Chapter 49
Patrick Tam – Devin Hsu
Vivian Leung – Erin Yeung aka Scorpio
Ruby Lin – Mia Lam-Chiu aka Pisces
Nick Cheung – Darren Chiu aka Taurus
Louis Koo – Luke Yam
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
Nnadia Chan – Linda So
Reina decided on the morning of her wedding day that she couldn’t trust Mia to be on time. She waited until five in the morning to call her friend, who was still in bed “Hello?” Darren answered groggily.
“Good morning, Mr. Chiu. May I speak to your wife?” Reina asked politely. She shivered from the crisp morning air and wrapped the leather jacket closer to her chest.
“It’s for you.” Darren pushed it lazily against Mia’s ear.
“What?” she answered without opening her eyes.
“It’s five.” Reina said sternly.
“So?” Mia grumbled.
Reina sighed “Don’t make me go up there and pull your ass out of bed.”
Mia knew she keeps her word, feeling defeated “Fine…I’m coming.” She hung up the phone and got out of bed. Turning to Darren, his lips curled contently after getting the bed all to himself. Her eyes narrowed “If I don’t get to sleep you don’t either!” she yanked at the blanket and quickly rolled it around her arms to take it in the bathroom with her. Darren groaned in dismay but was too tired to fight with her. He pulled his robe with his feet and wrapped it around himself.
Ten minutes later, Mia emerged dressed in sweats and her hair tied back “I was about to pick the lock.” Reina grinned.
“And I’m about to kick you in the shin.” She let out a long yawn.
They made it to Erin’s home fifteen minutes later. The house was brightly lit and all the girls were bustling to get their hair and makeup done “Reina!” Jenna exclaimed “We thought you overslept.”
She pointed a thumb to Mia “I had to pick up sleepy.”
“How could you guys wake up this early?” Mia groaned in dismay.
“Erin had all the alarm in the place set for five, including the guy’s rooms.” Jenna pointed to Ryan, who emerged from the kitchen with a cup of coffee. He smiled at Reina and Mia while handing Jenna the cup “Thanks.” She smiled adoringly while he walked up the stairs.
Mia raised a brow when Jenna turned to them with a smug smile “Want some advice?” Jenna nodded “Don’t get married. All this sweet smile and getting coffee for you crap, it doesn’t happen the minute you say those two God awful words. I do.” She headed for the couch but Reina was quicker as she pulled at her hood.
“Easy there. Come on, we’re going to get our hair done.” She linked her arm through Mia’s and led her up the stairs.
They passed by Doug’s room and Mia gaped at him in shock “He’s still sleeping!!!!” she complained.
“The men don’t have to be here until ten. He can sleep for another few hours.” Reina was having a hard time pulling Mia along.
“Oh no…if I can’t sleep no one can.” Mia broke away from Reina’s grasp as she lunged onto Doug’s bed. He yelped in surprise from the sudden attack “Get up! Get up!! Fire in the house!!!” she pulled away at his blanket and nearly passed out. The only thing covering him was a pair of boxers “I’m blind!!” she cried and began feeling around for the door.
Erin heard the familiar voices as she peeked her head outside “Mia! Stop horsing around! Come on!” she scolded.
Mia wrinkled her nose at Doug and followed Reina down the hall. Linda was fixing Carmen’s hair. Jessie was lying on Erin’s bed resting her eyes “Oh no you don’t.” she began towards Jessie when Erin reached her arm around her waist and yanked her back.
“No time. We have to do your hair.” Erin sat her down and took out the band that tied her hair. She began using one of the three curling irons to roll her strands into ringlets “You have the longest hair and it’s going to take a miracle for Linda to work with.”
“Okay, done. Next!” Linda patted Carmen to move out of the chair. Reina hopped onto the chair happily “Did you mousse your hair?”
Reina nodded “Yup, just as you advised.”
“Kiss ass.” Mia rolled her eyes and earned a punch in the arm from Reina.
“Where did you learn to do hair?” Erin asked Linda, she was a likable girl and wondered why Mia wasn’t jealous that she worked so closely with Darren.
“I don’t know.” She smiled in response “I’ve always had a knack for it I guess. I played around with my own hair and my friends. They always told me to be a hair dresser but I didn’t find that field satisfying.” Linda explained.
Carmen observed her hair in the big mirror “Well, at least you know you can always change fields if you decide paper pushing is too boring. You’re really good.” She complimented the perfect loops of curls that sat neatly on her head. Her bangs swoop to one side giving it a fancy look.
After Linda finished with Reina, Erin passed Mia along so she could get her hair pulled up “Jenna!” Erin called. The girl popped into the room seconds later “Your turn.” She pointed to the chair in front of her. Jenna skipped onto the chair and sat down “How many cups of coffee did you have?”
“Just two.” She said with a short giggle.
“Before seven o’clock?” Erin asked.
“No…I had one when I woke up.” She confessed.
