| Fan Fiction |
by DTLCT
Wallace came back about the same time that Ms. Bak advanced forward to attack Mandy. He has been taken aback by what happened as well as the others in the lobby. But he unfreezes himself the same time as Ray and races forward to help Mandy.
“Mom!” Ray yelled out, turning to his mother.
Ms. Bak stops struggling with Ray and he lets go.
Ms. Bak still has on her stern expression. “This is what I get for raising you all these years? You siding with an outsider?”
“She’s not an outsider,” Ray argued. “She’s my sister.”
“I’m your mother!”
“Mom, could you stop making the situation worse?”
“So it’s my fault? I’ll just leave then. Don’t ever call me ‘Mom’ again. And don’t even try to come back to visit me. You’re not welcome there anymore.”
With that, Ms. Bak turns on her heels and leaves the building.
“Mom!” Ray called out, running after Ms. Bak.
Although she looks fragile and old, but her pace is very brisk. Ray disappears through the entrance, trying to follow her.
“Are you all right?” Wallace asked, turning to Mandy again.
Mandy nods.
“That mark looks quite deep.”
Mandy manages a smile to reassure Wallace.
Wallace puts a hand around Mandy’s shoulder and leads her towards the elevators. “Let’s go upstairs to wait for Ray.”
For some reason, he feels the need to get her away from the scene as soon as possible. The people in the lobby has scattered out already.
Wallace presses on the “Up” button as soon as they arrive in front of the elevators. He turns to look at the front entrance once awhile as they’re waiting for the elevator. He turns to Mandy frequently from time to time to reassure her with a smile or two. For some reason, the elevators are coming down at an excruciatingly slow rate. Wallace is about to go crazy already when the elevator finally arrives. Before they could get in, they hear footsteps behind them. Wallace turns around to see Ray walking up to them. From the look on his face, Wallace knows that Ray didn’t have any luck in convincing Ms. Bak. Wallace turns back to the elevator in time to see Mandy get in. He gets in also with Ray behind him. Ray turns to Mandy as soon as he punches in Level 7. He could see a red mark on her face where Ms. Bak has slapped her earlier.
“Sis, you all right?” Ray asked.
Mandy nods.
Ray puts a hand around Mandy’s shoulder to reassure her some more. He feels like he’s trying to reassure himself more than Mandy, but he couldn’t help it. They stay silent the rest of the way up.
Just as Ray’s leading Mandy out of the elevator, his cell phone rings. He fishes around his pocket to find it. “Hello”
“Are you coming?” Yoyo asked.
Ray looks at his watch real quick before answering. “You know what? Go first. I need to take care of something first.”
“You sound troubled. What’s wrong?”
“I’ll tell you later.”
“Okay then. Don’t be too late.”
“I’ll try. I’ll call you if there’s a change in plans.”
“Okay. Good luck then.”
Ray lets out a nervous laugh. “I’ll need it.”He clicks his cell phone shuts after that.
“Was that…” Mandy began.
“Yea. I told Yoyo to go first.”
“I’m all right. We can just go now.”
Ray looks at her.
“I’m serious.”
“All right then.”
“You better put some ice on that though,” Wallace said.
Mandy nods.
Ray takes his cell phone out again. He dials Jacky’s number. “You ready?”
“Just got done packing. So you could say I’m good to go.”
“All right. Want to go together or separate?”
“Together if you want.”
“In your car, right? I don’t feel like driving right now.”
“Why? What happened?”
“What we tried to avoid was unavoidable.”
Jacky stops fidgeting with his keys. “You mean…”
“Yes. I thought my mom left already, but she was still around when Mandy came back.”
“So she gave you a piece of her mind?”
“More than that. She also gave Mandy a slap.”
“No way!”
“You weren’t there when she found out my father is involved with Lily.”
Jacky senses Ray’s fatigued-tone. “Okay, I’ll drive then. Is Mandy all right? She’s still coming with us?”
“Yea. Be down in 5 or 10.”
