Chapter 58 - a long awaited reunion with friends

Morning sunlight streamed through the windows as we gathered in the school hall. Mr. Rahman's voice boomed, inviting us to the Form 3 PMR result awards ceremony. My family and friends were all here, beaming with pride.

I already knew my results from America, but the award ceremony was a surprise. Mr. Rahman droned on about the hybrid school system, but Mariam and I tuned him out - we were familiar with the setup from our time in the US.

Amin whispered, 'Damn, our school's going international!' Mariam playfully teased him, 'Now you can choose your subjects, Amin!' Their lovey-dovey moment was interrupted by Sylvia's glare and Priscilla's curious stare.

Meanwhile, I was dying inside - Mariam had shown everyone that incriminating photo with Mika and Nat! 'MARIAM!!!!' I mentally screamed, holding my forehead in disbelief. Sylvia and Priscilla swooped in, holding my arm and back.

Just then, Hana charged at me with a direct drop kick, sending me crashing to the floor. Everything went black.

When I came to, I was sitting with Amin and Mariam, who were both grinning mischievously. 'Bro, that was something...' Amin chuckled. Mariam snickered, 'Our lady-killer playboy's on the roll…'

I glared at them, still dazed from the kick. This was not how I envisioned the first day of school…

Melissa greeted us warmly, her smile radiating pride. "To my younger siblings, congratulations on completing the SPM and PMR exams without any absentees! I applaud you all.”

We applauded, and she continued, her voice filled with excitement. "Today, I'm proud to announce that Borneo will merge with SIGMA, creating a new culture that values passions, civility, humility, and equity. These values were never emphasized before, but they're essential for our growth.”

The room was abuzz with surprise, and Melissa introduced Lord Eric Newman, the descendant of Borneo College's founder. Priscilla's eyes widened in embarrassment as she realized her connection to the founder.

Mariam and Amin were speechless, their faces frozen in shock. I exchanged a sarcastic comment with George, who was grinning mischievously. "Hey Alex, you're lucky to have her then, eh?" he whispered. I rolled my eyes, responding with a sarcastic "Yeah right..."

Mr. Newman smiled humbly and returned the microphone to Melissa. She announced the outstanding PMR results, highlighting the achievements of Peter, Mikhail, Amin, me, Hazlan, and Maya. The room erupted in applause as parents and students celebrated.

Melissa's voice filled with emotion as she continued, "As you know, we had a target for PMR results, and I'm thrilled to say we've achieved the impossible. We've reached a 75% high achiever rate of 5A's and above. Peter Holsby and Mikhail Bin Adam achieved straight A's, placing them in the top 5 national highest achievers in Malaysia.”

She paused, scanning the room with pride. "Aminiruddin Bin Faruq is among the top 15 national highest achievers, while Alexander Imran and Hazlan Bin Kamaruddin are in the top 30. Maya, our sole female representative, is among the top 50 national highest achievers.”

The applause was thunderous, with Mr. Faruq and Hazlan's parents crying tears of joy. My mom was also tearful, with Dad and Uncle Usman beaming with pride.

Melissa concluded, her voice filled with passion. "With this achievement, we set our sights on making BORNEO-SIGMA one of the best schools in Southeast Asia. Let's work together to create a second home where everyone feels like family... I thank you." She bowed, and the room erupted in applause once more.

I glanced at Mariam, who looked overwhelmed, the pressure of being the next potential president evident on her face. That's pressure for ya...

Mr. Rahman stepped up to the microphone, adjusting his glasses. "Well, well, well... looks like we're all back in one piece!" He attempted a chuckle, but it fell flat. "I mean, I'm pretty sure some of you would rather be on a beach somewhere, but... duty calls, right?”

The room remained silent, with a few awkward smiles scattered throughout. Mr. Rahman cleared his throat, trying again. "Okay, okay, let's get serious. I trust you all had a wonderful break and are ready to tackle the new semester with... um, enthusiasm?”

