Remembrance

Hi everyone, I'm back...I know, I do my disappearing acts too much. So sorry. Good news is that I have a new story in mind...bad news is that it's an expanded version of one of my short stories. Yeah...I have no new ideas in mind. Thanks to Odie's great advice, I am turning this story into a long one. I have added a few more characters to make the story more interesting. Hope you'll guys will enjoy it. =D

'Dedicated to those that have loved and lost thier loves. May one day you will find them again.'

Casts:

Vivian Leung - Elizabeth Wong aka Liz **A loving girlfriend and later loving mother. She is kind at heart but not weak.

Nick Cheung - Jason Cheung **He would be a better boyfriend had it not been for the sudden news of his girlfriend being pregnant. Usually with a good head on his shoulders, he was confused when it came to his girlfriend, Liz.

Benny Chan - Chris Lam **A lieutenant at the Shanghai police department. He soon became a good friend of Liz's. Has a crush on her.

Annie Man - Nancy Chu **A good friend of Jason and Elizabeth. She later followed Liz to Shanghai where they both settled in the secluded town.

(Think of the girl that played Wong Hei's daughter in Lit Fua Hung Sum II 'Flaming Heart II') - Trina Wong ** Liz's cute little five year old daughter.

Chapter 1

In the busy streets of Hong Kong, it was hard to travel around let alone find a parking space. A young girl in her early twenties stood out from the rest. While people looked like they were in a rush, she was walking slowly down the street. Her eyes dazed with a far away look as she looked up blankly at the people bumping pass her. She touched her stomach lightly wondering if she should tell her boyfriend Jason about their baby. Being a nurse herself, she should have guessed when she missed her monthly menstrual cycle two times.

She kept walking as her face turned solemn, debating of whether to tell him or not. She played the image of his excited expression in her head over and over. Of course that was what she wanted him to react to the news. Yet, deep in her heart, she knew it would be different from what she imagined.

Taking a deep breath in as she snapped her head up and walked a block to his office. He was one of the top lawyers in the firm and he was well respected. His co-workers were mainly single guys that loved to go out. Sometimes he missed the single life but the moment he thought of Liz, a smile would cross his face and he knew he would not switch his life for anything.

Jason sat back in his leather recliner chair as he rubbed his eyes. He had just won his hundreth case of the year. He was use to the sound of the secretaries gushing over his winning. Lately he had came to realized how much he loved that sound. The girls in the office were much disappointed to know how serious he was in his three year relationship with Liz. They guessed that he would soon propose but what they didn’t know was that he had no intention of doing that for another three years. He was at his peak of his career, marriage would only ruin it for he had no time to give to his family.

Suddenly a knock on his office door brought him back to reality. “Mr. Cheung, can I come in?” Nancy, his secretary asked politely as she cracked the door slightly, giving him some privacy.

A broad smile crossed his face as he sat up “Nancy, cut that out. You know you don’t have to call me by my surname. I would much prefer Jason.”

Nancy opened the door completely with her own wide grin. “I was trying to be polite.” She trotted over to his desk “Guess who’s here?” she whispered as she leaned down on his table with her elbow.

“Um…The president?” Jason played along with her game. He was quite fond of her as well as Liz. Nancy was their best friend, she was also the matchmaker that got them together in the first place.

She rolled her eyes at his response “Come on, if it was the President, don’t you think I would be at my work station?”

He threw his head back with a laugh “Okay okay, I give up…you know I’m not good at guessing games.”

Nancy stood up with her hands on her hips “You’re no fun!” she sighed “Who is the person that has every girl, except for me, in this office drooling with envy?”

This time Jason sat up straight on his chair, finally she had caught his interest “I don’t know?” he said thoughtfully.

“If your life depended on it, you would still not know who it is huh?” she said with pure sarcasm.

He shrugged lightly, not really interested in her game just in the person that she seemed to making a big deal out of “Come on Nancy, we don’t have all day.”

“Or all week, cause it’ll take you that long to guess!” she quipped. “Here’s the last clue; the love of your life.” She pointed a finger at him before he could answer “Don’t you dare get it wrong!”

