Zodiac of PRA II: Forever Heroes

Chapter 37

With the encouragement and support of the team, Darren was able to continue to stay strong for Mia. Day after day, he would come in to visit her. Weeks soon passed and still there were no improvements from Mia. After three months have passed, Darren grew back to his old self. He was snappy and not to mention cold. At times he would not talk to anyone even when it was questions from the team.

Joe had to return to Beijing and Dennis to his life with his family. Ted was requested by the police department to return to his position. Matt continued to take over with the stressful mentality. One of his best agents was in a coma and it affected the team a great deal. Everyone was waiting for that miracle, especially Darren. One day during a meeting, they discussed it “He seems to be losing touch with human kind.” Doug said sadly.

“Is he still at the hospital?” Matt asked with concern.

Erin and Brad nodded “Yes, we just left there this morning.” Brad let out a sigh “I’m worried about him.”

“I’m more worried that he will do something stupid.” Erin looked up suddenly “He said before that he could not live without her. She is practically dead in his eyes.”

Eric looked at them “What should we do? What can we do to help him? I think he’s at the point where he has already given up.”

“Maybe work will get his mind off of Mia?” Doug suggested.

Matt shook his head “I don’t think concentration on another human life will help Darren. What I’m concerned about is what Erin just said. If he is giving up, maybe he will do something stupid?” his eyes snapped up abruptly “Erin and Brad, I want you two to bring him back here.”

“Yes, sir.” The two said simultaneously.

Yan Sum Hospital

Darren face was weary looking, he did not sleep the night before when he went home. Instead he woke up early to see Mia, it was a usual routine for him. His facial hair was unshaven and his eyes were dark from lack of sleep. He had lost so much weight from little sleep and waking up early. Not to mention the cries in the middle of the night when he thought about her. He sat next to her bedside, the rhythmic sound of her heart monitor was putting him in a trance. He had no idea he had been sitting there for the whole day without moving.

He turned to face her and reached out his hand to smooth out her forehead and then cheeks “I’m sorry…” he whispered. Darren turned away as he controlled the tears aching to come out “I tried, Mia. I really did…but I can’t do this.” He took in a deep breath and felt his lungs shivering “I have truly lived the meaning of life in hell…but the only difference is…I’m still alive.” He turned back to her face and smiled while two teardrops fell from his eyes into the back of her hand where he was gripping so tightly “Do you remember how we met? You were eating lunch at a restaurant and forgot to bring your purse. Unfortunately for you, the owner would not let you leave to get your money. At first, I didn’t think anything of it…but when I saw the way you maneuvered your words to convince the man to let you get your wallet, which you forgot at the school where you taught. I was impressed, but I sat there thinking, she’s not coming back. I felt bad for the owner so I paid for you. By the time you returned, you found out it had already been paid. I felt embarrassed for not having faith in you so I treated you to dinner.”

The sweet memories brought smiles to his face, yet at the same time it brought heartache because they would never be able to share them again “My attraction to you came naturally after that first encounter. You could say…it was love at first sight.” He choked back the lump in his throat “I had vowed from that day forth that you will never leave my side. If you go, I go.” His tone was dead serious “Please…forgive me…I know you would want me to hold on…but I’m not that strong.” He began sobbing by now. His face glued to her hand “Please…wait for me.” The words were a mere whisper.

Slowly, he began pulling out a gun that he had taken from his drawers the night before. He never used it, he only bought it for personal protection. Who knew he would be using it on himself. His shaky hands held the gun gingerly upwards to his right temple. He closed his eyes and a teardrop came rolling down slowly “Darren!!!” Brad and Erin cried out at the same time.

Darren quickly let go of Mia’s hand as he spun around to face them, his gun pointed to them “Don’t come near me!!” he yelled in a panic.

Brad quickly stood in front of Erin, afraid that Darren would do something drastic “Darren, calm down…” he said softly, his arms outstretched to his friend “Put the gun down.”

Darren continued to point it at them as he backed into the wall “No…” he said slowly “NO!!! I told you, I can’t live without her!!!” he roared with anger and hurt “Don’t come near me…I don’t want to shoot you two.” He warned through gritted teeth.

“Darren, are you crazy??” Brad asked “You can’t do this…look at yourself.”

