One Sided Arrow - written by Jenny Tran

Chapter 10

Back in Hong Kong

Neil got up from bed, ready for his first day as an intern. He was asked to come back from 10 different people who applied for the same internship. Neil was excited as it was his dream job to work for a popular magazine company. Especially with Blush, one of the top competitors of FHM, a male magazine. He graduated as a photographer from the University of Hong Kong.

He was going to tell Kathy the good news but she seemed a bit preoccupied when he called her. He figured the next time they talk, he’ll let her know. Neil was excited about being a photographer of the models but he was going to be working close to Kelly Hui, the agency’s top models for the past years. She was also the same girl he had a crush on since high school. But he never had the courage to approach her.

That morning as he took the bus like thousands of working people in Hong Kong, he thought about how to speak to her. In his mind, he was going to be the smooth talker, make her notice him for once. But when he reached the tall building, his nerves got the best of him. He took the elevator up to the 28th floor and stepped out into a busy world of it’s own. People were scrambling around oblivious to the handsome young man dressed in a dark gray suit. He tried to get the attention of a person walking by but they just brushed him aside.

He quickly caught the eye of the receptionist, who waved him over. She gave him a short presentation “Welcome to Blush, how may I direct you? Are you new here?” Neil was about to open his mouth to say something but she continued “Models are to be on the 29th floor.”

Neil blushed lightly with his head shaking “No, I’m not a model, but thank you.” He smiled “I’m actually a photographer her to see Mr. Lam?”

“Oh, how embarrassing.” The girl giggled “He’s on the floor above, he is expecting you. Neil right?”

He nodded in reply “Thanks.” Again he had to race for the packed elevators. When he reached the 29th floor, it seemed less hectic. Everyone seemed important. He was glad he came in a suit. He headed over the reception desk and the girl showed him the office to Mr. Lam, his boss. On his way down the hallway full of offices, he saw tall models walking by. Some nodded and a few even winked in his direction. He smiled politely until his eyes rested on a beauty. Her hair was wavy and long, she was even prettier than he remembered. “Hi.” It was barely audible.

Kelly smiled at the handsome stranger “Hi.”

He was lost in her smile and abruptly found himself colliding with the wall. He stumbled to regain composure but some of the other models saw. And worse, Kelly was giggling. Apparently the hallway curved. His face was a red crimson by the time he reached Mr. Lam’s office. Neil straightened his suit jacket and knocked on the door.

“Come in.” the deep voice of his boss spoke with authority.

“Mr. Lam? I’m Neil Chan.” Neil spoke clearly with a smile on his face. His hand abroad ready to be greeted.

Mr. Lam shook his hand firmly “Nice to meet you. So you’re the lucky intern? The one that will get to rub elbows with models, the one that will see them at their best? Have you met any yet?”

Neil nodded “Yes, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing a few.”

“Come on, I’ll get you started.” He got up and gave Neil a short tour of the office. “This is the room that you will stay in most of the time.” He opened the door to a huge room, it was so big that Neil could have sworn there was an echo. There were different backdrops, all were done in warm shades, some dark and a few light. “You can follow our head photographer, Jim and he’ll show you what you will be doing.” The man waved to a bearded man with a friendly smile “Jim, this is your guy….Neil, this is Jim.”

The two shook hands and Mr. Lam quickly left them to get acquainted “I’ve seen your work, it’s very good.” Jim began as he showed Neil the backdrops.

“Thank you. They’re nothing compared to yours. You can turn any ordinary object alive and vibrant. You’re my idol.” Neil nodded with a genuine smile.

Jim was obviously happy about the compliment “Thanks, that’s very good to know. So what’s your favorite piece?”

“I love that last May layout, with all the models on the beach. It was quite bold with the sunlight reflecting against the lenses. I’m curious to know how you did it? I tried it for my final project but the glare of the sun was too much.” Neil began and then the two got into a full on conversation about photography.

CANADA

After the last run in with Janet, Mel was careful about protecting Kathy. He made sure his boys were around anywhere she appeared. Eventhough he had returned to Hong Kong to run some business, he never forgot to watch out for her. Time flew by without Mel’s appearances, but every once in a while Kathy would wonder what he was doing. Who he was fighting with and who he had to run away from. She often worried about him and because he considered her a friend, she respected his decision. She grew use to the boys following her around classes. Even when she graduated and got an internship at a local fashion designing company, she didn’t mind them following her.

