On the Brother Flying (Prt3)

So when finally it was time to get to the briefing, all of us proceeded to this stage set up near the entrance to the viewing deck. Families of the other scholars were already gathering around the compound waiting for the Public Service Department (PSD) officers to start the briefing session. It wasn't before long that a guy came over and asked the brother if he's one of them Czech-bound scholars.

And so, all of them scholars went up the stage waiting to hear what the officers had got to say. Apparently, it seemed that the plane they're boarding to Frankfurt would also carry about 30 over scholars heading to the UK. Nah, none of us like them UK-bound scholars. One of the parents who is also Dad's acquaintance came over and talked about his son heading towards Manchester University for Pharmacy school and what nots, boasting that medical kids wouldn't go that far, and the furthest the PSD send would be to India. Dad kept quiet.

I on the other hand, would most prolly sarcastically asked if his kid is doing twinning because I heard the other younger kids his son travelling with would spend their entire course in Europe.

I mean, what's the point boasting right?

I mean, heck, what's there to show off being a scholar? Fine, I'm NOT one. Rub it in my face. I threw away mine offer form when I got one without applying 3 years back. Was too pissed they didn't give me a chance to study overseas. Ahaha. Speaking about grudges. LOL.

Anyways, back to them kids. They went up the stage and the briefing session started. While they were up there having their briefing, Mum pulled me close so that I could take photos of them kids in coats. But that brother was all so gentlemanly and stood so far back I couldn't even get a tiny peek of his face. While Mum was eagerly making more friends, I squeezed myself out from the crowd. The scholars were actually exibit on stage. Get what I mean?

There were so many cameras zooming up so front and lights flashing away while this memorable moment was being captured. Mothers walked in front of my and held their compacts so high that all I could get was their compact's viewing screen and their hands.

After the briefing, the kids came down and give their families their last kisses. After all, they might be the biggest hopes their families have. Parents came to send them off. Siblings were there. Cousins tagged along. Grandparents were so proud that they too, came sending their grandchildren off. And who would knew, their favourite uncles and auties were there too.

Get what I mean?

That was why, it was so bloody crowded as the scholars headed towards the international boarding gate. I couldn't stand the smell of some armpit sweats so I quickly headed to the balcony overlooking the custom clearance check-point and secured ourselves a comfortable spot.

... very much like most of the others as well.

I bet tourists entering through this gate would be very awkward indeed. I mean, look at those crowds sending off their loved ones!

And so, the kids passed through the international gate one by one down the escalator and stood just at the end of the moving staircase obstructing other people's way. Slowly but surely, the crowd grew larger. And the brother was still nowhere in sight. Definitely being a gentleman amongst those crowds and standing last in the queue.

As the crowd of kids in blue coats grew bigger and bigger, we finally saw the brother. Holding a file in hand, he was practically talking to his to-be roomate at all times and not even turn around and look at those spectators along the balcony where we'd be. While all his colleagues were busy waving goodbyes at their family members, the brother just look at us for one second and turned to talk to his friends again.



What was interesting was, as all the scholars were finally gathered at the bottom of the escalator, groups of 'supporters' started to cheer in unison. Odd if you ask me. We practically hear one of the parents said "One more time!" before another cheer came about. And with that, it led to more cheers. Whoever whoever all the best and what nots. I just managed to laughed. I mean, okay, maybe it's THEIR scholars' tradition, but it was definitely something I never seen before.

When the moment finally arrived, as the kids walked towards the custom clearance, the cheer got even louder and chaotic. It was as if everyone were shouting at their friends or brothers or sisters and wishing them all the best, only that instead of greeting nicely holding out your hands shaking goodbye, it was as if the kids were some famous soccer team having all the fans cheering for them. Yeaps, it was loud in the international gate in KLIA that evening. I find it weird, I couldn't deny that. I could only wave at the brother for the last time before the next thing that came in mind was that Sis had to drive us home before it got too late.

But now that I thought back about it, maybe it was what they need. They are afterall leaving for some further education in a faraway land, and the least we could do for them was to cheer them on and wish them all the best.

Mum texted me the following day noon time that the brother called back from Frankfurt. And another text message in the evening during our dinner that the brother finally arrived in Prague.

I wonder if mum cried on her way back home that night...