He took a step towards Darren, who suddenly stepped forward, eyes crazy as the gun pointed to Brad “Get back!!! GET BACK!!!” he yelled “I’ll shoot you, damn it!! Don’t tempt me!!”

Erin pulled Brad to the side “Let me try.”

Brad shook his head vehemently “He’ll shoot you…look at him. He’s not Darren right now.”

She smiled “I have to do this…for Mia.” Brad understood eventually as he let her try to help Darren. She turned to the crazy looking guy, his gun still drawn out at her “If you want to shoot…then shoot. It will probably make you feel better.” She took one small step at a time.

“I said go AWAY!!!” Darren cried hysterically “I’ll shoot you!!!”

“Good!!” Erin cried in return “You think I like to live with the heavy conscience knowing that I was part of the reason why Mia turned out like this??” she pointed to her friend “I don’t want to live either.” She said slowly, her tears came freely “Please…shoot me.” She stepped up until the gun was pointed to her forehead “If you think you deserve to die, then I do too... What will happen when Mia wakes up and doesn’t see you? She won’t be able to move on either. But for me? She might be sad for a couple of months, but she will get over the loss.” Her eyes dug into his very soul, lips trembling he began to shake his head. Erin smiled “I won’t be mad…go ahead. Shoot.” She closed her eyes “SHOOT!!!” her voiced strained as she belted out the words.

Darren’s lips quivered as he bit on them. His shaky hand began trembling even more. Brad had his fingers crossed, hoping and praying that he would not shoot Erin. He let out a sigh of relief when Darren dropped the gun and at the same time, he fell to his knees. He covered his face with his arm and began sobbing uncontrollably, rocking his body back and forth.

Erin opened her eyes and the tears found a way out. Her eyes softened as she watched him cry. She slowly knelt down and reached out a hand to him. Darren looked up with puffy red eyes, she smiled through her tears “We’ll get through this.” She promised. He nodded as the two embraced tightly.

Brad smiled at the two. Suddenly his eyes caught some movement. He turned to Mia’s bed and found her hand twitching, he pointed at it “Guys…” he said shakily. The two stopped and turned to him questioningly “It’s Mia…” he couldn’t believe his eyes.

Darren was on his feet and by her side when he too saw her hand, he reached out automatically for her hand. He was beaming “Mia!” he cried “Wake up!” he said when she fluttered her eyes slowly.

She turned her head left to right as if trying to get rid of the pain. Her eyes took a minute or two to adjust. Erin was next to Darren as she smiled down at Mia, who was not looking at her intently “Mia…welcome back.” Erin said while wiping her tears.

Mia looked over at Darren, then Brad and then back to Erin “Where am I?” the three giggled at the question “Who are you people?” that question was like a stab in the heart to Darren.

He shook his head suddenly, the smile had dropped from his face “What?” then the smile appeared again “Stop joking Mia…it’s not funny.” He said nervously, trying to convince himself.

She looked at their entwined hands and pulled back abruptly as she pulled herself upright “I should be telling you that. Who are you people?” she asked again, this time with fear in her voice “I don’t know you!” she cried. Pulling her blanket off as she began pulling off the needles in her hands and monitors on her chest “I have to get out of here…” she mumbled and got off the bed only to fall to her knees.

“Mia!!” Darren was quick to be by her side as he helped her up “You’ve been in a coma for over three months now, your legs are not that strong.”

“Don’t touch me!” she cried and pulled herself away “I don’t know you people! I want to go home!!”

Matt was worried when the three did not return so he brought Doug and Eric with him to the hospital. When they heard yelling coming from the room, Matt turned to the two “Is that Mia’s voice?”

Doug suddenly nodded “I think so.” Together the three rushed to the room only to be greeted with a frightened Mia and the other three trying to calm her down.

Darren shook his head over and over “No…NO!! You can’t have amnesia!!!” He reached out and shook her arms “Mia!! You can’t forget me!”

Matt nodded to Brad and Doug as they rushed over to pry Darren away from the scared girl. Erin quickly rushed to Mia “Are you okay? He didn’t mean to hurt you.” She said softly. Mia looked like a scared puppy as she looked up at the stranger through her eyes.

One of the surgeons was taking a daily check up along the halls when he heard voices screaming in one of the rooms. He entered and found a whole group of people in a patient’s room “I’m sorry, there are no parties allowed in the hospital.” He was making light of the situation but had no idea he had walked into a tense moment.

