Love of Our Lives (Complete)

Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22  

Chapter 1

Alec Su whistled softly to himself as his friend, Jimmy Lin, turned into the small parking lot behind the fire station. He waited for the car to stop before stepping out into the bright sunlight of the mid-August day. Glancing at the city fire station with the fire trucks all lined up and ready to save lives, Alec smiles and asks Jimmy, "So what is this story of yours all about again?"
Jimmy, as a journalist, was there to interview the head of the Fire department. Alec, had simply come along for fun out of lack of plans on a Sunday afternoon.
"I have to write about the effects of the new state fire code policy that's just been put into action last week and do interviews." Jimmy responded with a tone of exasperation. "It's gonna be boring so I don't know why you wanted to come."
Alec shrugged, "What else am I gonna do today?"
The two walked into the main building of the station and headed for the Chief's office. Alec watched Jimmy interview the head of the Shanghai fire department on everything from basic procedures to the new fire code. After an extremely uneventful hour, Alec snuck a look at his watch before falling back into his stupor with halfhearted interest. Why did I come along? he thought. What a stupid, stupid idea.
Just then Jimmy stood up and thanked the Chief for his time. Alec too, woke himself up and followed Jimmy out of the office, yawning and stretching his tired muscles.
"Oh man-- I thought we'd be there forever! Why'd you have to ask so many questions?" Alec asked as he rubbed his stiff neck.
Jimmy snorted and answered, "I told you so. Next time I have an assignment you won't be so fast to follow me eh?" He chuckled at the sheepish look on Alec's face.
Alec had just opened his mouth with a retort for Jimmy when suddenly, a deafening ringing started. Flashing lights went on all around them as the place instantly sprang into action. Firefighters were running past them screaming directions to each other while getting suited up and climbing onto the trucks. The Chief himself hurried out of his office and sped past the two boys. Alec and Jimmy turned to each other with identical looks of excitement. A playful twinkle came into Alec's eye and an idea into his head.
"Jimmy!!" Alec started, "Let's follow them! Quick we can get in the car and go to the site of the fire. C'mon it'll be something cool to watch at least."
Jimmy nodded quickly, also very curious about the situation and they ran out of the building to Jimmy's parked car. A second later the first fire truck pulled out of the station, lights and horns screaming. Jimmy stepped on the acceleration and the blue Toyota pulled into traffic.

Vicki Zhao climbed hastily out of the window of her 4th story apartment onto the fire escape. She thanked God once more that she had smelled the smoke early and had enough time to get to the window in her bedroom. With one final forlorn look at the bed and furniture she would never see again, Vicki started her descent down the stairs. At the 2nd floor landing, an old man was desperately trying to pull his frail wife out of the window. Vicki rushed over to help and together, the old woman made it out onto the fire escape.
"Are you alrite ma'am?" Vicki asked, concerned that the old lady had suffered during her struggle out of the apartment.
She let out a cough before shaking her head and the old man thanked Vicki gratefully for coming to their rescue. Vicki paused a moment to let the elderly couple go in front of her when she heard the blaring sound of fire trucks. Eagerly spinning around to catch a glimpse of the firemen, she was caught completely offguard when a can of hairspray near the window suddenly exploded from heat. Vicki yelped in pain as sharp scorch marks appeared on her left arm and burned her sensitive skin. Dammit, she thought to herself, now I'm gonna end up with scars all up and down my arm. Holding her burnt arm gingerly while fighting the pain, Vicki climbed down the last two flights of steps to safety.
"Miss! Are you hurt? Is anyone else still up there?" A firefighter ran up to Vicki.
She quickly told him no and that he should go look for other people who might be in greater danger before wandering out to the front of the building. Three fire trucks were parked there along with half a dozen police cars and the evacuated people from her apartment building. Curious onlookers also lined the curb, trying to see some of the more interesting action. Vicki took up a spot next to the elderly couple she had helped a few minutes ago and a pair of young men, while waiting for the fire to stop.

Alec looked at the burning building and the firefighters rushing up to it courageously, entranced. Finally, he thought, something exciting happened today. Just hope no one was hurt though...
"See? The life of a firefighter is extremely interesting. In fact! I'm gonna add this to my story!" Jimmy commented as he began jotting down notes in his notebook.
Alec shook his head at his friend's dorkiness . As he turned to his right, where a young girl was standing in silence, he noticed the bright red marks on her arm.
"Oh my gosh! Miss, you've been burnt!" Alec cried out, pointing to Vicki's arm. "You need to go to the hospital!"
Vicki looked up at the guy that had just spoken to her. "Oh no, it's not as bad as it looks, really. I'll be fine."
Jimmy turned around too at Alec's loud outburst. He saw Vicki and her burns.
"How can you be fine? That must hurt a lot. You should really listen to my friend here." Jimmy suggested kindly to Vicki.
Vicki simply smiled at the two of them and insisted that she'd be ok. What nice guys, she thought looking at both of them, they're so concerned even though they don't even know me.
"Or at least, use my cell phone to call someone and have them take care of you if you don't want our help." Alec held out his cell.
Vicki accepted the offer, realizing that it was a good idea since now that her apartment was gone, she needed a place to stay too. She dialed her cousin, Ruby's number and thankfully she was home. Ruby was instantly worried and promised to be there ASAP. Vicki thanked Alec and returned his phone to him.
"So, you lived in that building huh? How did the fire start?" Alec asked. Jimmy, meanwhile, had gone off to interview some other survivors.
"I have no idea really." Vicki smiled wistfully, "Sucks that all my stuff was in there though."
"Yeah... so sorry about that." Alec said, truly sympathetic.
"But I guess I'm really lucky to have made it out with my life right?" Vicki said to him with a real smile this time. Alec felt his breath catch in his throat, what a beautiful smile.
"What brings you to this part of the city anyway? You don't go to the University do you?" Vicki continued, oblivious of Alec's reaction.
"Uh... university?" Alec stumbled, "Oh! No, no I'm already out of school."
"Really? What do you do then?" Vicki asked, interested now.
"I'm um...," Alec racked his brain for something to say other than the truth, "I'm training to be a fireman!" Ohmygosh anything but that, he mentally whacked himself over the head, I'm such a moron.
"A fireman??" Vicki furrowed her brows, confused. "You certainly don't look the type..." she added, taking in his neat khakis and polo shirt.
"Well, uh..." Alec hesitated, at a loss for words.
That moment, a white VW Jetta pulled up in front of them and Ruby Lin hopped out.
"Vicki!! Oh thank goodness you're alrite!" Ruby hugged Vicki tightly, not even seeing Alec there.
"Ruby, I'm fine." Vicki smiled as the two cousins released each other.
"What's that?" Ruby grabbed her arm. "How can you say you're fine?? You've got burns! Quick, get in the car. I'm taking you to the hospital right now!"
Ruby practically shoved Vicki into the passenger seat before jumping back into the car herself. The Jetta sped off through the wreck of people, cars and trucks surrounding the area. Alec stood in the same spot as five seconds ago, except now without Vicki. Vicki, that's her name... he pondered. Oh well, what does it matter, I'll never see her again in this lifetime. With one final glance at the now smoking but fire-less building and one last thought of Vicki, Alec turned away from the scene and went to find Jimmy.

Chapter 2

Vicki winced as the doctor applied more medication to her wounds. Even though she knew it would help prevent the burns from scarring, it sure didn't help any of the stinging. Ruby watched her poor cousin and reminded the doctor to please be gentle. Vicki gave her a grateful smile. The doctor finished up and told Vicki to come in next week for a followup appointment. After going through all the necessary procedures, Vicki and Ruby went outside into the parking lot.
"Vicki does it hurt a lot? Lemme see." Ruby said with a worried expression on her face.
"Oh Ruby! Stop worrying so much. I'm not a baby you know." Vicki scrunched her face up and pretended to be annoyed. Both girls burst out laughing as they were like sisters, incredibly close. Then, Vicki sighed.
"What's wrong?" Ruby questioned. They approached Ruby's Jetta and got inside.
"I have to go back to school tomorrow!! Wahhh..." Vicki moaned. "And I have nothing to wear, LITERALLY!"
Ruby shifted into drive as they pulled out of the hospital parking lot and gently consoled Vicki, "Don't worry, you'll come stay with me and you can borrow my clothes. I'm sure your professors will understand what happened to your books and all."
"Really?" Vicki perked up. Living with Ruby would be so much fun. They'd be just like sisters, for real! "Are you sure Ruby?"
"Of course!" she smiled at Vicki, "You'll come home with me right now."
"Yay! This isn't so bad after all then. I didn't die today, I get a new place to live with my favoritest person in the world," Vicki grinned at Ruby, "and without any books, I can't do my homework! Wahoo!"
Ruby simply rolled her eyes at Vicki's childishness but couldn't help grinning back.

The week passed uneventfully by and soon Friday came, signally that the weekend was finally here. Vicki dropped by her old apartment to try and salvage whatever she could, but the only non-burnt things left in her room were a ceramic vase and a metal picture frame. She picked through the charred remains of her clothes without avail and soon gave up. Ruby came shortly afterwards to pick Vicki up and while driving away, Vicki waved good-bye to her old home that had been so familiar to her before turning around to face a new start.
"Ruby, you've been too nice to let me stay with you, I promise I'll get a job and be outta your hair by next week." Vicki said seriously.
"Nonsense! I don't want you to leave! Who else am I gonna stay up to all hours of the night gossiping and doing homework with?" Ruby responded, laughing.
It was true, the two girls shared a very special bond. Aside from being cousins, they were naturally compatible and each of their personalities complimented the other. Both cousins were incredibly pretty and kind-hearted, although neither had had a serious boyfriend to date. Living together was really no problem for them, since Ruby's apartment had a spare bedroom anyway and they attended the same college. Although Ruby's place was slightly further away from the campus than Vicki's, Ruby's Jetta made the commute easy.
Vicki stared out the passenger side window as Ruby drove through the city towards the hospital. She glanced down at her still bandaged arm, wishing that it would heal faster. Now that the initial danger and shock of the fire had worn off, deeper troubles settled in to plague her. Even if she doesn't get another apartment right away, Vicki promised herself that she was definitely gonna find a job soon.

"Alec, help me file some of these papers will you?" Benny Chan asked as he handed a large stack of files to Alec.
Alec groaned, pretending to stagger under the weight of the papers. "Do I have to?? What are you doing?"
"I'm going to observe the surgery going on upstairs. Some guy just came in with a bullet in his hip!" Benny's eyes flashed excitedly while Alec winced at the image. Being a premed student and spending all his free time at the hospital where he interned, Benny had long become immune to all types of horrifying accidents. Alec, however, was not accustomed to this environment at all. He was only there to visit Benny but now it looked like he was gonna be staying for quite a while, Alec thought as he eyed the giant stack of papers.
"C'mon just help me out this once! I'll be forever grateful..." Benny pleaded, "This might be one of my only chances to observe bone surgery! You wouldn't want me to miss that now would you?"
"Uh...," Alec honestly couldn't imagine why anyone would want to see that, but knowing Benny, relented and agreed to help.
Picking up the first folder unenthusiastically, Alec got to work finding its proper place amongst the millions of file cabinets in the office. About half an hour later and no sign of Benny returning, Alec was just about ready to call it quits. The huge stack had barely lessened and the situation was beginning to look hopeless. It was then he decided that he desperately needed a break and went out into the corridor to find a soda machine.
Meanwhile, Vicki had just stepped out of her doctor's office where she had been waiting for the doctor to call her in. Ruby was there in her place right now as Vicki went to get a soda for her parched throat. At the opposite end of the hall, she saw a guy come out of what appeared like the room where all the hospital's records were kept. The two drew closer together, towards the vending machine in the middle of the hallway and both jumped with surprise at recognizing each other.
"Aren't you... the guy from the other night? At the fire?" Vicki asked Alec, unsure.
"Yeah, what a coincidence to see you here." He smiled for he genuinely was glad to see her again. Alec spotted her bandaged arm and said, "I see you finally took my advice and got that treated."
"Well, yeah my cousin insisted." Vicki responded as she tossed in her money and pressed the button for a diet Coke.
"Diet? What for! It tastes so bad," commented Alec as he chose a Cherry Coke.
Vicki laughed softly, her eyes twinkling, "It's healthier than that bottle of sugar you've got there. For a doctor, shouldn't you know better?"
"Huh? Doctor?" Alec gave her a puzzled look. Since when did I look like a doctor? he thought silently to himself.
"Aren't you one? I just saw you come out of that office down there," she replied, pointing to the filing room. "Though I'm pretty confused myself. You told me you were a firefighter last time we met, remember?"
Alec felt himself flush with embarrassment. Oh goodness... how did all these misconceptions occur? he asked himself. Before he had a chance to respond, a middle-aged nurse appeared behind Vicki, telling her that the doctor was ready to see her now.
"Oh alrite." Vicki thanked the nurse for the message and then turned back to Alec, "Well, it was nice seeing you. Maybe we'll do it again some day..."
She smiled at him before turning away to follow the nurse into her doctor's office. Alec heard himself mumble a bye but his mind was actually still spinning. How odd to see her again like that, he pondered, carrying his soda back to the office. And now she thinks I'm a firefighter AND a doctor!
With a wry smile, Alec swung open the door to the office and got ready to finish sorting. Except during his absence, another stack just as large as the first had appeared on the desk. A post-it was attached to it, saying 'Alec- a patient just came in with a fractured collar bone! can't get away now, so please file these for me. thanx- Benny.'
"Argh!!" Alec let out a shout of frustration. "Benny! I'll get you for this!"

Chapter 3

Vicki read the address over to herself again while checking the bus schedule. Finally she found the right bus and it happened to be pulling into the station at that very moment. She got on and found a seat towards the back. Having nothing else to do, Vicki looked out the window and simply enjoyed the ride through the city.
Ruby had offered to drive her to her job interview today but at the last moment, she had some errands to run so Vicki relieved her and decided to take the bus. She felt extremely nervous since she really needed this job to help pay for things and not just have Ruby buy everything.
Soon the bus came to her stop and she got off while digging for the slip of paper with the address on it. Su Tower, she read to herself, 30th floor, Mrs. Chu. Spotting a building that matched the description of the Tower that she had gotten from Mrs. Chu, Vicki began walking towards it. Mrs. Chu was a family friend and when Vicki had told her parents about the fire, they got in contact with Mrs. Chu and asked her to find Vicki a job as a favor. Luckily, she was looking for a secretary at the time and offered Vicki a chance at the position.
After going through the security guard at the gate and more at the front entrance, then having to ask where the elevators were located, Vicki made it to the 30th floor. She found Mrs. Chu's office quite easily in comparison and knocked on the door politely before being called in.
"Vicki! Oh my, you've grown so beautiful these past few years. How is school?" Mrs. Chu got up and embraced Vicki.
"It's good, everything's really good." she responded while sitting down, following Mrs. Chu's gestures.
"I'm so sorry to hear about the fire." she shook her head sadly, "It's such a shame."
"Yes, but thankfully no one was seriously hurt." Vicki pointed out.
"Oh of course!" Mrs. Chu smiled, "Well, let's not waste any more time, we'll just have a quick interview now. I'm sure that you'll be qualified enough for the job, dear."
The interview was short and Mrs. Chu hired Vicki as her new secretary/assistant. Although Vicki could only work from 11am to 4pm due to classes, she still gave her the job out of respect to her parents. Vicki left the office, tremendously happy and excited to tell Ruby the good news!

