The Zodiac of PRA V: The Finale

Chapter 10

Mia was in the emergency room for over an hour before the surgeon came out “Who is the family of Mia Lam?”

Darren quickly got up “I’m her husband, how is she doctor?”

“I’m afraid I have some bad news.” The distinguished doctor took off his glasses “Your wife was six weeks pregnant. Her fall caused the uterus to rupture, crushing the fetus. We were able to revive your wife but the fetus could not be saved. She is very weak right now but I’m sure she wouldn’t mind a familiar face or two.” Nodding sadly, he turned to leave.

Becca stood by the door, afraid to come near Mia. Her eyes closed, she looked peaceful and pale “What are you doing here?” Darren asked when he came in with Erin to see Mia “Haven’t you done enough?” She lowered her head in shame “Look at her!”

Erin calmed him with her hand “Darren…Becca, I think you should leave. Before Doug sees you.”

“You blame me too?” she asked hurtfully.

“I’m not the one to point fingers, but I think—” Erin began explaining.

“But you hold me responsible?” Becca asked tearfully “I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

“It’s a little too late for that.” Darren replied curtly “Get out now. I don’t want to use force.” He walked towards Mia’s bed.

“I…I guess I was stupid to think I had real friends.” Becca’s face reddened as she pointed at them “You guys better watch your backs, Rebecca Heung won’t let this go easily.” Spinning on her heels, she ran out of the hospital in tears.

Erin sighed as she moved her attention to Mia “I’d never guess it turned to this.”

“Maybe she’ll think before she acts next time.” Darren grumbled. Taking his wife’s hand as he cradled it to his face “Mia…” he whispered, afraid he would startle her.

At the sound of his voice, her eyes fluttered open “Darren…” her throat was hoarse. She patted his hand, which was now squeezing hers “I’m fine. They couldn’t save our baby.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know…” he began.

“It’s not your fault.” Mia pushed herself up and Erin quickly was by her side to help her “Hey, I didn’t see you.” She smiled through her pale white lips.

“You only have eyes for Darren.” Erin kidded.

Mia grinned “Don’t be jealous, you’ll always be my favorite girlfriend.” Winking as she leaned in closer “Don’t tell Reina that.”

“I promise.” Erin smiled “How…how did they…you know.” She nodded to her stomach.

Mia looked down “Oh…how they got the fetus out?” She dazed away “I don’t remember, I just remember hearing a big machine that sounded like a vacuum. But I hear they suck the fetus out when they have to perform an abortion…so I assume…”

“Ew…stop.” Erin grimaced. She nodded at Darren “You’re making him pale.”

“Well you asked.” Mia rolled her eyes.

“You know who would get a kick out of that story?” Erin asked with a sly grin.

“Doug.” Mia laughed and quickly held her stomach “Crap, that hurts.”

Erin smiled “I’ll go fetch him, he’s probably dying to see you.”

Mia looked at Darren with a tilted smile “What?”

“I’m here for you…emotionally.” He added.

“Don’t get all girly on me.” Mia sighed, “I have enough girlfriends. I mean Doug is like two in one.” Darren laughed causing Mia to laugh too “Oh…this is hard.” She clutched her stomach in pain.

**********

Becca returned to Midnite, hoping to meet up with her friends but they had long ago left. Approaching the bar, she called for a few hard shots. God knows she needed to forget that night. By the sixth shot, her eyes were blurry and she could barely talk straight. Her head moved to the guy sitting a few seats from her “You again?!” she pointed at Ah Bat with her empty shot glass.

He nearly stumbled off his chair “What do you people want from me?!” he cried.

“Don’t cry you big baby…I’m not here to take you back. I don’t even work for the team anymore.” She snickered “Thanks to you.”

Ah Bat moved next to her “What happened?”

“Apparently…Mia was pregnant.” Becca began “She lost the baby and they are blaming me for it.”

