| Fan Fiction |
by mushroom_banana
Everything was ready and awaiting my entrance. Taking one last look at the unfamiliar reflection that is me, I raised my head up and took a deep breath before pushing the glass doors open. Inside the dimly lit room, an array of people was already there. Some were lounging and talking with tall wine glasses resting on their hands while others were lazily sitting on leather chairs enjoying the games. Just one look and you would know that this place catered to upper class social gatherings and events like tonight.
Sounds of my heels clicking against the marble floors echoed loudly across the elegant room. Heading over to the Blackjack table, I sat down next to a neatly dressed man and flashed him a polite smile before turning my attention to the game. The dealer signaled a new game for the players to place their bets. Placing a tall stack of chips down, I waited for my cards to be dealt. I looked over to the next table and noticed the dealer staring at me. He gestured at me, but before I had a chance to see what he wanted, the dealer in front of me looked at me expectantly for my decision. Flipping my cards close, I ended my game. For the next five games, I did the same thing until I lost all my chips. Sighing audibly, I got ready to leave the table when the man who was sitting next to me tapped my shoulder.
“Bad luck tonight Miss?”
“Yes, guess I should call it a night,” I told him.
He smiled at my response. “Why stop so early? The night is still young.”
“I would love to continue, but as you can see I’m out of chips already. You know the rules, we’re only allowed one entry per day. Once you’re out, no more coming back in even if you have millions.”
The man clapped his hands together in delight. “Well, then I have a deal just for you.”
Looking interested, I leaned in closer. “What deal?”
“For such a pretty lady like you, I’ll lend you the money, but you’ll have to pay me back just a little interest as payback,” he said holding up his thumb and index finger with a small gap in-between.
“Interest? I don’t understand.”
“Don’t worry, it’s not even considered anything for people from the upper-class society like yourself,” he pointed out.
I shook my head. “But that’s against the laws, illegal lending of money. I don’t want any trouble.”
“Trust me, no one will know, I’ve been doing this for ages,” he explained. “With both parties benefitting, there’s really no reason to say no.”
His sugary coated words did sound good to those who didn’t know any better, but I knew better. “Well, okay then. I accept your deal.”
He smiled widely and produced a piece of paper. “Great, just sign here.”
After I signed my name, he handed me the money. And that was my signal to take action. Standing up, I took out my badge and flashed it in front of him. “Chang Hoi, you’re now under arrest for illegal predatory lending practices.”
With an alarmed look, he pushed me aside and ran towards the exit. Without wasting time, I called after him to alert the others. As I ran after him, the dealer I saw from the other table ran ahead of me and tackled Chang to the ground. In less than a minute, Chang was handcuffed. Running up to them, I read him his Miranda Rights.
When I finished, the dealer looked up and smirked at me teasingly. “Now I know why you never win at card games. You have zero strategy.”
“Shut up, just do your job!” I countered back at his cheeky remark.
Thirty minutes later, we sat on the tall stools by the bar as our coworkers took care of the aftermath. It had been one long night; all the meticulous planning and preparations paid off. Of course, it was all worth it as long as we caught the criminal. People like Chang needed to be caught and punished. One more caught meant one less predator out in the open to harm others. I've seen the harm they've caused and the lives they've ruined; I'm glad I was able to be a part of securing justice to the people.
I sipped on my iced tea and felt smooth velvet slide over my bare shoulders. From his jacket, I could smell his warm scent surround and encompass me as if it was him hugging me. I looked over questioningly at my partner who had a nonchalant expression on his face.
“What?” he asked me innocently.
“I don’t need your jacket, it’s warm in here,” I said as I made a move to take it off. However, he stopped my hands firmly.
“Keep it on. Did you see how the others have been looking at you all night?” he said staring at the crowd of people in front of us like they were a pack of wolves.
I smiled secretly to myself. Although he didn’t say it, I could tell he was jealous based on the tone of annoyance in his voice. His ears were even starting to turn red, the first signs that show up whenever he gets agitated. I shook my head; sometimes, he could be so charmingly childish.
“Didn’t you get my signal to you earlier?” he asked.
“What signal?”
“I was telling you to cover yourself up properly. I don’t even understand why you had to wear such a low-cut dress in the first place, it’s too revealing and not necessary at all. Pants and button-up collar shirts are perfectly fine.”
I looked down at my dress. Sure it was a little lower than my regular choice of clothing, but this definitely was not revealing. “Well, that’s how many upper-class socialites dress like, it’s called classy,” I emphasized on the last word.