On her second day of work, Vicki arrived promptly at 11am and sat down at her desk. Soon Mrs. Chu came out of her office with some paperwork for Vicki to complete.
Office life was easy to adjust to for Vicki, she liked working in such an orderly, professional environment. However, other than Mrs. Chu's matters, she knew very little about the company itself. She had heard that the entire company belonged to one man, who was also the president. He was a self-made millionaire and everyone respected him for it. Also, this Mr. Su, was the ultimate in power here so all the employees were incredibly intimated by him. Personally, Vicki thought him to be some rich, snooty old man that sat around in his big office all day spending his money and having people wait on him.
Unknown to her, that very same Mr. Su was presently walking out of his office and getting into the elevator. Alec punched in floor 30 and felt the pressure in his ears as he descended. He was going out for lunch and decided to stop by Michael Wong's office to drop off a document. But to be honest, he was really going to see Mrs. Chu's new secretary. Rumor had it that this girl was supposed to be unbelievably pretty and many male employees struggled to meet her sometime. Alec smiled ruefully to himself as he was now one of those men. Actually, he reasoned with himself, he was going to deliver something to an employee who just happened to be in the office next door to Mrs. Chu's. There was nothing wrong in that right?
The elevator came to a stop and the doors slid open allowing him to exit. An employee whom Alec barely recognized quickly called out a "Good afternoon Mr. Su!" before getting into the elevator Alec had just gotten out of. He shook his head with disbelief at the way people treated him around here. After all, he was just a normal guy too!
A few minutes later, Alec was shutting the door behind himself as he came out of Michael's office. A young investor, fresh out of grad school, Michael was Alec's age and in this sense, he felt somewhat close to him. Still, like all the other employees, Michael regarded Alec as his boss and acted deathly nervous around him. Now that his initial priority was done, Alec tried to nonchalantly wander towards Mrs. Chu's office. Then he saw her, Mrs. Chu's new secretary... and it was HER! Vicki, the girl from the fire and the hospital, he could hardly believe what his eyes were telling him.
Seeing that she had not yet sensed his presence, Alec walked over quietly and lowered his head just in front of her face and with a smile, "Hi there."
Vicki jumped backwards in surprise and was even more shocked when she recognized the guy standing in front of her.
"Ohmygosh! It's you, how... what... you work here too?" she exclaimed.
A little surprised and amused that she didn't know who he was, Alec replied, "Yeah, I do. Are you Mrs. Chu's new secretary?"
"Yeah!" she laughed, her voice tinkling like bells, "I just started yesterday! But, hey... aren't you a fireman? Or a doctor or something? How come you ended up in business!"
Alec reddened. It was his own fault really, for having too much free time that he was constantly goofing off in other places where he didn't belong.
"Well... you see, that was all a big misunderstanding. I'm neither of those things really."
"Oh, aren't we mysterious? So stranger, can you tell me your name at least?" Vicki asked cutely.
"Alec... uh, yeah Alec. And you?"
"Vicki," she extended her hand to him with a grin, "It's nice to meet you, well like officially. You don’t know how nice it is to see a semi-familiar face in a new place like this."
"Really? Do you feel uncomfortable here?" Alec inquired, concerned that she was unhappy.
"No, no. Nothing like that, it's just that I feel like I'm so young and inexperienced compared to everyone else here. Don't you sometimes feel the same way working here?"
Alec struggled not to laugh when he responded, "Uh... yeah, I guess that can be true."
Missing his tone, Vicki continued, "Like that Mr. Su! You know, the president?" Alec's eyes widened but once again Vicki missed it. "I heard that he has a gigantic office on the 53rd floor and yet, he's hardly ever around. Hmph! Sounds pretty lazy if you ask me."
"55th floor," he corrected automatically. Inside, he was stunned at her impression of him. "Are you sure? I don't think that's true."
"I duno... if you ask me, he's probably really greedy and old too!" She giggled, "Some cranky old kook!"
Just as Alec was about to explode, Mrs. Chu's door swung open. Scared that she would be reprimanded for slacking off, Vicki immediately plunged herself into her paperwork and tried to look diligent. Little did she expect what happened next.

Chapter 4

Adjusting her backpack so that it fit more comfortably, Ruby walked briskly across the campus quad to her next class. Soon the Lit. building loomed in sight and she checked her watch to make sure she wasn't late. With just two minutes to spare, Ruby started to jog. When she arrived at the classroom however, the doors were locked and there was a flier posted on the door. 'Contemporary Lit. class cancelled. Keep working on your essays till next week. -Professor Han.'
Ruby sighed in frustration, what a waste of breath. She turned back around and started down the steps with the intention of going back to her apartment and catching up on some homework. Suddenly, she saw a guy carrying a camera and a clipboard heading her way. Uh-oh, Ruby thought to herself, another one of those dumb petition people trying to save the rainforest or fight for animal rights. She tried to make a run for it by heading in the opposite direction but a voice stopped her. Giving up and admitting defeat, she spun around, prepared to have some activist-freak preach to her for the next half hour but was pleasantly surprised to see a normal-looking guy half-smiling at her.
Jimmy tried not to stare at this girl, for she was quite pretty and concentrated on his task at hand instead.
"Hi, I'm sorry to bother you but I'm a journalist from 'Shanghai Today' and I was wondering if I could interview you for an article." He asked, a bit nervous for he never usually conducted interviews with such beautiful young girls.
Ruby smiled back, relieved that he wasn't with the Save the Whales Foundation or anything. "Sure, no problem." She hesitated for a moment as an idea sprang into mind, "But only if you'll accompany me to lunch. I'm awfully hungry now and I didn't even have breakfast this morning. Please?"
Jimmy took one look at her cute pleading face and agreed instantly. "Where to?"
Happy that she now had a companion for lunch, Ruby suggested, "How about the little sidewalk café by the zoo? It's not far and we can walk."
Ruby's words proved true for they arrived within a few minutes and were soon eating. After introducing themselves officially, they found that they had a lot in common. Jimmy had so completely lost himself in Ruby's sweet presence that he didn't remember his article until she reminded him.
"Didn't you say something about a newspaper article you had to do?" Ruby inquired.
"Oh yeah!" Jimmy mentally reprimanded himself for getting so distracted. "The topic's a bit controversial, I don't know if you might have any objections or not."
She gave him a quizzical look before replying, "Tell me it and I'll see."
"It's about organized cheating." He hesitated to watch her reaction and then continued, "Like websites with answers, selling old notes, getting copies of tests, that sort of thing. I'm just supposed to ask if you know anything about this stuff and your opinion of it."
Ruby thought for a moment about the topic. Although she had reservations, she pushed them aside. Jimmy seems like a trustworthy enough guy, I'm sure there's nothing to worry about, she assured herself.
"Actually, the topic sounds really interesting." A look of relief came over Jimmy's face which persuaded Ruby to go on, "I wouldn't mind talking about it at all."
He smiled, amazed at her good-naturedness. All of a sudden, his article didn't seem like such a drag to write anymore.

It wasn't until they had arrived at the restaurant, gotten seated and ordered, that Vicki got her chance to express her feelings.
"Alec, I just wanna ask you." Vicki spoke firmly and clearly to let Alec know she was serious. He looked up, not expecting this tone from her. "What were you doing back there? Pretending to be someone else."
Bewildered, Alec simply stared back at her. "Huh? I don't know what you mean..."
"Were you deliberately trying to make me look like an idiot?" Vicki felt her voice rise in anger but she didn't care. "Cuz guess what, it worked. I felt like a total fool standing there when Mrs. Chu revealed who you really were."
"Oh, that. Is it really that big of a deal? I thought we were just joking around. Forget about it." Alec tried to lighten the situation by cracking a smile, but Vicki glared stonily back at him.
Before she got a chance to throw back another line, the waitress came with their orders. The food looked scrumptious, for after all, Alec had brought her to one of the city's best restaurants. That was another thing Vicki was beginning to dislike about him. When they had first met, she thought he was just a regular guy and even started to feel a little something towards him. Now though, as she took in the luxurious surroundings, his expensive Armani suit and the delicacies set before them, she realized that he was totally out of her league. A millionaire, she scoffed silently, what am I doing with him? Just then, Alec's voice cut into her thoughts.
"Are you gonna even try the food? It might help your appetite to eat you know." He grinned at her, hoping to see the familiar sparkle in her eye. But it wasn't there.
"Well, thank you very much for the advice, Mr. Su." Vicki replied icily.
Alec frowned, hurt by her cold attitude. "I was only kidding around. Please don't be mad anymore."
Vicki looked him in the eye and seeing the hurt she had caused there, almost gave in but forced herself to break the gaze and stiffen again. "I'm not angry." She replied and whispered, "Just hurt."
But Alec heard the last phrase and grabbed Vicki's hand across the table, forcing her to look up at him. "What did you say? Why, how have I hurt you?"
Caught off guard, Vicki merely shook her head and freed her hand from his grasp. Alec realized he had gone too far and decided to let the topic go, for now. After all, he thought, as they resumed their meal in silence, there would be plenty more chances in the future to see her and next time, he would be sure not to hurt her.

Chapter 5

After their lunch the week before, Alec and Vicki pretty much avoided each other at all costs for awhile. While Vicki was still a little mad at Alec, she was even more afraid to go near him now that she knew who he was and how much power he held. As for Alec, he was just really confused at his last action during lunch, which was grabbing her hand. He couldn't understand what had made him do it, except at that moment, when he heard that he had hurt her, all that he could think of was how to make her feel better. That instant kept replaying itself over and over in Alec's mind to the point where he would go walk past Mrs. Chu's office or visit Michael, all in hopes of seeing her. Twice, Vicki had seen him pass by and twice, she had lowered her head or ducked under the desk, pretending to pick something up. She didn't want the all mighty Mr. Su to know she was developing odd feelings for him, given the fact he was her boss and a millionaire.
On Friday at four, Vicki was packing up her stuff and getting ready to leave when Alec walked up to her desk, unexpectedly. Startled, she quickly looked up and greeted him with the customary, "Good afternoon, Mr. Su."
Alec's forehead wrinkled in frustration. He didn't understand why Vicki insisted on being so formal towards him. "Vicki, you don't need to call me that. After all, I hope we can be friends and not just have a professional relationship."
Taken aback by his frankness, Vicki protested, "But sir, how can that be possible? You're my boss and--"
"Vicki!" Alec surprised even himself, at his sudden interruption. He rushed on, "Stop, we met as just two normal people and I'd really like to keep it that way. I want you to treat me as anyone else, not as your boss ok?"
Hesitating, she finally responded, "Alrite, Mr.-- I mean, Alec."
Pleased with his progress, Alec smiled before asking, "Are you just getting ready to go? Would you like a ride back to campus?"
Vicki felt incredibly timid right then and nodded shyly. Relieved that she had actually accepted, Alec picked up her bag for her and started toward the elevator. Downstairs, in the main lobby, the security guards and receptionists all greeted Alec respectfully. Vicki felt very self-conscious to be walking out with him. She snuck a peak out of the corner of her eye at the guy next to her. He looks so cute and young, not at all like what I expected the rich president of a company would be, she thought as they reached his designated parking space where his BMW was located. Seeing the car, Vicki sighed inwardly. Once again, another reminder why the two of them come from different worlds. Alec took no notice of her conflicting emotions as he shifted the car into reverse before deftly shifting into 1st gear and pulling out of the parking lot. A minute or so passed and he felt compelled to say something to her.
"So..." Alec started lamely, "There's going to be a dinner reception next weekend. Did you know?"
Vicki turned to him with a puzzled look, "No, when did we find this out?"
Just then, Alec realized his own stupid mistake. Of course she didn't know, he had only given the final approval for the banquet an hour ago, invitations were being printed right now. "Oh, I'm sorry. It's my own fault. See, I forgot that I had just finished setting the plans for the dinner with the board executives a little while ago. No one has been informed yet." he said, smiling apologetically.
She let out a little giggle, "So I'm the first to know? I feel so special now." Her eyes twinkled merrily as she turned to Alec with a grin.
He couldn't help but laugh too. Soon the atmosphere in the car became much more relaxed and the two chatted like old friends. Traces of status, money and class faded as the conversation became just like any other between two regular people. All too soon, Alec was slowing the car to a stop before the campus Science Hall. As Vicki pulled her backpack and jacket out of the car, Alec called out to her, "Vicki, will you accompany me to the banquet?" Seeing the shocked look on her face, he hurriedly added, "It's nothing serious! I just need a date, you know for business reasons. And I'd prefer it to be a friend."
Vicki's face softened from her initial reaction and she suddenly felt that shy, timid feeling again. She nodded to him before shutting the car door and waving good-bye. Watching the car pull away from the curb, Vicki turned and headed up the front steps with mixed thoughts of Alec on her mind.

That night, Ruby and Vicki decided to stay in and rent a movie. However, before the Vicki even got the movie started, Ruby came into the living room screaming with the newspaper in her hand.
"Ruby, what's wrong? Calm down!" Vicki stopped the video and faced Ruby. "Stop yelling."
Practically seething with anger, Ruby replied, "LOOK AT THIS!! Go on, read it!"
She shoved the newspaper into Vicki's hands. It was folded back so that the main article on the page was a short 2-column one with the headline, 'College Cheating Becomes New Crime Wave as One Ex-Criminal Reveals All'. Vicki looked up again at Ruby, totally lost.
"Keep going. You'll see what I'm talking about then." she prodded.
Turning her attention back to the article, Vicki began to read. Her eyebrows shot up her forehead within the first few lines and soon her expression changed to confusion then anger and finally, outrage.
"How could they print this!! A complete lie! I can't believe this!!" Vicki screamed, indignantly.
The article can basically be summed up as this. A 21 yr old university student admitted to having cheated numerous times and even helping set up a few dishonest systems for future students. Additionally, this 'young pretty-faced girl who seemed innocent enough, felt no remorse or guilt at any of her past devious acts.' It was obvious that the 'ex-criminal' referred to was Ruby and even more blatant was that the article was all lies. Now, Vicki understood fully why Ruby was livid, she was too.
"Ruby, how did this happen? Did someone make all this stuff up?" Vicki asked.
Suddenly feeling guilty that she hadn't told Vicki about Jimmy earlier, Ruby recounted the whole story, including how he had seemed so friendly and promised that nothing bad would go in the story.
Vicki gave Ruby a hug to console her as Ruby said, "And I trusted him too! How could I have been so stupid? These journalists are all the same, pure evil and selfish inside!"
Thinking it over in her head, Vicki didn't want to upset Ruby any more. "Maybe, it wasn't all his fault." Ruby gave her an incredulous look. "I mean, maybe it was changed without his knowing!"
Now it was Ruby's turn to think. What Vicki's saying does have its point and he did seem to be genuinely nice..., Ruby's thoughts trailed off.
She forced herself to smile and push her anger aside. "Oh forget it. Let's not let that stupid article ruin the movie right?"
Even though she didn't really believe her, Vicki let it go for she too, had something on her mind that she wanted to share. "Yeah you're right... Hey Ru, I have something to ask you about."
Ruby looked at her to continue so Vicki did. She launched into an account of how Alec had offered her a ride today and how he asked her to the dinner, then how she felt whenever he was nice to her. When she was finished, she asked, "So do you think it was a good idea for me to accept his invitation?"
"Why not? It'll be a good chance to spend more time with him and that is what you want, right?" Ruby tossed back at Vicki.
Blushing at Ruby's guess that came so close to the truth, closer than Vicki would rather admit, she shrugged and tried to look nonchalant. "I didn't say that! Just that if he needs someone to go with then I guess it wouldn't kill me to help him out..."
Giggling at her friend's blindness to what was right under her nose, Ruby simply smiled knowingly as Vicki got up to start the movie again. She could deny it all she wanted, but Ruby could already tell that her cousin was definitely falling for this guy.

