| Fan Fiction |
by mango
Raymond sat staring blankly at the television screen while changing the channels back and forth, back and forth. There was an indescribable feeling within him and it greatly bothered him. For an unknown reason, he was uncomfortable and afraid, as if something terrible would happen. No matter what, the feeling wouldn’t go away.
She witnessed how disturbed he was, but did not say anything. What can she say? Her eyes wandered over to the clock, hanging against the wall. It would be time to leave soon, she figured. “Should we head off now?”
Raymond seemed startled by her question, but reply, “Ah, yes. We should go now.” He grabbed his jacket and car keys as she nodded her head and then followed him out.
“You seem…preoccupied?” she asked curiously while he unlocked the doors and she took a seat on the passenger side.
He shook his head, smiled and ignited the engine. “Would you like to go for desserts or would you prefer to go straight away?” He suggested.
“Straight away, please.” She tried not to sound desperate.
“As you wish.”
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Even though Leila was on the other side, she could hear the television’s volume blasted to the max. Leila cringed when she heard Suzanna Kwan, one of her mother’s shamelessly greedy and annoying friend, laughing merrily inside her territory. Groaning out loud, Leila unlocked the door and pushed it open. “Mom, I’m home!” Leila kicked her shoes aside and comfortably slid into her warm pair of slippers and hung her keys.
“Leila, you’re finally home!” Suzanna clapped her hand. “Your mother’s in the kitchen preparing dinner for us.”
“Oh, Aunt Suzanna, you’re here.” Leila smiled as politely as possible. “…again,” she added quietly.
Suzanna’s smile widened as she invited herself to Leila’s couch. “Of course! I love this place! It makes me feel all warm and cozy inside…like…like a family!”
“Oh really?” Maybe you ought to find your own family, Leila thought. “Enjoy yourself!” Once she turned away from Suzanna, Leila rolled her eyes. She never understood why her mother would still keep Suzanna as a friend. Leila had never liked her. She was self-centered and believed the world revolved around her. Not to mention, she would always take advantage of Leila’s mother which, Leila, greatly despise. Entering the kitchen, the aroma of dinner crawled up to her nose and Leila’s stomach hissed hungrily. She hadn’t realized how hungry she was after work until seeing her mother’s culinary arts. “You’re making me drool, mother!” Leila placed an arm on the hardworking Mary Tong’s shoulder.
“Leila! You’re home early today!” Mary exclaimed while smiling.
Leila nodded as she grabbed a piece of cooked meat and stuffed it into her mouth. Mary slapped Leila’s hand and scolded her for doing so. Leila smiled cheekily. “Your culinary skills are the best, mom!” She praised and gave her mom a tight hug.
Mary laughed upon receiving the compliment and pushed Leila away, “If you’re hugging me so tight how can I make dinner?”
Leila shrugged and then looked over her shoulder to see what Suzanna was doing. Apparently, she was very interested in whatever drama was airing and was laughing along like a maniac. “Aunt Suzanna’s been coming over a lot lately,” she commented.
Mary followed Leila’s gaze to where Suzanna was and agreed, “Yes, she broke up with her boyfriend.”
“What?!” Leila nearly choked on her saliva. “She has a boyfriend!?” she exclaimed loudly.
Mary gave her daughter a look as if to tell Leila to quiet down. “Yes, she has a boyfriend. You didn’t know that? She just broke up with Louis.” Mary sighed while chopping up the vegetables.
“I never knew…she was…dating…” However she said it, it didn’t seem right to her. Suzanna had a boyfriend. Leila pitied the poor man.
Mary took a look at the disgusted Leila and shook her head in dismay. “So, when is it your turn?”
“Huh?” Leila’s head snapped back to her mother. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, even Suzanna has a boyfriend and how come you don’t? And…” Mary leaned in closer to Leila and whispered, “You know how she is.”
Leila grinned while stealing another piece of meat. “What can I help you with?” She changed the topic, avoiding the question and the need to answer it. Mary knew this would happen and so she let it go.
“Actually, I think I ran out of sugar to make cookies for dessert. Put on a jacket and go buy me a new pack, hm?” Mary requested of Leila.
“Awwww…”
Mary took a quick look at the whining Leila. “Okay, if you don’t want, I don’t mind you staying here and we can discuss about your future husband. Or…you can always accompany Suzanna. There’s not much left to do…”
Leila raised both hands in the air. “No thanks! I can already feel the headache coming back. Last time, she kept rambling on and on about her life to me. I rather go and get the sugar.”