“I won’t argue over fashion, just make sure you don’t wear these types of things again. And why did the chief pick you to be the undercover, I could’ve done the role fine. Instead, I get stuck being the dealer.” he complained.
“Yea, with your temper and rashness, I’m sure you would’ve stayed put and not clobber our target the moment you see him,” I pointed out.
He seemed to be at a loss for words because what I said about his impatient nature was indeed true. Actually, I was surprised he managed to stay put the entire time our operation went on tonight.
“I still disapprove,” he insisted.
“Oh get over it. Since it’s all for the sake of catching the criminal, what difference does the position make? Teamwork is what’s essential for our work,” I reminded him. "Besides, I would take on any role if the situations calls for it.
He smiled at my remark. I knew he was imagining me roleplaying god knows what with that weird imagination of his. "Yep, I'm sure you would. Let's go grab a bite to eat after this," he suggested.
I was going to agree when a male colleague walked over to us. “Ella, Chun, we’re pretty much done here. You guys should go now, it’s so late already.”
Turning to me, our coworker cleared his throat. “Ella, do you need a ride home, I can take you back since we’re in the uh - same neighborhood,” he asked me while looking timidly over to Chun whose smile from earlier vanished.
Before I could take up on his offer, Chun stepped in and intercepted. “That won’t be needed, I’ll take MY partner back.”
“But you live in the opposite direction, all the way across town, wouldn’t it be more convenient if I bring her?”
I nodded along, “That’s right Chun. I’ll just –”
“We have things to discuss for another case, let’s go,” he cut me off and practically dragged me out like I was a ragdoll. I didn’t even get a chance to even apologize or bid everyone good night and we were out the door.
Inside his car, I wiped away my make-up as he drove me home. “You didn’t have to be so rude earlier. And from what I remember, I believe all our cases are finished. I don’t think we have anything we need to discuss right now,” I told him.
“I was just helping you reject his offer nicely,” he said as if he was doing me a favor which I did not need.
“Thanks, but I really was going to take up on his offer.”
“Did you not see the way he was staring at you?! I could see bad intentions spelled across his forehead.”
“In fact, I didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. You’re just making a big deal. You males and your territorial nature.” I couldn’t believe the words he was saying. How could he insult our coworker whom we’ve worked with for such a long time already. I didn’t understand why he was making a big fuss over a simple ride.
“You’re just too naïve Ella. You think the world is full of saints and that everyone is inherently good. It’s not as simple as you think it is,” he told me using his lecture tone of voice.
“Hey, I’m not stupid! For your information, I’ve been with the force equally as long as you have, I know what the world is like without you telling me,” I told him crossly and turned to face the window. I hated it whenever he says things that suggest I have no sense of reality. I did not need him every time he thought I needed help or that I couldn’t stand up for myself.
The rest of the ride back to my place became so silent that every time he braked, we’d hear the sound of his screeching tires. The tension was so thick that even a fly could get trapped in it. Once we arrived, I left after an icy ‘good night’ and stormed off without another look. Inside my home, I kicked the door close and plopped noisily onto the sofa.
“Ella? Hey, why the huge scowl on your face?” my friend/housemate/coworker appeared from the kitchen.
“Nothing. Just my immature partner,” I said while rubbing my tired eyes.
“What did he do this time?” Selina asked plopping down next to me. I knew she was getting ready for bed because she was holding her mug of warm milk, but as the ever perceptive friend, she’s sensed my frustration the moment I stepped in.
I sighed. “First, he behaved rudely to our colleague. He thinks he has some kind of evil inappropriate motive. Then he makes it seem like I have no judgment and that I can’t make decisions for myself.”
“In other words, he got jealous over another guy,” she reworded my statement.
“That’s not the point. The point is, he doesn’t think I can defend myself and that I’m weak minded,” I reminded her.
“Can’t blame him though, have you seen what you’re wearing. It must’ve been torture for the guy. Besides, he’s just worried for you; it was all in good intentions even if he used the wrong method to express it,” she reasoned.
I couldn’t believe my ears; my friend was taking his side over mine. “But I’m an independent woman; don’t you think I can take care of myself? I don’t need any help in defending myself, I work in law enforcement, that’s got to say something right?” I looked at her for support. One reason I joined law enforcement was to show people how independent females can be too.