Chapter 6

Carrying his rented tuxedo in one hand, Jimmy snapped his cell phone shut with the other. He turned to his friend, Benny and said, "Well, looks like its just the two of us tonight buddy. Alec says he's gonna be stuck in a board meeting for at least a couple more hours."
Benny sighed, then responded, "That new office opening in Hong Kong is sure causing a lot of trouble for him. Hell, it's even creating trouble for us!" He held up his own tux rental for emphasis. "If I wasn't such a good friend, I really wouldn't go to this stupid banquet."
Nodding in agreement, Jimmy said, "Did you get a partner for the ball yet? Alec told me he already found one."
Incredulous, Benny stopped walking and faced him. "Alec?! Are you kidding me! Since when did he take an interest in any of the girls he knew?"
Laughing along, Jimmy suddenly paled and stared straight ahead. Not even noticing the weird look he was getting from Benny, all he saw was Ruby seated at a table with another girl. Ever since the article was published, Jimmy's felt horrible and incredibly guilty about it. He spoke with his editor and fought with him numerous times over the changes that were made without his consent. Changes that made sweet, kind-hearted Ruby sound like a criminal. Jimmy felt his heart wrench at the thought of how much she probably hated him right now. He knew he had to apologize to her, find some way to make it up to her if it was possible.
Striding over to where the two girls were sitting, Jimmy gathered up his courage and got Ruby's attention. "Um... Ruby. Hi, it's Jimmy remember me?" He smiled feebly, waiting for her response.
Vicki and Ruby both lifted their heads from their menus at the same moment. While Vicki's large eyes were filled with anxiety at hearing the word Jimmy and watching her friend's face nervously, Ruby's face showed nothing but contempt and pain.
"Yes. I remember the last time we met very clearly." Her words rang out sharply and coldly.
Benny resisted the physical urge to shudder. So this was the girl that Jimmy had been so worried about from the article. Man, she looked MAD, he thought, slowly backing away to avoid the explosion that was to come. The other girl's quite a beauty though, he observed, but somehow I doubt she likes us any more than Ruby does, being her friend and all.
"Ruby, I'm so sorry about the story. Honestly, I never meant for it to turn out that way!" Jimmy began. "You have to believe me, I really didn't know about it. My editor, you see, he--"
Cutting his sentence in half, Vicki jumped up from her seat. "Stop lying! Haven't you hurt Ruby enough? Leave her alone will you!"
Angrily shoving Jimmy aside, Vicki pulled Ruby out of her seat as well. "C'mon Ru, let's go. Don't listen to this snake, he probably just wants to use us for another one of his stories!" Trying to drag Ruby away, Vicki was totally surprised by Ruby's next line.
"No, Vicki wait. I wanna hear what he has to say." She said calmly and turned to face Jimmy. "Go on, tell me what happened."
Sighing gratefully, Jimmy continued, "Well, then my editor decided to make the story 'juicier', shall we say. And without telling me, I swear I had no idea! He changed a lot of your quotes and added stuff so that... well, it turned out the way it did."
Vicki scoffed loudly, not believing him at all. Just before she could interject with anything else though, Ruby replied, "That's the truth? You promise you're not lying?"
Benny decided to step in and help his friend out. "He's really telling the truth." Vicki and Ruby both raised their eyebrows at his entrance into the discussion. Who was this? they questioned silently. Benny smiled, guessing their thoughts and added, "I'm Benny Chan, a good friend of Jimmy's. Please, Ruby," he turned to speak to her specifically, "forgive him. He really is a decent guy."
Jimmy felt himself blush and gave Benny a look of sincere thanks. He looked directly into Ruby's eyes and almost begged her, "Can you forgive me Ruby? Please... I really want us to be friends." She smiled slightly which gave him strength to keep going, "Last time when we met, I thought you were an amazing person and we had a good time together right? So let's not have it end there, can't we become closer?"
Ruby felt all her anger melt away as she saw the special light in his eyes as he spoke to her. His voice sounded so genuinely sorry and sincere, she couldn't help but believe him. And he was right, it would be a shame for their friendship to end so soon after it began... with all these reasons, Ruby relented. "Ok, you win. I forgive you." She felt like a warm feeling of happiness as she watched him smile with relief. "Let's be friends."
Jimmy felt as if a giant load was suddenly taken off his shoulders and without realizing, reached out and hugged Ruby. Caught off guard, she responded shyly at first but his arms felt surprisingly reassuring around her and she hugged him back.
Benny and Vicki glanced around sheepishly, feeling a bit out of place as the reconciliation took place. Now embarrassed as they realized what they were doing, Ruby and Jimmy parted, each smiling bashfully.
"Oh well Jimmy, if Ruby can forgive you, then I guess I do too!" Vicki laughed as she clapped Jimmy on the back like an old friend. "I'm Vicki Zhao by the way."
The four reintroduced themselves formally before sitting down again to resume their meal together. It went by rather pleasantly and they all became very familiar with one another. Towards the end of the evening, when they were getting ready to separate again, Jimmy asked Ruby, "Ruby, if it's not too forward, would you like to go to a ball with me next Saturday? It's for a friend's company and a recent new office branch that he's opening."
Ruby blushed at his invitation and nodded, feeling very excited that she was going to be his date. At the same moment, Benny turned to Vicki and popped the same question to her. "Since we don't know each other that well, actually we just met, will you go with me as friends? See, I don't really wanna go even, but we promised our friend and he insisted we bring partners also."
Benny grinned at Vicki, expecting her to smile back but Vicki's head was spinning as she processed what Jimmy and Benny had just said.
"Wait a minute! This friend... with the company, what's his name?" She asked, already guessing the answer.
"Alec Su." Both guys responded, not understanding why it mattered. Ruby gasped out loud, recognizing the name as Vicki's boss and also, date.
Vicki laughed ironically and told Benny, "I'm sorry, Benny. I can't go to the ball with you," His face fell and she continued, "Because your friend, Alec, is my date."
Benny and Jimmy's eyes widened to the size of marbles. "What?!" Benny cried, "You're the girl Alec is taking to the ball??"
"What a small world! You guys know Alec?" Ruby added to the confusion of the moment.
It took a few minutes to sort out the mess as Vicki explained how she worked in Alec's company and they had become friends. Then she and Jimmy remembered each other from the night of the fire when she had first met Alec.
"It was very dark that night!" Jimmy claimed as Ruby teased him about his bad memory.
Everything was cleared up in the end and the foursome parted, still laughing about the incident. As Jimmy and Benny walked back to their cars, Benny remarked, "So Alec's taking Vicki, how did he ever get so lucky?"
Jimmy laughed, "Seems to me, like she's pretty happy to be with him too."
Rolling his head upward to the sky, Benny cried out in mock desperation, "Oh Tian ah! Help me find a pretty girl to take too!"

Chapter 7

Scanning the room once more, Ruby looked to see if Vicki had arrived yet. Jimmy noticed her inattention in his story and asked her if anything was wrong.
"Oh, no! Nothing, just... I'm worried about Vicki." She responded with a look of anxiety.
"Worried? Why?" He grinned, "Don't be. Alec won't bite her you know."
Ruby smiled too, feeling more relaxed. "I guess you're right. I'm just afraid she'll be really nervous cuz it's a lot of responsibility to be such an important person's date!"
Jimmy pouted, pretending to be hurt. "Are you saying I'm not important?"
"Of course not!" Ruby joked along. "You're just a--"
"Hey! There you are! I was wondering where you guys would be." Benny's pleasant voice cut into their conversation.
"Benny! How nice it is to see you again." Ruby greeted him.
"You too Ruby. I must say, Jimmy, your date is quite a beauty." He complimented before pulling another young lady over. "This, is Gigi Leung. She happens to be in one of my classes and was kind enough to accompany me here tonight."
Gigi smiled warmly and Ruby felt herself immediately liking this girl. The foursome started talking and all got along well, except Ruby still couldn't put Vicki's well-being to rest. As if reading her mind, Gigi pointed out, "Look! Isn't that Mr. Su, the really rich businessman? And who's that girl with him, I didn't know he had a girlfriend."
Ruby and Jimmy exchanged apprehensive looks. Uh-oh, does Gigi like Alec too? their eyes asked. Benny sensed their uneasiness and laughed.
"Guys, don't fret. Gigi's father is also in the business industry and that's how she stays informed on who's who and all that." Benny explained. "After all, she's my date! Why would she even look at boy-billionaire Alec, right?"
Relieved that Vicki's interests were still safe, Ruby observed her cousin and her date quietly. Although she looked a bit anxious, Vicki seemed to be enjoying herself. They were standing on the other side of the room, by the executives' table talking to an older couple who were obviously of some merit. That moment, Vicki caught Ruby's glance and winked at her with a grin that said not to worry about her. Finally putting her anxieties aside, Ruby gave Jimmy her full attention again.
"Do you waltz Ruby?" He asked a minute later as the orchestra started playing.
She simply smiled and allowed him to lead her onto the dance floor. As Jimmy wrapped his arms around her, they joined the other couples dancing together, just enjoying the evening.

Towards the middle of the night, Vicki began fighting the urge to snooze. At first, the role of the president's date seemed exciting. Everyone treated her graciously and complimented her. Alec was wonderful to be with and she was having a great time. However, as the evening wore on and the endless line of pleasantries were exchanged between them and all the other classy couples, her excitement quickly faded. How can Alec stand to be around these people all the time? she wondered. Each person she was introduced to seemed more pretentious and conceited than the last. Even worse, despite their polite exteriors, she sensed no one really saw her as an equal, but as merely as a child.
"Please pardon us, Mr. Eng. I see someone I simply must speak to." Alec excused with a lie as he lead Vicki away from the crowd. He wasn't stupid, he had picked up long ago on Vicki's boredom and felt really bad for bringing her here. Coming upon the drinks table, he spoke to Vicki in a hushed tone, "I know you're miserable and I'm sorry but I can't help it."
Surprised that he knew the truth, Vicki shook her head, "No no, it's not that bad, really." Alec raised his eyebrows at her. "Well... ok. Yeah, it is that bad." Vicki relented grinning.
Not able to suppress a smile, Alec slipped his hand through hers and cocked his head towards the dance floor. "Wanna dance then?"
Nodding enthusiastically, Vicki happily accepted the offer. Dancing had to be better than mingling with more snobs.
Alec wrapped his arms around her slender waist and pulled her close. He could smell her perfume, or was it just the light scent of her shampoo? Smiling to himself, he felt extremely content with this girl in his arms. She had performed brilliantly tonight, he contemplated silently. Enduring all those fake, superficial people all for his sake and while looking pretty, cool and poised too. Luck must be on his side tonight.
Vicki rested her chin on Alec's shoulder, realizing how relaxed and comfortable she felt in his embrace. She could see Ruby and Jimmy dancing slowly across the room, happy smiles on both their faces. Benny too, seemed to be enjoying himself, laughing and talking with a girl she didn't recognize. Feeling the best since she had gotten here, Vicki tipped her head up to look at Alec. He met her gaze and nearly lost himself in her sparkling eyes smiling up at him. His heartbeat sped up and a strange feeling crept through him as he struggled to think clearly.
Without warning, the music stopped as the orchestra announced they were taking a short break. Alec released Vicki reluctantly, stirred out of his dreamlike stance from a moment ago. Vicki too, was almost relieved for the intermission. The way Alec's eyes had so intensely bore into hers frightened her for it made her head spin with emotion. Unfortunately, the end of the music apparently seemed to signal a new beginning for conversation. Vicki tried to bring Alec towards where Ruby and Jimmy were, but without success for a man in his late 30's with his wife hurried up to them.
"Mr. Su! How have you been? This is Lily, my wife." He launched into small talk as Alec grimaced visibly before plastering a smile on his face. Vicki though, couldn't handle it anymore.
"Excuse me, I'm so sorry," she interrupted. "I really need a glass of water, I'll be right back." Smiling politely at the couple and flashing Alec a look of apology, hoping he would understand, Vicki rushed off towards the refreshment table.
After consuming two glasses of water, she saw that Alec had moved onto another couple, looking remarkably similar to every other pair they had spoken with tonight. Sighing and rolling her eyes, Vicki prepared to head back into the jungle (so to speak). The view on her left though, caught her attention and she walked towards the large window for a better view. Outside, it was night and all the city's lights were shining brightly. Since the manor was located on the outskirts of Shanghai, she could see a large portion of the cityscape.
Backing up slowly, Vicki's eyes were still fixed on the magnificent view when she accidentally stepped on a spoon lying on the floor. She lost her balance and stumbled backwards a few steps, fatefully right into the large ice sculpture behind her. The giant swan teetered dangerously back and forth a few times before toppling off the table and landing on the floor with a 'SMASH'.
Every pair of eyes in the ballroom turned to Vicki and the pile of shattered ice at her feet. Refined ladies gasped quietly in shock as their dates tried to smooth over the incident. Vicki felt her face turn bright red and didn't know what to do. She simply whispered a humiliated 'Oops'.

Chapter 8

"Did you find them?" Ruby asked Jimmy when he had returned to the ballroom.
Shaking his head no, Jimmy said, "I just don't get it. Where could they have gone?"
Benny smiled and consoled, "Guys, don't worry about them. I'm sure Vicki's fine and Alec would have made her feel better. Let's not let it spoil our evening too, right?"
"Benny's right." Gigi agreed, slipping her arm through his. "Ruby, Alec seems like a good guy, he won't let anything happen to Vicki."
Ruby looked up upon hearing her name, and slowly returned Gigi's smile. "Ok, you guys win. Let's go dance."
She took Jimmy by the hand and led him onto the dance floor while Gigi did the same with Benny. As they started dancing, Ruby felt her thoughts wandering to Vicki subconsciously. She couldn't help worrying about her younger cousin, especially after seeing how humiliated she was earlier. Oh Vicki, please don't still be upset, she silently pleaded, please be ok.

Vicki's laughter rang out across the still night air. She was practically tearing from Alec's funny story. He took one look at Vicki's hysterical face and cracked up as well. Coming to a rest atop a hill, their laughter slowly subsided. Below them was a golf course, faintly illuminated by moonlight. The entire scene was so peaceful and serene, it seemed to be a million miles away from the chaos and noise of the city.
Wrapping Alec's jacket tighter around herself, Vicki started down the hill carefully as to not trip on her high heels. Alec steadied her from behind by placing his hands gingerly on her waist.
"Wow. I never knew a golf course can look so pretty." Vicki smiled, closing her eyes and enjoying the stillness of the evening.
Alec watched her face relax and all the tension from earlier disappeared. This was Vicki, he thought, peaceful natural and away from the materialistic world in that ballroom. Seeing her so comfortable, he began to feel more at ease too. Somehow, he had no problem sharing stuff with her, in fact, he felt an unusual amount of trust towards someone he'd only known for a month.
Feeling his gaze on her, Vicki opened her eyes and asked, "Why are you staring at me? Do I have something on my nose?" She joked, going up to him and sticking her nose in his face. "Huh, huh? Do I?"
Startled, Alec backed up hurriedly and tripped over his own feet. Vicki burst out laughing uncontrollably, holding her stomach in pain.
"Hey! Is that any way to show respect to your superior!" Alec demanded, grinning from his sitting position on the ground.
"Ow, ow! My stomach!" Vicki cried. "Oh... a thousand pardons, Mr. Su." She bowed deeply for emphasis just as Alec flew up and knocked her over onto the grass as well. Now it was his turn to laugh, watching Vicki's face register the fall. Angry at first, Vicki soon found the humor in the whole situation. Here they were in their finery, lying on top of each other on a golf course in the middle of the night. What were the odds? she wondered, sitting up and pushing Alec off of herself.
"Mr. Su," she exclaimed, "Do you know what grass stains DO to evening gowns like this!!"
Alec cocked an eyebrow at her before replying, "Well, do you know what happens to Versace tuxes when one actually does more than mingle and sip cocktails in them?"
Vicki couldn't help but grin, "Hm..." she put on a face of seriousness, "I suppose you're in grave danger then, because I don't think those things are made to sustain actual FUN!" She jumped up suddenly to avoid a second blow from Alec. Smiling flirtatiously at him, she ran off into the darkness, daring him to follow her. Never being one to pass up a challenge, Alec grinned and ran after her.
"Vicki! Oh Viiiccckkii...! You can run but you can't hide!" He threatened, glancing in all directions for some movement or such. After a few minutes of dead silence, he started to feel nervous. What if she fell somewhere and is hurt? Just as he was about to call her name again, a shadow darted out from nowhere, running towards him. His reflexes quick, Alec hopped out of the way and grabbed Vicki by the waist, swinging her around amid her squeals before losing his balance and collapsing onto the ground.
"No fair!" Vicki protested, sitting on Alec from where she had fallen onto him. "I was gonna get you back!"
Smiling up at the pretty girl whose hair and dress were now all rumpled, Alec felt a wave of emotions come over him. He'd never met a girl quite like her before, someone who wasn't all stuck up and self-involved but instead, carefree and fun. The moment turned serious as both their hearts began to beat faster upon realizing the closeness of their bodies. Reaching up with one hand and bringing her face closer to his, Alec's eyes bore into hers, filled with an inexplicable emotion that one could only feel not explain. A second before their lips were to meet, someone's voice cut through the night.
"Ruby, are you sure Benny and Gigi went out this way? This path doesn't lead to the parking lot." Jimmy opened the back door of the manor and looked around without seeing Vicki and Alec.
Another figure appeared from the doorway, "Oh sorry, forget it. I see them, they're by the coat room." Ruby tugged on his sleeve as they both turned around and went back inside.
Breathing a sigh of relief that they hadn't been spotted, Alec helped Vicki to her feet. He cleared his throat awkwardly, not sure of what to do now that the moment was spoiled.
"Alec..." Vicki began softly, "Um, I think we should go home now. The ball's over." She pointed towards the front of the building where cars were starting to leave. With no other choice, Alec nodded in agreement and they started walking back in silence.

