One Sided Arrow - written by Jenny Tran

Chapter 7

Kathy stood by the door to the bar room where Mel sat there gulping down another beer “Uh…I…” she was almost afraid to enter the room.

Mel looked up and noticed she was standing outside the room “What’s the matter? Suddenly afraid? Where was that fire earlier when you barged into my meeting? You want to talk right? So TALK.” He didn’t need to spell it out for her as she knew she was in deep trouble.

“Well…it’s not that important.” She stepped in cautiously.

“Close the door.” He commanded again. Kathy nodded and did as he told “Have a seat.” He pointed to the empty space on the couch next to him.

Kathy smiled apologetically as she took the furthest seat from him “It’s okay, I’d rather stay alive.” She kidded. His lips flicked upwards into a crooked smile “First of all, I appreciate you sending your guys to watch after me…but honestly, I don’t need bodyguards.”

Mel’s grin grew wider “Is this what caused that outburst?”

She nodded “You have no idea what they did to me do you?” he frowned in confusion and she quickly explained about the guy’s arm being chopped off in front of her and it turned out to be a joke. Mel only laughed when she told her side of the story “It’s not funny!” she felt her face growing hotter again “They almost gave me a heart attack! I didn’t know if I should call the police or run for my life!”

His face turned solemn as he came to realized how scared she was “I told those fu-” he saw Kathy raise her eyebrows and he cleared his throat “I mean nutheads that you were to be protected not scared. They should be punished!” he punched his fist on his other palm.

Kathy wrinkled her eyebrows “I…I didn’t mean…” she trailed off as he called in his boys. She quickly got up “Hey…they meant well…” but Mel was not listening to her.

“You idiots! I told you guys to watch out for her and you guys just scared the pee out of her!!” some of the guys stifled a chuckle and he turned as he slapped the guy with the back of his hand “Shut up!! You think this is a funny matter? Do you find everything I ask you to do amusing?”

“No..Mel Gor.” The guy rubbed his face painfully.

Mel moved on to the next guy “Roach, was this your idea?”

Roach looked up with a straight face “Yes. I will take the blame. Don’t punish the other guys for my mistake.”

Mel reached his hand up as he prepared to punch Roach but Kathy quickly felt remorse as she stopped his fist with both her hands, she pulled it down with all her might “Hey Mel, that’s not necessary. I’m sure they didn’t think I would freak out like that. If they knew, I’m sure they wouldn’t have done it.”

Mel smiled as he pushed her hands away, he turned to Roach “Now does that prove anything?”

Roach smiled widely “She IS cool.” He and the other guys began laughing and giving each other high fives while Kathy looked at them strangely.

“I think I should sign myself into the insane asylum.” She mumbled making the guys laugh even louder.

Mel looked at his boys and twitched his head towards the door, they bowed and walked out giving them privacy. “I need a favor.” He started without any introduction.

Kathy frowned “Whatever it is, I’m sure your boys can do it.”

“No, they can’t.” he said firmly. He pointed to the seat next to him and this time she obliged to his orders. “You see, I met this girl a few months back. Had I known she would be clingy and irritating, I wouldn’t have slept with her.”

“So you want ME to fix your mistake because you let your balls do all the decision making when you meet a pretty girl? Well, I don’t think that’s very fair.” She snickered.

Mel tilted his head “You know, I normally don’t tolerate this type of attitude but coming from you…it’s almost cute.”

She rolled her eyes “Is that a compliment?”

“Yes.” He said solemnly “Katie, you really have to help me. I’m going back to Hong Kong in a month and I do NOT want this to hang over my conscience. Help me get rid of her, please.”

She sighed, he was a little too earnest “Fine. But I have three requests.”

Mel’s smile curled up slyly “Sure. But you have to promise me that I’ll be on top.”

Kathy closed her eyes remember the image of the night before “Oh God no! No, no, no!” she shook her head vehemently trying to take the picture out of her head “Nothing like that!” he laughed as he reached for his beer “Number 1, don’t call me Katie, I hate that nickname.”