She made it clear to Mel that she did not want them closer to her than 7 feet, since she preferred to have at least a decent normal life. Kathy threw her heart into the internship, wanting to get the best out of it. Therefore she stayed back late and came early to work everyday. After a few months, her boss found this dedicated girl to be a charm to the company. He offered her a full on job, instead of an unpaid internship.

That night, she was so thrilled from the news that she wanted to race home and call Neil. She took the station as usual, the streets were getting darker by the minute when she got off the train. There was a little skip in her steps and she was oblivious to the two guys that were following her until they paced by her and stopped her in her steps. Kathy looked up strangely “Didn’t I tell you guys no closer than 7 feet?”

“Shut up and give me Mel’s location!” one of the guys pulled out a knife and pointed at Kathy’s neck.

Her face turned pale as she realized they were not Mel’s guys “What do you guys want?” she asked while her eyes searched for her bodyguards.

“Looking for those two guys? Don’t worry, we gave them a quick shortcut to hell.” One of the guys spoke with a cruel smile.

Kathy’s heart began to race as she turned to find help but no one was on the streets “What do you guys want?”

“We know you’re Mel’s girl. Find him now!” the other guy that was not speaking looked at her hungrily. “Before my partner here runs out of patience.”

Kathy pulled out her cell phone but she didn’t want to call Mel, if they find him, he would be killed. Instead she took the little device and threw it against the cemented ground crashing it to hundred of pieces. “What the hell is wrong with you bitch?!!” the other guy that was staring at her growled.

“You want his number? Go to hell and ask his boys you just killed.” She spat angrily. She had grown a certain respect for Mel and knew he would do anything to save her life or avenge her life. She didn’t know what they would do to her, but she could only suspect the worse. If they tried to rape her, she’d put up a good fight.

“Hore!” the guy slapped her roughly across the face. Kathy cried in pain as her head whipped to the left, she touched her stinging face. Her blood boiling as she spun back and threw a punch in the guy’s face unexpectedly. She had promised herself that she would never let anyone pick on her again. Instantly, the other guy took a hold of her arms and twisted it behind her, while the guy she slapped regained composure and pulled out his hand knife “You want to play tough? Alright, I like it rough.” He pulled her into a secluded alley nearby. She screamed at the top of her lungs only to be slapped again. The guy got a hold of her arms as he pushed her against the wall, her back to him. She didn’t know what they wanted to do but she heard zippers being pulled down.

Tears began to flow with the sudden incident. She knew they would rape her there if she didn’t do anything about it. She kicked and screamed but was only handled rougher each time she fought back. She was running out of energy when she felt her skirt being lifted up. Her eyes closed while she sobbed. The guys laughed loudly at her cried but before they could yank off her underwear, she felt a loud cry from one of the guys and then her legs were free. She didn’t know what happen but she got free from the other pair of hands that pushed her against the wall. She turned and found a shadow stabbing the other guy.

Soon she was standing between two limp bodies with a pool of blood there. Her eyes moved up and a smile came to her face “Mel?”

He looked like he hasn’t shaven in days and his hair was tousled, he reach for her hand “No time to explain, come on.” He pulled her along as they raced down the street. They ended up at her apartment. When they were safe inside, she looked down at their entwined hands. He was still holding on tight. He quickly let go “Sorry.” He mumbled.

“No problem. Were those guys sent by Old Chuck?” she asked curiously.

Mel nodded as he sat himself down on her couch “Yeah. He’s pushing me into a corner. He crashed every club that I run in Hong Kong. He just wants me dead. I can’t believe they found you. Damn! I could kill those two guys again!!”

“You killed them…” the sudden shock finally came over her.

“You want to turn me in now?” he asked coldly.

Kathy shook her head “If I wanted to, I wouldn’t have destroyed my cell phone. I guess it was just defense against yourself. If you did injure them, they would have killed you and me both.”

Mel smiled “Glad you understand.” His grin suddenly faded away “I’m sorry you were dragged into this. You just did me a favor and now you’re name is all around the gang world as my girl.”

“Couldn’t you throw out a rumor that you broke up with me or something?” she asked desperately.

“I wish. But once you’re name is put together with mine, they will always know that we were connected somehow and it will only bring you more trouble.” He sighed, regret taking over. He wished she wouldn’t have done him that favor.