He paused, surveying the room with a hint of desperation. "I mean, who's excited to be back? Anyone? Anyone at all?”

A few polite murmurs and half-hearted applause echoed through the hall, but it was clear Mr. Rahman's attempts at humor were bombing.

Mr. Rahman sighed, abandoning his comedic endeavors. "Right, well... let's move on, shall we? Ever since this journey began as a dream, it's been a wild ride. But now, that dream has turned into a reality. My wish to you all is to cherish this experience, for this school is more than just a place of learning - it's a memory that will stay with you forever."

He paused, surveying the room. "With the merging of Borneo, our student body has grown to an unprecedented 650. The Student Council will now introduce themselves.”

Melissa stepped forward, joined by Michael, Mariam, Amin, Priscilla, Hazlan, and Sylvia from SIGMA, as well as Toby, Mina, Kallie, and Mark from Borneo.

Mr. Rahman continued, "This is how we foster a supportive community, preparing our students for real-life challenges ahead.”

The room erupted in applause.

Mr. Rahman then announced the PMR high achievers, starting with Peter and Mikhail, followed by Amin, me (Alex), Maya, and Hazlan.

I was taken aback, "We're among the best SIGMA has to offer! I never expected to be chosen!" The room filled with applause and cheers.

Mariam exclaimed, "Shiver me timbers! We be the best!" playfully mocking the Patriots and Catsy, including Unicorn, who seemed taken aback by the challenge.

Mr. Rahim ended it with a shout: "Shiver me timbers, Mariam! Cease yer yappin'! Ye be gettin' a good swabbin' o' the decks if ye don't behave yerself! Arrrgh!”

I couldn't help but laugh, "Oh shit, the captain is being the captain!" while Melissa face-palmed in disbelief.

Mr. Rahman's grin grew wider as he continued, "Starting today, another event unfolds, one that will reveal the best group class in school..." Even Melissa seemed taken aback by this unexpected twist.

Suddenly, a massive canvas descended from the ceiling, and a projector sprang to life, casting an image of a graph that revealed the winner of the year 2000 school award.

We all gazed in unison at the graph, our eyes scanning the categories and rankings.

Category: Academic (based on A's in every subject)

The typical class dynamics seemed to be at play here.

Category: Curriculum (based on student involvement and activity wins)

The overall rankings revealed a surprising twist:

Overall

A spark of rivalry ignited among the classes, and I could see Mariam and Amin's eyes shining with determination as they glared at their competitors.

"Hey, looks like those Patriots are at it again!" Mariam exclaimed, her voice laced with a hint of challenge, even in front of her parents. The Patriots, meanwhile, shot her a piercing glance.

"Second rate!" someone from the Patriots retorted, their voice dripping with disdain.

Mr. Rahman chimed in, "Looks like the Patriots are at it again. Better luck next time, Buccaneers." His words seemed laced with a hint of rivalry, and Mr. Rahim's gaze narrowed, as if daring us to challenge them.

This was precisely what the class needed - a sense of competition to drive us forward.

Mr. Rahman concluded, "Thank you for all your efforts. Good luck to all, and we'll see each other again soon.”

The room erupted in applause as we took photos, my family - Mom, Dad, Hana, Sam, and me - capturing the moment together. Even Dad, despite his awkwardness, couldn't hide his pride. This was a special moment for Mom and Dad, and I was grateful to share it with them.

Dad's voice caught me off guard, "Congratulations, Son..." As I shook his hand and kissed it, I knew this moment marked a turning point. Uncle Usman and Mom beamed with pride, their eyes brimming with tears of joy.

As I glanced around, I saw them chatting and laughing, and I couldn't help but smile, reflecting on the incredible journey of the past 12 months. I thought to myself, "I was wrong to think this place would be boring, Nat." I wondered if my life would be different if I were living in America.

Sylvia's hand on my shoulder broke my reverie, "Congrats, Darling!!" Priscilla exclaimed, "Babe!!! We did it!! I'm gobsmacked, I couldn't believe it!!" I felt like I was trapped in a rom-com, and my life was flashing before my eyes.

