The Zodiac of PRA V: The Finale

Chapter 25

Erin was on her way out to meet Ah Gam when Mia walked up to the driveway “Hey, where are you going?” Mia asked.

“Out.” Erin replied shortly “I can’t be late.”

Mia smiled slyly “Hmm…is it a guy?”

“Yes, but it’s not the one your thinking of.” Erin whisked past her “I’ll talk to you later.”

But she wasn’t getting rid of Mia that easily as she followed her “Can I come too? I want to meet your mystery guy.” Erin halted as she turned to her friend with a sigh “Come on! We’re best friends, how could you keep this secret from your own best friend? I would never keep anything from you.”

“That’s because you CAN’T, there’s a difference Mia.” Erin began as she walked towards her car, which she seldom took.

“Devin asked me to come!” Mia called as Erin pulled out of her driveway.

She instantly pressed the breaks “What for?” Erin asked, curiosity burning to her core.

“Let’s go to that one bistro by the ocean and I’ll tell you about it.” Mia ran to the passenger door and got in the car before she changed her mind “The food there is good and it’s overlooking the beach.”

“Fine, but you’re getting your own ride home.” Erin warned. They reached the small outdoor bistro, Mia was giddy when she got out of the car and without waiting for Erin, she sat down herself “Frequent customer, I see.” Erin mocked when the waiter recognized Mia.

She smiled “I might have gone here a few times. Wow, isn’t it pretty?” she pointed to the beach.

“Mia, the water is brown and the sky is gray. It’s not exactly nice to look at. Why did you bring me here?” Erin didn’t have time to play mind games with her friend as she glanced at her watch, secretly hoping that Ah Gam could wait.

“Shhh…look.” She pointed to a male figure standing near the rocks, his jeans were rolled up so they wouldn’t dirty his pants. Erin recognized it was Devin. His gaze was towards the ocean, there was a melancholy mood surrounding him “Darren and I found him here every Thursday around noon. He comes and just stares at the sky. Once he’s done, he just walks away.”

“He never noticed you before?” Erin wondered out loud.

“No.” Mia shook her head “We asked him one day during a meeting and he just changed the subject.”

Erin sat back in her seat, eyes thoughtful as she continued to stare at his figure “What does this have to do with me? I don’t care what he does with his spare time.”

“Come on Erin, who are you fooling? Certainly not Mia…I know everything. I saw that smile you gave him the other day.” She pointed out. Erin denied with a shaking head “It’s different.”

“That’s absurd.” Erin laughed “How is it different? I smile all the time.” Mia flicked a brow up “Okay, maybe not all the time.”

She snorted, “You could say that again. But honestly, the last time I saw you smile like that it was with Brad.” Erin began to say something but Mia quickly butt in “I know you think I’m crazy, just like the rest of the team…but seriously, hear me out. With Ted, it was like I-appreciate-you smile. With Luke, it’s I-wish-you-were-Brad smile. But with Devin, it’s like I-wanna-pin-you-down-and-rip-off-your-shirt-and-kiss-you-all-over smile.” She emphasized with hand gestures that made Erin look at her friend strangely.

“Haven’t had sex for a while?” she guessed.

“Yes! Two months!! Since I had that miscarriage, Darren is so afraid of getting intimate with me. He’s afraid I might get pregnant again and have another miscarriage.” Mia groaned.

Erin grinned, “Ever heard of birth control?”

“I forget to take it.” Mia brushed it off lightly “I tried everything, I even slipped him a viagra pill, he thought he was sick because he felt all warm and fuzzy inside.” Rolling her eyes as she sipped the wine the waiter brought out knowing that was her favorite.

“How does he do it?” Erin shook her head. She turned back to Devin but he left. Sighing, she turned to Mia “You know, you should take your own advice and do that to him tonight.”

“Pin him down, rip his shirt and kiss him all over?” Mia asked and Erin nodded “To Devin?”

Erin gave her an exasperated look “Yes Devin, because HE’S your husband. Does having a kid make you dumber?”