“Well, I like it.” He answered shortly.

She sighed exasperatingly “Fine, whatever! Second, tell your boys I don’t need bodyguards.”

Mel nodded “Done.”

“Lastly, don’t make me drink or smoke. I don’t like that kind of stuff.” She wrinkled her nose.

He smiled and leaned back on the couch, his right arm draped over the top of the couch with his fingertips grazing her face “Are you sure that’s it?”

She practically jumped from her seat as she pointed at him “I’m gonna add another request just for that comment. Don’t ever flirt with me like that. You give me the chills.”

“Isn’t that a good thing?” he smiled.

Kathy pointed at him threateningly, her eyes bulging out “One more comment like that and we can forget about the deal.”

He reached his arms behind him and gave it a stretch “You’re no fun.”

“Hey…I’ve been meaning to ask you. Who is this Old Chuck?” she just had a bad experience with a guy named Chuck. “I mean, is he old?”

Mel shook his head “No, he’s young…probably your age. They call him Old Chuck because he dyed his hair gray. Pretty dangerous guy, but he’s never been that way. I heard in high school he was quite the jock. Somehow he mixed in with the bad crowd and became a head of this province next to my own. I hear he’s quite vicious.” He frowned at Kathy when her faced went pale “You know him?”

Kathy nodded blankly “I think…he could be the guy that use to tease me about my weight in high school. His nickname was Chuck short for Charles.”

“Your weight? What’s wrong with it?” he checked her up and down “It looks good to me.”

She gave him the evil eye as he smiled and put up his hands in defense “Last time.” She warned. “I was overweight…I mean…100 pounds overweight.”

“That’s hard to imagine.” He pointed to her petite figure.

“It’s not always like this. I just recently lost my last ounce of fat…you never met me when I was fat, so you would know.” She said it almost hurtfully. Suddenly, she thought of Neil.

Mel seemed to have sensed something different “What’s wrong?”

Kathy shook her head with a sigh “Nothing. I was thinking of my best friend. I haven’t talk to him in a while.”

“You in love with him?” he asked straightforwardly.

“NO!” she answered too quickly, giving it away. “I mean, he’s a sweet guy and all…but no…I don’t think he likes me.”

Mel laughed “I didn’t ask if HE liked you…” he faded away when his cell phone began to ring. He looked at the name and the words ‘Janet’ flashed on the screen. He pointed to it “Speak of the devil. It’s that girl.” He handed Kathy the phone.

Her eyes widened in shock “NO! I don’t know what to say!” she hissed. There was no need to whisper but she was doing it as if the girl could hear her. “You talk to her…” she pushed the cell phone into him.

“We had a deal.” He threatened.

Kathy let out a sigh “Fine.” She took the phone “Hello!” she answered loudly.

The girl gave a little pause “Why do you have Mel Gor’s cell phone?”

“What’s it to ya?” Kathy answered and noticed at the corner of her eyes that Mel was smiling. “Shouldn’t I be asking why you have his number?”

“I’m his girlfriend.” The girl on the other line said casually “He gave the number to me a few months ago when we first met. What are you? A hooker?”

Kathy felt her face steaming up, she was never so offended, but she remained calm “No, I’m not a hooker. But sometimes Mel Gor likes me to pretend. We have better sex that way.”

Mel raised his eyebrows as he crossed his arms and tapped his chin playfully, he was intrigued, maybe he didn’t chose the wrong girl afterall. “I don’t believe you!” the girl cried, unable to control her feelings.

Kathy knew she was in for it “Why, we’re doing it right now. So if you don’t mind, go away…bitch.” She has never cussed before in her life so it came out a bit awkward.

“What did you call me, tramp?” Janet asked haughtily.

Kathy’s face grew red as she turned to Mel, he quickly took the phone from her “Hey Janet, it’s Mel.”

“Mel Gor!!” her sweet tone was quickly replaced at the sound of his voice. “So who was that?” she asked casually.

