter, with Sylvia's Grand Uncle grinning mischievously. "Hey, someone's got to keep the family's culinary reputation alive!”

Mariam's voice rang out, "This performance isn't over yet, come on Alex, show us that dance of yours!!”

I hesitated, unsure if I was ready to revisit the past. "Huh, don't tell me... 'That dance'?"

Mariam nodded enthusiastically. "Yep, that dance!!" I couldn't believe it. That dance was a personal tribute to Frederica, a memory I thought I'd locked away.

But Mariam's excitement was contagious. Without delay, I took a deep breath and began to dance. This time, I wasn't alone. Sylvia, Mariam, Geoffry, Arie, and even Priscilla joined in, their eyes locked on me as they followed my lead.

"Just follow me, okay?" I whispered, and they nodded, their movements mirroring mine.

As we danced, our arms flowing like birds in flight, the atmosphere transformed. The room fell silent, mesmerized by the beauty of the dance. Mom's eyes welled up with tears, her voice trembling.

"Frederica would be happy to see this..." she whispered, her gaze distant.

Then, she explained to everyone, "This dance is an expression of someone we hold dear, someone who's no longer with us. But through this dance, she left us a message, a message of hope and love. She called it the Dance of the Birds…"

The room erupted into applause, and just then, Amin appeared with a guitar, weaving a mesmerizing melody that sounded like a traditional Sape'. The music blended perfectly with our dance, elevating it to new heights.

As we danced, I felt Frederica's spirit around us, her love and joy infectious. In that moment, we were all connected, united by the power of dance and music.

All of a sudden, the room was transformed. Everyone started to join in, following the dance as if mesmerized. It was as if Frederica's spirit had taken over, guiding us all in perfect harmony.

As I danced, I felt a strange sensation, like a whisper in my ear. And then, I heard it - a soft, gentle voice that only I could hear.

"See what I told you, this is special... got it, Alex?" It was Frederica, her voice echoing in my mind.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realized that Frederica was communicating with me, her presence palpable. I nodded, as if she could see me, and continued to dance.

The voice in my head grew louder, more insistent. "This is what I wanted, Alex. This is my legacy. Keep sharing it with the world.”

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I felt Frederica's love and joy wash over me. I knew in that moment that I had to keep her memory alive, to share the Dance of the Birds with everyone.

As the music reached its climax, the room erupted into applause. But I knew that the true applause came from Frederica, her spirit soaring with happiness.

"Thank you, Alex," the voice in my head whispered, before fading away. I smiled, knowing that I had made her proud.

As the performance ended, we waited for the countdown to begin. I enlisted Zuan, Arie, and Geoffry's help for another surprise - the fireworks Mom had bought.

"Damn, this is the good stuff!" Zuan exclaimed, eyes widening at the explosives.

"Bro, where did you get this?" Geoffry asked, impressed.

"Who cares? Let's just set it up!" Arie chimed in, excitement radiating from him.

While Amin and Mariam kept the crowd entertained, we snuck away to prepare the fireworks. The countdown to the year 2001 was about to begin.

We calculated the range, lit the fuse, and... "10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!"

The fireworks erupted into a kaleidoscope of colors, illuminating the night sky.

As we emerged, everyone gasped in surprise. I stood next to Sylvia, who slowly wrapped her hand around my arm. I turned to her, and she smiled up at me, her eyes sparkling.

"Thanks, Alex... you've been there for me, and I've really enjoyed it... I'll never forget this moment." Unlike the usual New Year's kiss, our moment was different. We shared a deep, unbreakable bond, a connection that went beyond words.

The fireworks still blazing above us, Sylvia's hand tightened around my arm. I covered it with mine, feeling the warmth of her touch. In that instant, I knew our friendship had blossomed into something more.

As the crowd cheered and whistled, we stood there, lost in each other's eyes, the fireworks painting a romantic backdrop.

As I stood there, I realized that this moment was the culmination of an unforgettable year, weaving together friendship, love, sadness, bond, and discovery in a beautiful, crazy tapestry of life.