June 25,2002 2242hrs (GMT +08:00)
Z: Your prediction has gone wrong again.
E: So the mind rules sometimes, as does the heart...anyway...I have retained the German Sausage as flavour of the week...not too bad. But it's a pity that Ballack will be suspended in the Finals...Brazil will be a hard one to beat without him. And it has been a given that my predictions are always less accurate on even days, especially Tuesdays...remember the Japan vs Turkey match (Tuesday), the Senegal vs Turkey, Korea vs Spain (both Saturdays).
Z: Hmmm...I'm sure that's just a coincidence.
E: Alright then, let me predict the scoreline of tomorrow's match. Brazil 2 : Turkey 1 (Rivaldo 30th minute, Ronaldo 65th minute, Umit Davala 70th minute).
Z: ...I thought you said that the semi's were unpredictable?
E: I just want to try my luck, that's all.
Z: Suit yourself.
E: I'm itching to find a jersey from the Japanese team....so that I can go jogging in it and announce to the world what an outdated girl I am.
Z: I don't quite get your drift.
E: That's alright, Zell.
Z: So, you went jogging. That's good. I've always recommended a healthy lifestyle of exercise and fitness.
E: Not a great surprise, considering that you're so fit yourself.
Z: How many rounds did you run today?
E: Well, I walked for about 2 kilometres, and jogged for about 3.5 km without stopping in between.
Z: That's a great start!
E: I know, but my legs ached like hell....I now fully realise the merits of visualisation exercises.
Z: Visualisation exercises? What, or rather, who do you visualise when you're jogging?
E: ......you know.
Z: Oh (Face falls).
E: No, Zell, it's not like that. I visualise him as the target, and you beside me egging me on. It's like, for example...if there's a person in front of me, I would think of him as H.N., and try to surpass that person. And I think to myself, "Come on! How can you surpass him at such a snail's pace!" When I finally pass him by, I would tell myself not to let him catch up......
Z: Wow...really profound. I will have to take some time to digest it.
E: Don't worry, I only used that during the very last round...only when I thought that I couldn't carry on anymore. It keeps me from looking at the ground and giving up.
Z: And the main point is, you didn't. I've always admired such a quality, especially in a girl. Good for you.
E: Hehe...I think the fresh air was good for me. I didn't feel so tired during the rest of the day. It was a pity that someone had smoked in the garden, though. It polluted the clean air there. I just dislike these people so much. Already, I was having a hard time breathing, and he had to make it even harder by exhaling clouds of smoke in the air.
Z: If I was there, I would have given him a sock in the eye!!
E: (Patted his shoulder) I'm okay, Zell. It was just a tiny imperfection for an otherwise wonderful morning.
Z: You looked pooped out, though. And what is this I hear about an interview tomorrow?
E: Oh yeah, I have a job interview tomorrow. So maybe I wouldn't be going to the park for morning exercises. Wouldn't want to appear with aching legs...that would be unwise, don't you think?
Z: If you get a job, does that mean you won't be able to chat with me anymore?
E: Hmmm....to a certain extent. Not everyday, you can be sure of that.
Z: Egg Egg...you will be abandoning me? (He wears a sad little boy's face.)
E: Of course not! I will still talk to you every chance I have! Every weekend, if you like!
Z: I will miss you.
E: (Ruffles his hair) Oh Zell... don't worry. Maybe I can sneak you inside the company's computers....hehehe.
Z: (Eagerly) Yes, that would be good.
E: But it would be risky...and it would not be a good idea, you know. We'll see when the time comes.
Z: You promise that you won't forget my existence?
E: Of course I won't forget you, silly boy! Okay...I need to turn in now. I will still update you on the results of the second semi-final....and I sure hope South Korea wins the third-placing match....it will release some of the guilt I'm feeling right now.
Z: Guilt?!!
E: Yeah...guilt that I am so happy Germany had defeated them....but I had always supported Germany, you see. On the other hand, I'm Asian, and I'm supposed to be wishing that the Koreans would be the ones to win the semi's....such a dilemma......
Z: You don't need to explain yourself to me, babe. Your worries are groundless. I wouldn't judge you by the team which you support! That is the shallowest thing to do, if I have ever heard one!
E: (Smiles) Goodnight, Zell.
