Chapter 46
Patrick Tam – Devin Hsu
Vivian Leung – Erin Yeung aka Scorpio
Ruby Lin – Mia Lam-Chiu aka Pisces
Nick Cheung – Darren Chiu aka Taurus
Julian Cheung - Doug Chung aka Virgo
Gallen Lo – Matt Tong aka M.T.
Joyce Tang – Reina Ng aka Gemini
Charlene Choi – Jenna Cheung aka Aries
Edison Chan - Ryan Tong aka Sagittarius
Jessica Huen – Carmen Hui aka Cancer
Annie Man – Jessica Lai
Moses Chan – Ah Gam
Gigi Lai – Chan Yan Kiu
Michael Tong – Ah Chung
Erin wandered down the streets of Chung Wan, arms wrapped around her petite body. She felt cold suddenly, her eyes blankly looking around for some clue. She shivered after passing by a small bar. The night was falling quick and left little light for her to watch her steps. Someone bumped hard into her as she fell to her knees. The person mumbled a hasty apology but made no attempt to stop and help her up. Erin felt heavy but managed to pull herself up. It was then that her eyes caught the face of someone familiar. He was part of Hung Hing, she recalled to herself.
Without thinking, she walked into the bar in hopes to find what she was looking for. Ignoring the sudden stares that turned her way, she arched her neck to follow the person. She walked towards the back but was quickly forced back into the bar “Where do you think you’re going?” the guy crossed his arms threateningly.
“I don’t check in with dogs.” She spat “Get out of my way or I will have to hurt you.”
The guy turned to another and blew up with laughter “Did you here that? She’s going to hurt me?” he pointed to her tiny figure “You can barely stand still on a windy day, little girl.”
He reached out a hand to move her when she grabbed it with much force and pulled him towards her, she shifted quickly to the side and he nearly tripped onto a stool if not for her quick feet. She kicked the stool and he fell flat on his face instead “You’re welcome.” Erin snickered. She turned to the other guy “Next?”
He lifted two fingers and placed them at the edge of his mouth letting out a sharp whistle. Erin turned to see the bar door close and all the guys shifted towards her. She whipped her head back to block an unexpected punch from the guy and kicked him painfully in the groin “Get her!!!” one guy announced.
She turned with fists in the air, ready to take on the thirty something guys. She knew if they were to attack at once, she would easily lose. Luckily, only two tried to take her down at the same time. She slid a foot against the ground, tripping one guy and made a back spin, a punch landing on one guy’s face. Erin tried not to let fear take over when five guys came at her suddenly. She blocked a few punches and rolled towards one stool. She picked it up and broke it against the ground as the legs rolled away. She picked up one and waved it at the guys. They came at her with no fear as she whipped the metal stick at them, hitting every oracle of the body. One by one, they fell like leaves on a tree.
Ah Gam had heard the commotion from their private room, curious he walked towards the hall to see what was going on. Crossed arms, he watched her with a small smile. She was good, easily defeating the inexperienced guys. When she decided to use a weapon, he guessed she was getting tired “STOP!!!” his voice boomed with command from across the room.
The guys quickly backed away from Erin and a tiny walkway opened for him to go through. Erin’s chest heaved up and down as she turned to him. He nodded towards her weapon and she dropped it “I’m not here to fight.”
He tilted his head “I am.” His hand came like lightning as it aimed at her neck. It froze centimeters away, she made no attempt to block his hit “You could have died.” He warned.
“You wouldn’t kill me.” She said knowingly.
Ah Gam threw his head back with a loud laugh. His hand suddenly changed position and draped around her neck, he gave a little squeeze and she gasped for air “Maybe you shouldn’t tempt me.” Letting her go, he spun his back “Follow me.”
Erin touched her neck delicately while taking in short breaths. She turned to the glares and followed Ah Gam into the back room. She stopped at the door “Ah Kiu?” she recognized the girl.
Ah Chung stood up “Gam Gor, she’s the enemy!”
He laughed “Sit tight, she’s not going to do anything stupid.” He relaxed his bottom on the leather seat and pointed Erin to a chair “Have a seat, you should listen to this.” Erin eyed the fearful girl in the corner as she slowly sat down “Now, where were we?”
“Siu Jei?” Ah Chung questioned.
Ah Kiu wrung her hands together “I…I’m not Hung Gor’s sister.”
