Renowned Flirts (Complete)

Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Chapter 1

“Hey there, sweetcheeks. How’re ya doing today?” Alec called out to some girls who were passing him and Benny. He flashed them his most gorgeous smile and grinned to himself when he saw how they melted.
“Man, Alec. You could keep your flirting to such time that you’re completely alone,” Benny grumbled. “I feel sick just watching you.”
“Flirting is an art, Benny.”
“It is, indeed? I never thought of it in that way. Look, there are two other girls heading our way. Aren’t you going to call them dears, or loves, or sweetie pies, or whatever names you’ve got stored up in your dictionary?”
Alec frowned as the two girls came nearer. “I think they’re new, Ben.”
“What makes you so sure?” Benny asked, squinting his eyes.
“I don’t seem to have seen them before.”
“Oh, give me a break. You haven’t seen them before and you say they’re new?”
Alec didn’t answer. Instead, he was looking intently at the two girls. Both were pretty, but one of them particularly caught his eye. She had long hair, dimples, and an incredibly small waistline. “Hmm, look at that. What do you think, Ben? The girl with long hair.”
Benny looked. “She’s ok. I think the other girl is prettier, though.”
“You mean the one with big eyes? Yeah, sure, she’s pretty too, but I think the long-haired one is more to my taste. They’re coming nearer.”
“Geez,” Benny muttered. “There goes the greatest casanova I’ve ever known.”
“Hello!” Alec said loudly. “Are you new?”
The two girls stopped and looked at him. The medium-haired girl (Vicki doesn’t have short hair, does she??) smiled slightly. “How’d you ever know?” she said.
“Easy, sweetie. I know almost everyone in this college and I don’t think I’ve seen you two around before.”
“Oh yes, darling. I’m sure I haven’t seen you before either. What’s your handle?”
“Alec Su. And you?”
“Vicki Zhao.”
“I’m Ruby Lin,” said the other girl. Alec looked at her and smiled. “My, don’t we look gorgeous today, huh! Where do you two beauties come from?”
“Taiwan,” Ruby answered, blushing for Alec’s eyes were on her.
“I see. Welcome to England.”
Ruby smiled and lowered her eyelids. “Thanks for all the attention,” Vicki said, “it’s really lovely having such handsome guys pay attention to us, but we have to go.”
“Aren’t you going to stay and talk to the ‘handsome guy’?” Alec asked plaintively.
Vicki wrinkled up her nose. “Good try, love. Unfortunately time and lectures call. Come on, Ru, let’s get moving.”
As Ruby was hauled away she turned and gave Alec a pretty, blushing smile. “Hmm,” said Alec, frowning.
“What have you got to frown about?” Benny demanded. “You think that Ruby’s pretty, and I think that she’s interested in you.”
“Oh, yeah. Ben, you know me. There are about a hundred girls in college whom I like.”
Benny grimaced at him. “And you don’t like any of them seriously, huh.”
“Nah.” A dark shadow fell across Alec’s face. Benny saw it, understood and didn’t pursue the subject any longer.
“I think this Vicki Zhao is just as efficient as you are,” he said.
“What makes you think so?” Alec asked, the expression on his face lightening.
“Look at the different reactions of both girls. Ruby was shy while Vicki was calling you names and talking as easily as you were.”
“She wasn’t calling me names, for your information.”
“Ok, so she wasn’t. They were terms of endearment. Happy?”
“Yeah. Let’s go back to the building. It’s nice here, but inside the building it’s better.” Alec picked up his books and turned towards the entrance of the building. Most of the girls who saw him blushed and called out to him, but for once he didn’t reply. He was thinking of something else – someone else.

Chapter 2

Vicki searched her locker thoroughly, then searched again. “Man! I must have lost my photograph. How could I have been so stupid?” she scolded herself soundly. She gave up the search and, clicking her tongue, turned to face Alec. Startled, she jumped. “What are you doing here?” she demanded.
“Why? You don’t like me?” Alec asked, arranging his features into a sad, melancholy expression.
“Oh, give me a break,” Vicki said, shaking her head. “What do you want?”
“What do I want?”
“I know you’re here for something.”
“Oh, ok.” Alec grinned briefly at her, and a few girls who caught the grin sighed. “Where’s your friend?”
“Ruby?” Vicki gave him a sharp look.
“Yeah, I think that’s her name.”
Vicki shut her locker door. “You’re very interested in her, aren’t you?”
“Of course. She’s way nicer than you are.”
“Oh yes? And how would you know that?”
“She’s gentler, anyway.”
“What happened to all the sweet names?”
Alec looked at her interestedly. “My sweet names? I’m so sorry, I didn’t know you wanted me to call you dear and darling. Somehow, looking at you, I don’t have the mood to call you those terms of endearment.”
Vicki smiled. “Lucky for me.”
“Lucky for you? Sweetie, I see you flirting with every guy you meet at this college.”
“Too bad then. I don’t want to flirt with you. Where’s your friend?”
“Benny? Hmm, you’re very interested in him as well, aren’t you?”
“Give me a break.”
“Here.” Alec passed her a kit-kat. Vicki looked at him incredulously for a moment, then burst into laughter. “You know that’s not what I meant!” she said, hitting him lightly on the shoulder. “I think your friend is nicer than you. He’s gentler, anyway,” she said mockingly.
Alec sighed. “Benny, Benny, what grief doeth thou bring to me!”
“Stop fooling around. If you don’t, I’ll keep Ruby away from you.”
“Oh dear. I suppose I should stop then. But seriously, there’s something about you – I think you’re more fit to be my friend. What do you think?” Alec looked at her intently. Vicki laughed. “Who says I want you as my friend? People tell me that you’re the greatest flirt in college.”
“My dear, I’m sure you’re just as flirty as I am.”
“Oh well, you’re right. Can we go and search for Ruby and Benny now?”
“Before we do that, may I ask you a question?”
“Shoot.”
“What were you looking for just now?”
“A photo.”
“Of who?”
“My boyfriend and I.”
“You have a boyfriend?”
“Yeah. His name is Vincent. He’s a pretty cool guy, far better than you are.”
“Aw, I ask you an innocent question and you end up by insulting me. Anyway, I don’t mind,” Alec said good-humouredly. He reached for his back pocket and took out a photograph. “I believe this was what you were searching for?”
Vicki gasped and took it from him. “Where did you find it?”
“Somewhere near the water coolers. Never mind, let’s not worry about it anymore. You’ve got it now.”
“Thanks,” Vicki said gratefully.
“No problem.”

Chapter 3

Ruby was immensely flattered when Alec began to shower her with attention. He bought her flowers, hunted her out everyday, and made her sit beside him at every lecture he had with her. Vicki saw it all but couldn’t care less. She was more interested in Nicky, Alec’s second best friend, and gradually the two of them became great friends. Nicky was just as popular as Alec but he didn’t have Alec’s reputation of being a flirt. He was a nice, generous, friendly guy who knew when to be serious and when not to be.
Nicky himself liked Vicki a lot, though he tried his best not to show it. He found her exceptionally beautiful and a lot of fun to be with, and enjoyed seeing her face every morning when he arrived at college. Benny, too, liked her. Alec noticed his two friends’ infatuation with her and one day in Nicky’s apartment he teased them relentlessly about her. “I see you two are very interested in Vicki Zhao, aren’t you?” he said as he read his history books.
Both of them flushed.
“Yeah, and you’re very interested in Ruby Lin, aren’t you?” Benny retorted.
“I am?” Alec looked at them with an astonished face.
“Oh, and I suppose you haven’t heard of a guy named Alec Su paying Ruby Lin a lot of attention?” Nicky said airily. “Everyone in college is talking about it. They’re betting that before autumn is over he’ll be going out with her.”
Alec grinned. “I’m guilty as charged. I find Ruby very pretty and sweet. Not a bit like Vicki, who’s a bit on the fiery side. Though she’s immensely popular with the guys, isn’t she? It seems that everyone loves her, not excluding my two good friends Benny Chan and Nicky Wu. Hmm, can it be that the two of them are finally experiencing the feelings of true love?”
“Shut up,” Benny muttered. “You can talk! Think about you and Ruby before you come and tease us, Alec Su You Pen.”
“Hey, I admitted that I like her,” Alec protested. “You two are evading my questions and comments.”
“Fine! I like Vicki Zhao a big deal! Is that enough for you?” Nicky said indignantly. “Besides, I’d like to know why she’s the only girl in college whom you don’t flirt with. You seem to be on extremely good terms with her as a friend, Mr Su.”
“I only think of Vicki as a friend,” Alec said.
“A friend! Well, let’s just leave him to his courting, Nick,” said Benny. “I’m sure he’ll tell Ruby in time.”
“And then…?” Nicky said.
“He’ll go out with her.”
“Yeah, and…?”
“He’ll break up with her!” both said in unison. “After three weeks,” Benny added.
“No! Two!” Nicky argued.
“Three!”
“Two!”
“Three!”
“Two!”
“Shut up!” Alec interrupted. “I’m not as unstable as you think I am!”
“Oh yeah? I don’t think you know that Alec Su went out with over thirty girls last year, have you, young master?” Nicky challenged. Alec shook his finger at him. “Silence, silence, pupils,” he said. “Let us go back to studies.”
“Studies my foot!” Benny yelled.
“No, I wouldn’t like to study your foot,” Alec said, his eyes fixed on his book.
“Smart ass. Wise guy.”
“Thanks. I do accept all compliments.”
Benny rolled his eyes up and pretended to faint. Nicky laughed at him. “Who knows, Alec might fall in love with our beautiful Vicki after all.”
“You really think so?” Alec asked with interest.
“Pig head,” was Nicky’s answer, and Alec submitted with a grin.

Chapter 4

“Her boyfriend is coming next week,” said Nicky, curling his upper lip in disdain. The three guys were sitting in the university’s canteen.
“Can you believe it? What a drag,” said Benny, making a face. Alec looked at the two of them and started to laugh. “You two do have some love problems, eh?”
“Shut up. I’m feeling bad enough,” Benny growled.
“Oh come on. You know you don’t stand a chance with Vicki. She’s got the attention of every guy in college, Caucasian or otherwise, and she treats you like friends.”
“Great. You’re so encouraging, I’m really glad to have a friend like you,” Nicky said dryly.
“Thanks for the compliment. I know I am.”
Benny rolled his eyes and Nicky groaned. “You can talk! You’ve got the attention of every girl in college, Caucasian or otherwise as well,” Benny said grumpily. “Unfortunately Nicky and I aren’t so lucky. We’re only known as ‘the famous Alec Su’s friends’.”
“That’s better than nothing, right?” Alec said comfortably.
Benny moaned. “You know, I really have no idea why I still hang out with this weirdo.”
“Yeah, why don’t we just leave him alone?” Nicky agreed.
“Because you guys like me too much,” Alec laughed.

“What time will he be arriving?” Ruby asked Vicki while sitting in the canteen.
“Around three in the afternoon next Tuesday,” Vicki said, barely able to contain her excitement. “I’ve missed him so much, Ru! It’ll be wonderful to see him again.”
“Yeah, I kinda missed him myself,” Ruby agreed. “You’re lucky to have such a nice boyfriend, Vic. He treats you like a princess.”
Vicki nodded. “And I treat him like a prince!”
“Oh no, you do NOT!” Ruby objected, and the two of them burst out into giggles.