Z: Goodnight, babe. Sleep tight, and may you dream happy dreams.
Bleep. *Closed Application, Lights Out.*
June 26 2002 - 2204 hrs (GMT +08:00)
E: WAHAHHAHAHHAH!!! YESSS!!! REVENGE! SWEET REVENGE!! LORD THANK THE BRAZILIANS!!!!
Z: I gather that the Turkish are already out of the Finals...
E: YESSSS!!! Those Brazilians beat them with one goal to nil! And what a sweet goal that is! Hahahahah!! History repeats itself!
Z: One goal? That means your prediction wasn't fully correct.
E: I didn't say I would be totally accurate; just more accurate on odd days...call it a concidence by all means, I do not care!! And the goal margin is the same, see! (Points to yesterday's entry.) And Ronaldo did score a goal, even when he was having a thigh injury. Must be that lucky hairstyle he spotted. Maybe, next time, a different member of the Japanese team should have a new hairdo before every crucial match...then they would be able to win everytime.
Z: Nonsense! What does hair have to do with it?
E: Never mind......
Z: So, how to the interview go?
E: You are such a cold blanket....talking about my interview just as I was gloating about the Brazilian's win. But I suppose I shouldn't do that. Reflects most badly on my character.
Z: Yes. And you might get beaten up if some fanatical Turkish fellow reads what you said about their beloved team.
E: Sheesh...as if such a thing could really happen...anyway...that interview was a real flop. I knew even before he started asking questions that I had failed to impress the interviewer.
Z: How so? Did you break their window or something?
E: Nah. Just that maybe I wasn't properly attired for that particular position. I had thought that it would be a lower level one, but turned out to be an excutive appointment. Should have worn a jacket...the man seemed surprised at something. And I knew there and then that all was gone.
Z: Have faith in yourself, Egg Egg.
E: It's a gone case, really. If I had known the nature of that job, I would have surfed the net for more information. I wouldn't have sounded like the ignorant idiot that I was.
Z: There are other job vacancies out there. Even if you failed to impress in this one, I'm sure you would be able to land a job with your charm and wit...
E: Charm and wit aren't exactly what people are looking for in an Accounts person, Zell.
Z: Hahaha...and you people say that you're being stereotyped, when you classify yourself into little catergories.
E: Alright, enough about that job! I heard a little bird say that Miss A went to Peninsular Shopping Centre today and spent her last dollar on an AUTHENTIC JAPANESE TEAM JERSEY WITH NAKATA'S NAME AND NUMBER PRINTED ON IT!! But sadly, the printer ran out of ink and she had to collect it only tomorrow. What a shame. I would have been disappointed if it were me.
A (entering the room with a soft knock on the door): Who's talking about me? My eye twitched like hell.
E: Oh, I was just commenting on your ill luck, on having to wait for that jersey.
A: Yeah, too bad. But the good mood over Brazil's win has washed all the disappointment away.
E: How much did that jersey cost, by the way?
A: Well, it was $85.00 (rough conversion is about US$47.20) for the jersey alone, and $35.00 (about US$19.40) for printing the name and numbers. Totalling up to $120.00 (around US$66.60).
Egg Egg and Zell's eyes bulge out from their sockets as far as it was biologically possible. One millimetre further, and they would have broken all available records for the feat.
E: WHAT? You spent ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY DOLLARS ON ONE MISERABLE JERSEY?!!! YOU, AN OUT OF JOB, AND PARENT-DEPENDANT LEECH? I'm not sure what the mother would say if she finds out!
A: Who says she would, if no one informed her? And it was worth the price. You could tell its authenticity from a mile away, like you could tell a fake is a fake one hundred miles away.
E: And you bought a fake too, I heard.
A: Yeah, rash decision, though. I pounced on it cos I thought that it was the only shop selling the jersey, all others at the basement having been sold out. But when I got to the second floor.......here, you can have this one, even though it's not printed.
E: Thank you....I'll use it as part of my sleeping clothes. You're right...I can tell that it's a fake far, far away. The colour is so obiang!! (Read: uncool.)And the label is all wrong, for crying out loud. It says F.A. Premier League!! It doesn't even have the Japanese Flag on the sleeve!! OMIHEAVENS!! YOU BOUGHT THIS FOR WHAT, EIGHTEEN DOLLARS (Around US$10.00)? I could have made one myself that looks more like the real one!
