Pandora's Box

Thursday, December 28, 2006

11:21 PM

“Crank up the speakers, yo!” shouted Greg. “It’s the holidays again!”

The volume of Black Eyed Peas’ Lets Get It Started rocketed to the point that it could easily put a dance club’s bass to shame. It’s the semester break again for the students of Sydney International High School, and for the bunch of youngsters of Year 1 Class 2, this period of breakaway from assignments was even worth celebrating because they’ve just completed their freshman year. And for now, it’s partying every night for the next 2 months at the local Zouk, at least for those who can afford it.

But to Kyle, this holiday evoked little excitement in him. He’s been in holiday mood everyday! Humming his favorite R&B tune as he spinned his ipod wheel for the next song, his navy sling bag hung over his broad shoulders precariously as he strode over to his bicycle which was parked nearby.

“K.Sea! Wanna chill out at the mall? Casino Royale’s on the screens today!” David shouted from his red convertible as he slowly zooms past Kyle. Greg, who donned a pair of sunglasses, adjusted the air-con speed on the front passenger seat as he added, “Or you would prefer to have a shot of espresso at the Starbucks? That’s what I’m planning,” he smiled as he tuned his head over to Kyle.

“No thanks, guys. I really appreciate it,” replied Kyle with a wry smile. “But I’ve gotta pack; my flight is 5 hours later.”

“Oh crikey! Sorry dude, I forgot that you’re on your solo vacation trip today!” Said David as he whacked his own forehead.

“If that’s the case, K.Sea,” Greg responded. “Enjoy your trip. All the best!”

“Yeah sure, thanks guys.”

The red convertible let out a loud roar and released some gases from the exhaust pipe as David squeezed the accelerator. “Remember to get us some souvenirsssaaahhhhhh!” Greg’s sentence followed up as the car sped forward. Kyle could only let out a stupid-looking smile while watching the antics of his buddies.

Four and a half hours later, at the Sydney International Airport, Kyle lingered patiently at the departure lounge as he waited to board his flight. Hugging one of his luggage bags with his left hand, he took out his ipod again to search for some of Teddy Geiger’s songs. His foot thumped the ground softly to the beat of the song, and his head followed in similar rhythm. Kyle had earlier requested his family members not to accompany him to the airport as he wants to fulfill his wish of a strictly solo trip right from the footstep of his own house.

The time is 6p.m. Kyle’s already settled down comfortably in his seat on the plane. As he looked out of the window, inspiration suddenly struck him and he retrieved a black case from the luggage compartment. Kyle brought along his precious notebook along and as he took the weight off his feet he switched the notebook on. Pausing for a while, Kyle begins typing.

“Friday, 5^th October 2006. It’s officially beginning! At the time of typing this I’m already on my plane, ready to depart to my 1^st destination. Well, seriously till now I can’t believe that I’m actually on my way to one of the greatest metropolis on the world: Shanghai, China… “

Miles and miles away up north, in the soon-to-be destination of Kyle, police cars were rushing like mad to one of the nightclubs in the town. Sirens alerted the public, and given the innate curiosity of humans, people started to gather outside the entrance of YueMei Nightclub….