| Fan Fiction |
by Suki Chan
Matt listened closely.
“I am returning to Canada tomorrow.” Claire said.
Matt did not respond. He knew her plan, just did not know when.
“I’m very happy to have found you and Danny. I made a few trips to Hong Kong in the past to look for you two but failed. This time, finally, I made it.” Claire smiled, “I know there are still a long way to go for us. But I’m working hard. I hope one day, we can really become a family again.”
Matt bit his lips.
“I sincerely wish you and Danny could stay by my side. I know it’s not possible, but I really hope you and Danny could come over to Canada and live with us.” Claire suddenly raised the idea.
“You know that’s totally out of the question.” Matt frowned. How could the two guys abruptly leave their birth place and go with their mother whom they had just met after being apart for 17 years? And to live aboard at an absolute strange country? And to live with another family which their mother had built? And for Danny to adapt to such environment?
No way.
“I understand. I’ve talked to my husband…his name is John…over the phone. He’s happy for me that I finally found you and Danny after all these years. He hopes we could reunite too. He welcomes you and Danny to join us…with him and our daughter Josephine.” Claire said, “But we know that’s a wild thought. You and Danny will not come with us. But…actually…John has plans on moving his business to Asia. Now that I have found you and Danny. So…we are thinking of moving our family to Hong Kong for good, so we can still stay close to you and Danny. I will come and settle first and also look for a school for Josephine, then Josephine finishes her school year and joins me. John will slowly shift his business and join us.”
Matt was shocked, “Your whole family is moving to Hong Kong…so that…you can stay close to me and Danny.”
“John knows it’s always my wish to reunite with you two. He’s very supportive of me. He’s such perfect husband.” Claire smiled sweetly, “And your half-sister Josephine. She can’t wait to meet up with you and Danny. She always says it’s great to have two elder brothers to spoil her more. Ah.”
Matt shook his head. Claire really did not have to do so much for them. No. It was hard for him to bear it.
“It’s going to be a big lifetime plan for me, John, and Josephine. We are willing to take it, if we can have your support, Matt.” Claire whispered, “I want to hear from you, that in fact you want me to stay. I need that confirmation from you. I can’t put John and Josephine in jeopardy. They are the most innocent ones. I hope you understand.”
Matt did not say a word.
“I really want to hear it from you Matt, before I go.” Claire begged, “So that I can make a decision…a decision that affects two families. Please, Matt.”
************************
At the airport departure gate, Claire restless looked around, desperate to see her two sons.
“Mrs. Lee, it’s time for us to go in.” His assistant reminded.
Claire dreadfully turned around and was about to walk in.
Suddenly she heard some rapid steps approaching. She spun around and found the two boys rushing over.
“Whew.” Danny puffed.
“Oh…Matt. Oh Danny.” A sweet smile glowed on Claire’s face. She gazed at them, hoping to hear the good news from them.
“Hm…” Matt rolled his eyes and mumbled, “Danny said the roasted chicken you made last time was really good. I’d love to try to try it…when you make it next time.”
Claire’s eyes instantly filled with joyful tears. Matt…he still wanted to see her again!
“Come back soon.” Matt finally gave her the answer.
“Come back soon.” Danny followed and flapped his palm, “Bye-bye.”
Claire’s lips trembled. His sons had forgiven her. They had not yet called her mom, but at least they were not angry with her anymore. They wanted her to come back and stay with them. Claire wanted to laugh; she wanted to cry, “…Matt…Danny…can I hug you two?”
The two boys smiled and reached out their arms.
“Oh my boys. Oh my lovely boys.” Claire wrapped them.
The mother and sons held tightly at each other.
*****************************
Days passed by
“…so your mother and your half-sister will be arriving tomorrow.” Olivia asked Matt. They were on their way to watch a drama at Olivia’s university.
“Hm.” Matt wondered, “This is the first time for me and Danny to meet Josephine. Feels weird now. It’s always been just me and Danny…the two of us. Suddenly we have a younger sister. I don’t know how to…deal with her.”
“Come on. She’s only a 15 year old little girl.” Olivia giggled, “I’m sure you and Danny can get along with her.”
They arrived at the university campus.
Matt casually scanned around. It was a very nice campus, with beautiful architecture surrounded by lots of trees and flowers. Students studying here must be so fun and enjoyable, in their learning and endless campus activities.
He looked at a few guys sitting underneath a big tree doing their homework together. He envied. For once it was his dream to study in this university. For once it was his dream to have such university campus life.
For once.
It is fate.
“Hm?” Olivia grasped Matt’s hand and wondered what he was thinking.
Matt smiled and eased up.
“Hey Olivia!” Her friends greeted her as the couple stepped into the hall.
“Hi!” Olivia waved and led Matt to sit beside them, “Matt, you’ve met Julie and Pam. This is Eve, Cathy and her boyfriend Peter.”
“Hi Matt!” The young people greeted.
“Hi.” Matt smiled politely.
Julie patted Olivia, “Do you want to check out Nel at the backstage? He kept bragging about his costume and I can’t wait to see it before he comes out the stage.”
“Sure!” Olivia was excited, “Matt, I’ll be back very quickly.”
Matt smiled at the silly girl, “Go ahead. I’ll save your seat here.”
Olivia giggled and quickly walked away with her Julie and Pam.
“So how are you doing, Matt?” Peter chatted with him.
“Pretty good.” Matt said.
“Hm…Matt, you look familiar.” Peter wondered, “Do you study here too? Which faculty? Or maybe you graduated already? You came to some alumni events or something? I must have seen you before.”
Matt shook his head, “No I ain’t a student here.”
“Really?”
“Oh I remember.” Cathy thought, “Our student club ran the campus flea market last year, right? We helped out with organizing the vendors and stuffs. Matt, were you one of the vendors? I kind of remember talking to you and some other men about cooking appliances and safety. “
“You’re right. I had a stand selling roasted peanuts at the flea market.” Matt said frankly,
“Oh.” Cathy and Peter gave each other a peek.
At this time, Olivia and her two other girl friends came back. She sensed the odd looks on the faces of Cathy and Peter, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Matt knew Cathy and Peter did not mean to embarrass him.
Olivia sat down and looked at Cathy and Peter again.
“Show is starting.” Matt held Olivia’s hand and concentrated at the stage in front.