He laughed as he nodded finally “I know who it is…but I’m a little curious…”

Nancy wrinkled her forehead “Why?”

Jason had a small smile on his face “I didn’t know books can walk.”

She tilted her head with exaggeration “You’re telling me the love of your life are books? Jason Cheung, you really got some nerve…”

He laughed as he put up his hands in surrender “Okay, you know I was just kidding. Bring her in.” he said in his professional tone.

Nancy smiled “That’s more like it.” She spun around and rushed out to bring her friend in.

Liz didn’t know how long she was waiting but the anticipation was driving her nuts. She didn’t understand why she received some strange looks around the office, but mostly from the secretaries. When Nancy came rushing down the hall, she was relieved to see her friend. “Is he busy? I’ll come back later…” Liz said softly, not wanting to disturb anyone.

“He’s never busy for you!” She gushed at her friend loudly. Liz had a feeling it wasn’t for her to hear. “Come on.” She linked her arm through Liz’s and led her down the hall.

It was the first time Liz ever came to his office in three years. She knew he liked to keep his personal life out of work. But the news she wanted to tell him was too serious to say it over the phone. He had a strange habit of only seeing her during the weekends. She knew he worked overtime at the office during the week, therefore he had no time for her at nights. She was use to it but lately he had been dropping by more often at her apartment because he simply wanted to see her. It gave her a whole different feeling of love for her boyfriend, she was happy to see him and frankly she always thought their two day a week dates were not enough.

When the girls reached Jason’s office, Nancy smiled at the two as she closed the door to give them some privacy. The first thing that Liz noticed about his office was how big it was. The shelves of books laid against the wall behind is leather chair. The window view of his office was incredible. Her eyes were lost in the city life outside for she didn’t noticed that he stood up and was standing in front of her. “So what brings you here?” he gave her a warm hug as she eagerly accepted it.

He was about to pull away when he noticed her hug had tightened. Smiling as he gripped her tighter with his arms. Lately he has been wanting to see her more, it was a strange feeling that he had. Definitely different from any other hugs that she gave him. This was warmer and he had a sinking feeling that there were some news she needed to tell him. “I wish we could stay like this forever.” She whispered into his neck.

He nodded but didn’t answer as he softly pulled her away “What is it, Liz?” he said almost cautiously.

Liz was taken aback by his quick perception of her words. Her eyes wandered away as she began to debate whether she should tell him. Suddenly she had a feeling that she shouldn’t have came. “I….I just wanted to see you.”

Jason pulled her face up with his finger on her chin “Don’t lie to me Liz, you’ve never been good at it. Come on tell me.” he coaxed as he took her hands and pulled her to his leather couch located on the opposite side of the office.

When they sat down, she decided that she did not want to tell him yet. Thinking fast as she knew he would be able to tell that she was lying so she did her best to diverge the attention away from herself. “Nothing, I just wanted to tell you that…I have a baby shower to go to this weekend. It’s in Maccow, that means I have to take the boat to the island. I won’t be able to see you this whole weekend.”

His first reaction was disappointment because he had such a hard week at work and he was looking forward to seeing her in the weekend. “Oh.” Was all he said.

“I don’t have to go…” she noticed the disappointing look on his face.

Like the weather, his face changed into a broad smile as he shook his head “No no, you should go.” He tapped her hand affectionately “Is that all?”

She nodded “I didn’t mean to bother you at work…it’s just that it was a last minute thing and I didn’t want to tell you over the phone…” she began her explanation, hoping that he won’t be upset because she always promised that she would not come to his work if the news was not important.

Jason shook his head “Don’t be silly. You can come here anytime.” His words caught her by surprise as she looked up suddenly, her eyes big and questioning. His face froze as he caught what he was saying “I mean, unless it’s important. Plus it’s nice seeing a pretty face once in a while.” He stroked her face sweetly as she blushed and turned away.

“What about the other girls in the office? I saw quite a few prettier ones.” She tested to see his reaction.

Unfortunately he hid them carefully “Really? I never noticed.” He looked away slightly and glanced at his watch. “Hey, it’s lunch time, how about I take a pretty lady out to lunch?”

Liz smiled openly “Sure, which lucky girl out there should I tell?”

