Lesson learnt, experience gained. One of the few things in life that makes you open your eyes. Really, really open them. My life thus far has been so sheltered, I wan't even street-smart. When it comes to Orchard Road, it's a whole new land out there for me. A jungle.

When we finished watching Boogeyman on Friday & it ended at about 11pm, I'd already missed my last bus without knowing it. I sat there at the bus stop in front of PS waiting for the bus like an idiot. It was 11.20pm already & the bloody bus still hadn't arrived. At that time, Mom chose the perfect timing to call me & ask about my whereabouts. She knew I had gone studying but what she didn't know was that I'd gone for movie afterward. I felt so damn guilty for not telling her. My friends had gone home via train & I was the only one taking the bus home. When I finally decided to check on the bus timings, I felt my heart drop to my stomach. I had just missed the last Express Bus 518 which went directly to my house.

In super panic mode, I had dialed Jan's number and felt so numb, I couldn't even talk to her. It was the first time in my entire life that I was stranded alone by myself in Orchard Road without a bus to go home to. I hnug on the phone, not speaking with Jan while trying to figure out a way to get out of the mess I'd made. Mada came on the line later, his 'calm' Uncle Agony voice did a little to calm my nerves. I looked up at the busboard again, and this time, a flicker of hope sliced through me. There was a direct bus to Nanny's house!!! And there was still a few more minutes til the last bus came over!!! Elated, I did not feel, but more of relief. I had sat at the bloody bus stop for so long, I'd wanted to cry.

I knew the bus to Nanny's house went to Bedok Interchange from Kembangan & I debated on whether or not to take the bus the whole way through to Bedok or bunk at Nanny's for the night. I knew Nanny would take me in in a heartbeat, but I didn't know how Mommy would react. Guilt ate at me but I knew I had to tell her the truth about how I was going to go home. I called home & Mom answered in 2 rings. I explained myself calmly, trying hard not to cry when I heard subtle hints of worry in her voice. I knew in some way I had dissappointed her. But she masked her worry with hints of sarcastic anger. I knew better. And I apologized for making her worry. I told her that when I realized there was no more buses, I had wanted to bawl.

Her reply was as usual sarcastic, but it was a relief to hear her voice & throughout the journey to Nanny's house, tears kept flooding my eyes. Tears of guilt, that is. I had called Nanny up to inform her that I was coming & she said she'd wait up for me. The poor woman. I hated to trouble her like this. God knows she's already had enough trouble walking; her arthitis was now more eveident than before.

I told myself I'd never EVER watch a late show again in a place which was from my house. No more 9pm shows for me. The latest I'd go is 7pm or 8pm. Later shows means no shows.

I arrived at Nanny's 2-storey terrace a little after midnight. I rang the doorbell as softly as I could, thinking that the maid would be the one to see me in. But it was Nanny herself. Bless the old gal. I wanted to cry the moment I saw her come out of the house as I glanced up at the old house I'd grew up in. Memories of her taking care of me flooded my vision & I imagined myself as a young child again. I'd never shown up at her doorstep in the middle of the night ever before & I wasn't going to make it a habit.

I knew Nanny was ecstatic upon seeing her first grandchild at her doorstep. After all, it had been a long time since we both saw each other. I apologized profusely for causing her inconvinience but she waved aside my apologies. According to her, it wasn't everyday that I came to sleep over; make that never. Coming 'home' made me realize how much I missed the big house. It used to be everyone cramming it, but now it's only Nanny & her maid. I'd often wondered if Nanny was lonely out here. She wouldn't sell the house; nobody would let her & besides, just how many of our races actually own private property that was theirs for life. The house was freakin' 36 y ears old!! She'd be mad to sell it off. The house held memories; memories that were to valuable to let go.

Anywayz, Nanny provided me a change of clothes -my old ones that I'd left behind the last time I was here. Mommy called me for the last time to make sure I had arrived safely -she had to call me when I was in the toilet!!- & again, I heard the worry laced in her quiet tone. Unmasked fury & incessant nagging I could take, but her voice made me tear up again. Damn, I'm a sap when it comes to my Mommy. Let's just say that I'm a regular Mommy's girl. And a Nanny's girl.

So, another lesson learnt. Actually two lessons. Aside from the fact of not going out for late movies unless I had a car with me, I'd also learnt that Singapore was accessible. Period. And in my best friend, Nini's words, I need a freakin' street directory & a husband who works with the LTA. Go figure.

Laterz...
Lenny JC