Mel snickered “We’re both adults, you should know who she is. Men have certain needs…and well, you don’t fulfill that part so I found Katie instead.” He gave Kathy a quick little wink.

Janet was trying to conceal her anger as she gritted her teeth “I don’t mind. You’ll come back to me, I know it. Can I see you this weekend?”

“Maybe…if Katie let’s me.” He giggled and made a kiss sound into the phone.

Kathy took the phone away from him “I’ll let him if he plays his cards right tonight.” She snickered and then hung up. Mel clapped his hands commending her performance. But Kathy was drained from energy, she slouched down on the couch “I can’t believe I’m doing this…” she said with a dazed expression.

“You were great! Now, we have to give you a makeover and a tougher attitude. Janet was raised in the streets, she’s a very tough girl.” Mel advised.

She looked nervous as can be “Makeover? Uh…I think I’m okay like this.” She pointed to her blue flowered print skirt with a white top.

“Yeah, if you were trying out for the Miss Hong Kong pageant.” He snorted. “No, you need an edgier look. I’ll have Wong take you out shopping tomorrow.”

“Fine, but I’m not paying for it.” She crossed her arms.

“I wouldn’t dare to ask you.” Mel smiled “Here, take my credit card.” He handed it to her.

Kathy took it with interest as she looked at the silver card “Melvin Lam?”

Mel quickly snapped it away from her “Come to think about it, I’ll give you cash instead.” He reached in his pocket and pulled out a wad of Canadian cash. He handed it to Kathy who was stifling a giggle.

“Melvin…” she giggled louder unable to hide her amusement.

“That’s between you and me.” He said almost threateningly.

Kathy quickly brushed it off “Anything you say…Mel..vin.” She burst out laughing this time. “That’s so geeky!”

Mel stood up as he pointed to her “Do you wanna take this outside?”

She shook her head as she calmed herself down “Don’t get your suspenders rolled up.” She saw him pout “Aww…it’s not that bad. Melvin is actually a very…cute name.” She insisted unconvincingly.

He pushed her head with his hand “Shut up.”

Chapter 8

The following day, Kathy received a knocking on her apartment door. She had just woken up and was about to cook breakfast since she did not have class that day. She opened the door and found Wong standing there wearing his dark sunglasses and a cap over his blond dyed hair “What’s with you?” she asked as she returned to her eggs cooking on the stove.

“I think I’m being followed.” He whispered then quickly closed the door behind him.

“By whom?” Kathy asked.

Wong hovered over her shoulder “The one armed man.”

He began laughing hysterically while Kathy gave him an evil look “Ha ha. You’re so funny, I forgot to laugh.”

After breakfast, they walked down the busy streets where shops were open. Everything that Kathy chose was either too innocent or not short enough. She picked up a flared black skirt “How about this?”

“Too high school.” Wong answered.

She put down the skirt for the 10th time that morning “How about this shirt?” she chose a dark blue shirt, it was tight fitting but the neck line was so high she wouldn’t need to worry about bending over.

“You look like a nun.” He said flatly. “Mel Gor would not go for a girl that wore that.”

“Well, what do you want me to do? You shook your head at everything I picked up. How about you chose?” she asked casually.

“I was waiting for you to ask!” he smiled as he shook his head “Come on, let’s go to MY story.”

Kathy frowned as she hesitantly followed “Why do I suddenly regret asking?”

Wong took her to a little shop in the Toronto Mall called ‘Hot Topic’, the clothes were dark and almost creepy. Kathy would have never guessed that she would be caught dead in a store like that. Wong grabbed a few outfits including short skirts and short shirts as he shoved at her “Here, try these.”

Kathy frowned as she held up a v-shaped piece “What’s this? A hair bandana?”

“No, it’s tube top.” Wong pointed out. Her eyes bulged out as she gave it back to him “Uh uh…Mel Gor asked me to give you an edgy look. You have to try it.”

She let out a sigh “I wish I never met him…” she walked into the changing room with her head low and her feet was dragging against the carpet.

