One Sided Arrow - written by Jenny Tran

Chapter 19

For many weeks, Neil tried to avoid the subject of Kelly in front of Kathy. But to his constant disappointment Kathy would always bring her up. He knew there was no way he could avoid Kelly when one night Kathy suggested “I heard from my assistant today that they’re all meeting at Storm tonight. Why don’t we go and see if Kelly’s there?”

Neil was reading a magazine when he suddenly stopped and looked up with wrinkled brows “Nah…I’d rather stay home and do nothing.”

Kathy rolled her eyes “Oh come on. You sit at home any longer, you’re going to turn to clay.”

He laughed at her comment “Well, you’re gonna turn to jelly if you don’t stop being so hyper. Anyways, I like my peace and quiet. I see Kelly enough at work.”

“Neil Chan! Are you giving up?” she scolded with her hands on her hips as her petite figure towered over him.

He looked up and smiled “You look like a chicken when you do that.” He laughed when she crossed her arms and pouted. Neil let out a sigh as he pulled her down on the couch next to him “Does it mean that much to you that I go?”

She nodded with brightened eyes “Yes.”

“Okay. Go change.” He nodded towards the hallway. When he heard the door close, he got up reluctantly and changed into a pair of jeans and an old green sweater. He was walking out of the room when Kathy’s room burst open.

“Neil, I’ve got a great idea!!” she cried but when she looked up, her face frowned “What in the world are you wearing?” she pulled at the shirt with dismay “Is that a hole?” she pointed to a small hole on the left arm.

He shrugged “I like it because it’s comfortable.”

Kathy tilted her head and crossed her arm “Neil, what’s the matter with you? I didn’t mention before but I notice your behavior has changed a lot. You seem more down and not very happy.”

Neil smiled to assure her “I’m okay…just a little tired. Maybe I’m tired of chasing her? I mean, now that I think about it’s stupid of me to go after someone that has no interest in me whatsoever. I’ll never be her type.”

Kathy sighed “You’ve given up, haven’t you?” again he shrugged carelessly “Neil, you are a wonderful guy! Kelly would be lucky to have a man like you. I know it takes a lot for Neil Chan to fall in love…and the fact that you’ve crushed on her since high school? Well, that’s no simple matter. You really should pursue your goals. Come on, let me pick out something else for you to wear.” She practically pushed him into his own room.

He sat on the bed and let her rummage through his closet “Where is that black leather jacket you wore last month?” she asked.

“It’s in the far left…why?” he frowned wondering what she intended to do.

She quickly found it and brought it to him “Take off your shirt.” She commanded.

Neil widened his eyes and covered his chest “Why Kathy!” he gasped “I didn’t know you were that kind of girl.”

Kathy laughed as she hit his hands away “Stop joking! Come on.” She began to whine. He smiled as he took off the sweater only wearing his white tank top. “Now put this on.”

He put it over his tank top and stood up to look at himself in the mirror “I look like a freak.” He said bluntly.

She was busy admiring her creation “Just missing something.” She tapped her chin and then snapped her fingers after a few seconds. “Sit down.” She pointed to his bed.

“I feel like a dog. Sit, stand, take off this…” he chuckled with his head shaking. His hair was a mess and it was not behaving. Kathy smiled a she left the room and rushed to the bathroom, she got some gel and came back. He looked at her strangely “What are you gonna do?”

Her grin grew wider “Just sit still.” She said calmly and began spiking up his short hair. When she was done, she stood back and looked at him. “Something else.” She turned herself around to his table drawer and picked up his sunglasses. Kathy put them carefully over his eyes “There. Perfect.” She nodded happily.

Neil rolled his eyes as he stood up again to look at the damage she had done. But to his surprise, he looked alright. He didn’t feel tough but he looked tough, she did a great job on his hair too “Not bad…” he nodded while admiring himself.

Kathy laughed “Okay, enough with the ego.” She turned him around to face her “Now, I’ve got a little plan. Since Kelly has never met me, she won’t know who I look like. I’m gonna play a tough girl and pick on her. You come up and rescue her okay?”

“That’s never gonna work. You don’t look tough.” He laughed at her idea.

She wrinkled her nose “Hmph! Who said I don’t look tough.” She grabbed the phone in his room and dialed Mel’s number.

“Who are you calling? The how-to-be-tough-hotline?” he laughed at his own joke.

“Shh!!” she shushed him. “Mel? Hey, it’s Katie…” she smiled into the phone.

Neil frowned “Katie?! Hey, when did you change your name?”

“SHHH!!” Kathy shushed him loudly as she pushed his face away with the palm of her hand “No, I’m not talking to you…sorry Mel. I need a favor…”

“Anything for you.” Mel said openly.