“But I was the one that pushed her…” he said slowly “You’re not gonna kill me are you?”

Becca waved her hand at him nonchalantly “No, I don’t need to. My life can’t get any worse…can it?”

“Hey, it’s not your fault. Who cares what the hell they say? And that stupid husband of yours…he’s not worthy of you.” Ah Bat used his famous kiss butt technique on her.

Maybe she was in need of attention because it worked “Thanks…actually, it’s ex-husband now. We’re divorced…I guess it’s for the better. He never did appreciate me.” She nodded and slowly began to cry “Stupid ass!! Jerk!! Get me another shot!!” she pushed the cup over the counter at the bartender.

Ah Bat shook his head at the guy “She’s had enough.” Getting up as he reached around her waist “Come on, you’re going home.”

“Your home?” Becca asked with a goofy grin as she leaned onto his shoulder.

“Sure, if you want.” He smiled seductively “Come on.” They rode back together in a taxi and he supported her all the way up to his apartment “Wow, you’re heavy for a skinny gal.”

“Thanks!” Becca blurted out and burped at the same time. Covering her mouth, she began giggling uncontrollably “This is fun!” she spun in circles when the door opened and fell to the ground after the third turn.

“Be careful.” Ah Bat bent down to help her up, he brushed away the dirt on her sleeve.

She looked at him with wanting eyes “I haven’t been cared for this much in a long time. Why doesn’t anyone want me?”

“He doesn’t know what he’s missing, that’s all. Forget about them, they never liked you to begin with.” Ah Bat said.

“Really?” she asked.

“Yeah, Mia said it one time when your back was turned. To be honest, it serves her right!” he lied openly “Can I tell you something else?” Becca nodded “Since the moment that I met you, I had a mad crush on you. I love women that can take charge and handle a man with force.”

Becca laughed, “You’re lying!”

He shook his head vehemently “No, I’m dead serious. Sure it seemed that I was annoying and stuff but…I really liked you.”

She had not heard words like that since Doug last said it and it seemed she had to teach him how to say it right. Her heart fluttered when she felt his warm lips touch hers. They quickly fell into a passionate kiss and he began peeling off her clothes with force. Somehow they stumbled into the bedroom and continued to kiss and grope each other. Her mind was blank, all she wanted was to feel loved. Regret never crossed her mind as she fell into his thrusting motions. When he was finished, he laid next to her with an arm draped around her bare waist. Becca smiled with satisfaction, it was nice to feel a man’s arm around her.

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

“So they sucked it out?” Doug asked for the tenth time after he snuck in the rest of the group into Mia’s resting room.

“Yes!” the group cried at once.

Mia grabbed her head “Too many jinx…who to choose?” she pointed around the group.

Jenna laughed, “I was thinking the same thing.”

“So boss, what do we do next?” Mia asked Devin, she was ready to get back on her feet.

The group turned to Luke and Erin “We’ll leave.” She nodded to Luke.

“No!” Reina said as she held her back “Devin, can she stay?”

He nodded with crossed arms “Sure. If she agrees.”

“No, I’m not with the team.” Erin said stubbornly.

Mia sighed “Oh come on! You know you want to come back. Just stay Erin, for me…a dying woman. I just lost my unborn kid, pity me, please!” she begged.

“Mia, you’re not dying.” Erin turned her head “Its okay guys, personally, I’m tired of this lifestyle. I kinda like my life now. I can do what I want, my life’s not in danger everyday. I suggest you all retire early too.” Smiling at the group as she turned to Luke “Come on.”

The minute they disappeared, Jenna turned to Devin “Uncle, are you really letting her go? All our hard work.”

He turned his head to Ryan, who quickly looked away “You know, Ryan?”

The young agent nodded “I want her back as much as the rest of you but we can’t use these sneaky tricks to get her mad. She’ll never give in. I know Ga Jei, she takes soft not force.”