Wong was looking around for more stuff when he came upon a pair of net stockings. He threw it over the curtain where Kathy was changing “Put this on too.”

Kathy looked up and a ball hit her straight in the forehead “Ow!” she cried when the balled stockings hit her. “Watch where your throwing that.” She continued to shake her head unable to believe that she was trying on gothic clothing. “Neil would have a heart attack if he saw me now.”

“Who’s Neil?” Wong asked.

Kathy rolled her eyes “Don’t listen when I’m talking to myself.”

“Sorry. Come on, are you done yet?” he whined.

“Hold your horses!” she smoothed down the short black skirt but it seemed useless because that was the longest it would be. She had on the black fishnet stockings and a red bandana tube top. She walked out covering her now flat belly “There.” She exclaimed and raced back into the dressing room.

“Hey..I didn’t even see it!” Wong cried as he barely got a glimpse of her. She sighed and came back out. He looked at her up and down “Very nice, but you’re missing something. Boots.” He snapped his finger. He found a pair inside the store, it was black and knee high. “Try it on.”

“The things I do for a favor…” Kathy began mumbling as she struggled to put the boots on “And to think…all this wouldn’t have happened if I wasn’t nosy…or been so nice and tried to help a complete stranger…” she zipped up the second pair and stood up “That’s the last time I do anything nice…” she placed her hands on her hips “There, is that better?”

Wong stared at her with a grin so wide, who knew the innocent looking girl could be transformed into a gangster chic. “It’s perfect.” He breathed. “Come on, let’s pay for it and show Mel Gor now.”

She widened her eyes “Now?”

He nodded eagerly, he couldn’t wait for Mel to see her transformation “Pay for it.” He urged. “I’ll pick out a few more outfits so he can see.”

Kathy looked at him strangely “Gees, if I didn’t know better, I would have guessed you were gay or something. Guys hate shopping.”

Wong laughed loudly with his head shaking as he picked out a few more shirts. She was at the register desk as the girl rung up her purchases. She took the wad of money that Mel had given her the night before and paid for it. The two walked out of the store with two bag full of clothes. Kathy was covering herself when Wong stopped and pull out a long black jacket from the bag “Here, before you draw anymore attention to yourself.”

Kathy took the coat thankfully as they headed towards the exit. They reached a different bar where it seemed almost like an underground club. The two entered the darkened room. She quickly spotted Mel sitting at the bar talking to Roach. His eyes did a double take on Kathy. A slow smile spread across his face as he got up “Well, don’t we look cute.”

Kathy groaned “Cute? This is cute? I look like a damn hooker.”

“How much are you charging?” Roach whistled loudly as he got up to check her out.

Kathy took the jacket and wrapped it around her body “That’s it, I’m not doing this anymore.”

Mel turned to Roach “Apologize.” he ordered.

“Sorry, Miss Kathy.” He said without much feeling.

“Well…an apology is not that necessary.” She suddenly noticed all the eyes were on her and she was the only girl in the joint “You guys are not gonna rape me or something right?” she noticed the hungry eyes staring at her up and down.

Mel laughed “If I wanted to, I would have done it the other night. Don’t worry, no one is allowed to lay a finger on you or I’ll chop it off personally.” His threat did the trick as the other guys turned away and continued their own business. He smiled at Kathy “Now then, let’s start the tough lesson.”

“What tough lesson?” she asked feebly.

“Come on.” He reached for her arm and led her into a secluded room. Roach and Wong were allowed inside while the other guys stood guard. “You got the look, now you need the attitude. Janet is brutal with words.”

“So I heard.” Kathy snickered.

He nodded in agreement “So you need to be tougher.” He pointed to a circled table with two chairs. “Have a seat.” She nodded and took the seat from him “I’ll pretend to be Janet.” Kathy had to smile at the thought of the big tough guy posing himself as a girl. “Wipe that smirk off your face, bitch.” He spat.

Kathy wrinkled her forehead “That was uncalled for. At least warn me.”