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The damp and unpleasant environment of this abandoned warehouse would only make one feel unhygienic and immensely disgusted. Bosco and Sammul were used to this for every deal they had was taken place in the exact, same location. Bosco and Sammul both had their guards on, never letting it rest. The road may be smooth now, but not always. There ought to be a bump along the way.
No doubt, Bosco was bored while waiting for Tashimoto to fetch the money at some secretive place he wouldn’t let Bosco or Sammul have knowledge of. Thus, Tashimoto had left the hotel earlier in the morning to retrieve it. Not that Sammul, Bosco or Raymond would really care, as long as they got the money, it would be all good.
Bosco whipped out a cigarette and attempted to light it, but when he received a warning look from Sammul, he sighed and pushed the thought away. “What kind of man are you? Don’t smoke, don’t party, just stay at home and read romance novels. Even Raymond smokes.“ Bosco rolled his eyes. “Are you a man?” he joked.
“It depends on your definition of a ‘man’.” Sammul crossed his arms. “And for your information, Raymond quits smoking 3 years ago.”
“Yeah, yeah. I waved a cancer stick in front of him and he succumbed to it. Now, RayRay ain’t so mighty, is he?” retorted Bosco, unwilling to be defeated by Sammul.
Sammul’s eyebrows rose in disbelief. “Uh-huh. When was that? 2 years ago, Bosco. You know exactly what happened. You know how….depressed he was.” Bosco was silent and a look of sympathy crosses him. Their conversation ended with the appearance of Tashimoto and his group of men. His left hand was holding a silver briefcase where the money was safely kept. Instantaneously, Bosco and Sammul straightened out and their men became fully alert.
“I got the money.” Tashimoto looked around and hesitated. “Where is Raymond Lam?”
“He’s busy,” Bosco carelessly explained while Tashimoto looked on suspiciously. Why was the boss not here? What were they planning? Numerous questions ran through his head. Suddenly, a small flame of fire ignited within him. He had flown all the way from Japan to Hong Kong just to do business with them and yet, Raymond Lam did not even show up at a critical time. He felt as if they were downgrading him. Even if Raymond Lam had sent his most trusted right and left hand man, Tashimoto was still not pleased. Obviously, it also because he was in a bad mood from the earlier incident where he got told off by a woman.
He decided to let it slide for there was an even bigger task to complete. “Where are the items? I want to see it.” Tashimoto directly asked for he wanted this deal to be over with. His tone was more demanding and controlling unlike their meeting at the airport. This was his true self and Bosco hated him, but then again, just who did Bosco not hate?
Sammul snapped his fingers as two of his men carried out a large, wooden box. Tashimoto waved for one of his members to go and check the products. Everyone watched in silent while the bulky guy opened the box. He searched through the thousands of shredded paper that was added to cover the lethal weapons and gave a small nod to his boss to confirm that it was not a fraud.
“Great,” Tashimoto smiled hideously.
“Done? Our turn to do a check.” Bosco randomly pointed to a fellow and ordered him to head over to where Tashimoto was. Upon receiving a positive answer that it was the correct amount of money, Sammul and Bosco exchanged brief glances.
“Everything good?” Their acquaintance asked.
“Yes,” Sammul replied. “We are ve—“ The deafening wail of sirens had interrupted Sammul and he felt a sudden feeling of fear shooting through him.
“What the fuck!” Bosco cursed out loud, equally as confused as Sammul.
“You called the cops?!” Without thinking rationally, Tashimoto blamed it on Sammul and Bosco. No wonder Raymond Lam did not show up. He fumed angrily and pulled out his guns. His loyal members pulled out theirs as well which forced Bosco’s side to imitate in order to protect themselves. In the next minute, all you could hear were the loud gunshots being fired into the air, mixed with the never-ending cries of sirens as everyone fled for their lives. The police officers burst through the entrance, armed and ready to evacuate the area as well as arrest those that were involved in tonight’s illegal exchange.
“PUT DOWN YOUR GUNS!” The group of uniformed men and women separated as they tried to catch those they deemed as ‘criminals’.
“You son of a bitch!” Tashimoto challenged, still did not leave the site. If he had to go down, he was going to bring Bosco and Sammul along with him.
By now, Tashimoto was riled up and was shooting furiously, searching everywhere for Bosco and Sammul while trying to avoid the officers. He even wounded some of them, but it was not a surprise. Not to anyone. Luckily, the Bosco and Sammul had managed to dodge his shots by hiding behind a large container. “SHIT! Who the hell called the cops?” Bosco hissed while Sammul’s eyes were securely fixated upon the briefcase that was left unattended. Having the cops involved were not something Sammul or Bosco could have guessed. They were extremely confident that the cops couldn’t have easily found the place because they had given out false information of the meeting’s whereabouts unless someone had purposely revealed the undisclosed conference.