“No, but being horny throws you way off.” Mia concluded with a laugh.

“You’re hopeless.” Erin glanced at her watch “Anyways, this has been fun Mia, but I have to go.”

“Fine, but I want to meet that mystery guy!!” she called after Erin, who was sprinting to her car.

She parked near the subway and rushed to the underground train. Using her pass as she passed the spinning metal rod and squeezed passed the people. She looked around for him but disappointment washed over her after searching with no success. When she decided to give up, she saw him standing by the escalator tapping his watch “You’re late.”

Erin sighed with relief “Sorry, my friend came without notice.”

Ah Gam shrugged “It’s okay. Come on, let’s go somewhere quiet.” He took a few steps but noticed she didn’t follow “What’s wrong?” he asked “Afraid I might attack you?”

“I don’t trust anyone.” Erin said flatly.

“But you trust me if you could let me go and come to meet me here. I could have fifty guys with me right now and you wouldn’t be able to get away.” He pointed out “Trust me, if I wanted to kill you, I could.” He turned and stepped onto the escalator.

Erin trusted her gut as she followed him silently, keeping a good distance. She stopped when he led her to a deserted alley where a bum was sleeping in a corner “I think this is quiet enough.” She said.

He turned to her with raised brows “Cautious, aren’t we? Or nervous? Perhaps scared?” he tested.

She didn’t budge from her position “Stop the games. I didn’t come here for that. And I didn’t certainly let you go for you to take me on a cat and mouse game.”

Ah Gam clapped his hands “Not bad. You deserve to be called the best agent. Say Erin, have you ever thought about making more money?”

“No. I have more than enough.” She said flatly, beginning to regret her decision to let him go. He seemed to be stalling for more time.

“Oh, that’s right. Your inheritance…I almost forgot. Such a shame Brad couldn’t enjoy it with you.” His spoke the words with daggers, making her more curious.

“You guys weren’t best friends?” Erin pried.

Ah Gam snickered “Sure…that’s what Carmen called us. The three musketeers. We joined everything together, sports, martial art classes, kickboxing…we all wanted to be the best. But somehow, I always lost to that son of a bitch!” he snapped but quickly made a sign of a cross “May he rest in peace.”

“You sick bastard.” Erin cursed, her eyes narrowed “You tricked me.”

“Tricked is such a harsh word. I simply used the most compliable weapon...love. That guy had all the luck, always had girls that liked him but he was so stupid to even know. I assume it was that way with you?”

"You mean you liked Carmen but she liked Brad?" Erin snickered "So she does know that he's dead."

He looked at her strangely but decided to go with it "Whatever, that was kid's stuff. I'm over her." Ah Gam grinned as he let out an ear piercing whistle calling out about thirty guys that jumped out from all angles. Erin quickly stood in a ready stance, but she knew it would not take long to take her down with that many people “Thank you for letting me go.” He laughed while waving for his guys to go after her.

Erin blocked a punch from behind and kicked at one of the guys charging at her. She took the hand that touched her shoulder and flipped him over with ease. They were not as quick, but there were too many for her to fight. She used the walls to help her get a higher kick as she knocked a few down with a circular motion. After beating up ten guys in a row, Ah Gam raised his hand to stop them “Is that all you got?” Erin asked, she refused to give up eventhough her arms were throbbing from all the blocks.

“Move.” He ordered as they nodded and returned to their place behind him. He lowered his body in a stance “Let’s see what you got.” He swiftly attacked her with quick punches towards the face where she blocked easily. He was ruthless and stopped at nothing, aiming for her most weakest parts. When she threw a punch, he caught her hand and twisted her arm to the back making her wince in pain. She thought fast and used her feet to walk against the wall and spun herself out of the arm lock.

The tables turned as she kicked his arm hard and punched him in the left jaw as he stumbled back “No wonder Brad was always the better one.” She mocked.