“All right then.”
They hang up after that.
Mandy has walked down the hall by herself when Ray called Jacky. She disappeared into her apartment as Ray continues his way down the hall with Wallace.
“I guess your upcoming days will be quite…” Wallace began.
“Interesting?” Ray offered.
“Nerve-wrecking.”
“We’ll see.”
“Well, I have to finish up some stuff and fax this to Mr. Zhao before I could get in some rest. See you later.”
“All right. Good luck with that.”
*****
Ray and Mandy meet Jacky by the car after Ray makes sure that Mandy’s okay. Jacky’s leaning on his car and waiting for them the whole time, tapping his left foot. As soon as he sees them, he stops tapping altogether and makes his way towards them. He could see Mandy holding an ice-pack in place on the left side of her face.
“You all right?” Jacky asked.
Mandy nods.
“Let’s get going then.”
Ray opens the back door for Mandy to get in before getting in himself. Jacky gets in on the driver’s side and puts on his seatbelt before pulling out.
The three remain silent for the majority of the trip, which is a record for Ray. Jacky finds it a bit hard to believe while he’s driving and only having the radio on to entertain himself. But he knows Ray’s mind is probably spinning to find a way to undo the damage right now, so he doesn’t want to fire out the usual teasing words.
They hit traffic and get stuck in it for almost an hour before they are relief from it. Ray calls Yoyo up about half an hour into their wait to tell her they’re going to be late. However, he finds out that Yoyo is also stuck in the same traffic, but she’s just about a mile ahead of them. Jacky sighs out in relief as they finally reach the airport without any other delays.
They meet Yoyo inside after having gone through security checks and whatnot.
“What happened to you?!” Yoyo exclaimed out upon seeing the mark on Mandy’s face.
Yoyo steps forward to take a better look at the mark.
Mandy manages a smile. “Nothing serious.”
Yoyo looks towards Ray for an explanation.
“I’ll tell you later,” Ray said.
Yoyo could see from Ray’s serious expression that he’s not in the mood for jokes. She nods.
The group of four head towards a coffee shop nearby. When they’re all settled down, Jacky and Yoyo order coffee while Ray and Mandy just want some water. They could use some.
“Come on, you guys, cheer up,” Jacky urged. “I mean if you keep looking like this, Nnadia will think you don’t want her to come back.”
Yoyo gives Jacky a look.
“I’m just giving an example here, Dr. Mung. Don’t need to give me that look.”
Yoyo gets up at that time.
Jacky looks at her. “I was just kidding.”
“No. I need to go find out if her flight came in yet.”
“Okay then.”
Jacky begins tapping while Yoyo’s gone as Ray and Mandy are lost in their own thoughts. Yoyo comes back ten minutes later to see Jacky gone.
“Where did he go?” Yoyo asked.
Ray and Mandy don’t seem to notice her at all. She could see that they’re both lost in thoughts. She waits a bit more, sensing something’s wrong, not wanting to disturb him. Then she sees Ray raising his hand up to feel his neck. Mandy seems to snap out of her daze and looks at Ray’s neck also. Are they thinking of the same thing? Yoyo remembers what Ray told her about six months back when Ray had asked her for help.
“What kind of reunion is this?” Someone from behind them asked teasingly. “It’s like you’re not welcoming me home at all.”
Ray and Yoyo turn around at the same time to see a girl smiling at them. She has short wavy hair and is wearing a white t-shirt with a red jacket over it complete with blue jeans. She has on black sneakers. They see Jacky behind her, hauling the bigger one of her luggage.
Yoyo races forward after taking in the girl’s features. She throws her hands around the girls’ shoulders happily. The girl lets go of her small luggage and hugs Yoyo back.
“You haven’t changed at all!” Yoyo said excitedly.
Ray finally stands up and walks towards the girl also, waiting for his turn. When Yoyo finally lets go of the girl, Ray steps forward and just gives the girl a pat on the shoulder.
“What is that?” She asked, extending her hands. “Come on.”