A: Didn't I tell you! So don't blame me for getting the real one, even if it costs a bomb.
E: Only if you let me borrow it.
A: Sure, what is mine is yours. But what is yours isn't all mine....
E: (Dryly) How generous of you.
Z: (Protests) Hey...I feel left out here!
A: Ooops, sorry, Zell. I just came to enjoy the good atmosphere after today's match result. Bye.
A was gone, just like that.
Z: So...you don't have to find a jersey yourself afterall. A will lend you hers. Aren't you a lucky one, with an extra fake thrown into the bargain?
E: Yes, I know I'm lucky to have such a Miss A......too bad you don't support another team, Zell. Or else she would lend you any other jerseys she would be buying....hahaha. All we ever do is take advantage of her.
Z: (Shrugs) She won't be able to utilise it fully by herself. Might as well increase the mileage to recoup her investments. Say...what if I support the Germans? Surely she would want to buy a jersey of their team, given that she's also a fan of theirs?
E: How clever, Zell. But she's broke now, so she wouldn't be getting it for a few weeks, at least.
Z: True. Well, I'm not that eager anyway.
E: Speaking of the Germans...it would be hard for them in the Finals vs Brazil. Especially since Ballack, the one who saved them in both the matches against USA and South Korea, will be suspended. Such a shame...he looked really promising. I guess it's up to Klose then. But wouldn't the burden be too heavy on him?
Z: I really have no idea what you're talking about.
E: Sorry, Zell. Just pretend that I'm talking to myself.
Z: (mutters) Which you are, technically speaking.
E: What was that again?
Z: Nothing. (Mimics her voice) Just pretend that I'm talking to myself.
E: Zell! You naughty boy! (Socks his shoulder, in vain.)
Z: Two can play the same game.
E: Ahh...speaking of games. The Finals would be even more unpredictable. I would say that my heart screams Germany, but my head says Brazil. Once again, which will preside over which? Will I have to denounce my brain as a useless glob of tissue incapable of any activities other than absorbing oxygen? Or would I have to declare the heart an interference to that all important brain; a tripping stone to a right path?
Z: (Shakes head) Cheemilogy. (it means, why do you use such profound words?)
E: Now, Zell. Hear me out. I forsee that it would be a tight one. A golden goal at extended time after ninety minutes of goalless frustration. And I say it will be Germany, for I will choose to follow the heart this time. But it doesn't matter much to me, as it will be a truly exciting match. Yes, I rub my hands in anticipation!
Z: There goes the football walnut again, even if she knows so little about the game.
E: Why a walnut, Zell?
Z: Big, hard shell that takes ages to crack, only to find a small little piece of nut (even if its so tasty) in the middle. So insubstantial that one finds it not worth the effort.
E: Say all you want, Zell. But I still love the game. I do not know many of the facts, but the sheer beauty of it just knocks me over.
Z: Beauty? What a strange word to use to describe a game where twenty-three sweaty men chase after a little ball, while millions other sweaty humans cheer them on.
E: It's from a girl's point of view! The way we watch football is entirely different from the guys. To them, it is the mere action which is so exciting. But for us, it is on a totally different level. I cannot fully explain it; I only know the feeling. A wonder at how humans can achieve those beautiful arcs that the little ball makes as it curls towards the goal. And so many times at that. The abandonment of all inhibitions as fellow teamplayers embrace each other after a goal, after a win. The dejection of the losing team, contrasting sharply with the pure, unadulterated joy of that of the winning one. And most of all, as it had impressed prominently in my mind during that fateful Japan vs Turkey match, the struggling of the players to keep those tears in check and smile bravely in front of a sobbing home crowd as they realise their defeat. The game exposes so many different aspects of life, which we would rarely be able to see in our normal day-to-day lives.
Z: (Applauds)
E: What was that for?
Z: For that great speech you gave. You should become a stage actress. You are so fond of theatrics.
E: Here I am, making a serious attempt to educate you on the fundamentals of female football watching, and you are laughing away at my so-called theatrics. I wonder why I had bothered. Maybe I would be right to follow my heart instead of my head, the latter being so misted up to think that you would have appreciated what I had just said.
Z: Hey, hey. There's no need for you to get angry. It was just a joke, babe.