Feeding on his anger as he grunted and attacked her with new vengeance. She was tired from the first attacks and he was quick to put her in a lock against the wall. He was breathing down her neck as he laughed, “Too bad he’s dead…” he whispered.

Suddenly, he was attacked from behind. Ah Gam sensed it and quickly let go of Erin as he fought with the new attacker. Erin spun around to see Devin fighting with Ah Gam “I hate men without manners. You never hit a lady.” Devin warned.

Ah Gam stepped back, he was defeated before by him and knew he would not win again “Gam Gor, we can take him!” one guy announced.

“The police are coming.” Devin threatened.

Raising his hand to silence his men, he smiled at the two “We’ll meet again.” He nodded as he turned “Let’s go.”

Devin watched and made sure they were out of sight, he turned to Erin but only caught a glimpse of her back as she rushed out of the alley. Running after her as he called “You are naïve if you thought he was going to help you.”

She stopped to turn to him “Yes, I made a mistake. If you want to punish me, you can wait to do it in front of everyone and embarrass me. God knows you’re dreaming of that day.” She accused and rushed off but he wasn’t going to let it slide.

“And you are making assumptions about me before you even ask me if I wanted to punish you.” He sped up when her steps turned into a jog “If I wanted to embarrass you, I would have put you on the spot at Ted’s wedding when you came in and said that he got away because you couldn’t stop him. And we all know how you never let a captured person go unless you willingly did it.”

“So I should thank you?” Erin asked in shock.

“It would be nice for a change.” Devin agreed smugly.

Shaking her head as she walked into an alley that was a shortcut to the other street “Keep dreaming!” she snapped.

“Wait.” He quickly reached for her hand “Look—”

“Let go.” Erin clenched her teeth. He sighed and was about to comment when she threw him a punch in which he turned his head to block “I warned you.” She twisted her hand out of his grip and began attacking him.

He was in no mood to fight as he blocked himself and hopped away from her “Erin, I don’t want to do this. We both know you are not capable of beating me.”

Her blood boiling as she threw a kick at his face, he moved away quick enough where her shoe grazed his face “I can sure as hell try.” She said and began attacking him again. This time, he didn’t bother to back down. Instead he fought her back knowing that he would win.

When he got a hold of her hands, he forced her against the wall and pinned his body against hers “You can’t beat me, Erin.” It was hopeless, he was too strong as she used one last move, her knee to his groin. But he had already guessed it was a desperate move, blocking it with one leg up as he smiled “Play nice.”

“Who said I was playing nice?” Erin growled.

“In that case…” he pushed his lips over hers and each time she tried to break away, he kissed her with more intensity.

She began to relax as he slowly loosened his grip and his hand moved over her face and his kisses were lighter. When he felt her hands moving to his chest, he relaxed into the kiss. He didn’t think she would push him away suddenly “Jerk!” she cursed.

“You enjoyed it.” He said knowingly.

“I had to act that way so you would loosen your grip.” Erin explained, which made him laugh, “Why do I even bother?” she shook her head and raced out of the alley. Devin crossed his arms as he smiled and followed her to the street, he stopped to watch her running and merging through the traffic of people.

Chapter 26

Ryan and Jenna walked into the home with Doug and Luke in the living room, both whispering in low voices “Hi guys.” She smiled when Ryan supported her to the couch.

“What happened to you?” Luke frowned.

“I thought you were training her?” Doug asked. He snapped his fingers “Was she being bad and you accidentally kicked her knee?”

“No, you sicko! I tripped on step.” Jenna said, her eyes narrowing at Doug.

“Why are you two standing out here?” Ryan asked when Luke glanced at the stairwell for the fifth time.

He motioned for Ryan to sit as he leaned in closer “She’s cleaning again.”

“What? I just cleaned the kitchen last night!” Jenna exclaimed.

“No, she’s cleaning our rooms.” Luke whispered.

Ryan raised his brows “Wow…she’s never done that before.” Knowing it must be serious as he turned to the other three “We should talk to her.”

