Fan Fiction |
by Jenny Tran
Back in Hong Kong
Neil got up from bed, ready for his first day as an intern. He was asked to come back from 10 different people who applied for the same internship. Neil was excited as it was his dream job to work for a popular magazine company. Especially with Blush, one of the top competitors of FHM, a male magazine. He graduated as a photographer from the University of Hong Kong.
He was going to tell Kathy the good news but she seemed a bit preoccupied when he called her. He figured the next time they talk, he’ll let her know. Neil was excited about being a photographer of the models but he was going to be working close to Kelly Hui, the agency’s top models for the past years. She was also the same girl he had a crush on since high school. But he never had the courage to approach her.
That morning as he took the bus like thousands of working people in Hong Kong, he thought about how to speak to her. In his mind, he was going to be the smooth talker, make her notice him for once. But when he reached the tall building, his nerves got the best of him. He took the elevator up to the 28th floor and stepped out into a busy world of it’s own. People were scrambling around oblivious to the handsome young man dressed in a dark gray suit. He tried to get the attention of a person walking by but they just brushed him aside.
He quickly caught the eye of the receptionist, who waved him over. She gave him a short presentation “Welcome to Blush, how may I direct you? Are you new here?” Neil was about to open his mouth to say something but she continued “Models are to be on the 29th floor.”
Neil blushed lightly with his head shaking “No, I’m not a model, but thank you.” He smiled “I’m actually a photographer her to see Mr. Lam?”
“Oh, how embarrassing.” The girl giggled “He’s on the floor above, he is expecting you. Neil right?”
He nodded in reply “Thanks.” Again he had to race for the packed elevators. When he reached the 29th floor, it seemed less hectic. Everyone seemed important. He was glad he came in a suit. He headed over the reception desk and the girl showed him the office to Mr. Lam, his boss. On his way down the hallway full of offices, he saw tall models walking by. Some nodded and a few even winked in his direction. He smiled politely until his eyes rested on a beauty. Her hair was wavy and long, she was even prettier than he remembered. “Hi.” It was barely audible.
Kelly smiled at the handsome stranger “Hi.”
He was lost in her smile and abruptly found himself colliding with the wall. He stumbled to regain composure but some of the other models saw. And worse, Kelly was giggling. Apparently the hallway curved. His face was a red crimson by the time he reached Mr. Lam’s office. Neil straightened his suit jacket and knocked on the door.
“Come in.” the deep voice of his boss spoke with authority.
“Mr. Lam? I’m Neil Chan.” Neil spoke clearly with a smile on his face. His hand abroad ready to be greeted.
Mr. Lam shook his hand firmly “Nice to meet you. So you’re the lucky intern? The one that will get to rub elbows with models, the one that will see them at their best? Have you met any yet?”
Neil nodded “Yes, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing a few.”
“Come on, I’ll get you started.” He got up and gave Neil a short tour of the office. “This is the room that you will stay in most of the time.” He opened the door to a huge room, it was so big that Neil could have sworn there was an echo. There were different backdrops, all were done in warm shades, some dark and a few light. “You can follow our head photographer, Jim and he’ll show you what you will be doing.” The man waved to a bearded man with a friendly smile “Jim, this is your guy….Neil, this is Jim.”
The two shook hands and Mr. Lam quickly left them to get acquainted “I’ve seen your work, it’s very good.” Jim began as he showed Neil the backdrops.
“Thank you. They’re nothing compared to yours. You can turn any ordinary object alive and vibrant. You’re my idol.” Neil nodded with a genuine smile.
Jim was obviously happy about the compliment “Thanks, that’s very good to know. So what’s your favorite piece?”
“I love that last May layout, with all the models on the beach. It was quite bold with the sunlight reflecting against the lenses. I’m curious to know how you did it? I tried it for my final project but the glare of the sun was too much.” Neil began and then the two got into a full on conversation about photography.
CANADA
After the last run in with Janet, Mel was careful about protecting Kathy. He made sure his boys were around anywhere she appeared. Eventhough he had returned to Hong Kong to run some business, he never forgot to watch out for her. Time flew by without Mel’s appearances, but every once in a while Kathy would wonder what he was doing. Who he was fighting with and who he had to run away from. She often worried about him and because he considered her a friend, she respected his decision. She grew use to the boys following her around classes. Even when she graduated and got an internship at a local fashion designing company, she didn’t mind them following her.
She made it clear to Mel that she did not want them closer to her than 7 feet, since she preferred to have at least a decent normal life. Kathy threw her heart into the internship, wanting to get the best out of it. Therefore she stayed back late and came early to work everyday. After a few months, her boss found this dedicated girl to be a charm to the company. He offered her a full on job, instead of an unpaid internship.
That night, she was so thrilled from the news that she wanted to race home and call Neil. She took the station as usual, the streets were getting darker by the minute when she got off the train. There was a little skip in her steps and she was oblivious to the two guys that were following her until they paced by her and stopped her in her steps. Kathy looked up strangely “Didn’t I tell you guys no closer than 7 feet?”
“Shut up and give me Mel’s location!” one of the guys pulled out a knife and pointed at Kathy’s neck.
Her face turned pale as she realized they were not Mel’s guys “What do you guys want?” she asked while her eyes searched for her bodyguards.