Sammul glanced at Bosco while reloading his gun. “I’m going for it. You head back.” Sammul took in a deep breath and then got up before Bosco could utter out a word of disagreement. His mind was set to capture the briefcase of a million dollars worth. The minute he made himself visible, Tashimoto glared angrily at him. He wanted to explain, but his life was in jeopardy; there was simply no time for long winded explanations. On the other hand, Bosco got up from his position and rushed over to the unguarded exit. Bosco turned back to look at Sammul and groaned inwardly. Life was like this for them; they were always taking turn playing this dangerous game. With no time to spare, Bosco dashed out. His hand dug into his pocket in search of his cell phone.
Sammul almost had his hand on the handle of the briefcase when, out of nowhere, he felt an excruciating pain in his left hand. Looking down, he saw blood oozing out and realized that he had been shot yet the wound was not his first priority. He ignored it and wanted to take a hold of the case but he was immediately knocked down by an unknown stranger. It took him a moment longer to stand up again, but he did. Just as he did, he saw a female figure running out with the money in her hand as she perfectly aimed at those that got in her path. He caught sight of a white van pulling up beside her as she kicked an officer down. He caught the smirk displayed on her face before she disappeared.
Nancy. He recognized her. He should have known, perhaps he did, that Ron Ng had something to do with this. Sammul was usually not very easily angered, but at times like these, he really couldn’t help himself. He focused his attention back on the current situation. On the other side, he witnessed Tashimoto being arrested. Soon he was going to be just like Tashimoto if he could not escape.
He had to flee.
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“Oh wow, you bought the CD?” Tavia was amazed as she listened, contentedly, to her favorite song, ‘Amazing’ by Janelle. She had only mentioned her favorite song once and he had gone out to buy it. She was definitely charged with guilt to receive such kindness. Kindness she did not deserve.
He kept eyes on the road while nodding in respond to her question.
‘You're so amazing you shine like the stars
You're so amazing the beauty you are
You came blazing right into my heart
You're so amazing you are...
You are…’
The chorus came on as she, quietly to herself, hummed along to the lyrics.
Raymond chuckled. “Sing it out loud.”
“W-what?” Tavia was caught off guard with his request.
“Please,” he started. “Sing it. I would like to hear you sing, love.” She blushed and shook her head.
“No, I’m terrible,” she declined.
“Terrible?” He laughed at her self-conscious statement. “Your voice is already music to my ears. Yes, I would agree that it’s a terribly addicting sound.” Tavia was flustered and did not know how to respond like she had always been whenever he praised her way more than she should be. “So will you pl—“ His phone rang and interrupted him. She was relieved from having to sing in front of him.
“Hel—“ Raymond spoke, but couldn’t finish his greeting because whomever was on the other line, had already begun speaking. She noticed a frown slowly made its way across his face as he slowed the car down and then finally, parked it to the side. His hand was gripping tightly onto the wheel and his knuckles were turning white. His reactions hinted to her that something was not right and it involved the same reason why she was supposed to be in charge of his absence. “I will.” Raymond snapped the phone shut.
“What’s wrong?”
He gave her a weak smile. “Sorry, love, I’m afraid I can not leave with you tonight.”
“What?! Why?!” Tavia nearly yelped. She could not let him go back, she couldn’t. Tavia began to panic.
Raymond made a U-turn as she sat firmly in her seat. “I’m sorry…” He should’ve known. The indescribable feeling, the hunch, his gut feelings, they were all leading to this catastrophe.
Her orbs darted back and forth, worried.
“Do you mind if I just drop you ba—“
“No,” she replied sternly. “Please let me come with you.”
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AUTHOR'S NOTE.
*You can listen to the song Raymond and Tavia was talking about here http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=ULjB7l4Nbl8
Thanks for the lovely comments guys and because of that, I decided to post up the next chapter since they all motivated me for a faster update. Hope you all like the fast update? Apparently, Sammul and Leila did not meet in this chapter but you can tell that they are going to! Sammeila fans, sorry for the wait though I don't think there's a lot of Sammeila fans. Well, I hope FungYi fans like the small interaction of them! Just a random thought, it's weird how I see some comments saying Ron is being a jerk (but I really don't think he's a jerk lol) and want FungYi and then in my other fic Wanted, Raymond was a total jerk (I admit it) and most still wanted FungYi ending. I find that...I don't know...funny? Or I could be interpreting it wrongly...LOL..okayy...I'm going waaaay off topic. Tell me what you think of the chapter? :(