Chapter 9

"Not again!!" Vicki wailed while squinting her eyes as she watched her golf ball sail into the gleaming lake. Pouting to Alec, she tugged on his sleeve like a child, "Alec... do you have another ball? I just want one more chance!"
Alec laughed heartily as he rummaged through his golf bag for more balls, "Vicki, that's the third ball you've sent into that lake! Don't you think it's time to give up, hm?" Tossing the ball to her, he walked over to where she was setting up her shot.
"Not at all! What would be the fun in that?" She grinned cheekily at him before winding up her shot. Smack! went the club as it made contact with the ball. This time though, the little white dot actually made it safely across the lake and landed... in a sand pit.
Trying unsuccessfully to suppress his laughter at Vicki's horrified expression, Alec couldn't help it anymore. Holding onto her shoulder for support, he gasped out, "Oh, man... if I had known... how can anyone... be so BAD at golf..." His words were drowned out as a new fit of laughter surfaced.
Placing her hands on her hips, Vicki pretended to look offended. "Alec Su! Are you suggesting that my golf skills aren't exactly... up to PAR!" She giggled before exclaiming, "Get it! Up to par!" Finding it hilarious, she nearly fell down laughing. Alec took one look at her hysterical face and started all over again.
Once their silliness subsided and they gathered up their stuff, it was time to continue with the game. Vicki had been appalled when they had first gotten there at the prospect of carrying such heavy bags for 18 holes! Absolutely refusing to do so, Alec had no choice but to rent a golf cart. Upon parking the cart by the green, they got out and walked over to their corresponding golf balls. Alec went first, chipping his ball easily onto the green where it stopped a few feet short of the hole. Replacing his club in exchange for his putter, he went over to where Vicki was climbing into the sand trap after her ball. Even though he had bought all the proper equipment for her, the shoes, the gloves, the clubs... Vicki's golf skills were horrific to say the least. Every hole proved to be another hilarious fiasco as she struggled with the game.
"Aha!" Alec watched as she finally whacked her ball out of the sand and onto the green. "How's that for a beginner?" Smiling smugly at having done something well for once, Vicki scrambled out of the sand.
Alec smiled as he lent her a hand and helped her choose a putter for her next shot. "See?" He told her as he measured his own putt. "Golf is a very fun game," Clunk! went his ball as it fell into the hole, "Once you know how to play." Alec grinned at her in self-satisfaction.
Vicki scoffed while getting ready for her turn, "Show-off." She muttered under her breath. Aimlessly batting at ball, she caused it to roll too far and miss the hole by two feet. She sighed impatiently as she walked over to try again.
"Wait! Vicki, you're doing it all wrong." Alec came forward and took her club out of her hands. "Look," He instructed as he demonstrated the proper way to hit it. "Now you try."
Determined to prove that she could play semi-decently, Vicki concentrated extra hard on her putt. Alec watched amusedly at the way her cute face scrunched up in seriousness. Bringing her to play golf had been an impulse, a whim. He got the idea this morning when he thought of their other evening together and since it had been on a golf course, he thought why not! Maybe it would give them a chance to sort out what happened that night, or better yet, what almost happened... Alec never stopped thinking about that moment. They had been so close, but now when he thought of it, he didn't know how he felt anymore. He liked Vicki a lot, that much he was sure of, but whether or not he wanted to pursue a relationship with her, or better yet if she would let him! he had no idea.
"Wahoo!! Alec did you see that??" Vicki ran up to him screaming with excitement. Alec grimaced, shaking his head, "Sorry but... eh- I missed it."
Vicki's already large eyes rounded even more as she started yelling, "What!! How could you! All my hard effort and my beautiful shot... and you MISS it! That's it, I'm never forgiving you!" Huffing and puffing, Vicki stomped off towards the golf cart. Plopping down in her seat, she continued to sulk like a baby.
Perplexed and regretful, Alec tried to console her, "I'm sorry Vicki, honestly! I should've been watching your shot not daydreaming. Ok? Forgive me?" Alec's eyes were so filled with remorse and guilt that Vicki had to relent.
"Well... ok." She grinned letting Alec know she wasn't seriously mad. "But you still gotta take me out to dinner one of these days as punishment!"
Sighing with relief that he was being let off so easily, Alec agreed eagerly. Just as they were teeing up at the next hole, a crack of lightning resonated through the sky. Within seconds it felt like, the sky was filled with angry black clouds and a fierce wind started up. Vicki looked Alec for direction and he called out, "We have to head for shelter! This is really bad. A golf course is the most dangerous place to be during a thunderstorm." Grabbing Vicki by the hand and his golf club with the other, he ran back towards the cart. That moment the heavens spilled open and they were pelted with heavy rain on their drive back towards the country club. The lightning was terrifying as it lit up the suddenly dark sky. Vicki hid against Alec half from the rain and half from the loud thunder. Once safely inside the main building of the club, they were able to relax and sat by the window to wait out the rain.
"Look at us!" Vicki cried. "We're soaked to the bone!"
It was true, the rain came down so hard that during the short ride over, all of their clothes were drenched and Vicki's hair was hanging in limp strands dripping with rainwater.
Alec ran a hand through his equally wet hair before saying, "At least we're ok. You don't know how scary it is to be golfing during a storm. The chances of getting hit by lightning are really high."
Vicki nodded silently realizing the danger they were just in. Noticing the clock hanging by the front door, she jumped to her feet in alarm. "Oh no!! It's almost 4! I have to go to class in 10 minutes!"
Alec got up too and said, "You wanna go right now? I'll take you but," he paused. "You're all wet and if you don't get out of those clothes, you're sure to catch a cold." Alec looked at her with concern.
Vicki shook her head stubbornly, "No no, this class is really important. I have to go." Her eyes softened as she saw Alec's worried expression for her. "Don't worry, I'll be fine. Just please take me to class. I promise, afterwards I'll be a good little girl and drink some chicken soup." She smiled up at him, looking so sweet and innocent that he couldn't say no.
"Alrite, let's go." Alec gave in, frowning at the rain that was still pouring outside. He sighed in frustration at how a nice fun afternoon had turned so ugly so fast. "So much for a second chance..." His remark was unnoticed by Vicki as she pushed open the club door and broke into a run through the driving rain towards his BMW.

Chapter 10

[Ding-Dong]
Vicki tossed open her covers again and shoved her feet into her slippers while reaching for her robe. That Ruby, she must've locked herself out, Vicki reasoned crossly. How can a girl get any rest around here?
[Ding-Dong]
"Alrite, alrite! I'm coming!" Vicki called out. She could practically feel her temperature rising and her headache worsening. Ooh Ruby, I'll get you for this...
She swung open the door, mouth half open ready to fire at Ruby before her shocked eyes took in Alec's presence at her doorstep.
"Alec! What... uh-- what are you doing here?" Vicki tightened her this robe around herself, feeling completely aware that she looked horrible. Her hair hadn't been brushed all day, she had huge bags under her eyes and she was wearing fuzzy yellow slippers on her feet for goodness' sake!
"I noticed you missed work and that you were sick... and I just wanted to come and see how you were feeling." Alec looked around nervously. "Um... can I come in?"
"Oh! Of course." Vicki ushered him into the living room. She mentally thanked God that at least she had moved all her blankets into the bedroom. Sitting down on the couch next to him, she tried to smooth down her hair but gave up.
"Here," Alec handed her a large bouquet of flowers along with a small glass bottle. "That's medicine imported from Singapore, hopefully it'll help your cold." He smiled sheepishly. "I know it's all my fault that you got so sick. If it hadn't been for my golfing idea, then none of this would've happened."
Vicki smiled back gently, setting the flowers and the medicine down on the coffee table. "That's ok. I don't blame you at all. Besides, I had fun playing golf!" She grinned goofily. "We should go again once I'm better, you know with my excellent skills and all."
Alec looked at her to see if she was serious before bursting out in laughter. "Oh man Vicki. No offense but I've never seen anyone play golf worse than you! Honestly I think you'd be doing the sport a favor if you just gave it up now."
"Hmph!" Vicki crossed her arms and stuck her tongue out at him. Sneaking a peek at Alec's surprised face, Vicki quit the act. She grinned while spinning around and grabbing him by the arms. "Just kidding!! I know I sucked." She started giggling but a coughing fit came over her halfway.
"Vicki! Are you alrite? Goodness, I'm so stupid. You must be so tired, quick where's your room?" Alec stood up abruptly and pulled her towards the direction in which she pointed as her room.
"Alec, it's alrite." Vicki protested, but he would have none of it. "I'm really not that sick..." Her voice trailed off as she resumed coughing again.
He steered her towards her bed and pulled the covers over her to ensure she wouldn't get any sicker. "There," Alec said, satisfied once she was safely tucked in bed.
"Hey!" Vicki complained, pulling herself into a sitting position to face him. "I'm not a little kid you know!"
Alec had to laugh at this statement, for sitting there in her pj's and wearing a childish pout, Vicki did look like a little girl. He had the sudden urge to touch her face or embrace her, but he fought it.
"Alrite, alrite. You're a big girl." He grinned at her even more angry face. "So what would you like me to do for you then? Are you thirsty?"
Vicki shook her head no. "Just keep me company until Ruby gets back." She pleaded.
He sat down on the bed near her and picked up a small stuffed elephant sitting on her nightstand. Turning it over a few times, he pretended to walk it across Vicki's stomach.
"Hello Vicki." He greeted her as if the elephant was talking. "I'm Mr. Elephant. Are you feeling better today?"
Vicki cracked a smile. "Alec! You're so stupid."
"Hey! I'm just trying to entertain you here!" He defended playfully.
"Yeah well, he has a name..." She put on a face of mock seriousness. "I named him Trunks."
Alec grinned and brought the elephant to eye-level. "My sincerest apologies Trunks, sir."
Vicki watched him as he played with her stuffed animal and felt her heart swell with emotion. The man she had misjudged to be a cold, stuffy boss had turned out to be a kind, funny and not to mention, cute guy. She gently took Trunks out of his hands and placed it back onto her table before taking his hands in her own. Meeting his steady gaze, she felt all other thoughts slip away. All the apprehensions she'd been having about her feelings for him disappeared and she was filled with only thoughts of him and her. Alec's mind ceased to think clearly as the only things he saw were Vicki's eyes, reflecting the same kind of longing and emotion he knew were in his own. How much he wanted to be with her, and now seemed like his one golden opportunity. Giving in to his heart, he leaned forward focusing only on her beautiful face, which was looking back at him with adoration.
A split second before their lips were to meet, her fingers flew up on his lips. "Alec," Vicki whispered, an inch away from his face. "I'm sick."
Smiling at her, Alec pulled her hand away from her face. As if that could stop him. With all boundaries past, their lips met in the sweetest kiss. They parted a moment later, then Alec wrapped his arms around her waist tightly, drawing her into a second kiss. Vicki responded, placing her arms around his neck and welcoming the taste of his lips against hers. At long last, they were together.

Chapter 11

"Tell me again, why are we at the marina?" Vicki shaded her eyes against the glare of the sun while she talked to Alec.
He didn't respond except to take her by the hand and continue walking down the pier. Vicki couldn't figure out why Alec had brought her down to the marina at 9 in the morning, which by her standards was too early to do anything but sit around the house in pajamas and eat cereal. Still, she felt more and more curious as they walked past all the beautiful boats tied to the docks. Off on the horizon, the bright morning rays of sunlight bounced off the water and the sailboats making the day perfect. This was one of the reasons why she loved living in Shanghai, having the ocean so near and the weather so nice. Suddenly Alec stopped and Vicki nearly collided with his back.
"What's wrong? Why are we stopping?" She looked up at him to see his gaze fixed on the sailboat in front of them.
"Because we're here. Look," Alec smiled and pointed at the boat, "Now get aboard." With that, he hopped easily into the back of the boat and held out his hand to Vicki.
"What??" Vicki cried in surprise. "Alec, whose boat is that? Did you rent it? And do you even know how to sail??"
Alec chuckled before pulling her into the bobbing sailboat with him. "Calm down. I would never let anything happen to you." He reassured her gently. "The boat's mine. I bought it last year when I needed some time to think by myself. Sailing's always been a good stress reliever for me."
Vicki looked around the boat. She didn't know a lot about ships but this one seemed nice enough. It wasn't large but it was clean and fairly new. She mentally reminded herself not to be too shocked and that Alec was not an average person like herself. He was rich so of course, he'd have his own boat.
"Vicki?" She snapped her head up as she heard him calling her name. "Have you ever been sailing before?" She shook her head. "That's ok, I'll teach you."
After a few precautions, they started off and pulled away from the dock. The water was clear and there was just a right amount of wind to carry the sail. Alec was excellent at sailing and obviously had plenty of experience. Vicki listened halfheartedly to his lessons, since she knew nothing would go wrong with Alec's expertise.
"Alec, how long have you been sailing?" Vicki asked him as she took out sodas from the lunch she'd packed.
Concentrating on securing the main sail from the shifting wind, Alec replied distractedly, "Since I was a teenager."
"Is this the first boat that's your own?" Vicki guessed logically.
"Nope." He shook his head, finally tying down the sail and joining Vicki. "My first boat was slightly bigger than this one but I was too reckless with it. I crashed it within 6 months." Vicki gasped softly. Alec squeezed her hand reassuringly, "Luckily I escaped injury. From then on, I was much more careful with my boats, especially the yacht. That one's much larger but I hire a pilot for it."
Vicki absorbed Alec's words slowly. How rich was this guy? she wondered. In boats alone, he must have owned like, five. Meanwhile, in her entire life, she would probably ride on a yacht once. Sensing Vicki's discomfort, Alec slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her to him. Nothing could feel better, he thought blissfully, than having the warm sun on my face and the girl of my dreams next to me.
Vicki watched Alec close his eyes, a content smile on his face as he leaned back and tipped his face to the clear sky above. She snuggled closer into his embrace, realizing just how lucky she was to be sitting in her boyfriend's boat simply enjoying the day.
A few minutes drifted by and when Alec opened his eyes again, another sailboat was coming up on the left and heading for them. Springing up, he called to Vicki, "Quick! Get that rope over there. Pull on it hard while I steer us out of the way."
Alarmed that they might crash, Vicki stumbled getting across the boat. "Hurry!!" Alec's voice urged her as she finally took hold of the rough rope and tugged with all her strength. It was extremely heavy though and Vicki's hands slipped, dropping it to the floor of the boat. Alec saw Vicki lose her grip and dashed over, resuming to hold onto the rope so that the boat wouldn't collide. It wasn't until the other boat had safely cleared their path that Alec breathed out. Vicki rubbed her burning palms, easing the pain while avoiding Alec's eyes out of guilt.
"Vicki. Do you know how dangerous that situation was?" Alec's tone was dead serious. "If I didn't run over here fast enough, we could've hit that boat and gone overboard you know that?"
Vicki nodded numbly. "Weren't you listening when I explained how to handle the sails and the steering?" Alec continued, getting angry.
"Yeah, but I can't remember it all!" Vicki retorted. How can he yell at me to know all this sailing stuff when it's only my first time, she thought indignantly.
"Still! You should've been paying attention." Alec said crossly. "The water is not a playground and this isn't a game."
That did it for Vicki. She turned on him, "Well I never asked to even come sailing! It was your idea in the first place!"
"It's not my fault that I thought you would enjoy a day out on the ocean! Only if you'd take some time and learn..." Alec's voice trailed off as Vicki cut in.
"Well I'M SORRY Mr. Su! That I didn't learn to sail when I was younger and that I haven't owned fifteen sailboats in my life!" Hot tears sprang to Vicki's eyes. At that moment, all her happiness with Alec seemed so unrealistic. They didn't have a future together, a relationship wouldn't be possible for them. It was true money shouldn't matter but of course, in real life it did. Vicki wanted to run away from him but since she was on a boat and couldn't, she simply sat on an opposite corner and stared into the water.
Alec shut his eyes against the pain that welled up at the sight of Vicki's eyes glistening with tears. Sighing and realizing that he shouldn't have said some things, he went over and sat down next to her. He brushed away her tears and took her by the shoulders to face him.
"Vicki, please don't cry. You didn't do anything wrong, I'm the one that made the mistake." She looked up at him and her eyes told him to go on. "You're right, I can't expect you to learn everything in a day. And you're also right, you never did ask to come today. It's just..." Alec paused to watch Vicki's reaction. She smiled a little and moved closer. "It's just that I wanted to share something that I love with you. And hopefully you'd like it too."
Vicki felt her anger melting away at Alec's sincere words. He hadn't been trying to force her to do anything, he was still the same sweet understanding Alec. And whatever problems there were with money, time and effort could surely solve. Alec embraced her, relieved that everything was ok again. Just hope it's all smooth sailing from now on, he wished as the boat continued to glide through the clear waters.