She smiled “Can I borrow a few guys?”

Neil laughed “Do you know how bad that sounds?”

Kathy let out an exasperated sigh as she gave him a final push out of his own room “Sorry Mel, Neil is being dorky right now.”

He laughed comfortably “Any guy would around you. So why the sudden need?”

She sat down on Neil’s bed “Just wanted to do a favor for Neil. Make him look extra good in front of that crush of his.”

“Has he said anything in particular to you lately?” Mel asked.

Kathy wrinkled her brows “No, why? Should he be telling me something?”

Mel let out a short sigh “No…nothing. Just curious. But let me call Roach and have him gather some guys for you. Where are you gonna be at?”

“Really?? That’s great, Mel. Thank you so much. I’ll be at Storm. That new club downtown.” She was beaming at this point.

“Great. I’ll have them meet you outside. Are ten guys okay?” he could hear the smile in her voice.

“It’s more than enough. I owe you one Mel!” she was excited as can be.

He laughed “Nothing can top saving my life. I’m glad you called…I’ll talk to you later. Be good now.”

“I will.” She hung up the phone and went to open the door. She found Neil sprawled out on the hallway floor. Her face fell “What are you doing?”

“I was locked out of my own room, so I decided to claim the hallway.” He was laughing when she pushed her feet on his belly.

Kathy bent down and pulled him up “Stop messing around. I’ve got to go change real quick and then I’ll tell you about my plan. It’s a sure win, so be prepared to be a hero!”

He smiled as she skipped her way into her room. He strolled out to the living room where he sat on the couch. After 15 minutes, he cried down the hallway “How long does it take to put on clothes?!” when she didn’t answer, he yelled “Do you need help?”

When he heard the door open, he got up. His eyes nearly popped out of their socket when he saw her. She was dressed in the most provocative shirt, a one shoulder see through blouse which had a angular cut at the waist. The color was a hot red. She wore a tight black leather mini skirt and thigh high black boots. Her hair was slightly curled but tied up in a high pony tail. Her makeup was dark and her lipstick red. “Now do I look tough?” she spun around in circles showing him her new image.

He was speechless with his jaw hanging open “I…you…oh my God…” he took in a deep breath and turned away he could stare any longer.

Kathy frowned “I don’t look that bad, do I?”

Neil laughed sarcastically “Bad is not the word I was looking for. Where in the world did you get that outfit?” he shook his head in disbelief. Here was this innocent girl he’s known since they were in grade school, now standing there looking like she just stepped out of Maxim magazine.

“I have a night job you don’t know about.” She gave him a wink before popping a piece of gum in her mouth. Her final touch of a bad girl image, she quickly learned it was true since Snow always chewed gum.

His face fell “I’m hurt you never told me. I would have supported you.” A sly grin crawled on his face as she slapped his arm playfully.

“Shut up! Come on and let’s go make some magic.” She pulled him out of the door. When they got in the car, she began filling out the details of her plan. “Okay, Mel agreed to let me borrow some of his guys. Ten to be exact, I’m gonna play the part of Dai Jei while you play my old flame that dumped for another girl. I’m gonna come up and start picking on Kelly, you step in and save her. We can even throw in a fight or something. Just pretend you punch the guys and then they drop and here is our hero.” She finished.

Neil frowned “I don’t think I can fake a fight, Kathy.”

“Sure you can. I’ll warn the guys ahead of time. Trust me, it’ll work out fine.” She was confident about it. But Neil was more than reluctant to follow along with the little show. He realized then that if it took a show for a girl to like him, then it was not worth going after. She should be able to like him for him and not for how cool he looked.

He remained silent for most of the trip aside from the fact that Kathy would randomly ‘test’ him on a situation that was going to happen. He turned over and looked at her, a smile quickly appeared as he watched her giddy mood. She was so cute when she laughed. Why didn’t he ever realize that? He turned away when she looked over at him “Is that it?” he tried to change the subject when he was caught gazing at her. He pointed to a big building with the lights molded in the word ‘Storm’.

“Oh wow…it’s really nice.” She smiled as the two parked and got out of the car. “Okay, you go inside first. I’ll look for you later. I gotta go through some stuff with my ‘boys’.” She giggled like a little girl “I always wanted to say that.”

Neil smiled “You’re so cute.” He pinched her cheek adoringly.

Kathy dropped her face and leaned on her right leg with a hand on her hip “I told you not to pinch me on the cheek.” She pointed with her free hand.

“Stop trying to act tough.” He rolled his eyes.