Chapter 5

Vicki watched eagerly as the people filtered out of arrival hall. Suddenly she spotted him. He was looking around with a bewildered expression on his face, and she grinned. “Vincent!” she called loudly.
He turned and saw her. “Hey, Vic!” he called out, waving and making his way towards her. When he reached her he dropped his suitcase and gave her a big hug. “How are you, sweetie? Haven’t seen you for so long!”
Vicki laughed delightedly. “How are YOU?”
Vincent shook his head mournfully. “Oh, I’m dying of cancer right now…”
“Yeah right, you are! And look, Ru is waiting to greet you as well!”
Vincent looked beyond Vicki to see Ruby with a big smile on her face. He gave her a bear hug as well. “Hey, Rub!”
“Don’t call me that!” Ruby protested, but she was smiling all the same. “Boy, Vince, it’s really good to see you again. Vicki and I are marooned in an unfamiliar land surrounded by strange faces…”
“Yeah, but don’t forget you two chose to come here in the first place,” Vincent reminded them. Picking up his suitcase with one hand and putting his free arm round Vicki, he said, “Let’s go, shall we? I’m not exactly very energetic right now! I can’t believe I flew so far to see two mere country girls…”
He laughed as Ruby punched him on the shoulder. “Easy, madam! Don’t kill me.”
“You’ll be staying with Vic and I,” Ruby told him. “We’ve prepared the guestroom for you, so you better pay rent!”
“How much?”
“Oh, Ru, stop talking to him,” Vicki said. “I wanna talk to him as well!”
“Easy! I’ll talk to both of you!” Vincent grinned. He was extremely fond of Vicki, and thought her the most beautiful and loveliest girl in the universe. He was fond of Ruby, too, and enjoyed teasing her. The three of them departed from the airport, chatting away.
***********
“Why on earth does Vicki look so happy today?” Benny wondered. Nicky’s head snapped up at the sound of Vicki’s name. “What? Where is she?”
“Over there.” Benny nodded his head in the direction of Vicki and Ruby. It was true. Vicki did look unnaturally happy that day. “Maybe she’s just gotten a million bucks from a millionaire who’s in love with her,” Nicky said lazily. Then he sat up straight. “Hey! Could it be that her boyfriend has arrived?”
Benny’s face registered horror. “Oh man. It can’t be.”
Alec laughed. “You guys do have problems,” he said, getting up. He strode over to the two girls and greeted them. “Hey, Vicki. Why so happy today?” he asked as he put an arm round a blushing Ruby.
“My boyfriend Vincent has just arrived!” Vicki said, smiling as if she’d just won for herself a trip to Europe with all the expenses paid for. Alec frowned; why did he suddenly feel so annoyed? “Your boyfriend, eh? When did he arrive?”
“This morning. Ru and I were there to meet him.”
“How’s he?”
“He’s fine! Why don’t you come over later on and meet him? Ru and I have been telling him all about the three of you, and he’s really eager to meet you.”
“Hmm, we’ll see,” Alec said, with a little frown.
When they reached their table, Alec announced that Vincent had arrived. Immediately Benny and Nicky’s faces fell. “Arrived?” Benny echoed dully.
“Your boyfriend?” Nicky repeated, stifling a groan.
Vicki was too happy to notice their black looks. “Yeah! Oh, you’ve got to meet him. You’ll absolutely adore him.”
“Sorry, Vicki, I’m not a gay,” Alec said, sitting down. Vicki flushed with annoyance. “Heaven, you are irritating! You know what I mean, Alec. Don’t spoil my mood today.”
“Yeah, sure.” Alec turned his attention to Ruby. “Do you know her boyfriend well?”
“Sure, he’s one of my best friends,” Ruby said enthusiastically. As the two girls went on and on about how wonderful Vincent was, Benny moaned to himself, Nicky sighed and tried not to listen, and Alec rolled his eyes and looked at the sky. It was going to be one of those days.

Chapter 6

“Man, that Vincent really bugs me,” Nicky complained.
“Why should he bug you? He’s such a nice guy,” Alec said, though personally he agreed with Nicky.
“Yeah, he’s such a nice guy, which is why he bugs me!” Nicky said. “You don’t understand, Alec. You don’t like Vicki the way I do. You don’t feel really furious when you see Vincent hugging or kissing Vicki, and you don’t feel jealous when you see how much Vicki loves him. I HATE HIM!”
“C’mon, give the poor guy a break. What has he ever done to you?”
“Arrghh! You’re not helping me at all!”
Benny spoke up. “Nick, I know how you feel. Sometimes I want to kill Vincent as well.”
“He’s so friendly and good to talk to that I can’t help liking him though,” Nicky said glumly. “So what is my actual feeling towards him? I like him and I hate him all at once. Oh well, I don’t want to think about him any longer.”
“That’s ok. I’m not eager to talk about him either,” Alec said.
Benny agreed. The three of them were silent.
“Did you see the way he looked at Vicki yesterday?” Benny suddenly said. Nicky jumped up and glared at Benny. “Benny! I said I didn’t want to talk about him anymore!”
“Fine! You don’t have to yell like that! I like Vicki Zhao as well, ok?” Benny said indignantly. “You don’t have to scream your lungs out.”
“Yeah, shut up, both of you, stop bickering,” Alec said. Usually he didn’t pay much attention to them when they argued, but this time he felt very irritated. What was wrong with him?

Chapter 7

“Hey girls! Where have you been?” Nicky greeted.
“Seeing Vincent off,” Ruby replied as Vicki plopped herself next to Benny and rested her chin on her hands despondently. “Vic’s very sad now, so don’t make her aggravated or else…”
“What?” Alec asked.
“Oh – you’ll see.”
Vicki shrugged. “Never mind. I’m just not in a good mood today, ok? Hey, there’s a good show coming up in about five minutes – Nick, can you change the channel, please?”
Nicky nodded and climbed up onto a chair, changing the channel of the TV which was hung up in the pavilion where students could go and study or just chill out. Vicki watched the TV idly for a while, then froze as a newsflash came on. “Flight SQ 326 (hehe…SIA again) which was heading for Taiwan today took off and crashed into some houses, causing a big fire. It is not known whether there are any survivals yet.”
Everyone looked at Vicki’s frozen face in puzzlement, then all followed her gaze and stared at the TV. Immediately Ruby gasped and all the blood drained from her face.
“What’s the problem?” Benny asked in confusion. “Why should you be so concerned over a plane?”
“Vincent was in it,” Ruby whispered, her voice barely audible.
“Oh my goodness,” Nicky breathed. The newsflash finished, but Ruby and Vicki continued to have that stunned, shocked look on their faces.
**********
‘SQ 326 crash – no survivals’ flashed out huge and black at Vicki’s face the next morning. She trembled. “It says ‘no survivals’, Ru!” she said wildly, thrusting the newspapers at her. Yesterday she had fled from the college and locked herself up in her room, crying her eyes out, not letting even Ruby in. “Vincent is dead,” she continued, laughing bitterly. “He’s dead!” She covered her face and rocked herself to and fro.
“Vic, don’t be like that,” Ruby pleaded, kneeling down by Vicki and taking her hands in hers. “I’m sad, too but – Vic, please, don’t be like that! Calm down!”
“Calm down!” Vicki shouted. “How can I calm down when Vincent is dead?” She broke into a frenzy of sobs. Ruby got up and hugged her tight. Vicki clung to her, crying as she had never cried before. “How could this have happened? Why did this have to happen?” she wept.
“Vicki, please,” Ruby begged. “You’re making me lose my sanity as well!”
Vicki swallowed hard. “Ruby, don’t worry about me. Go to your classes today, don’t bother about me. I’ll be ok.”
“Go to my classes? How can I? I’m upset over Vincent as well,” Ruby chided gently. “I’m staying here with you.”
Vicki looked at her out of red, swollen eyes. “I want to go out for a while.”
“Now?” Ruby said doubtfully.
“Yes.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“No, don’t follow me. I want to be alone.”
Ruby had some misgivings about letting Vicki be alone right now, but she agreed and let her go.
That night, Alec received a frantic phone call. “Hello? Who’s this?” he said, straining his ears to make out the hurried sentences.
“Alec, it’s me, Ruby,” the caller said again. “Vic’s missing!”
“What?” he exclaimed. “What on earth do you mean?”
“She’s gone! I don’t know where she is! She went out this morning, and she hasn’t come back home yet! Alec, please, you have to help me find her! She might do something to herself.”
“Right. I’ll be over. Get Benny and Nicky as well, ok?” Alec hung up and practically flew over to Ruby and Vicki’s place.

Chapter 8

After one hour of fruitless searching, Alec gave up. He had gone into every bar he knew of, but Vicki wasn’t around. He couldn’t think of anywhere else to search. He decided to drive back to Ruby’s place and see if the others had been more successful.
As he drove through the silent streets, all of a sudden a girl appeared in front of him. He got a shock and slammed on the brakes. The car tires screeched to a halt. He was prepared to get out of the car and give the girl a good ticking-off for being so careless, but he stopped in horror when he realised that she was Vicki.
His throat went dry as he got out of the car. “Vicki,” he said.
She looked at him out of limpid dark eyes. When he went closer to her he could smell beer in her breath. “Oh my goodness. You’ve been drinking. Come on, Vicki, I’ll take you back home.” He reached out and took hold of her arms. With a cry, she struggled and freed herself from him. “What’s the problem?” he said in frustration. “Get into the car!”
“No!” she said.
“No WHAT?” he yelled.
“I don’t want to go home!”
“Well, fine, ok. I’ll take you back to MY apartment. Is that fine with you? Now stop wandering about on roads, you may get knocked down by the car! In fact I could have killed you just now.” He grasped hold of her arms and, ignoring her struggles, deposited her into the front seat. Then he went over to his seat and got in. “Are you drunk?” he said, stepping on the accelerator. The car sprang forward.
“No.” Her voice was so soft that he had to strain his ears. “Honest, Vicki, you’re really stupid to go and drink beer,” he said. “I know that you must be tattered up about Vincent, but even so…”
Silent tears rolled out of her eyes and down her cheeks, but she made no effort to wipe them away. Alec took one look at her and groaned. “Ok, ok, I won’t say anything more. Can you call Ruby up and tell her that you’re found?”
“I don’t want to go home,” she whispered forlornly, and for once it struck him how child-like she seemed. “Ruby will make me go home.”
“Ok then, call Nicky.”
She picked up his mobile and dialed in Nicky’s number. Alec listened as she said, “It’s me, Vicki. Alec has found me. I don’t want to go home. Bye.”
“What did he say?” Alec asked.
“He just said ‘thank God’,” Vicki replied, her eyes fixed on the road. “I put down before he could say anything else.”
Alec reached out and awkwardly patted her hand. “I’m sorry that you have to go through so much pain, Vicki,” he said.
Vicki didn’t answer. He glanced at her and felt a deep pity for her. Poor girl – to lose her boyfriend just like that was indeed very sad. Especially since she’d loved Vincent so much…

“Is this your apartment?” Vicki asked as she stepped into his apartment later on.
“Yes,” he said, and, adding with a smile, “How do you like it?”
“It’s ok.” Vicki sat down on the sofa and gazed down at the carpet.
“I’ll get you a drink. What would you like?”
“Just water,” Vicki said, rousing herself with great difficulty. Alec came out of the small kitchen with two glasses of water and put it down on the table before her. Then he sat down next to her. “It’s ok, Vicki. If you need to cry, cry it out now. There’s no one here but me.”
Vicki looked at him for a moment, then tears welled up in her eyes and in a second she was crying like she’d never cried before. Alec wrapped his arms round her and stroked her back. She leaned her head against his chest and cried, not caring that she was wetting his shirt thoroughly. He didn’t care either. The scent of her hair and the softness of her body and face was making his pulse race. Why hadn’t he noticed before how beautiful she was? Beside her, Ruby’s gentle, mild prettiness faded like a torch in the sunlight.

Chapter 9

Vicki’s sobs soon subsided, and she raised her head from Alec’s chest, flushing when she realised how wet his shirt had become because of her tears. “Oh, I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t know…”
“It’s ok,” Alec said, smiling at her. “Feeling better now after having one good cry?”
“Yes, thank you so much.” In spite of having cried out all the hard grief that had been buried inside her, her eyes were dull and she stared at the wall opposite her unseeingly. Alec laid a hand on her shoulder. “Forget about him, Vicki. You have to move on with your life.”
“I know.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. “I think – I’ll go back home now.”
“Ok. I’ll fetch you back.”
“Oh – and Alec.”
“Hmm?”
“Thanks.”
“No problem.” Alec grinned cheerfully at her.

Chapter 10

In her room, Vicki sat despondently on her bed and stared at a photograph of she and Vincent sitting on her bedside table. *Vincent, how could you leave me like that?* she cried in heart. *What am I supposed to do without you?*
She remembered the feeling of hugging him, and suddenly she recalled how it had felt like when she put her head on Alec’s chest.
She started. *Why am I thinking about him?* she asked herself. *I don’t like him*
Vincent’s face seemed to smile up at her, and tears gathered in her eyes again. This time there wasn’t any Alec to hold, so she grabbed her bolster and buried her face deep in it. *Will the ache ever go away?*

Chapter 11

In the following days that passed Vicki tried her best to put up a brave front, but she lost her former cheerfulness and hardly played any attention to the guys who came crowding round her. She clung to Ruby, who tried her best to fend off all the boys, and to the three musketeers, who did an even better job than Ruby.
However, the pain in Vicki's heart slowly began to fade as the days passed. And those days brought a new addition to their group - Jimmy Lin, who was such a bright and merry person that Vicki's spirits couldn't help but be lifted. Nicky told him about Vincent beforehand, so he was careful not to bring up the subject of the plane crash before Vicki. He started to show an interest in her as well, and Alec groaned when he noticed it. What kind of a love octagon (I think) was this? Four guys liking the same girl! For he was quite sure that he liked her now.
"Heard the latest news?" Jimmy asked, coming up to them as they stood by the lockers.
"What?" everyone asked in unison.
"Bush has been elected president."
"Really?" Benny said interestedly. "This president election thing has been like a volleyball match. So Bush has gotten it after all. How's Al Gore taking it?"
"No idea. He made a speech though, and of course he had to smile and act nice. But I suppose he should be feeling really bad about it." Jimmy put his hand on Vicki's arm. "C'mon, Vic, let's go for our classes. Today is such a great spring day, I'll treat you to a meal later on."
Vicki smiled at him in reply.
The others stared as Jimmy and Vicki walked off, chatting lightly to each other. "I think Vicki likes Jimmy," Ruby said.
"What do you mean?" Nicky demanded.
"She's always talking about him. She never talks about anyone day and night unless she likes him. It happened with Vincent last time."
"Isn't it too soon to tell?" Alec asked, feeling sick.
"No. After all, it's been over a month since Vincent...died," Ruby said, her voice trailing off. Then she heartened up. "It'll be good if she goes out with Jimmy. He'll be able to boost up her spirits."
Alec opened his locker and thrust his books in. Then, without a single word, he walked off.

