Forget Me Not

Chapter 7

Josie and Sunny walked into the restaurant together, there were a few heads that turned, probably because they heard the yelling outside. "What are you doing here?" Sunny asked Josie as he was seated by Rain.

"Just visiting my new friend, Allie." she sneered teasingly. "I assume you're doing the same?"

Sunny narrowed his eyes suspiciously "Don't you dare do anything embarrassing.

Josie waved her hand nochalantly "Its not anything you haven't seen or heard before."

He seemed to be thinking before he shrugged "True, I think I've grown immune to it." He glanced around and didn't notice Allie anywhere. When Rain came back he asked her "Is Allie here today?"

Rain shook her head "No, I think she's out sick."

"Is she okay?" Sunny asked with full concern written all over his face.

Rain shrugged "Don't know. So do you want to eat or visit her?" she smiled slyly.

Josie laughed "Is it that obvious?" Rain nodded joining in with her laughter. "You, my friend" she pointed at Sunny "need help."

Sunny ignored her remark as he got up and pointed to her "Don't follow me." he warned. He rushed out of the restaurant.

Rain looked at Josie "Aren't you going to follow him?"

Josie smiled "No, I like this girl."

************

When Sunny got to Allie's apartment complex, he saw the iron bar gate that locked him out. He quickly waved to the elderly security gaurd "Uncle! Can you let me in?" he called.

The man shook his head "You're not a tenant here, sorry."

Sunny smiled "How about a boyfriend of one of your tenants?"

The security guard got up and walked over the gate "Really? Who?"

"Allie...." he didn't remember her last name.

"Ms Ng?" the guard finished for him. "I didn't know she had a boyfriend." but the gentleman looked friendly enough as he let Sunny enter. "I haven't seen her all morning, she might not even be home." he advised.

Sunny nodded "She's in bed, sick."

"Oh, that explains alot. What good boyfriend you are, coming by just to see her?" the man complimented. "Do you know what apartment she's in?"

Sunny smiled apologetically "No."

"3rd floor, apartment C9." he smiled as he watched Sunny rush up the stairs not bothering to wait for the elevator.

When he got to her place he stood in front of the door completely out of breath. He took a deep breath and was about to knock when his nose senses caught some odor out of the ordinary. Was it gas? His eyes widened as he realized it was gas. Frantically, he banged on the wooden door "Allie!! Allie, can you hear me? It's Sunny! Open up!" he yelled over and over but still their was not a budge.

He was going to run down to the security to have him open the door but he was afraid it would be too late. He didn't know how long she was in there. Sunny decided to break down the door himself as he used his full strength and body weight against the door. It took him three full tries but it eventually gave way and the hallway was overcome with the gas. He waved his hands in front of him as he coughed out the awful smell invading his nose. "Allie!"

He found her in the hallway, sprawled out on the tiles. He quickly ran to the kitchen to turn off the stove and came back to her. "Allie, are you okay?" he asked as he tapped her on the face. Still she did not answer so he took her pulse, it was barely beating. Picking her up easily with his arms as he raced her down the stairs.

The security man saw them and worried quickly overcame him "Is she okay? What happened?" he asked.

Sunny shook his head "I don't know, can you call the ambulance?"

The man nodded while dialing. Sunny placed her on the ground as he rested her head on his chest "Please be okay." he prayed over and over.

Within minutes the emergency ambulance came as they whisked her away to the hospital, with Sunny riding in the back. "She should be okay once we clean out her lungs." one of the emergency nurses reassured Sunny who was gripping on Allie's hand so tight.

When they got to the hospital, the nurses took her to the emergency rooms while Sunny waited outside. He was lost in thought and almost didn't hear his cell ringing. "Hello?"

"Sunny! I want to talk to Allie, put her on. Don't you dare say she's not there, I know you're with her!" Josie's voice sang happily.

Sunny sighed "I'm at the hospital down the street, Allie had a little accident."

"What?! Is she okay?" Josie's voice was full of concern.

"I don't know, the doctors are tending to her right now." he brushed his fingers through his hair with frustration.

"You need me there?" she asked calmly. She knew her friend did not deal well with emergencies.

"Did you have to ask?" he sighed.

"I'll be there before you can say..." she didn't finish her sentence and the cell went dead.

