| Fan Fiction |
by DTLCT
Thursday finally comes, just one more day and they’re heading to Jan’s place. Jacky just come back to Constant Comfort from a secret meeting with Yoyo, whistling to himself. He bumps into Ray and starts up a conversation.
“You seen free lately,” Jacky commented casually.
“Is that an under-statement of the year?” Ray asked, hinting sarcasm. “Told you already. Couldn’t find any jobs lately. So I just went to visit old Dad.” He eyes Jacky cautiously. “And don’t give me that look. I wasn’t asking for money.”
Jacky’s playing with his keys as both guys are walking towards the elevators. “I didn’t say anything.”
“Maybe you’re thinking it.”
“You’re paranoid.”
Jacky’s cell phone rings at that time.
“Two guesses it’s Jan.”
Jacky ignores Ray and picks up. “Hello?”
“One day and I can get a move on the target,” A girl’s voice said excitedly.
“He’s here right now, you want to celebrate with him?”
“Ray?”
“Who else?”
Jacky and Ray enter the elevator at that time.
“He wasn’t supposed to know the deal,” The girl said.
“Want me to tell him?” Jacky asked.
“Jacky!”
“Okay, fine. When is Nnadia coming back then?”
“It’s Yoyo?” Ray asked.
Jacky turns to Ray. “Yea.” Then he focuses on Yoyo again. “You want to tell me or should I ask Ray?”
“She’s coming back tomorrow,” Ray said. “Want to come along?”
“Really? Sounds like fun.”
“Since Ray’s okay with it, I’ll let you come along,” Yoyo said.
“Too late, Miss.”
“Fine.” Yoyo hangs up on Jacky.
Jacky looks at his cell phone a bit before snapping it shut. He turns to Ray again. “Tim’s going to have a hard time with her.”
“Serves him right,” Ray mumbled.
“What was that?”
“Nothing.” He clears his throat quickly. “So, excited to see your girlfriend soon?”
Jacky sighs. “I guess.”
“You sound excited when you talk on the phone with her. What’s with the change of tone now?” He realizes something. “Oh! That Huxley, right? Don’t worry. We’ll tie and gag him and toss him somewhere in the closet or whatever facility we could find so you two could have some time together!”
Jacky gives Ray an amusing look.
“Don’t look at me like that. I’m only helping you, okay?” Just as Ray’s getting started, they hear the sound of a cell phone ringing. This time, it’s Ray’s turn. “Hello?
“It’s Wallace. Guess what happened?”
“What? You found the hidden treasure in the building already?”
“No. But guess who’s here?”
Ray wrinkles his eyebrows. “You mean…?”
“Yes, get down here. Kevin should be coming home soon. He just called me a bit ago when I was still driving. He said something about a surprise for Mandy. But I guess someone planned a surprise for him.”
“All right! We’ll be right down.” As Ray snaps his phone shut, he presses on Level 1 before turning to Jacky. “Bad news. You know who’s here. Wallace saw him. Kevin’s coming home in a few minutes.”
“Why are you still taking the elevators? Let’s go.”
Jacky advances forward and presses on the next level. The elevator stops and Jacky gets out. Ray’s still frozen by Jacky’s fast actions.
Jacky turns back to Ray. “What are you doing? Let’s go!”
Ray finally unfreezes and follows Jacky. They take the stairs down. Lucky they’re on the 4th floor and not 7th. Jacky’s practically flying down the steps while Ray’s taking two steps at a time. When they make it to the 2nd floor, Jacky’s cell phone rings again.
“What now?” Jacky asked.
“Ekin’s heading up,” Wallace informed him.
“You know what he’s doing?”
“I’m guessing he’s looking for Kevin.”
Jacky turns back to Ray. “Go back upstairs to stop Ekin while I go down to meet Wallace. I’ll stalk for time.”
“What?” Ray asked, still confused.
“Hurry! Ekin’s making his away up.”
“All right.”
“Whatever else happens, just call me,” Jacky said to Wallace. He hangs up and increases his speed even more. When he’s finally down at the lobby again, he sees Wallace standing at the entrance. He rushes over to Wallace. “Well?”