Chapter 12

“What is the matter with Alec?” Ruby asked in slight confusion.
Nicky stared at Alec’s rigid back. “To tell you the truth, Ruby, I think he likes Vicki.”
Ruby caught her breath. “He does? You think so?”
“Yeah. But then – of course, he’ll forget her as quickly as he started liking her. It’s not that I’m trying give you a bad impression of Alec, but it’s best not to fall for a guy like him. He’s just not – stable.”
“Why?”
Nicky shrugged. “No one knows why. When we ask him, all he says is ‘a part of me’. What is that supposed to mean? Oh well…” he glanced at his watch. “Gotta go to the library. I have to do some research. Coming along, Ben?”
“Yup.” Benny closed his locker door and bid Ruby farewell before he ran off with Nicky. Ruby was left standing by her locker, staring after them thoughtfully.
**************
“You like Vicki, don’t you?” Benny looked hard at Alec, who had his feet propped up on his desk.
Alec yawned. “What?”
“You like her.”
“Nah. What gives you that idea?”
“Well, for one, you’re always looking at her, and for two, you acted so strangely today when Ruby said that Vicki likes Jimmy.”
Alec scowled. “I don’t wanna talk about that, ok?”
“Come on.”
“Geez. Anyone ever told you that you’re an irritating bug?”
“Yeah. You, just now. Oh, come on. Why is it so difficult to admit you like Vicki? After all you pried it out of Nicky and I last time. So tell me, is this permanent or is this another one of your so-called crushes?”
“Hah. I’m too refined to have crushes.”
“Then what do you call them?” Benny asked, baffled.
“Oh, I call them ‘maiden interests’.” (lame, I know, you don’t have to tell me)
“Huh? Maiden interests? That sounds even stupider. You have a crush on Vicki Zhao.”
“Yeah yeah, think whatever you want to think. As for me, I’m going to study.”
“Oh ho!” Benny mocked. “The great flirt and casanova, Alec Su, is actually going to study! Wait, let me get my camera.”
“Oh, shut it,” Alec growled. “I’m not in the best of moods today.”
“Yeah, your ‘maiden interest’ doesn’t seem to be taking much notice of you, huh? She’s more interested in Jimmy. I won’t be surprised if they become a couple soon,” Benny said reflectively.
“Hah, just hold your tongue!”
“Kinda slippery.”
Alec glared at Benny, who pretended to cower. “Listen up good, you idiotic menace. I don’t care about Vicki Zhao. She can do whatever she wants to do. It doesn’t concern me.”
“0.01%,” Benny murmured loud enough for Alec to hear.
“Do you mind? I’m trying to study.”
“No, I don’t mind.”
“I will not take any more notice,” Alec said firmly and fixed his eyes on the book he was holding.
“Alec likes Vicki, Alec likes Vicki,” Benny chanted softly. “And he won’t take any notice of me,” he added. Alec stuck his fingers in his ears and refused to look at his annoying ‘friend’.

Chapter 13

“I give up! You’re too good for me,” Jimmy said grudgingly.
Vicki grinned and put away her cue. “At least you managed to put up a good show.”
“Yeah right! I lost to you by 10 games!”
“Better than nothing, right?”
“Oh, you!”
“Yes, what about me?”
“Hmm….” Jimmy paused and pretended to think. “You’re the prettiest girl on this planet.”
Vicki hit him playfully. “Come on, let’s go out for tea. I’m hungry.”
“You’re always hungry! I’m amazed you don’t weigh 150 kg!”
“If I really weigh 150 kg, the newspapers will do an article on me.”
“That’ll be good, right? You’ll become famous.”
“Ok. Whatever. Today, you pay.”
Jimmy made a face at her and she pinched his nose. They were talking and laughing when Jimmy literally bumped into someone. “Ow!” he protested, rubbing his sore chin and looking to see who he had knocked into.
Alec straightened himself and wiped the dust off his pants.
“Alec!” Vicki exclaimed. “Hi. What are you doing here?”
“Walking around,” Alec replied. “Sorry for banging into you like that, Jimmy.”
“It’s cool. Wanna join Vicki and I for tea?”
Alec looked at the affable Jimmy and felt a little ashamed of himself for hating him so much. “Well…”
“You better!” Vicki chipped in. “Jimmy’s treat!”
“Oh – I never back out of a free meal. Why not?” Alec forced a grin onto his face. They walked companionably down the streets with Vicki in the middle. She chatted easily and lightly to them, getting plenty of answers from Jimmy and hardly any from Alec. Alec felt himself grow angrier and angrier as he saw how familiar they were with each other. He thought gloomily that at least there was sense in one thing Benny had said yesterday – they might end up as a couple.
It was only when Vicki waved her fingers in front of his face and said, “Earth to Alec” that he realised she had been saying something to him. “Huh, yeah?” he said weakly.
“What’s the problem with you? You’re not usually so silent.”
“Yeah, normally you’ll be talking the most,” Jimmy added.
“Not in the mood,” he replied curtly.
“Wow, we’re not friendly today, are we?” Vicki said. “Anyway, I’ll just repeat myself. Don’t tell anyone that Jimmy and I are going steady, ok?”
Alec felt as if someone had punched him in the stomach. “Going steady?”
“Yeah. I asked her to be my girlfriend yesterday,” Jimmy confirmed. He winked at Alec. “Lucky guy, aren’t I?”
Alec felt like boxing him and giving him two black eyes (something like the ‘Wu You Li’ in OHHJ). As it was, he couldn’t. “Why don’t you want to tell anyone?” he asked, willing his voice to be steady.
“I want to tell them myself,” Vicki said. “Of course, by now they should know. We haven’t been exactly very subtle.”
Jimmy slipped an arm round her waist and squeezed her. “So what do you think, Alec?”
Alec couldn’t find the breath to answer him.
“Oh, Alec won’t tell,” Vicki assured. “I trust him.”
“Haha!”
“What’s so terrible about that?”
“Nothing, nothing.”
Alec’s face grew darker and darker as they fooled about. Why was it that although he could have any girl, the only girl he wanted was unavailable? Why was fate so unfair to him?

Chapter 14

“ ‘I’m all out of love, I’m so lost without you, I know you were right believing for so long, I’m all out love, what am I without you I can’t be too late to say that I was so wrong…’ ”
Alec sat slumped in the chair, watching Nicky as he continued to sing. In one corner, Vicki was whispering to a laughing Jimmy, and next to them sat Ruby and Benny, whistling and calling out, “Horrible singing!” to Nicky who took no notice of them. Vicki had invited them over to her apartment for karaoke. The girl had actually shipped over to England some of her karaoke LDs or VCDs (whatever – who cares if it’s not possible, this is only fiction) and was aching for a singing night. She had invited some of her other University friends as well, such as Jane, Zhou Jie, Rebecca, Pete and Emmeline. Alec wondered grumpily why everyone seemed to be in such a good mood. He was down in the dumps.
Nicky finished the song, turned to face the ‘audience’ and bowed.
Ruby clapped and called out, “The worst singer I ever heard!”
“I accept all compliments,” Nicky said, bowing again.
“Who’s next?” Jane asked. “Vicki, right?”
Vicki looked up at the mention of her name. “What?” she asked.
“Is it your turn to sing?”
“Huh? Me? What? Sing?”
“Oh boy. She’s been whispering so many sweet nothings to Jimmy that she hasn’t even HEARD me!” Jane complained, rolling her eyes.
“You’re so insignificant compared to Jimmy, what do you expect?” Jie asked, grinning at the face Jane made.
“Oh, sing,” Vicki said calmly. “Ok. What song should I sing?”
“My Way.”
“Baby One More Time.”
“Power of Love.”
“Words.”
“I don’t have the songs,” Vicki protested. “At least, not ‘Baby One More Time’ and ‘Power of Love’.”
Jimmy snatched the microphone from Nicky. “Hey, listen up,” he said. “I have an announcement to make to everyone. So if you’ll sit down and be quiet, I’ll make it as short as possible.”
“Go on,” Pete called, and Emmeline clapped.
“Vicki and I are going steady, so if any of you guys try to woo her, you’ll get it from me.”
Nicky whistled while Alec glared murderously at Jimmy. Luckily, though, no one noticed it – at least, he thought so.
“I knew it,” Pete groaned. “Why is it that some guys have all the luck?”
“Now,” Jimmy continued, “I’m going to sing ‘Endless Love’ with Vicki, and all of you better listen up.”
Everyone cheered and clapped; that is, everyone but Alec. He got up and silently made his way to the kitchen. He could hear Vicki singing “ ‘My love, there’s only you in my life, the only thing that’s right…’ ” and frowned when Jimmy’s voice came in. He slapped the table top in frustration, then remembered that he wasn’t in his own apartment. He poured himself a glass of coke and as he sipped the cold, gassy drink he waited for the song to end. What WAS the problem with him? Why was this girl by the name of Vicki Zhao creating such chaos inside him? He shouldn’t go near girls – he’d had a bitter experience long ago and he wasn’t ready to be subjected to that kind of pain and hurt anymore…he scowled and viciously struck the table top again.
“Hey, don’t mess up Ruby and Vicki’s kitchen,” said someone, and he turned to see Rebecca coming in. “What are you doing here?” he growled.
She stared at him in mild surprise. “What are YOU doing here, hitting at the table and drinking coke all by yourself? Why don’t you go outside? Vicki and Jimmy are doing a great job singing ‘Endless Love’.”
“Don’t mention that imbecile’s name to me again!” he snarled.
“Don’t you dare to call Jimmy an imbecile. He’s far friendlier than you are.”
“I don’t care if he’s friendlier than I am!”
“What’s your problem? You’ve been looking like a bear with a sore head ever since Jimmy made that announcement.”
Rebecca had seen his reaction. Great. “Good for you then,” he said coldly.
“You like Vicki, don’t you?”
BUSYBODY!!! “What’s that to you?”
“Come on, Alec, you don’t have to be so antisocial. I’ve known you for years. You’re usually the noisiest and rowdiest at a place like this, singing until your lungs almost burst and flirting until every girl falls in love with you. Why have you become so sulky and bad-tempered? You haven’t even been talking to the girls in college for the past few days.”
“Bitch,” he muttered. “Nosey bitch.”
“Yeah, that’s what I am,” Rebecca agreed amiably.
“Look, Rebecca, so what if I like her? She’s in love with that Jimmy. She doesn’t even see me,” he got out through clenched teeth. “I can have my pick of the field and there’s only one girl that I like – and she’s totally unavailable. She only views me as a bloody friend. What am I supposed to do? Sit there and pretend to look happy for her and Jimmy Lin? I can’t do that.”
“I’m sorry for you. I really am.”
“What are you two talking about?” cried a cheerful voice, and both started.
“Vicki!” Rebecca said guiltily. “Hi.”
Vicki came into the kitchen. “I’m so thirsty,” she chirped in a bright, happy tone. “It’s such a great night! Tomorrow I’ll have to spend extra time in the library slogging away at researches, but now I’m just out to have a good time. What about you guys?”
Alec grabbed his glass. “Yeah, well, I’ll go out now.”
Rebecca stared as he walked out of the kitchen. Vicki, too. She looked a trifle puzzled, but didn’t comment on it. Instead, she chatted on to Rebecca, who shook her head imperceptibly and thought *Poor Alec! I don’t blame him for being so exasperated*