“No, wait! She’s getting to my room next.” Doug pointed out. They looked at him in disbelief as he rolled his eyes “Fine…black and white?” he asked.

They nodded in unison and put their right hands in a circle and waved their hands “Black and white!” Doug’s hand was faced down and the others had their palms up.

“Darn it! I always lose in this game.” He sighed as he marched up the stairs to talk to Erin. The other three winked at each other secretively. When he reached his room, Erin was starting the dusting “You missed a spot.” He pointed to a framed picture on his wall.

She whipped the feather brush at the frame as it fell from the sudden push “AHH!” Erin cried in frustration as she sat on his bed, hands over her face.

“That’s okay. I hated that picture anyways.” He said nervously while taking a seat next to her “So…what’s up?” he asked in a perky tone.

Ever so slowly, her head turned up to him “Have you ever hated someone and liked them at the same time?” Doug nodded but thought about it and quickly shook his head “That’s how I feel right now. What’s wrong with me, Doug? Why am I like this? He gets to me every single time…for no apparent reason…just for being there.”

“But you like him?” Doug asked. She nodded reluctantly “You know you like him?” again she nodded without much feeling “I know how to solve this problem.” He said matter-of-factly.

“How? I’m desperate.” Erin said eagerly.

“You go over to his house…sit him down.” Doug said in a serious tone “Tell him exactly how you feel, don’t hold back. Then start stripping and then take off his clothes. You guys do it and get it over with already!!!”

She laughed along with a nodding head “That’s good. If we weren’t sitting, I’d kick you where the sun don’t shine.” He instantly stopped laughing, “Doug, I’m not going to sleep with the guy. It’s not going to solve or make this any better.”

“You don’t know that.” He pointed out.

“I know if I give in, then he’s won.” Erin stood up and began cleaning again “Normally, I’d let things slide but I can’t do it when it comes to him.”

“Because you’re in love.” Doug replied calmly.

She pointed the duster in his face “Don’t start with me!” his eyes widened in fear and his head began to nod “Anyways, I don’t want to talk about him. I need a distraction right now…”

“Okay, you can start with this.” He got up and opened his closet to show her. The clothes were thrown in a corner and none of it was hung up in the empty hangers. Shoes were scattered here and there.

Erin groaned disgustedly “Don’t you people know how to pick after yourself? I swear you and Jenna should never get together. You might as well live on a pile of shit! Her closet is identical to yours. At least Ryan’s was decent and Luke’s is clean.”

“I’m just trying to help.” Doug put up his hands in defense “You are obviously upset and I know nothing will help you more than to clean…I mean, what are friends for?”

Jenna suddenly appeared at the door “Emergency meeting in ten minutes.”

“Damn!” Doug cursed as Erin nodded and returned to her room to change.

They arrived on time, Devin and Matt were discussing something when the team came in randomly. Nodding to Matt as Devin took a seat, his eyes moving over the group. Erin didn’t bother to look at him “Guys, we might have a lead on Hung Gor. Erin, Reina, Ryan and Jenna pointed out the last time that Hung Gor possibly sent his men to impersonate as policemen to get information out of Wu Inc. and R.K. Jewelers. Are we keeping tabs on them?”

Erin nodded “I planted a chip on Michael, we can track him down anywhere he goes.”

“Good. How about Riley?” he nodded Ryan.

“He’ll let us know as soon as anyone suspicious comes in again. He’s an ex-agent, we figure he should be well aware of the dangers.” Ryan nodded “Plus he insisted on keeping his life normal. Leah is doing well and I think they are dating.”

“Obviously.” Mia sputtered, “I knew it a long time ago.”

“Would you like a doggy biscuit now?” Doug mocked.

Matt smiled “Focus guys. Doug, why don’t you tell us about your early discovery?” taking a seat as the spotlight was on Doug.

“I ran into Becca a week ago at the hospital.” He began.

Jenna gasped “And you didn’t tell us? Did she hurt you?”

