Wednesday, December 23, 2009

The Berries' Dilemma S01 Ep09 - Half a Star For Maturity, Patience and Loyalty

Episode 9 - Half a Star For Maturity, Patience and Loyalty

Why was it that every time we decided to do something bad, we always thought that we could get away with it, or at the very least, fix it. Every evil deed we did, we always thought that we could fix it. Stealing a gum from a convenient store, copying in exams, bringing illegal items to school, why was it, that we thought everything was fixable?…Heck, I thought I could be forgiven for wanting a divorce, from both Bulu and Smelly. We all thought every evil deed had forgiveness, every hole could be fix, every void could be filled.

We thought of many things that night before we talked in the underground chapel. We thought of forgiveness, of rebirth, of fixing. I thought I could fix it when I made the annulment papers, I thought I could be forgiven. Apple thought she could get away with wanting to marry me, with Bulu’s ignorance of her presence and love as an excuse. Bulu thought he could fix his broken heart with lust. Jizzy and Tiny thought they could be forgiven for not leading the family responsibly. Pussy thought he could make amends for his little accident with Holy by building an underground chapel. We all thought we could fix every mistake we made. Maybe that was why we made them in the first place, maybe that was why, we messed up.

“Hmm, Baby, method A, B or C?” Asked Syazzy.

“Hmm…Well…Judging by these puppies’ troubled faces…B!” Suggested Belle.

“All right then! Since all this started with your divorce plan, Straw! You and your wife, right this way” Invited Syaz. He pointed to the bench right beside him. “Oh, and the rest of you, for now, sit down, close and your eyes…and think of what you’ve done wrong…” Continued Syaz.

Smelly and I walked to the bench Syaz pointed out, and the four of us, including Belle, sat down with tension of politicians. We sat slowly, and awkwardly. Smelly was still showing her hatred towards me, and I could feel every tiny bit of the purple aura.

“Now tell me man, what the hell went wrong?” Asked Syaz politely.

“…I wish I knew…” I replied faintly.

“Isn’t it obvious?! You got bored with me!” Said Smelly angrily.

“What? How could you say that when you are the one who’s rarely home?!” I replied with the same amount of anger, maybe even more.

“It’s not like I’m off wandering around being a hooligan! You know I am not the type who would abandon her responsibilities to go off partying and all!” Replied Smelly.

“OH?! Never abandoned your responsibility?! What about your husband who is always dead bored at home, having regular chats with his goldfish and anonymous people in chatrooms?!”

“Unlike you, I HAVE to be out most of the time! I’m doing this for us!”

“For us?! If all your work is for us then you know what! Stop it! Okay! I don’t need it!” I said in anger. I didn’t even know what I was saying, I didn’t even mean it.

“This is my dream! Whatever happened to ‘Your dream is my dream too’?!” Asked Smelly.

“Feels good to talk in the open doesn’t it?” Asked Belle out of the blue, and both me and Smelly, could only look at her in awe.

“What is it that both of you are lacking here? Straw, you write about life in your book, why not share some of your intel in this?” Asked Belle as politely as Syaz did. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, opened them, only to find out that Smelly had turned around to ignore what I was going to say, but I knew she was listening, I knew deep down somewhere, that she was still the same girl I married 2 years ago.

“I guess…Somewhere along the line, both of us, got immature, and impatient…We stopped talking to each other about what matters, and we got impatient with each others’ problems and needs…And our loyalty went disarrayed.” I confessed bluntly. After 5 seconds or so, Smelly turned around, and finally speaking to me normally.

“You never told me all this…” Said Smelly.

“I know you’re busy with work, and I know that sometimes, I can get very impatient about your problems, but you have to know, that I am very well aware of the mistakes I’ve been doing…All the crap that I’ve been saying for the past year, all the things that I didn’t say to you, things that you wanted to hear…I realize all those.” I continued part II of my confession.

“Then why?…” Asked Smelly curiously.

“I guess, I mess up, because I want assurance that you still care about me, about us. I know that men are not supposed to be insecure, but how can I not be insecure when you are an angel flying too close to the ground?” She smiled at me, remembering the song by Willie Nelson I played to her during our first year’s anniversary. I looked at her, and her eyes said it all. That very moment, when tears started sliding from both hers and my eyes, I knew that, we were in love again. The typical sad yet blissful tunes from bands like ‘Noah and The Whales’, filled with piano and violin, started playing in my head. The sky was finally blue again, clouds white, love red, and hearts, both hers and mine, beating stronger, louder, playing the chords of love.

“So all in all everything was just a, misunderstanding?” Asked Syaz bluntly.

“B! Shut up they’re having a good mood on here!” Shushed Belle.

We had absolutely forgotten where we were, or why we were there, but nothing mattered, time seemed to have stopped let us appreciate the goodness in everything, love seemed to have the ability to make everything seemed, right and perfect.

“Okay okay, let’s continue part II of this meeting!” Suggested Syaz.

“Next up is…Bulu I guess.” Whispered Belle.

“Bulu! Yea you who can’t walk properly!” Shouted Syaz.

“Oi! Babi kauuu…” Cursed Bulu.

Everyone was now standing in a messed-up circle, including me and my wife. Everyone started smiling when they noticed that one problem was fixed, everyone had the confidence that happiness, was coming.

“Bulu, I know that what you are going through, is personal, but…For your case, we need you to tell everyone here, what you came here to tell.” Informed Syaz. Bulu was shocked when Syaz said it. He did not tell Syaz that he was going to confess his true feelings today. He could only smile to Syaz’s extreme observation skill.

“First of all, I should not even be here, cos according to my doctor, Kevin Iron Bates-” Bulu was cut.

“WHAT?! Kevin from our foundation?!” Asked Jizzy loudly.

“Yeah man, I was shocked too, and he changed his name to Kevin IRON Bates!” Informed Bulu loudly and clearly. Comments like ‘Impressive!’ ‘I knew he could do it’ could be heard being juggled by the Berries, not because he became a doctor, but because he had significantly improved his already impressive name. “ANYWAYS, I have something to tell Apple, and, I think I should be manly enough to let everyone know this mistake I have done.” Everyone kept silent for about 5 seconds before Bulu started talking again.

“After all these years, I thought that I was over it, I thought I would be happy with Apple, but I was wrong.” Bulu started his speech, and Pussy gasped as hard as he could. “WAIT LA that’s not the shocking part!” Scolded Bulu. “The truth is…I’m still in love with her, okay, that girl...” Continued Bulu. He knew that as a family he did not need to tell who, as a family, everyone should know who Bulu was refering to. “I guess, I got married with Apple, out of lust, instead of love…”

There it was again, the utter silence, the annoying and awkward silence that put everyone in awe, or rather, the silence that put everyone in a situation where no word could fill the void that was presence, nothing could have been said to make this situation better, no joke was appropriate to fix this broken atmosphere.

“I guess, I realized it too, you know.” Apple broke the silence about thirty seconds later. “I kinda realized how Bulu looked at me after a few months…But, I guess part of it, was my fault too…But, at the very least, Bulu has shown us how loyal a guy can be, right?…” Said Apple faintly, she was choking up, she was about to cry, but Mush was there to hug her and at least extend her inevitable tears from pouring out. Bulu walked slowly to Apple, with a very sad look on his face.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for this to happen.” Apologized Bulu.

“It’s okay, we had a good run.” Apple said with a smile that was covered with tears.