He looked at the phone with a smile, his friend was such a strange person sometimes. He didn't know how long he was sitting until Josie came. She immediately spotted the touseled hair Sunny. "How is she?" she rushed over to him.

"They're still in there." Sunny sat back with his eyes closed.

"She'll be okay." Josie wrapped her arms around him as she leaned on his shoulders. "Don't worry." she coaxed. "Should we call her work to tell them?" she was thinking logically.

Sunny nodded "I think so." he made the call to Richard. He seemed worried but Sunny assured that he would stay until she was released.

About an hour later, the doctors came out "Who is the familiy of Allison Ng?"

At the sound of her name, Sunny and Josie stood up "We are her friends."

The doctor smiled trying to assure the worried faces "She's going to be okay. But her lungs was full of toxic gas, we cleared it out finally. Did you know if she was trying to commit suicide or was it an accident?"

Sunny found no reason why she would want to commit suicide. "I think it was an accident. She was trying to cook porridge but I guess she forgot to turn the knob all the way, so the gas leaked out. I'm not sure how long she fainted until I came."

The sincere doctor nodded "Well, she's very lucky you came. You can visit her now. She might be sleeping though. Let her rest." Sunny nodded as he and Josie raced to her room.

Inside it smelled like medicine and it made Josie sick to her stomach "We have to get her out." she wrinkled her nose in disapproval.

Sunny wasn't paying attention as his eyes were glued to Allie's, she looked so peaceful resting on the bed. Two tubes were taped inside her nostrils. Her hand was resting on top of each other. He reached out slowly and took her hand in his, it felt cold. "Allie?" he whispered.

Josie hit him across the arm "Don't wake her up!" she hissed.

Allie's eyes popped open and came eye to eye with Sunny. she muttered a short "Where am I?"

Josie covered her mouth in shock "Oh my gosh, she's got amnesia."

Allie looked over at the other face that was looking at her "Josie?"

Sunny sighed as he glanced at his friend "Don't scare me like that!" he turned back to Allie with a smile "You remember me don't you?"

She smiled in return "Of course, Sunny." her face clouded over "What happened?"

"Were you trying to cook porridge?" Sunny asked, she nodded. "You didn't turn the stove off all the way."

She wrinkled her forehead and then looked down at her hands but did not pull away from his grasp "I'm so stupid." she sighed with a smile "Thank you for saving my life."

"So you owe him your life now, right?" Josie teased.

Allison laughed hoarsely "I guess so. What do you want me to do?" she teased Sunny.

Josie leaned in and whispered "He probably wants you to marry him." she giggled when Sunny pushed her away playfully.

"Don't listen to her. You don't owe me anything. Friends watch out for each other." he said calmly, trying not to blush.

"And lovers save each other's lives." Josie quipped.

Allie shook her head at her new friend, she was always so teasing. "I missed you."

"Did you hear that?" she nudged Sunny "She missed ME. Not you." she pointed out.

"Okay, you make more comments, I'm going to kick you out!" Sunny threatened.

Suddenly the room door opened and rushed in a distress Josh. He stopped when he saw Sunny and Josie there. "Allie." he nodded to her.

"Josh? What are you doing here?" Allie moved herself as she sat up on the bed.

Josh walked to her other side "I heard from Richard that you were in the hospital." he glanced quickly at her entwined hands with Sunny.

"I didn't know you were friends with the delivery boy." Josie snickered.

Sunny gave his friend a glare and turned back to Josh "I'll let you guys talk." he got up from the chair "I'll be back later, Allie." he smiled and practically pulled Josie out of the room because her eyes were glued to Josh, giving him dirty looks.

When the two were alone, Allie smiled at Josh "You came here to see me?"

He nodded "I was worried." he said straightforwardly.

She shrugged "I'm okay now. Although I don't think I want to cook when I'm sick anymore." she joked. He looked at her strangely and she quickly told him what happened.

He sighed "Next time, call me and I will come and cook you breakfast, lunch and dinner. Don't do that again, you scared the whole restaurant. Everyone was asking Richard the same questions."

Allie laughed "I should apologize to him then."

"I'll remind you." he teased. They laughed together.