She giggled at the expression on his face as he pinched her nose teasingly “You, silly girl!” he wrapped his arms around her protectively as he led her outside. He finally introduced Liz to the secretaries as well as his co-lawyer friends. They were as nice as can be except for some of the secretaries that looked her up and down. Was it envy that Liz saw in their eyes? She didn’t have time to think because he was already leading to the elevator.

“You’re not taking Nancy along?” Liz asked when they got in the elevator.

“I take her out almost everyday. She’ll understand.” He said nonchalantly.

Liz smiled “She’s a sweetheart.” She said without thinking.

Jason leaned into his girlfriend with a smile “So are you.” She shook her head slightly and his smile faded “I’m serious Liz.”

Her eyes locked with Jason as she realized he wasn’t teasing “Thank you.” It was strange, their relationship. They were not as affectionate and they were too polite with each other. Nancy often said it was because of his profession that made him speak with such manners. While Liz was a bit more affectionate with him, yet lately he was even more affectionate with her.

They had a nice lunch together, it was more relaxing then their dinners together. He often chose high class restaurants while Liz preferred the more quiet lower end ones. This time, he let her chose the restaurant and she chose a cute little Japanese restaurant. He had eaten sushi four times that week with different clients but he didn’t mention it to Liz since she wanted to go there.

After lunch, he offered to take her home “Need a ride home?”

Liz shook her head “No, I’m fine. I can walk, it’s not that far from here.”

“Liz, it’s like a mile from your apartment!” he argued. “No, I’m taking you home.” He said firmly.

She laughed as she shook her head. There was no arguing with him. He was determined “Fine, just drop me at the front.”

He shook his head firmly “I’m walking you upstairs and making sure you get into your home safe and sound. I don’t want to hear any if’s and’s or but’s okay?”

She nodded with an adoring expression on her face. Where did this sudden act of chivalry come from? He was being sweeter to her and not to mention his affectionate acts earlier in the office. A sudden fear crossed her mind as she began to wonder if he wanted to break up with her that’s why he was being so nice. She had a habit of analyzing every situation and she knew it wasn’t healthy but she couldn’t help it. What surprised her was that Jason seemed to notice that habit of hers “What are you thinking of? Or should I say what are you worrying about? You can tell me anything, Liz.” He said as he walked her to the apartment door.

She fumbled for the keys as she answered lightly “Oh nothing, just what I should buy for my friend.”

“Is she having a girl or boy?” he asked with not much feeling.

“I don’t know. Does it matter? What would you prefer as a first child?” she asked almost too casually but she wanted to know what he thought.

He shrugged as she opened the door and he walked in “I guess I would pick a daughter if I could. I just think little girls are easier to raise. Plus they won’t be as bad as boys growing up…at least my daughter won’t.”

His answer gave her chills up her spine. Maybe he was ready to be a father? She thought, but then decided not to tell him. “I see. Well, honey you should be getting back to work now.”

Jason glanced at his watch “Yeah. Okay, I’ll see you next week. Do you need a ride to the harbor?” he gave her a quick peck on the cheek.

“No, Nancy is coming with me.” She said quickly. She gave herself a reminder to call her friend after Jason leaves and tell her the news.

“Okay. You girls be careful then.” He was about to walk out the door but then stopped as he spun around and hugged her softly. “Bye.”

He surprised her by hugging her as she was lost for words. She mumbled a quick goodbye before calling Nancy.

Chapter 2

That weekend, the girls drove out to Nancy’s parents’ condo by the beach. Since Liz already lied to Jason, she decided to play out the whole show. Lucky for her Nancy was sympathetic with her decision and she was kind enough to lend a helping hand.

Liz walked through the condo door as she dropped her bag on the ground. She slumped into the couch and sighed. Nancy looked at her friend sadly “Why do you do that to yourself?” she tapped Liz’s leg indicating for her to move over.

Liz looked up at her friend with a pained expression “I don’t know, maybe I like worrying? I need to see a shrink.”

Nancy laughed “I doubt it’s that bad, Lizzie.” She waved her hand for her friend to come closer as she wrapped her arms around her friend’s shoulder and Liz's head fell on her friend's comforting shoulder “When are you telling him?”

