Fan Fiction |
by Jenny Tran
She was in no mood to dance but allowed him to lead as they swayed to the music. Her eyes traced the scene and locked with Steve’s as he stared at her long and hard. She couldn’t tear her eyes away and to her amazement, he walked over and smiled at Andrew “Can I have a dance with your lovely partner?”
“Steve right?” Andrew nodded “Of course.” He presented her hand to Steve as he took over the lead.
Jayd’s eyes followed Andrew, who walked towards a group of people and began talking to them casually “I’m sorry.” He said simply but sincerely.
“Don’t mention it.” She avoided his eyes still.
“Jayd, don’t do this…I know you’re upset. Please, yell at me. Or curse…or you can throw a drink in my face. I’ll go get one!” He suggested and began moving away but she quickly pulled him back.
“That’s not necessary.” Jayd eyed him sharply “Please…don’t make a scene.” She whispered.
“I feel horrible.” He admitted.
“I know.” She had no doubt that he did “It was purposeful, I’m not upset. You just got caught in the moment. What with me talking about the past.” She finally uttered a laugh “I’ll know what NOT to say around you. Or maybe I should tell Lisa that trick. Talk about your childhood and you’re all over her.”
Steve smiled “That’s a good sign. You’re joking again.”
Jayd sighed “I couldn’t stay mad at you for long.”
“You don’t know how happy I am to hear you say that. I was a mess on the way over to the party. You should ask Lisa…” he broke off the sentence when she widened her eyes.
“You told her?!” she quickly lowered her voice “How could you?”
“My conscience was biting at me. I had to confess.” Steve explained.
“Then stop at a church and talk to a priest.” She hissed angrily “She’s going to tell Andrew.”
“No, she won’t. She promised me.” Steve assured her “Why do you think she’s out to get you?”
“Because…” Jayd sighed, “I don’t know…I guess it was a high school issue. I hated that she always embarrassed me in front of people. She constantly made fun of the way I dressed because I was poor. She humiliated me all the time. But when I see her years later, she acts like we’re best friends.” Steve stifled a laugh “It’s not funny!” she insisted.
“Sweetie, I think you misunderstood her. She’s just a very carefree person. She doesn’t think before she speaks and yeah, that can cause a lot of enemies but she also forgets easily.” Steve explained.
Jayd pouted, “She said I was a salvation army kid.”
He couldn’t help but laugh while she glared at him “I’m sorry. It’s not funny. But that’s in the past, let it go. You should always face the future.”
“Whatever.” She grumbled.
“Okay, come on.” He took her hand and began pulling her with him.
“Wait…where are we going?” she disagreed but he had a better grip of her wrist.
“Solve an old grudge.” Steve reached Lisa, who was busy talking to a crowd of handsome fellows. She threw her head back with a laugh and reached her hand up to wipe her tears when a hand pulled her by the wrist “Come on girls, we’ve got a score to settle.”
The girls glanced at each other as he led them into a closet room “Ew…what’s that smell?” Lisa plugged her nose.
“I had too much beans.” Steve joked.
“Oh…that’s sick.” Jayd groaned and covered her mouth and nose.
“No one is leaving until you girls hug and make up.” Steve ordered.
Lisa frowned “Make up? I’m not angry with Jayd.”
Steve turned to Jayd with raised brows “It’s now or never.”
“I am with you.” Jayd confessed “You really hurt me back in high school Lisa. Do you remember making fun of me in front of the class? You called me salvation army girl.”
“I did?” Lisa asked with fluttered lashes.
“Yes, it scarred me for years. I can only imagine the damage you did on the overweight American exchanged student, Ralph.” Jayd recalled with ease.
Lisa shrugged “I don’t remember.”
Jayd nudged Steve and whispered, “Maybe she has amnesia? I don’t think anyone can forget Ralph.”
“I don’t have amnesia.” Lisa answered, “I just don’t think about things that don’t matter. Comments are not meant to hurt anyone but if they did then I apologize. But how many times was I teased for being a spoiled brat or clueless because my boyfriend was cheating on me and everyone knew about it?”
She was stumped “You’re right…hey, but you acted like you didn’t care.”
“I cared…I cared very much. It hurt but I knew if I let it bother me, I would only be eaten alive by the rumors and laughter people spread when I walked the halls. I didn’t want that to get to me, so I pretended like nothing happened.” Lisa shrugged carelessly.
Jayd raised her brows and turned to Steve “Wow…she is different.”
“Thanks!” Lisa giggled brightly “So, no hard feelings?”
“No, I think you’re my new idol now.” Jayd laughed.
“Awww…isn’t this cute!” Steve exclaimed with a gay clap “Hug and make up.” The girls looked at him strangely as he pushed them together “Come on!” he urged. They hugged awkwardly but he was giddy “Great! Let’s get back to the party.”