“Maybe if Mia and I talk to her.” Reina began.

“No, you’ve tried it already. She’s just going to grow more obligated to come back.” Devin reasoned “I want her to come back admitting that she WANTS to come back.”

“That’s practically impossible.” Mia said “You know how stubborn she can be, she’ll never admit defeat….unless…”

“What?” Darren asked, “You have a plan?”

“It’s farfetched but I think if Devin is willing, it will work.” Mia smiled.

“Somehow, I find that smile deceiving.” Jenna narrowed her eyes.

“I still want to hear it.” Devin nodded firmly.

Mia clasped her hands together “It’s simple really. Kneel down in front of her and apologize, she’ll give in definitely.” She finished.

“Kneel?” Doug asked “Yeah right, she’d probably kick him while he’s down. Maybe if Ryan did it…” he laughed.

The group turned to Ryan, who raised his hands in defense “Nuh uh! I’m not kneeling. I promised Shelly that the only woman I would ever kneel to would be my next wife and I don’t plan on marrying Ga Jei…” he winced “Ew…that sounded bad.”

“But didn’t you kneel to Erin when you and Shelly got married? I mean tradition and stuff, you had to pour her tea.” Mia asked.

“Don’t get all technical.” Ryan shook his head “No…I won’t do it.”

“Come on! It’s easy!” Jenna exclaimed, she quickly knelt down in front of Ryan “See, how easy it is?”

Ryan pulled her up by the arm “Don’t do that!”

“Don’t you want her back?” Jenna pleaded.

“Jenna, don’t force him.” Devin shook his head “We’ll just let nature take it’s course. Now then…Ah Bat…” the team discussed the next steps until the nurse came in to kick them out.

Chapter 11

Becca woke up with a splitting headache. Sitting up and looking around the unrecognizable room only reminded of what happened the night before. Besides the fact that Ah Bat was lying beside her, nude “Shit.” She clutched her head as she got up and looked for her clothes.

He felt a stirring on the bed “Becca?” Ah Bat’s eyes were barely kept open “Where are you going?”

“Home.” She said shortly “Can you move?” a hand rested on her hip and the other hand pulling on her shirt “You’re lying on my shirt.”

Sitting up, he reached for her hand and pulled her onto the bed “Come on, just stay, you know you want to.”

“No, last night was a big drunken mistake.” She pushed him away and quickly put on her shirt.

“He won’t take you back.” Ah Bat reasoned.

Becca stopped at the room door as she turned “Is that a threat?”

“No, but we both know it’s the truth. You remember the way he yelled at you yesterday? How he blamed you for everything? Even your so called friends didn’t believe you.” He noticed her eyes lowering, a sure sign she was giving in “Even if you go home, what are you going to do? Go to work? You probably hate your job.”

Becca snickered “Who ever said working for a lazy rich guy was fun?”

“So stay. Be my girl, I’ll make sure you’re taken care of and you will never have to worry about money.” He seduced.

“That does sound nice…well, the money part at least.” She said wryly “But you’re a crook, what if the cops catch you? Where’s my security?”

“Don’t worry, I have friends in high places, nothing would ever happen to me.” He assured her.

Suddenly, the front door crashed open causing a thunderous sound “You spoke too soon.” Becca crossed her arms as she watched a muscled guy in a tight black t-shirt and black jeans walking in strides. His eyes were covered under a pair of dark sunglasses “Hey, Terminator!” Becca called “He’s in here.” She pointed her thumb in the bedroom.

“What the hell?!” Ah Bat grumbled while he struggled to put on a pair of jeans “Who is that?” the guy appeared at the door “Oh…Gam Gor…you scared me.” He sighed.

The guy with the cold exterior sudden reached out for Ah Bat’s hand and pulled him up “Hung Gor wants to talk to you.”

“What? Wait…what did I do? Ow, that hurts!!” he groaned.

