The past year has definately changed my life in more ways than one. I've learnt alot about how unpredictable life can get and how people, irregardless of how long you've known them, can suddenly turn their pretty backs on you. The tables turn when you least expect it despite having been carved from the best teak. And the one thing that you lost and thought might never be retrieved again, sparks back to life and a new journey awaits.

All in all, I have always believed that when a door slams shut in your face, all you gotta do is look in a different direction where you'll see an open window. True, it'll be harder to get out of the window than the door, but ultimately, you'll still get out and that's when you can look back and say, "Hey, I did it with more vipe and spunk!".

YEAR THREE

It wasn't smooth sailing for either one of my group-mates. Yes, they're the bestest people you'll come across but with the countless projects, deadlines, common tests, assessments and semestral exams, my friendship with them did hit rock bottom a couple of times. Especially during our FYP period (omg!), I dreaded going to school to attend meetings, knowing that it'll add more friction to my already sour friendship with them.

One thing led to another and I stopped hanging out with them for a couple of weeks. I knew that Duckie & TONG would be at the bus-stop every morning; usually I'd join them and we'd walk to the lecture theatre together. But for that period of time, I simply just walked past them, refusing to acknowledge the fact that for the past semesters, they were there for me every single time I needed someone to lean on.

Girls, I wasn't "ignoring" you. I chose to walk away simply because I didn't wanna add anymore fuel to the fire. You all should know by now that I wear my emotions on my sleeve; if I'm angry, I show it and don't realise the consequences until much later. So instead of having to face you with pretentious smiles and hypocrisy, walking by and staying away seemed the better option.

But it doesn't matter anymore. Somehow or rather, you girls still let me hang out with you once everything died down. Thank you for not judging me, sticking by me and helping me out all this while. Most of all, thank you for being my friends since April 2006 :)

MUMMY

The last 6 months haven't been easy for you. You're the one that got hit the hardest, suffered the most, dealt with the ugliest of backstabbing. But still you stand so strong and determined. Maybe you're trying to be a role-model to Jade and I about how we should be independent and prepared, or maybe you're putting up a (false) strong front so we wouldn't be so affected by it all.

Nevertheless, I have learnt so much from you. I did question God why he had to make you go through this... No answer received. But I'm beginning to see the change in you, the change in our relationship.

I've never been a good daughter; sensible, perhaps, but never good. I made you go through so much back in '99. This time, it's not my fault, but believe me, I am working towards giving you a better life. Just bear with the torment a little more... the end results WILL be worth it. And we'll never see or hear from them EVER AGAIN!

MY LOVE

And so, the honeymoon period has died down. The conflicts have multiplied and I deeply regret the occasions whereby I cuss at you without considering how you felt deep down inside. I could kick myself for putting you through so much and saying all that I said to deliberately hurt you. I know I have issues with my temperament. I've been a pampered child my whole life and experiencing this side of life with you... I needed to learn how to give in and quit being self-centred.

I am still selfish, and to think that you're willing to wake up at the wee hours of the night to send me home from the chalet made me feel so blessed to have you in my life. Not even my own father would do such a thing... yet you did... without a single complaint.

You're more than a mere stranger who entered my life and made this chapter beautiful. You're a godsend... my loving angel in disguise :) Sometimes, you can be the blur-est noob of mankind. Don't fret now, honey. Cos I love you.