Forewords
Hi again...I know what you're thinking. Didn't you just see a story with my name before? lol...I'm attempting something that I failed a while back. Working on two stories at the same time. Hopefully, I'll pull through this time. But this is going to be a lot shorter than the PRA series. Dedicated to a few readers that requested Wong Hei and Noel's fan fic. So here you go...hope you enjoy it.
Wong Hei - Steven Yeung
Noel Leung - Jayden Lee
Sunny Chan - Andrew Fung
"This is a story about trust, love, betrayal and forgiveness. When two people are in love, do they learn to trust the other person without a doubt floating in their mind? Or do they betray them by pushing the limits of trust. And does the other person learn to forgive and forget? Although most would agree it takes a bigger person to forgive but how do you forget when that trust was pushed off a cliff? Their lives are twisted into each other but they do not fit together."
I know it probably doesn't make any sense...lol...must be the cold. Yeah...I'll blame it on that. =D Well, see you gals around. Drop by when you can!
Chapter 1
Wong Hei - Steven Yeung
Noel Leung - Jayden Lee
Sunny Chan - Andrew Fung
It was early spring morning, the weather was beginning to get a little warmer but still cool enough to wear a long sleeve shirt. The young man wearing a shirt and tie adjusted his collar before getting into the cab. He gave the driver the address as the middle aged man began to speed off almost taking out a pedestrian. Steven gasped with his eyes widened. It was his second week back in Hong Kong after schooling in England for years. He was still not use to his homeland. He found the people often pushy and rude as well as crazy when it came to driving.
Gripping onto the handles, he made a sign of the cross and said a silent prayer for his life. The driver noticed from the rear view mirror as he laughed “Mr. are you visiting?”
“No. I just got back from England.” He tightened his stomach afraid it would turn with the car’s sharp right turn.
He was practically thrown back from the abrupt stop. Massaging his neck, he gave the man his money and tip “Welcome back.” The cab snickered.
Steven watched the cab speed up to catch another passenger “Nice people.” He muttered with the same sarcasm. Walking into the high rise building, he joined the herd of people entering one of the six elevators. Holding onto his briefcase, he smiled at few heads that turned to stare at him. When they didn’t acknowledge him, he shrugged it off with ease. After the twentieth floor stop, the elevator was almost empty only leaving a handful of people inside.
He let out a short sigh, glad the guys that gave him strange looks got off before him “Are you new?” a female voice asked from behind.
Turning to her, he raised his brows “Yeah. I’m Steve, twenty fifth floor.”
“Steve, well looks like we’re co-workers.” The elevator stopped as he held the door open for her “Don’t say I didn’t warn you but there are a lot of people you need to watch out for. There are some toes you can’t step on if you catch my drift.”
“Yes, of course. So you must be a senior exec here? Can you give some advice to the new guy?” he noticed she was not younger than him. She had an air of nonchalant about her and such a beautiful smile.
She grinned, “I’m not exec. But here’s some free advice. Janice on the twentieth floor can be a bitch if you stare at her longer than ten seconds. She’s got a huge mole on her cheek.” The girl whispered with a laugh as she waved to the receptionist “New guy, I’ll take him to his place.” She waved her finger for Steven to follow her inside the rows of cubicles “Dick, Henry and Bill are the three musketeers of the twenty second floor. The three guys that took the elevator up with us and were staring at you like hawks. They don’t talk to anyone else but their department and thinks their God’s gift to the Architectural world.” She smiled and nodded to a few friendly faces and continued to zig zag passed the cubicles. Turning to Steven, she smiled and stopped “I’m Jayden, but everyone calls me Jayd. I sit right here if you ever…” She faded when he planted a goofy grin on his face “What are you smiling about?” she turned her head suspiciously.
“Jayden Lee?” Steve asked.
“Yeah, did you read that from my name tag on the cubicle?” she pointed.
He laughed “No. It’s me. Steve…Steven Yeung. From Chung Wan. We were neighbors for ten years. But your family moved away after your eleventh birthday. We didn’t get a chance to keep in touch.” He was glad to see a familiar face.
“No way!” she laughed while pushing him against the arm “Stevie beady eyed?” she shook her head “Gosh, I haven’t seen you for ages.”
“Sixteen years, eight months and 21 days.” he concluded.