Becca side stepped the guy and blocked his exit “Eh, he’s my bitch. You want to take him, go through me first.” She pointed to herself.

“Move.” Ah Gam growled.

Without warning, she aimed a punch at his face. He moved away but his sunglasses were not as lucky as they were thrown from his face. Becca tilted her head as a smile crossed her face “Let me give you a piece of advice, lose the glasses, it does you no justice.”

The usually cold-faced guy cracked a wry smile “Thanks.” He pushed Ah Bat away and engaged in a fist fight with Becca. With the little room they had, they were able to maneuver around the shelves and drawers. Ah Gam blocked a kick as he pointed to Ah Bat who was beginning to crawl out of his window to get away “Where are you going?!”

Becca was closer as she pulled him back onto the bed by the shirt “It’s five stories high!!”

“I don’t care! Hung Gor is going to kill me!” he backed away fearfully.

“Who said?” Ah Gam wrinkled his brows “He just wants to talk to you.”

Ah Bat’s face softened as he got up “Oh…okay. Let’s go.” He got up calmly and put on his shoes.

“Idiot.” Becca grumbled, “Well, have fun guys.” She began to walk away when Ah Gam stopped her.

“You come too.” He ordered.

“Why?” she asked hotly “I have nothing to do with him.”

“You called him your ‘bitch’.” He repeated.

“I was only kidding.” She shook her head “I have better things to do.”

Ah Gam stopped her again “Got any enemies?”

“Yeah, she’s got a gang of them!” Ah Bat butted in. She threw him a look and he quickly cowered away.

“Tell you what. If you come, we’ll make it worth your while. Maybe eliminate some annoying thorns for you?” he offered “Plus, I haven’t seen a girl fight like that in ages. We could use you on our team.”

She didn’t want to admit that she was tempted but soon her curiosity got the better of her “Okay, I’ll go. But I have a request.”

“Sure.” Ah Gam said solemnly.

“That you smile at me at least once every hour.” She crossed her arms smugly “How about it?”

“Done.” He gave her a crooked grin “That one’s free.”

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

Luke went to work early that day, hoping to get some new ideas for the show. He had long ago lost his will to go into acting when he was declined for a part. Even with his friend’s support, he couldn’t get over one rejection. Sitting in the cafeteria, he ate lunch and jotted notes at the same time.

“Is anyone sitting here?” an unfamiliar female voice asked. Luke nodded without looking up “So, you work here?” again he nodded “Are you mute?” This time he looked up and was faced with a girl that had a smile that could bright up a room, her hair a little longer than her slender shoulders. Her eyes were bright and lively, he didn’t realize he was mesmerized until she spoke up “Wow, you are mute.” She had a teasing tone.

“Oh…no…I could talk…” he added a grin that he knew must looked goofy “I’m Luke.” He brought out a hand to the girl.

She raised her brows as her head bobbed up and down “Oh, really? Nice name. I’m Carmen.” She flashed him another smile “I just got back from New York.”

“Visiting?” he asked with interest.

“No, training to be a killer. This entertainment world can be crazy.” She sighed as he laughed “How about yourself?”

“I’ve been working here for almost a year. I have a talk show at seven at night.” He was eager to show off his status.

“Oh wow.” She was definitely impressed “Who would have guessed.”

His forehead wrinkled “I’m sorry?”

Carmen shook her head “No, nothing…are you busy?”

Luke looked up after jotting down notes “No, I just like to make it look like I’m busy so no one will bother me. Sometimes it works.” He smiled teasingly.

“Should I leave you alone then?” she began to get up.

“NO!” he said it a little loudly “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to shout. But please, sit.” He motioned as she looked at him strangely “Did you need help with something?”

Carmen shrugged “Oh, I was just wondering if you can show me around town, it’s been a while since I’ve been back to Kowloon.”

“Of course!” he emphasized “I have a couple of hours until show time, we’ll start with the subway.” He closed the book and finished the rest of his rice and chicken.