“Kevin just parked,” Wallace told him.
“Great. I’ll call Ray to see if he spotted Ekin yet.” Jacky gets out his cell phone to call Ray while Wallace checks up on Kevin. “Ray? You there yet? You seen him?”
“That’s strange,” Ray said. “I don’t see him.”
Jacky could hear Ray’s heavy breathing. “Calm down. Get your breathing pattern back first. We’ll try to stall for time before Kevin finds out he’s here, okay?”
“Okay.”
They hang up just in time since Kevin’s walking up to the entrance.
Kevin looks from Jacky to Wallace. “What’s going on here? How come he’s here too?”
“Heard Wallace said you have a surprise for Mandy so I just want to see,” Jacky said, smiling.
“Since when did you become so nosy like…”
“I’m human after all. Besides, I’ve been so bored all week here, got to jump at the chance of seeing something exciting, right?”
“I thought you’ve been around town,” Wallace said, turning to Jacky.
“Hey. This place isn’t that big anyway. I can go explore just in one day.” He turns to Kevin again. “What did you get Mandy anyway?”
“Yea,” Wallace chimed in. “You sound excited on the phone.”
“It’s a secret,” Kevin said.
“Oh come on,” Jacky urged. “We’re your friends.”
“The way you two are going on, you might as well blurt it out. I don’t want to take the chance.”
“If you tell me, I’ll tell you what I got Cyndi!” Wallace exclaimed out.
Kevin wrinkles his eyebrows. “What is going on with you two? Let’s go inside first.”
“What’s your hurry anyway?”
“I just got a new project in hand. It was hard work, but I did it. So I need to go inside and jot down some notes down before I forget. I’m going to get started on it after some rest.” He gives both guys a strange look again. “Why are you two blocking my way?”
“Are we?” Jacky asked, looking around their circle of three, pretending to just noticed it. He shrugs his shoulders. “No idea.”
“If you want to go inside, go ahead,” Wallace said. “We’re just standing here to enjoy the fresh air.”
“Talking about the fresh air, want to go to Yin Yang to chill for a bit?”
“If you want to go, at least let me go inside and take a shower first,” Kevin said. “I need to get out of these clothes.”
Jacky’s cell phone rings at that time. He picks it up right away – knowing who it could be. “Hello?”
“I know where he went,” Ray said.
“Where?” Jacky begins to walk away from the guys a bit.
Kevin and Wallace begin to walk towards the elevators.
“Third floor,” Ray said.
“You’re there?” Jacky asked.
“No. I went to the security guards’ control center to take a look at the cameras.”
“He’s still there?”
“Yea. He’s probably waiting for Auntie Yeung to come back.”
“He’s trying to talk to her instead of Kevin?”
Wallace turns to Jacky. He and Kevin are waiting for the elevators right now.
“I’ll call you back when he leaves or makes any move,” Ray said.
“Okay.” Jacky hangs up and increases his pace as the elevator opens for Kevin and Wallace. He signals to Wallace that it’s okay to get in as he gets in himself.
When they reach the 5th floor, Jacky’s cell phone rings again.
“Hello?” Jacky said.
“Is Kevin around?” Ray asked, lowering his voice.
“What happened?”
“He’s giving Auntie Yeung a contract of some sort.”
“What?!”
“Who are you talking to?” Wallace asked.
Jacky turns to Wallace. “Ray.” He returns his attention to Ray again. “Can you see what it’s like from the camera?”
“I know he’s going to wait, so I went to the 3rd floor after I got off the phone with you,” Ray said.
“You’re closer now? Can you see anything?”
“They’re still talking. I don’t know why Auntie Yeung’s not kicking him out yet.”
“That’s strange.”
“I know.”
“What’s going on?” Wallace asked.
Jacky turns to Wallace again. “Ms. Yeung’s dealing with some pest issue right now. Ray’s trying to help her.” He focuses on Ray again. “So…what’s the solution now?”
