I had been in the doldrums for months. Life had been mundane, albeit hectic. It took this event to shake me up. It started with an invitation to lunch consisting of Kelantanese delights, which included a long chat with the hostess. It actually took me less than 5 minutes to compose and forward the messages to MGS friends because this event had been on my mind for months. This happened a week before the big day, which was the first day of the two weeks holidays. Looking back, having a week to prepare was really useful because I was juggling school work, Khing and Chien's project works, teacher's day celebration in my school (I was in charge of teachers' presentation) and the children's celebration in their own schools. Buying gifts and other items were squeezed in after school. On top of that, Joanne and I were worried about Wan's non-performance for the coming Grade 5 music exams. During one shopping trip at night, she and I came to a compromise - she is to aim for at least a merit pass, and we will seriously consider her deferring the music lessons for a year.
On 25th May (Saturday) 12pm, they started arriving. Puan Chia, Puan Tan and Gawery came together. Everything happened in quick succession then. Chee Lian and Puan Wan arrived, followed by Miss Ng and Meera. Miss Lucia and Mrs. Beh came alone. We joked that MGS teachers are as prompt going to class. It was a great start to a wonderful afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. Wong came with their three little angels later. At one point, I commented that the vodka our girls had added to the fruit punch was effective because of the continuous laughter and jokes.
Lunch was simple, hearty fare - "khau jam", acar and laksa, followed by a variety of desserts - bingka ubi, cendol jelly, sago pudding and black glutinous rice. Every dish was delightful, despite being a cholesterol nightmare. Khau jam was a novelty and a huge success, because many of them, especially Puan Chia, like nasi kerabu or nasi ulam, as Miss Lucia so aptly put it. Lin and Jean were really wonderful little helpers, serving and clearing up, all the time being on hand to make sure that every little need was taken care of.
Mrs Beh and Mr Wong had to leave earlier. I am so glad that the others stayed on for coffee and another chat. The camaraderie was due to the bond we formed while working together. What it was a wonderful era of my life it had been. The afternoon ended with the sentiment that nothing lasts forever. In all the excitement, I later realised that I had forgotten two things - to pack some leftovers for them and worse, to take pictures. Now, we have to console ourselves that the afternoon will always be imprinted in our minds.
