As she sat down, Mallery went: "How many other Pre-University Seminar groups are still meeting like we do? It's really rare and amazing!"

Indeed, it is true. My friends are pretty astonished to know that my pre-u sem group (G10) still hangs out together every once in a while. To put it bluntly, we have different social circles and our path do not really cross. Think about it. All of us are from different junior colleges, and the only thing we have in common is that we spent one week together in Block 10 in Prince George's Park. It is really quite an achievement that we are still in active contact.

Perhaps the number of times we met as a collectivity is countable, but we have been staying strong for the past years. Admittedly, sometimes we do end up gossiping about the same old stuff (odd couple, Jacky's English Camp, Operation Last Supper etc) but it is old jokes like these which never fail to make us tickle. After all, what happened in June 2004 is the common memory and heritage that we share as a small community.

But we are more than that. We always have fresh conversations, and (sometimes) new adventures. Take for the Taiwan trip that I had with Chong Heng and Amelia (never mind that I was the light bulb). Or the conversation about politics, religion and relationships. We are not a group which keeps on refreshing old memories. If anything, we are a group that sincerely cares for one another and has no problem chilling out together.

This brings to the million dollar question: How do we sustain our friendship? Frankly, I have no clue. It is not because we hang out very often. As Mallery pointed out, the number of times we meet up is actually quite within count (though I must add, it is not indicative of the strength of our group). More importantly, even if someone take the initiative to organise a get-together, we could always decline. And sadly, this has happened to some who have left the group. Without the willingness to meet up, any attempt to organise a gathering will definitely fail spectacularly.

I believe it has something to do with what Jie Lin has highlighted as the most salient quality in a relationship, and that is connection. At least for me, I do feel very comfortable with each and every one in the group. In fact, I do view our group as a family. It is heartening to see that we are always there to support one another, and being ever willing to pour our hearts out without much hesitation. Or, to even have a vacation together. If we are not a family, then I do not know what this is.

We have grown and matured over the years, and there are bound to be some changes within us. For example, Amelia and Jie Lin stopped wearing glasses and Mallery's straight hair is a matter of the past. But one thing never change, like how Melvyck continues to correct Jacky. That is the essence of our relationship - free, happy and always supportive.

So, here is to our good friendship. Cheers.

And oh, did I mention how blessed I am to have you guys?

-

And oh, before I forget, here is the quote of the night:

"I was sitting behind Melvyck's car." (Loh, Jacky, 2011).

Truly a stroke of a genius. Jacky is indeed a class of his own.