“Are you guys on the 7th floor yet?” Ray asked.
“Yes. We’re here.”
“Good. Double back down.”
“Okay.” Jacky snaps his phone shut and walks out of the elevator after Kevin and Wallace.
“What is really going on?” Kevin asked. “What pest?”
“Ray got it under control. But I have to go back downstairs now.”
Kevin looks at the elevator. “Why did you get out then?”
“It’s only two floors down. I can use some exercise.”
“All right then. See you later.”
Jacky nods as he heads towards the door that leads to the stairs. He rushes down one floor before taking the elevator to the 3rd floor. When he gets out, he could see Ray sneaking around in front of Ms. Yeung’s office. He couldn’t believe it. He remains a distance away from Ray and calls Ray on his cell phone. “Pretend you don’t know me. But stay on the line. When he comes out, tell me so I can set up. I’ll follow him from there on, got it? Go hide fast somewhere and go talk to Ms. Yeung after we’re gone. Make sure she doesn’t know you’re prying though.”
“Okay,” Ray said. “Sounds like a plan.”
Five minutes later, Ekin finally comes out. Jacky and Ray proceed as planned. After he got the warning from Ray, Jacky hangs up and pretends to be waiting for the elevators as Ekin’s walking up to him. His cell phone rings at that time again. He wonders if it’s Ray again. He honestly hopes not. The elevator to the right opens. He signals for Ekin to get in first as he follows.
“Hello?” Jacky said.
“That’s all you can say?” A girl’s voice asked.
Jacky didn’t bother to look at the phone screen to see who called earlier so he didn’t know it’s Jan. “What are you up to now?”
“One more day.”
“I know.”
“You sound troubled, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” He begins to tap on the phone. “What have you prepared for us?”
“What do you want me to talk about then?”
Jacky taps the phone in nervousness. “Wow. Sounds like it’s going to be a merry Christmas after all.”
“Okay. I’ll try. Don’t take it to heart, okay?”
“I’m not like that at all.”
Jan raises her voice at that time. “Maybe you just don’t get it. But NO ONE invited you over. Don’t act all nice to me. And don’t show up at my doorstep ever again. And DON’T RUIN my family dinner either.”
Jacky pretends to fidget with the phone, but he turns the volume higher on purpose, causing Ekin to hear some of Jan’s last few words also. “What’s with the hostility anyway? We were still good since last week.”
Jan hangs up on him after that.
Jacky looks at the phone for a while before putting it away in his pocket. He sighs out. Then he pretends to realize that someone’s in the elevator with him also. He lets out a nervous laugh. “Sorry you had to hear that.” He looks sideways in embarrassment.
Ekin smiles. “It’s all right. Tough time, huh?”
“Yes. Definitely. I guess I won’t be spending time with her this Christmas after all.”
“You’re not the only one spending Christmas alone this year.”
Jacky looks surprised upon hearing that. “You too?”
“Yes.”
“Did you just moved in? I haven’t seen you around.”
“I came to visit my aunt.”
“Oh?”
“Ms. Yeung is my aunt.”
“You mean…”
“Yes, the apartment building owner.”
“No way!”
“I know it’s hard to believe.”
Jacky extends his right hand. “Nice to meet you.”
Ekin shakes Jacky’s hand. “I’m Ekin Cheng. You are?”
Jacky lets go of Ekin’s hand. “Wilson Leung.”
“You live here?”
“For the time. I’ll be heading back home after Christmas.”
“Got friends here?”
“You could say that.” He licks his lips. “I don’t mean to poke, but you said Ms. Yeung is your aunt. Then how come you’re going to spend Christmas alone?”
“Uh…”
“Forget I asked.”
“No. It’s all right. It’s just that our family has a little misunderstanding and we’re still in the process of solving it.”
“Oh?” He realizes something. “You said your last name is Cheng, right? If Ms. Yeung is your aunt, does that mean you’re…” He pauses briefly. “…related to Kevin?”
“I’m his older brother.”
“No way!” He gestures his right hand around. “It looks like it’s a small world after all.”
