>> A love sad story (supposedly true)

"5, 4, 3, 2, 1…welcome to the year 1994!"

Loud cheers rang in the air. Everyone seemed to be in a fit of hysteria. Fireworks were launched, and the dark black sky was lit up in an explosion of various colours

Amidst all bustle and joy, Alex's mind was however cast far away from the countdown party taking place at Orchard Road.

He was unable to keep the thoughts of the girl off in his mind, as the events of the past few hours continued to linger in his mind.

He had previously preferred to stay at home. After all, what would possibly be more welcoming than the thought of snuggling at home in his warm, cozy bed on this bleak, drizzling night? However perturbed by his friends' incessant nagging, he finally acquiesced and joined them.

It turned out to be the wisest decision he had ever made.

The moment he set eyes on her, everything retreated from his peripheral view. His heart did a flip-flop.

There she was standing, dressed in a sleeveless white dress, which though was not very revealing, did accentuate her willowy figure and slim waist. It was comparable to her somewhat flawless face, without blemish evidence to adolescence. But it was her smile that captivated him. Her smile was one that illuminated her face with such radiance that it momentarily dazzled him.

She was a picture of an angel, exuding innocence and purity, traits he found lacking in most girls this days.

He stood transfixed, unable to tear his eyes from her.

'I have to know her,' he thought and his determination surprised even himself.

Standing tall at a height of 1.8m, Alex displayed a sight of "macho-ness". However this hardly speak for what he was feeling now. He was always aware he did not have dashing good looks that was capable of sweeping girls off their feet, not to mention falling head over heels for him.

His unfounded inferiority caused him to develop with a character lacking of self-esteem, resulting in several lost opportunities that he was blissfully unaware of. Especially when it came to the aspect of girls, he was all the more rather bashful and cowardly.

But, he was going to make an exception.

With all the courage he could possibly muster, he marched towards the girl, hoping he exuded confidence.

Having always been a competent athlete, he never knew it was such a formidable task to place one foot in front of the other, which seemed to be getting heavier with each step.

After what seemed like an eternity, he finally stood before her.

She whizzed around, taken aback by this sudden intrusion, her eyes reflecting astonishment.

He opened his month, but no words came out. He was in such a state of nervousness that he thought he would burst.

"Yes? Is there anything I can help you with?" she said, a skeptical tone apparent in her melodious voice.

He struck out his hand, putting on a bright smile on his face," Hi! I'm Alex. I'm 19 this year. Can I know you?." His voice was unnaturally high pitched.

The moment the words were blunted out, he wanted to dig a hole in the ground and crawl into it.

I sounded like a complete idiot! He thought aghast. He sounded like a product being promoted," Hi! I'm a television set. 1 year guarantee. Would you like to buy me?"

Much to his consternation, her friends started giggling. There was a click and then a flash of light from a camera, followed by another burst of laughter.

His face went scarlet, flaming with embarrassment.

The girl tactfully bit back a smile, turned around and whispered, "Shhh.." to her friends and assessed him. He must have amused her because she said, "Hi, I'm Yvonne. I'm 18 this year and I don't mind knowing you." She flashed that dazzling smile of hers once again.

Their eyes met and it was as if an electric current flowed between them
It was a beginning to everything.

Alex smiled with triumph as he clutched tightly to the piece of paper in his palm. Through the long conversation they had, he had managed to get hold of her phone number.

He was elated when she called the next day.

As the days flew by, they exchanged phone calls and met up frequently. Gradually their feelings grew.

On Valentine's Day, he asked her to be his girlfriend and to his delight, she agreed. It was another high peak in his life. Their feelings intensified as the relationship continued as they were both crazy about each other.

Slowly they found they were inseparable, not able to pass a day without a word from each other.

Alex firmly believed their love would last forever. It would like the kind of ending in fairy tales where the prince and the princess lived happily ever after. He was sure his feelings were mutual.

Oh, he wanted so much for this to be true.

In 1998, Alex had to leave for National Service, while Yvonne continued with her studies. They planned to get engaged after he came out from army.

Towards the end of his National Service, Alex was sent to Thailand for training for 3 weeks. He was very busy and however much he wanted to, he could not fork out the time to give Yvonne a call. He invariably consoled himself with the thought that he would be able to see her in just merely 3 weeks' time.

At the end of the intensive training, he rushed home like a whirlwind, meaning to leave his stuff and home and look for Yvonne right away.

As he entered his home, he saw his mother's despondent face.

"What's wrong mum? You look as if it's the end of the world. Aren't you happy to see your son back?" He asked, almost in levity.

His mother rushed forward and gave him a hug. Tears were running down her cheeks.

"What is it!" he queried urgently, truly alarmed now.

His mother said tremulously. "Yvonne died in a car accident yesterday."

Instantaneously, time stopped in its tracks.

His heart dropped, shattering to a million pieces.

As the reality of her words sunk in, a stab of pain pieced through him like a ripping knife.

He weeped. He cried as if he had never cry before in his life. He lost all control of himself and collapsed to the ground, kneeling on the doorstep. He buried his face in his palms, and, cried.

Why her! What did she have to die? Why on earth did that had to happen? Why? Why!

Questions flashed. Questions with no answers.

The pain was excruciating, the sorrow overwhelming. He thought he was going to die.

Yvonne had been gone for quite a few years from now, however Alex had never been able to forget her. There had been a few girls who have crossed his path but none stayed long enough to make an impact. They were all aware that he did not love them.

Alex himself felt that he was incapable to love anyone with that capacity again.

He did not know when he could meet that someone again. He did not know when he would be able to experience true love again.

His heart had died when Yvonne died.

[ So the story is a little long. Typical storyline but it still succeeded in bringing a jolt to my heart. Isn't it sad to know that 2 people who truly love each other cannot be together? Sigh, that's life huh.]