Chapter 15

It drove Alec to the brink of madness to see Jimmy and Vicki together – which they were most of the time. They were one of the most affectionate couples in the University. He gritted his teeth whenever he caught sight of Jimmy’s face, knowing that he would soon see Vicki as well. And each time he tried to get as far away as he could from them. All the flirtatious girls now sickened him, and he wondered how he could have flirted like no man’s business in the past. He hang around Nicky and Benny, who had taken the news of Jimmy and Vicki’s going steady quite well; in fact they joked about it. But they didn’t like her the way he liked her!
In the mean time, Ruby began to find herself falling for Benny. He was such a nice guy, so warm and understanding and humourous. She knew very well that he felt next to nothing for her, and that thought was very hurting. After all, she was almost as pretty as Vicki – why then couldn’t she attract the boy she liked? She began to feel some sympathy for Alec since the both of them were in the same boat – loving someone who didn’t return their love.
Vicki, of course unaware of the feelings she aroused in Alec, was supremely happy with Jimmy. She liked him very much, felt that he could understand her very well. They made a perfect pair.
One afternoon, she was strolling about in the park alone when she came across Alec. He was walking about with a listless look, and for the first time she realised that he looked very much paler and more tired than she’d ever seen him look before. She ran up to him and tapped him on the shoulder.
He spun round and saw her. “Oh hi.”
“Hey! Couldn’t you make your greeting more cordial?”
“Where’s Jimmy?” he asked shortly, not replying to her question.
“Jimmy? Oh, he had to go to the library for research…” Vicki shrugged.
“Why didn’t you follow him?”
“I’m sick of the library and doing so much research and studying all the time,” she answered chirpily.
“Then why aren’t you at home?”
Vicki stared at him in amazement. “What is this, an interrogating session? If you’re going to be so unfriendly, I won’t talk to you any longer.”
Alec didn’t reply. Instead, he stared straight ahead, his mouth firmly closed. Vicki tugged at his sleeve. “Alright, big guy, it’s my turn to ask what’s the matter with you. Why have you become so withdrawn and uptight? It’s me, bozo! You don’t have to hold anything from me.”
Alec remained expressionless, but inside he wanted to yell: “What do you want me to tell you? That I like you? That after four years, I’m finally LIKING a girl again? That I want to box Jimmy Lin every time I see him, that I shiver at the sound of his name?” It was impossible. He couldn’t say that. “Nothing’s the matter with me,” he said with a barely perceptible quiver in his voice. However, Vicki heard it. “There IS something wrong with you. Come on, Alec, tell me. You’ve changed so drastically. Last time you’ll go round chatting up all the pretty girls in U, and now you hardly even cast a look in their direction.”
*How am I supposed to chat girls up when I’m not even interested in them anymore?*
“Oh, I’m just too tired now, I guess,” he said vaguely, earning another stare from Vicki.
“Tired?!”
“Don’t bother me, Vicki!” he said, and immediately regretted his sharp tone of voice, for Vicki drew away from him. “Well, fine, if you want to be so unfriendly, you can continue being so, I won’t bother you anymore,” she said coldly, and turned to walk away from him.
Impulsively, he reached out and caught hold of her wrist. She turned round and looked at him, and for a moment he was mesmerized by those eyes. “Don’t go,” he said, and his hold on her wrist tightened. “I’m sorry.” Why did his voice sound so – so…weird? He hadn’t used that voice ever since…his lips tightened and he drew his hand away. “I’m sorry,” he repeated. “I’m not feeling very up to it.”
In a moment she was beside him again, concerned and anxious. “Really? You aren’t sick, are you?”
“No.”
“I’m sorry, too. I shouldn’t have walked away like that. Well, don’t tell me if you don’t want to, but you’ll allow me to treat you to a cup of coffee, won’t you?” she dimpled up at him, her eyes sparkling.
Alec hesitated. “I don’t know…what if Jimmy comes and sees the two of us together?” the thought that Jimmy might misunderstand was delightful to him, but…
“Oh, don’t worry!” Vicki said brightly. “Jimmy and I understand each other very well. He wouldn’t mind at all. He knows you’re just my friend.”
*If only I was something MORE than just a stupid friend*
Over the coffee, Vicki chatted on in her easy manner, talking about everything under the sun. Alec listened with half a ear, not really interested although her talk wasn’t boring. Suddenly he caught hold of her hand which was lying on the table.
She was startled. “What are you doing?” she asked.
He stared into her eyes. Once more, he couldn’t tear his eyes away from hers. “I want to tell you something,” he said.
“Shoot.”
Alec released her hand and leaned back. Could he really tell her what he’d never told anyone before?

Chapter 16

“5 years ago, when I was sixteen, my father died of lung cancer.” He closed his eyes briefly. “I loved him with everything that was in me. He was such a great father; he never shouted at me, never even raised his voice, understood me perfectly…I remember clearly when I was only a little baby of eight, he took me out for a short outing and he told me, ‘Listen, young man, don’t ever marry a woman you don’t love.’ ”
Vicki was listening closely. Seeing the attentive expression on her face, he continued, “My dad talked a lot to me; another sentence stood out very clearly; it was ‘Don’t look back into the past. That is gone, it’s finished, everything in the past was done and you can’t change it. Live in the present; look into the future, because everything is there. Nothing’s in the past; don’t hold on to it.’ ” Alec inhaled in deeply. “Anyway, when I turned sixteen, I met this girl. Her name was…” he steadied his voice. “Her name was Gena. And she was the most bewitching girl I’d ever met – the most radiant, the most cheerful, the brightest…” He cleared his throat. “She caught my heart at once. My mother loved her, too. I thought I loved her.
“So I told her that I was in love with her. All she did was to shake the curls from her face and laugh. She said she wouldn’t mind going out with me. What did I know then? I was only sixteen. A stupid, innocent fool.
“I was head over heels ‘in love’ with her. When I was seventeen…she – well, it was the first time for both of us.”
Vicki’s eyes widened in shock. Alec smiled slightly. “Oh no, I didn’t mean it the way it sounded. We didn’t have it. All we did was kiss.”
“Oh.” Vicki nodded and looked relieved.
“I was so caught up in her that my grades began to fall,” Alec went on bitterly. “My head was so full of her that I couldn’t do anything else but think of her. Then, suddenly, it was all over. She jilted me for another guy – a guy far richer, more muscular…I was totally broken up. I couldn’t believe what she’d done to me. And she told me the news in such a light-hearted tone! She went like ‘Alec, I am so happy! I’ve fallen in love with Liam, he’s so great, so wonderful. You don’t mind, do you?’ and she was laughing all the way.
“I almost went wild. If not for my mother, I would have dropped out of school. And then…” he swallowed hard. “Three months later, I heard that she had died of AIDS.”
Vicki gasped. “AIDS?!”
“I thought that I would be ok,” Alec said, ignoring the interruption. “That I would be fine. And then my mum came up with the news that AIDS could be spread by kissing. I was devastated. I still remember sitting in the hospital with my mum, waiting for my turn to get tested. It was a horrible period of time. How I hated girls then! I wished I had never met Gena, and yet I grieved for her day and night. She had been such a lilting, pretty creature – and now she was dead.
“The test results came, and they were negative. I was relieved and in a couple of weeks’ time, I recovered from my fright and began to study harder. But I didn’t dare to go near girls after that – nightmare. I was too afraid. After what Gena had done to me – making me so violently attracted to her, making my grades drop, getting me into trouble all the time at school, jilting me in that fashion, humiliating me, and finally springing on me the possibility of having AIDS…I just couldn’t bring myself to have another girlfriend.
“Yet all my friends were taking an interest in girls, and they teased me so much that I decided to simply have relationships on and off…which earned me the reputation of being a flirt. You may think it’s a queer reaction, but many people respond differently.” Alec smiled a little, tight smile. “Do you wonder why, Vicki,” he said, “that I don’t have a steady relationship?”
Vicki’s heart was full of pity. She leaned forward and took hold of his hands which lay limply on the table. “Not all the girls are like that, Alec,” she said softly.
Alec’s pained eyes met hers, and they gazed at each other. You could almost see Cupid flying around with his bow and arrow then, and the orchestra beginning to play music in the background.
Vicki started slightly. What was the matter with her? Wasn’t she supposed to be in love with Jimmy? Why then did she feel so strange and – warm – looking at Alec?

Chapter 17

She hurriedly drew away her hands and looked away. Just in time, for the next moment a call of “Vic!” reached her ears. She turned to see Jimmy running up to her, a big grin on his face.
“Hey!” she said, forcing a smile on her face. “You’ve finally torn yourself away from your books, eh?”
“Yep!” Jimmy dropped a kiss onto her forehead. “Hi, Alec! Haven’t seen you around lately.”
“Yeah well, I’m a busy man,” Alec replied as cordially as he could. He couldn’t exactly say “I just didn’t want to go near you” right?
“Alec and I met in the park and I treated him to a cup of coffee,” Vicki said brightly. Jimmy nodded. “You don’t have to explain, Vic,” he said, grinning. “Hey, Alec, is it ok if I have some time alone with my girlfriend?” he asked, looking lovingly at Vicki. Alec stiffened immediately. “Sure, why not?” he said dryly, getting up from his seat. “Thanks, Vicki. Have a good time, both of you.”
“I’ll catch up with you later,” Vicki said.
“Sorry, Alec,” Jimmy said.
“No prob,” Alec said, wondering how much he really meant that. He walked out of the café and strolled around in the park for a while. What ever had possessed him to tell Vicki that story about Gena? He had tried to forget it, to bury it deep inside him, but now all the horror surfaced once more and again he had to go through the process of forgetting it.
Vicki. He was reminded of her big, expressive eyes, and he thought of that eye contact which she had broken. For a moment he had seen so much in her eyes…
No. She was with Jimmy. It was evident how in love the two of them were. There was no way she could have any feelings for him.
*But I so desperately want her to like me. I like her so much – she’s been the only girl besides Gena who has caught my attention in this way* He shook his head to clear his head. He shouldn’t be thinking things like that. He wasn’t going to come in between Jimmy and Vicki and that was it. He’d never been especially close to Jimmy, but he’d liked what he known and he didn’t want to be the third person in their relationship. It would be too selfish and heartless of him.
**************
Benny opened the door of his apartment and saw Alec and Nicky sitting inside. “Hi!” he said cheerfully, leaning his bag against the wall.
“Where did you go?” Nicky asked.
“Out with Ruby,” Benny replied.
“Ooh, I think I can see Cupid,” said Alec, pretending to strain his eyes. Benny clicked his tongue in exasperation. “Ruby and I are simply friends,” he declared. “There’s nothing between us.”
“Oh yes, we’re only friends,” Alec mocked.
“Just friends,” Nicky added, rolling his eyes. “What makes you think there’s something between us? Don’t be silly! We’re JUST FRIENDS.”
“Shaddup,” was Benny’s response.
“Aw, he told me to shaddup!” Nicky said, screwing up his face and pretending to cry.
“GREAT! Now instead of ONE weirdo who goes by the name of Alec Su now I have to put up with TWO weirdos!” Benny grumbled. “I am very ‘dao mei’.”
“Hey pal, stop insulting us,” Alec said. “And you like Ruby Lin, don’t you? Go on! Admit it!”
“I do NOT!” Benny said fervently. “She doesn’t like me anyway. All she has on her head is someone called Alec Su who used to charm the socks off her!”
“You mean me?” Alec said, pretending to look astonished. “Why, I’m flattered, indeed I am.”
“Alright, Alec. On that karaoke night I saw you go into the kitchen and a few moments later Rebecca followed you there. There’s something on between the two of you, right? I believe that if Vicki hadn’t barged in on the two of you you wouldn’t have returned so quickly,” Benny fired back.
Did the WHOLE universe know about him going into the kitchen on that damned karaoke night? Alec groaned. “Give me a break. You know I’m not interested in Rebecca.”
“No, Alec’s not interested in Rebecca. He’s interested in…Vicki Zhao,” Nicky said shrewdly. “Don’t think we don’t know, Alec. We’ve known you for years and we know how much you dislike Jimmy right now because of Vicki. We saw how tight and cold you became when she went steady with him.”
Alec sighed in annoyance. “Good work done on your part, Sherlock Holmes and Watson,” he said. “I appreciate your detective work. You must believe me,” as Benny and Nicky exchanged a look. “But nothing will ever come out of it, so don’t remind me of it again.”
“Of what?” Nicky asked.
“Liking Vicki Zhao, you idiot!” Alec replied, and for once Nicky was totally dumbfounded. “Say, Alec…” Benny began weakly. “You mean you’ve forgotten – Gena?” he said hesitatingly. Alec looked at him unflinchingly. “I won’t ever forget Gena. What she did to me was – atrocious. And anyway, she’s not a part of this topic. She’s in the past. I won’t do anything to make Vicki fall for me even one little bit. Jimmy’s welcome to her.”
Nicky decided to keep his mouth shut, and Benny simply stared at Alec. “Good for you,” he said.
“Yeah, well, now can we talk about something else other than girls, girls and even more girls?”
They launched into a discussion about the football match with Liverpool vs. Manchester United. (btw, that was a reali nice game! That free kick by Murphy was great)