“What?!” Ah Chung stood up and towered over here “Don’t fuck like that. It’s not funny.”
“Ah Chung, relax…it only gets better.” Ah Gam pointed him down the chair “Go on, tell us how you first thought of impersonating Hung Gor’s sister.”
Erin’s brows knitted as the story unfolded “It was over three years ago, I was in Beijing. My family was poor and my mom decided to sell me to a rich family. On the way to the new home, I ran away. I didn’t want to be anyone’s bitch!” she spat harshly “On the streets, I ran across a drug deal going on in an alley. I heard the guy mention Hung Hing and everyone knew the gang existed but no one spoke of it. From then on, I witnessed drug deal after drug deal but no one knew I was around. One day, I saw him…he walked in and I knew he was the Dai Lou. He was talking to a young girl that he called Ah Kiu. They were arguing about his life, she disagreed to it but he was firm about not leaving the gang.”
“The girl was the real sister.” Erin said flatly.
Ah Kiu nodded “I figured no one knew who I was so I decided to change my name to Chan Yan Kiu.”
“But you forgot the detail that her name was just Chan Kiu.” Erin pointed out.
“I didn’t know.” She replied “I knew they met there every week and listened to their conversation. One night, Hung Gor was discovered by a rival gang and they were chased down the alley. I hid until the people were gone, when I emerged, I found this” she pulled out the necklace she wore “on the ground. I thought of exchanging it for money but in the end, I changed my mind.” She turned to Ah Chung, who was more than devastated. Being lied to two times was too much to take in “That’s how you discovered me.”
His eyes darkened “And you didn’t think about coming clean?”
“I didn’t think of impersonating her! But when you told me about the inheritance and how Hung Gor died…I knew it was my only chance for living a decent life.” She argued.
“Decent?” Ah Gam snorted “You were living like a princess and none of it belonged to you.”
“I’m sorry.” She said remorsefully.
“Where is she now?” Erin asked.
Ah Gam shook his head “It’s none of your concern now.”
“You know damn well it is!! Tell me!” she demanded.
He laughed strangely “Aren’t you more curious about what the cops would do to her?” he pointed to Ah Kiu, whose eyes popped open in fear.
“No. She has my Uncle…I only want him to be safe, I don’t want to hurt her.” Erin said earnestly. Ah Gam shook his head and sighed. She got off her seat and knelt down in front of him “Please…he’s my only family left. I just want to know that he’s still in one piece. Where are they?” she pleaded.
Ah Gam turned to Ah Chung “Take her outside.” He instructed. He nodded in agreement and pulled Ah Kiu by the arm. When the door closed, he turned back to Erin “This is beyond my control now.”
“Why?” Erin asked “I know you came into contact with her.”
“Actually, she came to me.” Ah Gam reported. She looked confused “Eve came to visit me in jail. I didn’t know who she was until she told me stories of Hung Gor that only a sister would know. She told me of the impersonator and I was furious to know that someone had taken what was rightfully hers. But she wanted nothing of it, she only wanted fairness. She tried to close one eye when Chuck told her briefly of the case the P.R.A. was handling that dealt with Hung Gor.” He sighed “Had your Uncle kept his mouth shut, none of this would have happened.”
Erin was in shock “You’re saying he brought this upon himself? He trusted her! She was his wife, he wanted nothing more than to support her.”
“That’s none of my business.” He said calmly.
“You made it your business when Eve came to see you! Don't forget you're in love with her.” Erin grunted.
“Erin, you should know better than to get in the middle of a husband and wife fight. It's only a mere crush.” He said naturally “He must pay the consequences for your actions.”
“Mine?” Erin asked.
“You were the one that pulled the trigger that took Hung Gor’s life.” Ah Gam said matter-of-factly. Her eyes turned away as she slowly recalled the situation clearly, she was the one that killed him “If Chuck didn’t brag about what a great shooter you were, Eve wouldn’t have known the truth and she wouldn’t feel the need to get revenge for her brother’s death. A life for a life, she said. If you don’t pay it, Chuck surely will.”
She gasped with a shaking head “No…I don’t believe she has the heart to kill him.”
“You said it yourself, people change. The sweet innocence of Eve has been stripped, she is angry now. I suggest that you stay as far from her as possible. She wants nothing to do with the P.R.A.” He sighed “She only asked me to clear her name and keep her identity a secret. But I guess it is impossible now.”