Seeing her cheerful smile, Ray couldn’t deny her of a hug. He pulls her into a tight hug also, feeling much better. It’s like her bright smile has taken away his worries.
Jacky takes the time to walk over to Mandy, tapping on her shoulder lightly. Mandy looks up at him.
“You all right?” He asked.
Mandy forces a smile. “Yes.”
“Looks who’s here already.”
Mandy finally realizes the scene in front of her. She stands up and walks towards the other three. Ray and the girl finally pull apart and are chatting away happily with Yoyo right at the moment. When the girl sees Mandy walking towards her, she smiles at her and waves her towards them.
“You must be Ray’s sister, right?” The girl asked.
Mandy smiles, extending her hand. “Yes. I’m Mandy.”
“Nnadia.” She shakes Mandy’s hand quickly. “Come on. What’s a little handshake?”
Before Mandy knows it, Nnadia pulls her into a hug also. She lets go quickly, not wanting to alarm Mandy. Somehow, Mandy feels much better when they pull apart. It’s like Nnadia has this positive vibe in her that affects all of them.
“So…who does he belong to?” Nnadia asked, pointing to Jacky.
“What do you mean?” Yoyo asked, confused.
“Is he your boyfriend?”
“No way!”
Jacky walks to them again. “She’s pretty much taken, but not by me…” He pauses on purpose. “….fortunately.”
Yoyo turns and gives him an evil look.
Jacky raises his hands up in front of his face. “Hey! I’m just telling the truth.”
Nnadia turns to Yoyo. “He’s funny.”
“Annoying to be more accurate,” Yoyo added.
“All right,” Ray said. “Let’s get out of here and head back to traffic.”
Nnadia looks at Ray. “Aren’t you Mr. Optimistic?”
As she says that, she retrieves her luggage and follows Ray out of the airport. Yoyo puts a hand around Mandy’s shoulder and they walk together towards the entrance also, leaving Jacky behind. He smiles, knowing too well that Nnadia and Yoyo got him big time. He increases his pace to catch up to them.
On the way back, Nnadia tells them of her trip and stops randomly to make comments about changes these past years as the view passes by them. Jacky’s so glad he’s driving since they’re too excited to pay attention. Ray has his cell phone on so Yoyo could listen in and interact with them as she drives. Jacky has to remind her sometimes to keep her attention on the road. Mandy’s sitting next to Jacky and is actually tuning in to the conversation, not looking all sad like before. Jacky couldn’t help but feel this is one great Christmas gift they’ve got so far. They definitely need someone like Nnadia to cheer them up and get them into the holiday spirit.
*****
Kenneth parks casually into one of the spots near the street. He has to walk a distance to the entrance, but is glad he could find a spot at all around this area. He looks around cautiously out of habit before entering the building. As he’s waiting for the elevator, he sees a shadow creeping up behind him. He turns around in a quick motion, ready to swing. He stops in time when he sees it’s only Wallace. Kevin’s behind Wallace. Why are they always lurking around the lobby? He shrugs his paranoid thoughts away and gives them a smile.
“Hi guys,” Kenneth greeted them.
“You here to visit Ruby or us?” Kevin asked.
“Don’t tell me you’ve brought us Christmas presents,” Wallace chimed in.
“Uh…” Kenneth managed.
“We’re kidding.”
“Oh.”
The elevator opens at that time so they all get in.
“So…how have things been around here?” Kenneth asked casually.
“Some dramas here and there, but we’re fine for the most part,” Wallace summarized quickly.
Kenneth wrinkles his face. “What drama?”
“Nothing regarding your sister, so don’t worry.”
“Still…what’s the problem?”
“Uh...not sure if I can tell you since it’s Ray’s business after all.”
“Oh.” He glances around casually although there’s nothing to stare at except the steel walls. “Where’s Jacky?”
Wallace smiles. “Funny that you ask for him.”
“Why?”
“You two don’t exactly get along that well, you know. We all know. Don’t have to pretend.”