“Aww…it didn’t work?” she pouted.

He smiled “It did for a while but I know you real well, so that tough act doesn’t work on me.”

Kathy nodded in agreement “You’re right. Okay, go on…I’ll see you in a bit.” She pushed him away. He gave her one last glance before entering the club. She quickly spotted Wong who was standing on the side building with a bunch of other guys. She walked over there with a grin. “Hey!”

Wong pushed himself off the building he was leaning on and let out a short whistle “Whew! Damn girl!”

She laughed “Thanks…I’ll take that as a compliment. Okay, let me run through the plans with you guys.” They talked for a while about the plan and soon Kathy was ready for her appearance.

Chapter 20

She was only a few feet away but he could already smell her exotic perfume. Her sultry walk caught every guy’s attention, everyone except for Neil. He turned towards the door to wait for Kathy’s arrival. “Hey…Neil isn’t it?” Kelly’s soft voice called out gently.

Neil turned and gave her a quick smile “Yes.” He snickered to himself, she finally remembered his name. At least she didn’t call him Neo.

“You look different.” Kelly checked him out carefully.

“Yeah…this is my day off clothes. When I’m not working or talking to clients, I dress like this.” He explained shortly, his eyes still wandering to the door.

Kelly inched her way closer to him and began tracing his arm with her fingers, she felt him tense up “Not bad.” She was talking about his muscles. “How about buying me a drink?”

Neil shrugged as he waved to the bartender “Get the lady a drink.”

She ordered a beer and continued with her flirting “So…are you tied up right now?”

He glanced at her “No.” he replied shortly. Suddenly, his attention and almost everyone else’s turn to the girl at the door. She walked in coolly, her eyes meeting everyone else’s but Neil’s.

Kathy chewed her gum slowly and playfully with a smile on her face. A few guys whistled in her direction but she ignored it and continued over to Neil. Kelly saw the sultry girl and noticed her staring at Neil “You know her?”

Neil shrugged his elbows arched up on the counter of the bar “Maybe.” He said coolly.

Kathy stopped in front of the two with her legs slightly spread apart and her body leaned onto her right leg. Her hands on her hips “Long time no see.” She nodded to Neil “Who’s the bitch?” she nodded to Kelly with a crooked grin.

Neil frowned “Be careful with your words Kathy. She’s my friend.” He could see Kelly staring at him with a smile at the corner of his eyes “What are you doing here?”

“You don’t just win someone’s money and disappear.” She smiled sarcastically.

He laughed getting into the acting “It’s just a pool game. If you’re worried about the money, why don’t you just ask one of your many boys to give you some cash. It’s not the first time.” A crooked grin was plastered on his face as he insulted her.

“Fuck you!” Kathy spat harshly but her eyes turned colder when she eyed Kelly who was stifling a giggle “What the hell are you laughing at?”

“Look, it’s none of my business…” Kelly began as she stepped over to Neil’s other side. Kathy took her chance as she gave Neil a wink and slipped her boot out in front of Kelly’s stepping foot and tripped her.

Neil was quick to respond as he pulled out a hand and stopped Kelly from falling “You okay?” he asked with genuine concern. Kelly nodded with a shy smile on her face, her hand wrapped around his neck. His eyes hardened when he looked up at Kathy “That was fucked up, Kathy.”

She snickered “Whatever. You’ve always had a shitty choice of girls... except for me, of course.”

Kelly looked offended “I think his shitty choice is you.”

Neil laughed when Kathy looked flustered “What’s wrong? Cat’s got your tongue?” Kelly giggled as she wrapped an arm around Neil’s waist comfortably. “I believe you’ve been replaced.” He said to Kathy.

“You’ll regret you ever messed with me.” Kathy spat as she put up her fingers and snapped it. Suddenly ten guys around the bar simultaneously stood up and walked up behind Kathy. She smiled victoriously and crossed her arm as she inched closer to Neil who did not falter or looked threatened. “Now let’s see who’ll laugh last.” She smiled with her head tilted.

Neil got up from his seat and turned to Kelly who was still hanging to his waist “Step aside, this could get ugly.” He took off his jacket and handed it to Kelly.

Kathy rolled her eyes “Oh please.” She nodded at Wong and the guys quickly attacked. They were all careful not to hit Neil and each time Neil gave a swing, the guy would fall to the ground in pain even though his hand barely grazed their faces. Kathy looked over at Kelly and she looked like she was in a trance. Her eyes looking at him adoringly while he put on the show. The crowd soon was chanting Neil’s name.

