*The Alternate Reality

More often than not, people are not satisfied or content with the life they live, the material possessions they have, the people they are around. They wish for better lives, subsequently suffering from the "what if" or "if only" syndrome, entering a reality portal that transports them to a world that depicts perfection conforming to their imagery of it. But what are the odds that in this perfect world, happiness will prevail and all problems will just disappear? What if...

John Bow had decided to join his hometown friends against his own personal preference to enjoy for a few months after his high school finals? The time spent relaxing was transferred to a first semester in MUFY, where he would have been together with Dan Wise, Nick Ivans and fellow hometowner Ean. Barring a repeat of Dan's and Nick's 'mishap', John would have entered university. In a disparate issue, he would have never been acquainted with Hans Basil, Sue Anne, Angie Flo and Diane Shine. He would never have enjoyed whatever times there were to enjoy with them, but on the plus side, he would have been spared from all the emo attacks from and resulting fights with Emo Boy Hans Basil.

Hans Basil had chosen the other option available on the first day of school? It was break period, and his then roommate, and housemate John, had both asked him to join them for lunch. Hans rejected his roommate, and followed John instead. Had the choice been reversed, he would have been in a completely different clique, one where the troublesome alien language would not have been present, saving him from all the mess it had created. His character might have been different than the one currently portrayed. What if Hans had succeeded in quitting MUFY the first time earlier this year, or had not let words change his decision when he had gotten the green light from his parents? Bumming around at home, working to replenish his cash and avoiding all the ensuing drama that had enveloped Sunway. Being just a distant memory in the minds of those who had known him.

Weekly double dates were on the cards, penned in the weekly planners of Sue Anne and Angie Flo with their respective boyfriends Dan Wise and Javis James. Things had never been brighter for the pair, especially Sue who had endured tumultuous weeks of emotional torture in poring over the number of guys her head and heart were at loggerheads over. The fact that Leo was taken did not bother her made her realise that it was Dan that her heart yearned for, and Dan reciprocated the feeling, rehashing their sham relationship earlier this year. Only this time it was real. As for Angie, her past failures in achieving a relationship shattered as she snagged Javis, the cute couple being the epitome of bliss and joy.

Sanya Dival had never left India? Her quick dominance in Sunway-scaling the higher echelons of Sunway's ranks- was evidence of the appeal and power of her appearance. Remaining in India had permitted more invaluable family time, cutting down on travelling time and expenses. She had also established a relationship with her secret admirer, one who had been waiting for ages for her to finally accede, and she had, living her Indian Fairytale. She remained popular in her school in India, draped off the arm of her Prince Charming and was envied by girls all over.

Diane Shine had gained some sort of foothold in the fashion industry, her eye-catching photoshoots garnering positive reviews and slowly building the foundation that would launch her into the spotlight of the fashion world. Studies pushed aside, and with her boyfriend at her helm, she was taking it all in her stride, completing the transition from Sunway Queen to fashion Queen. And what made it sweeter was not the apparent success she was basking in, but the fact that she could be with her boyfriend and enjoy the moments. Perhaps she could be gracing the cover of a magazine pretty soon.

Nick Ivans was living the life of the rich and famous, albiet not being rich or famous. Having secured the girl that he had his eye on for some time, he could turn his focus on his flourishing "career"- his card tricks offered him stints around town and his lyrics born out of boredom had gotten him a fat wallet, with his musically gifted friends acquiring his lyrics for their songs. Having not settled well in college, Nick chose to divert his attention to his dreams and hobbies, and with his girl by his side, life was a bed of roses for the face of a thousand impressions.

Certain aspects of one's life are desired to be altered, a bid made to live the dream they yearn for. In this dog-eat-dog world, dreams are chased but rarely fulfilled, hindered by the tough obstacles that litter the path to success. As such, individuals often dream and wish for things- wishing upon a shooting star, upon tossing a coin in a fountain or well, or a cigarette 'wishstick'. While it is obvious non of these would actually work, people still do it, in hope that they will get some sort of miracle or divine intervention. Those may be possible, but the only thing that would get them to the place they so desire can only be achieved via the mind- a strong tool that allows one to dream and live in an alternate world that portrays the perfect setting life they seek.