Chapter 12

Ruby sat down on the wooden bench and crossed her legs easily, waiting for Jimmy to come back from the ice cream vendor. The setting sun cast a warm glow on her skin as she watched the sky grow dark from its streaks of fading light. Her classes had ended kind of late that day but Jimmy had gladly waited for her outside of her last class so that they could go for a walk. Ruby smiled subconsciously as she fingered the hem of her lilac skirt, thinking about the quiet but good time she had had with him today just walking together and talking.
"Here ya go," Jimmy returned, holding out a cone of strawberry-banana ice cream to her. "Careful, I think it's dripping."
Ruby took a lick, enjoying the coldness of the ice cream compared to the warm night air. Although it was already October, the weather was still incredibly warm as it is year-round in Shanghai.
"What do you wanna do now?" asked Jimmy, breaking the silence.
"Hmm..." Ruby paused in thought, eating her ice cream. "We could go watch a movie downtown. Or, let's go ice-skating!" Her eyes twinkled merrily at the somewhat childish suggestion. She hadn't been ice-skating for years and now seemed a good a time as any.
Jimmy laughed and tossed the last bit of his cone into his mouth before replying, "Alrite, if you wanna. But I have to warn you, I'm a little rusty on my skills." He smiled sheepishly, picturing himself falling all over the place and Ruby's horrified expression.
"Oh! That's ok. Me too probably." Ruby hopped up, excited now. She pulled Jimmy up as well. "Let's go back to my apartment first so I can change then we'll go! Ok?"
He nodded, taking her by the hand and starting back down the street towards the university where their cars were. Ruby's excitement was contagious as he became sillier too, laughing and goofing around with her. They were almost back at campus when Ruby tagged Jimmy spontaneously before running away.
"You're it!" She called, giggling like crazy.
Putting on a face of mock-determination, Jimmy chased after her and caught up easily. Now, the game was on. He tagged her back and ran in front of her.
"Hah! Try to get me if you can!" He taunted, spinning around to face Ruby while jogging backwards.
Laughing too hard to concentrate and seeing the university building nearby, Ruby was just about ready to give up. Suddenly a figure appeared just a few feet away from Jimmy and Ruby's eyes widened as she skidded to a stop.
"Jimmy! Watch out!" Her words were too late and Jimmy let out a loud 'Oof!', colliding with the person behind him. Unable to stop quickly enough, he knocked the other girl over and both fell to the ground. As if watching her boyfriend fall over onto another girl wasn't surprising enough, Ruby nearly fainted upon hearing a feminine voice say,"Jimmy Lin?! Omy gosh!"
Jimmy pulled himself up before helping the girl to her feet and heard her statement before seeing her familiar face. Behind her, he could see Ruby's startled expression.
"Cecilia??" Jimmy's incredulous voice asked. "What are you doing here? Sorry about that fall."
Cecilia Cheung smiled and smoothed her hair, picking up her books lying on the ground. She answered, "I was going to ask you the same thing. I was on my way to the library when you, uh... bumped into me."
Jimmy laughed nervously, sticking his hands into his pockets. The moment was definitely awkward for he hadn't seen Cecilia in months. Not since... they had broken up, that is. They dated for only a few weeks but Cecilia had become very attached to Jimmy, a little too attached for his taste. She insisted on their spending every moment together and eventually forced him to break it off with her. Now, seeing her again, Jimmy felt nothing romantic towards her but guilty just the same. He looked up into her expectant face and noticed Ruby's confused one over her shoulder.
"Oh! Cecilia," He silently reprimanded himself for not doing so sooner, Jimmy walked over to where Ruby was waiting. "Meet Ruby Lin, my girlfriend."
Breathing out a sigh of relief that he hadn't forgotten her completely, Ruby smiled and extended a hand towards Cecilia. "Hi, nice to meet you."
"Likewise, I'm Cecilia." The girl's eyes flickered momentarily as she took in the image of Jimmy with someone new but she recovered quickly. "So how long have you two known each other?"
"Only about a month and a half." Ruby replied, hesitantly. Who was this girl and what was she to Jimmy? "And you? Have you been friends long?"
"Oh, well actually... we used to date awhile back. Things were going pretty well but then," Cecilia paused here to look into Jimmy's eyes. She searched to see if there was any emotion left there for her, any hope for another try. But there was none in his serious, expressionless face. If there had been anything left at all after their break up, it was long gone now as Cecilia realized sadly. Obviously, she was the past and this girl, Ruby, was his present. She forced a smile to hide her pained feelings, "Well, you know how relationships are. Something always goes wrong, even with the best of them."
Jimmy felt his heart return to its normal pace after hearing Cecilia's words. He had been panicking, afraid that she'd say something to mislead Ruby and make her think that their relationship had been more than it really was.
"Cecilia, it was really nice running into you today but me and Ruby are on our way somewhere right now so..." Jimmy started, trying to end this accidental rendez-vous.
Understanding what he was getting at, Cecilia quickly jumped in, "Oh! Sure, go ahead. I don't wanna keep you from your evening any longer." Giving Jimmy just one more glance, she turned away and continued down the street. "Bye. Have fun you two."
He waved till she was far enough away, then draped his arm around Ruby's shouders. "Ready to go ice-skating now?"
But something was wrong, for Ruby stiffened at his touch and shrugged his arm off. She crossed her arms and walked a little further away, distancing herself from him.
"What's wrong with you?" Jimmy asked with just a hint of annoyance in his voice. He couldn't understand why she was being so cold when he hadn't done anything to displease her.
"Nothing." Her words said one thing while her tone implied another.
"Ok, I know that's not true or you wouldn't be acting so strangely." Jimmy pressed forward. "Just tell me why you're upset cuz I really have no idea."
Ruby stopped walking to face him. "Honestly?" Her voice held a warning tone as if he wasn't about to like what was coming. "I wanna know what happened between you and Cecilia."
Jimmy relaxed, brushing the topic aside. "Oh! Is that all?" He waved his hand as if to flick Ruby's words away carelessly. "It's not a big deal at all. We dated and I broke up with her, you heard what she said back there."
"You broke up with her?" Ruby questioned just to make sure. "Well then, I suppose that's alrite." She brightened, having her worries disproved. If Jimmy dumped her, then he must have no feelings left for her anymore. I have nothing to worry about, she thought.
"Wait... so if she had been the one to break up with me, then there would be a problem?" Jimmy narrowed his eyes, not liking what Ruby's words had meant.
She faltered slightly while returning his question, wondering why Jimmy was getting so defensive all of a sudden. "No... I didn't say that."
"But you implied it." Jimmy felt his temper flare. How could Ruby not trust him after so long? He's never done anything to betray her trust and yet here she was, accusing him of still liking Cecilia. "I can't believe this Ruby. Don't you have any faith in me?"
Ruby's eyes flashed angrily then shone with hurt. "Of course I do! Why are you assuming things that I never said?!" His words had cut her deeply and made her wish they weren't having this conversation.
"Ya know what..." Jimmy's voice trailed off. "Maybe we should both take a break tonight." Ruby's head picked up, startled as his tired tone registered in her mind. "It looks like we're both just a little edgy and I don't wanna say anything I'll regret later on." He said, looking into her disappointed expression but remained firm anyway.
Nodding without any other choice, Ruby dug blindly through her purse for her car keys as she walked away from him. Not daring to look back because she was afraid to see his face, Ruby drove blindly home and made it up to her apartment without thinking. It wasn't until Vicki opened the door, smiling and asking why she was home so early that the dam broke and Ruby let out her flood of emotions.

Chapter 13

Throwing a glance at the corner of the room where Ruby's balloons sat, Vicki smiled at the memory of how happy Ruby was when she came back with Jimmy. I'm glad that at least one of us gets to go out tonight, she thought as the phone rang from across the room. Vicki went over and picked up the ringing receiver before sitting down on the couch.
"Hello?"
"Vicki? It's Alec." His voice came through clearly as Vicki's smile widened. Hearing him say her name even though he was far away was somewhat of a comfort to her loneliness.
"Alec! Hi, I miss you so much." She greeted him back, unable to keep the happiness out of her voice.
"I miss you too." He paused, thinking of what to say next. "How are things at home?"
"Oh, much better now. Jimmy just came by a little while ago and Ruby forgave him..." Vicki launched into an account of their reconciliation, making Alec laugh at the part about the balloons.
"Oman, he must be really whipped by her." He grinned at the image of his normally tough-guy friend bringing a bouquet of balloons to his girlfriend. "Jimmy would never have done that for any of his other girls."
Vicki pondered Alec's words for a moment and replied, "Well, what's wrong with being a bit romantic once in awhile? Hmm?" She made her tone playful but suggestive in hopes that Alec would get the hint.
He did. "Are you saying I'm not?" Pretending to get offended, Alec continued, "Because, as a matter of fact Miss Zhao, I'm planning to take you out on an incredibly romantic date as soon as I get back from this endless string of business nonsense."
Resisting the urge to jump up and down, Vicki said excitedly, "Really?? Where! And when? You get back Sunday right?"
Alec laughed across the line at her tone, "Yes, yes. I'll tell you everything later so relax."
Vicki pouted as if he could see her face. They chatted for a bit longer about this and that, but soon Alec had to go.
"Sorry Vicki, but I have to accompany some clients to a local club for night entertainment." He apologized sincerely, not wanting to be without her voice again.
She frowned but tried not to let it show in her words, "That's alrite. Take care of yourself ok? And call me later."
Alec agreed and said good-bye, wishing he didn't have to go. As she hung up the phone reluctantly, Vicki consoled herself with Alec's promise of a romantic date and waited for the minutes to pass faster.

Chapter 14

"Tell me now!" Vicki's voice took on a begging tone as she asked Alec for his news again. He pretended not to hear her as he continued looking out over the lake. "ALEC...!!"
Knowing he couldn't ignore her pleads any longer, Alec turned to face his ticked off girlfriend. She crossed her arms over her chest and narrowed her eyes at him in mock seriousness. He laughed and gave up trying to keep his secret.
"Ok, ok I'll spill." Vicki relaxed and smiled, waiting for him to go on. "But I lied to you."
Her face fell again as a disappointed expression came over her delicate features. "How?"
"We're not really going on a 'date'." Alec explained, keeping a straight face. "We're going on a vacation!"
Vicki felt thankful that she was sitting down at the moment because Alec's exclamation really shocked her. After taking a moment for it to register, she cried, "Really?! Where?? And when!"
Alec laughed at the same questions, feeling a sense of deja vu. "Yes, no joke. We're going skiing in the Rocky mountains, in the States. I've got a cabin booked for a week where we'll stay at and plane tickets too." Vicki's eyes twinkled excitedly. Alec paused to think and added, "And we'll go in mid-November, is that ok with you?"
Nodding eagerly, Vicki resisted the urge to jump up and down. Instead she let out a happy squeal and threw herself in Alec's arms, not paying any attention to the looks she was receiving from other people in the park. Alec smiled hugging her tightly, equally content that Vicki could go.
Picking her head up from his chest, Vicki asked, "But what about Ruby? I don't wanna leave her alone for a week."
Alec frowned, pretending to be hurt. "You don't wanna go with me then? Is Ruby more important to you?" He pouted and made a loud 'Hmph!' sound, attracting more attention to their conversation. Passer-byers threw this weird couple a glance, as they were hugging a moment ago and now arguing apparently, sitting on a blanket by the park's lake.
"I didn't say that!" Vicki bit her lip, thinking of how to apologize to Alec. "What I meant was... well..."
Before she could finish her sentence, Alec smiled and said, "Don't worry. I've already asked Jimmy and Ruby to come with us so no one will be lonely, ok?"
Vicki's eyebrows jumped up as she grinned and hugged Alec again. "You're the best Alec! I can't wait to go now!"

One month later...
'Ugh!' Jimmy grunted as he lifted the last suitcase out of Benny's car. Alec slammed the trunk shut and carried two more bags over to where the girls were standing.
"Thanks so much for driving us to the airport, Benny," Ruby called to Benny as he placed another suitcase at her feet.
"Oh, no problem." He wiped his brow, "Man, how much did you guys pack??"
Jimmy nodded in agreement as he looked at Ruby and Vicki. "Yeah, I think each of you alone brought four suitcases."
Vicki gasped, crying out, "Just four?? What happened to my other one?"
Benny groaned and slapped his forehead in exasperation while Jimmy just stared at her in amazement. With another suitcase in his hands, Alec walked over from behind his company's Lincoln Towncar and dropped it in the pile of luggage.
"Here it is." He announced, referring to Vicki's missing suitcase. "I think that's all of it." Turning back to his chauffer that had driven him and Vicki there, he said, "Thank you. You can go now." He tipped him and the chauffer bowed politely to Alec before driving off.
"Hey, how come I'm always driving you to and from the airport but I never get a tip?" Benny asked, jokingly.
The others laughed, picking up their luggage. Jimmy and Alec nearly toppled over under the weight of their girlfriends' suitcases.
"I guess we gotta go then, Benny. Take care and we'll see you in a week ok?" Vicki gave him a quick good-bye hug and Ruby did the same. The boys tried to wave but Jimmy dropped Ruby's bag and gave up after that. They watched Benny drive off in his car before heading into the airport terminal. While waiting their turn in the check-in line, Ruby and Vicki suddenly turned to each other. They exchanged looks of glee and excitement before shouting in unison, "We're going to the States on vacation!"

Chapter 15

Kicking some snow off her snowboard nervously, Vicki asked Alec, "What if I can't stop or sit down, and I end up tumbling down the mountain? And you can't find me afterwards cuz I fell into the woods and broke my leg so I can't walk anymore... then what?"
Alec laughed at her exaggeration and placed his arm around her shoulders, replying, "You won't, trust me! I won't let anything dangerous happen to you, don't worry."
Pouting her lips doubtfully, Vicki watched as a snowboarder jumped over a hill and landed on his back before spinning almost 360º in a circle. She pointed to him with a cry, saying to Alec, "Look! Look at that guy! How can you guarantee that that won't happen to me?"
He sighed, almost impatiently before responding, "Alrite, alrite. So I can't promise you that, but really, you're not gonna get hurt!" His voice held a hint of annoyance which Vicki caught. She fell silent, waiting for the lift to unload at the top of the mountain. They got off and waited for Jimmy and Ruby to join them.
"Ready?" Alec looked at Vicki to see if she was still scared. She nodded, even though her stomach was doing somersaults and she still had no idea what she was doing. Placing her other foot securely onto the board, Vicki followed the others down the mountain. Things were ok as she gained speed going straight downhill, till Alec called out to her that she needed to turn once in a while. However, he overestimated her skills, since once she tried to add in a couple turns, Vicki lost control. Her snowboard seemed to have gained a mind of its own as it guided her in a straight path towards... a large pine tree.
Ruby gasped as she ran over to her fallen cousin. "Vicki! Are you alright?"
Alec, who was watching Vicki, skidded to stop and fell down in the snow. Not noticing in the least, he made his way to Vicki's side as quickly as possible, which on a snowboard isn't too quick.
Moaning and clutching her right shoulder, Vicki continued to lay in the snow. "Ow... ow..." She whispered, shutting her eyes against the pain.
Not sure what to do, Ruby wrung her hands in frustration. She could barely lean over in her skis, afraid she too would fall like Vicki. Thankfully, Alec and Jimmy finally arrived and Alec got down next to Vicki.
"Vicki, Vicki. What hurts?" Alec asked, with a look of concern and shared pain. "Your shoulder? Anything else?" He asked, seeing her grasp her shoulder.
Shaking her head, Vicki sat up with Alec's help. She opened her eyes and grimaced as she moved her shoulder around. Ruby and Jimmy both let out sighs of relief that at least, nothing was severely injured.
Vicki turned on Alec, her eyes flashing angrily, "It's all your fault!" Alec's eyes widened with surprise and confusion. "If you hadn't told me to turn... and what was that about not getting hurt?!" She punched him on the arm with a mittened hand.
Pretending that the punch really hurt, Alec wailed, "Ow, ow! I think I'm injured now!" Vicki glanced at him out of the corner of her eye before looking away again.
Ruby and Jimmy bit their lips, resisting the urge to laugh. Seeing that everything was ok, Jimmy told them they'd meet up later and the couple pushed off down the slope.
Now that they were alone, Vicki softened and Alec saw his opportunity for forgiveness. "Ok, it's all my fault. What can I do to make it up to you?"
Thinking for a moment, Vicki grinned and answered, "Well, for starters... you can help me back to the cabin. I think I've had enough for today." Alec nodded in acceptance and Vicki kept going, "Then, you can keep me company in front of a nice open fire. And..." She paused, watching Alec's expression for her final punishment, "You can make me dinner like you promised so long ago!"
Putting his hands up in defense, Alec protested, "No, no! Anything but that! I'm a terrible cook, anything I make is not fit for human consumption!" Vicki's eyes flashed merrily back at him. "Why do you think I hire a chef at home? Please Vicki... spare me."
She only continued to grin at him, letting him know he wasn't escaping this time. Vicki held out her hands to him so he could pull her up and together, they made their way slowly down the mountain.