He was the last man standing when he returned to Kelly’s side. He took the jacket from her hands and put it on coolly. She was beaming “You were great!” she gushed. Kelly turned to Kathy with a sarcastic look “I believe we’re the last ones laughing.” She laughed loudly.

“You may have won this time, but luck doesn’t happen every day.” Kathy growled as she snapped her fingers at her boys “Let’s go.”

Her heart nearly stopped when she saw Old Chuck walk in with a bunch of his boys behind him. One of the guys closed the door to the club and locked it. On the ground she could see the bouncer fallen and unconscious. Kathy turned to Neil with scared eyes and he was instantly aware. He reached for his cell phone but didn’t get a chance to do anything because Old Chuck had made his announcement “Nobody fucking move or I’ll blast their heads off!!” he cried as he pulled out the gun in his pocket.

Wong stood behind Kathy “We gotta call Mel Gor.” He whispered.

She only nodded but her foot was rooted and her hands were trembling. She kept her eyes away from Old Chuck but he already saw her. The whole club grew silent and only whispers were heard. He eventually walked over the group that was causing all the commotion earlier “What’s this?” his smile grew by the second and his eyes traced over Kathy’s body deliciously. He walked around her in circles slowly and at the same time admiring her new look “You’re…Mary right?”

Kathy looked away “What’s it to you?” she said trying to remain calm.

Old Chuck licked his lips hungrily as he leaned in closer to have a better look “No no…it’s not Mary. I believe the correct name is Kathy Lau. Born on December 29, 1975, grew up in Kowloon, moved to Canada to get a bachelors in design. Met Mel Lam during a night in the subway and saved his life. The last time I saw you…you looked like you just ate a cow.” He laughed humorously.

Neil crumbled his fist together as he stepped forward “Leave her alone.” He said through clenched teeth.

This time Old Chuck turned to him with curious eyes, they narrowed carefully as he remembered who he was “Neil…right…Mr. Cool.” He turned his back to Neil and within seconds he spun around and punched him straight across the jaw. The girls cried out and Kelly was quickly by his side. Kathy watched helplessly as Neil grabbed his jaw in pain. “That was for that Prom night, fuckin bastard.”

“Are you okay?” Kelly asked. Neil nodded slowly and she blurted out “Kick is ass, you can do it.”

“No, I can’t.” Neil looked at her in the eye.

She frowned, wondering why he suddenly became a coward “You just fought ten guys right now.” She pointed out.

Neil sighed as he pushed himself up “Don’t be so naïve.” He adjusted his jaw and looked at Old Chuck with a vengeance “What the fuck do you want?”

As if it was a joke, Old Chuck and his boys laughed humorously “I want a lot of things… and a lot of other things.” His brow lifted at Kathy slyly. “But I can’t forget my number one priority. I want to see Mel die a slow and agonizing death right here…in front of me.” He nodded amusingly.

Kathy knew his plan too well “I’m not calling if that is what you want.” She crossed her arms and twisted her body to the side stubbornly.

Old Chuck was even more intrigued as he walked over to her, his hands clasped behind his back “Yes, you will call him if you know what’s best.” He pulled out his cell phone and pointed it to her face “Must we got through this again?” he asked “I will kill your friends if you don’t do what I ask.” Kathy turned to him with vicious eyes but she didn’t respond, so he continued “Unless you want to exchange yourself with Mel. Come on, you know you like me. I could see it in your eyes.” His hand moved over her face as he outlined it with his fingers tickling her at the same time. Kathy wasn’t willing to show him her fears just yet as she stood her ground, her eyes continued to throw daggers but it seemed he was even more amused by it “Leave that asshole, his gang is going down soon anyways. Follow me, I’ll show a good time.” His hand lowered down to her neck and over her bare arms, they slowly traced around her waist.

“Get your hands off her!!” Neil cried as he charged towards Old Chuck only to be stopped and stomped on by his boys.

“Stop it!!” Kathy cried. “I really don’t know where Mel is.” Her eyes darting worriedly back to Neil who was getting a rough beating. When Old Chuck was relentless, she charged after those guys but he was quick to stop her. Instead Wong and some of his boys began to fight with the other guys. The room soon grew to chaos when everyone began to scream. Old Chuck looked around while he was holding onto Kathy, some people found the back door exits and they began running.

“Don’t let them leave!!” he cried to his boys.

Suddenly a loud gunshot rang out and the doors of the club closed with a loud bang. The whole room’s attention turned to the three at the entrance. Mel stood in the middle with a gun to his side. Snow and Roach stood behind him as they approached Old Chuck. Mel’s eyes rested on Kathy who was still struggling in Old Chuck’s arms. He noticed Neil’s bruised face and a girl in red standing next to him with her arms around his waist. “You can’t throw a party without me.”