Her smile fell “Right, you have a memory of a wizard. You don’t still remember…eh…”
“When you thought I buried your doll and you pushed me into a pile of mud where my glasses were ruined, making my mom spank me. But in truth it was your little puppy Dagger that dug a hole and put your doll inside? Yeah, I think it’s vague but I can still picture it.” He nodded. Jayd smiled weakly as he quickly laughed, “I’m kidding. That was so elementary. I’ve forgotten all about it.”
“I see.” She replied dryly.
“Anyways, any last advice?” he noticed the wall clock struck 10am.
“Yes, always look like you’re working even if you’re not. Mr. Lau, the office manager makes his daily route at 11pm, 2pm and 6pm, right before we leave.” She leaned in closer and peeked around “Some people say he purposely points out the unfinished work so people can stay longer. We don’t get paid for overtime.” She wrinkled her nose in dismay.
“Oh, I don’t mind. I like to work.” He replied brightly.
Jayd rolled her eyes “Yeah, we’ll see.” She did a double take on a figure behind Steven “Uh oh, the shark swimming closer. Quick, run…” she hissed and sat down at her work in an instant.
“What? Shark?” Steven asked in confusion.
“You!” Mr. Lau pointed to Steven, who turned slowly and pointed to himself “Does it look like I have crooked eyes?!” he snapped “Of course I’m pointing to you. Come here. Why aren’t you at your seat?”
“I…I’m new, sir.” Steven stuttered.
“So you thought it was fun to go traveling around on your own? You are wasting time. I hope you know you won’t be paid for the first five minutes.” Mr. Lau said sternly.
“No, I wouldn’t feel right taking the money.” Steven answered firmly.
The other employees stifled laughs but didn’t dare to look up at the fuming Mr. Lau. Beaten at his own game, he pointed Steven into his office “I’ll run through the guidelines with you.”
“Yes, sir.” Steven followed him inside “This is a beautifully designed office, did you design this yourself?”
The man smiled smugly “Why, yes I did. Good eye.” He complimented.
“No, you have the good eye. The colors, the lighting and not to mention the vibrant paintings. It’s fit for a president.” He gushed.
Mr. Lau could have blushed if he wasn’t conceited “Yes, I guess it is fit for a king.” He smiled brightly while Steven knew better to correct him “What were we talking about?”
“Oh, you were telling me the importance of being on time at work and a minute wasted would mean no pay and I agree.” Steve nodded.
“Right.” Mr. Lau nodded “So here on forth, you come to work on time and be at your seat at the second it turns ten. Lunch is at one pm. Work will be passed out at the end of the day for tomorrow. But since you are new, I will give you the first file to work on. You can work the Maya 5 program can’t you?” he asked before handing him the file.
“You’ll be glad to know I got the top score in my class for Maya 5.” Steven smiled proudly.
“Looks like we got something in common.” Mr. Lau warmed up to the guy with ease “Now come on, I’ll show you to your new station.” Steven got up to follow the man, he took him down a row and pointed to an empty place “This is your seat from now on, we’re glad to have you on and aboard our team. We are striving to be the number one team out of the ten top teams this year.”
“I’m sure with your guidance, we will definitely take the first place this year.” Steven said with pride.
Mr. Lau was beaming as he patted him on the shoulder and walked back to his office with a bigger ego. The people around stared and gaped in wonder. They had never seen their boss in such a great mood and he actually patted an employee instead of pointing at them. Steven turned to his new front neighbor, who was Jayd. She too was in shock as she made a motion for him to pick up his phone. He answered and she got straight to the point “How did you do that?” she asked in a loud whisper.
“Do what?” he asked with a comfortable laugh. Opening the file, he was ready to work on it.
“Got the shark to smile and pat you on the shoulder. Heck, I’ve been working here for three years and the best compliment I ever got out of him was: That’s not entirely bad. It needs work but you’re on the right track.” She mimicked his annoying voice.
“I forgot to mention, I got a masters degree in ‘ass-kissing’."
"You sound proud of it." Jayd arched a brow up.
"I just know how to deal with jerks. Use kindness to kill your enemies.” He said wisely while swaying in his swivel chair.
“You have got to show me some pointers after work.” She laughed quietly.
Steven smiled into the receiver “How about lunch time?”
“No…I’ve got plans.” She replied hesitantly.
“Boyfriend?” he asked.
Jayd looked around and whispered “I’ll tell you later.” Hanging up the phone, she got back to work.