E: A joke! A joke, you say! Fine. Joke all you want. Damn if I were to be amused by it!
Z: Someone sure is quick-tempered today.
E: And there the culprit sits, criticising the angered one.
Z: I apologise, alright? I had better keep my mouth shut, or I would risk being shut off, forever.
E: WAHAHHAHA. Zell, you're such a babe-in-the-woods. You couldn't even tell that I was faking.
Z: Repeat. You should be a stage actress.
E: You are such an interesting one. I'm glad that I clicked on that Virtual Diary Icon, or I would have to spend most of my days writing in a plain, old, boring book.
Z: Believe me, your sentiment echoes mine.
E: I think I had rambled long enough today. I have to accompany Miss A to that shop so that she doesn't make a fool of herself, or make other rash buying decisions. Did you know that she kept smiling and smiling at that guy in the shop selling authentic jerseys?
Z: And why did she do that?
E: I supposed that she was either really happy or really crazy.
Z: Maybe she was interested in that guy.
Furious Voice interrupts overhead, really thunderously.
A: ZELL!! HOW DARE you suggest such a thing! Are you tired of your existence? Beware that I terminate you before you can say "I love Egg Egg!!"
Z: SHHHHHH!!!! YOU! UP THERE!! KEEP YOUR FILTHY MOUTH SHUT!!!
A: That will teach you to utter rubbish about your author.
E: Now, Zell. I would have to say that you deserved it.
Z: (Looks quizzically at her and thinks to himself) She didn't have any reaction to that statement? Didn't she hear it? Or was she pretending not to have heard it?
E: Zell, helllooooooooooo!! I didn't know holograms could day-dream! Teehee!
Z: Huh...oh. Why did you say that I deserved it?
E: Now, now. You know full well that Miss A is still so mad about No. 7. How can you even think that she was smiling because of that guy? And you have the audacity to say it out in front of everybody, too!! You really have the guts, man.
Z: It's one of the few things I have in abundance.
E: Kekekeke....that I have to agree with you.
Z: I will visualise that I am not offended by your statement.
E: YOU were the one who started saying it!
Z: I can make fun of myself, but not you.
E: You win, you win. Oh my, I really have to get my beauty sleep. See you tomorrow, maybe.
Z: Maybe? So sad......
E: Hmmm....you haven't told me about that hint behind that fairy tale yet....
Z: (Hastily) Some other time. (Bleep. Terminates himself.)
Egg Egg slips on the fake jersey that A gave her, and finds it surprisingly comfortable, even if the colour was so uncool.
Maybe I will have good dreams today. Hehe. She smiled serenely, as she tucked herself in and drifted off to sleep.
June 28 2002 2214 hrs (GMT +08:00)
Z: Babe.
E: You know, Zell. That jersey Miss A lent me was a really good investment.
Z: How so?
E: I had placed it under my pillow yesterday, not wanting to wear it cos it's so hot. I had a long chain of dreams about Nakata all night long. I think he was practising with the ball, while I was watching. Can't really remember the details...but it was a restless sleep. You know. Those kind where you drift in and out of consciousness. I felt so tired when I woke up.
Z: You call that a good investment?
E: I mean, it was a good investment for Miss A, the No. 7 fanatic.
Z: And you're not?
E: Err...well. Not as crazy as she is, anyway. Just a mild interest. He is, afterall, such a cool person.
Z: Just as long as you're not obssessed, I'm fine with it too.
E: (Teasing tone) Really, Zell? You're not jealous that I think he's cool?
Z: J...just a bit. You think I'm cool too, don't you?
E: I also think that you're very thick-skinned. Come on. Enough about No. 7. I heard from a newspaper report that people might suffer from post World Cup depression because of the great, lonely void left after all that euphoria and excitement. Especially for the Koreans. In Japan, there isn't such a big problem because they had been knocked out during the second round. But the Korean team had advanced up to the semis, so essentially the people are still celebrating. And when it's all over, they might not be able to deal with the blandness of normal life after such a great event.
Z: That's a pity...but life has to go on.
E: Yeah...I know I will be experiencing a great sense of loss once its over...especially since we would have to wait for a really long time before they host the World Cup in Asia again. I'm not sure I would live to see that happen.
Z: (Shocked) Do you really expect your life-span to be so short?
