I went there two days ago, after a long time. I don't remember the last time I paid a visit. Somewhere in early Syawal I think? I used to go there so frequently in my solitude days.
Since I came from the Tampines-Pasir Ris district, I take bus 53, and upon reaching the security point, I'm not sure which terminal to alight at. I always had this problem. In the end I settle for the first stop; Terminal 3.
Cross the road behind you when you alight, go through the doors and turn right; go on walking until you see Dunkin Donuts. That's where, nine months ago, 'Aamir and I first met.
About 4 hours ago, 'Aamir had texted that he was on the plane and about to take off; having been to Bali before, I know he would be arriving around 7. I'm not even sure if his plane will arrive at T3 though; I just wander around, and go up the lift to the Arrival Hall.
I sit down at a bench in front of TCC, and, although unsure if he would even arrive anytime soon, I wait.
I start having doubts. What if he arrives at 10? Or, what if there's someone else here fetching him? Why did I even come here before considering these questions?, I ask myself.
It wasn't long before I received a call from 'Aamir though! He has landed! He's still on the plane but I'm already bubbling with joy! I ask him what's his flight; what a pleasant surprise that I am just sitting outside his flight's corresponding belt!
I start to fix my hair, and try to find a sitting position both comfortable and not an eyesore. My heart is beating so quickly, just like back on the day we first met. I try not to look too excited, but I can't help stealing glances at belt 41 just to see if the prince is there.
Here he comes. Clad in a maroon hoodie, pushing a trolley with just one suitcase; I think I see him skip like a little boy as he looks at me, but only for a second. But I saw that! Oh how adorable can he get!
His usual "Hey," and we stare at each other, a grin spread across my face. We pull into a hug. The warmth of his arms is a shock compared to the strong air-conditioning at the airport. Bliss.
He tells me how sad he is because all his friends' parents were there, while his weren't. I have found the answer to my question; the reason why I came without thinking twice was because, whatever the circumstances were, I didn't want him to be greeted by emptiness.
Deep down inside I probably knew his parents weren't gonna be there. If I were to return from a week-long school trip only to be greeted by everyone's parents except mine, no doubt I'd let a few tears down my face no matter how hard I try to control it. If I had an other half, I would want that person to be there since my parents can't make it.
You say I don't think about your feelings don't you, prince? I agree. But for that one day, I think I've managed to put myself in your shoes for a second.
You did look happy. And that's just enough to make me happy. I'm sorry we had to part at Paya Lebar because I couldn't go on with you on the North South trip. But I hope I manage to make you happy with my gesture of waiting for you at the airport. Just like back on day 1. ^^
____
Ever heard the story of the boy and the girl, who were separated for less than a week but felt like it's been years? The story where the boy and the girl blocked the lobby door with his suitcase for privacy so they could hug all they want?
The story where the boy held her firm by the sides of her head and the girl held him firm by the sides of his face, so they could kiss each other's faces off, not caring about anything else as long as they were mouth-to-mouth?
The story where the airport staff barged in suddenly and the boy and the girl tried to act like nothing happened but it was too late, and they could only look at each other and giggle?
And have you heard about the other story where the girl had studied at the airport for too long til she realised that she was past her curfew, and checked her phone to see plenty of vulgar texts from her mother? The story where she rushed back to her house an hour after her curfew, only to realise that her mother had locked her out for the night?
These two stories are a year apart, and I bet you that the presence of the boy is what makes all the difference. Outsiders judge, but they don't know that the boy has so many siblings that sometimes there isn't any of his parents' love left for him, and that the girl hasn't been talking to her parents for over a year now. The boy and the girl love each other like their own family, and that's why they need to rejoice their reunion everytime they've spent too long apart. Because they have lived too many years without someone like each other. And they have had enough.
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