“I admit, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. But it doesn’t change the fact that we met and became friends. I don’t agree with what you do, but I will accept it because you have your reasons of doing what you do. But in all honesty, I want my life back.” Her eyes were brimming with tears. Of all the teasing and cruel comments, she has never been so close to losing her life let alone being raped. That scared feeling could not be shaken off.

Mel buried his face in his hands “I know. I’m so sorry. If I could take it back, I really would. Trust me, as long as I’m still alive, Old Chuck’s guys will not lay a hand on you ever.” Kathy nodded with her hand wiping the tears from her eyes “There is one way though.”

“What?” her head snapped up “Anything to get my life back.”

“You die.” He whispered. Kathy wrinkled her eyebrows in confusion “I don’t mean literally. I mean, one of my guys witnessing your death and spreading the rumor around.”

Kathy nodded eagerly “But how will you start this rumor? You’re running away from them too.”

“You need to do me a favor.” His face brightened when he thought about the person that could help him.

“Sure.” She smiled.

Mel pulled out his wallet “Find this girl.” He gave her a picture of a young girl, her hair was to her shoulders “She owes me a favor. Her name is Snow.”

“Who is she? Can she be trusted?” Kathy asked worriedly. The girl was not smiling in the picture and she looked like she was sneering at someone.

“An ex girlfriend.” He didn’t want to say more.

Kathy nodded “I see. Where can I find her?”

“Remember that underground bar?” Kathy nodded, how could she ever forget? “She hangs out there every Wednesday. Go there and tell her Mel sent you. She might seem a little tough at first but don’t let that exterior fool you. She’s a real softie at heart.”

She smiled at his description of this ex girlfriend “Just like you.”

Mel laughed “If you say so. I’m going to go now. I have to keep on moving or they’ll find me. Be careful, Katie.”

“Kathy…” she corrected.

He smiled “Sure.” Mel patted her on the cheek “Take care, kid.”

Chapter 11

Why hadn’t she notice that before? Maybe she was too scared. Her hand holding the picture as she looked around for Snow. Her eyes stopped on a young girl in thigh high hooker boots and a short jean skirt. She wore a tight purple tanktop showing off her assets. But she looked to be sad about something. Kathy saw her gulping down beers after beers. She was about to approach her when a guy beat her to it. He wrapped an arm around her drunkily “Hi baby, how much for a night?”

She turned up with a smirk on her face “You couldn’t afford it, you damn drunken bastard!” she whipped his arm away and dusted off her shoulders with a look of disgust.

Kathy raised her eyebrows ‘Mel wasn’t kidding when he said she was tough.’ But the guy didn’t give up as he crawled his way back up and wagged a finger at her threateningly “You’re just a hore! Don’t act like you’re some white collar prostitute.” He spat at her.

Snow flicked her lips into a crooked smile as she got up flung her arm behind and gave the rude guy a huge swing of her elbow. The crowded room roared with applause while Snow looked down at the guy with a smirk “And you still can’t afford me.” She laughed while he helplessly looked around with his nose bleeding and everyone laughing at him. Kathy began to regret coming, she didn’t want to have to deal with this girl. She turned to leave only to be called back “Hey!! You, the Virgin Mary wannabe.”

Kathy paused in her step as she looked down at her own outfit. She was dressed in a sky blue skirt and a white top. She turned to face Snow “You talking to me?” she pointed to herself.

Snow took her seat on the bar stool “No one else in here is.” She put up a hand pointed to most of the girls.

She gulped down her nerves and gingerly took a seat next to the ruthless girl “I’m Kathy.”

“Yeah, so?” she looked at Kathy without interest. “What do you want? You’re looking for me aren’t you?”

“I…can we go somewhere quiet?” Kathy leaned in and whispered.

“No. I hate quiet places, remind me of the damn library.” Snow snapped “Tell me now or get the hell out of my face.”

Kathy took a deep breath “Mel sent me.”

“Who?” Snow shook her head unable to comprehend “Did you say Mel sent you?” it was impossible that the guy she use to date would know a innocent girl like her.

She nodded in response “Yes. He needs your help.”

“Why would I help him?” she turned her stool around to face the bartender.

“He said you owed him a favor.” Kathy replied.

Snow’s eyes wandered carefully, sure she owed him one but why couldn’t he tell her himself? Maybe he was in trouble. She was busy analyzing the answer when a guy came up from behind her. His hand rested on her shoulder gently “How much?” he asked softly into her ear.

“$1000. dollars.” Snow answered with a smirk.