“Why the hell should I?” he crossed his arms. “Mel Gor belongs to me. If you want him, you have to go through me.”

She tilted her head “Sure, you can have him.”

Mel let out a short laugh “Katie, you have to fight back. That’s exactly what she’s gonna say. If you answer that, she’ll just laugh in your face..she’ll probably slap you too.”

“No…she wouldn’t…would she?” she turned to Roach and Wong.

“She slapped me.” Wong pointed to his left cheek.

Kathy frowned “Well, how should I reply?”

Roach was thoughtful as he tried to help her out “Maybe say like…Over my dead body, slut!”

Wong clapped his hands “That’s good…I like that. Then maybe you can slap her and start a fight or something.”

Kathy quickly stood up with her hands in defense mode “Wooh, I aint fighting any girl.”

Mel looked up at her “Don’t worry, you don’t have to fight anyone. If she dares to hit you, I’ll have her taken care of.”

“Is violence always the answer for you? Why do you always have to beat someone up? I mean, this world is not based on killing and war…You might not know this, but there is a peaceful world that you have never seen.” She retorted angrily.

Mel turned to the two shocked guys, they looked surprised that Kathy would have the guts to say that to him. “Get out.” He said and the two quickly obliged. Kathy looked like a scared kitten, she had noticed his angry tone. Mel looked at Kathy with hardened eyes “I have seen that peaceful world…it’s fake, it’s just a lie you tell yourself when something good happens. But those things…good things…they never last forever. You’re naïve if you think that it’s a good world we live in.” he got up and took off his leather jacket showing his tattoo “Do you know why I had to get this?”

Kathy shook her head “Because it’s cool?”

Mel smiled at her response “Cool? No. It's a reminder, where I came from and how I got there. It covers my first scar from a brutal fight. Let me tell you a little story. When I was growing up, I was under the impression that life was perfect…like a storybook. Nothing can ever go wrong. I told myself this every time I was bullied or teased for my glasses or braces. When I finally got contacts and took my braces off, I thought the teasing would stop. But they never did. It started since the day I stepped foot into grade school and until High School. That’s when I realized it had nothing to do with the glasses or braces. It was me… the kids wanted to tease me.”

“Did your parents know?” she wondered out loud.

“Know? Of course they did, how could they not see the bruises that were on my face and body each time I came home from school? But they chose to not see it. Because in their perfect little world, nothing bad was ever known. So, I told myself from that day forth that I would never be teased again. It was either that or the death road. But I guess it’s the same now huh?” Mel chuckled at the irony of it all. He thought about committing suicide until Joe Gor came along and saved him. He taught him how to be everything he is that very day.

“I understand why you would be angry at the world…” she stopped when he snapped his head over at her.

“Angry? You’re damn right I’m angry! I never got anything good out of this life. The only good thing was taken away from me!!” tears were brimming at the corner of his eyes now and Kathy came to realize how tough life was for him. “I was kicked out of my home at the age of 16, dropped out of high school and found myself dealing drugs at the alleys to make extra cash. Joe Gor was murdered and left on my doorstep the day I was kicked out. How could I blame my parents? They were scared…scared for their own Goddamn lives!! NOT mine…but their own.” He wiped the tears that were coming out with the back of his hand.

“My life may not be as bad as yours, but I know the feeling of being teased. To the point where I would cry myself to sleep in hopes that when I wake up I would no long be teased for my outside appearance.” Kathy began with a distant look in her eyes “But I guess I’ll always be more fortunate, but my reason for living is still alive. He’s my best friend, the same guy that stood by my side every time someone teased me. He never cared how fat I became, he still remained by my side. I’m sorry that Joe Gor was killed, but don’t you ever feel tired of the violence?” she said softly not wanting him to blow up again.

“Tired?” he turned to her with earnest eyes “Every single day of my life…but what can I do? I stepped foot in it, I can’t get out now. My boys are countin’ on me. I’m like their father figure now. They let go of their lives to follow me, how could I be so selfish as to leave them at a time of need? Violence is the only answer I know. It’s the only way I solve any problems. So excuse me if I seem a little cruel.” He pounded down the beer he had finished halfway.