Liz sighed “I don’t know. Do I have to tell him?” she pulled back as she looked at her friend earnestly.

She shook her head at the naïve Liz “Silly girl, what are you gonna tell him when your stomach is this big?” she put her hand out about half a feet from her own stomach “That you just got fatter here?”

“Or should I tell him that I have to see my parents, who live in America?”

Nancy shook her head “Lizzie, he knows your parents passed away five years ago. I told him, remember? You were upset because you wanted to tell him yourself?”

Liz turned to the window with a distant look in her eyes “That's right...I forgot.” She leaned forward on her hands as she rubbed her temples “Gosh, this is going to drive me crazy!”

“Do you want me to tell him?” her friend offered.

Liz’s head shot up with a scared expression “Oh my gosh, no..please no…he’ll never forgive me!” She quickly added when she saw Nancy’s face saddened “Anyways, I don’t want to pull you into this mess.”

Nancy nodded understandingly “Well, sweetie, it’s no use to worry about it. Go on and change I’ll take you for a walk on the beach. It’s good for the baby.”

Liz giggled for the first time that day “It’s only two months old, I doubt it knows how to breathe yet.”

“Well, I want to take a walk okay? Come on.” She popped up from her seat as she lend out a hand to her friend.

The girls changed into more comfortable clothes as they took a walk on the beach. There weren’t that many people at the beach as they walked for about a block. Suddenly, Liz stopped in her footsteps. Her heart almost paused for a few seconds as she looked at the couple not far ahead. “It’s Jason.” She whispered.

Nancy’s head snapped upwards as she looked at the oncoming couple who didn’t seem to notice that the two girls were staring at them. They were chatting and walking awfully close. “Are you sure?” she squinted her eyes to get a better look.

“I know what my boyfriend looks like.” Liz snapped as she spun around and pulled her friend’s hand along. “He can’t see us.” She sped up and soon the girls were jogging back to the condo. Liz was out of breath when they got back to the front door. She leaned on her thighs to catch her breath. “What…is he…doing her?” her breathing eventually slowed down.

“I don’t know, but you bet I’m gonna find out right now.” Nancy seemed more angry and upset than Liz. She picked up her cell phone and dialed Jason’s number. He didn’t pick up his phone. “No answer.” She cursed as she threw the cell phone on the couch.

“Maybe he’s with a client. Or maybe he didn’t bring his cell phone along?”

Nancy rolled her eyes “Don’t make any excuses for him. I knew he would falter one day. He had too many admirers in the office.” She began to pace the room like it was her boyfriend that she caught with another girl.

Liz sat down calmly “Nancy, what if she is a client?”

She stopped pacing as she faced her friend with her hands on her hips “That’s some friendly client, don’t you think?!” when she noticed her tone of voice was too strong, she lowered it and took a seat next to her friend. “I’m sorry Liz, I didn’t mean to snap at you. But how could you be so calm?”

“I trust him.” She answered shortly. It was neither convincing or nonconvincing.

“Well then you call him. Ask him where he is. If he doesn’t answer, I’m going outside and confronting him.” Nancy warned.

For the sake of her friend and for Jason’s innocence, Liz picked up her cell phone and called him. He answered after two rings. She wasn’t expecting for him to answer as she stuttered “H…hello?”

“Lizzie?” he asked a bit surprised “Are you in Maccau?”

“Umm…yeah. How are you holding up without me?” she didn’t know what to ask as she shrugged her shoulders at Nancy for help.

“Not too good, I miss you. I’m with a client right now. So I’ll have to call you later sweetie. Bye.” He said it all in one breath and then hung up.

Liz sighed with relief “He’s with a client and he said he missed me very much. He had to leave though.”

Nancy raised an eyebrow with suspicion “Yeah, you probably caught them in the middle of a make out session.” Liz flinched at the remark and she immediately regretted saying it “I’m sorry Lizzie, I didn’t mean…gosh, I need to keep my mouth shut.”

“Yeah…” Liz was half teasing.

“So what do you want to do? Should we approach him?” Nancy pushed.