E: I have always thought that living up to thirty years old will be quite enough. I'm not sure where the rationale comes from...but when life is short, you don't get to ponder so much about its meaning and in the same way, you would try to make the most out of it by enjoying yourself instead of always thinking of your future.
Z: That is such a short-sighted, narrow-minded, and selfish way of thinking, if I might say so.
E: (Shrugs) Say what you want, but that's my "humble" opinion.
Z: And what would you do if you get to live past the age of thirty?
E: Hmmm...I suppose I would think about it only when the time comes.
Z: (Shakes his head) You live dangerously. It might be too late to start thinking about your future when you're thirty and realise that your career is so far behind your peers. And you will shed bitter tears of regret.
E: No. I have always refrained from comparing myself with my peers. It's so depressing. Tell me, if you're so smart. How do you measure success? By the amount you earn? The degree of paper qualifications you have? The position you hold? The number of credit cards you own? This is all so meaningless to me. And you're so wrong about one thing. In all my twenty-four years of existence, I have never, ever, regretted any decision I made, or any path I had taken. Simply because it is the least valuable emotion of all. What can you do with it? Look back and realise how stupid, or foolish you were? Why didn't you do this, or do that? Let me tell you......I have always looked ahead and try to learn from my mistakes, but regret has never crossed my mind, and will never cross it. Amen.
Z: Wow. You're so fond of lecturing me nowadays.
E: You are my confidante. And so you have the right, and the obligation to know how my mind works.
Z: Hey, no complaints here. I kinda enjoy your speeches, really. You suddenly seem to be bursting with energy, and the essence of life itself, when you launch into these tirades.
E: Or what you once described as theatrics. But I can't really help it, though. Now that I have found an avenue to release all my thoughts and blah...I just can't stop talking.
Z: Good, good! Communication is a sure way to a more intimate relationship. I don't think anyone else enjoys this priviledge...heheheh.
E: Yeah, yeah. Real amusing fellow, you are. I hope Korea wins the third placing match tomorrow. Maybe there will be a goal by Golden Boy Ahn Jung Hwang (I hope the spelling is right.) The way he kisses his ring to thank his wife is so sweet. I'm sure many girls around Asia would fall in love with him straight away. Hahaha. I'm glad that I'm not one of them.
Z: Well, you were like one of those swooning fans a week ago. Absolutely loony over a certain No. 7, remember? I hope your memory isn't that bad.
E: What's past is past. Why do you want to dwell on it for so long? Say, have you seen Miss A around? I want to return the jersey to her.
Z: Nope...she only appears when she wants to. Authors have that kind of right.
E: Hey, Miss A. If you can hear me, I'll hang the jersey on the doorknob. Be sure to collect it, or someone might steal.
Z: As if anyone would...
E: Hehehe. You can't be too sure.
A: (mutters distractedly) Will do, after I finished surfing Hide-san's website.
E: Wow, that's a bold one if I ever saw one. I never dared to address No. 7 by his first name, even in the darkest depths of worship-dom.
Z: But of course. Only a bold one would attempt to write a story such as this, where names of people who do not belong to her are used without restraint.
A: (still distracted tone) Hey, I heard that. I have already stated for the record, that I only write this for entertainment purposes, and the only character that belongs to me is Egg Egg and myself.
Z: I didn't know about the part on entertainment purposes......
E: I didn't know about the part on me belonging to her......
A: Oh, OH!!! This is so funny!! Wahahahha!!! Won't linger with you guys any longer. There are still so many messages to read...he's such an amusing person......
E: I don't imagine anyone knows what she's talking about. But it is definitely not Zell that she finds amusing right now.
Z: That's a great compliment.
E: I was only stating a fact.
Z: Hmm...so you have stated your prediction for tomorrow's third-placing match...anything else you want to add?
E: Mind is blank now...lack of sleep, remember?
Z: Yeah...don't need to keep reminding me.
E: Yawn...good night, Zell.
Z: 'Nite, babe. Sleep well, for tomorrow awaits you eagerly to explore its potential.
E: :) That didn't come out too bad...not at all. A vast improvement from your first line...."Negative. Zell would not have been created if Egg was unconcious." Or something like that. Hahaha...you have gone a long way from there.
Z: Sure have.