“I’m sorry…” Kathy didn’t know what else to say.

Mel looked up and smiled “Sorry to bring you down. It’s not your fault, I shouldn’t be angry at the world. I’m glad I ran into you that night…I don’t think I have ever thanked you for saving my life.”

Kathy laughed “Oh, you’ve done enough, trust me. If you’re going to thank me again, give me a warning so I can move out of the country.”

He joined in with her laughter “You are one special girl. That best friend of yours is lucky to have met you. He would be luckier if he had you for a girlfriend.”

“Too bad…” she sighed at the thought of Neil. They haven’t spoken in weeks. She wondered if he was so busy? But then she came to realize it was always her that called him. Maybe she was trying too hard? Maybe he didn’t want to talk to her anymore? Or maybe he was too busy with his own life to care about her?

Mel sensed her questions “One thing at a time. You help me this time and I’ll help you get the guy of your dreams.”

Kathy shook her head sadly “I told you…he doesn’t like me.”

“Have you asked him?” he asked.

“No.” she sighed “But I know because he never told me he liked me. Maybe I should just move on instead of dwelling over something that can never happen. I’m holding onto a dream that will never be reality.”

“Man, that’s deep.” Mel shook his head, Kathy had to laugh at his action. “Anyways, go home and rest. I’ll have the guys pick you up this Saturday.”

Kathy frowned “But I’m not ready.”

“You are, you just don’t know you have it in you. I’ve seen the angry looks, the snappy judgments, the sarcasm and you definitely got the look.” He eyed her carefully.

She laughed “Hey, behave now.” She got up “Okay…then I’ll see you this weekend.” Mel stood up to walk her out. Kathy didn’t know why but she felt the urge to hug him, maybe she felt that he needed one. She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave his body a little squeeze “I wish I could take the anger away but I know you are the only one that could make it disappear. Whatever you do in life, don’t regret your decisions.”

He was shocked by her warm words, he felt choked up for once in his life as he returned her hug. They pulled away “Thank you. You’re a very sweet girl. I promise, no one will ever hurt you again.”

She smiled and nodded “I’ll try my best this Saturday.”

Chapter 9

She slept late that night after studying the gangster movies. The next morning, she woke up and felt a great deal of stress overcome her. She ran a few errands and when she returned she had lunch by herself. She heard the phone ring and wondered if it was Mel. But she never gave him her number “Hello?”

“Kathy?” Neil’s familiar voice came on and it brought a smile to her face. “Why haven’t you called me?”

“Well, you know. I’m out of money…can’t afford to call you anymore.” She joked.

“Oh…is that why? I’m sorry, I’ve been such a bad friend. You’re always the one calling. I should be better than that.” He apologized.

Kathy was smiling “It’s alright. You’re still my favorite person in the world.”

He laughed and let out a sigh “I miss you.”

Her heart thumped at his words “I miss you too…just one more year.”

“Is that all?” he asked in shock “Has it been four years already?”

“Almost. But I’ll be home soon. I’m counting on you to pick me up.” She teased.

“Of course. You don’t have any other friends.” He laughed.

She pouted “You don’t have to remind me.”

Neil smiled into the phone “Anyways, I’ve got to run. I’ll talk to you later. We’ll have a longer chat next time.”

“Definitely.” She promised. “Bye.” She hung up the phone and sighed dreamily. She felt like she was walking on air. She was smiling the whole time she began to change for her show that night with Mel. It was hard to wipe off the grin even after Wong came to pick her up.

“You keep smiling like that and Janet will slap it off your face.” He warned.

Kathy grinned even wider “That’s nice.”

“What’s the matter with you? Are you on drugs or something?” he asked worriedly.

Kathy laughed “It’s a natural high.”

Wong frowned as he glanced over at her on the passenger seat “Is that a new one? I’ve never heard of that drug.”