Doug turned to the authority voice and suddenly a smile came on his face “Ethan?”

Dr. Chan’s face beamed as he walked over to greet his old high school friend “Doug? My God, it’s been forever! How have you been?” he pulled away when his eyes caught on Mia and the smile only grew bigger “Mia?” he walked over to her “Wow, it’s like the dorky gang reunited!”

Doug quickly stopped his friend with a hand “She’s got amnesia. She’s been in a coma for a couple of months now.” He explained.

Ethan frowned as he walked over to Mia “You don’t recognize anyone?” he asked with concern.

She realized he was a doctor and probably would not hurt her as she quickly attached herself to him “Doctor, please help me…I don’t know these people. Who are they? And why does everyone call me Mia?” she asked with scared eyes.

He smiled calmly at her “Because that’s your name.” He reached down to her wrist and pulled it up, showing her the tag that identified her “Mia Lam.” He pointed out.

Mia’s eyes darted back and forth “You mean…I can’t remember anything?”

Ethan patted the hand that was gripping on his elbow “Not if I can help it.” He turned to the group “She’s not ready to accept everyone. Maybe you guys should go home.”

Darren stepped up “I’m not leaving Mia…not again. I’ve lost her once, I’m not losing her again.” His eyes sunk down when Mia moved herself behind Ethan’s white doctor coat.

“Don’t worry, she will be safe here. How about this? All of you can leave your name and numbers and I will contact you slowly if and when she is ready to accept this reality.” Ethan was speaking like a doctor even though in his heart, he was saddened that she could not remember him either. He nodded to Doug “We’ll be in contact for sure.”

Doug nodded “Yes.” He turned to the rest as they walked out slowly. Darren had no strength left to fight Brad and Eric’s grip. He glanced behind his shoulder at Mia, who still refused to meet eyes with him.

Chapter 38

The group sat down together at a café shop not too far from the hospital. The day was long and dragging, starting off with bad news, then good news and finally bad again. Brad decided to break the silence when no one knew what to say “So Doug, you’re friends with the doctor there? I never heard you talk about that.”

Doug nodded, quickly catching on when Brad gave him a twitch of the eye “Oh yeah, Ethan Chan…one my good friends back in high school.”

“Ethan Chan?” Erin said out loud “He sounds very familiar…”

Matt suddenly looked up “Could he be the same guy that wrote that book on ‘Human Sociology’? Yeah…I think it is! Joe gave me a book a while back and told me to read it. It was really interesting.”

Erin smiled “I thought I was the only one that read that.” She turned to Doug “Looks like Mia’s in good hands.” Suddenly she felt a stab on her rib, she flinched in pain when she turned to Brad who then nodded towards Darren. Erin looked over at Darren “I didn’t mean it like that…”

Darren nodded slowly “I understand.”

“He’s not only a surgeon, he’s actually a psychiatrist too. I’m sure he’ll be able to help Mia remember again.” Erin was confident. But most of it was for the sake of Darren, who was looking more down by the minute.

Eric abruptly stood up causing everyone to turn to him, even Darren “Since all of you are here, I want to make an announcement.”

Matt put up a hand to pause him “Why don’t you sit down first, you don’t want to announce it to the whole restaurant do you?” he pointed to the strangers that were staring at the team.

Slowly Eric began to sit down with a bright red face “Sorry…” he muttered and then looked up at them again “I don’t think I’m cut out to be an agent.”

“But you’re doing a great job!” Doug argued.

Eric laughed “Who am I kidding? Didn’t you see how I reacted to that rotting body? None of you guys threw up. And trust me, I’ve seen more burned corpses than anything. But it was very disturbing…” he looked around and leaned in to whisper “I still have nightmares.” The team stifled giggles while Eric widened his eyes and nodded “In the dreams, she’s always calling…actually, it’s more like wailing for help.”

Brad smiled “It’s all in your mind. I told you to go to her funeral.”

“I was scared! What if I see her spirit standing there?” Eric shivered from the thought.

Matt laughed with his head shaking “I guess I should give Joe a call. With you gone, we’ll need a replacement.”

“How about Ted?” Erin asked suddenly. She didn’t see Brad’s disappointing face.

Matt nodded “He might be really busy juggling the police and P.R.A. That is, unless he quits the police to be with us. But I don’t see that happening. Then there’s Mia.”