*****************
In the President’s suite sat a man wearing a sharp suit and in his hand was a cigar. His black and gray hair was slicked back and combed to perfection. He stared across the large desk at his son, who stood by the window, eyes distant “Son, I do not want to sound repetitive but you must stop seeing this girl.”
Andrew didn’t bother turning to his stern father “And I do not want to repeat myself, father. I am not leaving her because you think she is wrong for me.” He narrowed his eyes “And don’t smoke, it’s bad for your lungs.”
The old man sighed as he burned out the cigar and got up to be leveled with his son “Andrew, I never told you the story about my second wife. Why she left.”
“You said she had an affair with the gardener.” He wrinkled his brows. It seemed his father have had too many secrets to catch up with.
He shook his head “I said the story to protect my reputation. She left without me knowing. When I was at the top of business, she walked into the accountant’s office and asked for a check. At that time, I trusted her. She ended writing herself a check for 25million dollars. She knew exactly how much I had in my account. I nearly went bankrupt had it not been for your mother’s years of savings. From that moment on, I knew I would not marry anyone else nor would I trust another woman.”
“Not even mom?” Andrew asked.
“Although she saved my business, I have always felt her heart was not always with me.” His eyes hardened as he turned to the city life before him “Women are scheming and too smart when they know how to use their charms on you to get anything they want. You are the sole heir to this Architectural empire. I will not lose it over a peasant girl.”
“Father, we are not royalty.” Andrew sneered “And she is not a peasant. She happens to be very smart and understanding. Three years…we’ve kept our relationship hidden for three years and not once did she demand that I announce our stature. Doesn’t that tell you anything?” he asked.
The man smiled “All that tells me is how patient this woman really is. Women that do not want stature end up being someone else’s second wife. Son, I am a man with experience in the field of love. Trust me, I know these things.” Andrew turned away stubbornly “Even if you think she is the one for you, there must be a final test that you have to give her.”
“I don’t need you to teach me that.” Andrew snapped.
“Ahh…so you already have one under wraps?” the man was pleasantly surprised his son was not gullible as he expected. He was still suspicious after all “That’s all I ask for.”
The young executive smiled at his worried father “Once this test is over, you’ll see exactly what kind of woman I’m going to marry.”
“Well, if you are so confident, I think it is time for me to meet this girl. Bring her over for dinner next Sunday.” He smiled crookedly at the surprised expression on his son’s face “I am capable of being human. And don’t worry, I promise not to scrutinize her too much.”
Finally smiling, Andrew nodded “Consider it a done deal.” He walked out and pasted the employee cubicles to get to his smaller corner office. A few of the girls greeted him with gushing smiles “Morning.” He smiled briefly and continued on his way, not giving anyone a second look.
Steve noticed the disappointed sighs and leaned over the cubicle to Jayd “Who’s that?”
“Whom?” she asked with raised brows.
“The handsome guy all the girls are swooning over.” He cupped his lips.
Jayd turned and caught a glimpse of his back “Oh…the big boss’s son. VP.” She shrugged. Steve nodded as he returned to work.
Chapter 2
Wong Hei - Steven Yeung
Noel Leung - Jayden Lee
When the clock hit six, Jayd was up and out of her seat as she grabbed her bag hurriedly. Leaning over the divider, she advised “Stevie, I have to get home. Emergency. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. We can do lunch then!” she yelled from the hall. He recalled her phone call earlier that left her jittery. When she reached her two bedroom apartment, she stumbled with the keys but managed to get the door open as she threw her stuff on the couch “Mom!”
“Ah Yan?” her mom called from the kitchen.
Jayd rushed towards the kitchen “Are you okay, ma?” she had called earlier to tell her that she accidentally cut her hand while making an apple dessert “Did you go to the doctors?”
The elder woman shook her head “No. The bleeding stopped.” She pointed her nose to the trashcan overfilling with soaked blood napkins.
“Ma…” Jayd shook her head in disapproval.
“Now don’t give me that look. I’m a big girl, I can take care of a little cut.” She argued.
“Little? A vampire could live for two weeks with that blood!” she pointed to the trashcan “Let me get the first aid kit.” She sat her mom in the living room while she headed to the bathroom to get the kit.
Mrs. Lee noticed the front door wide open, she sighed “Always forgetful.” She got up to close the door when a man walked by.
“I’m sorry, can you tell me where apartment 5G is?” he looked friendly enough to the woman.
“5G? There’s no such apartment in this building.” She was confused.