“Unbelievable, right?”
Jacky nods.
The elevator arrives at the lobby at that time. They both get out and head for the entrance.
“So…you’re heading home now?” Jacky asked.
“I guess so,” Ekin said. “But maybe I won’t go home right away. I want to stop at some place to get some fresh air first.”
“Hey!”
Ekin turns to Jacky. “What?”
“How about this?”
Ekin waits for Jacky to continue.
Jacky licks his lip before continuing. “If you don’t mind me interfering with your family matters, how about we go find some place to have a drink and talk about it? I mean after all, I know Kevin. Maybe I can help you with this.” He shrugs his shoulders. “But then again, we just met…so you know…you don’t have to tell me.”
“Actually, you know what? I think it’s a good idea. I mean this might be my only chance in mending things with my brother.”
“All right then. I know a place.”
“My car’s parked a bit down the block.”
“Okay. Let’s go.”
They leave the place together, talking like good buddies.
*****
Ray makes sure Ekin won’t come back before approaching the door to Ms. Yeung’s office. He knocks twice before Ms. Yeung comes to the door.
“Ray?” Ms. Yeung asked, surprised. “What brought you here?”
“Uh…Auntie,” Ray managed.
“What’s going on? You look troubled.”
“If you don’t mind me being direct, could I ask you something?”
“Come in first.”
Ray follows Ms. Yeung inside. He settles down at a seat before speaking up again. “What was Ekin doing here?”
“You saw him?”
Ray nods. “I won’t lie to you. I saw him luring around the area, so I followed him. I don’t know what he told you, but I want to ask you because of…”
“Kevin, right?”
Ray nods.
“I might be an old lady, but I’m not dumb.”
“I don’t mean that.”
Ray looks down at the floor as Ms. Yeung speaks up again.
“He said he wants to mend things with Kevin,” Ms. Yeung explained. “He said he wants to explain.”
Ray looks up at Ms. Yeung.
Ms. Yeung smiles. “I just want to see what kind of game he’s playing this time.”
“You mean…”
Ms. Yeung turns towards her desk and picks up a manila envelope. She hands it to Ray. Ray hesitates.
“You can go ahead and take a look,” Ms. Yeung said.
Ray opens the envelope and looks at its contents. He pulls out a stack of papers. He begins to read it. He snaps his attention back up to Ms. Yeung.
“Yes. He bought back the old mansion.”
“So…this is how he wants to mend things?”
Ms. Yeung nods.
“Who does he think he is?” Ray gets up at that time. “Just because he bought back the mansion doesn’t mean he’s forgiven.” Ray realizes he is a bit overboard. “Sorry, Auntie. I’m just a bit…” He gestures his right hand. Then he sits back down again.
“It’s all right. I know you and Kevin are like brothers.”
Ray lets out a nervous laugh.
“I will respect Kevin’s decision in this so I will tell him. But not until after Christmas.”
“You want him to enjoy the holidays, right?”
Ms. Yeung nods.
“Uh…I guess I should be going then.”
Ms. Yeung walks Ray to the door.
Ray turns back at the door. “I’m sorry for over-reacting, Auntie.”
“It’s all right.”
Ray turns to leave at that time, but Ms. Yeung calls him back.
“Yes?” Ray asked.
“About Mandy…it’s not that I don’t want her to come along to visit the relatives. It’s just that…the relatives are a bit harsh. I don’t want her to have to deal with all those questions.”
Ray nods. “I understand.”
After that, Ms. Yeung nods as a signal that Ray could go.
Ray turns to leave for the elevators.
*****
Wallace paces back and forth in his apartment, wondering what is really going on. He hates not knowing. But he refrains himself from calling Jacky or Ray since they might be doing some “sneaky” stuff right now. It would be a bad idea to call and expose their location. Just as he’s lost in thoughts, he hears the door being opened. He turns to the front door to see Alice walking in.
Wallace walks to Alice. “Did you see any of the guys around when you were on your way up here?”
Alice looks confused. “No. Why?”
“Nothing.”