The team turned to Darren with sympathetic looks but he was not upset “Don’t look at me like I’m about to die. At least she’s alive.”

Doug sighed “Thank God you feel that way!”

Erin smiled at him “As long as she’s still alive, you still have a chance to win back her love…again. Give it some time, I’m sure she’ll turn around some time.”

Darren slowly began to smile again, it looked foreign to the team “You’re right. I won her heart once, I could do it again!” he said with confidence. He leaned over and hugged Erin tightly as he gave her a rough kiss on the cheek “Thank you.” He began to get up.

“Where are you going?” Matt asked with a smile, obviously proud that Darren was becoming his old self again.

“Shower. I haven’t done it for days…” he smiled slyly.

“Should I ask?” Erin asked with her nose wrinkling while she smelled the sleeve of her shirt. It smelled like perspiration.

“You don’t want to know.” Darren laughed before rushing out of the café.

Brad stared after him “That is the first time I’ve seen him smile since…”

Doug nodded with understanding “I know. Feels good to have everyone back to normal… Well, almost.”

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

When Erin and Brad returned home, they found Ryan and Shelly playing video games again in the living room this time. After the first talk with Ryan, he remembered what to do to make Erin feel a little more relaxed. She smiled at the two kids, they would always be kids in her eyes “Who’s winning?” she asked casually while Brad got the mail.

“I am!” Shelly blurted out.

“Yeah, because I’m letting you win.” Ryan knew what to say to make her mad.

She instantly dropped her game control “You are?! I don’t want to play now.” She whined.

He laughed as he paused the game “I was just kidding, you are really good.” His eyes widened; trying to look convincing. Shelly smiled as she picked up her game and they continued. He turned to Erin and gave her a wink. She smiled and shook her head, but didn’t want to blow his cover.

Brad walked into the door with the mail in his hands. He was glancing over until he crossed a big red envelope “Looks like someone’s getting married.” He gave her the invitation.

In her mind, she was wondering who as she read the bright red words inside the card “You are cordially invited to the wedding ceremony and reception of Michael Wu and Julie Lee.” Her brows lifted “Wow…they’re getting married.” She smiled at Brad “I guess they’re making up for the four years they lost?”

************ One Month Later *************

Michael and Julie’s wedding was beautifully extravagant. The ceremony was taken place in a white chapel. She wore the most intricate designed white dress. Brad and Erin were full of smiles when the couple said their vows. He snuck a few glances at her while she was watching the ceremony with a content smile. Their hands entwined even when they got up when the mass ended.

The single girls followed the bride’s request to stand on one side as she turned her back to them and threw the bouquet far above her head. Erin, who tend to be more shy at social gatherings, stood in the back. To her luck, the flowers came flying into her arms. The crowd cheered while the guys pointed to Brad teasingly, making Erin blush profusely.

The reception was done at the Wu Mansion, the large piece of land was finally put to use. Rows and rows of white tables were set up with matching white umbrellas to block the guest and food from the sun. Towards the end of the reception, when the bride and groom had their first dance, Brad pulled Erin to her feet “Let’s take a walk.”

She looked around and then back at him with a nod “Okay.”

He took her further into the acres of land, the same road that she took at one time with Michael when she was working undercover. It brought back memories as she smiled to herself. Brad turned and caught her smile “What’s so funny?” he couldn’t help but smile.

“Nothing.” She shook her head. She stopped in her steps causing him to pause “Brad, I’ve been meaning to tell you something.” She began.

Brad nodded with a smile “Are you going to propose?”

She chuckled “No, that’s your job.”

He looked down at their clasped hands “You’re right.” Slowly he knelt on his knees while her smile disappeared and shock covered her face “Erin, I don’t know when I fell in love with you but I know that I want you to be by my side for the rest of our lives. Although we have many things to work at, I know we can do it because we are made for each other. I never thought I would marry my best friend and I thank God every day for bringing you into my life. With that said, will you marry me?”

By the time he was halfway through his speech, she was already crying. She uttered out the words “Yes…yes…I will.” He quickly stood up and embraced her tightly. He picked her up and spun her in circles while she giggled with glee. After he put her down, she smiled up at him through tears “Now, my turn.” He tilted his head “I’m sorry.”