“How about my Uncle?” Erin said with tears in her eyes.
He shook his head mechanically “I don’t know.” He smiled crookedly at her “You should feel special. So many men would give up their lives to save you. Makes you wonder if your life is all that worth it, doesn’t it?”
Erin slumped down “I don’t believe you…he’s still alive. I’ll find him.” She pulled herself together and calmed her tears.
“Good luck to you.” He said breezily.
She got up and prepared to leave when she remembered what to ask “How did you get out?”
He grinned menacingly and placed a finger over his lips “Secrets are meant to be kept inside. Anyways, I think you have an idea. What you see is not always what is true.” Her eyes turned away thoughtfully “If you’re thinking about turning me in, you might want to change that thought. My name is being cleared as we speak.”
“Trust me, the last concern with me is your name.” Erin left the room and into the bar. The guys moved away to let her leave.
She showed up at Mia’s home, the team was still there and all were more than concern after Devin revealed Ah Kiu’s identity. Doug whistled softly “And here I thought I was a good liar.”
“Your women just get crazier and crazier don’t they?” Mia raised her brows at him.
“Hey, I was the victim in this too!” he argued.
“Erin!” Jenna noticed her by the door.
Erin stepped into the room “You didn’t lock your door.” She pointed nonchalantly.
Reina stood up and walked towards her “Where were you? We were very worried.”
“Bonnie loved the new clothes.” Mia said with a bright smile.
“I saw Ah Gam.” Erin confessed. The group gasped “He didn’t hurt me.” She eased their minds “He was very helpful. He told me everything and Ah Kiu made her confession.”
“She could be in danger.” Doug advised.
“Not a time to play hero, Doug.” Mia rolled her eyes “That’s how you got us into this mess in the first place.”
She shook her head “No, she should be safe in the meantime. Ah Gam is different now.” Reina nodded in agreement “He’s more rational.”
“So what’s happened to Uncle Chuck?” Ryan asked, it was too his concern. At the mention of his name, Erin began to choke back the tears. She didn’t know what to tell them. Even she didn’t know what was going on in Eve’s head.
Chapter 47
Patrick Tam – Devin Hsu
Vivian Leung – Erin Yeung aka Scorpio
Ruby Lin – Mia Lam-Chiu aka Pisces
Nick Cheung – Darren Chiu aka Taurus
Julian Cheung - Doug Chung aka Virgo
Gallen Lo – Matt Tong aka M.T.
Joyce Tang – Reina Ng aka Gemini
Charlene Choi – Jenna Cheung aka Aries
Edison Chan - Ryan Tong aka Sagittarius
Aaron Kwok – Ted Kwong aka Libra
Maggie Cheung – Sara Liu
Jessica Huen – Carmen Hui aka Cancer
Moses Chan – Ah Gam
Leon Lai – Daniel Wong
Gigi Lai – Chan Yan Kiu
Michael Tong – Ah Chung
Ah Gam emerged from the room as he entered the bar, he saw Ah Chung watching Ah Kiu like a hawk. When he saw him, he hopped off the stool “Gam Gor. Should we announce right now?”
To his surprise, he shook his head “No. Come with me.” He tapped Ah Kiu’s shoulder and flicked a finger towards him hinting for her to follow too. When they were in the privacy of the room once again, he advised “Change of plans. Ah Chung, you have to keep this secret. I don’t want to announce it just yet. And you…” he pointed to the scared girl “Keep on playing your role as Siu Jei. When I think it’s time to reveal you, I will.”
“But how about the real Siu Jei?” Ah Chung asked with curiosity.
He sighed, “We don’t have to worry about her. I don’t want those rivals to go looking for her, she doesn’t want to be bothered.” His eyes sharpened towards Ah Kiu “Be a good little girl and you won’t get hurt. If you try anything funny, I can always replace you.” He didn’t have to spell it out for her, she understood to the core.
“Yes.” She nodded obediently.
Ah Gam was satisfied with her reaction “Ah Chung, keep an eye on her. I have to go out for a bit. I’ll be back, we’ll talk more then.”
“Yes, Gam Gor.” He bowed respectfully.