Wallace goes back to pacing as Alice goes to her room.
What in the world are they up to? Wallace’s about to put some holes in the floor with his pacing when his cell phone rings. “What happened?”
“I got a tale for you guys,” Jacky said. “Prepare some popcorn.”
“What?”
“I’m coming back up now.”
“Okay then.”
“Ray came back yet?”
“I thought you guys are together.”
“No. We have different tasks.”
“Oh. I’ll look out for him then.”
“All right. Talk to you in a bit.”
They hang up.
As promised, Jacky come to Wallace’s apartment within 5 minutes.
“Well?” Wallace demanded.
“Let me sit down first,” Jacky said.
They sit down at the sofa before Jacky starts.
“This guy really knows how to lie, man,” Jacky began.
“Who?” Wallace asked.
“Ekin. Who else?”
“What did he tell you?”
“How he was deceived by this one guy into investing on this one product. He disappeared before because he was searching that guy. He said he realized how much time he wasted. Then he settled down somewhere else to work hard to earn money again. He finally has the trust of his new boss after working some times. And how he earned back the amount of money required to buy back the Cheng mansion. He said this time he’s returning to mend things with Kevin.
“How is he going to do that?”
“Through me.”
“What?!”
“No. He said that Kevin won’t let him explain. I offered to help.”
“Are you crazy? Ray’s going to tear you apart.”
“If I didn’t say that, would he tell me so much?”
“Oh…”
“That’s right.”
“Sly fox.”
“Hey, I’m helping you guys here.”
Wallace: So…what now?
“We wait.” Jacky’s phone rings at that time. He has been playing with his phone the whole time he’s talking to Wallace, so he picks it up right away. “Yea? Go ahead.”
“Guess what I found out?” Ray asked.
“What?”
“Remember the contract I saw earlier?”
“What is it?”
“It’s the deed to the Cheng’s old mansion.”
Jacky wrinkles his eyebrows. “No wonder.”
“What? Did you find out something?”
“Yes. Wallace’ll tell you later when you’re back. I’m heading back downstairs.”
“Going somewhere?”
“No. Tired. I need rest.”
“Okay.”
They hang up.
“What happened?” Wallace asked.
“It fits now,” Jacky replied. “Ray got the last piece of the puzzle.”
“Which is?”
“Ekin gave Ms. Yeung the deed to the Cheng’s old mansion.”
“What?! So he was looking for Ms. Yeung before and not Ekin?”
“Yea.” He gets up at that time. “Anyway, I’m going to get some rest. You and Ray can share stories when he’s back.”
“Okay then.”
Jacky lets himself out and makes his way down the hall again. He stops in front of Gallen’s apartment a little before walking on. One more day, he thought. He hopes the truth won’t tear them all apart.
*****
Friday finally comes.
With Jacky’s word, Ekin didn’t come back. At least so far in the day. It’s around noon now and no move. Jacky’s out again to delay another incident from happening while knowing that his previous attempt will be undo soon. Jacky lets out a sigh and walks out of Constant Comfort.
As Jacky’s twirling his keys in his right hand and walking to his car, he sees a middle-age lady walking in. He nods as he passes by her, lowering his right hand. She gives him a friendly smile also. He resumes his twirling motion after that, pondering about something. He swears he’d seen her somewhere. As he’s opening his car, some images flash into his mind.
“Oh shoot!” He yelled out, slamming his car door so loud, some people around him turn to look. He gives them a nervous smile before rushing back inside. He couldn’t see the lady anymore as he scans the lobby with his radar eyes. He fishes around in his pocket, trying to find his cell phone.
“Hello?” Ray said.
“Are you on your way down?”
“No, not yet. I’m still waiting for Mandy. We’re going together since she wants to meet Nnadia also.”
“I got some news for you. Big news.”
“What? Ekin’s back?”
“No. Is Mandy back yet?”
“Yes. She’s getting ready. She’s off early today since she finished her project. Why? What happened?”
“Listen carefully, your mom’s on her way up.”
“What?!”