“I don’t know….” It seems that was going to be her answer the whole night. Nancy knew she had to take matters into her own hands. Her mind began to wander as she thought about how to sneak up on Jason without him seeing her. “What are you thinking, Nancy? Oh my gosh, I know that look…you’re gonna do something aren’t you?” Liz was more worried about her friend making a fool out of herself than anything.

Nancy shook her head bringing her thoughts back to reality. “Don’t worry about me. I’m a spy at heart, he’ll never see me.” She rushed inside her room and put on some darker clothes as she wrapped her shoulder length hair into a cap and placed her big sunglasses over her eyes. “I’ll be right back.”

“Where are you going? A funeral?” Liz said with much sarcasm “Yeah, he won’t notice the person in black…” she shook her head with amusement.

“You find this funny? You better hope my instinct is wrong.” She gave her friend a quick wink before leaving the condo.

After an hour, Liz began to worry about her friend, what if something happened to her? Or worse, Jason caught her and he’s questioning her. After five minutes of pacing the living room, she rushed her room and got a jacket to go outside to find her friend. Instead the door snapped open and appeared Nancy, looking a bit down. “Nancy! Oh my gosh, you scared me half to death!” she pulled her friend inside only to find Jason behind her.

“I got caught.” She said shortly.

Jason didn’t look amused nor did he look angry “Well, the black ensemble wasn’t exactly a good disguise.”

Nancy rolled her eyes “Yeah, whatever.”

Liz looked at one person to the other, not knowing what to say. “So do you have something to tell me?” he looked at his girlfriend questioningly.

“I….do?” she looked at Nancy wondering what her friend had told him.

Instead Nancy glanced at her watch “Well, oh my gosh look at the time. I should be getting back to my apartment. I have to feed the goldfish.” She rushed into her room and carrying out her luggage before Liz could even utter a word. “Bye guys. The key is on the table, just lock it after you’re done okay?”

Liz glared at her friend, who gave her an apologetic look. Jason waved quickly to Nancy then turned to his red faced girlfriend. “So what brings you here?”

She wasn’t sure if he was setting her up or not “I…Sorry.” She blurted out.

Jason’s face softened “Nancy told me that you had something to tell me but she wouldn’t tell me what it was. Whatever it is, it must have bothered you enough to lie to me about the baby shower.”

“That little squealer.” Liz said under her breath.

“What?” Jason asked when he heard her mutter something.

She shook her head “Nothing. There is something, but I don’t know if I’m ready to tell you.”

“Does it have anything to do with me?” he asked slowly.

She looked up at him from the couch “More than you want.”

He arched his eyebrows questioningly “I don’t understand.”

“I don’t know how else to tell you, so I’m just going to say it.” He nodded for her to continue “I’m pregnant.”

She held her breath waiting for his reaction, to her big disappointment he uttered “Oh.”

She continued to stare at him waiting for another reaction, instead he stood there in silence “OH? Is that all you have to say? I just told you that we are having a child together and you say ‘Oh?’ Jason, surely you can do better than that. Are you happy? Are you angry? Are you shocked? What? I’m not a mind reader you know.” She blew up as she stood up to face him eye to eye.

“I…I…but how?” he was still coming over the shock and trying to take in her words.

“You don’t need me to explain the birds and the bees do you?” Liz said sarcastically.

“I have to sit down.” He reached for the chair closest to him as he sat down. “Are you sure?” he asked.

Liz sat down on the couch away from him “You mean am I sure I’m pregnant or am I sure it’s yours?”

His eyes hardened as they turned to hers. “You know what I meant.”

Liz turned away “Actually I don’t Jason. I don’t know anything anymore. You’re never willing to tell me what you’re feeling. Remember that one time I bought you that camera, you never told me that you didn’t like it until I found it stuffed behind a bunch of shoe boxes in your closet? How hard is it just to tell me?”

“I didn’t want to hurt your feelings.” He said ever so softly.

“Well, it’s a little late for that. I will never forget that expression on your face. You don’t want this baby, I know.” She was crying by now as she wiped her face harshly “You never wanted to get married.” He looked at her still lost for words “I don’t think I have ever felt so distant from you out of the three years we’ve been together.”