“That was just a slight misunderstanding.”
Wallace raises an eyebrow. “Slight?”
The elevator finally reaches the 7th floor so they all get out.
Kevin has been half paying attention to them since he just came back and saw Wallace coming down. He was going to ask Wallace about Mandy and Ray but didn’t get a chance yet since they spotted Kenneth.
“You’re going back downstairs to visit Ruby or wait here for Jacky?” Wallace asked.
“I thought Jacky’s downstairs too,” Kenneth said.
“No. He practically lives in Kevin and Ray’s apartment.”
“Oh. I’ll just stick around here then.”
As they walk by Gallen’s apartment, Kenneth turns to Wallace.
“Is Gal…I mean Tim here?” Kenneth asked.
“You don’t have to pretend,” Wallace said. “Ray’s not around.”
“Gallen left for vacation already,” Kevin filled Kenneth in of the detail. “He won’t be back until…”
“Hiding since he has no other shield to hide behind?” Wallace jumped in before Kevin could finish.
Kenneth smiles. “That makes him sound like a coward though.”
Wallace turns to Kenneth again. “Although he’s older than all of us, but he’s too easily rattled sometimes.”
“How in the world did he become a P.I. then?”
“Luck?”
“Why are we talking about him in that manner though?” Kevin asked.
“Might as well since we’re bored?”
They finally reach the guys’ apartment. Kenneth follows Wallace inside his apartment while Kevin goes into his.
As they enter the living room, they hear some swooshing sounds coming from the kitchen. It sounds almost like water overflowing. Kenneth looks towards that direction while Wallace just walks casually towards the sofa. He turns on the light and looks at Kenneth.
“Feel free to explore,” Wallace said. “I’ll be back.”
“Hey, aren’t you worried something’s wrong with the water?” Kenneth asked.
“It’s Alice testing her sound effects again. If I get fool anymore, I’ll be the laughing stock of the whole building.”
“Oh. Okay.”
Alice comes out behind the kitchen counter at that time. “Ge! You’re spoiling my fun.”
“Knock your silly game off then.”
“I’m doing research right now.”
“Whatever.”
Wallace walks towards the bedrooms and disappears. Alice walks after him, leaving Kenneth alone in the living room.
“Ge…”
“Don’t ‘ge’ me.”
“But…”
******
“So…what will it be?” Ray asked. “My place or Yoyo’s?”
“Umm…” Nnadia said, still unsure of her decision.
“Our place is more fun,” Jacky said.
“Hey!” Yoyo protested.
They’re actually parked outside of Constant Comfort again and are trying to convince Nnadia to stay with them for the time being until she could settle in on her own. Yoyo has been trying to find a parking spot and finally found one. As she’s walking towards them, she hears that comment so she’s just shouting out her objection.
Jacky flashes out his usual mischievous smile. “What? Unless you move in with us too or you’re at lost right now. Two against one.”
“Is that how it’s supposed to be?” Yoyo asked.
“Yes. And you have several benefits, not just one. Like being closer to 'Tim'!”
“Oh?” Nnadia asked, curious. “Who’s Tim then?”
Jacky turns to Nnadia. “Her future boyfriend.”
Yoyo hits him on the shoulder.
“Hey, not nice. And don’t hit me unless you want me to tell 'Tim' how violent you are.”
“Stop putting the emphasis on his name, man,” Ray said.
Jacky smiles. “It’s fun and I’m giving you a hint.”
“What hint?”
As Jacky’s about to reply, they see Kevin walking towards them from the lobby. As soon as Kevin sees Mandy, his face lights up. He waves to them.
“Hey!” Ray said. “Where have you been all afternoon?”
“Last meeting with Tim before he’s off to vacation. Came back, noticed you guys were gone so went out again.”
Yoyo turns to Kevin. “He’s going away?”
“Probably visiting some relatives,” Jacky reassured her. “He’s not going to run away.”
Yoyo gives Jacky a look again before turning back to Kevin.
