Fan Fiction |
by Rain
Saturday, 24th August 2002
Wallace looked at the cheerful face before him. “You’re really happy to be discharged from the hospital tomorrow huh?”
Michelle nodded smiling. “Hopefully it’ll be the beginning of our peaceful days together as husband and wife since...” Michelle shuddered at the string of nightmares that happened in a row in the last few weeks.
Wallace bit back the jealousy surge in his heart. (I’m happy for you… You’re right to be thinking of your husband all the time… but I can’t help recalling the times we were together… If only…)
“Michelle…” he began. “Have… have you found your… brother?”
Michelle sighed and shook her head. “I wished Wah gor is here. I miss him so much. He is the best brother a sister could expect… I feel so safe whenever he’s around. Everything was always perfect, or at least he would perfect it for me…”
She felt her eyes stinging with tears recalling how Kin Wah had protected her from Fiona’s beatings and gave her more than Fiona had intended, their tennis lessons together... Of course, little Michelle did not know why her brother was given better treatment; she thought it was the Chinese traditional thinking where sons were usually treasured more. Kin Wah always made sure she got what he had; it was either two or none. She really missed him. She wished for him to return and she could just hide under his arms where no one could harm her.
Wallace drew in a deep breath. “What if your brother… isn’t who you thought he was? What if…”
Michelle shook her head confidently. “My Wah gor will always be my brother. I know him! His place in my heart will never change. He will always be my most beloved brother! And somehow, I think he knows what my heart is thinking, wherever he is now.”
“Wallace…? Are you okay?” Michelle saw Wallace’ face in a shade of deep sorrow.
Before she realized it, Wallace was pulling her into his arms. The embrace they had shared many times in England was still so familiar to her. Her heart pounded on his chest, and she could feel his heart beat raced too.
“Wallace? Are you okay?” she asked meekly from under his chin.
“Shh… Michelle, just let me hug you once more. Remember the first time we hugged in my apartment? I just want to feel it once more… Once more before I leave…” he said softly.
Michelle did not feel the awkwardness she expected and settled into his hold, to soothe this man she had once loved. She had almost forgotten his gentle touch. And she was definitely not looking forward to his departure.
When they finally broke apart, Michelle looked at Wallace’ earnest face. “I’m sorry… I just…”
“It’s alright Wallace,” she assured. “Are you leaving Hong Kong soon?”
“I’ve stayed far longer than I should,” he said mournfully.
Michelle’s heart felt a heavy feeling of letting Wallace go. “Are… are you coming back again?”
“No…,” Wallace shook his head slowly, turning away to avoid her eyes, afraid that they may change his decision.
Michelle’s hand hesitantly reached for his, but stopped just as their fingers were about to touch, dropping back to her side again. She stepped forward, next to his tall build, and joined him appreciating the cool night breeze.
There was a crash of glass from some far end but neither of them had turned to see Raymond throwing a beer bottle onto the ground, storming away, totally drunk.
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Sunday, 25th August 2002, 6:30pm
Raymond was exceptionally quiet the entire drive home.
“Ray… Are you alright?” Michelle asked, seeing her husband silent since they left hospital.
“I’m fine,” he replied curtly, steering into the porch of their house.
“You must be very tired having to deal with work and visiting me in the hospital…” she said sympathetically, stepping out of the car. Michelle breathed the air that was free from the hospital antiseptic smell. She stretched her hands, eased her back on the comfortable sofa.
“Oh, it’s about dinner time Ray, what do you want for dinner?” Michelle said jumping up and made her way towards their kitchen.
Raymond dropped her luggage by the sofa and sat down. “Michelle, don’t tire yourself too much. We can always order something.”
“Those are not proper cooking, Ray. Oh, look you’ve been living on instant noodles since I was in hospital?” Michelle picked up the garbage bag that was filled with packets of instant noodles.
Raymond sighed and got up. “I said there’s no need for you to cook Michelle. Just take good care of yourself.”
“Come on Ray, I know you miss your wife’s cooking right? Come and make your order, she cooks…” Michelle beamed over at Raymond who stood by the dining table.
“No! I said NO! Michelle, stop trying to be a perfectionist! Look at yourself! What have you done to yourself in your effort trying to be a good wife?! You got shot and nearly died. Now you want to cook when your wound is still raw. You don’t even dare to love anymore!” Raymond suddenly shouted.
Michelle stared at him in confusion. “What do you mean Ray? I got shot because I love you. Of course I dare to love. My courage to love was the courage that made me take that bullet…”
“Oh God…” Raymond whimpered. (You’re even lying to yourself. You’re such a pitiful woman. Only your unconscious mind has what little courage left inside your empty soul dares to admit your love for Wallace… and I wonder when that will be dying away as well… and I’m the guilty ‘murderer’…)
“You stop playing piano for Daniel, you stop playing tennis for Wallace, are you going to stop breathing for me?” Raymond reached for her and asked her somberly.
“Yes, I’d...” Raymond put a finger on her lips, to stop her from speaking of the cursing reply. He shook his head as if feeling a tormenting pain from within.
“Ray…?” Michelle looked at Raymond’s intricate expression.
“Just get some rest okay? I’ll go buy us some dinner…” he seated her back at the sofa, taking his keys and left to buy dinner.
Michelle sat there wondering what Raymond was fussing all about, but her head seemed a little empty, wincing when a little pain shot from within her skull.
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Sunday, 25th August 2002, 7:30pm
“Wallace!” Raymond called from behind; his face was a deep drunken shade.
“Ray? What’re you doing here? Don’t tell me you’re coming to see me off…” Wallace joked with a small laugh, closing back the door of the taxi that he was about to get on and waved it to pass by.
“She… she’s not your sister Wallace! You can love her all you want!” he blurted.
Wallace raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Are you trying to get me seduce your wife?” He laughed uncomfortably at his own joke. Raymond shook his head uncertainly, but Wallace was unsure if it was meant to answer his question. He stared at Raymond who was far too drunk to be believed. He shook his head and heaved Raymond onto his back.
“Come on, I think you should quit drinking so much. You need to be looking after my sister you know… If you hurt her, I’ll be coming for you…” he tried to get Raymond into another taxi passing by, but Raymond jumped up. “Oh, and I’d appreciate it if you don’t let her know this fact. You know…”
“I’m not drunk. And I don’t need to take care of her. You should. Didn’t you hear what I say?!” he roared, cutting his words.
“Yeah, yeah… Come on Ray, I’ve got a plane to catch, but let’s get you home first…” Wallace tried helplessly to get hold of Raymond who was swaying away from him.
“No! I don’t need help. I’m done telling you…” Raymond backed away and disappeared into the other direction.
“Ray…?” Wallace called and then glanced at his watch. “Shit! I’m going to miss my plane.” He said jumping into the taxi that was still waiting.
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END of Chapter
Author:
Yes, melted, he’s still the goodu you think he is, whatever that means. I guess he’s just thick.