They sat there in silence for a longer moment with the only exception of Liz sniffing back the tears. “I…I’m not ready to be a father…” finally he was talking. “My career is at it’s peak…I’m going to be named the top three lawyers of the firm…I can’t have a family right now…there’s too much work…I won’t have time for a family…”

She closed her eyes but it didn’t stop the tears from coming out. “Well, I’m sorry to have ruined your life.” Liz went back to her room and got her luggage. “Don’t worry Mr. Cheung, you’re life won’t change a bit.” Her words were obviously bitter but he could totally sense her sad tone despite the harsh words.

“I didn’t mean…” he got up when she stepped back to the door.

“I know what you meant!” she cried angrily, her eyes red from the tears. With that she slammed the door in his face.

He slumped down into the couch, half of him wanted to chase after her for he knew the right thing to do was to be a supportive father. Yet the other half held him back, if he ran after her, his life would change forever. The promise he made to himself so many years ago would be useless. He promised himself when he first got the job as a waiter to pay himself through law school was that he would be an accomplished lawyer and everyone will respect him in every way. Yet he forgot that love was bound to cross his life. Yet she came in the right place but at the wrong time. He worked hard for his position and he wasn’t about to lose it that quickly.

He stayed back for rest of the night as he debated with himself. The pro’s and con’s of the relationship and of the yet to come child that he was responsible for bringing into the world. Surely, he wanted to be a good father, but how could he be if he would be stuck at the office all day.

His goal was to work hard for the next few years before he proposed to Liz, he would eventually do it, he knew it but the timing couldn’t have been more worse. He dropped his face in his hands with frustration “Ah!” he yelled to himself as he sat back in the chair “God, what have I done?”

Chapter 3

She did not receive any news about Jason after their last argument at the Condo. She came home one day to find a jewelry box on the front steps of her apartment. There was no note that came along with it. When she opened it, she found a beautiful silver necklace with a heart charm. The inscription was small but she could make out Jason’s name. Without thinking she put it over herself.

For the next few months, Liz stayed away from Jason. She didn’t answer any of his calls nor did she bother to return his calls. She began to grow use to not having a boyfriend around. Her stomach began to show a little more. Nancy would often come visit her and she knew it was hard on her friend to be in the middle of this war.

“You’re going to ignore him forever?” Nancy knew the subject was too sensitive but she couldn’t bear to see her friend so sad. Despite Liz’s words, she knew that Liz missed Jason tremendously.

“If that’s what it takes for me to forget him…yes.” Liz stuffy voice answered without feeling. She was peeling an orange to eat, she wasn’t allowed to take any medication due to her baby’s health.

Nancy glanced at her friend “He really misses you.”

Liz peeled a slice of orange as she popped it in her mouth “Don’t try to make him the good guy, you know how he is not. I mean, how could I blame him? He worked hard for his money and he wants to make more…I guess some people are just superficial like that.” She was still bitter about his reaction to their pregnancy.

“Lizzie, you know he loves you…” Nancy tried again.

“If he did, he would be here right now.” She popped another orange in her mouth when the doorbell rang. She quickly sat up and glanced at her friend “If it’s him, I don’t want to see him.” She whispered.

“Liz, don’t do this to yourself.” Nancy shook her head as she went against Liz’s glare and answered the door. Indeed it was Jason.

“Hi…” he nodded to the girls but his gaze lingered on the pregnant Liz. “I heard that you were sick and I know you can’t take medicine, so I brought you some soup.” He showed her the container he was holding in his hand.

Nancy smiled “Well, you finally did something right.” She watched as Jason walked over to Liz “Hey guys, it’s getting late, I think I’ll go home now.”

Liz ignored Jason completely as she got up and rushed over to her friend “It’s only 8’oclock!” she then whispered “Don’t you dare leave me alone with him. I don’t know if I can handle it.”

Nancy shook her head “You two need to work this out.” She whispered back. “Bye Jason.”

“Bye.” He looked up in time to see Liz pulling at her friend’s sleeve. He sensed that she didn’t want to see him but he knew she had some things that she needed to get off of her chest. “You can’t hide from me forever, that kid is half mind too.”