When they were standing outside the studio, Carmen turned to him “Okay, cut the crap. What’s going on? Are you on some kind of a witness protection program? What’s with the name Luke?” she crossed her arms sternly.

“I beg your pardon?” Luke asked in surprise.

“Stop that! You’re acting all polite and stuff, you know I hate that.” Carmen began “It’s only been 8 years but I still remember how you were like.” She pointed to his perfectly crisp tan shirt and brown slacks “This isn’t you.”

“Look Miss, I think you got the wrong person.” Luke began as he waved his hand.

“Oh yeah?” Carmen smiled as she reached for his hand and twisted him into a knot. He began squirming and crying for help “Come on, we both know you can fight so cut the girly cries.”

“I don’t know you, crazy woman!!” Luke cried helplessly while she continued to punch him. All he could do was block his face but she would aim for the ribs and stomach each time.

Erin was strolling towards the studio to bring Luke some bottles of water when she notice people rushing passed her. Instincts told her it wasn’t good as she pushed her way and saw that Luke was being beaten up by a girl, she seemed a bit vicious too as she aimed a kick at his face but Erin was quick to stop it “Why don’t you pick on someone your own size?”

“Erin!” Luke moved behind her “She’s crazy.” He whispered.

She turned to him and pushed him aside “I’ll handle this.” Standing in a ready stance, she pushed her head up at the girl “Come on.”

“So you’re Erin?” Carmen nodded “This I have to try.” She threw a kick in her direction and Erin stopped her kick with another kick. Their punches were equally strong and each kick aimed for the weakest part of the body, the neck. It was hard to tell who would win, since they appeared to be both as strong. At one time Carmen linked her arm through Erin’s and prepared to flip her. Erin guessed her next move as she turned to link Carmen’s arm and flipped the girl over instead, spinning quickly as she kicked her at the ankle causing her to fall on her butt.

Her chest heaved up and down while her fists balled, ready to continue “More?”

Carmen groaned as she massaged her butt “No…I give up. Brad, you never said Erin could fight.” She said to Luke.

“What?” Erin straightened herself “You know Brad?” she reached out a hand to help Carmen up.

“Yeah, we went to college together, for a year or two and he was off working with some secret agent work.” She said nonchalantly.

“He told you?” Erin was surprised Brad never mentioned the girl before.

“Yup. Don’t believe me? Ask him yourself.” She pointed to Luke.

Erin turned to Luke “Um…I don’t know how to tell you this…” she lowered her head towards the girl, knowing she would have to give her the bad news.

“I’m Carmen, by the way.” She said brightly.

“Carmen…” Erin nodded with a smile “Well, Brad is…eh…”

“Is no longer here.” Luke finished. Suddenly a thought popped in his head “Because I’ve lost my memory.” He added.

“What?” Erin and Carmen said at the same time. They turned to each other strangely.

“Yeah, Erin and I were in the agency together. During a mission, I lost my balance and fell onto this pit of snakes and one of the most deadly of all bit me, right here.” He pointed to his head “The venom entered my brain and washed out all my memories. With the help of my teammates, I was able to survive but the doctors said I lost everything. I mean, I don’t even remember Erin." He said with a nodding head.

“Wow…that’s incredible.” Carmen sighed.

“Yeah, it’s something alright.” Erin narrowed her eyes at him as she crossed her arms “What? No more?”

“Oh, there’s more.” Luke agreed “If Erin didn’t spend most her time taking care of me and telling me things about my life, I wouldn’t be the same. But because I couldn’t remember my training, I could not rejoin the team. So, they gave me a new identity and I’ve been working at the radio station ever since.”

Carmen widened her eyes “Oh my God! No wonder you didn’t recognize me!!” she covered her mouth “How about you two?” she pointed at them. They shrugged carelessly “From what Brad told me before, it seemed that you two were high school sweethearts. He talked about you nonstop.” She assured Erin.