“No.” Doug replied without sarcasm “She was in Jessie’s office and she said a threat about Hung Gor wanting something from Jessie.”

“What does he need? Her brain?” Carmen guessed.

Doug shook his head “Her fiancé.”

“She has a fiancé?!!” Jenna exclaimed, “She’s cheating on you?” her question caused Mia to explode into giggles.

“Serves you right.” Mia pointed.

“No, dorks! We’re not even dating. She’s been engaged for a couple of months. But get this, her fiancé is the Commissioner of Sa Tin Police Department.”

Erin frowned “So you think Hung Gor wants to use the Commissioner for something? Wiping out dirty files maybe? Or manipulate the police somehow?”

“Possibly.” Doug nodded. Carmen raised her hand as Doug acknowledged her “Yes, you with the pretty smile.”

“How old is this guy? Don’t you have to be with the force for at least 30 years to be a Commissioner? Jessie is so young, it’s like dating your father.” Carmen winced from the mental thought.

“Ew!!” Jenna groaned as she looked at Devin “It’s the same as you and me!!”

“Minus the blood relation.” Reina said with a laugh “Has anyone even met this guy?” The group shook their heads “Well, you’re wrong. He’s not 50 years old, he’s actually very young. Early thirties. I came in to see him the last time Ted asked me to come down and listen to questioning. I asked Ted and he said that Kwong Sir inherited this position from his father, who was the old Commissioner. He went through extensive training and took numerous tests to get the position. Because of his blood background, the Department was willing to bend the rules for him.”

“Wow…how cool is that.” Mia sighed “Is he cute?”

Darren cleared his throat “Honey, didn’t we talk about you making comments like that when I’m OUT of the room?”

“Right…sorry.” She grinned.

Doug was disgusted “Who cares if he’s cute. He’s a jerk!” sitting back down while the group looked at him strangely.

“Just because he’s dating your girl gives you no right to bash him like that. You’ve never even met the guy.” Jenna teased.

Doug sighed, “You guys don’t know.” They continued to stare at him, waiting for him to explain. He looked up at the pairs of eyes staring “What?”

“This is the part where you explain.” Erin emphasized.

“Oh…I can’t say. It’s none of my business.” He said sympathetically.

“But it’s your business to know?” Carmen quipped.

Devin stood up catching their attention “Let’s not force him. We got an anonymous call earlier and said a terrorist attack is going to happen at Time Square in a week from Sunday.”

“Wow, they’re giving us a head start.” Reina raised her brows.

“My thought exactly, even if the call is fake, we’re taking no chances. I don’t want anymore innocent victims being killed. There are too many fatalities during the subway incident. Not to mention Ted’s wedding, but we had no control over that one.” Devin was solemn “I don’t want our reputation to lower.”

“Yes sir!” the group replied in unison.

“Take your earpieces with you, we’ll be in contact for the next week. On call 24/7.” Devin said as he closed out the meeting.

Erin pushed back her chair at the same time Devin was walking pass as he stopped. She paused and nodded with an arm out “After you, boss.” Smiling internally as he slid around the chair and walked out.

Doug let out a long breath “Oh my God, I thought you were going to punch him or something.” he laughed nervously.

“I thought you two worked out your problem?” Reina asked in confusion.

Erin shrugged “There is no problem.”

“Yeah right and Doug’s not afraid of women.” Mia said sarcastically.

Jenna pointed at Mia “That’s a good one.”

“I’m glad you guys find my fear amusing. It’s a very serious case.” Doug insisted.

Mia rolled her eyes “Did your girlfriend tell you that? Oh no, wait…she’s engaged to a handsome, powerful man and that’s definitely not you.”

“He doesn’t deserve her!!” Doug exploded but quickly caught himself “I mean…it’s none of your business.”

“Doug, what do you know?” Mia asked nosily.

“Hey, let’s leave him alone. It’s enough Doug teasing for one day, wouldn’t you say?” Darren turned to his teammates. Doug threw him a grateful smile.