“But we have to meet him now.” Kathy eyes widened as she realized Snow was a hooker. What did Mel ever see in her she wondered.

Snow smiled with a shrug of her shoulders “So? It’s not a life or death situation right?” she got off the stool and took a hold of the guy’s waist.

She walked briskly by Kathy “Actually it is.” Her serious tone seemed to do it as Snow stopped in her steps. “Mel said you are the only one that could help him. He’s waiting for you at the subway station uptown.”

“How do you know him?” Snow was finally getting more curious. Kathy raised an eyebrow at the impatient guy and Snow turned to him “Sorry, I’m closed for business tonight.” The guy grumbled something but he knew better than to argue with her.

Kathy got of her stool and walked outside where Snow followed her “I hate the smell of cigarettes.” She wrinkled her nose before taking a deep breath of fresh air.

Snow crossed her arms and tapped her foot against the pavement “Well?”

“I saved his life.” Kathy said shortly “I did a favor for him and he just saved my life last night.”

“He came back?” she dropped her arms and a look of concern covered her face.

“He’s actually hiding.” Kathy looked around careful to see if they were being watched.

Snow narrowed her eyes suspiciously “Wait a minute. How can a little Miss Prissy like you save his life?”

“He was injured and bleeding tremendously. I found him in the corner of the subway station. I took him back to his place and bandaged his arm.” Kathy gave a short sigh “Look, if you want to know the details, ask Mel yourself. He’s going to wait until he sees you.”

She turned away “Why should I believe you?”

“You don’t have to. But if you don’t go, it might be the last time you see Mel.” Kathy said solemnly. Her plan worked as the girl rushed off without saying goodbye. Kathy smiled to herself as she took the cab home. Her hand holding a pepper spray. She knew it was her only protection and she refused to carry a gun or knife.

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

Kathy wasn’t sure how Snow would be able to help Mel but she didn’t hear from either of them for the following weeks. She was grateful that there were no more sudden attacks or guys coming up to her asking where Mel was, but she wondered whatever he had planned actually worked. Her life was peaceful again. But she learned never to let her guard down.

She began taking self defense classes at night to help herself if she were to run into any trouble. It built up her confidence but she knew if someone attacked her, it would take her a while to comprehend and fight back. But it was definitely better than nothing.

Months soon past and her life was carried on peacefully, almost back to normal. She was counting down the days to when she would finally get to return to Hong Kong. She loved Canada but sometimes the cold weather was too much for her. She came home that day and had a sudden urge to look at her remembrances. She pulled out a plastic box under her bed and opened the dusty lid. She pulled out the purple envelope and brought it to her face. She had a smile on her face when she read the inside letter from Neil. She often looked at it when she felt lonely and sad. Kathy wondered if he still remember that promise. Whatever happens, Kathy knew she didn’t care if he chose to be with another girl or he would chose to keep his promise, she only wanted him to be happy.

Her thoughts were interrupted by her phone ringing, she reached over her bedstand and answered it “Hello.”

“Kathy? What are you doing up so late?” he asked.

“Same goes to you. Isn’t it like 4 in the morning in Hong Kong?” She laughed.

“I couldn’t sleep.” He sighed.

“Too much coffee?” Kathy asked, she knew her friend was sensitive to caffeine.

He smiled “Yeah. You always seem to know. So…when are you coming back?”

“In exactly 38 days.” she said happily “I can’t wait! I booked my flight early, it’s coming in at 8am. Can you pick me up? It’s a Saturday…” she warned, knowing that he loved to sleep in on the weekends.

“Of course you can count on me. What do you take me for? A slacker? It’s Neil Chan you’re talking to. The dependable guy, the guy next door…”

“Okay, okay I get it.” She cut him off with a laugh. “How’s your intern.”

“Great! I love this job!” he exclaimed in a hyper tone.

Kathy had to smile at his excitement “Good for you.”

“I have something to tell you when you get back.” He sang secretively.

She laughed “Why can’t you tell me over the phone?” she cradled the phone on her shoulder while she put away her old notes and high school stuff.

“I’m not telling.” He giggled like a little girl with a secret.

“Suit yourself. Okay, I’m gonna go to sleep now. My eyes are drooping.” Kathy let out a short yawn.

“Oh alright! Party pooper…” he said with disappointment “I’ll talk to you later.”

She laughed into the receiver “Bye.” Kathy hung up the phone, the smile still plastered on her face. She would get to see him soon. She hopped into bed in hopes of bringing herself in dreamland where Neil would come and take her away.