Chapter 18

Ever since she had had that conversation with Alec, Vicki found that her feelings for Jimmy weren’t the same as before. She became quite uncomfortable with him, and whenever he touched her or kissed her, she felt as if she was deceiving him in some way – especially since he evidently loved her so much.
Alec didn’t talk to her anymore, and she didn’t really blame him. After revealing to her that story, he was expected to keep away from her for some time. However she daily grew more and more convinced that she had hardly any more love for Jimmy. Instead she was beginning to want to be with Alec – to see his face, his smile, the way his eyes shone when he laughed…she struggled with herself for a long time before she finally admitted that she had fallen for him. She’d never thought of him as a boyfriend before; she had liked Nicky at one time, and of course there had been Vincent – then Jimmy – but never Alec. What made her feel so much for him now? Was it because of the pain he’d gone through when Gena left him, then died of AIDS?
Vicki’s head was swimming with all the questions. She kept quiet about her feelings, not wanting to tell anyone…not even Ruby, who probably wouldn’t understand. And anyway, Ruby was far too engrossed with Benny now. She smiled a little. Maybe there would be at least one happy couple in the near future.
Jimmy felt no difference in his relationship with Vicki. To him, she was just as lovable and loving as ever. He trusted her too much to think that she could be falling for someone else.
“What’s the thing you’re the most frightened of?” he asked her once.
“Death,” she answered promptly. “I’m absolutely afraid of dying.”
“Why?” he asked. He had been amused at that time.
“To think of leaving this earth – my friends – my family; so many things I haven’t done yet – oh, I’m so terrified of death!” Vicki’s face had turned pale and she had begun to shiver.
In later years, Jimmy would think back to that time and wonder why fate had been so cruel to this laughing, beautiful creature who brightened up everyone’s lives…
**************
“You’re keeping well away from Vicki,” Nicky remarked to Alec as they walked down the corridors of the University.
“Yup,” Alec said.
“Doesn’t it make you unhappy?”
“Of course.”
“Then why aren’t you making any effort to win her heart? You know what? I think she’s losing interest in Jimmy,” Nicky confided.
Alec’s eyes widened. “What makes you think so?”
“Well, outwardly there’s nothing much different; they’re still so affectionate and all…but you can see that deep in her eyes she’s not as happy as she was before. Who knows? Maybe she’s falling for you.”
Alec could scarcely believe him. “I think you’re hallucinating.”
“I’m not.” Nicky was indignant.
“Nicky, it’s obvious she doesn’t like me. I don’t think she’s ever even THOUGHT of me in that way.” Alec had no idea that he was beginning to sound very bitter. A few girls who passed them batted their eyelashes at him and giggled when he glanced at them. However, once they had passed them, he put his hand to his throat and pretended to gag. Nicky shook his head, bemused. “I remember one time the great Alec Su would grab them and charm them until they fell crazily in love with him.”
Alec scowled a little. “I don’t have any more time for that kind of nonsense. Exams are drawing near.”
“Since when were YOU interested in exams?”
Alec made no reply. He continued walking in long, firm strides, and Nicky decided not to press him to answer. Sometimes you had to be wise when you were around a bad-tempered Alec.

Chapter 19

In an hour’s time, Alec walked up to the lockers to find Vicki standing there and waiting for him. “Hi,” he said when he reached her. “Am I late?”
“No, I’m early,” Vicki beamed at him. “Can we get going now?”
*Jimmy has sure done a good job in bringing the old Vicki back. Maybe he’s more suited for her than I am*
“I was thinking,” Vicki chirped on, “that we could spend about two hours in the library, then go back to my apartment and grab something to munch on. Ruby would be quite happy to have you around. You know what? I think she’s interested in Benny! She’s always with him, they’re almost inseparable. Haven’t you noticed it?” she looked at him quizzically.
Alec started. “Huh?”
“You weren’t listening to me!” Vicki accused.
“Err – well…yeah, I wasn’t.”
Vicki sighed exaggeratedly. “Oh well. I was saying: Ruby and Benny have grown very close to each other lately. Have you noticed it?”
“Err – yeah. In a way, yes.”
“What is THAT supposed to mean? ‘In a way, yes’? Ahhh, I don’t know you. You’re so strange.”
*Blame yourself. You’ve been making my life turn topsy-turvy for the last few weeks* Alec just smiled at her, however. Vicki stared at him in puzzlement. “Are you ok?” she asked concernedly.
“Err – yeah! I’m fine! What makes you ask that question?”
“I don’t know…you just seem…” she hesitated. “Like you’re floating on Cloud Nine.”
“I’m thinking.”
“Of what?”
“Death,” he said. It was the first thing that entered his head and he wasn’t prepared for Vicki to turn pale. “Was it something I said?” he asked, confused.
“Nothing. I’m just scared of – death, that’s all.” Vicki shrugged, trying to look nonchalant.
“Afraid of death?”
“Yes. I can’t bear to think of dying. I don’t know why.” Vicki sighed. “I suppose some phobias can’t be prevented.”

Chapter 20

Once they reached the library, they chose a table and put their bags down on the chairs. “Gotta get the books and study them like mad,” Vicki said, sighing heavily. “Exams are just around the corner…”
“I hate to agree with you, but I do,” Alec said. Vicki grinned briefly at him.
They found their books within a short period of time and sat at the table, pouring over them. At the end of a half-hour, Vicki stretched herself. “Why did I ever enter University?” she groaned. “Here I am slogging and slogging and what for?”
“For a B.A. degree,” Alec replied, not looking up from his book.
Vicki looked at him curiously. “Are you so engrossed in your book?”
Alec looked up and flashed her a smile. “Actually, I’m just about bored to death.”
Vicki laughed. “Same here!” She shook her head and pushed the books away from her. “I think I’ll just borrow them and go back home to study.”
“What’s the difference?”
“The difference is…is…that…the environment is better.” Vicki laughed. “Don’t question me! I’m weird. You should know that by now.”
“Yup,” Alec agreed heartily. “So why don’t we pack up now and head for your place?”
“Ok!” Vicki said happily, and once they had borrowed the books, they walked out of the library. “Winter will be approaching soon,” Vicki said, looking at the falling leaves. “I’ll probably go back home for a while to visit my family, then come back here when spring arrives. What will you do?”
“Go back home as well, I suppose,” Alec said. “There’s no point in hanging around England.” He hesitated, then asked, “How is your relationship with Jimmy?”
Vicki gave him a curious look. “Good, we’re doing fine,” she said. *Oh well, it’s not REALLY a lie, to Jimmy, we’re doing great. And there isn’t any reason why we shouldn’t be* “Why did you ask?”
“Just interested. Any – hope of engagement?”
Vicki almost started. “Engagement?! Don’t you think it’s too soon to be thinking about something like that, Alec? I’ve only been going out with Jimmy for a month. It isn’t time to talk about marriage, or anything like that yet. And we’re still studying.”
“Yeah, I know that. I don’t see why you two shouldn’t get engaged, anyway. You are so – good – together,” Alec said, trying to keep his voice steady. He didn’t know why on earth he was talking about Vicki and Jimmy, but his tongue wouldn’t listen to his mind. He wasn’t prepared for Vicki to let out a lilting laugh. “Don’t give me that trash, Alec.” She sighed and picked at the end of her sleeve. “I’m not too sure about Jimmy myself. I know for certain that he loves me, but I’m not sure about myself.”
Alec’s heart jumped. “What are you talking about?”
Vicki seemed about to open her heart and pour out what was inside her when suddenly she closed up. “Nothing,” she said, shaking her head violently to emphasize her words. “I don’t know what got into me. I don’t mean that. Don’t take it seriously.”
Alec was silent. He looked at the leaves swirling down and thought, *Why won’t she tell me? What made her close up like that?* “Are you serious about Jimmy?” Good grief! What had gotten into him?
Vicki looked at him for a few moments in puzzled silence, then smiled. “Alec, what makes you take such a sudden interest in Jimmy and me?”
“Sorry,” he said. “I – well, I’m not interested, just…asking.” Oh boy, how lame that sounded. He could see that Vicki was very much amused. “Never mind. Don’t talk about it anymore,” she said. “Do you think Benny and Ruby will make a good pair?”
“Huh?”
Vicki once more gave him a perplexed look. “What IS the matter with you today, Alec? You’re so strange!”
“Ah, there’s nothing wrong with me. Benny and Ruby? Er – sure, great. Yeah.” He grinned as genuinely as he could at her. “It’s a good idea. What do you want to do – be a matchmaker?”
“NAH! I don’t believe in all this match-making stuff. If they are meant to be together, then I shall simply let nature take its own sweet time, because they’ll be united in the end.”
Alec looked at her disbelievingly.
“I caught that look!” Vicki said, piqued. “You think I don’t mean it?”
Alec looked innocent. “Why no. Whatever made you think that?”
Vicki grinned. “Oh, forget it. It’s not important anyway. I WON’T help Benny and Ruby and that’s the end of the matter.” She hesitated, then leaned towards him. “But it wouldn’t do any harm to – ahem – help them a little, right?”
Alec looked at her, then burst into fits of laughter.

Chapter 21

When they arrived at Vicki’s apartment, they found that no one was in. Ruby had left a message on the counter saying: ‘Out with Benny. Will have dinner with him. Be back very late.’
“How do you like THAT?” Vicki exclaimed. “That girl runs off with Benny Chan and leaves me stranded here!”
“There’s me, right?” Alec joked.
Vicki shrugged. “You! I don’t even know whether you’ll stick around.”
“I will. Count on me.” There was something in his voice that made Vicki look up and stare at him. Alec, feeling that he couldn’t trust himself to look back at her, turned away and plopped himself down on the sofa. “So the environment here is supposed to be better than the library, right?” he asked. Vicki grinned guiltily. “Don’t make fun of me.”
“I’m not!” Alec protested. “How could you ever think that?”
“Hmm. Whatever. I’ll make myself a cup of tea and if you want one, you better come along and make it yourself.”
“Ok. Geez, women ARE petty,” Alec grumbled. He got up and followed her into the kitchen. Vicki reached up into the cupboard and brought down the tea bags. They each made a cup of tea for themselves and, stirring the hot, steaming liquid, carried it into the dinning room and put it down on the dinning table. Vicki had put the library books on the table before and now she took the one lying on top and opened it. “Can’t imagine myself going through all these,” she said, nodding towards the books. “But I know that sooner or later I’ll finish them up and borrow another – say, twenty – books again.”
Alec smiled at Vicki. “Looks like we’re just two friends spending yet another evening together,” he said.
“Hey, am I that bad?” Vicki asked, and both of them laughed. Vicki looked up to face Alec. And looking up to face him turned out to be a BIG mistake. As she looked at him she suddenly realised how gorgeous he was, and such beautiful eyes he had. And as Alec looked at Vicki, he discovered once more how beautiful she was, and how magnificent her eyes were. He leaned forward, forgetting everything but the loveliness of her face, and they kissed and broke apart.
Vicki looked at him without moving for almost twenty seconds, then suddenly she rose and went over to him, hugging him. “I want to sit on your lap,” she whispered. Alec pushed his chair back and she sat on his lap, looking deep into his eyes. “I wish…” leaning forward, she kissed him as if her life depended on that kiss. He felt the life being sucked out of him and he pressed closer, not wanting her to draw away. “Can’t you see,” she murmured against his lips; “didn’t you see it? I’m crazy about you.”
Alec raised his hand to his face, bewildered. “Vic…” he whispered. Then he couldn’t contain himself and before long Vicki’s lips were locked on his in wild kisses, one after another. They kissed until their lips were sore, and even then she refused to let go of him. All of a sudden he gave in to the urge which had been in him for weeks, and said straight out, “Vicki, I love you.”
There was a gasp and Vicki’s hand fell away from his head. But he didn’t flinch. “You don’t mean it,” she said. “You can’t love me.”
“I do,” he insisted.
It was too much for her to soak up. “But…you have never given me any sign…”
“I didn’t because I didn’t want to be the third person in your relationship with Jimmy.”
Vicki looked absolutely bewildered.
“I thought I’d totally lost you then,” he continued. “I thought you really loved Jimmy.”
Vicki looked away. “I – don’t know what to say,” she said, sighing.
Alec looked at her and burned with love for her. He felt a longing to kiss her again, and it was so overwhelming that he couldn’t resist it. “Then don’t say anything,” he said, drawing her lips to his once more. “We could be doing this all day,” he said after they had kissed. He saw the smile which came into Vicki’s eyes. “No kidding,” she said.
For answer, he said, “Have I ever tell you that you are the most gorgeous girl I’ve ever met?”
“I don’t believe you have.”
“Then you’re the most gorgeous girl I’ve ever met.” Alec leaned forward and kissed her neck. She sat there, trembling inside, as his lips searched her shoulders, her neck and her face. Somehow she felt really guilty for doing this to Jimmy, but she couldn’t help it. He started nibbling her ear, and she felt as if an electric current passed through her body. She lifted his face and pulled his mouth to hers again. It felt so right – so good to be pressed against him, to be kissing him. So much more – correct than being with Jimmy. If love felt like that, she never wanted to fall out of love with this wonderful guy.

