Lost and Found

l5

"I got that sunshine in my pocket
Got that good soul in my feet
I feel that hot blood in my body when it drops, ooh"

Listen to Can't Stop The Feeling by Justin Timberlake

'Heart beats fast. Colours and promises. How to be brave. How can I love when I'm afraid...' a familiar ring tone resonated throughout the dormitory room. I flipped through the mountainous pile of paper on my desk, searching for my phone. It was like having a false hope of finding a needle in the haystack.

Finally! Puffing my cheeks in relief, I answered the call in haste.

"About time to receive your call, Kay," Yoana's voice came from the other end.

"Yeah yeah. My table is currently in a clutter and my room is, well, chaotic."

"Are you still in the midst of unpacking your belongings?"

"Yes, because of some people who had badgered and bugged me the few past days. I have to stop delaying and get it done at some point!"

For the past days, after the 'tour' I was brought on, me and the girls had been hanging out. We went out to window-shopping and on a hunt for necessities and objects my room was bare of. We had developed a strong bond over the weekend and it was safe to say that I was palsy-walsy with them.

We were coincidentally allocated the same timing for a relative handful of lessons. I grasped hold of the opportunity to be au fait with the facilities and teaching styles of the instructors, most of whom are genial and easily likable. The only exception was Captain Tong. He was an austere man with a puritanical outlook. I also got the chance to distinguish Yoana's and Jeanette's competence. A rough establishing had allowed me to gauge where I was standing in terms of abilities and aptitude. We were of the same rank - first officer - which certainly left me impressed. It was a major attainment, considering our age. Promotions did not come easily with the strict guidelines and age restrictions. We had to clock a minimum of twenty-five hours and sit through numerous tests. As a First Officer, we were second in command next to the Captain and our role encompasses almost the same tasks and responsibilities as that of a captain. The 'weight of the uniform' was onerous, adding on to the hundreds of lives in our hands. The responsibility to shoulder was sometimes even too scary to think of.

"HEY! We were accompanying you to get the things that you, not us, needed! And I am right outside your room now, if you need an extra pair of hands!"

I stalked over to the mahogany door and pulled it open. There stood Yoana, Jeanette, Covson, Ed and Jayce. My line of sight subconsciously turned onto Jayce. He was slouching against the wall, his eyebrows slightly crinkled. He was sporting a casual wear matched with a patched parka. Something seemed off about him. The usual aura of superiority, mystery was gone and replaced with a weaker facade. His face was almost drained off all colours and his lips was chapped and pale. Was he alright? The abnormality made me perturbed.

Hang on! Why was I worried? Especially about Jayce.

Don't forget about your motive for your temporary residence in Singapore! Yes, I was on a trip to find my biological family and I cannot afford to get side-tracked. Time is running and I had to find them within the shortest amount of time possible. I made a mental reminder to start getting down to work. It was near impossible to 'kick start' this family hunt down with solely a last name - Deyes. And Parker last words were incomplete. I was too overwhelmed by the series of events - involving in an accident, almost getting knocked down by a driver who was, at that time, still my brother, being enlightened about the newfound truth and losing a loved one. I could have heard it wrong. There were so many possibilities ...