- Flying off!

Two weeks later, there she was, seated in her economy seat on a flight to China, looking for one last time at the dark and cloudy sky of London. Although she was truly happy to be finally going to one of her most favoured countries, she did feel some sadness leaving her friends behind. Cara who was seated in the window seat looked at her sister, seated to her left in the middle, and said jokingly "it feels as if London's sky is bidding us the final farewell! It's so dark and gloomy today, but don't worry, I had a look at the weather over there and apparently it will be sunny!"

A smile finally appeared on Sylvia's lips, "ah...it seems like a good omen, leaving the cloudy skies to be greeted by the sunny blue skies. Can't wait!"

As the sisters were chatting happily, the flight took off. For the whole journey, Sylvia was immersed in reading over her diary and adding her new experiences and plans to it, while Cara was watching movies on the small screen, and mother was resting her head on Sylvia's shoulder, deep asleep.

11 hours later, the flight landed in Shanghai at Pu Dong airport. It was a beautiful sunny morning. People were dressed in vibrant colours and sunglasses, most had their battery operated mini-fan in their hand. Cara suddenly turned to her sister and looked at her from head to toe, "Everyone is dressed so nicely, and here you're standing, all in black as if you have just walked out of a funeral!". Sylvia was used to her sister complaining about her 'all black' wardrobe, so she didn't pay any attention to her, instead she focused on navigating through the airport. Finally they got through the passport control and headed into the baggage claim area where Sylvia got the bags, "at least my suitcase is sky-blue", she quipped. Cara just rolled her eyes dramatically as she grabbed her yellow four-wheeled suitcase.

After exiting the airport they got into a taxi and gave him the address written on the paper. The journey from the airport to their rented apartment lasted just over an hour. On their arrival, the landlady and care taker of the apartment complex greeted the three and helped them with their luggage. They were easily wheeled as all of the bags had four wheels. The landlady spoke little English, but she was really bubbly and welcoming, "the bags...really beautiful, uh, rainbow! Blue! Yellow! Purple!" , she complimented with her bright smile. Sylvia couldn't help but think the landlady was so adorable, she smiled and thanked her and asked her to take the bag she fancied, but the landlady cheerfully refused. She seemed to have gotten a really good impression of the new family and asked them to come over for dinner. She lived in the same building at the top floor near the rooftop, while the apartment they were staying in was on the fourth floor. Their apartment was the third one at the end of the corridor, and the smallest one in the building, with 3 bedrooms and a bathroom, with an open kitchen in the spacious living room. The corridor was like a long balcony facing the parking lot, so the doors to the apartments were also facing the parking lot.

The landlady handed 3 keys to Sylvia and quickly explained the rules and regulations of the building. She also explained to her that at the end of the week, there will be a welcome party for them at the rooftop and that they must attend and meet all residents and make new friends. Sylvia noted the time and date and bid the landlady goodbye, then she turned and went to the living room where her mother was seated on the comfy black sofa. She went behind her mother and started massaging her head and neck gently, while explaining to her about the party, "End of the week? That's tomorrow isn't it?" said her mother with her eyes closed. "I don't think I can go, you know me, after flying I always get headaches for days." Sylvia kissed her mother's head and gently helped her up to her bedroom, "I know mama, me and sis will go, I'll explain to them about your condition. Just rest for now, and if you need anything just call for me." As they opened the lights to the bedroom they both jumped from fright. Cara was splayed on the bed in an awkward position, like the letter 'X', face down, planted onto the pillow. Sylvia turned to her mother slowly with her mouth hanging open and asked, "is... is she breathing?". Her mother shook her head and sighed, "I think she's jetlagged, let her sleep here for now."

Suddenly Cara jerked her head up and screeched, "I'm not jetlagged, I'm just claiming this room as mine!!! I'll fight you guys for it if I have to!!!"

Sylvia looked at her mother and gave a wry smile, "I guess you'll have the room next to mine then."

After tucking her mother and sister into bed, Sylvia took the keys and headed out. The fridge was empty and she needed to get some groceries to prepare lunch before her family wakes up.

As Sylvia was getting into the lift, she was busy putting away the keys into her purse, not paying attention to her surroundings she nearly bumped into the person coming out of the lift. When she looked up to see who it was, she was met with a beautiful tanned face of a young woman. She had a beautiful silky smooth dark brown wavy hair, falling just below her chest. She wore a short black leather jacket, paired with tight black jeans, ripped at the knees, and black shiny heels. She looked like she had just walked out of a biker movie. The lady looked at Sylvia's dazed expression and her lips quirked up, extending her hand she said, "you must be our new neighbours?". Sylvia snapped back to reality and quickly answered, "yes... uh, we just moved in today", taking her extended hand, smiling, she said, "nice to meet you my name is Sylvia." The lady looked her up and down, taking in every inch of her, slowly withdrawing her hand, and finally meeting her eyes, she introduced herself, "Mei... you can call me Mei." Suddenly there was an awkward silence. Sylvia noticed the deep and scrutinizing look that Mei was giving her. It felt as if Mei was looking deep into her soul, she felt vulnerable, like a defenceless bird looking into the snakes eyes before it devours it. Feeling extremely uncomfortable, Sylvia barely managed to get the words out, "u...um...I've g...got to go, I need to uh..to get the groceries!", without waiting for a response, she got into the lift and pressed the ground floor button, as the doors were closing, she noticed Meis' eyes still on her. Sylvia gave her a wry smile. when the doors closed, she noticed that she was sweating, her hands and back were drenched! 'What was that? It must have been my imagination...I haven't slept for two days...yeah, just my imagination haha'. As she got out of the lift she gave a nervous laugh and tapped her chest with her fist to calm her heart down, "okayy, change of plans... get the groceries, order some takeout and go straight to bed."

An hour later she was back at home putting away the groceries. She then ordered the food online and while waiting for the food she took a quick shower. She ate her share of sweet and sour chicken with egg fried rice, wrote a note to her family about where to find the groceries and food, then headed straight to bed. The moment she hit the pillow, she passed out.