Chapter 16

“A monkey!” Vicki cried, jumping up and down excitedly as Alec announced she was right. “Wahoo! I told you guys!” She stuck her tongue out childishly at Ruby and Jimmy, the opposing team. “I’m undefeated at Pictionary!”
Alec laughed as he pulled Vicki back into her seat. “Alright, your turn guys.”
Jimmy pulled the next card out of the deck and groaned. “Aww man! This one’s too hard.” He complained.
“Just try! You’re wasting time!” Ruby told him, gesturing at the sand timer.
Crudely scribbling figures, Jimmy grew more and more frustrated when Ruby couldn’t guess the object. “C’mon… almost… that, except female!” He encouraged, prompting Ruby to say the right word.
“Oh, a doe!” She finally cried, a split second before the sand ran out. Jimmy grabbed her in a celebratory hug while yelling with happiness.
“Hey! That’s cheating!” Vicki jumped up again, pointing her finger at them.
“No, it’s not!” Ruby protested, disentangling herself from Jimmy.
“Yeah it is! He told you it was female!” Vicki persisted, looking at Alec for back-up.
“Uh… well technically, you aren’t allowed to talk…” He supplied while avoiding Ruby’s angry glare.
“Alright, alright. It doesn’t count then, I cheated.” Jimmy gave in, moving their game piece back four spaces.
Ruby’s hand clamped down over his as she argued with Vicki. “Just a minute, if that counts as cheating, what about you and Alec then?”
Placing her hands on her hips indignantly, Vicki retorted. “What about us! We never cheated.”
Scoffing loudly, Ruby rolled her eyes skeptically. “Sure… I see all those hand signals you give him!”
Gasping in surprise, Vicki responded. “Maybe you’re just jealous! Cuz your team is losing.”
“Well I’d rather lose honestly than win by cheating!” Ruby tossed back.
“That’s just because even with cheating, you guys wouldn’t win!” said Vicki, stubbornly.
The debate went on for another ten minutes as both girls immaturely threw insults back and forth at each other. It soon got to the point where their boyfriends began to think they went crazy and were fighting over something so trivial as a Pictionary game.
Alec leaped up and caught Vicki by the waist a moment before she was about to leap across the table at Ruby. “Hey, hey! Ok, that’s enough!” He shouted over their still arguing voices.
“Ruby, c’mon, just let it go!” Jimmy coaxed, trying to calm her down.
“She called me big-eyed!” Vicki whined to Alec, struggling to escape from his tight grasp.
“And she called me chubby!” cried an equally offended Ruby to Jimmy.
“Can you believe these two??” Alec asked Jimmy with an incredulous look on his face.
Shaking his head, Jimmy said reasonably. “Look at yourselves! Best friends, not to mention cousins, bickering like five year olds over a stupid game!”
Alec released Vicki and gave her a disappointed look. “She started it.” Vicki muttered.
“No matter who started it, it’s gonna end right now!” Alec declared, pushing Vicki towards Ruby.
“Go on, make peace.” Jimmy prodded gently as Ruby continued pouting.
Once face to face, the two cousins had to smile at each other. Their argument did seem pretty silly and pointless now that they thought about it. After all, a lifetime of friendship can’t be ruined by one board game, right? They both apologized and hugged, now laughing at themselves for having behaved so childishly. Jimmy and Alec simply shook their heads, bewildered at strange way girls acted sometimes.
[Ring-Ring]
Alec’s attention perked up as the phone rang from the kitchen. He got up and went to answer it. Vicki and Ruby continued giggling over the dumb things they’d said, not realizing how ridiculous some of it was. A few minutes later, Alec reentered the room with a pale and solemn expression.
Looking up at him, Vicki was still merrily talking with Ruby and Jimmy when she saw the lost look in his eyes. “Alec, what’s wrong? Who was that on the phone?”
He sat down, trancelike and answered in a dead tone, “It was my secretary. Something’s gone wrong at the office and it’s serious.” Alec gazed into Vicki’s instantly concerned face. “I have to go back tomorrow.”

Chapter 17

Alec buried his throbbing head in his hands after hanging up the phone with his lawyer. His mind swam with thoughts and concerns, for the first time in quite a few years he felt utterly powerless. The words of his lawyer echoed back at him, ‘Stand firm, don’t give in… they have nothing on you… we can still win this’, but Alec heard nothing except nightmares and horrors. He swiveled around to face the beautiful view of the city that he had always enjoyed from the luxury of his office. He’d always been so secure in his company, for he had built it up through his own efforts and ingenuity. It was, after all, the main reason he was so respected in the business world. Although he didn’t participate heavily in each aspect of the company anymore, it was still his and a huge part of his life, his spirit. And in just a few short days’ time, Alec’s empire was crumbling around him.
After arriving back in Shanghai from the States, he was immediately driven to the office and briefed on all the shocking events that had occurred during his absence. His secretary showed him the news stories he’d missed and the phone messages he hadn’t received. Alec was knocked off his feet practically, by the impact of the news. It turns out, a competing company had sued Su Corporation for copying without permission the idea and syntax that had been the basis of Alec’s company. Mr. Leo Koo, the other company’s president, was newly elected this year and in the few times they had met in the past, Alec had not liked him at all. When Mr. Koo, asked for the secret to Alec’s success and was denied, the two competing corporations turned into almost rivals. For this reason, the entire lawsuit seemed like one big ploy for revenge, but proving it would be much harder. Mr. Koo had some relatively convincing evidence, even though Alec knew none of it was genuine, since the idea for Su Corporation had come from Alec himself and no one else!
Now, everything he had worked so hard for seemed so fragile, as if any moment he could lose it all. Clenching his hand tighter around his coffee mug, Alec’s hand shook slightly as he lifted the cup to his lips. The fear and anger that boiled within him was so incredibly strong that he felt he would burst. How could things have become so awful, he questioned silently, and I never even saw it coming, am I that blind? Of course, as he thought about it now, it was obvious that the source of the problem was himself. Alec got up from his seat and began pacing the length of his wide office. If he hadn’t been so loose with the operation of the company and not as neglectful towards his duties, this would’ve never happened. And if he had just gone to work a couple more times last month, he would’ve seen this impending doom and could’ve done something to prevent it. The guilt and self-blame bore down more and more heavily onto Alec’s conscience, so that soon he was utterly convinced it was all his fault.
Alec was lying on his overstuffed lounge chair when his secretary buzzed his intercom from outside.
“Mr. Su? There’s a Miss Zhao here to see you.”
Picking himself up quickly and striding over to his desk, Alec hit the Talk button and replied. “Tell her to come in.”
A moment later, the large mahogany door to his office swung open as Vicki stepped inside. She looked pretty as always but her eyes reflected a deep sense of worry and unrest that mirrored Alec’s own. Vicki’s heart sprang up to her throat automatically upon seeing her boyfriend’s tired and distressed face. She knew something had to be terribly amiss for him from his lack of contact ever since they got back and more obviously, she worked in his building. The entire staff, from the security officers to the executives, was buzzing about Mr. Su’s big dilemma and the high profile lawsuit that was attracting the attention of all of Shanghai. Yet Alec had scarcely told her anything himself and spent all his time at the office so that she had barely seen him twice in the last week. Vicki couldn’t help but feel concerned for him and that’s why she had to come up to see him today.
“Alec, are you alrite? You look so tired…” She reached out her hand, yearning to stroke his cheek and ease his pain.
He allowed her touch but was too drained of emotion to even hold her. It seemed unfair to make Vicki suffer with him even though she couldn’t possibly feel the pain he felt. So although he knew she was only trying to help, Alec felt there was really nothing she could do for him right now.
“Do you wanna talk about it, Alec?” Vicki sat down next to him on his large sofa lined up against the wall. “You don’t have to keep it all bottled inside you know… I’m here.” Taking him gently by the hand, she felt as if he slapped her when he pulled it away roughly.
Not wanting to hurt Vicki intentionally, Alec simply felt like he needed time to think alone. Her presence wasn’t going to help this time. He got up and walked towards the water cooler he kept in another corner of the room. Pouring himself a cup of ice-cold water, Alec closed his eyes and tried to settle his clouded mind.
“Alec! Please… just talk to me!” Vicki pleaded with him for the third time. Since she entered into the room, he hadn’t even spoken once to her. Growing more and more upset, Vicki cried, “Alec, don’t shut me out!”
Turning around to face her, Alec’s heart and soul felt very heavy. He was weighed down with the responsibilities of an entire corporation, his own reputation and career, and now… he was upsetting his own girlfriend even. Alec fought the urge to scream with frustration as his head continued to pound ceaselessly.
“I’m not shutting you out on purpose.” He forced his voice to remain calm and rational. “I’ve just been feeling really stressed out lately and I have a lot on my mind.”
Vicki’s eyes still held a look of disbelief and hurt. “Then why not let me share your burden? Maybe I can help in some way…”
Interrupting Vicki mid-sentence, Alec burst out, “You can’t! Ok? Don’t you get it?! There’s nothing you can do! Nothing I can do almost, even!” Though he saw Vicki’s tears begin to form, he couldn’t stop the pent up feelings from coming out as he raged on. “How can you say you’ll share my feelings, my pain… when you haven’t a clue how I feel right now! Have you ever owned a company Vicki, have you ever put your heart and soul into something before, huh? Have you??”
Unable to hold onto to her compose any longer, Vicki’s tears spilled over as she choked out her words to Alec. “NO! I haven’t, ok? I haven’t been the rich president of a company before, nor have I devoted my life to a business… I guess that makes me worthless then, huh!” It was hard to say whether there was more anger or hurt in her heart at that moment, but both emotions were strong and raging. Still, Vicki summoned up what pride and courage she had left and said, “But I’m not the worst one in this room Alec Su. You’re the one who’s lost everything now! You’ve lost your company, your money…” Her tears threatened to fall even heavier so Vicki screamed the last few words with all the emotion she had left, “And you’ve lost ME!”
Catching her fallen tears with one hand, Vicki turned and ran towards the door, unable to look at Alec’s stunned face. A split second after her anguished sentence registered in his mind, Alec ran after her and grabbed her by the hand. As he spun her around and caught her around the waist, he realized that Vicki was the one thing in his life he could not afford to lose. His own eyes stung as he regretted his too harsh outbursts and Vicki’s pained cries that still resounded in his mind.
“I can lose the company, I can lose my money, but lose you…” His voice trailed off as he wiped her tears away with his fingers, “And I’m finished.”
Sniffling loudly, Vicki hugged him tightly while tears still continued to flow down her cheeks. She heard Alec whisper ‘I love you’ in her ear and said it back, but deep in her mind, something was still amiss. Her heart knew she was utterly and hopelessly in love with Alec, yet her brain warned her things were not going to be so easily resolved. This lawsuit was far from over and even if everything is ok, what about the future? Who was to say that this situation wouldn’t repeat itself? If they were to have a future together, would his business life always interfere? Vicki couldn’t help but turn these haunting thoughts over her head as she stood in Alec’s warm embrace.

Chapter 18

“I just don’t know what to do anymore Ruby.” Vicki said as she smoothed down the cloth napkin in her lap. “Nothing I say seems to make any impact on him, he’s so consumed in his own world right now that I’m not even making a dent in his existence anymore!”
Sighing as she considered the situation, Ruby consoled, “Well Alec does have a lot to deal with right now… give him some time Vicki. I’m sure once this is all over, everything will be fine again.”
“But don’t you see!” Vicki cried, a little exasperated. “It’ll never be truly over! Not as long as he is who he is and keeps doing what he’s doing now! These problems and this kind of life will always be with him.”
Glancing around the small western-style restaurant they were sitting in, Ruby checked if their food was almost there yet before saying to Vicki. “Yeah, but isn’t that part of the reason why you love him?” She had a point and she knew it hit home as Vicki’s eyes flickered with comprehension. “I mean, if Alec was some bum who sat around all day and did nothing with his life… would you ever date him?”
Vicki rolled her eyes. “Oh please, that’s going way too far.” She took a sip of her Coke before continuing, “But you’re right, I guess. I’m glad he’s so successful and I’m really proud of how much talent he’s got and all… but I can’t help feeling frustrated at a time like this.”
The waiter came over just then, momentarily interrupting their conversation to set their food before them. Both girls took a few bites of their meal first before resuming their discussion.
“That’s just natural though Vicki. Of course you’d feel frustrated because you can’t do anything to help him right now!” Ruby reasoned, biting off another piece of her hamburger.
Vicki swallowed her food, then exclaimed, “That’s exactly my dilemma! I can’t help him really but I also can’t sit around and watch him suffer right?”
Ruby contemplated Vicki’s point for a moment while stirring her iced tea around thoughtfully. Finally she replied, “Well… Alec’s a big boy now Vicki. You don’t have to fight any battles for him, he’ll be able to handle that fine. I think all he needs right now is you to love him.” She paused, watching Vicki think her words over. “So that when this is all over, he can come to you and everything will be alrite.”
Nodding in agreement, Vicki decided to just take Ruby’s advice. Besides she didn’t have much of a choice left since she had tried everything else and it’d all failed. Standing aside and staying out of Alec’s way seemed like a pretty good idea, especially after their last few conversations had all ended in fighting. Vicki chewed her fry slowly, thinking about the trial and how Alec was doing at the moment. All week, he’d been in court, testifying against that awful Mr. Koo and going over strategies with his lawyer. It was enough to make Vicki’s head spin, not that Alec involved her in any of the procedures anyway. Their relationship had taken a backseat to the lawsuit, which Vicki found understandable. Still, she worried for her and Alec’s love, and also for Alec himself. He had definitely lost weight during the past weeks and didn’t sleep more than a few hours each night. Whatever advice or warnings she gave him to watch his health, fell on deaf ears as Alec was only focused on one thing, winning this case.
“What is it?” Ruby’s voice cut into Vicki’s quiet thoughts. She raised her gaze to meet Ruby’s concerned one.
“Huh?” Vicki asked, confused.
Plopping the last fry into her mouth, Ruby explained, “You look so distressed and you weren’t talking, so I was just wondering what was on your mind.” Hesitating a second to glance in her cousin’s eyes, Ruby guessed, “Is it Alec still?”
“What else.” Vicki’s listless voice answered.
Ruby had known Vicki for so many years, she couldn’t even count them. This was first time she’d seen her so upset over one thing, especially concerning a guy. Then again, Ruby pondered, half-smiling… Vicki’s never been in love before. In fact, she continued to think, neither have I up till now. Her half-smile turned into a full one as Jimmy’s face floated up into her mind.
“What’s so funny?” This time, Vicki’s voice was the one cutting into Ruby’s distracted thoughts.
Feeling herself blush at getting caught acting like an idiot, Ruby shrugged and didn’t reply.
“Aww, c’mon!” Vicki persuaded, a grin tugging on the corner of her lips as well. “I need some humor right now, tell me what you’re smiling about!”
Shaking her head as she tried to stifle her giggles, Ruby felt so stupid and didn’t wanna say the truth. But Vicki was persistent and finally she gave in.
“Alrite, alrite!” Ruby threw her hands up in surrender. “It’s not even that funny. I was just thinking about Jimmy… and how we both fell in love with guys this year and…”
Vicki was already trembling with laughter then. “Little Ruby in love for the first time… aww,” she mocked playfully in a baby voice.
“Hey!” Ruby swatted Vicki in the arm and threw a dinner mint at her.
She was still giggling when she saw them enter the restaurant through the main door. Alec’s face had a glow to it that she hadn’t seen recently and Jimmy was also smiling broadly. The boys walked over to their booth and turned to their respective girlfriends.
“Hi there,” Jimmy greeted Ruby, giving her a kiss on the cheek before sliding in next to her.
“What are you doing here?” Ruby questioned curiously. “This is a girls’ night out, don’t you know?”
“Sorry Ruby but I dragged him along.” Alec apologized, sitting down and facing Vicki. “Because I wanted him to share in my happiness tonight.”
Vicki’s eyes widened as her mind began to spin, not daring to speak the thought that was on her mind in case it wasn’t true. She wished though, in her heart of hearts that he was going to say what she hoped he would…
“I won the lawsuit.” His simple words were almost missed by Vicki as her heart nearly exploded with anticipation and now, joy. “It’s all over, Vicki,” Alec continued, embracing her tightly and burying his face in her soft hair. “The nightmare’s over…”
Far off in another part of her mind, she heard Ruby’s happy cry as she chattered excitedly with Jimmy but all Vicki saw was Alec and his eyes that were no longer preoccupied and bloodshot. They had a new clarity to them, as his gaze shone with love for her and relief too. She knew they were in a public place but nothing else mattered at that moment except Alec and the fact that he was all hers again. So Vicki brought her mouth slowly to his, as they shared a bittersweet kiss that both had worked so hard for, just to have this chance to still be together and have their happiness.
“Hey, hey! No PDA’s allowed.” Jimmy joked loudly, causing Alec and Vicki to break apart, blushing furiously.
“I’m so glad everything is alright again. Congratulations Alec.” Ruby smiled at him while exchanging relieved looks with Vicki. Thank goodness their relationship can go back to normal now, she thought.
“Thanks Ruby.” Alec perked up all of sudden. “But you know what I really want right now?”
Vicki looked at him and asked with a smile, “What? Another kiss?”
“No… I want some food!” Alec’s unexpected response threw the other three into hilarity. He got up and went to find a waiter, unable to ignore his starving stomach any longer.
Finally relaxing for the first time in weeks, Vicki watched Alec speak with the waiter, feeling a tremendous amount of relief as if a giant burden had just been lifted off her, or their shoulders. To Vicki, it seemed like everything really would be alright from now on and that their relationship would progress normally again.