“I guess.” Mia answered half heartedly “Oh hey Doug, how about dinner tonight? On me. I’ll even get you cheesecake.” She tempted.

His eyes narrowed “I’m not falling for that again. What kind of idiot do you take me for? I never fall for the same trick twice.”

“I knew I used it too much!” Mia grumbled.

They walked out together to retrieve their earpieces from the weapons and device room. Erin approached Carmen “Can I talk to you alone?”

Darren overheard as he turned to the girls and saw them walking out together. He turned to Mia “I’ll meet you at the car in ten minutes.” She nodded as he followed Erin and Carmen silently.

Chapter 27

Erin stopped at the empty hall of the P.R.A. headquarters as she turned to Carmen “I know everything.” She said flatly.

Carmen looked guiltily to the floor “Is this about my date with Luke tonight? I’m sorry, I know we should have considered your feelings but Luke said that you didn’t mind. Considering your history, I felt he should know you by now eventhough he lost his memory and all…” she rambled on while Erin searched her face carefully.

“You don’t know.” She concluded.

“Huh? Don’t know what? You know Erin, I hope you don’t take this personally but I’m confused by what your actions and words. I know we got off of the wrong foot and I always thought it was because of Brad…I mean Luke. It’s so weird, I still call him that.” Carmen laughed. She noticed Erin looking away “Erin? Are you okay?”

Shaking out of the daze, she smiled “I’m fine. I'm sorry for the third degree, it's just Luke is...special to me. I want to protect him."

"I understand!" Carmen nodded "I don't want to come between you two." she said earnestly.

Erin knew she was being honest "You're not. Have a great time tonight.”

Carmen grinned like a school girl with a crush “I must commend you. If my ex-fiancé was dating another girl, I would go crazy. But you’re so calm and understanding. I feel bad for even going.”

“Don’t be silly. I’m sure you’ve been waiting for a long time for him to ask you out.” Erin smiled warmly, from her ramblings she realized Carmen liked Brad a lot, maybe Ah Gam was trying to sidetrack her to believing that Carmen was on his team?

“If he ever regains his memory and chooses you, I will step aside.” Carmen vowed.

Erin nodded “Thank you, that’s gracious of you.” Patting her on the arm as she gently nudged her towards the exit “You should go get ready.”

“Okay! I’ll see you around.” There was a skip in her steps as Erin watched with a smile.

Her eyes suddenly moved to the copy room “You can come out now.”

Darren appeared with a smile “I could have sworn I was hiding well.”

“Your big feet ratted you out.” Erin nodded to his feet poking out “So? Any comments for me?”

“That was very nice what you said.” Wrapping an arm around her shoulders as he walked outside to meet with Mia “I hate to sound like Mia, but you’ve changed. Tremendously, he would be proud to see you like this.”

“Minus the sudden rampage to kill Devin?” Erin added with a laugh.

He laughed, “I thought you were going to confront Carmen and beat her up or something. But you handled it quite well.”

“I was going to. But looking at her, I realized she’s just an innocent victim. For her sake, I wish she never finds out about Luke. For Luke’s sake, I hope he won’t slip.” Erin stopped and nodded Mia who was waving from the limo.

“How about dinner with us tonight?” Darren offered.

She shook her head “I want to be alone.” He looked worried as she smiled “I’m okay, I promise.”

“Okay. We’ll see you later. Call us with any leads.” He waved before the driver escorted him into the limo.

Erin took a taxi to the cemetery. It seemed like years since she’s come to visit him. His grave was dusty and a single white rose sat over the cemented floor in front of the stone “Hi you.” She greeted “Looks like you had a visitor.” Kneeling against the cold ground was painful on the knees but she didn’t care “Your brother is quite a character.” Shaking her head as she told him the story about how he and Carmen came to meet “You know I trust my gut for everything, you taught me that. I just pray that she is who I think she is. Its such a shame that you didn’t get to see her again…she liked you a lot. Just like most of the girls that’s had the pleasure of crossing your path. I feel most lucky because you actually loved me.” The tears slowly came as she sat there silently.

