Our Story, his version

I met Hui Chee at Alliance Francaise five years ago, when I attended a basic French class there for my two-year stint in France. I never really counted on meeting anybody since I was going away for quite a while. Hui Chee was seated next to me, but I did not even know her name then. I did not really speak to her as I was a rather reticient person.

It was during one of these lessons that Hui Chee and I were partners in learning how to converse in French. I said my piece in French and waited for her turn. She looked at me, tried to form the French words in her mouth, and burst out laughing. My face must be really comical, but I did not mind. I was fascinated. I had never really seen a lady so beautiful when she is laughing. My mind was not on the lesson for the rest of the morning. Still, I did not get to know her better. The module ended and I went to France.

There were some emails circulating around the class members (Incidentally, I was the one who compiled the emails for the class). I took the opportunity to email her and surprisingly, she replied! We started corresponding every day. I eagerly awaited her email everyday after I got off work. We got a lot closer through the correspondances.

During my first trip home, we had our first date. We had dessert at NYDC at Holland Village and chatted until the carpark was locked and Hui Chee had to pay the security guard a fine to release her car. Though I felt bad about it, I knew we had some chemistry between us. Whole night! We talked for a whole night! I usually cannot even chat with anybody for more than ten minutes.

During all my subsequent trips back to Singapore, I met up with Hui Chee. She also visited me once in Paris. We had a lovely time.

I finally held her hand in Sep 20, 2001. We were an item! Who says emails do not work?

Then Hui Chee also had to leave to work in Sydney Australia for two years when I was halfway through my stint in Paris. We were suddenly 13249 miles apart! (I checked out the web). I was sad I could not see her when I returned. However we talked about it and decided on the following: if I could not see her in Singapore when I returned, then I would just have to visit her in Sydney! This I did, and quite frequently too.

Taking in account her stay in Sydney, we spent three years apart. And during these five years, we progressed from being penpals to being a couple. And now on 25 Sep 2005, we will be husband and wife. People say that long-distance relationship does not work. Before I knew Hui Chee, I would agree with them. But now I know it all depends on your committment and whether you really want to make it work. We did, and that's why we are here today telling you our story.

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