The guy scratched his head in confusion “I know I’m in the right building.” He smiled at the woman “You look very familiar by the way.”
“Do I?” she had never met him before.
He noticed she was holding her bandaged hand “Did you cut yourself?” she smiled weakly and nodded “Would you like me to help you? I took a few courses in first aid while in college.” He offered.
“No thank you, my daughter is home.” She turned to the hall in time to see Jayd walking out.
“Ma…which one is the right medicine—Stevie?” she tilted her head strangely “What are you doing here? How did you know I live here?”
“I didn’t. I was looking for apartment 5G but your mother just told me that there’s no such apartment number.” He looked at the paper again.
“Let me see.” Jayd took the paper “I think its 5C. That’s next door.” She suddenly realized “Hey! We’re neighbors.”
The elder lady looked from one person to the other. Clearing her throat, she caught their attention “Oh, we should fix Auntie’s hand.” Steve offered as he took the kit from her hand and helped her with the bandage.
“You know us?” Mrs. Lee asked.
“Ma, he’s Stevie…Steven Yeung from next door. We use to play in the park together.” Jayd triggered her memory.
“Little Stevie?” the woman turned to the young man with a wide grin “You’re such a big boy now. But not as tall as your dad, he was over six foot tall.”
Steve smiled “Unfortunately, I didn’t get his height genes.” He cut the bandage and closed it with tape “Done.” He looked up at the two “Now don’t use this hand and try not to get it wet. Change the bandage every two days and clean it with alcohol. It will hurt a little but I’ll bring over a anti-bacterial medication for you to use so it doesn’t sting…” he slowly faded when their smiles grew.
“Thank you Dr. Yeung.” Jayd teased.
“Sorry. Force of habit, I was a volunteer in an England hospital for two years.” He explained.
“Oh and we are co-workers too.” Jayd added, “I’m going to show him the ropes.”
“Well, don’t let her push you around.” The woman warned “Ah Yan has the tendency to boss people around eventhough she’s much younger. You remember when she made your mother serve us drinks?” the woman laughed.
Jayd leaned into Steve “She likes to make up mean stories about me.”
“So, how is your mother and father?” the woman gave her daughter a stern look.
“They passed away two years ago in a bus accident. No one lived.” Steve lowered his head trying to hide the pain that still lingered behind.
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Mrs. Lee nodded “My husband too passed away of a car accident. We were very sad.” She added.
Jayd sighed, “Looks like we got something in common.”
“Yes, I suppose we do.” Steve smiled at the mother and daughter “I’ve bothered you enough. I’m going to start moving my stuff in.”
“Do you need help? Jayd can help you.” The woman practically pushed her daughter off the couch.
“Actually, I don’t have much stuff. Just this.” He held up a briefcase “When I moved back from England, I decided to sell all the furniture. It would be a pain to lug all it onto the plane. But I’ll see you around.” He nodded politely and closed the door behind him.
Jayd turned her eye carefully to her mother “What was that all about?”
“What?” the woman asked innocently.
“You practically pushed me into his lap. Why don’t you just plan the wedding while you’re at it.” The girl quipped.
“Honey, you are not getting any younger. You need to start dating. As much as I would love for you to live with me for the rest of my life but I want a grandchild!” she argued.
“You don’t have to push me on the first guy you meet.” Jayd hated getting into the subject with her mother but it seemed the woman has grown more insistent in the past year “Anyways, I just met him again. It’s been over fifteen years, people change. He’s not the same geeky kid I can push around anymore. He’s taller than me.” She pointed out with a laugh and entered the kitchen to cook dinner.
Later that night, Jayd took the stairs to the roof to retrieve her clothes that were drying when she ran into a smoker “That’s a fire hazard.”
Steve turned to the voice as he smoked out the puff of air from his cigarette “Sorry, I didn’t know.”
“I’m kidding.” She laughed at his naïve personality “You haven’t changed a bit.”
“You mean I’m still gullible.” He corrected.
“Not entirely, you still have a Masters in Ass Kissing.” She reminded him as he laughed with a nod “Seriously, that’s bad for you.” She wrinkled her nose at the cigarette.
“It keeps me calm.” He shrugged but put out the butt.
“Try meditating like 5B.” she snickered.
“So is that the noise I’ve been hearing? It was this horrible humming that went on for hours. I didn’t know what it was and I swore the walls were talking to me.” His question was finally answered.