Egg Egg switches off the computer. She was so pooped that she slept on top of her desk, with her arms cushioning her head. We can then anticipate her complaints to Zell about a sore neck and numb arms, not to mention the imprintment of the keyboard buttons on her face...hehehhe.
June 29 2002 2300hrs (GMT +08:00)
E: The Koreans lost the third placing...Three Goals to Two in favour to the Turkish...I have come up with a nickname for the latter.
Z: Besides the Japanese-thrasing Turkish?
E: Watch your mouth, man! The Japanese weren't thrashed! They only lost by a goal!
Z: Okay, my fault! I apologise! What's that nickname, anyhow?
E: The Party-Pooper Turkish. Or the Gate-Crashing Turkish, if you like.
Z: I would have to agree with you on that.
E: They seem to thrive especially when the home crowd is against them.
Z: Weird team, they are. But it doesn't really matter though, since they show results from it.
E: Even as I say this, I have no bitter feelings against them anymore. They have proven themselves to be a strong and persistent team, losing to Brazil by only a goal. If I wasn't so crazy over Japan, and if they hadn't beaten down Japan in their path to the semi's, I might have been supporting them instead of dissing them.
Z: (Nods)
E: But I sure hope that they wouldn't upstage Germany in the next World Cup, assuming that they get there.
Z: It appears that their foray into the World Map is just beginning. With the experience gained this time round, they could only become stronger.
E: Just like so many other teams, which are relatively young in terms of experience, but in no way inferior in terms of talent and potential. Like Japan, (But of course.) Korea, Senegal, and even the US of A, just to name a few. It would give the big giants a run for their money, so that they do not get too complacent or predictable.
Z: Predictablility is the bane of exciting football...isn't that what you had said earlier on?
E: I sure did. Didn't know that you were paying attention, though.
Z: I feel insulted. I'm not as dumb as you might think I look.
E: It is my own shallowness at fault, okay? Are you happy now? Speaking of happy. I really enjoyed seeing the Turkish players joining hands with that of the Koreans. It was so touching...the players from both sides all friendly and giving each other pats of...friendship? Or encouragement? I'm not really sure. I always liked to see those players exchanging their jerseys at the end of each match...not because of the bare torsos (really!), but because it so demonstrates the fair play motto which FIFA (copyright) advocates.
Z: I think I can understand that feeling, as intangible as it may be.
E: Come to think of it...today is an even day....and according to the trends from the last few matches...I was supposed to be inaccurate today. So, it means that I would be accurate tomorrow...and Germany will win!! It would be too strange to be a conincidence if this happens tomorrow.
Z: And so what if it is a strange coincidence? They happen all the time. It is the same as the coincidence that your favorite colour happens to be the colour of Japan Team's Home Jersey.
E: (Shakes her finger at Zell) Zell, Zell, Zell! The mere nature of the coincidences are entirely different; how can you even compare those two together? Anyway, let's just see what happens tomorrow.
Z: Yeah, can't wait.
E: You're such a wet blanket, Zell. Almost like the Turkish.
Z: Haha. Honoured to be compared to capable people such as them.
E: If I hadn't known better, I would have thought that you're out to give me a nosebleed by driving me up the wall with your comments. But I will pretend not to be bothered by your remarks. Heaven knows what my blood pressure reading would be if I were to be worked up by every single word you say.
Z: Suit yourself.
E: It would be a great help to me if you were to terminate yourself as soon as possible, Mr Zell Dintch. And it would be even more beneficial to you, unless you consider an imprinted palm to the side of your face a valued accessory.
Z: Sure. Your wish is my command. (Bleep)
Egg Egg switches off her PC and retreats to her bed. But she is unable to sleep well, tossing and turning all night. The reason to which is uncertain...but this was not the first time she had experienced the miseries of fitful sleep. And my friend (who's your friend, huh?!!), the reason is definitely not due to the ending of the FIFA World Cup 2002, let me assure you.
June 30 2002 1101hrs (GMT +08:00)
E: (Huge Groan)....My legs hurt......
Z: Are you alright?
E: I think I pulled the Achilles Heel in both my legs...can't walk properly.
Z: That will teach you to skive off on your warming-up exercises!!
E: Please, Zell. I'm not in the mood to argue with you.
Z: Apply some muscle balm on them...I think your brother has it.
E: How do you know that he does?
