*The Loveliest Surprise*

On Thursday I was asked out by Sadat for dinner on Friday. Sadat asked me to meet him at Mandarin Cafe at 7.30 p.m to have “apom balik” that he said was really delicious. I was a bit hesitant to go because “what’s so great about ‘apom balik’ la?” :P But I said okay to him. I was a bit late for the dinner because my computer had hung when I was saving the photoessay assignment into my pendrive (as I was going to print it out at a shop after our dinner), so I texted him and told him that I would be late.

He replied and said that it was okay, to “take my time”. I texted back and said “okay”, but I thought that it was a bit weird because I thought that Sadat’s the type that would usually hurry people if they were late. Anyway, I went rushing to Mandarin, all sweaty and mind occupied with my photoessay. When I met him, he said, “Come, let’s go print the assignment first because the shop might close.” I thought that THAT was a bit weird too, but I understood his reasoning, so I went.

I was talking to him on the way to the shop about my assignment (he’s a photography expert) but he was SO occupied with his mobile phone, texting and making calls. I was thinking what on earth could be the problem, when we stopped in front of a restaurant (near the print shop), but I didn’t realize it at first because I was still busy talking to him about whether my photoessay would turn out fine.

SUDDENLY a bunch of people (my JUDAH CG members and some other people) came out of the restaurant (it was Pizza Hut) and started singing “Happy Birthday”. I was like, HUH?, standing there like an idiot. I was so surprised! I had not expected that at all! Sadat managed to fool me so well and I believed him. I felt duped, happy, but more shocked.

We entered the restaurant with me still reeling with shock. I sat down at the table with them, and it was only after a while that I realized that they had already ordered the food and drinks. All I had to do was eat, but my heart was still thumping with shock and joy. Some friends that I had not expected to be there were there, like Mei Yee and Joshua Hooi. One other graduated friend came late, Samuel Chong, but he yelled at me when he entered the restaurant, and scared the hell out of everyone in Pizza Hut. He presented me with a tissue-rose that he made with a Pizza Hut serviette, and left afterwards because of another appointment. Haha!

We had a fun time talking and laughing. Then we had tiramisu cheesecake *YUM!* and presented me with a soft toy dog that I absolutely LOVED when I saw it! They had asked me to open it on the spot, I guess coz they wanted to see my reaction. (I have decided to name it “Sadat” because of his successful fooling of me. Haha! Just kidding =P) I rarely receive soft toys, so I absolutely loved it. It’s white in colour and so soft and huggable. It has a big black nose and a cute tail.

My birthday party didn’t end there even though we all left Pizza Hut. I went to Sadat’s house to modify some stuff in my photoessay before printing. When I was there, Dan came in (he had just finished work), and he apologized coz he could not make it to my birthday party. I told him that it was okay. Then Sadat said, “Why don’t you accompany Dan for dinner? Dan has not eaten yet, right Dan?” Dan replied, “Yeah! I can treat you to a meal too.”

I was too full with pizza and cake, but I said that we could go somewhere to have a drink. So we went somewhere a bit farther from our usual meal spots (Jelutong), had a good talk with each other, he ate his dinner, and we drank some Leng Lui Tong Sui(delicious!). He bought me a DVD for my birthday, “Take The Lead”. I love dance movies!

Then he sent me home, and I went back so happy and satisfied. I felt so loved by my friends. I had not expected anything at all (since my birthday is next Wednesday!), but that’s what made it such a LOVELY surprise. You guys are awesome! =D

I was a little sad that people might forget, but if they really did, I will not blame them, because this Monday is the start of our final exams, and many of them have papers starting on Monday itself. So… it was especially sweet – they remembered AND celebrated a “be-early” birthday (hehe =D).

THANK YOU, Sadat, Justin and Cheryl for organizing this party. Also to Kian Mei, Han-Yu, Haan-Yu, Peck Kuan, Mei Yee, Joshua Hooi, Samuel Chong, Dan Fad for coming. And to the rest of the JUDAH-ans for the doggie soft toy! I am so blessed by all of you. =)