Jayd laughed, “Yeah, that woman meditates all night long. We could hear it from our apartment. Oh and 6C is a trainer, so you’ll hear him grunt sounds once in a while. He’s not having sex so don’t panic. He’s just lifting weights.”
Steve crossed his arms with a crooked smile “Anything else?”
“Yeah, don’t talk to 7B, he’s a lonely man and if he stops you in the stairs and you make eye contact, don’t expect to leave until twenty minutes later. Oh and be careful with 3A, she was a witness during a murder case and has the tendency to freak out at any man with glasses.” She pointed at his frames in which he took off “Wow, your eyes are even smaller without the magnitude lenses.” She teased and laughed.
“You wanna know a secret?” he asked with a laugh “Its about one of the tenants.” He waved a finger towards her.
“Sure, always.” She nodded with perkiness.
“5D has this girl that gossips way too much. Stay away from her or she’ll go on for hours.” He nodded his brows at her with a short laugh while she scowled.
“Ha, ha.” Jayd rolled her eyes “So I have a little too much time on my hands.”
“How about that boyfriend of yours?” Steve asked.
She sighed, “I don’t have a boyfriend, at least I don’t think I do.”
“Is it slow of me to be confused by everything you just said?” he frowned “You have a boyfriend or don’t you?”
“I don’t know.” She shrugged “It’s not formally talked about but I guess I should respect his request.”
“Is he ashamed of you?” Steve tried.
She shook her head “It’s complicated.”
“And this imaginary boyfriend of yours…does he have a name?” he teased.
Jayd smiled “I didn’t make him up.”
“Yes, of course he’s real.” He counted off the reasons with his fingers “You have a boyfriend but you really don’t. He is not ashamed of you but won’t call you his girlfriend. And your mother has no idea you have a boyfriend.” He finished.
“How do you know that?” she was beginning to catch on that he was very analytical.
He laughed, “She practically planned our wedding. Did you see the gleam in her eyes when I said I was moving in my stuff and she pushed you to go help me?”
“So it wasn’t just me.” She smiled “Don’t take it personally, she just hasn’t seen guys around me for a very long time.”
He gasped suddenly startling her. He looked around and leaned in closer to her “Is your boyfriend a girl?” he whispered.
Jayd began laughing “No.” shaking her head vehemently but he continued to stare at her “No!” she said more firmly.
“It’s okay. I’m not homophobic.” He nodded convincingly.
She couldn’t help but laugh again while hitting him playfully “You are so funny.” Wiping her tears, she collected the dried clothes and walked back towards the stairs “See you tomorrow little Stevie.” Smiling after her, he turned to the busy city below him and lit up a cigarette. She peeked her head back and caught him smoking “Quit that!” she snapped causing him to drop the cigarette down the 25 floor building. She clamped her hand over her mouth “Sorry.”
“You owe me a pack.” He pointed with the empty box “That was my last one.”
“Yes sir!” she saluted before darting back to the stairwell.
Chapter 3
Wong Hei - Steven Yeung
Noel Leung - Jayden Lee
Sunny Chan - Andrew Fung
Charmaine Sheh – Lisa Cheung
The week dragged on for Steve as he got use to work and the annoying boss that won’t leave the employees alone. But it seemed, he was quickly a favorite for Mr. Lau didn’t bother to check on him. When Friday rolled around, he was glad the weekend came. Collecting his briefcase, he was ready to leave when he noticed Jayd staring at her screen “Psst! It’s time to go.” He informed.
She looked up with a look of confusion but quickly snapped out of it “Oh!” pushing her things into her purse, she got up “Just one more day of work.” She grinned.
“It’s Friday.” He turned his head strangely “Are you okay?” he motioned her to come closer. She was taken aback when he pushed his forehead onto hers “You’re a little warm but not feverish. What’s wrong?”
She shrugged with slumped shoulders and walked towards the elevator while he quickly followed “I’ve got a few things on my mind.”
“You want to talk?” he asked with genuine concern.
She smiled gratefully “I thought you’d never ask. Let’s go to dinner, I’m starving.”
“Sure, you choose.” He held the door open for her to walk through first. She decided on Japanese food as they got off the bus and walked two blocks to the restaurant “Nice place. He take you here often?”
Jayd shook her head “Once in a blue moon. He doesn’t like sushi but I love it.” They walked in together and were seated within minutes.
He watched her order all sushi and smiled “You weren’t exaggerating when you said you were starving huh?” she nodded but her eyes darted elsewhere “Are you expecting someone?”