Chapter 22

Ruby unlocked the door to her apartment, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. She’d spent a great evening with Benny. He was such a marvelous person!!
She stopped dead. Who was that sitting on the sofa?? She took a step nearer and gasped. Vicki and Alec! Fast asleep in each other’s arms! She couldn’t believe her eyes. Was she hallucinating? Couldn’t be! It looked real!
Should she wake Vicki up and ask her what was all this madness about? Wasn’t Vicki supposed to be with Jimmy? Oh boy! This was ridiculous!
She needn’t have debated whether or not to wake Vicki up. The next moment Vicki stirred, opened her eyes and yawned widely. “Vicki!” Ruby hissed.
Vicki almost jumped to find Alec’s arms tightly clasped round her. “Ruby?” she yawned. “Hi. Just came back?”
“You shouldn’t be the one asking me questions! Why are you sleeping on the sofa with Alec?” Ruby was full of questions. Vicki gently entangled herself from Alec’s arms and stood up, stretching herself. “It’s a long story.”
Ruby frowned. “My dear Vicki, you’re supposed to be Jimmy’s girlfriend! How can you betray him like that? He’ll be heart-broken!”
A troubled look came into Vicki’s face. “I know. I’m so worried,” she confessed. “Well, Alec followed me back here after going to the library. I don’t even remember how we started kissing and we told one another that we loved each other. And then…” she groaned. “We ended up on the sofa. I can’t recall how I fell asleep.”
“What are you going to tell Jimmy now?” Ruby exploded. “You can’t leave him in the dark!”
“Shhh!” Vicki hissed. She nodded towards Alec, who was still sleeping. “Don’t wake him up!”
“Do you love Alec?” Ruby demanded.
Vicki nodded.
Ruby almost died.
Vicki groaned.
Ruby moaned.
The two of them were in despair.
Alec slept.
“So what are you going to say to Jimmy?” Ruby asked again.
“I don’t know. I want so badly to be with Alec and tell the world that he’s my boyfriend – but I don’t want to hurt Jimmy.”
“Yeah! You’re so unfaithful to him.”
“Hey! Love cannot be controlled.”
“Well,” Ruby said, trying to sound wise, “you’re not engaged to Jimmy so – you aren’t exactly wronging him greatly. I think it’ll be ok to tell him that you like Alec and that he’s a free man again.”
Vicki looked hesitant. “But that sounds so heartless!”
“How are you supposed to make it sound kind?” Ruby demanded. “Go up to him and say ‘oh Jimmy, I’m so sorry, really I’m so sorry, but I’ve fallen in love with Alec. I wish I could remain with you forever but it’s impossible’???”
Vicki gave Ruby a dirty look. “Can’t you encourage me instead of making me feel more depressed?”
Ruby sat down beside her. “Why didn’t you tell me that you like him?”
“I didn’t think you’d understand. Apparently, you don’t. You think I’m really mean and despicable, don’t you?”
Ruby leaned back and thought about it. “No, actually, I don’t,” she said. “Because I know how uncontrollable love is. And I know how it feels, too.”
Vicki looked at her intently. “Does that mean that my dear friend Ruby Lin is in love too?” she asked. Ruby blushed slightly. “Yes,” she admitted. “I like Benny a lot. He can understand me so well. I feel – I really do feel that we’re meant to be.”
Vicki smiled, happy for her friend but all the more worried for herself. “When are you going to tell him?”
Ruby looked shocked. “I’m not going to tell him! No, no, no. He must make the first move.” She looked sternly at Vicki. “However, I feel that my problem is very minor compared to yours. Going steady with Jimmy and in love with Alec! Only you can come up with something so fantastic, my dear.”
Vicki didn’t even bother to retort. She was in very dark spirits. Sure, it was great to be able to be certain that Alec loved her, but thinking about Jimmy and the pain she would cause him made her more distressed than ever. She didn’t want to tell him the news at all. “Maybe I should just go on with my relationship with Jimmy,” she said. “Break off with Alec and…go with Jimmy.”
Ruby hit her lightly. “Vicki! Are you crazy? I never thought you were so stupid. Fancy going on with someone you don’t love just because you don’t want to hurt him! I know you’re kind and soft-hearted and all, but this is too much! No, you must break off with Jimmy. It’s dumb to continue on with him when your heart belongs to someone else.”
Vicki was in a dilemma. (SO AM I!!!!) What was she supposed to do??
Ruby shook her head. “You’re making some important decisions now, right? I’ll stop bothering you and leave you alone…rest assured…I won’t tell Jimmy about this. I’ll leave it to you to break the news to him.”
She left Vicki sitting in a daze.
At last, Vicki stood up and sat down beside Alec again. She would think over this tomorrow.

Chapter 23

Alec woke up to find himself sitting on the sofa with Vicki’s head on his shoulder. She was sleeping, and he looked down at her, marvelling at how cute she looked when she slept. He remembered last night, and wondered what time both of them had dozed off. Quietly, so that he wouldn’t wake her up, he got up and let her head rest on a cushion. He made his way to the toilet and washed up, looking at himself in the mirror and asking himself why he looked so normal. Then, of course, he had to think about Jimmy. He threw the tissue into the sink in frustration. Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy. It was always Jimmy.
“Oh, you’re up already.” Alec turned to find Vicki standing at the doorway, looking sleepy and adjusting her bra strap. She smiled when he stared at her. “Why, haven’t you seen me before?” she asked, going up to him and kissing him. He let out a silent sigh of relief. So she hadn’t forgotten. “No, I don’t think I’ve seen you before, stranger,” he said, laughing.
“I’m so hurt!” Vicki put on a mock pained look on her face. Alec laughed again and swept her up in his arms. “You look beautiful,” he said, giving her another kiss.
“Wow, thanks, I’m so flattered. Oh my goodness, you haven’t finished washing up yet! Go and finish your job quickly, I’m butting off to the other toilet since you’re hogging this one.”
“Thanks a lot! That’ll cause you a penalty kiss later on.” He thought she looked quite troubled and worried even though she was frolicking around, but since she didn’t say anything, he decided not to ask her about it.
“Oh, no problem, in fact I think I’ll do it now.” Vicki brushed her lips against his and started to turn away, but suddenly he grabbed her to him and kissed her again, more strongly. She responded to him and instead of washing up they stood in the bathroom with their lips on each other’s, savouring the moment. At last Vicki sighed against his lips and pulled her head back. “Sorry, pal, I really have to go to the toilet,” she said. “I’ll finish this up later.”
Suddenly there was the sound of a door opening and someone yawned loudly. “Good ‘orning, everyone!” said a tired voice, and both looked to see Ruby standing at the doorway, stretching herself. “Had a good night?”
“No. You disturbed me,” Vicki said.
“I did,” Alec grinned.
“I should think so!” Ruby said, making a face. “I had a long talk with Vic last night. Surprised that we didn’t wake you up. I thought we talked loudly enough.”
Alec shrugged. “I was sleeping very deeply, I suppose.”
“You don’t know what a shock I had when I came in through the door and found the two of you on the sofa!” Ruby continued. “I almost dropped dead on the spot.”
Vicki exchanged amused grins with Alec. “It’s a good thing you didn’t, right?” Alec said. “We couldn’t have gotten along without our dear Ruby.”
Ruby smiled. “So, may I use the toilet now?”
“Actually, I’m not using it either,” Vicki said. “Alec is occupying it. Come on, Ru, let’s get out of here and satisfy ourselves with the other bathroom.” She released herself from Alec’s grip and went over to Ruby. “Let’s go and change,” she said. She turned around to smile at Alec. “Sorry, Alec, Ru’s more important than you are!”
The two girls ran off, laughing gaily. Alec shook his head in amusement and cleaned up the sink before he straightened his clothes and went out.
The next moment the doorbell rang. He ran to open the door. “Jimmy, hi,” he said weakly when he saw who it was.
“Oh, hi, Alec, you’re early,” said Jimmy, coming into the apartment and looking at Alec with curiosity and puzzlement. He couldn’t remember the time he’d seen Alec in Vicki’s apartment in the morning.
“Not really, it’s like eleven-thirty,” said Alec, laughing nervously. He hoped Vicki didn’t come out and say, “Okay, I’m ready to finish where we left off” or that Ruby didn’t barge out and say “You two lovebirds are in deep trouble. How are you going to tell Jimmy?” “Eaten breakfast?” he asked.
“Yeah, I don’t really trust Vic’s cooking.” Jimmy smiled. Alec nodded, trying to think of something to say. Lately he’d been uncomfortable around Jimmy, but now he felt really awkward. Vicki came rushing out, followed by Ruby. “Jimmy! I didn’t know you’d come so early!” she exclaimed.
“What are you doing here?” Ruby demanded.
“Why, sick of seeing me?” Jimmy teased.
“Of course not,” said Vicki, giggling nervously. “Um, so have you eaten yet?”
“Yeah, oh boy, I’m gonna be saying that all day!” Jimmy grinned and kissed her. It made Alec’s blood boil, but of course he didn’t say anything and hoped that his face didn’t betray him either. Vicki shot a quick, almost imperceptible glance at him. “So do you want to go out today or stay here?”
“To tell you the truth, I’d rather stay here, yesterday has been far too hectic. I’m not spending enough time with you and I don’t like it,” Jimmy said. Alec wanted to strangle him. Not spending enough time with Vicki?! Was he joking?
“Uh – yeah, okay, we’ll stay here,” Vicki said.
Ruby looked at Alec for a moment. “Uh, ok, Alec and I will leave you two alone here,” she said as brightly as she could. “Come on, Alec, let’s leave the two lovebirds alone.”
Vicki dared not look at Alec as she talked to Jimmy in the most light-hearted tone she could summon up.
“Vic, we’re going now,” Ruby said.
Vicki arranged her features into a ‘glad-to-get-rid-of-you’ look. “Yeah, great. Don’t hang around here. Bye,” she said nonchalantly.
Alec gave her a short glance before walking out of the front door. Ruby whispered in Vicki’s ear, “Tell him!” and went out as well.

Chapter 24

When Alec and Ruby came back a few hours later, they found Vicki sitting on the sofa, staring blankly at the wall opposite her. Jimmy wasn’t around.
“Vicki?” Ruby said, shaking her gently. She didn’t answer.
Alec sat down beside her and took her cold, limp, lifeless hand in his. “Vicki, hey,” he said, shaking her as well.
She seemed frozen.
“What’s the matter? You told Jimmy, right? How did he react?” Alec’s worried eyes searched hers. She met his eyes with an unnatural, frightening calm. Ruby, now getting worried, looked at her closely. “Vicki, you’re all right, aren’t you?” she said, laying her hand on Vicki’s forehead. “Good, you haven’t got any temperature. Vicki, please tell us how Jimmy took it. Don’t scare us like that.”
“We’re through.” Vicki’s voice was so soft that it was barely audible. Alec and Ruby had to strain their ears to hear her. “Well, that’s good, isn’t it?” Ruby asked. “Then why do you look so upset?”
“He…he…” Vicki’s voice faltered. Alec squeezed her hand. “Heaven, Vic, your hand is so cold. Are you ok?” he asked concernedly. He’d never seen her look so shaken before, not even that time when Vincent died in the plane crash. He’d never loved her more.
“He almost went mad,” Vicki said, then jerked her hand out of Alec’s grasp. He looked at her, startled, while Ruby frowned. “He – took it very badly. He looked so horrible. Then he just left – like that.”
“You couldn’t have expected him to smile and say it was ok,” Ruby said sensibly but tactlessly. Vicki got up stiffly and made her way to her room. Alec leapt up and caught hold of her wrist. “Vic, are you ok? Don’t leave me,” he pleaded.
“Leave me alone.” Vicki was trembling visibly.
“No!”
“I said leave me alone!” she cried out at him. Shocked, he released her and watched her go into the room and lock the door behind her. After a while, he turned to face Ruby. He knew that the stunned and shocked look on her face was reflected on his own – with anguish and desperation added. “Is she always like that after she has felt that she has hurt someone?” he asked, his voice a monotone.
Ruby shook her head. “No. She’s usually quite ok after a few moments. I’ve never seen her like that before.”
Alec sank into a chair and buried his face in his hands.
Ruby laid her hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry so much, Alec. I’m sure she won’t leave you in the lurch and go after someone else.”
“No, I’m not afraid that she’ll go after someone else. I’m afraid that she’ll go after Jimmy!” Alec groaned deeply at the thought.
“She wouldn’t do that!” Ruby exclaimed. “She loves you a lot. I can tell. Trust me, I’ve known her ever since we were tadpoles. Rest assured, she won’t do that.”
Although Alec lurked about in the apartment the whole day, Vicki didn’t come out of her room. No sound of crying came out of it; nothing but a deathly silence. It was horrible to sit outside her room and listen to that thundering silence. Ruby was busy studying, so the apartment was simply suffocating with the quietness.
At last the door creaked open. In a second Alec was on his feet and had rushed over to Vicki, who was standing holding the doorknob. She looked very white and, all of a sudden, very vulnerable. Alec felt his heart wrench as he looked at her. “Are you ok?” he asked tenderly.
Vicki jerked her head towards the kitchen. “Tea,” she said flatly.
“Ok, I’ll make it for you. Go and sit down.” He helped her across the room and deposited her onto the chair next to Ruby, who took hold of her hand. “Vic, why are you taking it so badly? Things like that happen, you know.”
Vicki didn’t answer. She leaned back on the chair and stared forlornly at the table. Ruby sighed. She didn’t know what to say.
Alec came out of the kitchen with a cup in his hands. He put it down on the table before Vicki and pulled a chair over to sit down beside her. Vicki grabbed at the tea as a young child would grab at a balloon and drank it. After she’d finished the whole cup a faint colour returned to her face and she began to look more like her normal self. Alec put his arm round her and drew her close. “Was Jimmy’s reaction that bad?”
Vicki nodded. “I feel as if – as if I just murdered him.”
Ruby exchanged anxious looks with Alec.
“I’ve never hurt anyone like that before,” Vicki continued with a little shudder. She suddenly clutched at Alec. “You won’t leave me will you?” she looked up at him, an unconscious plead in her eyes. He tightened his hold. “No! Why should I? I love you.”
Ruby, feeling very ‘extra’, smiled to herself and slipped away. Alec and Vicki hardly noticed that she’d gone: they were so wrapped up in each other. “I love you,” Alec repeated softly, staring into her eyes. He lowered his mouth to hers, and kissed her with everything that was in him. “I love you so much,” he whispered, and Vicki felt all her fears melting away like ghosts at sunrise.

