Chapter 4
Wong Hei - Steven Yeung
Noel Leung - Jayden Lee
Charmaine Sheh – Lisa Cheung
Jayd took the pills from his hand as she tossed her head back and gulped it down. He handed her the water and she washed it down “Thanks.” She said with a stuffy nose.
“Don’t mention it.” He smiled “You’re doing better.” He glanced at his watch “Now take an hour nap and I’ll come back and check on you.”
“Nap?” Jayd widened her red eyes “I just woke up from a ten hour sleep!”
“Don’t scream.” He scolded “That breaks the fiber on your larynx. You can lose your voice very easily. You need lots of rest to get better.”
She groaned in disagreement “But it’s boring!! I can’t sleep all day. Isn’t there something else I could do…like fake my body to believe that I am well. You know eat real food and do my normal Saturday schedule?”
Steve shook his head with a laugh “What’s your usual Saturday?”
“I wake up, eat breakfast with my mom. Take her to the mall to go shopping. Then I go home and wait for him to call me. We meet for dinner and take a walk in a quiet area.” She said without a break.
“Every week?” he asked with raised brows. He never knew someone to have a schedule that went on every week.
Jayd nodded “Pretty much.”
“Wow…” he sighed but decided not to comment.
“What?” She leered her eyes at him “You have a comment to say huh?”
“No, nothing. Nothing at all.” He smiled and retrieved the bowls to go clean them.
Jayd threw the covers to the side and followed him to the kitchen “If you have something to say, just say it.”
He laughed at her persistence “I just find it strange that someone would not get tired of the same routine every weekend. If I was you, I’d be bored after three months.”
“Maybe I’ve grown accustomed to it?” she debated.
“This is coming from the girl that wore a different color ribbon in her hair every day.” He snickered.
She arched a brow up “You remember?” he nodded while washing the dishes. She turned her head strangely “I think someone is a little fruity.”
“Me?” he asked with widened eyes “I’m not gay.”
“Then why did you pay attention to my colorful ribbons? Only girls notice stuff like that.” She teased openly.
He grimaced “Uh…you need a tissue.” She covered her nose and slid towards the bathroom to get a kleenex. She returned and sat down on the couch. She knelt on the cushion and waved him from the kitchen “Yes, your highness.” He sighed. He threw the towel over the couch.
“Would you help me find a dress for tomorrow?” she asked.
“You really think I’m gay don’t you?” He frowned.
She laughed with her head thrown back “No.” she rolled her eyes “I just need a guy’s opinion.”
“You mean a girlfriend’s opinion.” He read her thoughts.
Jayd shrugged “No diff. Come on, I need help.” She whined while bouncing on the sofa.
“Fine, you owe me two packs of cigarettes then.” He pointed. She dropped her jaw as he laughed “You thought I forgot about the first one huh?”
“No. I just like to look shocked.” She dragged herself to the room “I was thinking a cocktail dress. Not too much skin and not too covered up. Makes me look like an old outdated woman.” She opened the closet. She turned in time to see him wrap a blanket around her shoulders “Thanks.”
He didn’t bother acknowledging “Hmm, I think black is too formal. More for a funeral type of event. How about this lavender dress? You always liked that color.” He recalled. He brought the dress out and placed it over her neck “Yeah, it’s a nice dress.” He looked up to see her smiling, her red nose apparent “What?”
“Lavender. HE would have called it purple.” She teased. She pulled another dress out “Quick, what color is this?”
“Cyan.” He frowned after she blew up with laughter “I’m glad you find it amusing.”
“How about this one?” she pointed to a top.
“Chocolate brown.” He sighed as she laughed again.
She picked up another skirt “Last one, what’s this color?”
“Yellow.” He said flatly.
Her smile fell in an instant “That’s not funny.”
“Who knew?” he shrugged while taking a seat on her bed “Well, have you decided?”