Luke noticed the saddened look on Erin’s face “If you don’t mind Carmen, we shouldn’t talk about the past. It only hurts her.” He stepped over and wrapped an arm around Erin “Poor girl, she’s gone through so much and it’s not any better that I can’t even remember my own fiancé.”

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!” Carmen exclaimed sincerely “How horrible you must feel.”

Erin looked over at Luke’s hand that draped over her shoulder and then at him. He quickly moved his hand at her stare “What a shame.” She managed to say.

Carmen looked at her watch “Oh crap! I have to get back to work! See you later Brad--” she quickly covered her mouth “I mean…Luke!”

He smiled while waving goodbye to Carmen. Erin shook her head at him “What? I couldn’t tell her. Who knows, maybe she was Gor’s good friend or something. It would crush her to know that he…died.” He whispered the last word.

“Whatever Luke.” Erin walked away and picked up the bag of water “Don’t come crying to me when she finds out the truth. Bye, I hope the sky doesn’t fall on you today.” she walked away leaving him to stare at the sky. It was unusually gray that day.

Chapter 12

The place Ah Gam led them to was dark and musty. It smelled like rotting corpses to Becca but she remained cool, trying hard not grimace with disgust. By the time they reached their destination, her lungs were ready to collapse from the stench. There in front of her was a dead corpse being eaten by flys and worms “Shit!” Ah Bat turned away disgusted and not to mention scared.

Ah Gam turned them “Hung Gor doesn’t like traitors. This guy was an undercover cop that he recently discovered. They never have good endings.” He warned.

“Cute.” Becca commented “So where is this Hung Gor?”

“I’ll take you there in a minute. Just a couple of rules. Don’t speak when he speaks.” Ah Gam began counting off his fingers.

“Always a popular demand. What else?” Becca eyed Ah Bat strangely when he looked ready to hurl at the body “Stop staring at it and maybe it won’t make you sick!”

“If he ask you a question, answer him. And you never, EVER disagree with Hung Gor.” The cold face bodyguard advised.

“You mean act like him and kiss his ass?” Becca nodded at Ah Bat who had began to throw up everything in his stomach. Ah Gam laughed for the first time as he moved aside to let Becca walk first.

Down the alley were men scattered around, they seemed to be guarding the crime lord “Gam Gor.” One by one they greeted him with the utmost respect but they eyed Becca carefully and stared at Ah Bat.

The two went through a strict search before they were allowed into the tiny shack that looked like it belonged to beggars “Rules are rules.” Ah Gam explained when Becca rolled her eyes after being searched. The outside of the little home was only a distraction, the inside was decorated to fit for a king. It was obvious the guy love gold. Even his chair had gold trimmings. He was a handsome thirty year old man that didn’t look dangerous but looks could be deceiving, Becca told herself.

“Ah Gam!” Hung Gor waved his favorite bodyguard over “Look what I just got in the mail today.” He held up a device with sharp spikes under a leather band “Do you know what this is?”

“18th Century torture whip called ‘The Shock’. It was used by the Romans to force prisoners to tell the truth.” Becca answered without being acknowledged.

Ah Gam quickly turned to her and prepared to explain “Hung Gor--”

The guy raised a hand to pause him “Not bad. It’s hard to find another person with the same extensive knowledge of torture whips. Ah Gam, give her ten grand.”

“But, she’s not one of us.” Ah Gam said slowly.

“Fine, make her. Are we done?” he looked bored but tilted his head at Ah Bat “Weasel!” he laughed merrily “Come here!” he waved.

“It’s Ah Bat…Hung Gor.” Ah Bat looked like a frightened kitten as he cowered his back and stepped cautiously forward. He bowed respectfully.

“I hear you’ve been living the life lately. Sucking dry the Dragon Gang’s account for that big diamond deal a few months ago? Who would have guessed you would betray them with a bigger offer?” he laughed.