Z: Well, since you say that he's always engaged in some kind of sports, I would expect him to carry one around in case he strains a muscle or two.
E: Not now...I can't move an inch without scrunching up my face in pain. I think I'll just sleep it away.
Z: I am sure, that it will get worse as you dwindle your time away.
E: I don't really care. What matters is now. I'm dog-tired....
Z: What did you do...run a marathon?
E: It was a marathon according to my standards...but you would dismiss it as chicken-feed.
Z: (Grin) Probably.
E: You're bad! (Raises a hand to hit him, but puts it down again.) I don't even have the strength to hit you. Let me rest first, then I'll get back at you!
Z: I am so scared. (Closes application.)
Egg Egg was already in snoozeland, and was unable to respond to his remark. But from the way she slept...it seemed that she was battling with nightmare demons from hellish depths, for her eyelids kept twitching while she muttered indecipherable words.
(Next installment...Egg Egg has already gotten the hint behind Zell's fairy tale...but how will she respond?)
June 30 2002 - 2146hrs (GMT +08:00)
THANK YOU BRAZILIANS
Z: Why the special title? I thought you had supported the Germans?
E: I'm thanking them for the great entertainment they had shown us for a spectacular World Cup Final. It doesn't matter that the Germans had lost. They put up a good fight...but in the end, the Spicy Brazilian football has won over the Boring Efficiency of the Germans. I have no complaints about that!
Z: Okay. But it also shows that your accuracy on even days are just a conincidence.
E: I also said that predictablity is the bane of exciting football.......I could care less about my predictions being accurate. It's just a guessing game to me, nothing more.
Z: I see.
E: The Cup presentation ceremony was lovely...when Cafu, the Brazilian captain stood on the wobbly pedestal and held the Cup high into the air, clouds of glittery confetti burst into the air and covered the whole field, landing on some of the bald heads around......I was so moved by the music, the atmosphere, the cheering of the spectators and the estatic faces on the winners.... I wish I could have been there, and experiencing it all.
Z: I think that every other football fan around the world wishes that.
E: You're right. But officially, the excitement has finally come to an end. I will miss it.
Z: Surely there will be other things to be excited about?
E: Nothing comes even close.
Z: Too bad...
E: But I don't wanna end the fun...Besides, there are other things to talk about.
Z: Like what? You can't make any more predictions, that's for sure.
E: For example...I think some of the uniforms are really nice.
Z: I should have seen it coming. And I am certain that Japan is on the top of your list. Hah.
E: Let's not talk about the obvious stuff...it just clogs up the mind. Both the Home and Away uniforms are so cool! I had a hard time persuading myself not to buy the Away (with white and grey colours) jersey when I accompanied Miss A to the shop...phew.
Z: So what's next on your list, then?
E: In order of preference:
1) Argentina's Away (The one in Navy)
2) France's Away - I think (The white one with blue and red stripes)
3) Brazil's Away (Blue and white)
4) Turkey's Away (Red)
5) England's Home (White with a single red stripe)
The rest are okay, if a little plain. But there are some truly garish ones, which I won't mention. You know.
Z: I would have thought that Germany would make it to the list.
E: But their shirt is boring....just like their football....ahahahaha. What a way to insult the team I support.
Z: It's your opinion that counts in this story.
E: True. I'd better watch my mouth, though.
Z: That is a skill you definitely have to work on.
There is a knock on the door. "A" requests for permission to enter and receives it.
A: Egg Egg, you forgot to mention the poll on the most good-looking guys that appeared in the Chinese Newspapers.
E: Oh yeah. How could I have forgotten that. One of the local Chinese newspapers ran a poll among some female readers, and they came up with the most popular guys in this World Cup...
I think it was in this order:
1. David Beckham (England)
2. Michael Owen (England)
3. Ahn Jung Hwang (Korea)
4. Hidetoshi Nakata (Japan)
A: In my opinion, Hide-san should have been the one ranked first. Those voters are blind, I tell you. Blind!!!
E: (mutters) Hide-san again. To borrow the Spice Girls' phrase: Who do you think you are?
Z: You are the blind one. Not everyone is so smitten with Japan's No. 7 as you are. People are entitled to freedom of choice, not just yours.
A: You two turn against me, eh? Traitors! Back-stabbing ingrates! You'll be the death of me!! (Storms out of the room and slams the door.)