She rolled her eyes “No, you don’t have to take it. It comes from inside your body.” She leaned in closer to explain “You know when you’re so happy that nothing can make your mood go down?” he shook his head and she hit him on the chest “Why am I explaining that to you?”

“I don’t know.” He grinned as he looked at her “Hey, you look different.”

“I look like a prostitute?” she rolled her eyes.

“No…your makeup, it’s darker tonight…it looks good.” He complimented.

Kathy smiled “Thanks.” The car stopped in the back way of the underground party that was going on. She could hear the booming sound of the music when she stepped out of the car. “Show time.” She whispered to herself and popped a gum into her mouth.

“Ready?” Wong asked.

“Do I have a choice?” she sighed “Come on. Let’s get this night over with.” They entered the busy party with an aura of importance. Kathy walked down the steps without looking down at her feet, instead her eyes stayed glued to the girl that was hanging all over Mel. He looked uncomfortable as he pushed her away gently. Kathy had to smile, being a tough guy as he was, he was still a gentleman. She walked up to the group that was hanging around the bar “You want to take your paws off my man?” she asked the girl. Kathy stood their with her hands on her waist, while the jacket was pushed to the back, it showed off her figure to perfection.

“Get lost.” Janet spat.

Kathy only smiled as she chewed her gum adoringly, she inched her way between Janet and Mel. She smiled sweetly at the girl “Excuse me.” She leaned over and gave Mel a light kiss on the lips “Hi baby. Miss me?”

Mel was enjoying the attention as he wrapped a hand around her waist inside her jacket and twisted her around “Always.” He reached his free hand up and brushed the hair that was covering her eyes.

“Ahem!” Janet cleared her throat and it was her boys cues to come out. Randomly about ten guys stood up and walked behind her “If you don’t mind Mel Gor, could you step aside while I take care of that thorn for you.”

Mel turned to face Janet but Kathy put a hand on his shoulder “Its okay baby, I got it.” She stepped up with one hand on her hip “What do you want?”

The guys behind Janet looked like they were ready to charge at Kathy. She remained calm even though her heart was racing “I don’t want to fight.” Janet said gingerly “But I want to play a game…”

“What game?” Kathy asked with her eyes narrowing.

“A game that will determine who gets Mel Gor.” Janet said matter of factly.

Kathy smiled “It won’t matter if I win or lose, Mel is mine.” She tilted her head towards Mel who leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.

“Whatever bitch! If you lose, you cannot see Mel Gor again. If I catch you hanging around him, you’ll be sorry you ever tried to take something thats mine.” She said with much hatred.

“What if you lose?” Kathy put up her fingernails pretending to look at them, she did not look too interested.

“I won’t.” Janet said with firm confidence.

Kathy laughed “Then we have no game.” She turned to Mel “Come on, babe.”

“Fine! If I lose, I won’t ever call or see Mel Gor again.” Her eyes looked ready to fire when Kathy turned to her with a knowing smile.

“What game?” Kathy asked shortly.

Janet smiled “My game. Pool. One game, one winner.”

Kathy shrugged her shoulders carelessly “Fine.” She turned to Mel with scared eyes “I’m not good at this game.”

Mel smiled “Give yourself more credit. You can do it.” He urged gently. He nodded as she turned and followed Janet and her gang into the pool room. Before they got started, Mel came behind Kathy and hugged her, his lips touched her neck giving her goosebumps “I owe you one.” He whispered and gave her a peck on the neck while his eyes looked up at Janet. The girl glared at them in envy. He decided to take it one step further as he turned Kathy around and kissed her full on the lips. She knew she could not fight it but she wondered when he would let go of her. His hands came over her shoulders and took off her jacket in one swift movement. When he finally let her go, her eyes gave him a warning signal. Her shoulders were bare and her waist was cold but she took it like a good sport. She walked over to the pool stick stand with a stride and grabbed one coolly.

Janet smiled as she snapped her fingers and one of the guys behind her pulled out a pool stick container and twisted the two pieces together “The bar pool sticks are so old. I like using my own.” She sneered at Kathy.