The following day, Kathy decided to take a walk around town. Since she had no work and it was the weekend, she wanted to treat herself to a good meal. She walked outside the large Italian restaurant but stopped when she realized it would only be herself. She turned to leave with her head held low. Her eyes came upon a pair of jeans that stood a few feet from her. A smile came on her face “Long time no see.”

Mel had his hand in his pocket as he walked over to her “Yeah. What’s wrong, you don’t like Italian?”

Kathy shook her head “No, I didn’t want to eat alone.”

“Well, it’s your lucky day.” He nodded his head toward the entrance “Come on, my treat.”

She smiled and followed him inside “Where were you the past few months?”

Mel grinned at her slyly “You sound like a jealous girlfriend.” She chuckled while he shrugged his shoulders “Taking care of business.”

“I think you’ve said that at least a hundred times. I should know by now that I don’t have any business being nosy with your life.” She shook her head shamefully.

His face fell “Hey, Katie. It’s not like that at all. I don’t want to tell you because the more you know about me, the more trouble you will be in. I want to keep you safe, so you have to know as little as possible. But thank you for caring.”

She shook her head apologetically “No no…I understand. I guess it’s just in my nature to be nosy. And I’m going to commit that crime again by asking…” he tilted his head thoughtfully “Did you know Snow is…a…hm, how do I say it nicely?”

“You can’t. Yes, she’s a hooker.” He smiled when Kathy raised her eyebrows “She wasn’t when I met her. Her wild nature was what attracted me in the first place. We met about three years ago and dated for a year. Call me a player or whatever, but I broke her heart so many times. But she always took me back, even when I came home drunk and smelling like perfume. But somewhere along the way, she couldn’t handle it anymore. Before I had the chance to apologize again, she was gone. Then I heard a couple of months later that she had found a new job as an escort…then she eventually turned to prostitution.”

Kathy was overwhelmed by the information. She didn’t expect them to have such a history “Wow…” she sighed, speechless.

He snickered at her comment “I’m not such the good guy now am I?”

She laughed “You were never the good guy in my eyes. But I did respect you a great deal with how you handle yourself and the love and bond between your boys are enough for anyone to envy. But I have a different outlook of you now that you told me about your love life.”

Mel nodded “With my life style, I can’t afford to love a woman. She would eventually die in my arms if she chose to follow me. But as God knows it, I will die before anything happens to her.”

“How romantic.” Kathy said sarcastically.

“What can I say? I’m a hopeless romantic.” He smiled but his face turned solemn when the waiter walked right by their table. He slammed his fist against the table “Can we fuckin’ get some service around here?!” he hollered.

Kathy widened her eyes in horror at his outburst, she turned up at everyone that was staring at them “Sorry, my friend is REALLY hungry.”

Chapter 12

The 38 days passed by slowly for Kathy, but soon she was packing up her belongings and leaving her little apartment after 5 years. She sold everything that she could because it would be useless to take it back to Hong Kong. It was another two hours before her flight but she was so ecstatic that she came their early and waited by the boarding room.

Kathy was in high spirits while waiting, there were only a few people sitting in the same room. Her eyes scanned the crowd and eventually landed a young girl she met not too long ago. Their eyes met and Kathy nodded with a friendly smile.

Snow was checking her luggage when she spotted Kathy. She twitched her head into a greeting and walked over to Kathy. She took a seat next to her “What’s up Mary.”

“Mary?” Kathy looked at her with a confused expression “My name is Kathy.”

Snow rolled her eyes “I know. Mary…as in the Virgin Mary…” she explained with a touch of annoyance. Kathy turned her mouth into an ‘O’ shape and nodded. “You goin’ to Hong Kong too?”

“Yeah. I came over to Canada for school, its time to go back home.” Kathy explained.

“You’re shittin’ me!!” Snow exclaimed “What’s your major?”

Kathy laughed at the girl’s comment “Fashion Design.”

“That’s fuckin’ cool!! Hey…do you think you can design some clothes for me when we return to Hong Kong?” Snow had a sudden interest in Kathy and she wasn’t sure why. She could only guess it had something to do with Mel.

The two talked until it was time to board on the plane. Unfortunately they didn’t get to sit next to each other. But Snow was about to change that, she sat 10 rows from Kathy. The girls waved to each other, but the man in the suit next to Kathy wasn’t very appreciative of their actions. He turned to her with an exasperated look “Excuse me.” His annoyed tone made Kathy turn away apologetically.

