Fan Fiction |
by Jenny Tran
Ivy walked outside and found Ben sitting near the pool on a cushioned long lawn chair. She pressed her lips together into a small smile “Hi!” She greeted brightly.
“Hey.” Ben smiled as he patted on the chair next to him “What’s up? Austin deserted you?”
She widened her eyes and took a seat “Wooh…sounds like someone’s a little ‘J’.”
“I’m not jealous.” He said firmly.
“Okay.” Ivy said unconvincingly.
“No, seriously. You are an adult, you’re more than welcomed to chose whoever you want to be with. It’s none of my business. I’m just your talent scout.” He said drearily.
Ivy frowned as she reached out and smacked him on the head “Stupid!”
Ben rubbed the pain away “Excuse me?”
“Let me translate Ivy’s definitions for you. Freak means handsome stranger. Dork means goofy but bearable. Stupid means…c…cu…cu…”
“Cute?” he tried.
“Thank you!” Ivy cried “But you see…I have a hard time expressing my feelings when it comes to guys.”
“Yeah, but you don’t have a problem putting strangers in their place.” Ben smiled.
Ivy arched her left brow up “Look buddy, I’m trying to romantic here. You’re just blowing out all the candles now!!”
He put up his hands in defense “Sorry.”
She let out a sigh “Anyways. I figured the best way to say I like you is…” she reached out unexpectedly to his face and pressed her lips on his roughly. They broke away after a few seconds “There.”
“Well said.” Ben whispered, his face in complete shock.
“Now come on before they take the best booze!” Ivy cried as she got up and reached for his hand. She didn’t wait for him to stand up as she yanked him into the mansion. On their way into the kitchen they caught Tyler and Tara smiling at them.
“What were you two talking about?” Tyler teased in his singing voice.
“Something you know nothing about.” Ivy concluded with her arms crossed.
Tara shook her head at her boyfriend “I think it’s cute, Ivy.”
“Thank you.” Ivy nodded at Tara.
Tyler turned to Ben with shock “What did you do to her?” He frowned in confusion as Tyler continued “She didn’t punch Tara out for using the ‘C’ word!!”
“Love makes people blind.” Ben said wisely.
“Oh gag me!” Ivy exclaimed “It’s okay that Tara uses the ‘cute’ word because I like her. Now if you said it, Ty. I would make sure to tell everyone that you were adopted.”
He clamped his hand over his mouth and gasped “You promised you would never tell anyone!!”
“Too late, I know.” Ben raised his hand with a smile.
Tara frowned “You’re adopted?” she asked Tyler.
“Yeah, his real parents were the king and queen of Mayeria. He was named Prince Tiaogo that was sent to Hong Kong to save the family name. Unfortunately for his other 20 siblings, they were killed in a massive fire that took out the whole island where they ruled for centuries. Luckily, the queen had her noble servant Yung Chiu Hung take the youngest son to Hong Kong where he promised to keep the Prince’s identity a secret.” Ivy concluded. Ben was covering his mouth while Tara gaped at her in shock.
“Can you believe that, Ty?” she turned to him.
His eyes were distant and his chin was pushed in the air with an aura of royalty “I was going to take my true identity to the grave but now that you know too. We must return to Mayeria, my family’s name cannot be tarnished!” Ivy couldn’t hold in the laughter as she blew up and leaned on Ben for assistance. He too was cracking up so hard that his eyes had tears. Tyler turned to them with disgust “Minor peasants!” He spat.
Tara’s face fell and then a slow smile appeared on her face “That’s funny, Ty. For a minute there, I thought you were serious.” Her comment made Ivy cackle even louder while Tyler looked at her oddly “Oh my God…” Tara’s smile slowly faded “You are serious.”
“This is no laughing matter.” He said reasonably.
“Honey…I think she’s just messing with you. You don’t really believe there’s such a country with the name as absurd as Mayeria? Do you?” Tara asked weakly.
Tyler turned to Ivy wide eyed “You swore on your first barbie’s life!”
“Hello!!” Ivy put her hands on the side “Like I care for that stupid perfect figured, perfect face doll!!!”
“How could you???” Tyler looked hurt as he stepped back from her.
Ben’s smile disappeared “Hey Ivy, I think he’s serious.”
“I don’t think I can EVER forgive you.” Tyler pointed out.
She let out a bored sigh “I’ll give you a back rub for a week.”
“Okay!” Tyler reached out and hugged her warmly.
Tara and Ben exchanged glances “That’s all?” Tara asked.
“She gives killer back massages!!” Tyler said convincingly.
“Really?” Ben smiled as he pulled Ivy closer to him “That I’ve got to try.”
Ivy smiled flirtatiously “Sure baby. I charge $1000 an hour.”
“How about I give you all my money and you give me one whenever I want?” Ben flirted in return.
“Oh sick! I just got a mental picture!” Tyler exclaimed as he covered his eyes and Tara began giggling.