Chapter 19

Vicki flipped open her book, picking up her pen to take notes but yawned with boredom at the very thought of studying. Smiling wryly at her laziness, she resisted the urge to call up Alec and tried again to concentrate. Ruby wouldn’t be home for hours, having just left with Jimmy on a date. So Vicki was trapped home alone with nothing to do but study… which is exactly what she needs to do since exams aren’t that far off, she reminded herself mentally. Still, her thoughts couldn’t help but wander as her book remained untouched and Vicki’s pen became a twirling baton in her fingers.
[Ding-Dong]
Vicki dropped her pen mid-spin, startled by the sound of the doorbell. It can’t be Ruby… she thought, who is it then? Unlocking the door, she swung it open to see Alec standing there with a smile on his face.
“Alec!” She greeted him with a hug and a kiss, relieved that he was there to save her from her books. “What are you doing here?”
“What? I need a reason to come see my girlfriend now?” He demanded in a mock angry tone. Following Vicki to a seat on the couch, Alec laughed and said honestly, “Actually, I did come for a specific reason…”
His voice turned serious all of a sudden as Vicki looked at him and saw the intense look in his eyes. Her gaze fixed, she saw nothing but love and devotion in his eyes. What started out as a small tinge of apprehension increased dramatically as Alec took her by both hands and began to speak in an earnest tone, his gaze never leaving her face.
“Vicki, I wonder if you know how much I really love you.” He hesitated a moment before continuing, “Everyday, every minute, every second, I’m always thinking of you… where you are, what you’re doing, how you’re feeling… I can’t get you outta my head Vicki!” His whole face had an anguished almost, pained look to it that scared Vicki in a way. She wanted to say something but she couldn’t and simply waited for him to go on. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone before Vicki… not with any of the girls I’ve been with in the past. Whenever I’m around you… I just feel so relaxed, so comfortable, as if that’s where I belong and I’ll always be for the rest of my life! And I’m so happy with you, so happy… that sometimes it feels like anything bad can happen and it’d be alright because I’m with you!” Alec caught his breath, watching the emotions swirl around in Vicki’s eyes. “I don’t know how you feel right now Vicki, but I finally know how I feel. I’ve been thinking this over for awhile, never daring to say anything to you because I was scared of what you might say… I guess what I’m trying to say is, I’m finally sure of what I want in my life, in my future.” Vicki sucked in a breath of air quickly at hearing Alec’s words. Her eyes grew wider, listening to Alec talk. “I want you. Nothing else matters but you, Vicki and the fact that you’re with me, that you love me. If I have that, I don’t want anything else nor do I need anything else in my life. When I see us, Vicki… I can see us moving on from this,” He gestured around them, referring to their lifestyles right now. “To new places… I can see us living in a nice suburb somewhere, maybe in the country! I can see us with children Vicki, kids like you’ve always wanted… and you’d be such a great mother too…” His voice trailed off as his eyes glazed over in a dreamlike state, picturing his dreams. Vicki felt her own eyes well up with tears, filled with emotion at Alec’s words that were so touching and sweet. Does he really imagine this whole life of bliss for them, she wondered. Her heart was so full of love, she’d never heard statements as heartfelt and sincere as these and she knew Alec meant every one from the bottom of his heart.
Snapping out of his trance, Alec’s mind cleared again. He kept his gaze on Vicki, never breaking that connection with her eyes, as he dropped down from the couch on one knee and drew out a ring from his pocket. “Vicki, will you marry me?”
For a moment, her heart forgot to beat as her lungs forgot to breathe. Vicki stared at the diamond ring Alec held out to her, unable to speak or even think. Alec… Alec asked her to marry him! It was true yet her mind couldn’t register it. How can this be? Vicki questioned herself. This was so quick! Yet how could she think she didn’t love him, of course she did! She loved him so much, so much that it hurt her just to see the expectant look on Alec’s face as he waited for a reply to the most important question he would ever ask. But did she love him enough? Enough to get married to him? Vicki’s head spun as her heart fought with her brain, neither side strong enough to win over the other. Alec was her life, her love, her soul… could she live without him? Yet how could she be sure that it would work out in the future? How could she know what things would be like a year from now… ten years from now, twenty years from now! And Alec… Vicki met his gaze and saw the love in his eyes, along with the seriousness of his proposal. He was so great, she’d probably never meet another man as wonderful as him no matter how long she looked. But Alec isn’t perfect either, her mind argued back at her. Remember what happened when the lawsuit occurred, it reminded her, and he’s rich, he always will be! Could she really have a life of happiness with a man like him? Vicki’s heart ached as she felt her eyes spill over. Her tears began dropping into her open palms as they lay limp in her lap, too afraid to take the ring Alec was offering her. She felt her heart contract painfully as Alec’s expression turned from hopeful to more and more anxious. Vicki gathered all her courage, knowing she’d need it for what she had to do to him.
“Alec…” Pushing the words out difficultly as her voice threatened to break any second, Vicki avoided his gaze. “I’m sorry. I can’t.” Her tears practically blinded her as she struggled to keep speaking, “I DO love you Alec… oh so much! But I can’t. I can’t marry you.”
The ring dropped out of his hand and landed softly on the carpet. Alec didn’t notice as his eyes were still fixed on Vicki’s wet ones. She said no… she said no… that was the only line that ran through his head as he fought to think clearly again. How could this have happened? He had been so sure she’d accept his proposal… didn’t she love him after all? His head snapped up as he rose from the floor. The pain in his heart was greater than if she had picked up a knife and decided to stab him there, no… this pain was far worse and harder to heal. Alec didn’t look at her, he couldn’t, afraid that if he did, he would cry too. Crossing the room to the door, he opened it and was about to step out…
“Alec!” Vicki’s voice cried out desperately. She controlled her tears long enough to beg him, “Don’t leave… please stay.”
His face set and stiff, Alec replied emotionlessly. “There’s nothing left to stay for.”
With that final sentence, Alec shut the door behind him and walked down the stairs. His eyes felt unnaturally hot as he got into his car but he willed himself to remain strong no matter how much it hurt inside.
Vicki’s sobs subsided a bit as she continued to stare at the door of her apartment, pleading Alec to come back with her heart. She couldn’t get the look of pain that Alec had when she told him that she couldn’t marry him, out of her heard. Vicki would never forget that look for the rest of her life. She thought she was doing the right thing by refusing him, she was saving them both a lot of grief in the future right? Now there would be no fights over money, or arguments over different lifestyles… in fact, there would be nothing at all ever again, Vicki realized as her eyes burned with fresh tears. Never again… would Alec hold her in his arms and tell her he loved her, nor would she ever get to hear his voice joking around and laughing with her. No, it was over and it was all her fault. Alec had offered her a lifetime of happiness and love… and she turned him down. Wanting to laugh out loud at the irony of it, Vicki saw everything clearly now. How stupid she could be sometimes! Vicki wiped her eyes hastily, not wanting to waste any more time than she already did. She grabbed Ruby’s car keys that were lying on the kitchen table, knowing her cousin wouldn’t mind in this kind of situation. Not bothering to even take a coat, Vicki took the steps two at a time. Outside it was starting to rain but Vicki was oblivious as she jumped in the Jetta, hoping she could still catch him before she missed her chance… forever.
Stopping at a red light, Alec’s thoughts were still spinning around in his head. He kept thinking of Vicki and the tears that were running down her usually smiling face. Even though she had hurt him so much and he didn’t forgive her for it, he still felt guilty for what he said upon leaving. Maybe he had been too harsh… maybe he should go back and see if she’s ok at least. Dammit Alec, he thought as he made a U-turn, the girl just broke your heart and you’re still going back to check on her… would he ever stop loving her? Turning on his windshield wipers against the rain, he drove back along the same roads to Vicki’s apartment.
Vicki squinted, trying to see through the heavy rain and fog inside of the car windows. Making a right turn at a speed just a little over the legal limit, she continued looking on both sides of the road for road signs and landmarks to check if she was going the right way. At the next intersection, she started to make a left turn, forgetting in her haste to turn on her blinker. That moment, a car speeding along in the opposite lane, thought that it could run through the yellow light before it turned red. Vicki watched, horrified and frozen in fear as the black vehicle’s brakes locked and skid towards her… she screamed but it was cut off as her head hit the steering wheel and everything went black.

Chapter 20

“You were very fortunate, Mr. Su.” The doctor told Alec as he sat down across from him in a chair. “Other than a few minor scratches and a dislocated wrist which I fixed for you already, you are perfectly fine. Escaping serious injury from an accident as bad as that one is really something to be thankful for.”
Alec nodded numbly as he filled out the legal forms the doctor handed him. Once he was done, he was free to go home and act as if nothing had happened. But Alec couldn’t do that. The doctor didn’t know that though Alec was fine externally, inside he was screaming. He started to walk down towards the intensive care unit of the hospital, recalling in his mind what had happened earlier that night. It had been right after he turned around to go back to Vicki’s apartment. He remembered it was raining and dusk was settling in, making the roads difficult to maneuver. And then… the accident occurred. The paramedics that had brought him in told him it had been a head-on collision. Apparently, he ran a red light at the same time another car was turning and neither driver was able to brake fast enough. His airbag had activated early, saving his head from injury. The other car had been totaled, they told him. Such a shame too… they said, for the driver had been a young girl about his age actually. Alec’s heart began to beat faster as he neared the emergency section of the hospital.
Stopping a nearby doctor, he asked him, “Excuse me sir, but do you know where the girl that was just brought in an hour ago is?”
The old doctor looked pensive for a moment before pointing down the corridor. Alec thanked him and walked briskly to the room pointed out to him. He paused at the door. All I’m doing is checking on the other victim, he told himself, I’m not going to know this person and he or she is going to be fine. Alec breathed in deeply as he turned the doorknob and opened the door.
His heart contracted painfully and twisted with anguish when he saw the figure on the hospital bed. “VICKI!” He cried out to her but she didn’t stir. Fearing that she was dead, he ran over to her bedside and shook her slender frame. “Vicki! Vicki, wake up!” But she refused to as she continued to lie there silently, looking so pale and so weak…
“Vicki, it’s me Alec!” His voice broke on the verge of tears. “I’m sorry, so sorry… this is all my fault. Please… open your eyes, open them and look at me. Vicki!!” He bent over her face as a tear dropped onto her cheek.
“She’s not going to wake.” A professional voice broke the sounds of Alec’s crying. He wiped his face hastily before turning to the doctor standing in the doorway.
“What do you mean? She’s not… she’s not dead, is she?? Oh God, please say no!” Alec felt his eyes well up again as he turned to look at Vicki’s still face.
“No, she’s not.” The doctor crossed the room and checked the heart monitor by Vicki’s bed. “See?” She said, holding it up to show Alec.
He breathed out, relieved that his worst suspicion wasn’t true at least. “So when will she wake up?”
She paused, replying sadly, “I’m not sure. The collision was pretty severe and her head suffered some serious injury.” The doctor looked at Alec with a serious expression. “She’s in a coma.”
Alec gasped as his eyes widened frightfully. Suddenly his breathing became difficult again as he imagined Vicki lying in here forever. No… his mind screamed, no! It can’t happen… not to Vicki, not his Vicki…
“Are you her husband? Or boyfriend?” She inquired quietly.
“Yes,” Alec responded automatically before realizing, “I mean, no. I was her boyfriend… but not anymore.”
The doctor simply nodded and said, “Well you need to wait outside now. I have to run some more exams on her and the patient also needs peace to recover.”
Alec followed her instruction and sat down heavily in a chair outside the room. He rubbed his throbbing temples with his fingers, feeling absolutely awful. This was all his fault, he realized, the accident was his fault. And now he had hurt Vicki… he’d almost killed her! If she never woke up, he would be the one to blame. How Alec hated himself at that moment, yet he couldn’t do anything to help Vicki. Actually, his mind reminded him, she doesn’t want your help remember? She refused you, she doesn’t love you anymore, especially after this accident. Alec wanted to cry again but was shaken by a voice calling him.
“Alec! What are you doing here?” Ruby asked him, her eyes filled with worry as she walked up to him with Jimmy and Benny.
“I… I… uh,” He stammered, surprised to see all of them here. Did they know? He wondered, do they hate me for what I’ve done?
“Oh well, of course you’d be here.” Benny said reasonably, “It’s Vicki we’re talking about here guys, Alec would definitely come right away.”
Jimmy turned to the bewildered Alec, his face full of concern, “So how is she? We came as soon as we got the call from the hospital and ran into Benny downstairs. Ruby was so upset the whole ride over.”
“She’s in a coma.” Alec answered, feeling his guilt multiply within him.
“A coma?!” Ruby cried hysterically as she shoved past them into the room. Jimmy and Benny followed her in, curious and worried about Vicki. Alec continued to sit outside, wondering why his friends weren’t furious with him. He couldn’t figure out why Ruby wasn’t strangling him at this moment until it dawned on him suddenly… they didn’t know he was the driver that hit Vicki! No one did really, not even the doctor or Vicki herself probably! Everyone had just assumed he was there because he had heard about the accident and was worried about Vicki. Knowing that he was now living a lie, Alec felt ten times worse than he already did. He couldn’t sit here and pretend to be the loving caring boyfriend when he was the one who had caused her all this suffering! When he was the one to blame, the one who’s responsible for everything! Alec realized something else, no one knew about the proposal. Only two people knew about that and the other one was unconscious at the moment. And when she wakes up, she’ll remember and she won’t want you around, his mind told him, she doesn’t want to marry you, she won’t want anything to do with you! To Alec, staying here suddenly became unbearable. He couldn’t live with the guilt any longer and he definitely couldn’t face Vicki ever again. Alec rose, knowing what he had to do now as he started to walk away.
“Alec!” Jimmy called after his retreating figure. “Hey, I know you feel awful right now, but don’t take it so hard. It’s not your fault.”
You have no idea… Alec thought ironically. He remained silent, not wanting to lie to his best friend.
“Ruby’s still crying in there, she’ll probably spend the night with Vicki.” He said quietly in a tone filled with sadness. Alec wanted so badly to break down and tell him everything, that he was the other person and that he didn’t deserve to live… but he couldn’t.
“Jimmy,” He started difficultly. Alec couldn’t meet his gaze out of guilt as he lied, “Something really important just came up in Hong Kong, I have to leave right away.”
Jimmy looked at Alec strangely. “Now? But, what about Vicki? Can’t it wait?”
Shaking his head as he turned away, Alec replied with a lump in his throat, “No… it can’t. Tell Vicki for me, when she wakes up, that I’m sorry.” He gave Jimmy one final look before walking away.
“What do you mean?” Jimmy called after him. He couldn’t understand the way Alec was behaving. “Won’t you be back soon? Alec! What’s going on… what are you sorry for?”
But Alec kept walking, not daring to look back. Please forgive me Vicki, he pleaded silently in his heart, for being too afraid to face you and for running away. One day… he would get in contact with Jimmy and Benny again, let them know what had happened, but not today. And one day… in the bright future, he hoped that he would see Vicki again and that maybe, just maybe… she’d forgive him. A tear glistened in Alec’s eye as he flagged down a taxi and turned away from everything.

