Tuesday, May 21, 2013

PSLE: Vandalism in School

It was a breezy afternoon as I was playing basketball at the school basketball court all by myself. My cherubic face was glowing rosy under the hot sun as sweat dotted my forehead. “Yes! Another jump-shot into the basket!” My eyes shot up in glee as exuberance bubbled within me. I was determined to go for another score! I bounced the ball and threw, trying to hit the net again. Unfortunately, I lost control and the ball bounced off right to the car park.

Quickly, I broke into a run, trying to retrieve my ball. All of a sudden, I caught a glimpse of movement. Someone was stealthily hiding behind a red Toyata Corolla. I recognised the car. It belonged to my principal, Mr Rayen Tan. Curiosity got the better of me and I went forward to investigate. It was Justin, my best friend.  There was a spray can in his hand. He was doodling on the car door! On it was written: Mr Tan is a big fat pig!

I let out a gasp of horror. “Justin! What on earth are you doing?” I cried. Justin was in shock. His face turned ashen and his mouth fell agape. “I... I'm seeking revenge for what happened yesterday,” came his hesitant reply. I recalled how Justin was reprimanded in public for pushing someone in anger. “But... what you are doing is wrong! Please stop now!” I pleaded. “No! Never! Zheng Yee, if you tell on me, our friendship is over!” he threatened.

I stared speechless as he continued his artwork. I had to stop him! In a bid to snatch the can away from him, I arrowed in on his spray can like a hunter after his prey. I succeeded in wringing it away from his hand but he gave me a hard push and I fell backward and my back took a hard hit! Justin rushed forward and tried to snatch it back.

At the defining moment, a voice roared, “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY CAR?” We swivelled back and what we saw confirmed our worst fears – it was Mr Rayen Tan himself. Annoyance was practically radiating off his pores. His eyes flashed with simmering anger, his arms akimbo. We were petrified! 

“Zheng Yee was vandalising your car and I was just trying to stop him!” Justin explained matter-of-factly.

“I... I..” My heart was lodged in my throat as my legs turned to lead. I could not vindicate myself. Justin had gotten me into hot soup! How could he lie to get out of harm's way? No one would believe what I say. My mind raced at breakneck speed, trying to explain myself. I could not help but stifle sobs of fear, my head hung low.

“Who is guilty? The CCTV will reveal everything,” Mr Tan replied, pointing at the surveillance camera a few meters away.

Where on earth did this surveillance camera come from? My worry instantly disappeared like the vapour in the wind. However, Justin was appalled! He stared at the camera in dismay. He froze like a statue and his eyes almost popped out like the goldfish's eyes. He knew he was dead meat! With no other choice, he confessed to his 'crime', his hot tears coursing down his scrawny cheeks. 

Mr Tan, who was bursting with fury, dragged him all the way to the principal's office. I later found out that he was subsequently suspended from class for two weeks and had to bear all the repainting cost. Needless to say, my friendship with Justin has been over ever since.

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"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away."

Henry David Thoreau