what a visit to the dentist turned out to be

Dentist: How old are you?

Me: 18

Dentist: Form 5?

Me: I graduated already

Dentist: so you're working now?

Me: no...going to study

(dentist checking)

Mom: so? does she need braces?

Dentist: based on my observations, you have to get the braces. Besides, your wisdom teeth have to be aligned or the might be some complications in the future.

Mom : then how much would that cost?

Dentist: you've probably seen your friend's braces...well, those are conventional braces. Now, we've developed a new system that is less painful. RMxxxx. And you will have come for check up every 2 months.

Mom: (thinking how would i come back to go for the checkups)

Dentist: i have a client who's the same age as you. Getting her braces too. Do you know xxx? When you came in, i saw that you resemble her a lot. I thought you were siblings but you have different surnames so maybe a cousin perhaps.

Me: No...(so that's the reason for the way he looked at me)

Mom: (telling him about my achievements, future plans...)

*********************************************************************
In the car

Mom: can you come back for the checkups every two months?

Me: as long as i have a letter from the clinic, i think i can ask for permission.

Mom: ...well, it's up to you la. You want to do now or what

Me: they need to get the photograhps, X-rays and such right?

turned back to go and ask

Mom: (talking to my Sis) you register for the government one. You now only Form 3. Can save RMxxxx.

Me: my friend registered during Form1/2, they ask her to come and do when she already graduated from Form 5.

Mom: my friend's daughter. Same age as you. Already take out her braces.

Me: your friend your friend la. Don't compare la!

Mom: you compared with your friend wat!

Me: (what?! i was just giving you information)

When we're halfway through the door,

Mom: i think better don't ask. Since we're not sure yet. You don't have to do it now. Who knows later what are your plans.

Started raining...heavily. Rushed back into the car.

Mom: Do things must be very sure only do. You ah. For so many years, when we asked you, you said you don't want. Now only want. Later get back sure let Daddy scold one. Do things kelam-kabut.

Me: ...(isn't it you who asked me to come for the checkup?)

Mom: AAA got work or not?

Me: got...at Siang Ling(a hairstyling shop)

Mom: then BBB? The one always come to our house one.

Me: no.

Mom: At least AAA also got work. You ah...My friends they all ask me, "eh, your daughter now do what ah?"
" Do nothing. Stay at home."
" Ha...stay at home only ah?"
Your friends also got work.

Me: ...

Mom: You're different from other people.

Me: (i personally like to take it as a compliment)

Mom: You and your friends. Lazy la. Now i know.