She wrinkled her nose at the lavender dress and turned to him “If you’re busy, you can go. I don’t expect you to hang out with me all day.” She assured him “Don’t worry, if I faint, the cops will find me. They’ll smell the rotting smell of human flesh coming from the bedroom--”
“I’m not going anywhere.” He cut in between her sentence.
“Good, cause it gets lonely without my mom here.” She quickly added while covering a cough “I like the CYAN dress.” She emphasized.
“Really? Cause I thought the olive green top and black skirt would be a killer.” He added for kicks since he knew she would be amused by it. She slumped to the ground holding her stomach while laughing. Sighing, he leaned over his thigh with open legs “Are you done?”
She wiped the tears off and nodded “Yeah…that was good.” She sighed, “I think I’ll go with this dress.” She picked up the sky blue dress.
“Okay.” He took the hanger from her hand and hooked it on her coat hanger. Putting a hand towards her, he nodded “Come on.”
“Where are we going?” she sniffed the cold back. Taking his hand, he pulled her to her feet.
“The mall.” He said simply “We had breakfast.” He smiled slowly as she too grinned.
“You’re the best.” She punched his arm lightly.
“I know.” He punched her back “I’ll go change too.” Steve returned minutes later to find her in a thin shirt and jeans “Wooh…what do you think you’re wearing?”
Jayd looked down at herself “It’s called clothes. We wear it to keep the cops from arresting us for indecent exposure.” She replied smartly.
“Not that.” He pointed to her top “That’s not thick enough for you. You have a cold remember?”
“Shh!” She hissed, “I’m trying to fake my mind to believe that I’m okay.”
He shook his head in disapproval “No, no sniffy, this is not mind over matter. You will catch pneumonia if you don’t change.” He pushed her back into the room and forced a jacket over her.
“Great, I’ll be the only freak with the winter jacket. I can go skiing with this!” she exclaimed.
He ignored her outburst and waved her to the door “No excuses.”
When they reached the nearest mall, he found her zipping up her jacket and stuffing her hands into her pocket. He hid a smile but she caught it at a glimpse “What? It would look silly if I didn’t zip it.” She explained.
“Uh huh.” He nodded unconvincingly “So what do you do with your mom? Window shop?”
She smiled “We try on lots of clothes but don’t buy a single item. We compliment each other after each outfit and say how we have too much clothes, loud enough so the sales girl could hear.”
“They have a word for people like you.” Steve shook his head.
“What?” She asked.
“Pathetic.” He laughed while she scowled “Come on.” He took her to a boutique. After a few minutes of looking at tops, he noticed she was a bit bored. Turning up the gay meter, he picked up a ruffled pink skirt and pranced over to her “Jayd, you have to try this on. It’s gorgeous! Look at the color.” He brought it out with a dainty head swinging back and forth.
She stifled a laugh when a few heads turned to her. Jayd took the skirt from his hand “It is a cute color. What about a top?” She played along.
Steve flicked a wrist playfully “I know the perfect color.” He rushed to the opposite side. His arms swinging at the hips and his steps delicate. He found a plain white top “This will go perfect. A jean jacket and black boots, you will be the belle of the ball.” He announced.
By the time he finished, she was bursting with laughter at his perfect impression of a feminine homosexual. She shook her hand and head at him “Stop…I think I’m going to throw up.” She grabbed her stomach in pain but the tears of laughter continue to erupt.
“Jayden?” a female voice called her from behind.
She turned and a look of surprise could not be cover “Lisa?”
“Oh my God!” she cried and hugged Jayd as she jumped up and down “I haven’t seen you for like three years!”
She smiled weakly and nodded “Yeah, it has been that long.”
“I just got back from my world trip.” She advised. Turning her eyes to Steve, she nodded “Your friend?”
Steve straightened himself and brought out a hand “Steven Yeung.” He wondered if she saw him prancing around the store.
Lisa grinned “Lisa Cheung. So, how did you two meet?”
“Stevie is an old neighbor of mine. We just ran into each other early this week. He’s working at Fung & Associates.” Jayd explained.