“Okay okay, family hug!” Suggested Belle, and everyone did. We got into a big, perfect circle, held each other tightly, proving security and comfort, and warmth among the family.

“Now, we have, Jizzy and Tiny.” Said Syazzy.

“OH SHIT! I knew they weren’t going to let us get away with this!” Whispered Tiny to Jizzy.

“Dun worry, I got this covered.” Assured Jizzy. “What’s up Syaz? My brother!” Said Jizzy awkwardly, and Belle gave this huge smile that was both sarcastic and honest.

“I gave you guys the baton to lead this family 6 months ago, and how could this have happened?” Asked Syazzy.

“Well…Actually it’s the timing wei. After you guys left, honeymoon period was over, the fighting period was present what! No fair la.” Jizzy gave his honest excuse.

“Okay fine, but what were you doing when all this was happening?” Asked Belle.

“Well you see…I didn’t really know that this problem was occurring.” Said Jizzy.

“WHAT?! Jizzy! That’s not something you should say!” Whispered Tiny angrily.

“It’s the truth! Sorry I got nothing else!” Whispered Jizzy.

“SO you weren’t aware of this problem in the first place?!” Asked Belle with an angrier tone.

“Sorry Boss, I was too excited and caught up with Zombi Kampung Pisang 2...I was reading the synopsis and repeating the trailer over and over again before I found out about this…How could I not? It’s the Zombi’s REVENGE!” Said Jizzy emotionally.

“How could you let a movie keep you from being responsible on your own-” Belle was cut.

“Baby that’s enough. I can fix this.” Said Syazzy. Everyone was anticipating what Syazzy was going to say. Some of them anticipated that Jizzy and Tiny were going to get fired, while some thought that Syazzy was going to forgive them or rather, punish them leniently.

“Straw!” Syazzy said loudly while looking at me.

“Ye-Yes?” I answered nervously.

“You and your wife are in charge now. The baton is yours.” Said Syaz.


THE END


WILL STRAWBERRY AND SMELLYBERRY LEAD THE FAMILY WELL? WILL JIZZYBERRY AND TINYBERRY ACCEPT THIS TWIST OF FATE? WILL WE EVER FIND OUT WHO BULU’S SECRET LOVE IS? WILL APPLEBERRIE FINALLY GET TO EXPERIENCE TRUE LOVE? WILL PUSSYBERRY GET HIS PROBLEM FIXED HERE? WILL PUSSYBERRY’S MYSTERIOUS AND ACCIDENTAL WEDDING EVER BE REVEALED? WILL RIBENABERRY AND KITTYBERRY PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING? WILL THE UNDERGROUND AND WOODEN CHAPEL(BUILT BY PUSSY) LAST LONG ENOUGH FOR THIS MEETING TO END? FIND OUT ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF, THE BERRIES’ DILEMMA

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

The Berries' Dilemma S01 Ep08 - Showdown In Chinatown

Episode 8 - Showdown In Chinatown

It was always funny whenever we thought of the countless things we said that we didn’t mean, countless things we did that we could never take back, countless hearts we broke without even realizing it, and these things often happened when we were enraged, or sad, or dissapointed. We grew up, learning what maturity, patience and loyalty was all about, and yet even after all the hardships that we experienced, examples shown in reality and fantasy, we still could not escape from being the opposite of what we were taught to practice. I never meant to divorce my wife and got together with Bulu's wife. I never meant to influence Apple to hurt Bulu. Apple never meant to hurt Bulu when she asked for divorce. Bulu never meant to hurt Apple when he confessed about his love. Pussy never meant to hurt Holyberry when he accidently impregnated her.Life had always held this ability to keep you from being the person you yourself or any other soul or witty people told you to, and that reason itself made it worth trying, because the moment you were able to defy the twisted fate, and become the person you wanted to be, then that achievement alone was worth bragging.

We, the Berries, had always believed that we were all destined for greatness, no matter how doomed some situations might get, or how gloomy things became, we always believed that we could get through it, through anything, until now.

Bulu woke up after sleeping with tears, wondering the time and day it was. He forced himself to locate his mobile. He thought he was alone, until Mush’s hand reached out and grabbed the mobile first. Mush handed it to his injured father, who took it without saying a word. It was precisely 12 in the afternoon, much later than he could ever imagined. Both of them were silent and still for 5 long minutes, and the silence was broken out of the blue when the door was opened.

“You guys got the message?” Asked Pussy as soon as he entered the room.

“What message?”Asked Bulu, ignorant and curious.

“Family meeting tonight at 8.” Informed Mush.

“Could you tell Syaz and Belle I won’t be able to make it?” Requested Pussy.

“Why not?” Asked Bulu.

Pussy’s face turned gloomy. He wanted to tell him the truth, he had always trusted Bulu more than the other berries.

“I just, I just can’t do this right now. You know. Family meeting and all that…” Said Pussy faintly.

“And you think I want to do this?” Asked Bulu

Pussy and Mush both could only smile. They knew what was going to happen. Pussy was not going to come, but Bulu was. Bulu wanted to sort everything out. He wanted to tell everyone the truth, or rather, he wanted to tell Syaz the truth, the truth about the love of his life.

Jizzy was reading the day’s newspaper with a cup of coffee in front of him. His wife Tiny, still in her robe, came to him, looking like she had something to say. She sat down next to him, preparing her speech.

“What do you think is going to happen tonight?” Asked Tiny nervously.

“Hmmm?” He made the sound whilst flipping through the sports section.

“After yesterday, Syaz and Belle would surely have something to comment about our way of leading things!” Commented Tiny.

“Wait aaaa, lemme finish reading this…Looks like Alex Ferguson is still not quitting his job, that old guy.” Said Jizzy while smirking.

“JIZZY!” Screeched Tiny, and Cristiano shrugged in fear.

“What?! Aiyo why you shouting so early in the morning?!” Asked the angry Jizzy.

“Why are you being so insensitive about this?! And it’s almost 1 in the afternoon! GOD! This is all Straw’s bad influence!” Scolded Tiny.

“ACHOO!” I sneezed out of the blue.

“Apple must be missing you.” Said Smelly after giving me the assassin stare.

I sighed disappointedly. I thought she would have forgotten or at least decided to forgiven me, but by that comment, that wish had completely disappeared from my silly head. I took a sip of the red syrup I made while looking at my wife. Even during lunch, she still showed her angry heart.

“Honey, please enough already…I’m sorry all right.” I apologized for the thousandth time.

“Well sorry’s not good enough. I’m going out after this.” Informed Smelly.

“What? We have a family meeting tonight!” I reminded her.

“Yeah I know. It’s at night, and I’m going out now.” She corrected me rudely.

“Well where are you going?” I asked.

“None of your business. And unlike someone, I won’t go and have lunch with my college sweetheart and conspire to get married behind my partner’s back!” She said rudely and left the house quicker than anyone could say ‘Fuck me hard from behind’.

The two happiest and most carefree Berries were feeding each other pancakes after their main course. They laughed about the littlest things and frowned about the most feeble of events.

“You think we should go to the family meeting tonight?” Asked Kitty.

“Duh! Even though we are not the ones causing problems, we are still part of the family.” Said Ribena.

“Hmm, Syaz looked quite angry yesterday.” Said Kitty while wondering how the meeting was going to happen.

“I bet Syaz is going to scold Straw and Apple.” Suggested Ribena.

“Yea I think so too. Poor Smelly and Bulu.” Commented Kitty.