“Well, you guys have been partners for four years, that’s a very long time you know. It’s only natural for him to be concerned for you, but sometimes, I don’t get you two. I know I’ve said this to you many times, but you guys obviously have feelings for each other, so WHY are you still not together?” she asked.
“And I’ve answered you numerous times as well, we’re JUST working partners. Nothing more, nothing less,” I told her succinctly. Ever since Chun and I became partners, Selina has bugged me about us being perfect for each other. I’ve even lost count of the times I told her we’re only partners, but she never seems to get it. Sometimes, I just don’t understand why everyone in the unit thinks me and Chun are dating. It’s not like we announced it out loud or ever did anything to hint that we are involved. Sure we may be compatible and we can read each others’ minds like a book, but it’s all strictly work related. I can say with confidence that we definitely are not a couple. It’s impossible for there to be something between us; there is no way we have feelings for each other….is there? That is not a question that even myself can answer.
She nodded her head and smiled at me like I was telling her the sky was falling. She didn’t believe a single word I said. “Sure, if the new definition of working partners means exclusively not dating anyone since you guys started working together and getting insanely defensive towards any outsiders of the opposite sex who show even the slightest bit of interest, then okay, I accept you two are just mere partners. And I didn’t even mention those stares you guys give each other when you think the other person isn’t looking.”
“We do not stare at each other. Just get it through that head of yours that me and Chun do not have that kind of relationship.”
“You two are too complicated for me to understand. You like him and he likes you, it’s as simple as that. Both of you guys obviously have feelings for each other, but somehow are just too stubborn to admit it. Why do you guys make the issue so complex? What’s the reason Ella?”
“Simple, it’s because we’re partners. Partners do not date or get involved in a relationship. Work always get complicated whenever people in the same workplace date. I’m perfectly happy with the way things are between us, so why change?” And that was true; work is a very important aspect in my life, so any changes could potentially ruin everything I have right now. Though I admit that I was somewhat attracted to Chun in the beginning of our partnership, it doesn’t mean anything. Besides, he’s never expressed interest in me.
“But—”
I got up from the sofa and stretched my arms out. “Alright, I’ve had a long night, I’m completely out of energy to continue this pointless discussion, and, I haven’t eaten in eight hours, so I am going to call it a night and get some rest before another gruesome day begins.”
“Fine, I’ll let you go this time but this talk is far from over. Good night Mrs. Wu,” she sang the last part out playfully.
I stopped mid-step and turned around to look at her.
She pretended to look oblivious. “What? That’s what everyone around the unit calls you guys – Mr. and Mrs. Wu, which I think is so cute,” she smiled at me wickedly.
With one more disapproving look, I pulled my weary self towards my wonderful sanction aka my room. It is the one place I can enjoy peace and quiet. It’s also where I go to relax and escape from all my work and personal problems.
Being a law enforcer is hard work; the constant fight against criminals and the harsh reality of injustice can tire a person out easily. Luckily, I have been blessed with a good support network that has helped me during troubled times. I’m thankful for Selina who has continually given me great advice and for being a patient housemate. I’m not exactly the best housemate, so I’m glad to have her with me. I’m also thankful for my colleagues who has tolerated and showed me kindness through the years. Lastly, I’m grateful for Chun, who has been a great partner who understands and respects me even though he still tends to be overprotective at times despite his awful temper. But overall, our partnership has been stable due to two important principles; equality and cooperation. I really couldn’t ask for a better partner than him.
I turned on the stereo and welcomed the tunes of my favorite melodies as it washed away the stress I experienced today. Not caring that I hadn’t changed or showered, I crawled onto my bed and closed my eyes. But just as I was on the verge of falling asleep, a beep from my cell phone startled me. Groaning at the person who decided to interrupt my sleeping time, I slid my phone open.
‘Sorry, I didn’t mean what I said. Coffee on me tomorrow? C’
I smiled at his message. He must've been feeling bad all this time. At times like this, I really couldn’t stay mad at him for long. It was like he had this power over me that makes me soft-hearted.
‘Make it a week and then we’re talking. Don’t stay up too late. E’
After texting him back, I finally was able to sleep and I was sure I had a grin pasted on my face the whole night. I couldn’t wait for tomorrow to begin.
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Hi everyone, what do you think of this first chapter? It's my first attempt with writing first person, so pls excuse my mistakes and anything that might not make sense. I also changed the title becasue I thought this suits the story better. Hope everyone has a nice weekend!
June 27, 2009