Chapter 8

Later that afternoon when Sunny and Josie headed to the hospital after having lunch; they found Allison was ready to check out of the hospital. Sunny saw her filling out some paper at the reception desk. “Allie.” He called to her as he quickened his pace. “You’re leaving already?”

She smiled with a quick nod as she pulled him aside “I can’t stand the smell of medicine.” She whispered.

Josie over heard and cracked a smile “I told you!” she nudged Sunny.

“Well, did the doctor release you?” Sunny was still concerned for her health.

Allison sighed “If he didn’t, I wouldn’t be able to go home, silly.”

“Yeah, silly!” Josie laughed.

Sunny turned slowly to his friend “I’m surprised they haven’t kicked you out from all the noise you’re making. This isn’t a party, it’s a hospital.” He scolded her like a brother.

Allison shook her head “You two are too much. Come on, let’s get out of here.” She linked her arms through Josie, who was sticking her tongue out at Sunny. He was use to it, the best thing he could do was roll his eyes.

Sunny and Josie took Allison home, making sure that she was okay. Her apartment was aired out. When she got home, she quickly sat on her tiny couch “I’m so glad to be home.” She smiled like a little girl.

Josie sat next to her friend “Hey, next time you’re sick, just give me a call and I’ll come by and help you out.”

Sunny laughed “Yeah, cause she has nothing better to do.”

Josie threw him a glare that could burn through walls while Allison laughed, suddenly she remembered something “Hey, one of our waiters gave his two weeks notice about a week ago, that means Richard is probably hiring. Do you want a job?” she offered her friend.

Josie wrinkled her nose ready to decline when Sunny added “And give up the freeloading lifestyle? I don’t think she’ll do it.” He snickered.

She glared at him with the same evil eyes, instead she answered Allison “Sure, I would love to apply. I’ll be the best damn waitress too!” Allison smiled at her friend. “I mean next to you of course.” She added sweetly.

“Don’t make her sick, she just got out of the hospital.” Sunny quipped.

Allison sighed as they began bickering again “Here we go again.” She leaned back on the couch.

**************

The next day, Phoenix Inn was up and about again as usual. Allison had gone back to work eventhough Richard insisted that she took another day off. “I’m beginning to get withdrawals from not being at work. You want me to go crazy?” she argued with Richard as she got ready with her apron around her waist.

“I don’t want you to faint or anything.” Richard replied.

She laughed “I won’t.”

Later that afternoon, she had a private visit from Mr. Nick Cheung. He specifically asked for her. Rain rushed over to her friend “Nick Cheung is here and he’s waiting in the back door.” She gushed.

Allison laughed “Okay, I’ll be there.” She saw her friend skip back to her work station. She snuck quickly to the back door and waved him into the kitchen. “Isn’t this better?” she asked him as they dodged the cooks and waiters.

He smiled “Sure, if you minus the fishy smell and heat from the stove.” Her smiled dropped as she looked at him, the minute he saw her face he began to laugh “I’m kidding.”

“I thought you were serious.” She said as she seated him in the special room

He laughed “Just because I’m an actor doesn’t mean I don’t have a sense of humor. Is that what you think of us?” he asked.

She shook her head vehemently “No, not at all.”

“Okay, now get me some food.” He ordered.

She smiled at him “You’re teasing again right?”

He tilted his head “No, I’m serious. I’m starving.” Her smile faded as she stumbled to pull out her pad and pen “I’m teasing.” He laughed when she let out a sigh.

“Boy, you stars are hard to serve.” She said sarcastically.

He nodded “So you do have a sense of humor.” He poured himself a cup of the ready made tea on the table. “Oh, I almost forgot, I’m meeting a producer here in about two minutes. His name is Steve, he’s kind of bald and a little round in the center. Can you keep a look out for him?”

Allison nodded with a grin “Sure.”

Nick gave her a strange look “What’s so funny?”

She smiled “How could you describe someone has ‘kind of bald’? It’s like saying, she’s kind of pregnant. You either are or you aren’t.”

He nodded “True. Well, he’s bald if you look at half his head.” She giggled.

“Okay, I’ll get back to work now.” She still had a smile on her face when she was outside in the restaurant floor. She continued with her job and kept a look out for Steve. There were a few guests that entered who looked ‘kind of bald’, but she thought they did not look like a producer.