She rolled her eyes and took a seat furthest from him “What difference does it make if you don’t want the child?”

“It’s not that I don’t want it…it’s just…” he began to feel frustrated again. It was too hard to explain to her what he believed in. He knew whatever he said would only end in yelling.

“Just what? You know Jason, if it’s so hard for you to even talk to me, why do you even bother calling?” the hurt tone in her voice was easily found.

“I want to do the right thing.” He said without much convincement.

“Really?” She asked sarcastically “You mean you would cut your hours short at the office? Stay by my side when I go to the doctors? Take care of the baby when I’m sick or too tired? Change the diapers before you go to work? Because that is the ‘right’ thing to do.”

Her words sunk in slowly and he knew the answer would still be same as their last conversation “Couldn’t we hire a full time Nanny?” he offered. His point was that he didn’t want her to be too tired yet, it also meant that he was not willing to give up the time to take care of this child he help make.

Liz snickered as she shook her head “You’re making this so much harder. I was beginning to feel that I would be better off alone. And then you come stumbling along to tell me the same thing you told me before, you’re not ready to be a father.” She was calmer this time, maybe because she expected the worse from him.She got up and took a seat next to him on the couch. Liz leaned in as she took his hand in hers “Jason, I do love you. Very much, maybe even more than you’ll ever know. I also understand that you are not ready to be a father nor do you want to be one anytime soon. So why do we even bother to continue this relationship?”

She was talking about the unthinkable to Jason, surely he had not thought about them ever breaking up. At that second, he knew she was the one for him. Yet the timing was all wrong. He gripped on her hands “No, I don’t want to break up if that’s what your telling me! I love you Liz.”

Liz pulled her hands slowly away from him. “You love me? I don’t know what you think love means but I know it means caring for the other person to your best ability. You’ve never done that for me. You couldn’t even give me a few hours a day let alone your love. Tell me Jason, what do you think love means?”

He looked away searching for an answer “I…I guess it’s something you just know?” he said weakly.

It only made Liz cry as she turned away from him “Go away. I don’t want to see you right now.” Her vision blurred as the tears filled up her eyes. He didn’t notice that her fingers were touching the silver heart necklace that he had given her. She was going to give it back to him but something inside of her stopped her from doing it.

He knew it was useless, she was too emotional. He decided to give her more time but he was willing to give up on her just yet. He would try again in another month, he promised himself. As he got up to leave, he heard a soft whisper. Did she just say good bye?

*********

A month later, Liz decided once and for all that she would leave Hong Kong. Maybe not forever but for as long as she takes to forget Jason. Her stomach was obviously bigger now as she could no longer fit in her own clothes. She wore a black loose top and black skirt, it was a comfortable outfit that she often wore during her pregnancy.

About a year ago, Liz was transferred by the hospital to go up to North China because they were short of nurses. She remembered the city of Shanghai like it was yesterday. Eventhought she only stayed for a few days, she remembered vividly the city was full of life yet the weather was so cold, but it didn’t stop the people from going outside. That’s what she loved about it. Her decision to go to Shanghai was quick and maybe irrational but she knew it was right for her to leave for she felt no remorse.

Nancy knew of her decision and she had promised Liz that she would not tell Jason. He still managed to pull it out of her. He was sitting in his office when Nancy came in with a file for him to sign “Thank you…” she said as she lingered by the door.

He must have sensed her nagging thoughts as he looked up “What is it Nancy?” he asked calmly but when she hesitated to answer, he knew it was more serious. He quickly got up to pull her into the office “Is it Liz? What’s wrong? What happened?”

“I…I promised not to tell you..” she whispered as she covered half her face with the file.

He yanked the file from her hands in frustration. Taking a hold of her shoulders he begged her “Please tell me, Nancy. Is she sick? Where is she?”

Nancy glanced at her watch “She’ll be on a flight in half an hour.”

“She what?!” he cried out loudly “Where is she going?”

Nancy pulled herself away from his tightening grip “No Jason, I can’t tell you. She’ll be mad at me forever.” Her heart softened when she saw the expression on his face “You might still be able to catch her if you hurry now.”