“That’s why! They didn’t do anything wrong and look what happened!” Said Ribena.

“That’s why we should have them over for a foursome!” Suggested Kitty who was currently filled with lust. Ribena could only laughed while feeding her husband more pancake.

The doctor, Mr Kevin Iron Bates, was scolding Bulu for the hundredth time for him wanting to leave the night for the family meeting.

“Like I was saying Kevin Iron Bates, this meeting is important and I really have to go!” Explained Bulu.

“But you are in no condition to leave the hospital my reckless patient.” Said Kevin as if he was Obi-Wan Kenobi.

“Alamak…This is serious doctor, don’t worry! I’ll take it easy!” Assured Bulu.

“You are one stubborn patient you know that! Just like Anakin Sykwalker!” Now, he thought he WAS Obi-Wan.

“Pretty pleasee?! How about, I get you something on my way back. I’ll get you anything you want!” Complotted Bulu.

“How many times do I have to- Wait, anything?!..HMMM…okay, don’t tell anyone I requested this but er…”

Kevin whispered his order to Bulu without letting anyone hear. Bulu could not believe his request as it was not only out of the norm, it was overwhelmingly embarassing. Kevin unabashedly asked Bulu to stay quiet about the request, and Bulu nodded in disbelief. Bulu packed some of his stuff, called Mush and requested aid for him to meet up for the meeting. He almost forgotten to tell Syaz of Pussy’s future absence, and before he could forget about it again, he decided to dial Syaz.

“Hey man, about tonight’s meeting, Pussy won’t be able to make it tonight.”

“Huh? Why not?” Asked Syaz curiously.

“He said he had some stuff to do.” Lied Bulu.

“Oh…Hmmm…One sec.” Syaz asked Bulu to hold on. Bulu could hear Belle faintly over the phone, having a conversation with Syaz. “Eh, you have the keys to Pussy’s house right?” Asked Syaz.

“Err, I think I-”

“EH DUN LIE AH I KNOW YOU HAVE IT HIHIHI” Belle shouted and cut in before Bulu could finish.

“EH DUN LA! I wanted to see if he was going to lie!” Scolded Syaz.

“KURANG AJAR! Damn you guys!” Scolded Bulu while laughing.

“Allright, so here’s the plan.” Said Syaz.

Minutes later, every Berry except for Pussy received a text message from Syaz. It was all in capital.

‘SHOWDOWN IN CHINATOWN’

All of the Berries understood what it meant. All of us were well aware of the inside joke that Pussy had with Chinatown. We did not question nor wonder about why the venue was suddenly changed, we could only obey.
Night came by quicker than any of us could imagine, quicker than any of us wanted. Cars were que-ing up already as soon as I parked my Porsche in one of the hundreds parking lots in front of Pussy’s bungalow. I came alone, I came prepared. I could see Mush and Bulu at the entrance.

“Where are the rest?” I asked Bulu.

“Waiting by the park for you and Apple to arrive.” Answered Mush, Bulu ignored me.

Apple arrived precisely a minute after I did.

“What a coincidence, looks like you guys are meant to be!” Commented Bulu sarcastically to me.

“Aww cmon man. I’m sorry. It was an honest mistake.” I apologized.

“Sigh, I trusted you man. I trusted that you weren’t going to go for Apple after you guys broken up.” Confessed Bulu.

“I know…And I’m sorry…” I apologized again.

“We’ll talk about it later la…” Suggested Bulu.

Mush, Bulu, Apple and I walked to the park at the right side of the house. Every Berry except for Pussy and his wife were waiting. By the look of things, the ones who were not there were not aware of the sudden change of plans. The park was decorated perfectly with cut grass, sunflowers and fountains. The Berries were sitting on the readied benches, and when they saw us walking to them, they stood up, getting ready for the showdown.

“All right, now that all of us are here. Bulu, if you would” Qued Syaz. That was his cue to open the door and barge in.

Bulu took out the keys and unlocked the door, and the rest of us entered with haste. Smelly was there, looking as angry and beautiful as ever. She was the only one that caught my attention, she was the only one, or rather, the most important person to get forgiveness from. The interior entrance of the house was filled with crosses and Christian related statues. Everything was white, everything was clean, and everything was not to be touched, warned Syaz. Bulu guided us to the entrance of the underground chapel that Pussy had been building. By the look of things, Pussy was not in the house. Bulu opened the wooden door that was stuck on the ground. It was camouflaged as if it was just a rug. The door led us to a long spiral hallway that was lit with candles and lanterns. We walked down quickly. Everyone had the same thought. IT’S THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS!

The surface or rather, the underground chapel was not as deep as it looked. We were amazed after witnessing the hand-made chapel done by Pussy over a year. It was like a real church, only underground and mostly wooden. Between the hundreds benches, sat Pussy, alone and sad. He turned around and was shocked after realizing our sudden intrusion.

“Since you could not come to the meeting, we decided to bring the meeting to you.” Said Syaz. “NOW, let’s talk.”

THE END


WILL THE MEETING FIX THIS BROKEN FAMILY? WILL STRAWBERRY BE FORGIVEN FOR ALL THIS? WILL STRAWBERRY AND APPLEBERRIE GET ALL THE BLAME FOR EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED? WILL WE EVER FIND OUT WHAT KEVIN IRON BATES ORDERED? WILL KITTYBERRY AND RIBENABERRY EVER GET THEMSELVES INTO TROUBLES? WILL SMELLYBERRY STOP BEING ANGRY ALREADY?! FIND OUT ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF, THE BERRIES’ DILEMMA



Sunday, December 13, 2009

The Berries's Dilemma S01 Ep07 - With Loaded Guns, We Pray


Episode 7 – With Loaded Guns, We Pray


There was a time in everyone’s life that seemed perfect, a period of time when we were all people who we wished to be, people we wanted to become, and for most of their lives, they looked back, thinking about the kind of person that led them to those glorious moments. They wished they could remember, they wished they could once again turn to that person, and achieve glory once again. Every good thing came to an end; it was just another nature of life. Every heartbeat stopped, every song ended, every smile faded, every love perished, but there was never a soul who said that we should not enjoy them despite knowing these sweet things were going to end someday. When these glorious moments ended, people just loved to take a look back, wishing and imagining to be evolved to that person again, instead of actually doing something to change the sad fact.

The Berries were no different. We all looked back to our glorious moments that night in the mansion, and that night in the hospital room 666. We all wished that we were in love again, happy again, triumphant again, but we knew too well that the people we were when the Berry family was born, the people we were after we had fallen in love, were people who we would now, never be again. Things changed, people changed, the Berries changed, and there was nothing we could do but reminisce, and feel vain. I was now never going to be as inspired as I was after college, Smelly knew she was never going to be as responsible and caring and loving as she was before, Bulu knew that he could never be the same Bulu who had always listened to his heart, and not his lust, Pussy knew that he could never be as free as before when he got married by accident. Some of us had problems, some of us were still happy, and to get through it all, we just needed to be reminded of the most important things in life.

The drama had ended that night, we were finally leaving the dining hall hours after Apple and Mush had left. The males apologized for not being grateful, and the females only laughed. It was precisely 4 in the morning, and none of us were sleepy. We were too caught up with the fact that the family was never going to be the same again, we had finally realized that we were blinded by our fame, our money, and our lust. We were all standing at the door, exchanging the current goodbyes that were guaranteed to not last long.