“Oh…then I’ll see you Monday.” She nodded at Steve with special interest.
“You’re coming in to see your cousin?” Jayd guessed.
Lisa nodded “I already saw him. Actually Uncle wants me to come in to work with him. My dad is pressuring me too. Something about learning the importance of a dollar.” She waved her hand nonchalantly. Jayd nodded slowly, her eyes turning to Steve, who raised his brows. Suddenly, she pulled her to the side “You’ll never guess what I found out.” She said in a low voice.
Jayd was afraid to ask. She knew the girl was notorious for rumors back in high school, not to mention she would blab about Andrew and herself to the world if she found out “What?”
“Well, you know how Biu Gor has been seeing this girl?” she asked while Jayd shook her head. She ignored it “Anyways, I hear she’s coming for dinner tomorrow night. Biu Gor won’t let me come but I’m going to sneak in the house tomorrow night, then I’ll know who the girl is. News will travel within the company and we’ll see how long this girl will last.”
Jayd laughed nervously “What if your Uncle likes her?” she pried.
Lisa shrugged “Well then she’s in. But Uncle’s never liked anyone that Biu Gor has brought home. Trust me, he’s more picky than me.” Glancing at her diamond watch, she hastily rushed away “I gotta run. We’ll talk more on Monday.” Before leaving, she leaned into Jayd “He’s a cutie.” She nodded her eyes at Steve, who was busy checking out the clothes.
Jayd let out a sigh as she joined Steve at the rack “What’s with peppy?” he nodded at the door in time to see Lisa marching her servant towards another store.
“Spoiled, rich…beautiful. You interested?” She asked.
“NO!” Steve widened his eyes “Not my type.”
“How do you know?” she teased.
Steve snickered “You just named the three turnoffs according to my dating girls rule.”
Shaking her head, she walked out of the store “You are one sad little soul.”
Chapter 5
Wong Hei - Steven Yeung
Noel Leung - Jayden Lee
Sunny Chan - Andrew Fung
Charmaine Sheh – Lisa Cheung
When Sunday finally rolled around, Jayd found herself feeling better from her cold but the butterflies roaming her stomach would not stop circling. She practiced from sitting politely to smiling ladylike. That morning while she decided how to shake Andrew’s dad’s hand, the doorbell rang.
She opened it and found a vase of peach colored roses, beaming she knew who it was “I’m still alive, you don’t have to get me flowers.”
Steve’s head popped above the roses as he handed it to her “So, I see you’re feeling better.”
“Thanks to you.” She laughed and took the flowers with ease. She placed it in the center of the coffee table “Did you know you’re the first guy that got me flowers?” she petted them adoringly.
He closed the door and turned to her oddly “Is that a joke? Because I’m still trying to figure out the humor part.”
Jayd sighed, “Unfortunately it’s not a joke. He is allergic to flowers…perfume made of flowers or any lotion of that matter. He gets allergies when he’s around them.”
“Charming.” Steve replied wryly “Is it me or am I just not liking this guy?”
“You don’t even know him, how could you dislike someone you don’t even know?” Jayd reasoned.
“I know him through you and frankly, I’d be ashamed of myself if I were him.” He snuffed.
She turned away from the flowers “Why?”
“If I had a girlfriend like you, I’d be showering you with gifts and affection. But this guy? You were sick in bed and he didn’t even bother coming around to see if you were still breathing. Plus, he’s been hiding your relationship for three years. And—”
“How did you know it was three years?” Jayd asked abruptly.
He frowned “You told me.”
“I did?” She scratched her head “Maybe I was delirious.”
“You are delirious.” He rolled his eyes “What is it you like about him?”
Her eyes stopped at the corner of the wall as she searched her mind for an answer “Well… he’s nice…at times. And he can be very affectionate, when he wants to be. He would buy me gifts but if people saw him, it would surely be on the front page of the newspaper.”
Steve wasn’t convinced “There should be more guys like him.” He replied wryly.