Suddenly, the mc announced for everyone to enter the living room. The man stood on the center of the wide staircase “Hello everyone. Welcome to A.F. Talent’s annual Scout/Talent Contest. The prizes for the third prize winner is a brand new Mercedes 500. The second prize winner will get a contract with TVB. The first prize winner with get a guaranteed role in the next motion picture and many more will arise.” Everyone oohed and ahhed at the prizes.
Ben smiled at Ivy “I’ve already got the best prize of all.”
“Oh my gosh, did we win?!!” Ivy asked with shock. And then it occurred to her “Oh, you were talking about me…” she laughed.
“I want to ask for Mr. Austin Fong, CEO and owner of A.F. Talents to come up and announce the winner.”
Vicki turned to the handsome man next to her as she realized finally who he really was “I’ll be right back sweetheart.” He winked and walked through the crowd to get to the stairwell.
Ivy was within arm reach of Vicki as she yanked the girl next to her “So, did you make your move?”
“You knew?!!” Vicki whipped her hand across Ivy’s shoulder.
“Ow.” Ivy pointed at her injured arm.
“Sorry.” Vicki muttered “How did you know?”
Ivy shrugged carelessly “I just found out today. So will you be throwing the dollar bouquet soon? I saw you two getting all touchy and stuff.” She nudged her friend knowingly.
Vicki hid her smile unsuccessfully “Well…I don’t know. We just started.” She said shyly.
“Getting married next month?” Ivy asked.
“No! That’s too fast…more like three months!” Vicki laughed as the girls embraced “Its so love at first sight.”
“You’re so lucky to find such a successful guy that is so damn hot with a butt…uh!” Ivy made a squeezing motion with her hands.
“I could still hear you.” Ben said calmly while his eyes were fixed on Austin’s welcome speech.
Austin smiled through the crowd and met eyes with Vicki “Without further ado, I would like to announce the winners. The third place winner is Jared and Leanne!”
A round of polite clapping rang through the crowd while Ivy bellowed out “BOOO!!! YOU SUCK!!!!” everyone turned to her and she instantly put on her sweet smile act and clapped her hands gently. Vicki laughed while Ben looked red in the face.
“The second prize goes to…James and Ruby!” Austin announced as the two walked up to claim their prize.
“Damn, her parents must have thought she was a gem.” Vicki snickered while she clapped silently.
“Or a rock.” Ivy quipped.
“SHH!!” Ben hushed the girls “Do I have to separate you two now?”
“No teacher. We’ll be good.” Ivy pouted her lips at him.
Austin opened the envelope as a smile began to appear on his face “The first prize winner goes to…Vicki and Tyler!!”
“What?!!!” Ivy and Vicki blurted out.
Tyler pulled Tara along as the squeezed closer to where Vicki was “We won!! WE WON!!!” he yelled over and over as he did a victory dance with his arms.
Ivy looked disgusted as her brother tried to hug her “Stop doing that!”
“Oh my gosh…I never win anything.” He said with a sigh and turned to Vicki “Thank you.”
“Whatever.” Ivy said with her eyes rolled.
“Are you mad, Ga Jei?” Tyler asked “I won’t take the prize if you’re not happy for me.” He said sincerely.
She rolled her eyes away “Please boy, you know you’re going to run up there no matter what I say.” He laughed giddily while hugging his sister tightly, she smiled and slowly returned his embraced “Now, knock em dead.”
Tyler grabbed Vicki and yanked her up the stairwell as they took a few pictures with the press and with Austin. After the flashes calmed down, Austin turned to the crowd “Let’s have Tyler say a few words.”
He placed his hand on his chest and looked surprised but he quickly embraced the center light “Well, first…I want to thank all the little people that voted for me. And for my sister Ivy, who’s in the darling red dress over there, she never gave up on me.” He choked back the tears and began wiping his eyes silently “Sorry, I’m just very emotional.” He smiled and then took in a deep breath “I also want to thank Vicki for believing in me and lastly to my beautiful girlfriend Tara. You’re the brightest star in my sky.”
“GAG ME!!!!” Ivy yelled but she began clapping and started an infectious roll of thundered applaud. Tyler bowed as he rushed back down to hug Tara who was crying from his thoughtful speech.
Austin reached for Vicki’s hand when she was about to walk down the steps “Wait, I have one more announcement. I have decided to add on a new prize this year. This person although did not win any prizes, she was and have always been true to herself throughout the entire contest. It’s definitely worth mentioning. So, please welcome A.F. Talent’s very first ‘Ugly Duckling Award’ that is well deserved by… Ivy.” His eyes landed on hers and the crowed hushed in silence.
Ben turned to her in shock and she looked up at him “Did…did he just call my name?” she asked.
“YES!!!” the crowd answered.
She began laughing uncontrollably while rushing up the stairs to hug Austin and Vicki “I won!! I won!!! In your face voters!!!!” she yelled into the crowd and then turning back to Austin with her hands spread out “What did I win?”
“Any one thing you want.” Austin smiled firmly.
“Any thing?” Ivy asked.
“You have my word.” Austin nodded.