She turned over with raised brows “No.”
“You’re a little more than distracted.” He observed. She shook her head and picked up the cup of tea and sipped it “That’s mine.” He smiled while she looked embarrassed “What’s bothering you?”
*********
A few booths away, Andrew was waiting for her to arrive but it seemed she was running late. Glancing at his watch, he checked the time again. Suddenly a pair of petite hands wrapped around his eyes “Guess who.” The female voice sang adoringly.
His smile faded when he saw her, sighing he motioned for her to sit down “What are you doing here? You know we can’t be seen in public together.”
“How do you expect me to have dinner with you?” Lisa grinned as she picked up a pair of chopsticks and began eating the sushi he ordered.
“Who told you I was here?” he asked.
“Your father, my Uncle.” She finished before taking a bite “Hmm…this is good.”
“Lisa, you need to go home.” He said a little more firmly.
The girl smiled “So you can meet your girlfriend? Uncle told me about the girl too. Who is she? And why am I not the first to know?”
“Because then everyone in the world would know. You don’t exactly have a quiet mouth when it comes to secrets.” He snickered.
Lisa leaned back in the seat as she crossed her arms “Even if you don’t tell me, I’ll know who she is on Sunday. Uncle said you were bringing over your girlfriend.”
Andrew crossed his arms on the table and leaned in “Who said you were invited?” She opened her mouth to answer but he got a word in edgewise “You’re not.”
“You’re mean.” She pouted. Looking down at the full dish of sushi, she frowned “Why did you order so much? You don’t even like sushi.”
“Don’t be nosy.” He said sternly “If you like, you can eat all of it. It’s paid for.” He collected his suit jacket and go up. She stared at him with puppy eyes “And don’t follow me.” He warned.
He walked pass their table without giving her a second look. Steve pointed to Andrew “Hey, isn’t that…”
“Who?” she asked.
“Nevermind.” He shook his head “You’re head’s in the clouds right now. Nothing is going through.” He sighed “But if you don’t feel like talking about it, that’s fine with me. I don’t want to pry.”
When the food came, she abruptly got up “I have to go Stevie. I’ll pay you back for half of the food later when I get home. Bye.” She rushed out of the restaurant without her jacket. He frowned strangely after her. She was a peculiar girl, always on the run.
Jayd reached the condo in the cab as she got out and walked through the gated area. The guard easily recognized her “Miss Lee.”
“Hi Joe.” She smiled as he let her through. She found the condo with ease as she knocked on the door. Shivering slightly, the night air was still a little cold. The door opened and he appeared with a wine glass in hand “Hey.” She greeted lightly.
“Did anyone see you?” it was the usual question she had grown use to.
“No.” she answered while linking her arm through his as they sat down together at the couch “Did you eat yet? I’ll make you something to eat.”
Andrew shook his head “No, I’m not hungry but you can make whatever you want to eat in there. That is if you’re not full.” He raised a brow carefully at her “Who was that guy you were with?”
Jayd crossed her legs on the couch as she comfortably leaned her head on his shoulder “He’s my new boyfriend that I adore because he loves sushi and makes me laugh.” She kidded.
Finally cracking a smile, he leaned down and kissed her on the head. He wasn’t a fan of affection but when it came to Jayd, he made room “Well, I hope he’s ready for a fight because I’m not giving you up that easily.”
She turned her head up with a goofy grin “Really? You mean that?”
“Be serious.” He placed the wine glass down and took a hold of her shoulders “My father wants to meet you. We’re having a family dinner at my house.”
Jayd turned away slowly “Are you sure you’re ready?”
“I guess.” He shrugged.
“I am if you are.” She smiled. He nodded while pulling into a one arm hug “What if I say something stupid?”
“You won’t. If you do, I’ll just find another girl in your place.” He kidded.
She smiled “Sure, I know a few contenders who would die to be in my place.”
He knew exactly who she was talking about “Those girls at work are gold-diggers. They only want my money. All women do.” He snickered.
Jayd pulled away “Honey, you know not all girls are like that.” She hated when he generalized “Do you think that of me?”
Andrew shrugged “Maybe.” She tilted her head with a stern expression “I’m kidding.” He smiled crookedly “Why do you think I’ve been with you for three years?”
“I don’t know. Why are you with me?” she asked.
He sighed tiredly and reached for his wine “Why do all women ask that question?”