Erin sighed and turned to Reina “She’ll be sprinting down the alter later.”
“Walk slowly!” Reina instructed with emphasis.
Jenna rolled her eyes “I know.”
Reina began her own makeup and when Mia was done with her hair, she turned to her friend “Ooh, let me do your eyes. I saw this technique in the magazine and I wanted to try it.” She pulled the shadow brush from Reina’s hand.
“What magazine was that?” Erin hid a smile for she knew her friend was up to no good.
“Bizarre.” Mia replied nonchalantly while dipping into the darkest brown shade.
“Oh no you don’t!” Reina moved away from her friend “I’m not stupid. I don’t want to look like a raccoon on drugs.” She placed her hand out “Give that to me.” She pointed to the brush in her hand. Mia pouted but gave in and returned the brush.
“Fine, I’ll try it on myself.” Mia said and began toying with the makeup in the large bathroom.
Reina turned to the girls “If someone doesn’t stop her, we’re doing another training next month and it’s not going to be pretty.” She threatened.
Jessie and Jenna dropped everything as they rushed into the bathroom and took Mia out “Be good okay and Aunt Jenna will get you a lollipop.” She sat her down on the bed next to Jessie.
“I want a green one!” Mia exclained.
“Done.” Jenna grinned and returned to her seat.
Mia was restless as she couldn’t sit still for more than two minutes. Turning to Jessie, she leaned her head onto her palm resting on the pillow, peeking at the girl with curious eyes “What do you guys think Doug sees in her? I mean…she’s cute but isn’t she a little TOO cute for him?”
Erin shook her head with a laugh “Next! Jessie.” she called out and Jessie popped up from her sleep scaring Mia off the bed.
She grinned “I wasn’t asleep Mia. Just resting.” She sat down and let Erin work on her curls “And thanks for the compliment.”
Hours later, they were ready and dressed in the theme color. Dark blue against cyan. Reina was in a beautiful beaded dress with embroiders at the neckline that made her look classy. Her veil pinned behind the bed of curls and little white flowers were placed around her hair “Awwww…” The girls gushed in unison when she came out of the bathroom.
“Thanks.” Reina beamed like a blushing bride would.
“The guys are here!” Jenna said eagerly from the door. Her eyes froze on Reina “Oh my God…you look gorgeous.” She gushed.
“Thanks.” Reina twirled around to show off the puffy dress “Okay Erin, you’re in charge. Don’t let them in until you embarrass him! And get it on camera!” she ushered the girls out as they stood at the door.
Traditions were hard to kill as they gave the guys a hard time. All that covered them was the metal door. Doug and Ryan were forced outside an hour before by Jenna “Open!! Open the door!!!” they yelled randomly.
The girls giggled and were excited for the happy couple “Not until Matt serenades his bride to be.” Erin crossed her arms and made the first deal.
Matt cleared his throat with a laugh “Okay, you asked for it.” He belted out a rendition of Pricilla’s Chan ‘From This Day Forth’.
Halfway through Mia couldn’t take it as she cut in “Alright! That’s enough…I feel sorry for Reina already.” It was her turn “I want all the guys to couple off and pretend to dance to a slow song. Look romantically into each others eyes.”
“And kiss!” Jenna blurted out causing a ripple of giggles from the girls.
“Are you getting all this?” Mia turned to Carmen who was in charge of the handheld camera. She nodded with a wide grin as the guys were force to partner up and dance together for a long moment.
“NOW KISS!” she forced in a commanding voice.
Devin shook his head at his niece “Jenna…”
“Fine, Uncle Devin and Ryan don’t have to kiss but the rest of you guys have to!” she pointed.
“Wait, I have a key!!” Doug pulled out his key to the house and unlocked it. The girls groaned in dismay.
“That’s cheating.” Jessie shook her head at him.
“How did you think I got you?” he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer.
Mia rolled her eyes “Get a room.”
The guys handed over the white rose bouquets to the girls. Matt was pacing restlessly and Erin noticed “I’ll get her.” She smiled and skipped up the stairs to retrieve the bride “Ready?” She peeked her head inside and Reina grinned. She linked her arm with Erin as they walked out together to the roar of cries and whistles from the guys.
Matt’s eyes never left hers while she walked down the stairs careful not to trip over her dress. He stood at the foot of the stairs and took her hand that Erin brought out “I’m the luckiest man alive.” He whispered.
Reina lowered a shy head as he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. Mia couldn’t help letting her comment fly “Save that for tonight!!”
The guys whooped in response and they were off to the church in one large limo fit for 20 people. Reina had chosen Erin, Mia, Jenna and Carmen to be the bridesmaid. While Matt chose Devin, Ryan, Doug and Darren to be his groomsmen. The ceremony was held in a quiet chapel that had an old English theme the ancient building. Guests were wowed and everyone was happy for the new couple. They chose to have the reception at a nearby hotel and a little over a hundred people showed up. When the couple was introduced the food was then served.