He took a cab out to the harbor, it was a cold night as he got out of the car and looked around for anyone suspicious. Pulling over his hooded sweatshirt, he found the person he was looking for. Standing below the steps that led to the water, he turned up to him “Did anyone see you?”
Ah Gam shook his head “No. Thanks, if it weren’t for your quick thinking, I would still be stuck in that God awful jail. Smart of you to distract the other two patrol cars.”
He smiled behind the sunglasses “Those idiots think they’re so smart. I wonder how the people will feel when they realized that imbeciles run the security around here. If not for my many years with the force, their suspicions would grow into a snowball.”
“You would have the P.R.A. back you up even if they tried to.” Ah Gam pointed out the obvious.
“The P.R.A.” he snickered under his breath “What a joke they are. Have you talked to her?”
And by her, Ah Gam knew he was talking about Eve “No, not yet. She said she’ll call me tonight.”
“They’re looking for Chuck, tell her to work fast if she’s planning to get rid of him.” He suggested.
“I’ll tell her.” He promised.
“I should go. Time to kiss up again. God, I hate this part.” He groaned with a shaking head.
Back at headquarters, everyone waited impatiently for Ted to return “Did he say where he was going?” Matt asked the worried wife.
Sara shook her head “No, he said that he’ll be right back. That’s over an hour ago.”
Devin glanced at his watch “The Commissioner is going to arrive any time now. He’s personally doing the check up today out of all days!” he grunted angrily.
“Ted!” Sara was the first to spot him from the doorway. She gave him a quick hug and hit him on the chest “You scared us!”
He smiled warmly “I just had to get out. Being stuck inside for days without seeing sunlight can make a person lose their mind.”
“Tell me about it. Look at Mia.” Doug snorted but earned a flick in the head by Mia on his left.
Devin turned his head suspiciously “You took a walk?” Ted nodded without answering “By yourself?” again he nodded.
Erin turned to him “Why the interrogation?”
He was ready to answer when Ted rose a hand “Guys, I don’t want you fighting over me. I took a walk by myself and it felt good. I lost track of time and that’s all there is to it.”
“Was it sunny out?” Doug nodded to his sunglasses peeking from his jacket pocket.
“Oh, yeah, just for a while.” He smiled “Sorry to worry you guys.”
“I think you worried Sara.” Doug pointed to his cousin, who was flustered but suddenly sparkled when her husband returned.
Ted stroked her hair lovingly “Silly girl. Nothing will happen to me.”
“Ahem!” a deep voice interrupted the group.
They turned to Commissioner “Lau Sir.” The group nodded randomly.
“Glad to see you are still obeying orders Captain.” He said with small daggers behind each word.
“I have nothing to hide, sir.” Ted replied nobly.
Devin placed his hands behind his back “You came, you checked…if you don’t mind, we are in the middle of a meeting.” He nodded to his team as the automatically took their seats.
The Commissioner was not ready to go “Devin, may I speak with you in private?”
He glanced at his watch “I’ll be done in an hour. If you don’t mind waiting, why don’t you sit in my office? Afterall, it is rude to desert a team.” His double meaning comment was understood.
His face turned red with embarrassment as he nodded and tried to look cool “Very well. Good evening.”
“Bye bye.” Mia waved as she wrinkled her nose and smiled. After he left the conference room, she turned to the group “I think someone needs to get laid.” Her eyes winked towards the door.
Matt shook his head with a sideways grin “You’re going to make him wait?” he asked Devin, who shrugged in reply. He laughed “Boy, I feel sorry for your wife—” he caught himself before further damage could be done.
All eyes moved to Erin slowly “What?” she asked heatedly.
“Make that two.” Mia whispered to Darren.
****************
One week later
Daniel sat casually at one of the deli tables, sipping his hot coffee leisurely while reading the headlines to the newspaper. Erin quickened her steps, she hated being late for any lunch date. She was short of breath by the time she sat down across from him “I’m sorry, I overslept and stupid Luke hogged all the hot water so I had to wait for him to finish—” she didn’t realize she was babbling on to a stranger.
The man dropped his paper “Excuse me?”
“Oh!” she was taken aback by the man. Erin turned to the tapping on her shoulder, her lips curled into a smile “Sorry.” She apologized to the stranger and took a seat with Daniel’s table behind her.
He grinned teasingly “Someone’s head is in the clouds this morning.” He poured her a cup of hot tea.