Snow’s face curled up slyly as she got up and walked over to them, her hands on her bare hips as she looked down at the distinguished but rude gentleman “Ahem!” she cleared her throat loudly causing him to startle and Kathy to turn over. “You’re in my seat.” She said with her neck swinging from side to side.

“Excuse me? I have a ticket that says row 5A.” he brought it up and showed it to her.

Snow flicked up an eyebrow “I don’t care what the hell that ticket says, you’re sitting in my seat. Get up before I have to use force.” She threatened.

The man rolled his eyes and folded his newspaper on his lap, he put up a hand and snapped it, calling for the stewardess. When the girl came by with a smile, she asked “Yes, sir?”

He pointed to Snow “Get this….person…away from me.” He said without looking at snow.

“Miss, is there a problem?” the flight attendant asked quietly not wanting to cause a commotion.

“Yes, there is. I wanted to sit next to my girlfriend.” She nodded to Kathy “and this bozo won’t let me. I saw him trying to grope her so I simply asked if he would switched seats with me.” Snow snickered.

The girl raised her eyebrows and turned to the man “Is that true, sir?”

The man snorted but Kathy quickly caught on “Yes, he did.” She blurted out while her face looked pitiful “I didn’t want to say anything but now that my girlfriend saw…I’m so embarrassed!” she sobbed with her face in her hands.

“Sir, I will have to ask you to move your seats before the plane takes off.” The girl moved aside for him to stand up.

Snow stepped to the side of the aisle with her hand out “Thank you.” She said with sarcasm and took a seat next to Kathy. The girls immediately startled giggling. When everything was settled and the plane started to take off, she turned to Kathy “You did good.” She winked slightly.

Kathy smiled as her eyes moved over the man that was giving them a glare “Maybe too good.” She nodded to his direction.

“What?!” Snow lipped at him with her head flinging upward. “He’s gotta learn not to mess with women.”

“No, he’s gotta learn not to mess with YOU.” Kathy pointed out.

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

Neil was in his bed comfortably sleeping away. He dreamt about Kelly falling into his arms, a smile came on his face when it happened. But when the annoying sound of his alarm clock came on, he peeked through one eye angrily. “Shut up!” he said to the little device and reached up to turn it off. He took his blanket and threw it over his face and returned to dreamland once again trying to recall the sweet dream he just had.

It only took him a few minutes to fall back into his deep sleep but this time the phone woke him up. He reached under his blanket and reached for the receiver “Hello?” he greeted grumpily.

“Sorry…I got the wrong number.” A male voice apologized before hanging up.

Neil dropped the phone over the side of his bed “Stupid people…it’s Saturday, why don’t bug someone else…” he grumbled. Suddenly his eyes snapped open “It’s Saturday?!!” he cried to himself. “Kathy! Oh shit!” he glanced at the clock, he was half an hour late. He looked like a mad man rushing into the bathroom trying to get ready. He combed down his hair and put on a t-shirt and jeans.

By the time he rushed out of the house he was already almost an hour late. He drove down road to the airport like a mad man. Glancing around for cops. He parked the car in the lot and practically sprinted into the terminal. In his hand was a note scribbled hastily with her flight number. He was looking for Terminal A, he zoomed past everyone and randomly apologized to the air when he bumped into people.

Kathy got up when she saw Neil rushing down towards her. A smile on her face, she noticed his build was a bit bigger than what she remembered but he was still as handsome as ever. But her smile slowly disappeared when he rushed right by her causing a gust of wind blowing at her. She couldn’t believe he would not recognize his own best friend. She looked down at herself, it’s only been five years how different could she looked. Then suddenly it dawned on her, he didn’t know about her weight loss.

He stopped at the terminal and began spinning in circles, his neck arched and his eyes narrowed as they concentrated on all the girls there. His eyes spun around and landed on a cute girl in a white and blue flowered print dress. He tilted his head and noticed that she was indeed staring at him. Neil turned his head to the left and then right to make sure she was not looking at someone else. He gave her a quick smile despite the hands on her hips stance. “Do I know you Miss?” he asked Kathy.

She rolled her eyes “Dependable, my ass!”

It was her, how could he forget the attitude? The sarcasm and the smile she had on her face proved it was Kathy, his best friend. “Kathy…” he sighed before picking her up in a tight bear hug. The two laughed like they were still in Junior High, forgetting that they were in a public place.