Chapter 25

“Here they come,” Benny announced.
Nicky and Ruby turned to behold Alec and Vicki walking up the hallway hand-in-hand. Nicky cupped his mouth and whistled. “Here comes the bride, all dressed in white,” he sang.
Vicki smiled. “Nicky, I think you’re colour-blind! I’m dressed in pink,” she said, her eyes dancing.
“I’m so extra,” Nicky complained. “You have Alec, Ruby has Benny, I have no one!”
“What are you talking about?” Benny demanded. “Ruby and I are…”
“JUST FRIENDS,” Nicky finished.
“No, actually, we’re going steady too,” Ruby said, blushing slightly. Everyone stared at her, but without astonishment for they all knew that it would happen. “Congrats, Ru. Why didn’t you tell me?” Vicki asked.
“How could I? You’re with Alec all the time.” Ruby grinned at Alec, who made a face back at her.
“The two greatest flirts in school have joined up and become a pair,” Benny said, putting his arm round Ruby; “while the two nobodies known as ‘best friends of so-so’ have become a pair, too. What about Nicky? Don’t you simply pity him from the bottom of your heart?”
Nicky sighed and shook his head, an injured expression on his face.
Just then Jimmy walked past with one of his friends. He turned on Vicki such an angry glare that she involuntarily shrank back. All the joy in her face vanished.
Alec’s arm went round her protectively.
Nicky whistled softly. “Looks like he isn’t taking this too well,” he commented. “Don’t worry, Vicki. He’ll come to eventually.”
“I hope so,” Vicki said. “I don’t like this at all.”
“Anyway, it’s time for my lecture,” Alec said, looking at his watch. “Bye, dearest. I’ll see you later.” He dropped a kiss on her cheek and went off.
“Yup, well, time for all of us to spilt,” Benny said. “Come on, Nic. Let’s get going. Bye, Ru. I’ll see you later too.”
Ruby nodded and went off in a different direction. Vicki walked slowly down the hall, thinking. She suddenly felt very frail and helpless without Alec. They’d hardly ever been apart from each other since that day he told her countless times how much he loved her (i.e. last chapter) and now that he wasn’t around she felt quite strange – as if unused to being alone.
She realised with a jolt that her next lecture was to be with Jimmy, and she hoped against hope that she wouldn’t be sitting anywhere near him.
“Hi, Vic!” greeted a friendly voice, and she looked up to see Rebecca smiling at her.
“Hi,” she responded.
“Is it true that you and Alec are an item?” Rebecca asked as they entered the lecture room.
“Yes.”
“What about Jimmy?”
Before Vicki could answer, someone called her name. The moment she heard that voice she flushed. Jimmy waved at her. “Vicki, I’ve saved a seat for you,” he said, and the people sitting around him began to wolf whistle and call out, “Hard courting when boyfriend’s not around!”
Vicki stared at the seat. Did she have the nerves to go and sit on it?
Rebecca gave her a slight push. “Go, Vic. I’m sure he’s got something important to say to you.”
Vicki looked at Rebecca, gaining courage from her smile, then nodded weakly and went to sit beside Jimmy. “What is it?” she asked, feeling more awkward than she ever had in her entire life. Jimmy leaned towards her and whispered, “I’m not angry anymore.”
Don’t blame Vicki for not believing him. After that look he’d given her in the hall, it was almost impossible to believe this. Jimmy nodded. “I’m really not angry. You don’t have to feel sorry for me any longer.”
“Huh…” Vicki couldn’t think of anything to say.
“I know you love Alec. When I looked at you just now I saw Alec’s arm instinctively go round you, and I felt so bad for making you feel like that. These things happen. We were only boyfriend and girlfriend, after all. It’s ok.” He gave her such a warm smile that she was convinced. “Thanks, Jimmy.”
“Oh, no problem,” he said airily.

Chapter 26

Now that the trouble with Jimmy was over, Vicki began to relax and enjoy herself. She and Alec were inseparable, and was hardly seen without the other. Benny and Ruby, too, spent all their time together, and sooner or later Nicky got together with Rebecca. When winter came, bringing holidays along with it, Vicki decided to bring Alec back home and introduce him to her parents.
“I’m kinda worried,” Alec confessed as he sat on her bed, watching her pack her clothes into a suitcase. “What if they don’t like me?”
“They’ll like you, don’t worry. And you’ll like them too,” Vicki said, giving him a happy and joyous smile. He returned her smile. This love he shared with Vicki was so entirely different from the one he’d had with Gena – that ‘love’ had been filled with problem and worry. This love felt so good. Vicki, reading his thoughts clearly, went over to him and gave him a hug. “You’re the best!” she declared.
“So you claim,” he laughed, and threw himself down on the bed so that Vicki was lying on top of him. “But I believe I’m the greatest too,” he added, and Vicki shook her head at him. “Aw, you’re so modest!”
“Thank you so much.” Alec reached up and pulled her lips down on his. They shared a long kiss, then Vicki drew away. “Who says I want to kiss you? I’ve to finish up my packing,” she objected.
Alec grinned at her and looked innocent. “Well, then why aren’t you getting off me and continuing your packing?” he asked. Vicki hit him lightly, then bent her head and kissed his nose. “Hey! Wrong place,” he protested, and she laughed gaily. “Ok, ok, enough of fooling around. I need to pack,” she said, preparing to get off him. Alec, however, grabbed hold of her and held her tight.
“Let me go!” she said, struggling.
“Not until you’ve kissed me again.”
“Oh, you!” Vicki screamed, “Ruby! Help me!”
Ruby came running in and stared at the scene before her. “Uh oh, I shouldn’t have obeyed you.”
“Ruby! Get out!” Alec yelled.
“That’s so mean!” Ruby protested.
“No! Ruby, stay!” Vicki pleaded. “Help me get off this madman.”
Ruby, however, laughed and declined to help her. Instead, she went off to her own room, and Alec grinned devilishly at Vicki. “So, my love, no one is going to help you.”
Vicki made a face at him, then dropped a peck onto his forehead. “Ok, I’ve kissed you. Now let me go.”
“You call that pathetic – thing – a kiss?” Alec said. “Nah, you gotta give me a real one!”
Vicki, after struggling for a few seconds, gave up and kissed him hard. “Is that a pass?”
“Yeah, ok, I’ll stop torturing you.” Alec grinned and let go of her. She scrambled up and returned to her packing. “I don’t know why I continue having a boyfriend like you,” she grumbled. Alec gave her his ‘puppy dog’ look. “You wouldn’t know what to do without me, would you?” he said, assuming a very humble tone. Vicki put on her ‘high-and-mighty’ air. “I can do very well without you!”
“Well, ok, fine!” Alec got up from the bed and walked out of the room, pretending to be offended. Vicki shouted after him, “I’m not going after you!”
Alec immediately turned round and caught her from behind. “You sure know how to make me apologise to you, don’t you?” he said, pressing light feathery kisses on her nape. Vicki smiled triumphantly. “Of course I do.”
The next day, they said good-bye to Ruby and co., and boarded the plane to Taiwan. The flight was long, so Vicki fell asleep and Alec read the latest Jeffery Archer book. By the time they touched down he was half-dead and Vicki had to practically pull him out of the seat. “Come on, lazy bones! If you don’t get up, we’ll be taking this plane all the way to Russia!”
Alec yawned widely and got up, stretching himself. “Will your parents be around to pick you up?” he asked as they left the plane and walked across the tarmac.
“Yes,” Vicki replied. “They’ll be here.”
After they’d collected their luggage, they walked out of the arrival hall, Vicki keeping a sharp lookout for her parents. Suddenly she squealed and pointed. “There they are! Follow me!”
Alec had a hard time following her, for she seemed to dart in and out of the crowds like a shadow. He arrived in time to see Vicki throwing her arms round a motherly, middle-aged woman, then hugging a tall man tightly. A young man standing beside the woman was hugged as well, then Vicki dragged him forward. “Mum, Dad, Chris, this is my boyfriend Alec,” she bubbled. “You’ll adore him! He’s just as good as Vincent, if not better!”
Mrs Zhao smiled at him warmly. “Hi! I’m so glad to meet you at last. Vicki has been telling me so much about you over the phone,” she said.
Mr Zhao greeted him just as pleasantly, and Chris shook his hand vigorously. Alec felt grateful to them for accepting him so open-heartedly, and promised himself that if he married Vicki he would take care of Mr and Mrs Zhao until the day that they died.

Chapter 27

Mrs Zhao proved to be a fantastic cook, and after eating the delectable dinner that she had prepared, Alec leaned back in his chair and declared that it would be a sin to eat any more. Mr Zhao laughed. “I agree heartily with you, son,” he said. “I must say you outdid yourself today, Miriam.” (sorry, first name to come to mind)
“Nothing’s too good for Vicki and her boyfriend!” Mrs Zhao said, but she was beaming triumphantly. Chris almost looked bloated up. “Mum, you’re the greatest.”
“Thank you! I know I am!” Mrs Zhao said, and everyone laughed. Alec felt completely at ease with them. They were so friendly and so lovable. Looking at them, Alec could understand why Vicki had grown to be such a bubbly, cheerful person.
That night, Alec was shown into the guestroom right opposite Vicki’s room. Mrs Zhao told him that if he needed anything during the night, he need only to shout and she would come running.
“Thanks, Aunty Miriam,” he said gratefully.
“Nothing’s too good for my daughter’s boyfriend!” Mrs Zhao said again, smiling at him. She leaned close to him and whispered, “I’m so glad that Vicki is so like her old self. I was going crazy with worry at one stage…you know that time when Vincent died…” Mrs Zhao shook her head sadly. “Poor Vicki…he was such a good boy…so kind-hearted and quick to see the good characteristics in people…oh well,” she shook her head and smiled again, but he could see tears swimming in her eyes. “Have a good night, son!”
“Mum, what are you and Alec gossiping about?” a bright voice asked. Mrs Zhao turned round and saw Vicki leaning on the doorframe. “None of your business!” she said, laughing and going up to her daughter. “Have a good night, sweetie. It’s great to have you back.” She went away, and Vicki walked into the room. “Do you like it?” she asked.
Alec nodded, looking round the room. “It’s fabulous.”
“Hmm – I wouldn’t exactly say fabulous, but it’s almost as good as a hotel room.” Vicki sparkled up at him. “Oh well, I suppose it’s late now. Should be sleeping.” She put her arms round him and kissed him goodnight.
Alec hugged her closely, then said, “Night.”
She walked back to her own room and closed the door. Alec stretched himself, yawned and closed the door of his temporary room. Vicki was right, it was late. He hadn’t realised how tired he was until now. He crawled onto the bed and lay looking up at the ceiling, thinking of Vicki and how lucky he was to have her.
Someone knocked softly, and he jerked into full awareness. “Who is it?” he asked, not bothering to sit up.
“It’s me,” said Vicki’s voice, and the door was pushed open.
“What’s the matter?” he asked, looking at her with appraisal in his eyes. Her slim form was outlined against the brightness of the lights in the hallway. She switched off the lights and came into his room, closing the door. “I don’t want to be alone now.” Her voice was so soft that he had to strain his ears, and the next thing he knew she had gotten into the bed and was snuggling up to him. He put his arms round her and drew her closer.
She fell asleep soon afterwards, and he lay awake, listening to her regular breathing and feeling her body pressed against his. Why hadn’t he fallen in love with her when they first met? They would have had so much more time together. No, don’t ask any questions. They were together now. That was all that mattered.
*************
The rest of the season passed by in a happy blur. Vicki took Alec to all of her favourite haunts, and showed him where all the good food could be found. She even managed to persuade him to eat stinking beancurd (translation, of course) though he almost vomited at the smell. Mr Zhao competed with him at chess and computer skills, while Chris chatted on about ‘manly’ stuff. Mrs Zhao and Vicki made the house echo with their singing, and altogether it was a very pleasant time.