Jayd sighed “I know he doesn’t sound like the best guy in the world but he’s my guy. I like him for him and there should be no reason why I like a guy. Love is a feeling not something tangible you can touch. It should come from the inside.” She explained.
He was stumped and realized he was wrong for pushing her “You’re right.” She turned to him with raised brows “It’s not for me to decide who deems worthy for you. You’re a smart girl and you’ve got a good head on your shoulders. I just don’t want to see a good friend getting hurt.” He smiled warmly “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize.” She smiled finally “You were only watching out for me.” She tilted her head to the side with a sly grin “You know what? I think there’s more to you.”
He shifted uneasily in his chair “What do you mean?”
“The questions, the interrogation…I think you like me.” She pointed out.
He laughed despite his burning face “That’s a good one. I like a girl that has a boyfriend. I suppose I am be rich and tall.”
She rolled her eyes but didn’t notice his blushing face “Of course you don’t like me now. I was talking about when we were ten. You had a crush on me didn’t you? I hear guys develop early crushes on girls.” She analyzed.
Steve nodded with a secret grin “Yeah, you’re right. I had a mad crush on you when we were small.”
“Hey, is that why you always hid my toys?” she recalled.
“Sure, why not.” He shrugged carelessly. Glancing at his watch, he noticed the time “Well, I would love to reminisce and it looks like you had a 24 hour flu bug. This has been fun, my dear but I have to be on my way. Good luck tonight and don’t say or do anything I wouldn’t. The first impression is the most important.” He reminded her with a wagging finger.
She grabbed her stomach “I think I’m going to be sick.”
His brows furrowed worriedly “Have you eaten breakfast?”
“No, it’s not that. Just thinking about tonight makes my stomach turn. I just know I’m going to mess up.” She grumbled.
He laughed while putting on his shoes “I’m sure you’ll be fine. Just be yourself.”
“I can’t, then I’ll make a definite fool of myself!” she looked at him with puppy eyes “Stevie, can you help me?”
He glanced at his watch, he was to meet a couple of friends for a barbeque “Okay.” He sighed, “Let’s start with table manners.”
“Oh, I’ve got great table manners.” She agreed.
Steve smiled “Okay, then we’ll start with politeness and eloquence.”
“I’m very polite to the elders.” She nodded wide eyed.
“Then, we’ll work on language and sitting properly.” He suggested.
“I never slouch.” She admitted.
Sighing, he tilted a head tiredly “Miss, then what do you need help with?”
“Everything!” she emphasized.
Steve turned away with a shaking head “I will never EVER understand women.” He pointed her to the couch. They worked on her manners and eloquence all afternoon. He had long ago missed his barbeque but it was worth it when he saw her emerge from her room in the cyan colored dress. She looked exquisite and her hair was curled lightly with her bangs swooped to the side.
He couldn’t help but stare, speechless. He fumbled to get the compliment out while she passed him with a smile “Thanks.” She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek “That’s the best compliment I’ve ever gotten.”
Steve smiled embarrassingly “You deserve it.”
Suddenly, she began bouncing in place and shaking her hands and head “Okay, relax Jayd relax. It’s just dinner. If you blow it…well, there’s no way back.” She motivated herself.
He laughed and stopped her at the shoulders “You’ll be perfect. Don’t worry.” He watched her walk towards the door and decided to send her off with a positive note “Go get ‘em, tiger!”
She spun around slowly “Are you sure you’re not…” she flung a wrist at him.
Steve’s smile disappeared “No!”
Jayd raised her hands in defense “It was just a question. Hey, lock up when you’re done.” He looked around and it occurred to him he was not home. She laughed and waved to him “Night.”
“Good luck.” He whispered before the door closed.
***************
A limo sat waiting for Jayd to arrive as the driver politely opened the door for her “Miss Lee.” He greeted.