“Not sure myself,” Kevin confessed.
“Okay, guys,” Ray said. “Stop chatting nonsense.” He turns to Nnadia again. “What is your final decision?”
While the others turn to Nnadia again, Kevin could finally see the mark on Mandy’s face. It’s lighter now, but still visible.
Kevin walks over to Mandy. “What happened to you?”
“It’s a long story,” Ray said upon hearing Kevin’s question. “I’ll tell you later.”
“Did you take care of it yet?” Kevin asked Mandy. He reaches towards Mandy’s face as he says that.
Mandy grabs his hand to stop him. “Don’t touch. It still hurts.”
Kevin nods. They end up going inside first while the others are still waiting for Nnadia to speak up.
Nnadia looks from one to the other. “Uh…I think…I’ll stay with Yoyo.”
Yoyo turns to Jacky with a victory smile on her face. “So much for two against one.”
“The rest of you are going on vacation anyway, right?” Nnadia reminded them.
“Fine with me,” Jacky said, looking at his watch. “All right. Let’s go inside and get ready.”
“You’re that desperate?” Ray asked in disbelief.
“What?”
“Come on. We all know how much you want to see Jan.”
With that, Ray heads inside also.
Yoyo turns to Nnadia. “Want to come in and hang around with the guys for a bit before they go?”
Nnadia smiles. “Sure.”
Jacky opens his car trunk so Yoyo and Nnadia could transfer Nnadia’s luggage to Yoyo’s car before he heads inside the lobby, catching up to Ray. As they’re waiting for the elevator, Jacky could see Ray looks somewhat troubled. Ray isn’t a person to show such signs. Jacky guesses that Ray’s probably thinking of what happened earlier – again.
“You all right, man?” Jacky asked.
“I’ll manage,” Ray said.
“I swear you sound depressed.”
Ray sighs out. “I guess you guys are right after all.”
Jacky waits for Ray to go on.
“I should have found some times to talk to her instead of delaying it each time.”
“It’s useless to beat yourself up now.”
Ray nods.
The elevator opens at that time so they get in. As the door’s about to close, the girls wave to them so they could keep the door open. Nnadia turns to Ray after they’re on their way up.
“You look worn out,” Nnadia said.
“Is that an under-statement?” Ray asked in half passive, half sarcastic tone.
“Are you sore that you lost? Come on.” She slaps Ray’s left shoulder.
“I’m not that petty, okay? Unlike someone.” He turns to look at Yoyo.
“Hey!” Yoyo yelled out.
Ray puts on his bright smile again. “Just kidding!”
That’s Ray for you, Jacky thought. But suddenly Jacky has this unknown respect for Ray since he could always slap on a cheerful, non-plastic smile just for others’ sake.
When they’re on 5th floor, Jacky’s cell phone rings. He picks it up and walks away from them to a corner to talk while they chat away on possible activities for the next couple hours before Ray and the others leave.
As they step out of the elevator on 7th floor, Jacky finally hangs up and turns to them.
“What happened?” Ray asked. “You look serious.”
“Bad news, a storm’s hitting their place soon so we have to wait for further news before we can go,” Jacky informed him.
“Seriously? Are they going to evacuate?”
Jacky shakes his head. “No. It might miss them. From the sound of it, it’s not supposed to be that big. Just…”
“A storm is dangerous already.”
“Jan said they’re prepared…whatever that means.”
“Sure they are.”
“Stop making a big deal out of it,” Yoyo scolded Ray. “You’re scaring Jacky.”
“I’m not scared,” Jacky said in a defensive tone.
“Worried then.”
“Deal.”
Nnadia couldn’t help but laugh at their interaction.
Ray smiles. “You’ll get use to them later.”
Nnadia has on her cheerful smile. “Hopefully.”
They continue to Ray’s apartment after that with Nnadia and Yoyo chatting away again while Jacky and Ray tag along behind them.
© Monday, April 7th, 2008
Re-posted: Friday, October 16th, 2009