“Mel!” Kathy cried with relief.

Old Chuck didn’t take his chances as he pulled out his own gun and pointed it to her head as he pulled her around while wrapping his free arm around her neck “You take one step closer and I’ll blow her pretty little head to bits.” His lips flickered and he suddenly laughed when Mel didn’t make any more moves.

“What do you want to do with her?” Mel asked coldly.

“Drop your gun.” Old Chuck nodded to the ground. Mel didn’t take long to think as he took the gun and emptied the bullets as he threw it on the ground. Old Chuck laughed even harder “When are you going to see it through your thick head that I know your weakness? Why do you let these women run around where I can find them?” he leaned in closer to Kathy’s face as he grazed it roughly with his own cheek “But this one…I have to admit is my favorite. I’ll have fun fucking her, I guarantee it.” He turned over and gave her face a lick while his eyes stared directly at Mel.

Kathy squirmed while Neil grew angrier by the second. He took his chance when Old Chuck was distracted and charged at him from the back. He grabbed a hold of his hand which was holding onto the gun and they wrestled to get control. A few shots were thrown out accidentally causing the whole room to turn into chaos again.

Snow quickly got a hold of Kathy as they lowered themselves towards the back of the bar. Kathy wiped her faced disgustedly while Snow looked around, she picked up an empty vodka glass bottle “If anyone comes near you, knock them out with it.” She moved away and ran over to help Mel who was also wrestling with Old Chuck.

She sat there herself while everyone ran to the exit in the back where no one was watching the door. Her eyes were kept close on Neil who eventually fell to the side as he was thrown viciously by Old Chuck and Mel’s struggles. She was about to run to him when she saw Kelly rushing over to his side. She helped him up and pulled him towards the back.

Neil’s eyes searched the place for Kathy but he couldn’t find her anywhere “Kathy!” he cried but Kelly was pulling him towards the exit “I have to find Kathy!” he shook his arm from her grasp.

Kelly looked at him desperately “Are you crazy?! You could get killed out there. Who cares about her! She’s one of them, let her die.”

The minute she said that, he felt a surge of energy running through him. She was going to die? How could he ever let that happen? He pushed Kelly towards the door “Go. I have to save Kathy.”

“Neil!!” Kelly called after him but he kept running. Eventually she followed the crowd outside.

There were fights everywhere he looked but he could not find Kathy. His eyes widened when he saw the gun in Old Chuck’s hand being knocked away as it fell a foot away from Kathy. Mel gave Old Chuck's face a good punch. The guy fell and he instantly noticed Kathy sitting down at the end of the bar. Old Chuck grabbed a hold of her again and this time with a pocket knife at her throat. Neil crawled behind the bar and around to the end where he was standing behind Old Chuck once again. He jumped on him and Kathy was free again “Run Kathy!!” he cried while the guys wrestled and fought.

“Neil!” She cried but did as he told. She couldn’t move far when she heard someone halt her.

“Don’t move or I’ll shoot your brains out.” Old Chuck’s evil voice broke through her wandering thoughts. Kathy turned and found him pointing a gun to her but Neil was no where in sight. She saw Mel was busy fighting off the guys, she had no one to help her. She closed her eyes when she saw him pull back the trigger “Too bad you didn’t chose me.” He said harshly and pulled the trigger. The gunshot was loud and clear but all she heard was a loud thud in front of her and another gun shot, then another.

She opened her eyes and found Neil crying in pain as he held onto his arm which came from the first bullet. Kathy was instantly at his side “Neil!! Oh my God…are you okay?”

She had not seen what had happened, Neil had crawled behind the counter and took his chances when Old Chuck pulled the trigger, he jumped off the counter and took the bullet for Kathy. The other shots came from Mel who shot Old Chuck straight in the heart and then the groin. Mel towered over the bleeding guy who was going into shock “That’s for Katie and that one’s for Snow.” He pointed to the groin.

Snow rushed over to Mel “You missed.”

Mel smiled at her “I know.” He was aiming for something else. When they heard the sirens, his face fell. He ran over to Neil and Kathy “You two alright?”

Kathy nodded while she cradled Neil in her small arms “Yeah, you guys better go before they catch you. Go, he’ll be aright.”

Neil nodded “Its just a gunshot, I won’t die.” Even at the moment he was trying to crack a joke. Mel smiled at the two and reached over as he touched Kathy’s face gently and ran off with Snow and his boys behind him. They took the back door where their ride was waiting.

“Why did you come back?” Kathy asked with tears in her eyes. It hurt her to see him in such pain. Her hand was covered in his blood since she was covering the wound.