“Either take her aside and tell her about the whole situation or hide Mandy or pretend you don’t know Mandy. Either way.”
“Oh shoot!”
“Yes.”
“Can’t talk! I gotta go!”
Ray slams his phone shuts before Jacky could say anything else. But he knows Jacky will understand. In time like this, he has to move fast.
Ray walks towards his front door and opens it real fast, looking around to see if his mom is anywhere in sight yet. He remembers something. As he’s stepping out to the hallway, he opens his cell phone again.
“Kev., are you here yet?”
“I just came in,” Kevin said. “Saw Jacky. He just entered the elevator. Why? What’s going on? You sound like something happened.”
“Not yet. But it’s about to happen.”
“What? Slow down.”
“No time. My mom’s making her way up. Is there a way to stop the elevators?
“You’re kidding, right? She’s your mom!”
“Not like I want to trap her. Just delayed her a bit.”
“But Jacky’s on his way up. Would he be faster?”
“I don’t know. Maybe if I tell Mandy not to come out of her apartment at this time…then…oh shoot!”
“What happened?”
“Mom’s down the hall already. I don’t see Jacky.”
“He just got in like a minute ago, of course he can’t be there right away. Who do you think he is? Superman?”
“He is Superman.”
“What? Is this a joke?”
“No. He’s here.”
“You’re kidding, right?”
“No. You probably didn’t see him practically flying down the stairs the other day. He must have gotten out of the elevator on one of the levels and raced up here.”
“Why are you still talking to me now? Go!”
“No. Jacky stopped her. I can get to Mandy now.”
“What is he doing?”
“Not sure. Pretending he’s lost? Okay, have to get off now. Need to call Mandy before she comes out of her apartment.”
“Okay. I’m on my way up.”
Ray hangs up and presses Mandy’s Speed Dial #.
“Stop rushing,” Mandy said. “We still have plenty of time to go to the airport, you know.”
“No… big trouble. Whatever you do, don’t come out now.”
“What’s wrong? You sound…”
“My mom’s down the hall right now. Jacky’s delaying her. But I can’t just pretend I don’t see her. Just don’t come out until I tell you to, okay?”
“Maybe we should just tell her.”
“Are you kidding me? Not right now.”
“Ray…”
“Not the time, sis. Gotta go. She spotted me.”
Ray hangs up and makes his way down the hall to his mom.
*****
Mandy’s cell phone rings as soon as she got off the phone with Ray. She looks at the screen to see it’s Charmaine.
“Charm? What’s gong on?”
“One of the ad plan paper fell out of my folder earlier this morning when I was rushing out the door,” Charmaine said. “Can you look in my room for me? And while you’re at it, can you bring it to our workplace too?”
“Sure. It’s the Jazmin case, right?”
“Yea.”
“Okay. I’ll look for it. I’ll be over there ASAP.”
“All right. No rush. It’s just that I want to get the outline done by today before we leave, that’s all.”
“Okay. See you.”
Mandy hangs up and rushes into Charmaine’s room to search for the paper. She finally found it under Charmaine’s bed five minutes later. It must have slide down there when it dropped earlier. She straightens up the room a bit before rushing out, closing the door behind her. As she’s about to open the front door, she remembers what Ray told her. She wonders if Ray’s mom is gone yet. She pulls out her cell phone to call Ray.
“Hello?” Ray greeted her.
“Are my safe yet?” Mandy asked.
“What’s your hurry?”
“I have to bring some documents over to Charm since she left it behind on her way out this morning.”
“Yea sure. Go ahead. Since she’s in my apartment right now. Jacky’s keeping her entertained at this moment.”
Mandy smiles. “I could imagine that.”
“Okay. Gotta get back or she’ll suspect something, okay?”
“Okay, thanks. Bye.”
Mandy unlocks the door and heads out after she got off the phone with Ray. She bumps into Kevin as she’s walking down the hall.
“Why are you out here?” Kevin asked. “I thought Ray said…”
“He said it’s okay now since his mom’s in your apartment,” Mandy explained.
“Why are you out then?”
“I have to deliver something to Charm.”