Mariam snapped a photo, and I asked her, "Hey, Mar! How about a picture of all of us together on the podium?" Mariam's face lit up, "That's a sick idea!! Not bad!! Come on, Honey!! We're going there!!”

Amin chimed in, "OHHH!! Got it, Honey!! Hey, Bro, come on! What are we waiting for!!" He pulled in Hazlan and Tama, while Mariam grabbed Siti and Hana joined us. Priscilla, Sylvia, and I stood together, and Mariam expertly set up her tripod, as if she had anticipated this moment all along

"Alright, everyone, get in position!" Mariam exclaimed, as the camera shutter clicked away. She beamed with a smile and turned to me, "Hey, never knew you were thinking the same thing! Thanks!”

We took various poses, laughing and joking, until Hana tackled me to the ground, and Priscilla, Sylvia, and Siti piled on top. I couldn't help but think of those harem stories from comics.

Just then, Melissa and William arrived with their child, and Steward joined the group, albeit hesitantly. Hana enthusiastically pulled him in, saying, "Hey Steward, come on! We're getting our picture taken!”

Steward tried to decline, but Sylvia wouldn't have it. "Come on, don't be a wuss!" she teased, dragging him into the group. Hana grabbed him, and we posed again, only to be interrupted by Mr. Rahim and Mr. Rahman.

"Hey, don't forget about us!" they chimed in, as we all gathered on the podium, now a symbol of our unforgettable memories. The same place where our school journey began was now a testament to our friendship and camaraderie.

I had no idea that Mariam's snapshot would become the cover photo of our first yearbook.

That school podium, once a barren stage, held a special significance for me. It was where I first formed connections, starting with Sylvia and her brother Steward, followed by Mariam and Amin. Over time, our circle grew, transforming the empty podium into a vibrant gathering place. Just like an empty cupboard now filled with framed memories, the podium had become a symbol of our journey, a testament to the friendships that had blossomed in that very spot.

Priscilla was the first to bid farewell, as her father whisked her away to another engagement. Though she was reluctant to leave, we understood. Sylvia waved goodbye with a playful flourish, as if dismissing a rival.

"See ya! Don't come back again!" Sylvia called out, her words laced with a hint of teasing brutality.

Priscilla shot back, "Don't you dare! Bitch!" before her father intervened, gently knocking on her head and waving goodbye to us.

As the group began to disperse, Tama decide that she will follow Hazlan with his blushing and her parents willing to bring her to the house. Mom prepared to leave with Dad and Uncle Usman, taking Sam along. But I offered to watch Sam, allowing Mom to depart with peace of mind.

As the podium emptied once more, only Sylvia, Steward, and our small group remained, a familiar scene reminiscent of our early days. Since I hadn't brought my bike, we decided to take the bus home together.

As we strolled towards the bus stop, the warm sun casting a gentle glow, Steward and Hana walked hand in hand, while I carried Sam on my back, Sylvia sauntering beside me like a partner in crime.

"Never knew school could be this interesting," Sylvia said, her voice tinged with a hint of wonder, her smile radiant.

"Yeah..." I replied, captivated by her sparkling eyes, my heart skipping a beat as I realized Sam and Sylvia now held a special place in my heart.

Sylvia continued, her voice laced with emotion, "You never pushed me away, even when I was teasing you mercilessly... and now, here we are, like a family.”

I teased her back, "Yeah, right... an annoying girl suddenly appears in front of me, disrupting my peaceful slumber.”

Sylvia's smile grew wider as she pinched my side, "Yep, it does... how could someone just sleep like that?”

As we walked, Sylvia offered to carry Sam, and he nestled into her chest, his tiny hands playfully grasping her hair. I couldn't help but notice the way Sam's eyes sparkled around Sylvia, and I wondered if he was already smitten.