“I will always come back for you.” Neil replied. He winced in pain again and soon his eyes closed slowly. His hearing began to fade but he could clearly hear Kathy’s voice calling to him.

Chapter 21

They quickly rushed Neil to the hospital while Kathy rode in the ambulance with him. She held tightly to his hand until they brought him into the emergency room where she was then urged to stay in the waiting room “You can’t enter miss.” The nurse said strictly.

Kathy sat around while they operated for an hour to get the bullet out of his arm. When the operation light went off, she was up on her feet “Doctor, is he okay?!” Kathy asked.

The elder man with the glasses nodded with a small smile “It went very well, but he must rest for now. You can see him when the nurses take him back to his room.”

“Thank you.” She smiled with a sigh of relief. The doctor walked away and revealed the policeman that she saw a few weeks before at Midnite standing a few feet from her “Hi.” She nodded politely.

Gary nodded “Hello. If you don’t mind Miss…”

“Lau.” She replied knowing that there would be questions.

“We want to ask you a few questions.” He smiled. “Is he okay?” he asked inspite of his authority.

Kathy nodded “Yes. They took out the bullet.”

“How did it all happen?” he sat down while jotting down notes. She told him about what had happened and it was full of chaos, she only heard a few gun shots but did not know who shot who. No matter what she said, she reminded herself to keep Mel’s name out of it. Gary nodded after a while “Thank you. If we need you, we’ll contact you.” He let out a sigh and rubbed his eyes “These triad wars are getting worse by the day.” Kathy nodded blankly “He talks about you a lot.”

“Who?” she seemed lost.

Gary smiled “My cousin. We’re actually second cousins. I recently got in contact with Neil through my aunt who is his mom. Each time I talked to him he would always mention a certain girl that he liked.”

Kathy smiled sadly “I don’t think he’s talking about me. You see we grew up together, and during high school he had a huge crush on this girl and he still likes her up until today. But he’s too shy to approach her.”

He frowned, it wasn’t what Neil had told him. “Really? He’s never mention about this crush before.” Kathy shrugged confusingly “No, I remember he specifically told me about this girl he described that looked just like you. Although he never told me her name but he mentioned that she was his best friend. I figured you're the girl since you seemed to be the only one that sitting here in the hospital waiting.”

Kathy’s brows furrowed and she looked sympathetic “Why didn’t he ever tell me?” she wondered.

Gary titled his head thoughtfully “Maybe you should ask him. I’ve got to get back to the station, so tell Neil I said hi.” Kathy nodded with a smile.

She got Neil’s room number from the nurse as she headed towards the room. She peeked through the door, careful not to wake him because he was sleeping peacefully. Kathy pulled up a chair next to him and sat down. She took a hold of his hands and sandwiched it between her own “Why didn’t you tell me?” she whispered.

Neil was in dreamland when he heard a familiar voice, his eyes fluttered open and he noticed the white room. Was he in a hospital? He looked around and it landed on Kathy who had a smile on her face “Kathy…” he whispered with a croaky voice.

She quickly looked at him with concern when he tried to sit up “Shh…don’t get up. You need to rest.” She coaxed as she gently pushed him back. “I won’t go anywhere.” She assured him.

“Good.” He let out a sigh and a smile appeared on his pale lips “I’m glad you’re okay.”

Kathy nodded “I’m glad your okay.” Her smile faded slowly and he quickly caught on. He bent his head downward to catch her eyes again. She looked up when he looked at her questioningly “I have a question.”

Neil was not expecting anything in particular “Shoot away.” He urged while he gave her hand a soft squeeze. It felt good to see her again.

“Do you like me?” she asked straightforwardly and he quickly smiled “No, I don’t mean as a friend…I just talked to Gary and he said that you mentioned a girl you liked and the description fit me.”

He let out a short sigh “I guess it was about time you found out.”

“So you do?” she asked while her heart began to beat faster. It was like she was in a dream of some sort. In the back of her mind, she hoped that it would not end it was indeed a dream.

Neil smiled with a nod of the head “I didn’t know how to tell you. I had a talk with Mel and he told me you had moved on. He also advised that I should not tell you and that I should chase after Kelly so you could continue with your life because you only wanted me to be happy.”

Kathy frowned wondering why he would tell Neil that when he knew how much she liked Neil. He wasn’t the type of person to do something so sleezy as to lie like that. “Do you remember the letter?”

Neil instantly knew what she was talking about “How could I forget it?” he squeezed her hand tighter “I found it under your pillow case. That’s when I realized you still kept it.”

She laughed embarrassingly and then snapped her head up “You snooped around my room?”