“Looking for those two guys? Don’t worry, we gave them a quick shortcut to hell.” One of the guys spoke with a cruel smile.
Kathy’s heart began to race as she turned to find help but no one was on the streets “What do you guys want?”
“We know you’re Mel’s girl. Find him now!” the other guy that was not speaking looked at her hungrily. “Before my partner here runs out of patience.”
Kathy pulled out her cell phone but she didn’t want to call Mel, if they find him, he would be killed. Instead she took the little device and threw it against the cemented ground crashing it to hundred of pieces. “What the hell is wrong with you bitch?!!” the other guy that was staring at her growled.
“You want his number? Go to hell and ask his boys you just killed.” She spat angrily. She had grown a certain respect for Mel and knew he would do anything to save her life or avenge her life. She didn’t know what they would do to her, but she could only suspect the worse. If they tried to rape her, she’d put up a good fight.
“Hore!” the guy slapped her roughly across the face. Kathy cried in pain as her head whipped to the left, she touched her stinging face. Her blood boiling as she spun back and threw a punch in the guy’s face unexpectedly. She had promised herself that she would never let anyone pick on her again. Instantly, the other guy took a hold of her arms and twisted it behind her, while the guy she slapped regained composure and pulled out his hand knife “You want to play tough? Alright, I like it rough.” He pulled her into a secluded alley nearby. She screamed at the top of her lungs only to be slapped again. The guy got a hold of her arms as he pushed her against the wall, her back to him. She didn’t know what they wanted to do but she heard zippers being pulled down.
Tears began to flow with the sudden incident. She knew they would rape her there if she didn’t do anything about it. She kicked and screamed but was only handled rougher each time she fought back. She was running out of energy when she felt her skirt being lifted up. Her eyes closed while she sobbed. The guys laughed loudly at her cried but before they could yank off her underwear, she felt a loud cry from one of the guys and then her legs were free. She didn’t know what happen but she got free from the other pair of hands that pushed her against the wall. She turned and found a shadow stabbing the other guy.
Soon she was standing between two limp bodies with a pool of blood there. Her eyes moved up and a smile came to her face “Mel?”
He looked like he hasn’t shaven in days and his hair was tousled, he reach for her hand “No time to explain, come on.” He pulled her along as they raced down the street. They ended up at her apartment. When they were safe inside, she looked down at their entwined hands. He was still holding on tight. He quickly let go “Sorry.” He mumbled.
“No problem. Were those guys sent by Old Chuck?” she asked curiously.
Mel nodded as he sat himself down on her couch “Yeah. He’s pushing me into a corner. He crashed every club that I run in Hong Kong. He just wants me dead. I can’t believe they found you. Damn! I could kill those two guys again!!”
“You killed them…” the sudden shock finally came over her.
“You want to turn me in now?” he asked coldly.
Kathy shook her head “If I wanted to, I wouldn’t have destroyed my cell phone. I guess it was just defense against yourself. If you did injure them, they would have killed you and me both.”
Mel smiled “Glad you understand.” His grin suddenly faded away “I’m sorry you were dragged into this. You just did me a favor and now you’re name is all around the gang world as my girl.”
“Couldn’t you throw out a rumor that you broke up with me or something?” she asked desperately.
“I wish. But once you’re name is put together with mine, they will always know that we were connected somehow and it will only bring you more trouble.” He sighed, regret taking over. He wished she wouldn’t have done him that favor.
“I admit, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. But it doesn’t change the fact that we met and became friends. I don’t agree with what you do, but I will accept it because you have your reasons of doing what you do. But in all honesty, I want my life back.” Her eyes were brimming with tears. Of all the teasing and cruel comments, she has never been so close to losing her life let alone being raped. That scared feeling could not be shaken off.
Mel buried his face in his hands “I know. I’m so sorry. If I could take it back, I really would. Trust me, as long as I’m still alive, Old Chuck’s guys will not lay a hand on you ever.” Kathy nodded with her hand wiping the tears from her eyes “There is one way though.”
“What?” her head snapped up “Anything to get my life back.”
“You die.” He whispered. Kathy wrinkled her eyebrows in confusion “I don’t mean literally. I mean, one of my guys witnessing your death and spreading the rumor around.”
Kathy nodded eagerly “But how will you start this rumor? You’re running away from them too.”
“You need to do me a favor.” His face brightened when he thought about the person that could help him.
“Sure.” She smiled.
Mel pulled out his wallet “Find this girl.” He gave her a picture of a young girl, her hair was to her shoulders “She owes me a favor. Her name is Snow.”
“Who is she? Can she be trusted?” Kathy asked worriedly. The girl was not smiling in the picture and she looked like she was sneering at someone.
“An ex girlfriend.” He didn’t want to say more.
Kathy nodded “I see. Where can I find her?”
“Remember that underground bar?” Kathy nodded, how could she ever forget? “She hangs out there every Wednesday. Go there and tell her Mel sent you. She might seem a little tough at first but don’t let that exterior fool you. She’s a real softie at heart.”
She smiled at his description of this ex girlfriend “Just like you.”
Mel laughed “If you say so. I’m going to go now. I have to keep on moving or they’ll find me. Be careful, Katie.”
“Kathy…” she corrected.
He smiled “Sure.” Mel patted her on the cheek “Take care, kid.”