“Just a little.” She smiled embarrassingly “I just hate being late.” She explained “It’s not right to keep people waiting.”
Daniel leaned closer and patted her arm “It’s okay. I’m very patient, I can wait.”
Erin lowered her eyes “Daniel…”
“Okay, let’s not talk about nonsense.” He brushed away the sudden awkward air “I think you should take a look at this.” He handed her the article page he was reading.
Her brows furrowed with curiosity “Captain Kwong of Kowloon Police Department Charged With Conspiracy.” She turned to Daniel “These trashy papers will write anything.”
“Blame it on the free speech.” He sighed and folded it neatly beside him “Did you find who you were looking for?”
Erin shook her head sadly “I found a link.” She decided not to tell him about Ah Gam “Unfortunately, he’s not willing to spill anything. Uncle Chuck is still missing.”
“Did you try asking around?” he sympathized.
“I asked his neighbors and no one had a clue that the couple had moved everything out that day.” She sighed “I just pray that he’s okay.”
“You know what I heard?” he leaned closer as if revealing a tight secret. She smiled with a shaking head “There’s a river in the Lam Village, that runs to the ocean. It’s said to have magic powers and when a person is in need of answers. You can come with one fresh white orchid and drop it at the nape of the river and watch it until it flows away. At the same time, you say your wish over and over. The wish will come true in a matter of days. Orchids were flowers used by our forefathers and are said to be mystical and the scent is mesmerizing.”
She couldn’t hold in her amusement “Commander, I’m surprised you would fall for such nonsense. Tell me, does your mother tell you tall tales to keep you grounded?”
He sat back with a crooked grin “Laugh all you can but ask anyone who’s tried this method, it has never failed.”
“And I suppose you could find them in the Chung Wah Mental Hospital?” she laughed and finished her tea.
“You’re desperate aren’t you?” he questioned deeper. Her smile faded, she was very much so but wasn’t going to allow her to fall into the stories told to feed the ego of those that made it up “It doesn’t hurt to try.” He said matter-of-factly.
Erin couldn’t help but agree “I just feel silly.” She admitted.
Daniel finished his coffee “Come on, I’ll be silly with you.” He paid for the drink and took her to the nearest flower store and bought one single white orchid. He drove them to the secluded village and parked the car alongside the road. They jumped a small fence to get to the endless green meadow. He spotted the river and pointed it out “You see it?”
“That’s a river?” she asked, it was barely a stream.
“It’s much bigger when we get closer.” He laughed and took her by the hand. When they reached the bottom of the hill, she looked around for people “No one’s going to judge you. Chances are, if people are around they’re here for the same reasons.” He broke off the flower and handed it to her.
She pressed her lips together before stepping closer to the river “If Mia can see me now, she’d pee in her pants.” She shook her head and placed the flower gently along the flowing stream. It began to take it away and around the rocks. Erin closed her eyes and repeated the words ‘Keep Uncle Chuck safe’.
He watched her with fascination, it must be wonderful to be someone that she loved. When Erin opened her eyes, she saw that Daniel was staring intently at her. He blushed and turned away “Uh…okay, now we just wait.”
Erin had to admit he was a pleasure to look at but she couldn’t let herself to fall for him. Perhaps she was still hung up on a certain someone that she could not let go of “I should get back home.” She said softly and headed back to the car.
Chapter 48
Vivian Leung – Erin Yeung aka Scorpio
Ruby Lin – Mia Lam-Chiu aka Pisces
Nick Cheung – Darren Chiu aka Taurus
Louis Koo – Luke Yam
Joyce Tang – Reina Ng aka Gemini
Charlene Choi – Jenna Cheung aka Aries
Edison Chan - Ryan Tong aka Sagittarius
Erin came home with a heavy heart, there were too many mixed feelings floating inside her. She shook the keys in her hand subconsciously and continued towards the stairs, never seeing Ryan and Jenna on the couch staring at her oddly “Erin!” Jenna called.
She jumped and leaned on the banister for support. Ryan got up and was quickly at her side “Ga Jai, are you okay?”
Jenna soon joined him “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. But you didn’t see us.”
“I’m okay.” Erin assured them “What’s up?”
“You have to help me.” Jenna reached out and took her hands “It’s a life threatening situation and only you can save me. Not Ryan, not Matt or Reina, especially Doug…but you.” She said with a sense of seriousness.