He rolled his eyes “Yeah, because I love the smell of Kathy's sweaty clothes. No, I followed a spider in there and tried to catch it before you came home shrieking cause I know how much you despise them. It crawled under you pillow and I pulled it up and found the letter.” He smiled “I never forgot about it either.”

Kathy looked away shyly “Really?…So when did you know…” she let her words fade away.

"It’s been a few weeks. I wanted to tell you that one night when Mel came over to give me pointers. But he convinced me not to tell you so I didn’t. You know how hard it was for me to keep it inside?” he laughed. “It was a bomb waiting to explode.”

Again she frowned “Why did Mel lie to you? He knew how much I liked you.” She searched her mind for an answer but it didn’t come up.

Neil was less curious as he shrugged his shoulders “It doesn’t matter. What matters is that we like each other.” He smiled and reached over to caress her face.

“You really want to know?” the two looked up at the voice by the door. It was Mel. He entered and closed the door behind him.

Kathy smiled but she did not leave Neil’s side “I can take a guess.”

Mel raised an eyebrow carefully “Really? Go ahead, I wanna see how well you know me.”

“I don’t think you are the type of person that is that low. I think you were trying to help us. Because you wanted Neil to tell me himself, maybe you sensed that he was reluctant. So you used this scheme to push him in the other direction so the more you pushed the more Neil wanted to tell me. But you would never guess that Neil was not the type of person to hurt anyone’s feelings. If he thought I didn’t like him, he would not tell me for fear of ruining our relationship. Although your intentions were good, they did not work as well.” She finished with Neil looking at her intently.

“You really should go into psychology.” Mel clapped his hands. “You’re right, I did want Neil to tell you. I thought if I could provoke him to then he would come out with the truth, instead it pushed him further away.”

Kathy nodded as she turned back to Neil “Why would you go on with the show with Kelly if you didn’t like her?”

“For you.” Neil replied with a smile “I thought it was what you needed to move on. Some kind of closure, you know? I thought I would be helping…but I guess it was blown out of proportion.” He laughed when Kathy shook her head recalling their close call.

“Thank you.” Kathy said wholeheartedly. She reached up and hugged him warmly for the first time.

After a long moment Mel cleared his throat and the couple pulled apart embarrassingly. They forgot he was still there “I’d love to sit and watch this tear jerker but I’m a man on the run. Don’t forget to invite me to your wedding.” He gave them a quick wink of the eye and headed out.

Kathy looked worried and Neil smiled “You want to say your goodbyes?” she nodded and he twitched his head towards the door “Go on. I’ll be fine.”

“Thanks!” she gave him a peck on the cheek and ran after Mel. “Mel!” she stopped him.

He turned to her questioningly “Can’t leave me huh?” he smiled when she rolled her eyes.

“Where will you be? How can I find you?” she still wanted to keep in contact.

Mel smiled warmly, his eyes softened every time he saw her “Cell phone. You have it. But I might be traveling outside of the country for a while. There’s nothing in Hong Kong for me to stay. Except you…” she sighed sympathetically and he quickly added “But I’m happy for you. Honestly, I really am. I would have loved for you to be my girlfriend but I know our lives are too different. It will never work.” He placed his hands on her shoulders “But Neil is different. He can watch after you, he can make you laugh and you guys are best friends. There’s nothing else you can ask for.”

Kathy knew he liked her but she never guessed how gracious he could be. Her eyes welled up with tears as she gulped it back “Mel…” she let a single tear drop “I know if things were different, we would be great together. But Neil and I…we’ve been through so much. I need a guy that can be there for me…whenever I need him. You’re always on the run, I would be worried to death.”

He nodded understandingly as he wiped the tear from her eyes “I know. I think we’ve both always known that. If this thing doesn’t work out with Neil, look me up.” He winked at her with a sly grin. “I should really go now. The cops are looking for me.”

Kathy nodded “I know. You be careful.” She scolded before giving him a warm hug “I’ll miss you.” She knew that she would too.

Mel hugged her in return but soon he had to gently push her away before he couldn’t find it in his heart to let go “Neil’s waiting.” He coaxed.

She pulled away eventually and smiled through tears “I know. Don’t break anymore hearts now okay?” he smiled as he walked away slowly. “Maybe just 10 more!” Kathy cried with a laugh as he spun his head over his shoulder and grinned. Her smile slowly faded, so that was the last she’ll probably see of him.

Kathy returned to Neil’s room. He was trying to pour a drink of water from the pitcher and glass next to his hospital bed. She laughed as she took over and poured the water with ease “I’m gonna be handicap for a while.” He joked.