She nodded and got in the car. It was beautifully decorated with tiny lights around the edges and a television ready to be used. She peeked out the window and found Steve looking down at her from her apartment. Eventhough he could not see her, he waved with a smile. It made her smile to see the sight.
The ride felt extra long as she felt the butterflies returning for the final battle with her stomach. She took in deep breaths like Steve told her to do when she felt her nerves taking over. When the car stopped, the butterflies turned to birds and her heart could not stop pumping. She wondered if her hand was clammy when the driver lent her a helping hand. Her mind began to wander as she wiped it against her dress and approached the door. Before she knocked, it opened and appeared Andrew “Hi.” She sighed with relief.
He saw her from the front gate video camera “Right on time.” He pulled her in lightly by the arm “You look good.”
“Thanks.” She smiled.
“Sorry, I didn’t call you back yesterday. We had a long meeting and I couldn’t get out.” That was his reason, always a reason. But she took it every time, his work was the most important thing in his life. She admired that much about him.
“It’s okay. I guessed you were.” She said understandingly.
“What did you do all day?” he fixed the hair that was out of place “Wasn’t your mom at the temple all weekend?”
Jayd nodded, she was lost in the affectionate touch “I didn’t do much. Just some shopping.” She felt it was unnecessary to mention Steve “Oh and I ran into Lisa.” She suddenly remembered to warn him.
“Don’t worry, I took care of her. She won’t be coming tonight.” He smiled.
“You didn’t hire a hitman did you?” she asked wide eyed.
Of course she was joking, but he wasn’t amused “Don’t do that. My father is not a humorous man.” He warned.
Jayd felt ten points slipping “Sorry.” She muttered.
“And speak up, he doesn’t like people that mumble. He finds it very rude.” He didn’t noticed her look of disappointment when he turned to see his father coming down the stairs “Father.”
She turned and found a distinguished man and very handsome for his age. His hair slicked back and the grays appearing at the temples. He had an aura that oozed power and prestige as he looked at her in the eye with no emotion “Mr. Fung.” She greeted with a nod.
“Call me Uncle.” He finally smiled “Andrew has told me many good things about you.”
Jayd glanced briefly at Andrew and back at the man “I’m sure he was being very generous. He talks about you a lot too.”
“Good things, I hope.” He lifted a brow at his son and laughed heartily. Andrew joined in with the laugh and Jayd was ready to but she remembered Steve’s wise words of warning not to appear unlady-like “Come, dinner will be served.”
Mr. Fung took the head seat while Andrew and Jayd sat opposite from each other. She looked down at the forks, spoons and knife. A sigh of relief erupted inside as she realized it was the same piece she and Steve worked on earlier that day. It was still fresh on her mind. When soup was served, she picked up the spoon and began sipping it lightly, careful not to make any noise. She looked up as Andrew’s father smiled at her “Its really good.” She nodded convincingly eventhough she truthfully thought the flavor was strange. She noticed Andrew looking at her strangely.
“Our cook makes the best turtle soup.” Mr. Fung advised as he continued only to stop when Jayd began to choke and cough uncontrollably “Is something wrong?”
She knew her eyes were watering and face was probably beet red. She covered her mouth with the mahogany colored napkin “No. I think I drank too fast.” She covered.
The man smiled “I admire a girl that is open about special delicacies. Andrew finds turtle soup a bit disturbing.” He nodded while his son stared at his girlfriend with curiosity.
She was speechless and decided not to comment. Instead she nodded her head politely and waited for the salad. When it came, she picked up the fork and began skimming through the leaves. Andrew noticed as he quickly tapped her foot under the table while he distracted his father “Did you know Jayd is one of top architects in our company, father?”
“Really? What have you designed?” he asked with interest.
Jayd finished chewing as she nodded “I helped a little with the new apartment building in Sa Tin.”
“She’s being modest, it was practically her idea.” Andrew added.
“Impressive.” Mr. Fung smiled proudly. “How do you feel about lamb chops for dinner?”
“It sounds wonderful.” She complimented eventhough she and Andrew knew she could not eat the meat.