He swung her in circles until she could no longer feel her lungs “I can’t breath…” she choked teasingly and he quickly dropped her. She patted her chest painfully “Don’t know your own strength huh?”

He laughed before looking at her curiously “Something’s different about you.” You got a haircut! No…no, it’s still the same length the last time I saw you.”

Kathy shook her head sadly “It’s been five years, I had more than one hair cut, I had a dozen. You seriously can’t see what’s different?” her eyes narrowed suspiciously.

He was teasing her but deep down he knew she was a lot thinner. Why didn’t she ever tell him? He pointed casually towards her figure “You may have lost a few pounds.” He didn’t want to make it a big deal since her weight never bothered him before.

“Try 100 pounds.” She said sarcastically while handing him one of her three luggage. The two began walking towards the exit of the airport “Overslept again?”

Neil looked at her apologetically “You know me, always making a grand entrance.”

“Right, never early and always at least an hour late.” Kathy laughed when he threw her daggers with his eyes. “Oh poo, you’re no fun!”

He loaded her belongings in his trunk and back seat since all three did not fit, he had to use his full strength to carry one of the luggage into the trunk “Dear God, what do you have in here?”

“A dead body.” She joked. When they began driving, she turned up to him “Where are you taking me?”

“To the best hotel in town. There will be a wonderful view and the most comfortable queen size bed you could find. The wooden dresser drawers will be large enough to accommodate all your belongings you wish to fold away. A large screen tv for your entertainment.” He spoke in a professional tone.

Kathy laughed “You sound like you’re trying to sell me something.”

He smiled while glancing over at her “Actually, it will be at my place. You’re in luck, my roommate just moved out. So you can take over your room.”

“Oh…where did he go?” she asked curiously.

“He got married.” Neil said casually “It might be a little small, but if you don’t like it, you can always return to your parents home.”

Kathy smiled “No, I want to be independent. They can’t take care of me for life. I’ll go visit them a little later.” They pulled up to his apartment building and the two pulled the luggage along into the elevator. He lived on the 10th floor.

He was yapping away about something but she was too busy checking out her new home “Can you believe the chance of meeting her? But man, I tell you she looks hot. At first I was really nervous but now I’m getting better…” he faded away when Kathy began wandering off by herself. She came upon an empty room that was soon to be hers.

Kathy walked into the center of the room “Wow…I love the bed.” She pointed to the empty space in the corner “And the drawers…wood, my favorite kind of brown. Oohh! And the TV, that’s sooo big. You are such a great host.” She clapped her hands together.

Neil crossed his arm in defense “So, I didn’t have time to get you any furniture, you don’t have to get all nasty about it.”

She laughed as she took a seat on the carpet “No, are you kidding. I really like the design.”

“Stop it.” He warned and took a seat next to her on the floor “I figured you would be bored cause you haven’t found a job yet so you’ll have time to go shopping for furniture. See, I was thinking of you.” He nodded solemnly before lying down on the carpet with his hands behind his head for support.

Kathy sighed “How thoughtful of you.” She rolled her eyes and laid her head on his stomach while her knees propped up “Who said I didn’t find a job yet. I got a great offer over the phone too.”

Neil arched his neck up to look at her “Really? Where?”

“Umm…I won’t tell you yet. If and when they officially hire me, I’ll let you know and I’ll treat you out after my first paycheck is cashed.” She promised.

“Fair enough.” He nodded. His mind began to wander back to Kelly and a sweet smile was set on his face when Kathy looked over at him.

“What’s with the goofy smile?” she asked with curiosity.

He looked up at her while his grin grew wider “Thinking about the future Mrs. Neil Chan.”

Kathy sat up as she propped herself on her right arm “Really? Who’s the girl I have to pity?” she joked.

“Kelly Hui.” He said with a grin as he sat up. “She’s gorgeous.”

“You two are dating?” their was a twinge of envy in her voice but he didn’t detect it.

He shook his head “Not yet. She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s going to fall in love with me one day. We’re going to have beautiful kids.”

Kathy laughed while rolling her eyes at him “Oh…so you mean, you’ve only talked to her once and you probably stuttered when you said ‘hi’. And she doesn’t know you’re alive.” She guessed it straight on the nose.

Neil’s face dropped “What did you do? Take Psychology classes in Canada? How could you analyze it like that so easily?”

“Boy, you can’t hide anything from me. I know EVERYTHING.” She whispered with emphasis.

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