She was taking an order when the door of the restaurant flung open and a man in a dark purple suit with purple colored lenses on his frames. Some people began to snicker and laugh at the get up. She stared at the round man and wondered if he was Steve? She continued to look at him strangely until he came up with her with a bright smile “Hi, do you want my autograph?” he asked.

She shook her head “You’re an actor?”

He laughed brightly “I thought you didn’t recognize me.” He took her arm and pulled her away from the crowded room towards the back “I’m Steve Leung. Is Nick here yet?” he whispered.

Allison sighed “Oh, so it is you! Yes, he’s here, follow me.” She took him through the kitchen and into the room.

The two saw each other and shook hands with a quick embrace, laughing like old friends “How are you doing, Nick?” Steve asked happily.

Nick smiled “Not as good as you. Gosh you look….” He pointed to his outfit.

Steve straightened his collar “Cool?” he finished for Nick.

“No, I was going to say you look like a pimp.” Nick answered bluntly making Allison burst into giggles.

Steve turned to stare at Allison until she stopped laughing “Sorry.” She mumbled.

“You know Nick, I thought you would have more taste than to chose this restaurant. The help here doesn’t even know the code.” Steve said sarcastically.

Nick laughed “What code?”

Steve looked at him in shock “You know, we play along like we know each other but we don’t.” Nick gave him a blank look “Oh come on! Don’t tell me you don’t know how to play the game.”

He shook his head at Steve “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“How about I start serving the dishes?” Allison offered.

Nick nodded but Steve snickered “We haven’t even ordered yet.”

Allison put a hand on her hips as she replied “But you look like you already ate.”

Nick tried hard to muffle the laugh as he listened to his favorite waitress quip the best producer in the industry of movies. Instead of getting mad, Steve turned to Nick with a grin “I like this girl.”

Allison stared at him strangely. Nick nodded in agreement “I know, that’s why she’s my favorite waitress.”

Steve frowned “So you already claimed her?” he sounded disappointed.

“Are all you entertainment people that strange?” Allison added. The guys looked at her and laughed. She shook her head and walked towards the kitchen.

They were still laughing and at one point, Steve had to wipe his tears because he was laughing so hard. After a moment, they stopped “Whew! That was a good one.” Steven chuckled.

“She’s great isn’t she?” Nick commented.

Steve nodded “Anyways, what have you been up to besides making movies?”

Nick shrugged lightly “I don’t know, I want to do something different for once. Make a meaningful movie you know? But all I get is comedies. Don’t get me wrong, I love making people laugh, but I really want to make a difference in audiences outlook towards me as an actor.”

Steve was known for producing the romantic and sometimes tragic love stories. But he too agreed with the business that Nick was better as a comedian. “I’ll keep a look out for you on a good script. Can you wait?”

Nick nodded “I guess. But to be honest, I’m getting really bored with the same storylines. Maybe I should quit and buy over restaurants.” He was very interested in buying Phoenix Inn.

She shook his head “What a shame. How are things with Esther?” he asked casually.

Nick sighed “I told you, we’re just friends. The whole country thinks we’re married or something. I don’t know how it got so far. And it doesn’t matter what I say, people will believe what they want to believe. It was just a lunch date. I swear, I’m never going to lunch with any girl ever again.” He promised.

Steve laughed “It’s not going to work, you need to have some kind of a social life. Just steer clear from being too close to your co-stars. Remember when you were rumored with Athena Chu?” Nick rolled his eyes and nodded “Just because we were in two movies together.”

“What people don’t know is what we have to go through now that our lives are out in the open for the audience to see.” Steve sighed.

Allison caught his last comment when she was bringing in the dishes “Last time I heard, you’re not an actor.”

Nick smiled “Let the war begin.”

Steve turned to Allison “Do you even know who I am?”

Maybe it sounded cocky to Allison so she blurted out “I don’t really care.”

He actually looked hurt “That’s a little harsh.” Steve said.

Allison thought about it for a minute before apologizing “Sorry, that was really harsh. I did not mean it.” She turned to Nick “You’re not the only one that can act.” She winked at him before turning to the awestruck Steve.

He wagged his finger at her “One day, you’re going to need a favor from me and you will regret being so mean to me.” He warned.