“Good for you. It will be embarrassing losing with your own stick.” Her quick tongue did the trick as Janet was suddenly flustered. Roach and Wong chuckled at her slash.

The game started shaky with Kathy still having 6 balls on the table while Janet had two left before the black ball. The girl was getting smug “Not such a good pool player huh? Tsk, tsk, tsk…too bad.” She bent over and hit another striped ball into the pocket.

Kathy knew she could not let her nerves get to her. She prayed that Janet would not get the last ball in “A little cocky aren’t we?” she snickered when Janet missed her last shot. “Tsk, tsk, tsk…too bad.” She mocked the girl's comment earlier. Kathy began to concentrate harder as she took one shot at a time. Five in a row to be exact. By her fifth ball, Mel’s guys were cheering her on. Kathy turned to Mel and blew him a kiss. He smiled and winked at her. Her last ball was tricky since it was blocked by Janet’s ball.

“Don’t tell me you can do a jump ball?” Janet asked with a laugh.

“No.” Kathy shook her head “That’s the easy way out.” She checked out the angle of the shot she would have. She remember some part of the geometry work she did. Her eyes moved at the table and then she called the shot “Last ball, corner right pocket.”

“That’s impossible.” Janet snorted.

Kathy smiled as she aimed it to perfection, with the right strength she would be able to get the ball into the desired pocket. She let out a short breath and hit the ball. To her shock and amazement, the ball went into the corner pocket. The boys broke out in a huge applaud while Mel smiled proudly. “Did you say impossible?” Kathy asked with a laugh. She looked on the table and surely enough the black ball was still in its position. She concentrated and got the ball into its pocket with ease.

Wong and Roach clapped their hands “Wohooo! Go Kathy!”

Mel walked over and wrapped his arms around Kathy as she smiled sweetly at him. Her arms trailed over his neck “I told you.” He whispered.

Kathy only smiled as she slowly let go of him and turned to Janet “I’m sure you’re a woman of your words?”

Janet’s face was as red as a tomato when she threw down her pool stick “Let’s go!” she cried with her eyes piercing at Kathy. “We’ll meet again.” She growled before disappearing out of the club.

Mel’s boys laughed as they scooted her out of the room. When she was finally gone, Kathy let out a long deep sigh “Oh my gosh!!”

Mel laughed as he hugged her “That was great!” He cleared his throat when Kathy gave him a strange look. He was even more excited than her. “I mean…you did well.” He patted her on the back.

Kathy laughed “You almost looked like a proud father. So…I did good huh?” he nodded and her face turned solemn “Don’t think I’m gonna let that kiss go.”

“You’re thinking about it too huh?” Mel smiled and his guys began to laugh and whistle. Roach and Wong stood there shocked, they could have sworn that Kathy was going to slap the sense out of him.

“No, if I thought about it, I would throw up by now.” She said sarcastically making the other two laugh but only long enough to earn a glare from Mel. “I guess I should have told you about the rules. Hey, I’ll let it slide this time though.”

He smiled “When did you learn how to play pool like that?”
Kathy looked at him thoughtfully “Hmm…about two years ago when a couple of my classmates took me to the poolhouse and made me learn. I told them it was useless but I guess I should thank them now huh?”

Mel smiled “Remind me to send them a basket of fruit.” He was teasing.

“So what now?” Kathy shrugged “Can I go home?”

“No, unless you want Janet’s boys to attack you. She’s not exactly a gracious loser.” He replied darkly. “We’ll hang around her for a while and then I’ll take you home. How about a game of pool?” he was daring her.

Kathy laughed as she grabbed her jacket and put it over herself “Sure, if you don’t mind losing to a girl.”

“OHHH!!” Roach and Wong cried at her insult. “Damn, I think she’s getting too comfortable in those fishnet stockings.” Wong commented.

Kathy turned to Mel with a grin “Ready?”

He shrugged his shoulders carelessly “Sure.”

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