“Well, I was—”

Hung Gor pounded his fist on the desk as it rumbled from the sudden shock “Did I ask you to talk?!” he growled making Ah Bat fall to his knees in fear. But how quick his anger came, he was calm like the wind again “Now then, I have a job for you.”

“Anything, Hung Gor!” he groveled.

“So, I did a little research and guess what I found out on this popular group of trained agents. What’s the name of their little group again…PIS?” Hung Gor threw out.

“P.R.A.” Becca corrected.

“Oh, so you know.” He looked intrigue.

“I was one of them.” She admitted, “What do you want to know?”

Hung Gor sat back in his swivel chair with obvious curiosity “I heard that once you join this team, it is impossible to leave it? I mean, even that girl that went in jail for killing some people got out and was returned to the team.”

“Reina.” Becca smirked “Yeah, I hate that bitch. Not just because she scares the crap out of me but because she has these eyes that you just want to rip it right out of it’s sockets.”

Laughing with his head thrown back, he nodded “I like this girl. What’s your name?”

“Rebecca.” She answered shortly.

“What’s your story? Why does it appear that you have a vengeance towards this group? What did they do to you?” he waved for her to come closer.

Her eyes hardened “I don’t want to talk about it but know that I am NOT one of them and never will be again after last night. I want nothing more to do with them.”

“Perfect.” Hung Gor smiled, victory written over his face.

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

It was another boring night for Erin as she sat home alone eating a frozen dinner when the phone rang. Practically pouncing for the phone, she realized no one else was there to fight with her. Laughing to herself, she answered “Hello?”

“Hi, is Doug there, please?” his voice brought goosebumps over her arm.

“Hi Ted.” Erin relaxed.

“Erin? I didn’t recognize your voice.” He sounded awkward “How have you been?”

“Good.” She began toying with her food “How about you? And Sara?”

“We’re good. Thanks.” After a moment of silence, he spoke up “We should do lunch sometimes.”

“You don’t have to be polite.” Erin smiled “I know it’s still weird. I’ll let Doug know you called.”

“Thanks for understanding. But I honestly do want to see you.” He said earnestly.

She caught the hesitation in his voice “Still the sweet old Ted. It’s okay, I think it’ll stir up too many emotions. I don’t think I can handle it. But thanks for the offer and making this so nonchalant when you know it’s uncomfortable.”

He finally laughed “You can still read me like a book. I guess I’ll always be too predictable for you.”

“I don’t deserve you.” She said flatly “It has nothing to do with predictability.”

“You haven’t changed a bit.” He sighed.

“Funny, Mia insisted that I’ve changed a lot.” She laughed.

“Anyways, I should get back to work. I’ll talk to you later…bye.” He ended the call after she said goodnight.

The phone rested on her chest as she recalled the times they were together. There were little memories but all were pleasant. She didn’t even hear the door open or Jenna’s laughter and Ryan’s chuckle “Ga Jei?” he asked when she didn’t bother to look up.

“Who called?” Jenna asked when she noticed the phone in her hand.

“Ted, he was looking for Doug.” Erin replaced it into the receiver.

Jenna sympathized as she took a seat next to Erin “Was it all weird and stuff?”

“As weird as it gets.” Erin sighed, “Anyways, I don’t want to bring you guys down. Did you have a nice time at the water park?” Ryan exchanged a look with Jenna “What?” she asked Jenna.

“It was a mission.” She said “Sorry…we had to lie to you.”

“Oh, that’s okay.” She said a little brightly. Turning on the television, she tried unsuccessfully to concentrate on the series playing.

“Ga Jei, are you okay?” Ryan asked timidly, afraid it would trigger another explosion.

“Fine.” She plastered a smile on her face “I’m fine with not knowing. I mean, it was my choice to leave. Like I care…” she sputtered out a laugh.