“Is he worth it?” a male voice spoke up from behind. She froze in her place as his steps grew closer “Crying over his grave every chance you get. I find that quite pathetic. A pretty girl like yourself should be with a guy with power and lots of money.” Ah Gam knelt down as he grazed his fingers over the white rose “He never liked flowers but I figure it was a nice gesture.”

In a sudden angry moment, she took the flower and whipped it over her left shoulder “He hates white.” Her eyes daring as she turned to him.

He wore sunglasses despite the gray sky above “Our offer still stands.” He said when she began to walk away.

“I don’t take offers from the devil.” Erin spat harshly.

“Well then I have no choice.” Pulling out a gun as he pointed to her from a few feet away “Go ahead and run? Better yet, yell…no one can hear you. Even if they could, one shot will take your life.”

She stood motionless and slowly turned to face him “You won’t kill me. You want something from me, don’t you?”

Ah Gam retrieved his gun with a laugh, nodding towards Brad’s grave “You sure know how to choose em, buddy.”

“What do you want?” Erin got straight to the point.

“I guess you heard about the Time Square attack?” he smiled when her eyes widened “I take it that’s a yes? Anyways, you should know it’s a trick from Hung Gor. He’s planning to have you guys go there and blow up the place killing the team.”

“Why should I believe you?” Erin snapped, “You weren’t exactly honest this morning.”

“Tsk, tsk, tsk, are you still upset about this morning? I was only testing your skills, if it wasn’t for that guy…Anyways, it’s too late to explain.” He waved a nonchalant hand as if it was no big deal.

Erin frowned “Why are you telling me this?”

Sighing as he pointed the gun at Brad’s grave “Because of him! He saved my life one time and I promised that I would repay him back. Too bad he died too fast, so helping you would be the same.” He stuff the gun in it’s pocket as he started for the stairs “Something to think about!!” he called behind him.

Shaking her head as she felt torn between her suspicions and gut “Should I trust him?” she asked the sky, hoping for an answer from Brad.

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

They were seated a window booth, overlooking the city. The day was a little foggy but it cleared up by nightfall. Carmen rested her chin on her palm as she stared at the night lights, “I love this place. I love this city.” She said dreamily.

“Where were you before?” he asked with special interest.

“New York.” She answered, “It’s a little like Hong Kong, but still it’s missing…What’s the word…”

“Culture.” He finished.

“Yes.” She nodded with a smile “I had a talk with Erin this morning.”

Luke began stumbling around his fork and knife “Oh really? What about?”

“You.” She said shortly.

He laughed nervously “Me? Little ole me? What’s there to say? I’m just a boring little person with a memory lapse.” He added slowly.

Carmen sighed, “She’s still in love with Brad.”

“Well, of course!” Luke blurted out but quickly caught his tongue when he realized she was talking about him “I mean…no, if she was still in love with me, she wouldn’t be okay with us…” he pointed to the space between them.

She laughed “Why are you so jittery. I’m just messing with you. She is still in love with Brad, the guy before the memory lapse.”

Luke cleared his throat uneasily “How about you? Which one do you like better?”

“Honestly?” she questioned with raised brows. He replied with a nod “Hmm, to be honest, I liked Brad before. He was mysterious, cool and man can he fight. But Luke is sensitive, funny and so sweet. He kinda grows on you.” Carmen noticed his apparent smile “Too bad I can’t have both.”

Luke lowered his head as he muttered, “It’s impossible.”

“Excuse me?” she looked up while raising her glass of wine to take a sip.

“Nothing.” He shook his head “I was just thinking…did you have a crush on me in college?” he wanted to know more about her past.

Carmen smiled “Yes, it was obvious...but you wouldn't know." he shrugged and she quickly realized “Right, you were so involved in beating Ah Gam, like you even bothered to notice me.”