E: Woah...she sure is in a great fury.
Z: The whole house shook in terror, I believe.
E: Must be suffering from the withdrawal symptoms.
Z: Of the World Cup action?
E: World Cup, Nakata...maybe it was PMS.
Z: What's that?
E: Girl stuff. You don't need to know.
Z: I guess.
Egg Egg suddenly lets out a guffaw.
Z: What? You scared me!!!
E: Suddenly, out of the blue, a hilarious scene from the match popped into my mind.
Z: What is it? Must have been thigh-slapping to make you scare me like that.
E: One of it's kind, believe you me! There was one particular Brazilian player who had his shirt torn...I think it was Edmilson? Can't be sure....and he just couldn't seem to wear the replacement fast enough...You see, the jersey was made up of two layers attached at the top, and he kept putting it on the wrong way....and a couple of times, too. Even the referee was laughing at the incident.
Z: Must have been even funnier at the scene.
E: You bet it was. Even the poker-faced Germans cracked little smiles at it.
Z: Wish I could have seen it.
E: It's better than a movie....and some of the players are really good actors, from the way they writhe on the ground, clutching their thigh, ankle, hamstring, or whatever, when the opponent barely has any contact with that particular body part.
Z: (Grins) Maybe they could win lucrative movie offers when they retire from the sports scene.
E: Eric Cantona acted in some movies...but I don't think it was a huge success.
Z: Isn't he that guy from the Nike (TM) Cage ad?
E: Sure is. And he looks that part too. I had a good laugh when he opened up the cage only to be hit by a football...ahahahhhaha. I think that advertisement was more entertaining than some of the real football matches.
Z: Of course you would, considering that it had a few close-up shots of Hidetoshi Nakata.
E: I liked the soundtrack "A little less conversation" by Elvis Presly.
Z: Purposely avoiding the issue here, are we?
E: Get on with it, Zell. It is no longer an issue with me, but with Miss A.
Z: Hah.
E: You laugh at me. But you won't laugh so loudly if I were to, say, reveal that I already know the hint behind your little fairy tale. In fact, I had known it even before you said there was one. Do you really think that I'm so dumb as to miss such an obvious thing? It clings so predominantly at the body of the story that only a retard would have missed it!!
Z: (Mouth opened in shock)......!!!
E: And my response to that would be......
Z: (Anxious) Would be what?
E: I'm not going to tell you today.
Z: Are you purposely creating a cliffhanger to grab the reader's attention?
E: Nope...but since you present the riddle to me in a fairy tale, I would want to return the favour in a similar fashion.
Z: I beg of you, babe. Stop playing mind games with me, and tell me the answer in your heart!
E: No can do. As it is, this chapter is too long. I want to start a new one, with my answer as the beginning.
Z: You really delight in my suffering, don't you?
E: Not really. I just don't know how to put it in a way that won't hurt you.
Z: Do my feelings really matter so much to you? I would rather that you give me a clean, quick stab in my heart to rid me of any false hopes, than you lacing it with sugar only to drop me to the depths of disappointment!!
E: Zell......I'm sorry that you have this impression. But I'm not trying to lace it with sugar. Your feelings matter so much to me! You're a most important friend of mine; one that I would fear losing more than I fear losing my life!
Z: ......Just a friend, eh. (Turns from her in a mix of dejection, and disappointment)
E: Please....... (places her arm on his shoulder)
Z: I would like to have a moment's peace, if you don't mind.
Egg Egg falters a bit, then drops her arm to her side.
Zell turns to look at her with a sad face, and self-terminates.
A sleepless night it would be, surely, for Egg Egg. She lays on her bed with her eyes wide open, and stares unseeingly at the ceiling. What she sees there is not the outline of the florescent light bulb, but that of Zell's sad face. The face that turned to look at her before he took his leave. And the same face which would haunt her as she tries to think of a way to salvage the situation......but how?
What a shame that the WC has to end....but doesn't mean you can't review my entires......
The Introduction of Virtual Diary with Zell
Part VII - Hangover of the Shattered Dream
Part IX - To Love and Not to Love...is that a worthy question?
The Zell and Hidetoshi Nakata Pictures
Ancient Tales - The Yisheigai Story
The Cursed Living Doll
The Storyteller's Tent