Mia turned to the CID men at the door “Is that necessary?” she whispered around the table.
“He’s just trying to be safe.” Ryan explained “Don’t you remember Ted’s wedding?”
“Nothing wrong with wanting a peaceful wedding without shootouts.” Darren nodded.
When time came for the dancing, Reina waved her group over onto the dance floor after they had their first dance. Slowly the pairs got up and danced away. Erin smiled at how happy Reina and Matt looked together, how she yearned for something like that. Devin followed her eyes and a smile returned to her “They look good huh?”
“Yeah.” She answered shortly. It felt comfortable being in his arms as she swayed to the music “Uncle Chuck would have liked this. It’s cozy.”
“I’m sorry there’s no news on him.” He sighed.
She moved her eyes away sadly, not wanting him to see the tears that glossed her eyes. Just then Luke approached Devin and tapped him on the shoulder with a goofy grin “May I cut in?”
Devin smiled “Of course.” He gladly handed over Erin’s hand and moved away.
“Hey kid.” She smiled “You having fun?”
He nodded, showing off his dimpled cheek “Are you?”
She slowly gave him a nod “Yeah…I am.”
“You look sad.” Luke raised his brows curiously “Is it because of Chuck?”
She sighed without answering. Just as her eyes moved away, it caught something different from the doorway. One of the officers pointed to her and waved her over. She stopped and looked up at Luke “I’ll be right back.” He nodded and went over to join the circle the group had made when the music changed to a faster beat. Erin approached the officers “Yes?”
He waved her further outside and appeared a young child no older than five. In his hand was an envelope “Are you Erin Jei Jei?” She bent down, her dress flaring in a circle as she nodded “This is for you.”
“Thank you.” She watched as the boy hurried away towards the elevator. She stepped away from the room and read what was inside. A letter typed in bold letters: ‘Erin, if you want to know the safety of your Uncle. Come to Beijing.’ It was not signed nor could she guess who it was from. But she knew one thing. She was going to go and no one could talk her out of it. Erin turned to the banquet room where the group was laughing and dancing around each other. They would try to convince her it was a trap.
It didn’t take her long to decide what she would do. She made sure no one noticed her as she walked inside and took her purse. They were too busy laughing and following a dance game that Mia apparently made up. Smiling, she said her silent goodbye and walked out without no one noticing. Erin came home and packed her clothes and wrote a short note to everyone. The quickest flight out to Beijing was in two hours, she knew it was her only chance to find her Uncle.
Once the lights to the banquet room came on, it was then that Devin first noticed Erin was not in the room “Have you guys seen Erin?” he asked.
Jenna shook her head “No, she was last dancing with Luke.”
The group turned to Luke “I don’t know. She excused herself and said she’ll be right back. I guessed she wanted to use the ladies room.”
Mia pointed to Erin’s seat “Her purse is gone.”
Reina and Matt exchanged glances “That’s not like her.”
“Maybe she wasn’t feeling good and went home?” Doug suggested.
“Let’s go home and check.” Ryan nodded in agreement.
“Okay. We’ll take the limo.” Reina pointed to the exit “We’ll meet you downstairs, we have the pay the hotel first.”
When they reached the house, they noticed that she had come home. The lights were turned on and her keys sat on top of a folded note by the coffee table. Devin picked it up “Read it.” Mia instructed.
He opened it and read it out loud “Hi gang, I know this is sudden and I didn’t even get a chance to say Congrats to the newlyweds. I hope you guys will have a lifetime of cherished memories as well as little Matt and Reina running around. I have to go look for Uncle Chuck. Thank you all for being a part of my family but I have one family member left in my life, I cannot sit and wait for whoever took him away to bring him back. I’m sorry if this comes as a shock and I have no idea when I will return or if I can. Devin, I know the team is in good hands, Joe would be proud of you. Ryan, Luke, Doug and Jenna, I’m counting on you guys to keep this place clean. If you need money for bills, there is a huge stack in the safe. The code is the five numbers to our birthdays. Take care and I’ll miss you all. Love Erin’
“Oh my God…” Mia whispered.
Darren wrapped an arm around his wife “I know honey. We’re all shocked too.”
“That little brat didn’t even mention me!” she dropped her jaw in shock. She caught a few roll of the eyes “Sorry, I guess her leaving is more important.”
“Where do you think she went?” Luke asked worriedly.
“Where ever she went, it was probably no accident.” Devin said thoughtfully “I think it’s a trap.”
“Which is a given.” Matt agreed “Try calling her cell phone.”
Jenna nodded as she pulled out her cell and dialed. They heard a ringing inside the house. Ryan followed the noise and found the cell sitting in the den “It’s useless.”
“What do we do?” Carmen asked the boss.
Devin shook his head “We wait…and pray that she’ll be okay.” He sighed internally, unlike the others not only did he worry for her safety, he could only guess where she was lured to. The origins of Eve’s beginning. Beijing.
To Be Continued....
SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004