Erin turned her head strangely and tore her eyes for a second to look at Ryan, who stifled a laugh. Giving her the hint that Jenna was exaggerating “What?” she asked suspiciously.
Jenna let go of her hands quickly “No…I shouldn’t be asking you this.”
She sighed and crossed her arms “Is Luke making you practice those acting lessons or are you just being dramatic?”
“Both.” Ryan hissed and laughed when Jenna shot her famous dart.
“What is it?” Erin asked.
“I’ve got three more taekwondo competitions. I don’t want do anymore but stupid Uncle Devin is putting his foot down. Can you believe it? My charm isn’t working on this man.”
“Honey, I’d be worried if it did.” Ryan flicked a brow at his girlfriend.
Erin couldn’t help but laugh “What do you think I could do about it? Beg him? Get on my knees and give him a cup of tea?”
“It worked for you.” Jenna quipped.
She shook her head sternly “No.”
“Please! I can’t do it…it’s sucking the life out of me!” Jenna begged as she got on her knees and yanked at Erin’s sweater sleeve “Look, I’ve got bruises all over!” she pulled up her long sleeve shirt. Erin narrowed her eyes suspiciously, they look like ink rubbed on skin “Plus, I don’t even have time to hang out with Ryan. Even on my spare days and all I do is practice.” She sniffed back the fake tears “I just want a normal life.”
“Alright, alright…stop the violins. I’ll talk to him.” Erin couldn’t take the sappy story.
“Really?!” She popped from the ground and threw her arms around Erin “Oh thank you! I knew you wouldn’t watch me die!” Erin shook her head while Jenna turned to the kitchen and let out a sharp whistle. Luke appeared at the door and she threw him a thumbs up sign “It worked!”
He grinned wildly “Of course, you learned from the best.”
Jenna cackled happily as she skipped up the stairs leaving Erin in total awe. She turned to Ryan “I warned you.” He shrugged and followed Jenna when she turned to wave him along.
***************
“Mia! Mia! Are you okay?” Darren knocked on the bathroom door. Wrapping the silk robe around his naked body, he waited for her to emerge.
Seconds later, the door whipped open appearing a seductive smile “Hey there tiger, let’s continue.” She pounced on him and kissed him straight on the lips.
He nudged her away “Honey…you stink.”
Mia moved her body away and leaned on one leg “Hello, I just threw up!” he wrinkled his nose oddly and she rolled her eyes “Hey, you agreed to marry me. And I come with everything, even stinkies that come out of my stomach.”
“Maybe you should see a doctor? The last time that happened…” he hinted.
“I’m not pregnant.” Mia snorted.
“How do you know?” He asked “Are you a doctor?”
“Why yes. Doug always said I had a PHD in Bullshit.” Mia said casually. She linked her arm through his and led him onto the bed to continue what they started “Now be a good boy and make momma happy.” She yanked his robe to the side and attacked his neck while he chuckled from the tickling sensation. But just as she moved down his chest, the rumbling in her stomach began again. She got off the bed and sprinted to the bathroom.
Darren groaned “See a doctor!!”
A while later, she emerged from the bathroom while Darren watched television, his pajamas back on his body. He turned to her with raised eyes. Mia’s hair was messily tamed by a rubberband “I’m pregnant.” She said flatly.
“That’s nice, dear.” Darren flipped another channel.
She stepped closer and stuck the pregnancy test tube in his face “I don’t think you heard me. I’m pregnant! Again!”
He winced with disgust “Honey, don’t do that. What did I tell you?”
“You jinxed me, that’s what you did.” She climbed onto bed huffing angrily.
“I thought you’d be happy?” he turned off the television and turned to face her “Weren’t you the one that said it would be cute if Bonnie had a little brother?”
“Or sister.” She corrected and let out a sigh “I didn’t want to be pregnant yet.”
“Yet?” Darren noticed the hesitation.
Mia nodded “Reina and Matt’s wedding in another two weeks. I wanted to get hammered!”
He rolled his eyes and turned his back to her “Good night Mia.”
“But…we…we haven’t…” she stammered.
“Fine, you stay at the bottom.” He instructed “So if you throw up, it’ll be on yourself.”
Mia grinned wildly “We’ll see.” She wrapped her arms easily around his neck as he got on top of her, their lips met automatically. She tugged at his pants and began to unbutton his shirt “I even brushed for you.” She said between kisses.