“Ah Gam?” Luke was confused but remembered he was the guy in the picture “Oh, the guy in the picture. I was meaning to ask you, it said we were best friends, all three of us. Was that true?”

“To a certain extent, yes.” She replied honestly.

“What does that suppose to mean?” Luke questioned.

Carmen shrugged her slender shoulders lightly “We were very competitive with each other. We’d take the same classes and have this friendly competition to be the number one student with the highest grade. Whether it was history, English, sports or martial arts. You were always the best, beating us by a lot of points. After the second loss, I gave up but maybe guys work differently. It made Ah Gam strive even harder, I swore he beat you pretty bad at the game of pool. You seem fine with the loss but he took it straight to his head.” Sighing sadly as she shook her head.

“Have you seen him lately?” Luke asked.

“He’s back? Last time I heard, he was going up to Beijing to find work as a martial arts teacher. I haven’t seen him in years.” Carmen tilted her head strangely “Did you see him?”

“I wouldn’t recognize him even if I did.” Luke reminded her.

“Right…I keep forgetting.” Carmen laughed “Anyways, I remembered that he was always so squirmy when I talked to him about my feelings for you. I’d figure he wasn't into that love stuff.”

“Maybe he liked you?” Luke suggested as he sipped his wine.

She placed the glass on the table and wrinkled her brows “You know what? I think you’re right. That would explain all the competition stuff…I use to cheer you during a martial arts competition but when he came up, I would chat with you. Wow…you just solved a mystery.”

“I did?” Luke asked with a grin “I did.” He nodded proudly.

“You’re so cute.” She laughed.

He smiled, showing off his dimpled cheek “Cute is good.”

She sat back in her seat and looked at him at a different angle “I like this Brad…I mean Luke. Gosh, it’s going to take a while for me to get use to it.” She laughed at herself.

He smiled weakly “Yeah…” Luke got home that night feeling his heavy conscience on his shoulder. His roommates were all up, watching TV and eating fresh homemade cheesecake. Doug sat at the corner of the couch with crossed arms while Jenna tempted him with a slice as she ate it messily.

Erin laughed with a shaking head “You are horrible.” She noticed Luke walking in “Hey, how was your date?”

Jenna looked up and quickly forgot about Doug “Oh, you made home in one piece. I thought maybe a building would fall on you or you’d get hit by a car or something.” She said casually.

“Don’t be so hard on the guy. I’m sure his conscience is killing him.” Ryan noticed the devastation on Luke’s face.

Luke slumped onto the couch next to Jenna “What am I going to do? She likes me, I mean my brother. She had this huge crush on him back in college and now she said she likes the new ‘Brad’.” He mimicked “I like her a lot…but it’s going to hurt her when she finds out that Brad is really dead and I’m just his stupid twin brother with the same face!!” he slapped himself roughly.

Jenna was sympathetic as she pressed her lips together thoughtfully. She got up and walked into the kitchen, when she returned with a plate of a slice “I was going to give Doug the last piece of cheesecake but you can have it.” She handed it to Luke.

He took it and smiled weakly while Doug widened his eyes “Thanks. I needed this.” He took a bite and quickly spat it out “What’s that sour taste??”

“Strawberries?” Jenna turned to Erin strangely and quickly snapped her head back and gasped, “You’re allergic to strawberries!”

“You tried to murder me!” Luke pointed as he placed the dish on the coffee table.

Jenna backed into Ryan as she giggled, “I’m sorry…I forgot…” Luke narrowed his eyes as he sprung on her, tickling her in the weak spot by the ribs.

Erin shook her head with a laugh as she prepared to get up when her eyes did a double take on Doug “Ahem!” she cleared her throat making Luke and Jenna stop as they turned in time to see Doug stuffing the entire left over piece into his mouth.

“Hey!!” Jenna pointed while Doug sat back with a satisfied grin, his cheeks puffy as he chomped away slowly “I hope you choke on it!!” she cursed.

SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004