“Oh. Want me to come along?”
Mandy smiles. “If you want to.”
“All right then.”
He grabs hold of her left hand with his right as they head towards the elevators.
*****
Wallace makes sure Mr. Zhao’s not around before sneaking next door to visit Cyndi. As he’s sure he makes it safely out the door, he bumps into someone. Since he has been walking backward the whole time, trying to keep his eyes on Ying Ying’s door for Mr. Zhao, he didn’t pay attention to where he was going. As he turns around to face the other party, he couldn’t help but utter a laugh.
“I should’ve known!” Wallace said.
“Like you’re any better,” The other person said.
“You’re the boss’ son. Why are you sneaking around?”
“Like I want to. Dad’s been on my back about work. He told me to wrap up the all my cases since it’s the end of the year now. I have to sneak around or I’ll be dead meat if he caught me slacking off.”
“You could go see Alyssa when we’re off work.”
“I live with the boss, okay? Do you think I get a break? At least here, I’m closer to her.”
Wallace pats Vincent’s shoulder. “Poor you. Good luck, man.” He looks at his watch quickly. “I have to hurry too or I won’t get my chance at all.”
“Yea. You better. Lunch time is almost over.”
They separate after that.
Wallace continues his way to Wesley Realtor Agency. He couldn’t help but sneak a laugh at Vincent’s peculiar behavior.
Wallace lets out a sigh of relief as he makes it safely into the elevator. He gives himself an invisible pat on the back as he presses on Level 2. His smile fades when the elevator door opens. He couldn’t believe his luck. How in the world did Vincent not get caught? He could see Mr. Zhao’s eyes on him as he steps out of the elevator.
“I see that you have so much free time, Mr. Huo,” Mr. Zhao said, his voice and expression stern.
“Uh…I’m looking for…” Wallace stuttered out, his voice nervous.
“I’m sure you have your reasons for being here, Mr. Huo. But you must have heard wrong during the meeting. I said I will be the one in contact with our neighbors for the end of year event.”
“Uh…I guess I heard wrong, sir. I’m sorry. I will go back now.”
“I’m sure you know your way back.”
Wallace lets out a nervous laugh as he nods. He turns back to the elevator and gets in as soon as the door opens.
Wallace scolds at himself for not being more careful. No wonder Vincent had to sneak around earlier. How could he been so careless? He wasn’t paying attention that much anyway during the meeting today. He was celebrating too fast. He shouldn’t have let his guard down although today is the last day of work – until next week.
*****
Jacky lets out a yawn as he steps out of Ray’s apartment. He stretches and lets out another yawn before turning back to close the door behind him. Mrs. Cho does go on and on, he thought. No wait. She specifically told him to call her Ms. Bak. Doesn’t matter. At least they avoided a collusion between both parties. As he’s walking down the hall, his cell phone rings. He checks to see who it is before picking up.
“Missed me already?” Jacky joked.
“No…are you leaving tonight or early tomorrow morning?” Jan asked.
“It depends. I haven’t decided yet.”
Jacky hears a beep-beep sound coming from his cell phone. “Hold on.”
“Okay.”
Jacky lowers his cell phone to see that Wallace’s calling in. Then he raises his cell phone to his ear again. “Wallace’s calling in. Don’t speak up, okay?”
“Okay.”
Jacky lowers his cell phone again to do a three-way call before answering Wallace. “What is it this time, Mr. Huo?”
“Bad news,” Wallace said. “Not really, but for you guys, not for me.”
“What happened?”
“Vincent just called.”
“Wait…I thought you’re both at work.”
“Yea. I tried to go next door to visit Cyndi and you know who caught me.”
“Nice. But how could that be good news for you?”
“No. I’m just explaining why I can’t leave my office right now.”
“Okay then.”
“Anyway, Vincent said Alyssa got four tickets to this one concert. And...”
“And she invited you and Cyndi.”
“Right.”
“So you couldn’t go to Jan’s this weekend.”
“Yea.”
“No problem then. I’ll just pass the word along. More food for me.”