“I’m sorry for everything...I feel bad about it...But, no matter what, I know we’ll get through this.” I apologized to everyone as earnest as a man could.

“We should visit Bulu together tomorrow and surprise him...Let’s just hope he’s all right.” Commented Smelly.

“Thanks for a lovely dinner grandpa Jizzy, and welcome home granny Tiny.” Wished Kitty, followed by his wife Ribena.

I smiled at everyone, and they did with the others, except for Smelly. She clearly had not forgotten nor forgiven me for my bad judgement. We were ready to end the night, we were ready to go back home and think hard about what just happened, but we were all given a hell of a surprise. A familiar car rushed by seconds before we got into ours. It was a ridiculously long black limo, tinted 100% black at every window(except for the wind shield). “5YaZ n B3LLe” was the car’s golden and shining plate number. We were too shocked to move when we saw the plate number.

“Holy shit.” I said.

“Oh my god.” Smelly commented.

“God Damn.” Kitty said.

“No way.” Ribena said in disbelief.

“Sweet mother of prawn.” Said Jizzy slowly.

“AIHAHAHAKIKI” Screeched Cristiano out of excitement.

The limo stopped right in front of us. Our hearts were beating harder than ever. We knew the people at the back of the limo all too well. They were the couple we all looked up to, the couple that led us, the couple that burned bright together, the couple that acted as our mentor for the first two years. Their Italian butler, Alexendro, opened the door slowly. Syazzy stomped his right foot out of the car with normal speed, but to our eyes he was doing it in slow motion. He got out of the car, wearing a black suit paired with perfect black aviator. I was laughing on the inside, thinking that some peple might have thought that he was blind; wearing an aviator in the middle of the night, but I knew too well that that was not the reason. It was perfectly clear to us after knowing them for years; they had too much to drink the day before. Syazzy looked up, as if smelling the air, smelling the grass, but I guessed he did it just to look cool. Seconds later, Isaberry, our model wife, came out of the car with a white dress paired with gold accessories. I could only smile after witnessing their luxury outlook. Syazzy put his right arm around his wife, and both of them smiled whilst walking towards us. They were both standing in the middle of our broken line, looking at us one by one, or rather, judging our looks to give them an idea of the loop hole we were in.

“You guys look… Terrible!” Said Syazzy.

“Worse than us who’s had way, too much to drink” Continued Belle, AKA Isaberry.”

“Yeah well, it hasn’t been a good night.” I gave an excuse, which was actually the truth.

“So I’ve heard…Seriously. what the hell is wrong with you guys!” Said Syazzy loudly. It sounded as if he was scolding us, but he was too much of a joker to do it, to us at least.

“Don’t act like we don’t know anything or you’ll be making a mistake!” Warned Belle.

“Look, It’s great seeing you guys, seriously, but could we talk in the morning, I er-” I was cut before I could continue.

“He needs to go and divorce his wife.” Cut Smelly. “It was great seeing you Syaz, and Belle, I’ll see you guys in the morning, I got to go.” Smelly said, smiled, and got into her car, and before anyone could make a sound, she left with haste with her pink Ferrari.

There was not much said after my wife left, they were just informal greetings and dishonest goodbyes and Syaz giving an earnest warning.

“I don’t really know why everything is turning out this way, but you guys better pray that this is fixable, otherwise, there’s gonna be hell to pay. FIX IT! I’ll be watching you guys.”

There was nothing good about that night other than Syaz and Belle coming to visit us. Misjudgements and an accident had happened that night, changes, happened that night.

Every nurse that past by gave them an awkward look. Seven beautiful and flirtatious blondes were surrounding three gentlemen obscenely and honestly, and yet, each of them had sour expressions. Z and Pussy knew too well what Bulu was going to tell Apple. Both of them were afraid that Apple could not handle it, they were petrified just thinking about what Apple would do the second she finds out about the truth.

“I really hope that…You can take this calmly…and strongly…” Warned Bulu.

“All right…I promise…” Promised Apple while swallowing her saliva and
inevitably sweating.

“Over these past few years…I’ve changed…Physically…and mentally…” Said Bulu slowly, and Apple could only listen. “But, there are also things that could never change…things like…Love…”

There it was. The biggest hint to what Bulu was going to say. Apple had multiple guesses, she had hoped that Bulu was going to say that his love for her did not change, but that was impossible.

“My love…For someone…Has not changed…” Hinted Bulu.

“So that’s it huh…I knew something was not right…” She said while smiling sarcastically. “After all this years, after all the sex and extremely dirty
talks…You still love her…” Said Apple. She knew too well who Bulu meant when he confessed, but she still waited for Bulu to say it, waiting for that single, literal confession.

“I love you Apple, but, I love her more.” Bulu confessed literally, and simply.

Apple looked down. Tears were bursting out of her pupils by force. Her heart was beating faster and stronger than ever in a very dark way.

“I…knew of this…I had a feeling…That you had always….always…loved her…” Said Apple while choking between 3 to 4 words that she said.

“I’m sorry…I truly am. I didn’t mean for this to happen…It just…it just does.” Bulu tried to calm Apple down, but he knew it was useless.

She could not take it anymore. Apple looked at Bulu for the last time of the day, and stormed out of the room, running in tears. Mush realized this happened despite being occupied with 2 beautiful blondes. He got up and ran after his mother. Z and Pussy looked at each other, and went into the room.

“You did what you had to do.” Said Z.

Bulu too, was tearing, and Z and Pussy left the room as quick as they came, leaving Bulu to sort his own feelings.

The sun rose harshly. It was unwelcome to us all Berries. We did not want to face the day. We did not want the night to end, because as soon as the sun rose from its ironical fall, the Berries were bound to start doing something to fix their broken family. A message was sent to all of us, it was by Syaz.

Family meeting at the usual, 8 PM, DON’T BE LATE, AND I MEAN YOU STRAW

We all felt the same about the message. One, we all knew I was bad with being on time, and two, we all felt lazy and not wanting to do something about this. Everything happened to quickly for us to suddenly get up and fix everything. We were not ready to be hit by this hurricanne, but none of us could stand up to Syaz and Belle, for they had always been our leader, even though they had past the baton to Jizzy and Tiny six months ago.

I got out of the bed, tilted my head leftward. My wife was sleeping, it was one of those rare days, as rare as an eclipse, that she was home for the night. I walked to our living room, wished a good morning to my goldfish, and sat on the couch. I tried thinking hard about tonight. This was serious, I knew it was serious when Syaz and Belle flew to Malaysia from Istanbul. I thought of the possible way to fully receive my wife’s forgiveness. I thought about whether I still loved her as I did back then. I thought of many serious matters, I thought about life.

THE END

WILL APPLEBERRIE BE STRONG ENOUGH TO GET UP FROM THIS FALL? WILL SMELLYBERRY EVER FORGIVE STRAWBERRY? WILL STRAWBERRY BE ABLE TO COME UP WITH A GRAND APOLOGY? WILL BULUBERRY EVER MEET HIS LOST LONG LOVE? WILL WE EVER FIND OUT WHO BULU'S (LLL)LONG LOST LOVE IS? WILL MUSHBERRY BE ABLE TO CATCH UP TO APPLEBERRIE WHO USED TO BE A SPRINTER? WILL SYAZZYBERRY AND ISABERRY CONVINCE THE FAMILY TO BE STRONGER AND WISER? WILL JIZZYBERRY AND TINYBERRY GET FIRED FROM THEIR POSITION AS HEAD OF THE FAMILY? FIND OUT ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF, THE BERRIES’ DILEMMA.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

The Berries' Dilemma S01 Ep06 - Fixing This Once Golden Bridge

Previously on the Berries' Dilemma

“Honey, you’re back!” Said Jizzy, quickly throwing the bread and butter he was holding.