He laughed “I know. You must really want this.” Devouring her mouth as he moved slowly down her neck. That night was one of the few that they were relaxed. Bonnie had a sleepover with a classmate and they had the house to themselves. Luckily for the closed windows, the neighbors were deprived of hearing Mia’s loud cries of ecstasy.
************
“Another one?!” Reina exclaimed after Mia announced her surprise.
Erin shook her head as she sipped her orange juice “God in heavens, why would you give Mia another one?”
Reina laughed “That’s what I was thinking. Aw, I want a kid.” She grumbled.
“You might as well start early.” Mia winked mischievously “It’s only two weeks, the kid will just come early.”
“It’s like buying a car.” Erin turned to Reina “You want it, you buy it.” She grinned at Mia “I swear, you guys will have a volleyball team by the time I get married.”
“Hey, I’ll give you one.” Mia sipped her milk and made a face “Oh…how I miss the sweet nectar of booze.”
“Thanks but no thanks. I don’t want to be responsible for a child’s drama. I’ll leave that up to you.” Erin took a bite of her eggs “This is good.”
Mia dropped her fork and quickly switched her pancakes to Erin’s eggs and bacon “I’m sorry, the kid wants to eat meat.” She widened her eyes when Erin threw her a look.
Reina laughed as she took her own eggs and sausage and switched them with Erin’s “It’s okay, let her have it. You can have mine. I’ll eat the pancakes.”
“Dieting?” Mia said through a mouthful.
Reina grinned “You’ve been there.”
“Yeah, I crammed the last week before the wedding. And then the day before, the lady had to alter the dress cause I lost like ten pounds.” Mia shared her moment.
“I know, I was there.” Erin groaned “You made me watch the lady that was sewing the dress just in case she did it wrong. Now that I think about it, I wouldn’t even know if she was doing right. I’m not a seamstress.”
Reina laughed “Aww, the Mia moments. Do you remember when we were all single?”
“In a galaxy far away.” Mia nodded “But not on earth. Men are just too juicy to pass up.”
“Glad you two still keep the fire going.” Erin winced at the thought of them going at it.
“Speaking of men…” Reina began, she knew it was a touchy subject that Erin often disregarded but they were worried for her “What’s going on with you?”
“How long did you wait to ask that?” Erin snickered.
Mia was quick to answer “Two months! Now spill it.”
“I don’t know.” Erin sighed “Single for now and not thinking…”
“Ah! There’s that hesitation.” Reina pointed out the obvious.
Erin shrugged “It’s complicating. I have feelings for one guy but I think another is a better choice for me but I can’t go with that feeling. It’s not real. It’s just logic.”
“Yeah, uh huh…go on.” Mia nodded while finishing up her plate and began moving onto Erin’s.
“Hungry?” Reina asked Mia, who smiled in response “I’ll order you another.” She waved for the waiter.
“No, it’s okay!” Mia pulled her hand down “I’m going to Bonnie’s friend’s birthday party. They’re having pizza.”
“What time?” Erin glanced at her watch, it was past 1pm.
“2pm.” Mia said. The girls raised their brows exasperatedly “Just call me Piggy.” Erin laughed and Reina joined her “Don’t change the subject, we were talking about you.” She pointed at her with a fork.
Erin sighed “I don’t know. Ask me in a few months, maybe I’ll have an answer.”
Reina took one more bite as she began collecting her jacket and purse “Sorry guys, time to go see the in laws. So many things to take care of before the wedding.” She rolled her eyes dramatically “I’ll be at your house at 5am.” She instructed Erin “Mia, you have to be there that early too.” She was about to complain when Reina pointed sternly with her forefinger “No buts! You two are my maid of honor, I don’t want to have to kick your asses cause you know it’s hard to sit down with a swollen butt.”
“She’s got a point.” Erin grinned.
“Yes, mam!” Mia saluted and waved her friend away “Our little baby’s all grown up.” She sighed dreamily.
Erin nodded “They’re good together. I’m happy for them.”
Mia reached out and patted her hand “Yours will come.” She consoled. Erin didn’t know if she could agree with her “Shit! I forgot to tell Darren to pick up Bonnie at school!” she scrambled to get her cell phone while Erin laughed.
SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004
