More Than That

Title: More Than That

Another story i have taken some days to create. As usual, enjoy it:

confined in this half-filled 400-man capacity room, he was already defeated by the monotonous teachings. The teachings of how businesses are carried out in a world where survival is to those who are the ruthless of all, are taught. On one side of the lecture, there was this information disseminator who was recently credited with the "Best Teaching Award" and had always commanded much respect among the students. In fact, the sheer raise of volume and any variation in her speaking tone meant a new, little twist of fate of her students. Whenever a student angered her or made her feel sick, she would get back at the student by chasing him/her out of the lecture. She was known for critising anyone whenever she felt like to. Each letter, word, phrase or sentence that she made in her lecture had enormous impact. Like a wizard or witch, she could easily make your life in school a little more 'interesting'. That explains why the other side of the lecture, in the form of the staircase shape, with a row of 40 seats on each level where the students sit, is always very attentive. This powerful figure was none other than Ms. Fan, herself. In short, she was a killer in the eyes of the students. She spared no one when it came to marking papers thus everyone was wary of her.

Nevertheless of how fearful she was seen or presented to be, Preza fell asleep. He did not imagine that a 50 year old would possess an eyesight of a young, alert being. Soon, she stopped her lecture.

She then said: "Those who think that they can pass my module sleeping in my lecture, banish the slightest thought of that. "

"Instead, i will fail you badly."

Preza, still in his dreamland, did not recover and hear the threat directed at him. His friends seated next to him tried waking him up by calling and shaking him. By the time, he woke up, all focus was on him.

"Let me see who is sleeping now." She walked up the stairs and at the same time, she pushed old gold-framed glasses slightly up.

"Oh it is our dear top student of the cohort, Mr Preza Han," said Ms. Fan.

"I guess you can prepare yourself an "AD" without an "A" grade ."

Preza had the history of topping the school for 4 consecutive semesters when he was in the school. But he was always cool and quiet in school. But whenever he did his presentation or when he was doing his work, one could easily see Preza was working in the mould of a genius. He led his team by example and morale would then inflate greatly. Normally, in lectures, Preza would listen attentively but not for this lecture. In the mind of all the students, even the most notorious who were easily gone under 'control', thought he was crazy.

Even in tutorials, Preza was also under the charge of Ms. Fan. He would eagerly answer all kinds of questions posted by her. What's more, they were perfect answers from the genius himself.

As time passed by, Ms. Fan had come to understand more of Preza and found him a defying student but she liked the way he posted his views. Preza had created a deep impression in her.

On one of the school days, after lecture, Preza approached and asked if she was free for a tea so that they could discuss some school work. She agreed and a date was set - 12 July. The dinner was to be at a cafe near the school.

Just a day before the date, he was filled with anxiety and lost his cool. At home, he would be up and down. At times, he mumbled words to himself and took many glances at the mirror . He was practically not himself.

Arrived at the venue, 15 minutes before the meeting time, he waited. Then when the time - 5pm - came, he was all up and alert. He tried looking at the entrance and continued waiting. Soon, 10 minutes had gone by. Then it was good-bye to 30 minutes. Preza got uptight and thought he had remembered the wrong time. So he decided to give her a call.

When the line was about to be got through, it hang. Ms. Fan appeared right before him.

"Oh boy, you are sure early."

"I actually had my meeting with some staff here, seated upstairs," explained Ms. Fan as she pointed to the second level where she could easily spot Preza.

"I have tested your patience and punctuality through my short observation, and i reckon you are the best man for the up-coming mega project"

Preza thanked her for her compliment as he got up and went ahead to pull a seat to allow her to be settled down. After they had completed the meal with susbstantial discussion done on the project, Preza tried to divert from any school topics as he moved towards his original purpose.

So he began his sentence for the new topic,"I... I kind of found you more than special, Ms. Fan." As he tried to form his sentences, emotions built and were soon to be run wild. Each fragmenting sentence he revealed to Ms. Fan why he had defied her in her lessons. The next and concluding sentence revealed all.

" I love you not as a lecturer but someone i would place close right in my heart"

Ms. Fan then reacted by saying Preza, "Are you aware of what you are saying?"

"Yeah, I'm truly aware and I am true to my words."

"Would you accept me again?"

The word "again" caught Ms. Fan stunned as she recounted. There was no other time before this she had accepted him as a lover.

"Mum, i have found you." So Preza had found his long-lost mum. But Ms. Fan was still in a daze and unclear. She was not to be blamed as some years ago after abandoning Preza and his father, she had a car accident where her memory was lost and she had then started life afresh.

"On 12 July, you've left dad and me because of some irreconcilable matter" It was adultery committed by Preza's father, Mr Han that made Ms. Fan left home. It was also on that very date she met the accident which Preza was not aware of.