“I came home earlier than expected, only to find hooliganism being practiced in my hall. What in the world is going on here?! STRAW?!” Scolded Tiny, while glaring at me with every intention of harm.

“Thank god you’re back! Straw was going to divorce Smelly.” Ribena foolishly informed Tiny.

“WHAT?!” Screeched Tiny, and I knew, doomsday was near.

“Hello.” I picked it up, and lifted a high five, asking them to wait.

“Good evening, is this a relative of Mr. Imran AKA Buluberry?” Asked a friendly female voice.

“Oh no, Look if you’re pregnant with his child then I’m not going to help him again, I’m sorry, Paris Hilton was the last draw.” I said with my eyes closed, for I was truly sorry.

“And where are you running to?” Asked Tiny sarcastically.

“The hospital, Bulu was involved in an accident.” I said with haste, turned around and walked.

“You are not going anywhere boy!” Scolded Tiny.

"What would Syazzy and Isaberry say about this..."

Episode 6 - Fixing This Once Golden Bridge

Millions of people around the world were moving, trying to build something, trying to produce something, trying to achieve something. More than half of that portion were doing all of it, for money, and more than half of them, were finding money for people other than themselves. Making money was a goal. To some, it was a life time goal, where the most important thing was for them to gain the most profit out of anything they did, even if it meant crossing lines. To some, it was just one of the important things in life, something they needed to do, something they just had to do, and to some, money just was a need for survival, never for luxuries. Money was always important to everyone, but the value of its importance, that was a different story. To the Berries, money was just their current and common goal after marriage. They had found love in each other just 6 months after college ended, so all that was left, was money.

Things changed years later, things grew bitter, sweeter, and sour. I made millions right after publishing the second volume of my novel, and that only took precisely four years after college. My wife, Smelly, created her own talk show, JQTV, and it became a big hit faster than I could learn basic guitar. Pussy and Bulu’s first album, Respect, Faith, Trust, Loyalty became platinum right off the bat, thanks to their hit single, ‘Now I’m Here’. Apple started her own dance school nearby. She did not earn as much as the other Berries did, but she loved her job better than others. Kitty was known as the fresh talent in directing shortly after college, with his wife Ribena nearby as his secretary. We all made more money than we could ever imagine, and we were never happier, for a while. Who said it was always sunny in a rich man’s world?

“We should, continue this some other time, right now, we should go visit Bulu.” I said after a long pause.

“The visiting hour is over, we should do it tomorrow instead.” Corrected Smelly.

“Why is this happening at such a bad time...” Said Kitty, finally voicing his opinion.

“Well MAYBE, it’s because Grandad Jizzy hired CRISTIANO here, from Portugal!” I said bluntly.

“What?!What’s wrong with my butler?! Eh he’s great okay!” Scolded Jizzy.

“Oh no, there’s nothing wrong with his work, but his name and where he is from reminds me of Cristiano Ronaldo, and I do NOT like him!” I shouted.

Before Jizzy could even reply, the door was fiercely bashed. It was Cristiano the butler, barging in.

“YOU DON TALK BAD ABOUT CRISTIANO RONALDO, YOU BUFFON!” Scolded Cristiano. He was clearly a fan, and before anyone of us could speak, he started sobbing uncontrollably, inevitably making me feel bad. “Cristia-no, is our hero!” He continued, choking between syllabuses.

“Why are you even blaming Cristiano Ronaldo here?” Asked Kitty.

“Because that guy just pisses me off!” I knew I was being selfish and irrelevant, but it was one of my inescapable weaknesses.

“Apologize to Cristiano now Straw!” Commanded Tiny.

“B-But...” I mumbled, hesitating.

“Apologize or I won’t admit you are my husband!” Smelly cut in.

“What?! Unbelievable! And who was the one who fed me goldfish and cats for one whole year?!” I said.

“Oh?! What does THAT have to do with this?!” Said Smelly.

“That has everything to do with this u!..u!... u husband forgetter!” I said angrily.

Smelly gasped and before she could say anything, Cristiano sobbed harder than ever. As tears started flowing down his cheeks, I looked at him, innocently and filled with regrets, and apologized.

“I’m sorry Cristiano, I never meant what I said. Ronaldo is a great player, I don’t like him, but, I gotta admit he’s good.” I apologized honestly.

“Re-really?” Asked Cristiano in awe.

“Yea, of course, Torres is much better, but he’s not bad himself.”

Cristiano smiled, shook my hand, and left without saying a word. I guessed he was happy that a Liverpool fan actually complimented on Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Ok, now that that is taken care of, answer me this...Did you really feed your husband cats and goldfish Smelly?” Asked Tiny slowly.

“Well...That was before I learned how to cook.” Confessed Smelly.

“Yeah, but when she learned how to, she stopped cooking for me!” I said.

“That was because you never complimented on it! I took the effort to learn how to cook and you never once said it was good!” Complained Smelly.

“Oh my god, now that you mentioned it, Jizzy never complimented on MY cooking either! In fact, when I started cooking, Jizzy hired 5 chefs, FIVE!” Said Tiny, as if this revelation was the most important one of the night.

“Why are men so ungrateful?!” Complained Smelly...again...

“YEAH!” Supported Tiny.

Both of the girls looked at Ribena, waiting for her to share her experience in this matter, or rather, contribute something to support the girls. Jizzy on the other hand was occupied with food. He called the waiter as the arguments were warmed up .
“Well...Kitty...always compliments my cooking.” Confessed Ribena, and Kitty only smiled.

“Eh, you get me the butter prawn, and then....” Said Jizzy while thinking, ordering his food.

“Okay honey, that is uncalled for, I compliment you on other things!” I said.

“Like what?!” Asked Smelly, curious.

“Put tomatoes around it, cut them small small, surround the prawns with tomatoes like being ambushed like that...and then...” Said Jizzy while posing the thinker pose.

“Well, I always say you have the loudest voice, there! That’s a compliment!” I said.

“You dress the prawn with salad, okay thank you.” Jizzy finished his order in the middle of the couples’ war.

“Ugh, MEN! They’re so clueless!” Said Tiny.

“Hey! I always compliment you okay!” Now Jizzy was into the conversation.

“Oh ho ho, I can’t wait to hear this, like what?!” Asked Tiny, more curious than Smelly was.

“I told almost everyone I met that you were always good at spending money! You can finish thousands in one day!” Said Jizzy.

“CLUELESS!” Said Smelly as she looked at Tiny.
The heated arguments led to Kitty and Ribena having their own chat room, or rather, drama room.

“How come we never have anything to fight about?” Asked Ribena.

“Well, that’s because we’re so good with each other.” Said Kitty.

“Is it now? But, I wanna fight too, it looks fun!” Complained Ribena.

“Dear please, we’re too good for that okay?” Comforted Kitty.

“Ugh, whatever...I want more curry chicken! Said Ribena, angry and frustrated.