Wallace couldn’t help but laugh.
“Hey, it’s true.” He turns serious again. “But why are you calling me and not Mandy?
“Her line’s busy. And you’re the next person to call.”
“Is there supposed to be some type of procedure for this?”
“Hello! It’s better to get pardon through you than Mandy after all.”
Jan almost laughed out loud herself, but she manages to cover the mouthpiece in time.
“Seriously, man,” Jacky said.
“Anyway, I have to get back to work before you know who comes back and catches me again,” Wallace said.
“All right. Good luck.” Jacky makes sure Wallace hung up before speaking up again. “Still there?”
“Yea,” Jan said.
“I guess your plan’s falling apart, huh?”
“It’s no big deal, you know. It’s just for fun, remember?”
“Okay, I’m going to head downstairs to pack too, all right? See you.”
“Okay.”
They hang up at the same time.
*****
The day is finally over for everyone – at least working hours. Mandy walks through the entrance of Constant Comfort feeling exhausted. What she thought to be a quick delivery turns into some major discussions between her and Charmaine along with the rest of the team. It’s a major case this time. They can’t risk any mistakes. It’s their first time collaborating with such a big company too. Kevin got a call from Gallen earlier so he left to meet up with Gallen. Mandy has to take a Taxi back since Charmaine still has to stay behind to revise the plan. Although she’s tired, but she feels happy because she’ll be able to get away from work and all for the next couple days. She decides to call Kevin to see if he’s back yet. A piece of paper falls out of her pocket as she’s retrieving her cell phone. She bends down to pick it up. As she stands up, she sees Ray’s mom in front of her. Too late! Can’t dodge! She puts on a friendly smile and walks casually past her. Just as she thought she’s safe, she hears a “Wait!” behind her. She turns around and addresses Ray’s mom.
“Have we met yet?” Ms. Bak asked, her eyes studying Mandy cautiously.
“I…uh…” Mandy stuttered, not knowing how to begin.
“Do you know Lily Chan?”
“I…”
Before Mandy could finish, she hears Ray’s voice behind her.
“Mandy! Guess what happened? I…” Ray could see his mom as he’s closer to them. He turns to Ms. Bak. “Mom! What are you doing here? I thought you left.”
Ms. Bak looks from Ray to Mandy. “You know her?”
“I…uh…she’s my neighbor!” Ray utters a nervous chuckle.
Ms. Bak isn’t as easily fooled. She could see the resemblance. She turns her attention on Mandy again. “You didn’t answer my question.”
Mandy clears her throat quickly. “Lily Chan is my mother.”
Ms. Bak’s eyebrows come together. She looks both uneasy and intense at the same time. She turns to Ray. “And you never told me?”
Ray lets out a nervous laugh. “Mom, what are you talking about?”
“Still dare to lie to me?”
“I wouldn’t dare…”
“Enough! I gave you a chance and you’re just going to lie?”
“Excuse me, Auntie,” Mandy began. “But…”
Ms. Bak turns to Mandy with a stern expression. “Don’t you dare call me that. You and your mom ruined my family.”
Ray knows it’s no use pretending, so he steps forward and shields Mandy from his mother. “Mom, could we not do this here?”
Several people have stopped what they’re doing to look at them.
“Why did you lie to me then?” Ms. Bak asked, oblivious to the others around her.
“Can we just forget it and leave the past alone?” Ray asked.
“And let her and that despicable mother of hers off easily?” She points towards Mandy.
“Mom!”
“Auntie, please don’t say that about my mother,” Mandy said, feeling the need to defend her mother.
“What should I call her then?” Ms. Bak asked, her eyes piercing through Mandy’s. “And DON’T call me ‘Auntie.’”
“Mom, come on,” Ray urged.
Before Ray could react, Ms. Bak pushes Ray out of the way and gives Mandy a slap. The sound echoes throughout the building. Or maybe because everyone has stopped what they’re doing and are staring at the three in the center of the lobby.
© Thursday, March 27th, 2008
Re-posted: Friday, October 16th, 2009