Chapter 6
Wong Hei - Steven Yeung
Noel Leung - Jayden Lee
Sunny Chan - Andrew Fung
Charmaine Sheh – Lisa Cheung
After dinner, she felt her stomach go queasy but she would be excusing herself if it weren’t for Andrew’s quick thinking. He ate the rest of her lamb chops after a few bites claiming she was on a diet. Mr. Fung was not offended as he disregarded the plate switching. Dessert was a mousse chocolate cake that was too sweet for her taste but she finished it anyways “Is that how you keep your tiny figure?” Mr. Fung joked.
Jayd laughed “It’s my secret.” She smiled widely but didn’t realize some chocolate was stuck on her teeth. Andrew winked at her strangely as he showed his teeth and licked it with his tongue. She was quick to retrieve the smile. Groaning inside, she knew the night could not get any worse.
The elder man sipped on his hot tea as he turned to Jayd “Are you coming to our anniversary dinner party next month?”
“Yes, sir. I wouldn’t miss it.” She was careful to smile softly.
He nodded mechanically “Good.” Turning to Andrew, he asked “Can you go to the library and get that redwood box in the safe?”
“Yes, father.” He replied and got up to leave the room. Throwing her a smile, he left the room.
“Andrew told me how much he resembles you. I think its great to have someone to look up to.” She complimented wisely.
Mr. Fung nodded “I suppose I did not do all bad considering I only have one son.” He laughed “My wife could not make it to dinner but she would have liked you.”
Just from the comment, she felt suddenly at ease “Thank you.”
“There is no need for politeness. We are practically family.” He grinned, “My son is quite fond of you and frankly I’m not.” His bluntness nearly made her heart stop “But after meeting you, I’m beginning to see why my son adores you.” She felt the rollercoaster ride moving up but she was waiting for the drop “Eventhough your stature is no match for someone like Andrew, I could not stand in the way if it was true love. Tell me, what does your parents do?”
“My mother works in a manufacturer for a sewing company. My father passed away when I was young. Car accident.” She explained shortly.
“A broken family.” It was more of a comment than a question to Jayd “I am surprised at how well you came out. Most turn up on the streets or join the wrong crowd.”
His ignorance only made her realize how wrong the family’s morals were. She bit her tongue to correct him, instead she smiled “My mother did a very good job. She worked two jobs for years to support us until I got this job.”
She was saved by Andrew’s return as he handed his dad the box “What’s inside?”
Mr. Fung smiled as he opened it and appeared a beautiful emerald necklace filled with tiny diamonds on the chain “This was a gift from the Queen of England to my wife when we helped her design the Federal building many years ago. My wife never wore it, instead she found it too much for her taste. I would like for you to have it.”
Jayd was taken aback and stunned by the generosity, maybe she was wrong about him “No, I couldn’t take such an extravagant gift. Frankly, my mother would kill me. Literally.” She smiled nervously.
“It is just a gift. You can sell it and take the money to support your mother until her old age.” He was aware of how vicious his words were but he was testing her strength. She turned to Andrew, who sat motionless “I mean, you only wanted money from Andrew, that would only explain why you chose to be with him for over three years and not once did you complain. My dear, I had no idea girls like you existed. So much patience.” He insulted her bluntly.
Her blood boiled with anger but she refused to be put down by the man “I was not aware that you thought this of me. I guess it was foolish of me to think that I could win you over with my boring personality. My mother never took a handout from anyone those years she worked hard to keep a roof over our heads and I’m sorry to disappoint you but she raised me to take gifts for free. There is a consequence to every decision and when I walk out that door, I will not return because I have never been this insulted in my life.”
“Jayd, don’t disrespect my father.” Andrew scolded openly.
She got up to leave when he stormed past her and stood in front to block her way “Maybe you haven’t noticed but I was not myself today. And I have to add that you weren’t either. Where’s the guy I fell in love with? I hate that I have to act stiff and snotty just to fit in and I hate that I don’t have money like your family because maybe then I would be accepted!”