Mush parked his Beatle carelessly and with speed. He was worried about both his mother and father. Apple was still caught up in memory lane, not realizing that they had reached the hospital. Mush got out of the car, locked the car, and then unlocked it, just so that Apple could realize that they were there. Apple was shocked to find that they were already there. She got out of the car 30 seconds later, and rushed to the receptionist.

“Buluberry please.” Said Apple.

“Wait, as in Imran Christ?! The bassist of Ink Corporated?!” Asked the receptionist excitedly.

“Yes, which room is he-?” Asked Apple halfway.

“OH MY GOD, I am his biggest fan! I remember the first time I saw him at that concert in Australia! He was so dreamy! Look I know that this might not be the right time, but is it true that he impregnated Paris Hilton?DAMNN...Are you one of his fangirls?”Asked the mouthful girl from the reception counter.

As Apple tried hard to jizz out information from the receptionist, Mush took out his cell and dialled a person’s number.

“It’ s code red, you were right, this family is vulnerable without you guys.” Said Mush over the phone. A girl’s laugher could be heard over the phone. Apple heard it, but she was too occupied to even care. After a while, she finally got the numbers. Bulu was in a coma in room 666. The dramatic mother and calm son rushed to see their man, the man of the house, or at least used to be. It was located on the far end of floor 6. Apple busted through the door, to find Z, Pussy, and 7 blond girls surrounding Bulu. The good news was, Bulu was awake, bad news was, Apple was about to send him unconscious again.

“Apple, good..you’re...here.” Said Bulu faintly.

“Why? So you could line me up with these whores?!” Said Apple angrily and loudly, again, like she did with me, forgetting that they were in public.

“Mom please, dad is sick. And these ladies are FINE!” Stated Mush confidently.

“Everyone, please, leave this room, I have..something important..to tell Apple.” Commanded Bulu.

Everyone left the room quickly and quietly. Pussy, Z and Mush accompanied the ladies out by putting them under their arms like pornstars or rather, PIMPS. Bulu coughed twice before he started talking.

“Honey...I’m sorry..for what I am about to say...I really am.” Said Bulu.

“Just, tell me okay, everyone seems to be saying crazy things lately...An extra won’t make much difference.” Said Apple frustratingly

“You said...That..I wasn’t paying attention to you...And..There’s a reason why..” Bulu said slowly and calmly.

Apple was frowning. She knew that whatever it was that was coming would not be good news. She knew that whatever Bulu was going to say, was going to hurt her, and yet, she could not resist to not know. She swallowed her saliva twice, and prayed that she was strong enough to endure the news.

THE END

WILL APPLEBERRIE BE STRONG ENOUGH TO TAKE THIS REVELATION? WILL WE EVER FIND OUT WHO MUSHBERRY CALLED? WILL RIBENABERRY AND KITTYBERRY EVER FIGHT ABOUT SOMETHING SERIOUS? WILL STRAW, SMELLY, TINY AND JIZZY EVER END THEIR SEXIST CONVERSATION? WILL THE DRAMA, CLICHES AND SURPRISING SECRETS FINALLY END? WILL THIS FAMILY EVER ACHIEVE HAPPINESS AGAIN? FIND OUT ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF, THE BERRIES’ DILEMMA

Sunday, December 6, 2009

The Berries' Dilemma S01 Ep05 - Like Irregular Heartbeats

Episode 5 – Like Irregular Heartbeats

Butlers were panicking as if doomsday had been decided recently, and it was going to come soon. Males and females were rushing in and out, preparing a grand welcome for their mistress. The act of drama that was heating up in the room, of course they knew about it. Of course the butlers were well aware of the slap fest that had taken place in the dining hall that night, but what was coming, was bigger. What was coming, could not wait. Every bit of the huge mansion was being cleaned, every flower was being bathed, every curtain, was closed. A sound of a car braking could be heard from outside the house, and all the butlers were becoming more restless.

“She’s here!” Shouted one of the butlers.

All of them lined up tidily in front of the mansion’s entrance, anticipating the arrival of their mistress. Minutes later, the door was slowly being opened. The head of butlers, Cristiano,was gulping whilst endlessly sweating. There she was, the mistress the Berries, Jizzy’s beloved wife, Tinyberry, all dressed with jewels from head to toe.

“I saw familiar cars parked outside, are they inside Cris?” Asked Tiny as soon as she walked in.

“Yes Madam, they’re in the dining hall.”Answered Cristiano, the Portugese butler.

“Perfect.” Said Tiny with a sinister smile upon her face.

The war was far from over. If they knew Tiny had returned, the story would have been different in the dining hall that night, but that was not the case. Smelly was in front of me, contemplating what she was about to do. Behind her, stood Apple, tall and proud, risen from her sudden fall, more than ready to unleash her thunder. As I lifted my hand up to stop Apple, the door was opened proudly, and everyone in it stopped their current action, and spectated the figure marching into the hall. Jizzy’s mouth was half-opened with bread and butter occupying both his palms, Mushy cursed in his heart quietly, cursing the bad timing. Ribena and Kitty looked at each other in disbelief, and later, very much relieved. The three of us, Apple, Smelly and I looked at Tiny with our faces filled with guilt, and more of it. Apple’s 10 fingers were gently placed between her lips, portraying her shocked feelings and fear, Smelly on the other hand, was captivated by the jewels hanging on Tiny.

“Honey, you’re back!” Said Jizzy, quickly throwing the bread and butter he was holding.

“I came home earlier than expected, only to find hooliganism being practiced in my hall. What in the world is going on here?! STRAW?!” Scolded Tiny, while glaring at me with every intention of harm.

I was stunned, as if being ganged by nukers in DOTA. Nothing, not a sound, not a word came out of my shaking mouth. I looked at my wife, hoping that she could lend me a helping hand. Her marble brown eyes were locked upon the jewels, and I knew she was useless.

“WELL?!” Shouted Tiny.

We all looked at each other, thinking about the hooliganism we had conducted there and then. Apple was ashamed, she looked down to the floor, wishing it was a pond, a big pond so she could just drown herself, but she knew this was not an episode of Harry Potter, this was reality, this was happening.

“Thank god you’re back! Straw was going to divorce Smelly.” Ribena foolishly informed Tiny.

“WHAT?!” Screeched Tiny, and I knew, doomsday was near.

As lies and twisting words were being conjoined far deep in my brain, my phone rang. I could not help but answer it. I needed good news, I needed something to save me from this, and I wished that the phone call, was my saviour.

“Hello.” I picked it up, and lifted a high five, asking them to wait.

“Good evening, is this a relative of Mr. Imran AKA Buluberry?” Asked a friendly female voice.

“Oh no, Look if you’re pregnant with his child then I’m not going to help him again, I’m sorry, Paris Hilton was the last draw.” I said with my eyes closed, for I was truly sorry.

Apple looked at me with a shocking face. I knew I had blown a big secret, I shook my head, trying to cover up, but I knew it was useless. Jizzy heard it too, and he could not help but say;

“Paris Hilton?! Way to go grandson! Reminds me of myself in the old days, good times, gooood times.” Jizzy talked to himself, and nobody cared.

“Er, no, I am calling from KL General Hospital, Bulu was in an accident, he is currently unconscious, you should come here ASAP” said the nurse.

My Sony Ericcsson phone slipped from my grasp, and it fell down swiftly. I rushed myself to leave the hall, but I was stopped by the mistress.

“And where are you running to?” Asked Tiny sarcastically.

“The hospital, Bulu was involved in an accident.” I said with haste, turned around and walked.