“If my hair starts smelling like rotten fish, I’m going to kill you!” Jayd pushed at him as he got the door open.
Lisa leaned in and sniffed her hair “Hey, do you use Finesse?”
“Yeah.” Jayd nodded with a smile “I like the smell.”
“Me too. Its so nice and soft. Hey, I should get you this new brand from Dove, it’s great.” Lisa linked her arm in a friendly matter as the girls got into a conversation about hair products.
Steve crossed his arms with a tilted head, happy at the outcome “My work here is done.” He sighed happily.
********************
Later that night, Mr. Fung approached the stage area where the band stood. Taking over the microphone, he announced “Can everyone gather in the living room?” he said clearly. Slowly the group merged into the large area “I’d like to personally thank all of you for a wonderful year. You’ve worked hard and this company would not be standing without each and everyone one of you. So for my thanks, you will all get a little bonus on your desk Monday morning.” The crowd cheered and whistle at the news “Now, let’s give Andrew a welcome applause. He has some announcements.”
He stepped down and allowed Andrew to take over “I guess you guys already know the big announcement. Sorry girls, I’m no longer single.”
Some laughter broke out and most of the girls groaned with disappointment. From the crowd a male voice cried “But I love you Andrew!” it caused everyone to crack up.
“Sorry, Kevin, I’m straight.” Andrew chuckled “As you guys noticed, Jayd and I are an item.” He looked down and noticed her smiling back at him “She is the best thing that has ever happened to me.” He began walking down the steps towards her “Even when I asked her to hide our relationship for three years, she never once uttered in disagreement. She worked hard at work and didn’t let it get to her job. I admire this woman for everything she stands for…beauty, truth, loyalty and love…” he placed a hand into his pocket and her smile slowly faded as he got on one knee “That’s why I want you to be my wife.” He said into the microphone.
The entire place broke into loud roars of agreement as a few began chanting “Say yes! Say yes!”
“I’m not standing until you answer.” Andrew said sincerely.
Jayd felt numb, her hands were still and her knees locked. She turned her head at Steve, who was expressionless. Looking down at Andrew’s earnest eyes, she couldn’t help but answer “I wouldn’t want your knees to bruise up.” Her comment made the crowd go wild.
Andrew stood up and placed the two carats diamond ring on her finger “I take it that’s a yes.” She swallowed the tears and nodded as he thrust his arms around her waist and she immediately placed hers around his neck and he picked her up. He was thrilled and couldn’t be happier by his new fiancé “We’re engaged!!” he turned to the group and they cheered loudly.
Steve approached them “Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” Andrew was beaming, she had never seen him so happy before.
“Treat her well, she’s a great girl.” Steve advised with a grim smile.
“I will. You don’t have to worry about that.” Andrew nodded firmly. He turned to the band and gave them the cue to play the tango song. When the music began, he pulled her towards the dance floor and began swaying her into their practiced dance.
She felt a tear ready to burst as she quickly wiped it away and fell into the movement. She paid attention long enough to realize that Andrew had improved almost overnight “You are good.” She complimented when he spun her and didn’t falter.
Her dress flaring with each spin, she looked like an elegant dancer. He winked when he twisted her into his chest “I took a few extra lessons this morning.”
Jayd smiled as their body entwined into the sensual dance and her back arched to perfection when he dipped her. Pulling her back up, he finished the routine with her spinning around him and ending on his lap as he knelt down on one knee. Once again, the crowd went crazy with applause. Time froze for her at that very second, her eyes on Steve but her hands mixed with Andrew. For the first time in her life, she felt lost. A floating raft that had no destination. She waited for someone to lead her in the right direction but to her dismay, no one came to her rescue.
Another song began playing and the group began to approach the dance floor “I want to rest my feet.” She said shortly.
He nodded “Okay, I’ll go look for you. I have to talk to my father and Uncles.” She smiled and watched him walk away.
Jayd found her way to a secluded area of the backyard. Most of the people had returned inside, so she was left in peace. Bending on her knees she lowered herself and began crying. She suppressed the sobs while curling her head into her arms. Lisa was sent out by Steve as she approached the fragile girl. She patted her on the shoulder and smiled down at her “I don’t know why I’m crying. I’m engaged. I should be happy.” She said between sobs.
Lisa sighed as she bent on her knees too “I know…” she waved her closer and Jayd fell into her hug as she continued to cry “Women…do they even know what they want?” she whispered “Even when you think you found the right guy, he isn’t.”
Jayd pulled away “He is the right guy.” She insisted “I care about him a great deal.”
“Caring is not the same as loving.” Lisa replied wisely “Do you love him?”
“Yes.” She sniffed back the tears and tried to control herself.
“Then you should be happy. It’s not too late to turn back time.” She hinted.
Jayd frowned “You mean…”
“I think you know.” Lisa pulled her up on her feet “Come on, let’s get back before Biu Gor sends out a search party.”