* * * One week later * * *
“Hurry up, Ty!!!” Ivy yelled “I’m starving!!”
“Ivy, why don’t you help your brother?” Mr. Yung scolded.
“Because I got us this humongous restaurant, I shouldn’t have to get my own lunch.” Ivy explained. She had requested from Austin to buy over one of the biggest restaurants in town for her dad. He was the proud owner of Dragon Inn.
“She has a point, Daddy.” Tyler said as he pointed around the 50 table restaurant “I think it’s a little extravagant to ask for this Restaurant when you know it’s a 20 floor hotel also. I’m surprised Austin agreed.”
Austin, Ben and Vicki walked in on time to catch Tyler’s last comment “I guess I should be careful when I say the word ‘anything’. Because it literally means anything.” The group laughed.
Tara walked out of the kitchen with a tray full of food and this time Ivy surprisingly got up to help her “Damn it, Ty! Don’t make her carry such heavy stuff. Look at her arms!” she scolded.
Tyler rolled his eyes while Tara placed her hand out and he handed over two hundred dollars “Told you I’d get her to help me.” She teased.
“You guys bet on me??” Ivy asked with disgust.
“Where’s my fifty?” Mr. Yung put out his hand to Tyler.
“Damn! Fatherly love doesn’t come with money involved huh?” Tyler handed over a fifty bill to his dad.
“Well, now I’ve seen it all.” Ivy shook her head. Everyone laughed when she reached out and snapped a hundred dollar bill from Tara’s hand “Thank you.” She rolled it in her butt jean pocket.
“Hey, I won that fair and square!” Tara whined.
“This is bully money.” Ivy said reasonably.
“How so?” Tara asked.
“So I won’t beat you up.” Ivy replied making the others laugh.
Vicki shook her head as she took a seat next to Austin “Just leave her alone, Tara. Ty’s gonna make so much money by the time he signs his first contract that you’ll be giving homeless people hundred dollar bills as tips.”
“I already do.” Tara said innocently.
Ivy laughed as she pushed the girl on the shoulder “You’re funny!” Tyler shook his head at Ivy “Oh dear Lord, you’re serious.” She said quickly realizing that Tara was that kind hearted “Man, you don’t deserve her.” She nodded at Tyler.
“How about Ben?” Tyler asked.
“He can hear you, Ty. He’s sitting right here.” Ivy said with sarcasm.
“I meant YOU don’t deserve Ben.” Tyler corrected.
Ivy turned to Ben “Do you think that?”
“Of course he does!!” Tyler answered before Ben could even open his mouth to answer for himself.
“Really? You think you’re all HOT and stuff?” Ivy’s neck twitched back and forth.
“Dude, just look at him! He’s successful, handsome in his late thirties and he’s smart and most importantly, he can tolerate you.” Tyler retorted.
“Tolerate me??!!” Ivy stood up and towered over Ben “Is that how hard it is to be with me?”
“Yeah!!” Tyler yelled “And that—”
Tara’s hand covered his mouth and Ben turned to her gratefully “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She smiled gently.
Ben pulled Ivy down on the chair “Listen to ME. I like you the way you are and if you are to change one little thing about yourself, I will be very heart broken because the Ivy that I learned to love and adore has been possessed.”
“Aww…that’s so sweet.” Ivy pressed her lips tightly together.
“Okay!! Time for my announcement.” Vicki was getting everyone’s attention “Actually, it’s Austin’s too.”
“You’re pregnant!” Ivy pointed “I knew it!!”
“No Einstein.” Vicki said with sarcasm.
Austin smiled “As much as I want to believe I have super sperm, it might take a little longer to get someone pregnant since we have just been dating for a one week.” He reminded Ivy.
“So you two have done it!!!” Ivy pointed. She placed her hand out at Ben “You owe me five hundred!!”
He rolled his eyes “We never bet, sweetie.”
“Then it must be you!” she pointed at Tyler.
He shook his head innocently and Tara also shook her head. Vicki raised her brows at her friend “Dreaming again?”
“Yeah, I guess.” Ivy replied “What’s the announcement?”
Austin smiled “Vicki and I are getting married!!!”
The entire table filled with sighs and chuckles; Vicki looked at them strangely “You guys aren’t surprised?”
“We already know.” Tara explained.
“Big Mouth Ga Jei couldn’t keep a secret if her life depended on it.” Tyler chimed in.
“You told her about Caribbean? I thought we just decided yester—” Austin was cut off by Ivy.
“CARIBBEAN??!! You didn’t tell me about THAT!” she yelled at Vicki.
“Well, now you know.” Vicki said exasperatedly.
Austin smiled warmly “And we’re flying out all our closest friends and family to join.” The group were gaping at him with smiles “That includes you guys.” He confirmed causing a roar of laughter and applauds.
******** Three Months Later*******
The wedding was indeed small and only about 100 of the couple’s friends and relatives were flown out. The cruise ship was rented out for a whole week of fun for the newlywed. They partied until the night was gone and the following day, it began again like another cycle.
The End