“You are not going anywhere boy!” Scolded Tiny.

“But Bulu’s in the hospital!” I said.

“Mush, take your mother to the hospital. Tell Bulu I shall pray for his health.”

Mush could only obey, and as for me who was obviously at fault, disobeying was not an option. Right after the two left, the hall became silent, silent as a winter’s night.
“So who’s going to tell me what’s going on here?” Asked Tiny gently.

“Me, I’ll tell you everything. I can’t take this anymore, and I won’t!” Said Ribena with emotions.

“All right then, entertain me.” Said Tiny.

I could not do anything. I tried coming up with excuses as Ribena disclosed every bit of drama since the start of the dinner. She did not even miss the part where Jizzy missed Zombi Kampung Pisang 2, The Zombies’ Revenge. I took a look at my wife, and she was clearly still sad and disappointed. Heck, I myself was disappointed in me.

Somewhere along the Federal Highway, Mush was driving with speed and with care, heading straight to the general hospital with his mother by his side. Apple looked out towards the road sides, but in her mind, sweet and bitter memories of college were being played, inevitably toying with her emotions. Mush realized this happening, but he could not do anything, he was never informed that his mother and Straw were actually college lovers, despite it lasting for only four months. Apple smiled as she recalled the day Straw convinced her she was the one, convinced her of the impossible, but now she knew, everything, was a lie, or rather, a huge mistake. She smiled wider as she recalled the day she fell for Bulu. Everything seemed easier back then, everything seemed in grasp, but now, they had all shattered. As Mush continued driving to the hospital, Apple took her time, strolling down memory lane.

Ribena was always good at story telling. She always told stories filled with emotions and laughter.

“So that’s about it then?” Asked Tiny as she looked at me.

“Yes, OH, and the curry chicken was awesome!” Continued Ribena.

“I see…SO what do you have to say for yourself Straw?”

“Look, granny Tiny, I made a mistake, okay? I’m sorry.” I apologized honestly.

“Sorry? Well sorry’s not good enough my boy! What have gotten into you? What have gotten into Apple? What have gotten into all of you?! I left this house four months ago and everything was fine, everyone was happy. We talked about having more kids, remember Smelly?! Whatever happened to that?” Asked Tiny. She was clearly angry, and dissatisfied.

“I got busy with work…” Confessed Smelly.

“Straw I can’t believe you wanted to divorce your wife so you could repeat your mistake all over again. Didn’t your break up with Apple clearly say that you both are not meant for each other?!” Scolded Tiny.

“I told you, it was a mistake. Smelly was never there for me, and Apple was.” I let everything out.

“Yea, of course she was, Smelly here, is the founder of a talk show, that is going to be bigger than Oprah’s! Of course she’s busy! You should consider lucky that she comes home at times! And Apple! Of course she’s there for you! She’s a dance instructor with a studio next to your house! Could you please get your logic right!” Lectured our mistress. She was clearly angry and disappointed in us.

“Please, calm down hunny before you get a heart attack or sumtin!” Calmed Jizzy.

“I, apologize Granny Tiny, it was, a huge mistake on my part, and I promise, everything will be better.” I said.

“Apologize? Sorry? Apple and Bulu are divorced! This family is not perfect anymore!” Screeched Tiny.

“Please calm down granny tiny, we’ll fix this okay, we always get through.” Calmed Smelly.

“What would Syazzy and Isaberry say about this?....” Said Tiny faintly.

Tiny broke down, she could not accept that the family was falling apart. The family that seemed perfect two years ago, the family that had made millions in such a short period of time, the family that had at least four persons well-known in Hollywood, was now falling apart, was now decaying, was now separating from its core, was now dying, with constant irregular heartbeats.

THE END

WILL THIS FAMILY GET THROUGH THIS DARK AGE? WILL BULUBERRY EVER WAKE UP FROM HIS COMA? WILL APPLEBERRIE EVER STOP GOING THROUGH MEMORY LANE? WILL STRAWBERRY EVER BE FORGIVEN BY TINYBERRY? WILL KITTYBERRY EVER SAY SOMETHING TO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS DRAMA? WILL RIBENABERRY EVER STOP DISCLOSING SECRET INFORMATION? AND WHO ARE SYAZZYBERRY AND ISABERRY?! FIND OUT ON THE NEXT EPISODE, OF THE BERRIES’ DILEMMA

Friday, December 4, 2009

The Berries' Dilemma S01 Ep04 - Love and Forever Have Been a Lie, Until You

Previously on the Berries’ dilemma

“Could you say that again?” I spoke to my phone.

“Oi, you ni pekak ke?!” It was the usual Shells’ line.

“No, I just, wanna reconfirm.” I smiled as I said it.

“I, AM, COMING HOME, IN TWO DAYS”

“Straw it’s my fault okay. I accidently took the paper out. Don’t blame Apple.” Explained Ribenaberry.

“Shut up Ribena! No excuses!” I scolded her, I did not care who was at fault, I wanted to blame someone for my own mistake, I wanted to be selfish.

“Am I that bad of a wife?...That you are going to leave me...for your cousin’s wife?!” Shouted Smelly as she cried.

“I did not say I was leaving you for her.” I tried to lie, yet again.

“How dumb do you think I am?!” You two planned this!...”Smelly was now angrier than she was sad.

Episode 4 – Love and Forever Have Been a Lie, Until You

The first week was nothing but carefree activities. I could just, not come to class, and things would have still been fine. I thought everything was going to be as easy as this, until the third week. There I was, in the library, touching up on my first ever assignment. It was precisely 7.45am, and the assignment was due at 8. I took out my Sony Ericsson SX707, and gave Bulu a call.

“Dude, where are you?” It was my first question.

“On the way to college, you?” Replied Bulu.

“Library, touching up my assignment. Have you printed yours?”

“Yea, I printed it at home last night.”

I knew I was in trouble. I bet I was the only one who had not printed mine. After everything was done, it was already 7.52. I rushed to the printer; it was my first time using it. I lined up behind 2 females who were using them. My right wrist was lifted up none stop, trying to prove with each stroke that I was not going to be on time. It was my turn to use it after 3 minutes, I looked down to the screen, I had to type my ID and password. Everything was going smoothly, until I reached ‘password’. I needed a keyboard to fill that box. I searched through the exterior part of the printer, and ‘keyboard’ was not one of the fifteen buttons on the printer. Panicking at this very moment was inevitable, let alone it not being the right thing to do. I looked around me for help, I needed it, I threw my ego aside for that split second. As my grade seemed to be slipping down due to lateness, a familiar figure with long, black silky hair passed me by. She was holding papers as she rushed through the library, but I had to stop her.

“Hey”

She turned around, answering my call. She looked at me with her marble brown eyes. Her pupils indicated she was rushing, and so were mine. Little did I know, she was going to be my wife someday.

“Where’s the keyboard button for this?” I popped out my life and death question.

“It’s inside the screen.” She said as she smiled. It was not the regular greeting smile, nor the goodbye smile. It was a smile covering the huge laughter within her, the rude laughter that proved my foolishness.

“Oh, thanks.” I said.

“No problem, see you in class.” She replied.

It was the third week of college, and I had no idea that she was my classmate; I just thought she looked familiar. After printing everything, I reached the classroom, and it was 8.08, and after long minutes of rush, the lecturer told me that it was permissible to be late, and I sighed. I sat in the back row, as always, with Bulu. Pussy was on his right, and an empty space was on his right.