Chapter 28

The pleasant time came to an end eventually, and Vicki and Alec found themselves packing once more to fly back to England. The farewell party at the airport was very doleful, but Mrs Zhao managed to see them off without shedding TOO many tears (which means not crying for 24 hrs straight – quite an accomplishment, don’t u think??).
“Your family is so groovy,” Alec said as they boarded the plane and found their seats.
“Do you think so?” Vicki said, her eyes lighting up. “I think so too!” She grinned and sat down on her seat, buckling her seat belt. “Another long flight,” she sighed. “Oh well, I think I’ll switch to sleeping mode.”
Alec shook his head and sat down beside her. “Get ready to work like crazy,” he said dryly.
When they landed at the Heathrow Airport, both were walking zombies. “And to think we still have to travel for another three hours!” Vicki said with a groan. “I think Ruby arrived yesterday.” She yawned widely.
They had to spend three hours on a train. Alec went to sleep on Vicki’s shoulder, and Vicki, who couldn’t go into sleeping mode anymore, took out a book and began to read. FINALLY they reached Canterbury and got off the train before stretching their stiff limbs. “I just want to go back to my apartment and sleep,” Alec said.
Ruby was waiting for Vicki when she got back. The two girls hugged each other, then Ruby asked, “How was the journey? Absolutely dreadful?”
“Yeah!” Vicki answered with a groan. “Horrid!”
“Poor thing! I’ll make you a cup of tea and then you can turn in, ok?”
“Thanks, Ru. By the way, how did your family react towards Benny?”
“Oh, they were cool about it. Benny and my brother became fast friends. What about you? Knowing Aunty Miriam, he was probably treated like Chris.”
“Yup. There wasn’t any difference, really. But can we quit talking now, because I’m so tired?”
“Of course! So sorry for holding you back.” Ruby gave her another hug as compensation, then hurried into the kitchen to make two cups of tea. Over the tea, they talked about what they had done during the period that they’d been separated, and Ruby went on and on about the fantastic bargains she’d made. “Benny paid so much that he made me feel embarrassed,” she said with a grin. “But it was a nice kind of embarrassment!”
Vicki laughed heartily.
College was to start the next day, so both had a good sleep that night and in the morning Vicki was fresh and ready to face the world again. “Hmm, I think I’ve missed this place,” she said as she and Ruby walked to their lockers. Ruby turned on her an incredulous look. “I don’t believe you! I’m practically DEAD at the thought of going back to lectures and more lectures. Research and more research. Exams and more exams.”
“So you’d rather be buried six foot underground?” Vicki said, shivering. “No thanks. Rather you than me.”
That afternoon, after a very boring lecture, she met Alec at the water coolers. “Wanna go to the brand new café that opened up last month?” she asked. “I need a break from all the monotony.”
“Yeah, great. Why not?” Alec replied. “You want Ruby, Benny and Nicky to come along?”
“Nah. Just the two of us. Oh yes, did you see Jimmy’s new girlfriend?”
“No. Is she cute?” Alec grinned at the face Vicki made at him.
“She’s pretty. I suppose I’ll be meeting her soon.”
The two of them walked companionably out of the building and Vicki breathed in deeply. “You know what? It’s actually quite terrific to be back here in England again. I’ve missed this place.”
“I suppose so,” Alec said.
If only they hadn’t gone to that café that very day. If only their lectures had ended late. If only they had simply headed back to Vicki’s apartment and not gone to the café. If only…

Chapter 29

“Wow! The coffee here has got some standard!” Vicki exclaimed. Alec laughed. “Were you expecting lousy coffee?”
“Let’s put it this way…I wasn’t expecting it to be so good,” Vicki smiled.
Alec was silent for a while, staring at the surface of the table.
“What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?” Vicki asked, looking curiously at him. He smiled and cupped her face with his hands. “Vicki, promise to marry me?”
Vicki stared, speechless.
“I know it’s kinda soon to be talking about things like that, but…I just want to ensure that you’ll be mine forever.” He looked deep into her stunned eyes. “Promise me, Vic?”
“I…” Vicki swallowed, trying to get back her vocal abilities. “Of course, Alec. I want to be with you forever as well,” she said in a low voice. Alec’s face brightened up and he kissed her. “Cool! Having a wife like you will be God’s greatest gift to me,” he said, grinning.
Suddenly the door was bashed open. Everyone in the café jumped and looked up. A horde of men came into the air-conditioned place, all holding guns in their hands.
“Oh no,” Vicki breathed. She grasped Alec’s hand tightly.
“Hands up!” the first man, evidently the leader, shouted. Everybody’s hands automatically went up.
“Hand us all the money you have!”
The men went to each person, demanding money from them. Alec stiffened as one guy pointed a gun to his forehead. He bared his teeth at him. “Hand over your money or die!”
Alec unwillingly handed him some bills, and the robber snatched at them eagerly.
Suddenly the shot of a gun rang out, and someone screamed as the bullet struck the wall and brought down some pictures hanging there. The leader, who was obviously a bloodthirsty man, said, “Destroy them!” with an evil grin.
“Oh shit,” Alec muttered. “Vicki, get the hell out of here!”
Before Vicki could respond, the robbers/killers had started shooting people, and cries were heard everywhere. One man who yelled, “Someone call the police!” was shot down and Vicki watched with terrified eyes as he died.
A robber aimed his gun at Alec and his finger tightened on the trigger…
Vicki watched it all in slow motion…
The gun went off…
Blood splashed out everywhere…
“NO!” the cry rang out.
Alec leapt from his chair and fell to his knees beside Vicki’s prostrate form. “Vicki!” he cried, his voice choked. Somewhere, a police siren was heard and immediately the gang of robbers took off, but he didn’t care. He groped for her, half-blinded by his tears. “Vicki…oh God, no…”
He caught hold of her hand. “Don’t die, Vicki, don’t die…”
Vicki’s eyes were glazed over and her breathing became fainter. “Alec,” she murmured.
“No, don’t leave me, Vic!” he put his arms round her and gathered her to him, wanting to pour out his love for her as much as possible…wanting to snatch her from death…wanting to rescue her from her greatest fear…”I love you,” he sobbed, tightening his hold on her. “I love you.” He pressed her hand, and there was the faintest pressure back. A pressure which said ‘I love you too’ as loudly as a shout. “No…Vicki, please…”
Her body went limp in his arms. “Vicki!” he cried desperately, too caught up in emotion to think clearly…too clouded to act rationally…no, no Vicki, please don’t do this…not to me…Vicki, don’t leave me!…he sat there amidst the other crying people who’d been left alive…none heeding the ambulance sirens and the policemen’s shouts…which simply faded into the background as their loved ones were snatched from them…into the background…snatched from them…into the background…

Chapter 30

“What else, grandpa?” I asked softly, my eyes filled with tears.
My grandpa looked at me, his eyes faraway…I knew he was still in the past. “She died,” he said simply. He heaved a deep sigh. “They brought her to the hospital as quickly as possible, but to no avail…she was pronounced dead upon arrival.”
“And – Alec? How did he take it?”
At seventy-two, Nicky Wu was a strong man, but even so he shook visibly. “Alec was never the same again. He died too – no, not literally, but he died inside…we could see it so clearly. He’d died along with Vicki…he had no more excitement, he no longer looked into the future. He simply threw himself into his work – working until he almost fell ill. He became rich, though – but he gave most of his money away. He never married, of course. He died of a sudden heart attack when he was 65.” He almost stamped his feet in frustration. “Why did she have to die? She was so frightened of dying! Yet she had to be taken away – she was so young, so full of life, so full of promise! And Alec, who loved her so much, had to be separated from her!” he shook his head angrily.
“And yet,” he continued, “it was so beautiful to think of it…she had been terrified of death, yet she had loved Alec enough to die for him – her love for him was greater than her fear of death. Sometimes I think…if only they had never been to that damned café that day – she would probably still be alive now. Alec, too. You’d have loved her if you had seen her, Cecilia…she was so beautiful, so joyous…” his expression saddened.
I sat motionless on my chair.
“Ah, it was all a long time ago now,” said the old man sadly, “a very long time ago…”
“What was Vicki Zhao like, grandpa? Was she exceptionally beautiful?”
“Was she beautiful? Yes…but the first time you looked at her you didn’t think about whether she was comely or not. She had this look about her…so mischievous and laughing and innocent and pure that it wiped everything else from your mind. She was pretty, though…that pretty, pretty girl! She was so bright and cheerful and merry…she lit up the room the moment she entered. Full of joy – full of song – Alec almost went mad when she died. And she was so afraid of death…” he paused for a while. “You don’t find girls like her nowadays.”
I sat in silence, digesting the love story; the beautiful, romantic love story – and felt very much for Alec Su. To have lost his girlfriend, almost his fiancée, was indeed very distressing.
“I have a picture of Alec and Vicki,” my grandpa said suddenly, and exited the room. He came back a little while later holding a photograph in his hand. Two young, gay faces looked up at me. The girl was a beauty; my grandpa had been right in saying she was so innocent and pure that it wiped everything from your mind…the boy was more serious, but he, too, was very comely. They looked so happy that my heart ached for them.
There must be many couples sharing the same everlasting, deep love that Alec and Vicki shared…loving each other whole-heartedly and selflessly…absolutely and completely…
That she had loved him enough to die for him although she had been so frightened of dying…
That she had died in his place…
All I can say is: God bless those couples like that, and grant them a future together.

ALTERNATIVE ENDING

“Alec!” Vicki approached him as he was drinking from a water cooler. “I heard that there’s a brand new café just down the street. Do you want to go and check it out?”
“A brand new café?” Alec looked at her quizzically.
“Yeah, according to Ruby, it opened up last month. What do you think?”
“Ok! Why not?” He straightened his back and said, “Let’s go now! I don’t have any more lectures lined up for today, anyway.”
Just as they were about to walk out of the University, someone called them. Both turned to see Nicky dashing up to them. “I just received some money today from my dad,” he gasped, breathless. “I’m thinking of buying all of you lunch. What do you say?”
“Really?” Vicki opened her eyes wide with delight. “Benny and Ruby?”
“Everyone, including Rebecca, Jane, Mike, Pete, Emmeline…everyone!”
Alec nodded enthusiastically. “I never turn down a free lunch!” he turned to Vicki. “Why don’t we check out the café tomorrow instead? It won’t run away.”
“Ok,” Vicki said. “I never turn down a free meal either, lunch or otherwise.”
So the big group went happily to a restaurant which sold first-class food and had a lip-smacking time while the people in the brand new café suffered several losses.
*************
That night, while Alec was sitting on Vicki’s bed, reading one of his library books, Vicki came in with a plate in her hands. “Brownies,” she announced. “Ruby and I have just finished making them. Try one?”
“Are you sure I won’t get food poisoning?” Alec asked dubiously. Vicki stuck her tongue out at him. “Don’t be mean! You KNOW that I’m a passable cook!”
“Hmm, I don’t dare to agree to that,” Alec laughed, but he took one brownie anyway. “Not bad for your first time. Can be improved, though. Say, Vic…”
“Yes?” she asked, putting down the plate on her desk and sitting down beside him. Alec put his arm round her and hugged her close to him. “You won’t ever leave me, will you?” he asked seriously. Vicki looked at him in astonishment. “Whatever makes you think that I’ll leave you?”
“Well, will you?”
“Of course not. Don’t be silly!” Vicki snuggled up to him.
“Then…promise me you’ll marry me next time?”
Vicki laughed heartily.
“I’m not joking!”
Vicki took his hand in hers and rubbed her head against his neck. “Of course. I don’t want to be with anyone else.”
Alec’s face was engulfed with happiness. “Having you as a wife will be God’s greatest gift to me,” he said, and bent his head to kiss her.
Just then the door burst open and Ruby, Benny and Nicky poured in, all laughing hysterically. Vicki stood up on the bed with arms akimbo. “What were you doing? Eavesdropping on us?” she said sternly.
“Congratulations! Congratulations! You’re engaged!” Benny said, helpless with laughter.
Ruby climbed up onto the bed as well. “Do I get a hug?” she said, holding out her arms.
“Not from me!” Vicki said defiantly, but she hugged her, anyway.
Their laughter echoed in the apartment for a long, long while, and, I believe, for many more years. Henceforth let the story of ‘Renowned Flirts’ come to a conclusion.

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