Sylvia caught my gaze and whispered, "Don't worry, I won't steal him away... yet." Her wink left me blushing, my heart racing with excitement.

As we arrived at the bus stop, I noticed an unusual serenity. Gone were the troublemakers and rowdy crowds, replaced by an eerie peace. We sat together, basking in the warm glow of the setting sun.

"Hey, let's head to Tanjung Aru beach!" I exclaimed, a sudden urge to spend quality time with my newfound family. "I've always wanted to hang out with you guys.”

Sylvia raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Sure, Alex... I'm sure it'll be a blast.” her tone dripping with mock sincerity, her eyes sparkling with a playful challenge. I could tell she was trying to get under my skin, but I refused to take the bait, instead choosing to enjoy the easy banter between us.

Hana bounced up and down, her excitement infectious. "Okay, big Brother! Let's go!"

With Sam's stuff in tow, we strolled towards the beach, the 20-minute walk a pleasant prelude to our adventure. As we reached the familiar shores, the sun began its descent, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape.

Sylvia and Hana gasped in unison, "Wow... it's beautiful!" The breathtaking view of Manukan Island and Mamutik Island, coupled with the golden sunlight and glimmering silhouette of the beach, left us awestruck.

We settled at the wave breaker, Sylvia keeping a watchful eye on the kids as I ventured off to buy snacks. I returned with a bounty of corn, steam peanuts, fruits, dried squid, and coconut, earning a stern lecture from Sylvia.

"You didn't need to buy all this unnecessary food, especially junk food..." But her words were laced with a hint of amusement, and we soon found ourselves indulging in the treats, savoring the moment as the sun dipped below the horizon.

In this tranquil setting, surrounded by newfound friends and the serene beauty of nature, I felt a deep sense of belonging, as if I'd finally found my place in the world.

I turned to Sylvia, my voice barely above a whisper, "In the end, it's just us... right?" The words hung in the air, a poignant truth that seemed to resonate deep within us.

Sylvia's gaze met mine, her eyes shining with a warmth that made my heart skip a beat. "You know what... I'm glad and thankful I met you," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. As she spoke, she reached out, her hand brushing against my left arm, sending a shiver down my spine. I knew Hana was watching, playing with Steward and Sam just a short distance away, but in this moment, it was as if we were alone.

As I looked at Sylvia, I realized she held a special place in my heart, much like Natalie. Yet, this connection was different – it was like having a little sister I never knew I needed. A bond that was both fierce and fragile, a treasure I vowed to protect and cherish.

As the sunset's warmth dissipated, we boarded the bus, the soft hum of the engine lulling us into a cozy silence. Hana and Steward dozed off at the back, while Sam, Sylvia, and I sat together, our shoulders gradually inching closer. Sylvia's head eventually came to rest on my shoulder, her gentle snores harmonizing with Sam's soft breathing. I gazed out the window, the dark sky transforming into a canvas of twinkling stars and a radiant moon.

Upon reaching our stop, I roused them from their slumber, and we disembarked, stretching our limbs. As we strolled back home, Sylvia turned to me, her eyes sparkling with sincerity.

"Thanks for today, Alex. It felt like a date, and it was really nice." Her smile left me breathless.

We approached our house, wondering why Mom wasn't home, but I reassured myself that she was likely fine. Sylvia produced an extra key, and we entered, finding a note from Mom:

"Hey guys, I had another emergency in Long Pasia. Stay here, and I'll be back tomorrow. Love, Mom.”

With that, we began our nighttime routine, changing into comfortable clothes. Sylvia took charge of cleaning the kitchen and living room, while I assisted, ensuring everything was spotless before Mom's return. Hana's exhaustion got the better of her, and she retired to her room, leaving Sylvia and me alone.

As we worked, an eerie peace settled over the house, and I sensed that something was amiss, but I pushed the thought aside, savoring the warmth of this unexpected evening with Sylvia.

We head to our own rooms resting, while I’m in bed realise that tomorrow is the new year eve.