My Angel

It was tough when he first flew off. I sent endless messages to him. Few days after he flew off, I had a missed call with a lot of numbers. Definitely not a local call, so I checked out the international code two days later. I realised the call was made from Bangkok. After debating to call back at that number or to just do nothing for two days, I decided to send a message to that number. Two days later, he called. And he forgot about the time difference. I was already in dreamland after a hard day’s work.

“Hello, sleep already huh?”
“hmm…”
“Ok lah, go sleep. Goodnight”

It was after I hang up, then I realised that it was him. I heard his army buddies teasing him before we got cut off. With all the pent-up frustrations at work, I cried myself to sleep. I missed him so much. The next day, my handphone went for a swim in the toilet bowl! I had to get another one. Damn!

We argued over how is he going to help me on the show, and it was a test on us. Finally, it was settled. He would be on panel with me.

Two weeks before the show, the hours spent at work lengthened. But we managed to talk every night. He would ask how work was, and I would just grumble away while he listened patiently.

Six days before the show, I simply choked! I was finding ways and means to get out of the show. He said, learn to be calm and steady…imagine next Monday you would all be more free... meanwhile just concentrate and do your best. Do encourage each other…I dun wan you to stress out on panel.

The next day, I told him I got to submit a sport show concept. Though he did offer to help, I submit nothing as I simply couldn’t cope anymore. Then he asked if there was a chance that he could go play football on the day of the show. Probably, as call time will be afternoon.

Our nightly phone calls continued. But five days before the show, he cut the call short. Then I got a text from him and realised he was sick, and too sick to talk. I would just have to leave the stuff I wanted to share till tomorrow. Poor thing, my heart just went out to him.

During lunch the following day, I checked if he was feeling better. Not really, and he would have to see the doctor again. Gastric flu.

Back at work the next day, he met up with his boss, went home for a nap before turning up to help at night. We were seen passing my car keys from each other, and ate alone at audience area.

With last minutes rehearsal being arranged, we had to start work early on full-dressed rehearsal day. I requested coffee from him, which he bought and delivered. I went to the carpark and came back to the panel with his jacket and coffee. He was to pick up some stuff for me. I couldn’t help myself but smell his jacket, as I turned back. It smelled like him. Haha!

Kiok reserved food for him. But he wanted to share. Dinner too, was at audience area and we were seen walking around the office together, as we made plans for tomorrow. I would be chauffeuring him for his football match. Already very excited about this idea, my boss caught as whispering to each other and giggling, he wanted to know what was happening, but we just shook our heads and then smiled to each other. He blue-tooth his theme to me. Now we have the same phone, the same theme and the same pouch.

After full-dressed rehearsal, we were left alone to update the lineup. It came as a cultural shock to him as all my bosses had gone home. We amended and updated the lineup by ourselves, before emailing it to Boss. Couldn’t find Joanne or Ni, I messaged Joanne and left with him. Later, Joanne told me said Ni told her to leave the two of us to ourselves.

After four hours of sleep, I called him and checked if he still wanted to play football. He said to call him in two hours’ time. I decided to leave for his house as I knew falling asleep meant sleeping throughout. He said he will go just half an hour before KO. I told him I was downstairs of his place. He was surprised!

He suggested I asked Parker for more duration, and all was settled during his game. Joanne called and so did Rahmat. Both wanted to confirm Dick Lee’s rehearsal time. We were lunching at Pagoda Street. After sending him home for shower, I polished my car and went to office.

After the show, we left before everyone as we were both tired out. We forgot to take pictures on panel. But he said there will be plenty of chances. Well, I certainly hope so. And thanks for making this ordeal more bearable. Life was definitely easier with you around.