She shrugged her shoulders “Whatever you say.” She quickly left them again.

The two talked into the later evening about business and anything possible. Nick was always quite fond of Steve although he found his personality to be oddly strange and very fickle. He was happy one minute and rude the next. But surely, it was the first time he was at lost for words when arguing with a girl.

Chapter 9

Later that week, Sunny got a special visit from a familiar face. He was chatting with Josie while she pretended not to listen. It was his usual lecture about taking chances...and something else, she was use to blanking out whenever he started talking about nonsense.

When the doorbell rang, Josie saw it as a sign "Door!! I'll get it." she popped from her seat and yanked the door open ready to thank the person for saving her life.

The person was carrying a fruit basket as she playfull hid her face "Guess who?" the voice sang out cheerfully.

Josie wrinkled her forehead wondering who this girl was and why did she act like she know Sunny so well. "I don't know, you tell me." Josie said sarcastically and she was instantly pushed aside by Sunny.

"Don't be rude, Josie." he turned to the door with an embarrassed Amy looking at him with a smile. "Hi Amy! It's been a while. Your bright attitude tells me that you're doing good?" he opened the door and guided her in.

Josie leered at the girl suspiciously, she's never met her and she wasn't sure how they met but it looked to be a good first impression for her best friend. "Aren't you going to introduce us?" Josie said stubbornly as Sunny began chatting away with the new girl.

Sunny turned to her with an exasperated look, he was use to her little outbursts. He let out a little sigh but instead of introducing the girls, he ignored her and continued the chat he began with Amy. "As we were saying..."

This time it was Amy that cut him off "Oh come on Sunny, she wants to meet me." she smiled and stood up facing Josie "My name is Amy. A new friend of Sunny's. You must be his girlfriend." she assumed by her jealous nature.

He bursted out laughing like it was the funniest thing in the world. He continued to laugh until he turned to Josie who had her hands on her hips. Josie looked at Amy with narrowed eyes "No, I am NOT his girlfriend. But I might as well be, I took care of him all my life." she said protectively.

"I see..." Amy nodded with a smile, but she secretly wondered why this girl seem to dislike her so much. The instant vibe she got when Josie leered at her.

Sunny wiped the tears of laughter away as he snorted "Oh please, Josie. You never took care of me a single day of my life since we met! The only thing you ever did for me was scare away all the girls that ever liked me."

"I resent that!" Josie pouted with her hands crossed over her chest. "Well, fine, even if I didn't take care of you, we took care of each other." her eyes moved to Amy's with a vengeance. The only girl suitable for her best friend was Allie, in her own eyes that is.

He waved his hand as a sign that he's forfitted the argument. "Anyways, I'm sure Amy has some important questions to ask me in private. Why don't you go and play in the street or something?" he told Josie.

Josie was about to object when she thought about something to provoke him "Fine, I'm taking a walk to Phoenix Inn to have a long...LONG chat with my friend, Allie." she snickered and left his apartment.

Sunny rolled his eyes when she left and turned to Amy with a sigh "I'm sorry about that, she's just very spoiled by me when we were young."

Amy nodded understandingly "So you two are childhood friends?"

He nodded sadly "Unfortunately."

"You two almost have this sister/brother relationship." she commented.

He smiled "And as sad as it may sound, I wouldn't trade her in for a real sister." He sighed and then shook his head "What did you want to ask me?"

Amy giggled almost forgetting why she came there in the first place "I'm trying to bribe you." she pointed to the fruit basket.

He glanced at it with the adorable dimples showing as he smiled "Dually noted, what is it? You know I would not say no to a friend."

Her face instantly brightened up "Really?" she cleared her throat to ask him the important question "Well, my boss loved that last article I did of Nick Cheung. He's considering giving me a real job."

"Considering?" Sunny frowned "Sounds like he's just using you again."

"Well, maybe. But you know, I'm willing to take that chance." She said quickly "But I need to ask Nick a few questions that I missed that last time. Could you possibly ask him for another interview?"

He tapped his chin with his index finger as if he was contemplating whether or not to help her. "Hmm...that is a big favor your asking...A fruit basket will not do. How about a lunch? On me?" he smiled showing her that he was teasing.