“I’ll be your extra arm.” She handed him the glass with a smile as she took a seat on the chair.

Neil smiled with gratitude as he took a drink “Its never too late to chose.”

Kathy knew what he meant by that “I’ve always known the answer.”

He placed the cup down and took a hold of her hand. Neil pulled it up to his face and kissed the back of her hand “You don’t know how happy I am to hear you say that.” She looked down at their entwined hands and covered a long yawn. Concern was written all over his face “Uh oh, someone’s sleepy. You should go home.”

Kathy shook her head vehemently “No, I want to stay with you. The doctor said you should be fine to leave tomorrow.” He knew there was no way of talking her out of it so he nodded. She held tightly to his hand as she laid her head on the side of his bed. Her eyes still smiling at his “What?” she asked when he was smiling at her.

“I’ve never noticed how cute you are.” His eyes moved around her face as it etched into his heart.

She laughed “Probably because of all the baby fat that covered my naturally cute face.”

His face turned solemn “Your weight has nothing to do with it. It never did. I liked you for who you are, but your weight was beginning to worry me. I knew you were sensitive so I didn’t mention it.”

Kathy nodded understandingly “I know. Because you never stopped talking to me unlike some people that I considered to be a friend. They saw me gain some weight in the summer and they suddenly stopped talking to me. You’ve always been by my side.”

He stroked her hair gently “And I will be there forever.” His smile grew when she began to doze off with a smile still plastered to her face. A few minutes later, he fell asleep too. His hand rested on her hair while she lied peacefully next to him.

The End

Chapter 22 - Epilogue

Kathy - Vivian Leung
Snow - Joyce Tang
Gary - Marcos Ngai
Roach - Jordan Chan (actually gonna give him a character in the spin off)
Janet - Angie Cheung

Other guest stars:
-Louis Koo
-Athena Chu
-Jessica Huen
-Annie Man

So there we have it!! Hope you guys won't forget this story by the time I return to do the spin off! hehehe....=) Anyways, I wanted to thank you all for supporting me:

**Maniac - Girl you have been there for me through thick and thin. Always pushing me to write better. I see myself improved throughout the months and I do truly owe it to you. Thank you for sticking by me for so long. I wouldn't have gone this far in writing without you. What I admire from you is your honesty. I know I could always trust you to give me the best feedback and best criticisms. Whether good or bad. Love you so much!

Suki - Of course I cannot forget to thank you for all the stalking. I finished the story pretty fast because of you. Not that I don't appreciate the energy and support, but man, sometimes I feel like I have to write a chapter just to make you happy...lol...at least for an hour until you come back and hound me. =) But of course, not everyone can do that to me and I still laugh about it. You're definitely a special person!

**Vivian - Aww...you are just too kind. Talented? Wow... now that's an ultimate compliment from any reader. But it's more special when it comes from another author that I also admire. It feels good to have written something where not only does the reader enjoy but they have analyzed and understood what the author is trying to say. Thank you for making that happen.

Kiki - hahaa...I know you would have wanted to be here more often. But I understand because sometimes life doesn't allow that to happen. I love the fact that you get so into the characters...its great to see what a reaction you get. Don't worry, Jenny will never forget about you and all the support you've given to me.

Noy - lol..hey girl! I laugh everytime I read one of your comments. Although they are short, they mean alot to me. Thank you for your support too. One of my oldest readers!! hahaha...luv ya much!

Vickii - =) You're one of my fave commentors you know that?? lol...cause you always manage to bring out the funny lines that some people might have missed. Or some lines that I didn't find very funny but you made it funny..hehhe, thank you so much for supporting me.

Sky - I would have liked to see more of you but I know how busy you are being an author and all. I barely find the time to write anymore. But I just wanted to take a few seconds to thank you for being so passionate about my work. I appreciate that you idolize me for my writing....its quite a compliment coming from another great author. I do feel very loved and I thank you for that!!

Lil Flower/Ying Ying - Awww...I know you guys did not have much time to visit and leave a comment. But I won't forget to thank you guys for the silent support. Luv you two!

Confuzzled - hmm...are you a reader in disguise or a silent reader that just came out? lol...anyways, thanks for reading and dropping a comment for me.

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Well guys, it may sound like I'm leaving for good, but it's just an extended goodbye for now. I need some rest time before I tackle the next story. I hope I did not leave anyone out, if I did...sooo sorry!! A writer is only as great as it's critiques. How much I improve or if you guys think I write well is because of all your support. I will never forget any of you!! You've helped in so many ways that you will probably never know. I love you all! =)

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I'LL BE BACK....*muahhaaaaaa* (^_~)

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