Chapter 21

Vicki blinked her eyes against the bright sunlight that was pouring into her room. It had been nearly two days since she was discharged from the hospital. Stretching her arms over her head, Vicki turned over onto her side, staring out of the window at the blue sky of morning. Outside, spring was coming, with the days getting longer and the weather growing warmer. But inside, Vicki and Ruby’s apartment had never been quieter or lonelier. Ever since she awoke from the coma, nothing had been normal. Vicki shut her eyes against the flood of emotions that rushed at her whenever she thought about the accident. To this day, no one knew who had hit her or what happened exactly. The police had no idea and since Vicki was alright again, they basically gave up the search. Also, the damage done to Ruby’s car was paid for mysteriously by a group of lawyers who just seemed to show up one day. They wouldn’t give their client’s name though and Ruby had no choice but to just accept the money silently. Deep down in Vicki’s heart though, it wasn’t the money that bothered her, or her own health either… but something was just amiss about the whole thing, something Vicki was determined to find out eventually.
More importantly, she was still lacking something vital in her life which had been missing ever since she woke… Alec. Vicki got out of bed and went to shower. When Vicki awoke out from her coma after nearly two months, the first person she asked for was Alec. Ruby, Jimmy, and Benny all shook their heads, telling her he was on a business trip in Hong Kong right now. But she wasn’t that stupid. Something else must be going on, she reasoned, Alec would never leave for so long and without calling to see how I was, he’s not like that. But then again… none of her friends knew the other thing that happened that night, they didn’t know about Alec’s proposal that she had rejected and thus, broken his heart. Oh Alec, she pleaded silently, come back to me… come back so I can undo the pain I caused you that night and tell you what I was planning to tell you before… before the accident. Vicki steadied herself against the bathroom sink, as she suddenly felt faint and dizzy. It was the accident… something about the accident and Alec… could they somehow be related?
“Vicki! What do you want for breakfast?” Ruby called from the kitchen.
Wiping the sweat off her forehead, Vicki answered, “Juice and toast please, without jam!” She walked back to her bedroom, her head continuing to throb with more questions and new theories. Getting dressed quickly, Vicki headed out to the kitchen where a cheerful Ruby was just sitting down to breakfast.
“Morning sleepyhead,” Ruby greeted as Vicki yawned lazily. “Feeling better?”
Vicki nodded, appreciating Ruby’s concern. She really is a great friend and cousin, Vicki thought as she buttered her toast, what would I do without Ruby?
“Do you wanna go out today? Actually, are you strong enough to yet?” Wrinkling her forehead, Ruby looked at Vicki to check her health.
Vicki rolled her eyes and said, “Yes, I’m fine! Sheesh, relax Ruby!” She took a sip of her juice before saying, “And yeah I do wanna go out. Why don’t you ask Jimmy to come too?” She lowered her gaze guiltily, using Ruby’s relationship with Jimmy to get a chance to question him wasn’t her favorite idea but was definitely necessary if she wanted to find out anything about Alec.
Hesitating a moment at Vicki’s request, Ruby agreed because she wanted Vicki to be happy. She went over to the phone and dialed Jimmy’s number slowly, sneaking a look at Vicki subtly. Although her cousin looked fine externally and didn’t carry any traces of injury from the accident, Ruby knew that inside, the pain was as fresh as ever. More times than the normal amount, she caught Vicki staring off into space with a stressed expression on her face. Her eyes would close but her face remained tense, that’s when Ruby knew she was trying to remember again. Trying to remember the night that changed everything… a night that even Ruby didn’t understand nor could she help Vicki understand it. She hung up the phone after telling Jimmy to come over and paused with her hand on the receiver still. How she wished she could call Alec, call him and let him see what his girlfriend was going through. Ruby’s heart burned with anger at Alec for leaving Vicki when she needed him most, when she was suffering in the coma and now, as she continues to suffer though awake.
Plastering a smile on her face, Ruby sat back down across from Vicki. She watched her open her eyes and return from her mental struggle with her memory.
“Remember anything more this time?” Ruby asked gently.
Vicki shook her head no and responded with a sigh, “My memories from that night seem to be getting fewer and fewer… everything’s just a blur now, I can barely pick out any details.” She shut her eyes against the images that flooded her mind, images that didn’t help her. “If only… if only someone had been there with me, someone else who experienced it.”
Smiling uncomfortably, Ruby tried to change the subject. “So where do you wanna go today? Wanna go to the mall? It’s been awhile since you’ve gone and you’ve always liked shopping right?”
Seeing her cousin’s efforts to cheer her up, Vicki went along with it and nodded half-heartedly. “Yeah, that’d be great. I’ll go get my bag and money.” She rose from her chair and placed her dirty dishes in the sink before disappearing into her bedroom.
While placing her wallet into her purse, a photograph on the dresser caught her attention. She picked it up and her vision blurred almost immediately at the emotions it brought back. Alec’s smiling face next to her own stared back at her from the picture. Their hair was all tousled and covered with snow, Vicki remembered that it was taken right after a huge snowball fight they had while on vacation. How perfect everything had been back then, she thought as a tear trickled down her cheek, before the proposal, before the accident… before it all fell apart. Why, Alec? Her heart cried out silently, why are you not here? Wiping her tears as she heard the doorbell ring and Ruby letting Jimmy in, Vicki reached inside her jewelry box for her favorite pair of earrings. She found only one though and puzzled, began to look all around the dresser. When that failed, Vicki scoured the rest of her room for the other earring. Growing more and more frustrated, she wandered out into the living room and began to look there. Crawling on her hands and knees, she reached under the couch and felt something small against her palm.
Vicki’s breath caught short as her eyes fell on the object she drew out. It was the ring. The ring that Alec had once held out to her while asking her to marry him… the same ring that she had rejected so quickly and rashly. The diamond glimmered in the sunlight just as brightly as it had that fateful night. Suddenly Vicki’s head began to spin again, but this time the images came back clearer and slower than before. She saw Alec’s face again, as it fell with hurt and disappointment upon hearing her answer… she heard the door slam resolutely and her own desperate sobs… then she saw herself getting into Ruby’s car. But where all the other memories had stopped, this time her mind kept going. Vicki remembered the rain again, how she was looking for street signs and forgot to turn on her blinker at the traffic light… she shut her eyes tightly, trying with all her strength to hold on to this thought and not let it go for she didn’t know if she would ever get it back again. She saw… she saw… a black car, no make that a black Mercedes, her memory focused on the symbol atop the hood. It was going fast, too fast for a night so wet and slippery… and then, Vicki pictured the skidding, her own fear came rushing back at her as she remembered how terrified she had been then… and the other driver. Vicki felt her heartbeat speed up with exhilaration at being so close to finding out exactly who it was that hit her, at finally being able to put this ghost to rest. She willed her memory to keep going, to not let this image fade… suddenly her mind closed in on the face of the other driver. For one brief moment Vicki saw his face in her memory which had buried it so deep in her mind that it was no wonder she couldn’t remember it till now. Then it all faded away as quickly as it had come to her. Her breathing became normal again as she reopened her eyes and glanced down at the ring clutched tightly in her hand.
But what Vicki saw, she’d never forget. Her heart broke inside with sympathy and compassion for the man she loved as everything became clear now. Oh Alec, she realized sadly as the pieces of the puzzle came together, so that’s why you ran away from me and never looked back. She looked at the ring again and saw Alec’s pained expression in its many facets. He blames himself, Vicki thought as more and more pieces fit into place, he thinks the accident was his fault and that he hurt me… possibly killed me with the coma… that’s why he left, why he hasn’t called or visited. Her heart melted as she yearned to tell Alec that it was ok, to comfort him and relieve him of all his guilt. Oh Alec, I forgive you, Vicki’s heart said quietly, I forgive you for everything and… I still love you.
Knowing that there was only one thing left to do now that everything was solved, Vicki got up and strode into the kitchen where Ruby sat with Jimmy. They both glanced up at her, surprised to see the look of determination in her eyes.
Vicki turned to Jimmy and said, “Tell me where Alec is. And tell me the truth.”

Chapter 22

Watching as the sun slowly slipped beneath the horizon, Alec glanced below to the cars hurrying home on this Friday night. Everyone’s eager to get out of work and go home to their loved ones, he noticed sadly, lights are going on all over the place as people return to their families after a long week. In Alec’s penthouse apartment though, there were no lights on nor anyone to welcome him home. He hadn’t even spoken to his friends for the past few months upon moving to Hong Kong… or rather escaping what happened in Shanghai. It wasn’t until a few days ago that he reestablished contact with Jimmy and Benny. Alec shut his eyes painfully and rested his forehead against the cool window pane. They’d been so disappointed in him when he described what really happened that night… the accident… arriving at the hospital and seeing Vicki… everything but the proposal. He winced subconsciously at the still fresh wound that Vicki’s rejection had left, no he couldn’t tell his friends about that. After all, he still had his male dignity and pride, at least some of it. Jimmy told him Vicki had woken up, after two months of being a motionless figure on some hospital bed, she could finally move and be the same lively Vicki she was before. A smile tugged on Alec’s mouth as he remembered the joy and laughter his girlfriend had always managed to bring to him through her corny jokes and hilarious antics. How he missed that now, when he didn’t have anything left in life to smile about or anyone to joke around with… when he didn’t have Vicki anymore.
But Vicki wasn’t smiling either these days. A pang of sharp pain shot through Alec’s heart as he recalled the way Jimmy had described Vicki after the coma. ‘She’s like a totally changed person, Alec. All serious and quiet, she’s constantly haunted by memories from the accident.’ Alec rubbed his throbbing temple as more of Jimmy’s words came back to him. ‘Come back to her. She needs you now more than ever. Just tell her the truth, Alec… just tell her.’ But can’t you see? Alec wanted to shout at Jimmy, how much I want to do that?? It’s not possible, Jimmy, she’d just hate me even more…
Turning away from the window where the day had grown dark during the course of his preoccupied thoughts, Alec headed for his study where he figured he could at least put his time to good use by getting some more work done. It was fortunate for him actually, that the new HK branch of Su Corporation still had a lot to do, this way he could keep himself busy without thinking about Vicki.
[Ding-dong]
The soft ringing of the doorbell echoed through the large empty rooms. Having sent the hired help home for the weekend, Alec rose to get it himself. He opened the heavy cherry wood door and standing in front of him… was Vicki herself. The very girl he’d spent the last two months thinking about day and night, including the last ten minutes just reminiscing about, was here… in the flesh and on his doorstep!
“Vicki.” He breathed her name out, blinking hard to reassure himself that it wasn’t a dream. Jimmy was right, he realized as he looked at her pale face, she looks so tired and drained of emotion… even her once sparkling eyes were now clouded and confused.
“Alec.” She returned the greeting in the same whispered tone, not sure whether to embrace him and love him or treat him like the enemy, the person that had broken her heart. Choosing neither, Vicki simply waited silently for Alec to step aside before walking slowly into the apartment. She glanced around at the luxurious furnishings and state-of-the-art systems that decorated his expensive home. Yes, I’ve almost forgotten, she thought to herself, how rich he really is.
His eyes followed her slim body as she took in his home, no doubt thinking about how much money everything must’ve cost. He gestured for her to sit down, still not trusting himself to speak for fear that he might say something to make her disappear from his life again. After taking a seat in a lounge chair across from her, Alec decided he had to say something.
“How have you been, Vicki?” It was a far cry from what he really wanted to ask her but he figured he had to start somewhere.
“Ok… I’ve been better though.” She brought her eyes up to meet his, his gaze penetrating into what felt like her soul. It was like he could already see what she was thinking and feeling inside even though there was no way that was possible.
Curiosity got the best of him as Alec couldn’t hold his tongue any longer. “Why are you really here, Vicki? And how did you know I was here?”
She bit her lip pensively as she lowered her gaze to the Persian carpet that covered the floor. This is what you came here for Vicki, her mind said, don’t hesitate now, just tell him what you came to say.
“I came to tell you something. And Jimmy was the one who told me.” She looked up again to answer his question. “I asked him where you were… where you ran away to after the accident.”
Her last few words stung harshly as Alec felt his guilt creep over him. She used the words ‘ran away’, he turned the thought over slowly, does she know? He felt himself grow pale with apprehension as she continued talking.
“That’s all Jimmy told me, that’s all he needed to tell me really. Everything else I remembered on my own.” Her eyes took on a sadder expression, one of sympathy as Alec suddenly realized what was coming. Oh God… he pleaded silently, please tell me she’s talking about something else, tell me she doesn’t know the truth! Vicki saw the look of panic that flashed through his dark brown eyes as she willed her voice to go on, “It took a long time, Alec… but I finally pieced the events of that night together. I saw who hit me.” Her large eyes glimmered with tears threatening to fall. “Was it you, Alec?”
A long period of silence followed her question as both of them held their breath tensely. Finally Alec spoke.
“Yes.” It came out as barely audible but Vicki caught it anyway. The tears that were gathering now spilled out as her biggest fear and hope had been confirmed. All this time, she’d been hoping it wasn’t him but at the same time, wishing it was just so the whole issue could be put to rest. And now, it could. Then, Vicki noticed Alec’s stricken expression. He wore on his face, the most horrible look of guilt and self-hate that Vicki ran over to him and hugged him tightly. Not caring about his pride anymore, Alec buried his face in her shoulder, crying with shame and relief that now his burden was finally lifted. Whispering, “I’m sorry, Vicki… Oh Vicki! I’m so sorry…” as he held her to him, not wanting to let go after being apart from her for so long.
After a few minutes, Vicki pulled his face away to look him in the eyes. “Alec,” she started as tears continued to flow down her cheeks, “Alec look at me. I’m not mad at you,” Vicki emphasized these words as Alec didn’t seem to believe her. “I’m not! Not one bit, Alec! Because it was an accident. It wasn’t your fault!! And look,” She stood up and spun around in front of him. “I’m fine! Perfectly healthy again!” Kneeling down in front of him, she took him by the hands. “And I forgive you. I forgive you for the accident, I forgive you for leaving me, I forgive you for everything!”
Alec couldn’t comprehend this. She’s… she’s forgiving me? His mind spun with joy and amazement, how can this be? She’s not mad… she’s really not mad at me! She doesn’t hate me! He wanted to jump up and dance with glee but then he remembered something. Just because she doesn’t hate me… doesn’t mean she wants to date me again, he thought disappointedly.
Wanting to end the reunion quickly if it was still going to result in bad news, Alec asked, “So what did you come to tell me?”
Caught off guard by his once again cool voice, Vicki hesitated. “I came… I came to tell you that I changed my mind.” Alec wrinkled his forehead at her, bewildered. “Actually, I changed my mind a couple minutes after you left, but you never gave me a chance to tell you.” She smiled cheekily before becoming shy again. As she spoke, Vicki began to pull out a chain from around her neck. “I realized that I had said no for all the wrong reasons, whereas I should have said yes… for all the right reasons that I know now.” Dangling from her chain was something that made Alec’s eyes pop out in shock. He reached out and took the ring from her hands, slipping it off of the chain. Alec stared at Vicki, speechless that she had actually worn this around her neck when… when all along, he had been sure she’d rejected him… that she wanted nothing to do with him.
Glancing down at Vicki’s shining face, Alec knew what he had to do. He got down on his knees next to Vicki who was still kneeling and with a trembling voice, said, “Vicki Zhao, will you… marry me?”
He didn’t even need to ask as Vicki threw her arms around his neck, crying, “Yes! Yes I will!” Alec began laughing as Vicki ranted on, “Yes for all the nice things you’ve done for me! Yes for the way you’d do anything just to make me happy! Yes for believing in us and that we would make it! And yes for the way you make me feel! Yes for being my soul mate, my one and only! Yes for loving me enough to ask me twice!” Vicki could barely speak coherently as she was grinning too hard and Alec had to practically twist her wrist just to get the ring on for she was jumping around too much.
“Whoa! Okok that’s enough yes’s.” Alec interrupted as he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her close. “I only need one in this lifetime.” His voice turned serious as he tipped her chin up to look into her face. “I love you Vicki.”
“I love you too.” She brought her face closer to Alec’s so that a split second before their lips were to meet… “And yes!” Vicki grinned at the warning look Alec was shooting her to stop talking. “For all the reasons stated above.”
And so, they kissed… a kiss that would last for all their life and even more.

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