She was ready to push him aside when Mr. Fung laughed “I would have given you ten points for biting your tongue through most of the evening but now I give you a hundred points for standing up to me.”
Confused, she turned to Andrew, who too laughed, “I believe your test failed father.”
“Test?” Jayd asked.
“Father didn’t believe me when I said you were outspoken and you would stand up if the moment came up. He said that no woman would dare argue with him. Actually his exact words were, she will run out of the house in tears.” Andrew laughed with a shaking head.
Mr. Fung relaxed his tense face as he nodded for Jayd to return “I’m sorry if I insulted you but I had to test you.”
“It’s alright.” She said “If you would have pushed further, I might have punched you in the face.”
He laughed humorously while Jayd turned to Andrew strangely. He leaned from the arm of the couch to her ear “Actually, my father has a great sense of humor.” She nodded with a weak smile while the two laughed and recalled her burning red face.
***************
Steve grabbed the togo bag and rushed out of the barbeque deli. Running home at top speed, he took the elevator to the roof and appeared to be out of breath as he approached her “Soy sauce… chicken… legs.” He handed her the bag “I thought…you said…it was… life threatening?”
“It is!” Jayd grabbed the bag, she was still dressed from the dinner with Andrew and his father “I had turtle soup! Turtle! It’s a pet, not a food! And lamb chops…ew…it gives me the worst stomachache. The last time I had it, I was in the bath—”
“I get it!” Steve stopped her before she finished.
She opened the box and grabbed the leg and gave it a good bite and yank “Hmm…now this is food.” She moaned with satisfaction while Steve leaned on the rail and took in deep breaths “I told you to stop smoking. It kills your lungs. Look at you.” She pointed at him with the leg “You’re wheezing from a two block jog.”
“Four blocks. The place you told me about was closed down. I had to go further to find another one.” He eyed her evilly.
She grinned with a greasy lips “Oops.”
“So I take it, you did well at the dinner?” he asked.
She shrugged “Okay, I guess.”
“Why?” he was curious, she seemed relieved somehow but not happy.
“It was bizarre. The whole dinner was a scam. His father wanted to see me crack. Well, actually he wanted to see me cry and run home to mommy. He drilled me about how I really wanted to be with his son for the money…” she drifted away “Nevermind. It was a strange night but it ended nicely. He took me home himself and he held my hand the whole ride home!” She was practically squealing.
“You mean he doesn’t normally do that?” Steve realized slowly how strange her boyfriend really was.
Jayd was use to it “He’s not cold or anything, he’s just not a big fan of affection.”
“But you are.” He reminded her.
“What’s your point?” She frowned.
“You know I’m not a nosy person.” He began.
She laughed, “Actually, I don’t. I just met you two weeks ago. Sure I’ve known you since I was ten but we didn’t really ‘know’ each other.” She explained.
He looked saddened as he turned over the rail “I know. To be honest, I don’t have much friends. Well, none that I care to see again. It was lonely in England during the school year. I often sit in my room just chatting online to strange people that I have no intention of meeting.” Sighing, he continued “I didn’t know how I managed to get my degree considering how much time I spent thinking about what I was doing there and what I was doing with my life.”
After a long moment, he turned to see if she was still there. She was holding her chicken leg and pretending it was a violin stick and stroking it back and forth “What a sappy story.” she rolled her eyes “Next you’re going to tell me that you wanted to commit suicide.”
“Have you no pity?” he asked with quivering lips.
Jayd laughed as she patted his head with her greasy hand “Pity is for the stray dog with the three legs that live down the block from us. Pity is for the homeless man that eats a bowl of rice a day that he picks from the trashcan behind the deli. Pity is for the old woman that drags her cart up and down the street to find empty cans. Pity—”
“OKAY!” he groaned, “You’re making me feel horrible. I’m a horrible human being.”