“Okay, have you guys remembered all of our classmates, not the names just, the figure.” I asked bluntly.

“Yeah.” Both of them answered simultaneously.

Class was typical as I did not listen much. I browsed through the classroom, remembering the faces that I was going to spend a year with. I saw the girl who practically saved my life that morning, she was sitting in the front row; that solved why I never knew her, as I was always at the back. Minutes of browsing around led me to this girl that came later than I did. I looked at her, forcing myself to remember any experience communicating with her, and I failed. She came and sat next to Pussyberry. She was wearing this eye-striking blue surfing shorts, matched with a dark blue top. I took the chance to communicate with her, trying to prove to myself that I was not a social outcast, and I was not the only one trying to get to know her. Pussy and Bulu even switched numbers with her, all I could do was look and smile. Then there was another girl that I had gotten to know. She was our project manager for English, and that reason alone provided me the lift off for a conversation. At the end of the day, manager girl, brown eyed girl, and surfing shorts girl, were all registered in my cerebrum.

Time was passing by quicker than quicksand. It had already been a year since I did not know how to use the printer properly. It was a regular day in college, we were all hanging out at Bali, having our usual breakfast. I spotted Bulu and Pussy, eating their Tom Yam fried rice without a care in the world.

“Guys, I need to talk to you both, preferably alone.” I initiated the conversation.

“Dude, eat first, talk later.” Said Bulu. I could not wait, I needed to tell someone about this, I needed to tell someone that I was in love.them so that were in range for whispering. It was gay to whisper to other guys, but I could not help it.

“Okay, so, I think, I’m in love.” I said bluntly.

“Fuyooo!! Good good, that’s not something that happens everyday!” Said Bulu.

“So, who’s the lucky gal?” Said Pussy with a failed French accent.

“Oh come on, you know who! The one from our class, with the long hair.” I explained briefly.

“Ahha! I knew it! Right from that moment when she saved you from that assignment right?!” Said Bulu excitedly.

"Yeah, I couldn't have done it without her help wei!"

The conversation narrowed down to love and relationships, and that was when Bulu confessed his feelings.

“Actually, I think, I am in love oso.” Confessed Bulu

“Ah wait, don’t tell me. She’s from our class right too right?” I hinted, letting him know that I had realized his intentions.

Bulu smiled, he knew he was obvious, and so was I. Throughout the whole day, we talked about how we planned to make the lovely ladies ours. We talked about the possibility, joked around about a future with them. It was blissful, just the thought of it. We were both 18, Bulu and I, and we were in love. Pussy on the other hand, had not met his ‘Miss Right’. Later that night, the guys were having their usually Guys’ Night Out, and the main topic, was the execution of plan ‘LOVE’. We discussed about how we were going to win the hearts of these two girls, and Z Shadows, was there as our dictator.

“You guys are in love? That’s good stuff.” Said Z.

“Yea, it’s a nice feeling but at the same time, frustrating wei!” I said with filled emotions.

“Just go with the flow guys, I am not going to tell you how to do this, because there is no right way to do this. Whatever you do, just be yourself, and have confidence la ok!” Explained Z calmly.

“Haih..Tell you what, dude, let’s confess tomorrow.” Bulu spoke with a straight face.

“Woah!” I was shocked at first, but later, everything made sense. “I’m aite with that!” I said, and it was final. We were going to confess our love the night after.

The next morning, we conducted operation ‘LOVE’. The first step was, asking them out. We did not know if it was wiser to go out together, me and bulu, but we decided to just let things flow. I went to the girl I was in love with, and asked her out for the night. She declined at first, saying she had work to do, but I persuaded her with every persuasion skill I learned in ‘Social Psychology’, and surprisingly, it worked, and she said yes. Bulu texted me that he got a yes too, and that alone was enough to make us the happiest guys in the world. The plan was going smoothly thus far, and we were getting nervous by the minute. I went to my beautiful, dark blue Viva, and cleaned everything on the outside and the inside. Every puzzle piece seemed to be falling to their respectful places, until I opened my leather wallet. I had exactly RM10 left, and it was far than enough for what I have in store for the night. I went to my mother or an emergency loan. She handed me RM100, and I could only smile widely, thinking of how I was going to confess that night.

The confession day seemed to have lasted forever, and after what felt like forever, night time finally came, revealing the blissful moon; the creature that borrowed the sun’s miracle light. My ‘Titus’ watch told me that I had 30 minutes left to start continuing operation ‘LOVE’. I texted Bulu, asking if he was ready; mentally, physically, and financially. The expected did not come, the thief who stole Bulu’s heart was unavailable for the night.

“She said she got church stuff to take care of.” Texted Bulu

Nevertheless, he told me that the plan had to be carried out, and I straight forwardly agreed. I drove as fast as I could to pick her up. I drove all the way to Klang just for her that night, and as expected, I foolishly gotten myself lost. Asking for directions was never a problem to me, hence, me being on time to pick her up. Well, I was a minute late. The girl of my dream came out of the house after I texted her about my arrival. She walked out, paired with tight blue jeans, a white top covered with a black sweater. Judging by heartbeat, I could tell I was turned on.

“Your on time, that’s a good start!” She said.

“I’m always on time for pleasure.” It was the coolest reply I could give, but I could have sworn it was not cool enough for me.

She smiled and so did I. I did not know if the smile was honest, in fact I did not care. Her smile was one thing I wanted to see that night, but of course, there was something else that I wanted, something, I wanted to hear. We drove to a fancy restaurant nearby. Fancy in name, never in looks. Despite the shady looking environment, the number of people within the restaurant was enough to convince me that it was a good place. We chose our table, and I pulled the chair for her to seat. It seemed awkward, it did not seem right. I was being someone unselfish that night, I was being someone else. The waiter came and took our order, and went away as quickly as he came. We had the usual empty talk, no conspiracies, no personal matters. Everything remained hollow until she popped up a question about relationships. She found out that I had multiple ex-es, I found out she only had 1, from her previous college. The conversation was going well, we were talking about relationships bluntly and honestly. I could tell she was having a good time, at least by her laughter. I could nor hold it any longer, I wanted to do it, I wanted to confess.

“Apple, if I told you I loved you, would you say it back?” I popped the millionaire question.

“WHAT?! You’re joking right?!” She said loudly. Despite the sudden ambush, she was smiling a little.

“Why? It is weird?” I replied.

“YEAH! I thought you liked someone else! Just stop it okay, I know you’re joking. Stop it you got me okay! I’m punk’d!. Said Apple.

I held her hands tightly, stared right into her eyes, and confessed.

“Apple, I look into those eyes, and I am convinced, that love and forever have been a lie, until you.”

Apple was shocked to no end. Her eyes were wide opened as if pulled by the evil gravity. She looked down to the floor, probably conforming whether or not this was happening, conforming whether or not it was a dream, conforming, whether or not that she had stolen a boy’s heart without knowing it.

THE END

WILL APPLE SAY YES TO STRAW? WILL BULU EVER GET TO CARRY OUT HIS PART OF THE PLAN? WILL THE MYSTERIOUS GIRL WHO STOLE BULU’S HEART EVER BE REVEALED? WILL WE EVER FIND OUT HOW BULU AND APPLE GOT TOGETHER INSTEAD? I’M SORRY, BUT YOU WON’T FIND THE ANSWERS ON THE NEXT EPISODE, OF THE BERRIES’ DILEMMA