“What for?” he asked with confusion.

“For everything. It’s a very hard word for me to say. But I’m sorry for my attitude, my stubbornness and especially for not compromising. A relationship takes a lot of hard work and I know I didn’t put much into this.” Erin smiled sincerely.

Brad shook his head “But all those personalities is what makes Erin…Erin. If you changed, you would not be the girl I fell in love with.”

“So you like our arguments?” Erin asked in surprise but she was half teasing.

He laughed “Of course not! But I like the making up part.” He pulled her into his chest while his hand stroked her hair “I love you.” He sighed.

“That sounded a little hesitant.” She joked “Are you sure you won’t regret this?”

“Brad Chung does not regret anything.” He said firmly.

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

With the support and coax from Dr. Ethan Chan, Mia eventually gave a call to Erin. She felt the girl did not want to harm her, unlike Darren. She asked if Erin would come to the hospital. Erin was shocked by the call, yet she was happy that Mia was stepping into the road of improvement “I was surprised you call.” Erin began as she sat down on the bed next to Mia.

Mia tilted her head with a smile “I figured, I can’t hide here forever. I want to know a little more about myself. Can you help me?”

Erin smiled “I’ve been waiting for that…” she began telling her about everyone. From Doug, Brad, the P.R.A. to Darren. Even though Mia wasn’t ready to accept Darren. She was willing to listen to the guy she had once fell in love with but can’t remember. By the end of the week, Mia requested that Erin help her out.

“I want to move out…since I am living with someone I can’t remember. I don’t think it’s good for a girl to be living with a guy.” She wrinkled her nose.

Erin laughed “That’s not what you use to tell me.” When Mia gave her the innocent look, she shook her head “Never mind. So where do you want to live?”

“I don’t know.” Mia frowned.

“How about you come live with me and Brad? We’ve got three rooms.” Erin pointed out “Shelly will still be there, but you can take over my room when I move in with Brad.”

Mia’s face beamed slowly “Are you sure it’s okay?” she saw Erin nod as she showed her the engagement ring. Mia reached out and touched it “Oh! He proposed?” she reached out to hug Erin “Congratulations!”

“Thank you.” Erin smiled “You have to be my maid of honor.”

“How about Shelly?” Mia asked with a smile.

Erin’s face fell “Crap…I forgot. Well, both of you can do it.” She said casually “Heck, I’m just happy someone wants to marry me.” The girls giggled like old times but Erin couldn’t help but feel different about it. Mia was Mia after all, her personality was still playful and perky but without the memories she was still not the same to Erin. She only worried what Darren would say when she had to break him the news.

On the day of the move, Darren was extra quiet as he helped Mia pack up her belongings. He took the news with shock and hurt but he was willing to adjust for her. He had to give her time. Darren was cleaning out the tapes when he found a blank cover, popping it into the VCR, he saw that it was Mia’s farewell tape. He sat a few feet from the television watching it. Mia was by the stairwell, when she heard her voice.

She stepped down slowly and stood closer to the TV. She watched the screen and then at Darren, who was covering his mouth; silent tears falling from his face. Mia stepped even closer as she took a seat next to Darren on the floor “When did this happen?”

He didn’t notice that she was there until he turned over startled, he quickly wiped the tears and smiled at her “When you were kidnapped.” He said slowly.

“Erin didn’t tell me about that part. Can you tell me more about us?” she asked and he looked up surprised but took the chance to tell her everything. Erin and Brad walked in to collect more of Mia’s belonging when they sat Darren and Mia having a serious conversation. The two smiled as they walked out to give them alone time.

They walked hand in hand down the block “What would you do if I were to lose my memory?” Erin asked Brad.

He let go of her hand as he placed his arm around her shoulders “I would do anything in my power to help you remember.”

“What if I was afraid of you? Or didn’t want to be around you?” Erin continued.

Brad smiled “I don’t know…that’s hard to say. You can’t resist my charms.”

She laughed while playfully hitting him on the chest “Very funny!” the two laughed together and for the first time since they began dating, there was a content feeling. Things were finally in place for the two of them. They were happy for Darren, who had changed back to his lovable self like when Mia was with him. She was giving him a chance yet it was still up in the air whether or not she would fully recover. Even if she didn’t, he would never give up on her. Memories could always be made, but a person could never be replaced.

THE END

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