Find your faith

Chapter 20: Enrolment

Crystal's POV
The concourse was transformed overnight. Gone were the chairs and tables we used to study, and it was now replaced with special classroom chairs designed for the parents of the enrolment ceremony. Mrs Teo helped in the setup of the fairy lights even though it was afternoon, just for a more "soft ambience". I stood at the concourse before me. Two years ago, I was the one receiving the promise, and this year, I was not only giving a speech, but I was helping the new guides pin on their badges.

My dad and sister would be watching the ceremony. I hope to do my best as I welcome the new guides in a position of authority!
Mrs Teo's POV
I stood at the podium, giving a speech reassuring both the new girls and her parents they made a good decision choosing girl guides. I talked about what are the benefits of girl guides and what an awesome family they have joined.

A smile unconsciously crept on my face. I spotted some sheepish smiles of the older parents as they gave me the "I know" look. Yet there were the sweet smiles of the new faces, knowing that their daughter had made the best decision after all. And after that, Crystal Ong walked in front of the concourse and when I gave her the cue, she gave the cue.
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Crystal: Baris Maju!

Fiona Chan; check up
(The rest of the company marches)
Fiona Chan: check down

Mrs Teo: both outgoing and ingoing company and assistant company leaders will pin the enrolment badge on the incoming girl guides.
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Mrs Teo: our incoming company leader Ong Xu Yin Crystal will now do the honour of enrolling the last batch of girls
(Crystal walks in front)
Crystal: "Do you know what your HONOUR means?"

???: "My HONOUR means that I can be trusted to be truthful and honest"

Crystal: "Can I trust you on your HONOUR to do your best: To do your duty to God. To serve your country and to help other people and to keep the Guide Law?"

???: yes ma'am!
(Crystal pins the badge on the new recruit)
Crystal: "I trust you on your HONOUR to keep this Promise and to try to do at least one GOOD TURN a day."

Mrs Teo: You're now a member of the worldwide sisterhood of Guides. Salute the Colours.
(Does the guide salute)
(Everyone does the salute back)
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Chloe's POV
My sister is usually energetic and sweet, but when she does something with girl guides, she's full of conviction and passion. Ever since Day 1 at girl guides, she was full of dedication and reverence towards the "colours". I never understood why they called it colours, and I never will. It's just my father wants me to watch it to "save him some trouble."

And there was my sister, on the podium. She looks absolutely gorgeous in the blue uniform even though she's always wearing blue uniforms of different shades. Her voice was sweet and elegant, and she smiled throughout. She talked about her experiences as a guide, reassuring every parent of the new guide they helped their daughters make the right choice. She then shared her heartfelt thanks for the parents who have supported the present day guides, expressing her desire to keep working with them. And then she looked at me.

"And a huge thanks to my family who helped me throughout my days as a girl [guide]. I am forever indebted to your kindness. To the parent that was able to join me here today, and to the parent that wasn't. You both guided me towards getting my badges, even if it was just texting me online articles. And to my little sister too, who clumsily tried to express her kindness knowing being in a uniformed group sucks sometimes. Thank you."

Commotion broke out among the audience, as they looked for the "sister" Crystal mentioned. Eventually, my dad motioned me to stand.

"That is my twin sister Chloe Ong from 3 Faith. The one that's been by my side since Day 1."

She smiled at me for the first time, and kept that smile on ever since. "I can only leave my speech with one last thing. Parents and guests, let's all do one GOOD TURN every day. We may not hear guides, but that doesn't me we don't have the power to change lives. Thank you."

Standing ovation that I had to be a part of. Great, reality is back. Jealousy all over again.
Mrs Nur's POV
On my way home, I happened to notice the speech Crystal was giving and decided to watch it. And I couldn't help but feel warm and fuzzy.

I have seen Crystal Ong as a literature student from Day 1. She's been this social butterfly with such a big heart. Whenever I wanted to give snacks, she'd always ask "Cher the snacks halal or not?". And she's got a gift in literature. She always has a knack at analysing stories and songs, even if they seemed a bit quirky. She's also really proactive, and being able to teach her for this long was a true blessing.

Girl Guides is her CCA. I couldn't see her anywhere else. And she's a sweetheart that just loves to put herself out in the open, so I knew she was going to be a part of the musical. Hence, while girl guides were cleaning up, I screamed eagerly from the second floor, "CRYSTAL! I NEED TO SPEAK TO YOU!"

"What? What's up with the big smile?" Mrs Teo asked in annoyance. "What do you want from Ms Company Leader?"

"I'm getting her into the musical! Now, you clean up! Put yourself in her shoes! Crystal, come up!"
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Mr Ong: what's the matter, ma'am?

Mrs Nur: I'm so sorry Mr Ong. I'm Mrs Nur, Crystal's literature teacher for three years straight. And that must be Chloe.

Chloe: um yes
*Mrs Nur proceeds to shake both their hands*
Mrs Nur: I am in charge of the drama CCA, and it's with honour are we inviting Crystal for auditions under acting!

Mr Ong: really? Wow, Crystal. If you think you can cope, why don't go for it? You weren't in your primary school centennial musical, so go for it.

Crystal: how can I say no. Of course, OF COURSE!

Mrs Nur: I'll message you later about audition dates. See you on Tuesday
*turns around*