She smiled “You’re not. I have no doubt that it was lonely for you living and going to school by yourself. But you have to remind yourself how good you have it. You’re healthy…as soon as you stop smoking.” She quipped “And you have an apartment to live in and you have a job. What more could you ask for?”
Steve nodded slowly “Optimistic.”
“My ma taught me well.” She nodded proudly and started on another leg.
“Speaking of your ma, isn’t she home yet?” he glanced at his watch “The last boat came in half an hour ago.”
She speedily threw the leg into the bag “Crap! I forgot.” She rushed down the stairs with Steve laughing after her.
“Take the elevator.” He advised, “It could be a tad faster.”
“I’m too impatient to wait.” She jumped down the steps with her high heels. He was about to warn her when she tripped over a step and twisted her ankle “Ow!”
“Jayd!” He rushed to her side “Are you okay?”
“Yeah…stupid leg!” she scolded while pulling herself up with the help of the rail and Steve.
He wrapped her arm around his shoulder and helped her down another flight of stairs before taking the elevator “Did you run hurdles with heels in high school?” he joked.
“Don’t make fun of crippled people. You’ll go to hell.” She snickered while rubbing her leg “I don’t think I could walk.”
“It’s not broken.” He glanced at it shortly.
“How do you know? Oh…that’s right. Dr. Yeung has x-ray vision.” She said sarcastically.
“Your tendon is not that swollen and plus if it’s broken, your foot would not be able to stay in it’s original shape. And you would be crying like a baby because the pain would be even excruciating for the biggest, strongest man.” He concluded.
Jayd pressed her lips together in defiance “Yeah, like that makes any sense.”
He laughed “Suit yourself.” He helped her out of the elevator but she was walking extra slow. Sighing, he lifted her up with both arms “We’ll never get to your apartment if I let you walk.” He used his elbow to ring the doorbell.
Mrs. Lee opened the door and didn’t expect her daughter to be carried by Steve “What happened?!” she exclaimed worriedly.
“Ma, open the door. Your daughter isn’t the lightest girl in the world.” She nodded to Steve who was breaking into a sweat. The woman stumbled to open the lock as she held the door for Steve to enter “I tripped on the stairs.”
“I’ll get some ice.” Steve set her down on the couch and rushed to the kitchen.
“Aiya! What did I tell you about running down the stairs?” the elder lady scolded.
Jayd rolled her eyes “It’s a little too late for warnings ma.” She lifted her leg on the coffee table “Oh my God!”
“What? Does it hurt?” Mrs. Lee asked worriedly.
“No, it’s huge!” she pointed at her ankle.
“Not if you ice it down for the next hour.” Steve returned with the plastic bag of ice as he placed it over her ankle making her squirm “It’ll numb the bruise and keep the blood leveled “Don’t walk too much on this leg. You’ll be limping for a few days.”
“Are you sure I don’t need surgery, Dr.?” she sniffed “Do we have to amputate?” she squealed and grabbed him by the shirt “I need my leg!”
Steve turned to her mother, who was shaking her head at her daughter “I would check the hospital records if I were you, Auntie. She’s a little strange to be your daughter.”
“And your eyes are a little small to be glaring at people. Tell me, do you see a strip when you look around or do you have to open your eyes really wide?” She teased.
“Cheap shot. My eyes are always the first people aim for. You’re not any different.” He snorted while adjusting the ice bag.
“Fine, quit your crying. Thanks.” Jayd smiled as she nodded him to the door “It’s getting late and we have work tomorrow. You need rest to carry me down the stairs.”
He laughed “Remember, ice for one hour.” He pointed sternly and turned to her mother politely nodding “Good night, Auntie.”
“Good night.” She smiled and closed the door after him. Walking back to her daughter, she raised her brows “He’s a nice kid.”
“So?” she frowned at her mother strangely.
“You can think about it.” She hinted.
“Ma!” Jayd groaned as she gathered the ice and slipped into her room before her mother could give her the third degree.
SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004