Jenna whipped her head at Ryan, her eyes bulging out. Ryan wrinkled his brows and shook his head slightly “Do it!” she whispered through clenched teeth.

Erin turned off the television and turned to them “Do what?”

“Just do it!” Jenna pressed.

“Fine.” Ryan groaned as he stood up and walked over until he was directly in front of Erin “Ga Jei.” He turned to Jenna one last time as she nodded vigorously. Erin wasn’t sure what was going on until he knelt down in front of her “I need to ask you something.”

Her face twisted with disgust “You’re not going to propose are you?”

“No…no…ew.” Ryan grumbled as he got up “I told you!” he cried at Jenna.

“Come on! You expected that!” Jenna groaned as she pushed him back down “Now ask.”

“What is it, Ryan? Why do you have to kneel?” Erin asked suspiciously.

Stammering as he asked “Ga Jei, this is my request, okay? No one else’s. But, I was wondering if you will consider coming back to the team? Please? It’s just not the same without you.”

“Ryan, get up.” Erin ordered. He turned to Jenna and did as he was told, “Without asking, I already know this was Mia’s idea. Only she would have the mind to come up with something so ridiculous. I know you want me to come back and I know everyone else does too, but I can’t--”

“Because of Uncle Devin?” Jenna cut in “I swear he’s a changed man, he won’t provoke you anymore, I guarantee it. How about if I get him to apologize?” Erin opened her mouth to say something but Jenna quickly added “In front of the team?”

“That’s a good idea!” Ryan chimed in, trying to help Jenna.

Erin shook her head with a laugh “Even if you got him to kneel in front of me and apologize to me in front of the entire team, I would still say no. I’m too stubborn, nothing you could say would make me change my mind…” she began to get up.

“How about if he pours you a cup of tea, kneeling down and apologize in front of the team?” Jenna was desperate.

She was contemplating the idea “Now that’s a good idea.” Erin patted her on the head “I’ll come back if he does ALL that.” She picked up her dirty dish and walked towards the kitchen.

Jenna was smug as she wiped her nails against her sweater “Not bad huh?”

Ryan arched a brow upwards “Yeah, that’s great!”

Her face fell “Why are you being sarcastic?”

“Hmm…maybe it’s because YOU will have to convince Devin to do those three things that YOU promised Ga Jei.”

“Crap! I knew it sounded too good.” Jenna groaned “But it’s doable. It’s doable.” She said trying to convince herself.

Doug entered the home “Hi kids, daddy’s home.”

“Daddy!!” Jenna exclaimed in a kiddish voice as she rushed over to greet him with a hug “Did you bring me a present?”

“No honey, they were out of desperate men looking for a girl that could kick ass at the mall.” He said patting her on the cheek.

Ryan laughed with his head shaking “You two got problems.”

“Is that Doug?” Erin came from the kitchen.

“No, it’s his evil twin.” Doug replied with an mischievous laugh.

“That’s a good one.” Erin nodded unconvincingly “Anyways, Ted called for you. He asked for you to call him back.”

“Oh, he’s probably calling about the bachelor party.” Doug said nonchalantly as he walked over to the phone. Before he realized that he said it out loud, Ryan widened his eyes at him “What’s the matter with you?”

“He’s getting married?” Erin asked, trying not to sound surprise.

Doug froze while Jenna laughed nervously “No…it’s just a party the guys are doing. They just want an excuse to party, right?” she looked at Ryan for help.

“Yeah, Doug didn’t tell you?” Ryan asked, his eye twitching towards Doug.

“Oh…yeah.” Doug agreed.

“You guys are horrible liars.” Erin shook her head “It’s okay. I’m happy for him. I wondered why he didn’t tell me earlier?” the three looked at her sympathetically, which made her laugh “I’m fine guys. Don’t look at me like I just lost another fiancé. I’ll be in my room.”

“You and your big mouth!” Jenna grumbled at Doug as she chased after Erin.

SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004