He barely waited for her to finish as he rushed out the door. The traffic was horrible but lucky for him he made it there in exactly 25 minutes. Rushing through the glass double doors of the airport, he ran down the corridors like a mad man looking for Liz. At one time, she was sitting in front of him yet he was so nervous and anxious that he didn’t notice. Her eyes were glued to the floor and when the flight attendant announced the flight to Shanghai was boarding, she got up slowly and took her luggage as she boarded the plane.

They could have seen each other face to face if not for the fact that Jason saw someone that was a splitting image of Liz. He rushed after the girl as he tapped her on the shoulder. When she turned, the disappointing look on his face could never be repeated “Sorry…” he muttered as the girl walked away. Spinning in circles as he knew it was over. She was gone. His only resort was Nancy, he swore to himself that he would find out from her if it killed him.

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

The flight to Shanghai was long and agonizing. Liz was tired by the time she got off the plane, she dragged herself to the luggage section. She shrugged the light headed feeling away as she found her luggage and pulled it along with her. When suddenly her legs gave way as she toppled back, she had no time to worry about falling on her back. Luckily for her a gentleman in uniform was close by to catch her. “Miss! Are you okay?” he saw her obvious pregnant stomach and guess that her husband might be somewhere around “Do you know this lady?” he looked around at any man he could find. They all shook their heads as they continued on their way.

Chris easily picked her up with his arms and with his free fingers he pulled her luggage along. Maybe it was fate that he had saw her earlier when she got off the plane. He was coming over to ask if she was feeling okay because she looked a bit pale. He only followed her slowly from behind to make sure she was alright, but luck would have it as she fainted into his arms.

His car was parked at the entrance as he placed into the passenger seat carefully and drove to the nearest hospital.

The people worked fast to recover her as they rushed her through hallways and hallways. Tests were done over and over to see if she was alright and they took her blood every hour to make sure the baby was still alive.

Chris waited patiently outside in the waiting room, he wasn’t about to leave her just yet. When the doctors came out, they announced that she would be okay “She’s just a little weak, but that can be fixed with a lot of rest. Don’t worry, your child is still healthy.” The doctor tapped him on the shoulder with a smile.

Chris looked up slightly “Oh no, she’s not my wife. She fainted at the airport and I took her here.” He quickly explained.

“Well, your friend is okay. You can visit her in a few minutes. She should be awake.” The doctor nodded before leaving the blushing Chris.

Inside the secluded room, Liz sat there staring off to space when there was a knocking on the door. “Come in.” she called out without looking up.

“Hi..” a warm male voice said to her.

She thought the doctor was checking up on her but when she looked up, she found a handsome young man in uniform smiling at her. “Oh, I’m sorry…do I know you?”

He smiled even broader “Not me, but you know my arms.” He joked. “I took you here after you fainted.”

Liz’s face clouded over as she recalled feeling faint “I remember…thank you, Mr…”

He pulled out his hand “Chris Lam. I’m a lieutenant at the Shanghai Police Department.”

“Well, I guess I’m lucky I fainted on you…” she joked. “I’m Elizabeth Wong, but everyone calls me Liz.”

He smiled at her warmly “Do you have family here?”

Her smile faded as she turned away slowly “No, no one.”

“I’m sorry.” He said sympathetically to her. “ If you don’t mind me being nosy, what are you doing here?”

“I…” she stuttered trying to find a better reason than ‘hiding from my boyfriend’ “I just wanted a new beginning.”

“Does the father know?” he nodded to her stomach. Normally Chris was not very open and not as nosy but there was an aura about the girl lying on the hospital bed next to him. He wanted to help her more than anything.

Liz shrugged “Yes.”

“He knew you left and didn’t stop you?” he was astounded by this guy. “How could someone be so cold hearted?”

Liz began to shake her head, he had misunderstood her as she did to him. “No no…he doesn’t know where I am, I thought you were asking if he knew I was pregnant.”

His face cooled down as he sighed with relief “Oh.” Her face hardened as the word reminded her of Jason. She yawned slightly from the long flight. “I’m sorry, you should rest.”

Liz smiled “Thanks Lieutenant Lam.”

He shook his head “Call me Chris.”

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