She was in utter shock, unbelievable that a guy could be so nice. "Thank you!!!" she bursted out giggling as she hugged him tightly "I owe you my life."

It was the first time he blushed with her "You're weclome. Well, shall we?"

Amy looked at him oddly "I just ate lunch though."

He laughed "I'm sure you have, it's 3pm! But I know that Nick will be at Phoenix Inn today for a press conference. So we can talk to him afterwards."

"Press conference? At a restaurant? Why didn't my boss tell me?" she asked "How did you hear about that? Did he tell you personally?"

Sunny smiled "Is this an interview?"

She laughed with her head to the ground "I'm sorry. I just.."

He stopped her from babbling with his hand up "I'm teasing. Actually, I was kind of evesdropping on his conversation with the producer...Steve Leung, I think his name was. It happened about a few days ago."

"Wow...Steve Leung, did you know he's one of the biggest producer of the whole industry today? He made the smallest movies into huge hits." she gushed, her eyes wide with excitement. "It would be a dream to interview him."

"Okay Amy, one at a time okay?" he laughed when she blushed at her star struck face.

"Sorry..." she mumbled.

Sunny's smile dropped when he stared at her strangely "You remind of someone, but I can't seem to put my finger on it." he knew it would bug him if he couldn't think of the person but they had an interview to catch "Come on, hopefully he hasn't left yet." he got up and held the door open for her.

They rushed downtown to the restaurant, surely a huge crowd was underway. People were being pushed by other people hoping to get a glimpse of their idol. Amy looked disappointed "I don't think we'll ever get inside." she said sadly.

"I'm sure there's a way in." Sunny said optimistically. He took her around to the back door and surely it was closed. He knocked on it but there was no answer. He knew they had to have extra security for Nick. He peeked through a window and waited for a familiar face to pass by the kitchen. Surely after 5 minutes, he spotted Allie. He quickly waved her down and she saw something at the corner of her eye.

When Allison looked up she smiled and waved back. She walked to the back door and unlocked it. "Sunny?"

He smiled "Hey Allie, can you do me a favor?" he turned to Amy, who was almost hiding behind him "This is Amy, she's an intern reporter, can you help her out-" he didn't have to finish his question.

"Sure!" Allison smiled and let them in. "Come on before the crowd starts back here, she spotted a few people coming towards them. After Sunny and Amy walked in, she locked the back door again. "He's in the front." she pointed to the exit of the kitchen.

"Thank you so much!" Amy said sincerely.

Allison nodded "Not a problem, anything for a friend." she smiled at Sunny.

Amy sensed the spark as their eyes met. She continued to smile and turned to Sunny "Thanks Sunny." She turned to leave not sure what else to say. Her smile said she was grateful but her eyes decieved her, she was almost sad that it seemed she didn't have a chance with Sunny. She wasn't sure when her crush had started but it was surely there each time she looked at him. She didn't want their friendship to be uncomfortable so she promised herself never to tell him her true feelings until she was sure that his feelings towards her were mutual.

In the restaurant, there were cameras flashing and reporters with notepads scribbling down each and every word that came out of Nick's mouth. He was talking when he spotted Amy walking from the kitchen. He nodded at her causing a wave of heads turning towards her. There were a few flashes in her direction but she ignored it and took an empty seat at the back.

"Anymore questions?" Nick asked the crowd.

The interview continued on for another half an hour. Amy sat in the back waiting patiently for it to end. When the restaurant staff began to clear out the reporters, Amy took her chance to approach Nick. "Mr. Cheung, can I have a short interview with you?" she asked solemnly.

Nick looked around and caught the eye of some of the reporters who still lingered back to have some food. He turned to Amy with an apologetic smile "Sorry, it would be unfair to the other reporters, they all had to do a group conference." he took out a business card that he's used since the first day he took his starring role. "If you want, you can talk to my assistant and set up an appointment. He jotted down a few words and handed it to her. "Now if you'll escuse me, I have a dinner date." he smiled and walked towards the back where Allison was waiting to help him with his escape.

Amy was close to tears as she looked down at the card. She wasn't sure what he wrote but when she looked, her face lit up, it said 'meet at 6, call Sunny'. She took a deep breath and took the front door exit, not wanting to cause any problems for Nick for if she followed him, it would have made it too obvious with the other reporters.

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