“Not all. Just the ones that care.” She corrected “Seriously Andrew, what do you see in me? Because honestly, I think I’m not right for you. I don’t have money, I’m not gorgeous and don’t have a good figure. I come from a broken family and live in an apartment that’s not as big as your closet. Why are you even with me?”
He rolled his eyes away with a small smile “Sweetie, it only works once.”
“Darn it!” she laughed, “I knew I used that already.”
“If you want to hear a compliment, just ask.” He chuckled.
“Okay, I want to hear a compliment from you.” She grinned mischievously.
He tapped his chin playfully “Hmm…let’s see. You’ve got beautiful eyes.” He was satisfied with the comment.
She smiled sincerely “Thank you.” Eventhough he already said it the time before and the time before, she was not sick of it. She came into terms that it was her best feature.
*************
Later that night, Jayd returned home to find Steve and her mother talking and laughing “Don’t fall for his jokes ma, before you know it, you’ll be cleaning his room.” She teased.
“Hey. You’re home. You forgot your jacket.” Steve pointed.
She nodded “Thanks.” She quickly covered a sneeze.
“Bless you.” Her mother frowned “Are you coming down with a cold?”
Jayd shook her head “I hope not. But my throat was a little dry this morning even though I drank a lot of water.” She touched her neck, silently praying that she wasn’t getting sick. Dinner with Andrew’s family was in one day. She turned to Steve “How much was dinner? I’ll pay my half.” She began digging through her purse when he pulled it away.
“Pay? You didn’t even eat.” He laughed, “Don’t be ridiculous. Even if you ate, a gentleman always pay for dinner.” He grinned.
She leaned sideways towards him “Cut it out. My mom is drooling.” He snuck a peak at her the woman as she beamed with a bright smile “Anyways, it’s late.” She patted him on the back “Go to sleep.”
“Yes, you can come back tomorrow and take Ah Yan out. I’ll be at the temple all weekend with Kwok Thai.” Mrs. Lee nodded.
Steve smiled but didn’t agree “Good night.”
Jayd walked him to the door as she narrowed her eyes at him “See what you did?”
“Take care.” He winked and returned home.
The next morning, Jayd woke up with a splitting headache. She groaned after her vision blurred when she got out of bed. She crawled back into bed when her eyes only saw spots around “Ma….I’m sick.” She moaned. When no one came to her rescue, she groaned louder “Ma!! I’m dying…” she sniffed back the stuffy nose. Then she remembered, her mother had left early to catch the first boat ride to the temple. She had been planning the trip for months “Great!” she covered her eyes with her hand “No!! I can’t be sick!”
She decided to call Andrew and prepare him for the news. But instead, his recording picked up “Hi, you’ve reached Andrew, please leave me a message--” she hung up without leaving a message.
Her last resort was Steve as she dialed his number. Luckily he picked up “Hello?”
“Stevie. I need help.” She begged.
“Mental?” he asked jokingly.
“No, health. I think I have a fever.” She covered the mouthpiece and began coughing uncontrollably “Anyways, can you come—” she heard the dial tone go dead “Well, thank you.” She stared at the phone in shock. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. She managed to drag herself out of bed and get the door. It was Steve “Oh…I take it back.”
“What?” he asked with a frown. He walked inside and closed the door behind him. Taking her face in his hand, he pushed her forehead onto his “You’re burning up. Get in bed, I’ll make you something to eat and take some medicine.”
“Thank you so much…you don’t know how much this means to me. I can’t be sick. I have to get better by tomorrow.” She sniffed.
Steve laughed, “I’m not a miracle doctor. But what’s so important about tomorrow?” he put her to bed and covered the blanket over her shivering body.
“Dinner with him and his family.” She sighed and leaned her spinning head back.
“Oh…wow…first time?” he asked while she nodded “Okay, I’ll try my best. But you have to do everything I say.”
“Yes, Doctor.” She sighed dramatically.
He rushed outside to make breakfast and checked the cabinet for medicine but all he found were expired pills and cough syrups that was not made for adults. Tossing everything in the trash. He turned the fire for the congee down to a simmer and left to get better medication. Half an hour later, he returned with the new medicines and checked on the rice soup. It was cooking perfectly. He checked the fridge for chicken but found freezer burned meat and old pork in a plastic bag “Dear God, no wonder she got sick.” He muttered to himself and made a mental note to get them food after he fed her breakfast.
SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004
