Fan Fiction |
by Suki Chan
“Woohoo! So fun!” She fell on the sofa. She saw others moving their lips but could hardly hear under the noise. It was funny and she laughed vigorously.
“Sabrina you look hot tonight!” One of the guys flirted. Sabrina and him were both regular customers of these discos and bumped into each other all the times.
“Oh, really?” Sabrina leaned forward and pointed, “but I thought…you like her instead!”
The group gave a guffaw. The guy hugged another girl, “Ok! So let’s demonstrate how much I like you…” He caressed with her lips and she gladly accepted it. Everyone screamed and cheered. They were all drunk and turned wild.
“Haha…” Sabrina was excited and raised her glass, “You guys are such great friends! Ok! Next round is on me!”
The group cheered and pulled Sabrina back out to the dance pool. Sabrina enjoyed herself and had a great time tonight. This was her way to buy friends, and to buy her happiness.
*********************************
The next day, Toby went to visit Sabrina at her place to return some DVDs to her.
“You just woke up? It’s afternoon!” Toby looked at Sabrina who had clumsy hair and tired and dry face, “You went to disco again last night? What time did you go to bed?”
“This morning.” Sabrina yawned and hugged a cushion.
Toby shook her head, “This is not good for your health. Besides, you could find more meaningful stuffs to do…”
“How else should I kill my time? I’ve renewed my contract with Vooki and all I do is to wait for their call to do fittings and then take studio photos for them. Other than that, I’ve got nothing to do. Andrew doesn’t allow me to work free-lance elsewhere. Meanwhile, going to discos is the best…lots of people…lots of noise…lots of fun!” Sabrina picked up the nail polish on the coffee table. She put up her leg and began to paint her toe nails.
Toby sighed and changed topic, “Your place sure gets a lot of sunlight. You can open the windows and get some fresh air. It’s not so hot today and you don’t need to turn on the air-con so high.” Toby suggested.
“The air-con is comfortable! I ain’t paying for it anyway. Who cares.” Sabrina shrugged her shoulder.
“There’s no picture of him here. I’m always curious to see how he looks like.” Toby scanned around.
“Well, his family is very low-profile and you don’t see them in pulp magazines and stuffs.” Sabrina explained, “As for the pictures, we never took any together and he doesn’t let me put any of his pictures in the house, just in case the maid or other people see them.”
Toby nodded. She understood their relationship cannot be disclosed. She felt bad for Sabrina, yet it was her choice to stay with Andrew.
At this time, the part-time maid Fanny opened the door and stepped into the house. She greeted Sabrina politely and walked into the kitchen.
“Hey, you!” Sabrina stopped her rudely, “Do the laundry first. I just spilled coffee on the bedsheet. Wash that before you do anything else.”
“Sure Miss Yeung.” Fanny softly sighed and went to do her work. This boss always made her place dirty and messy. The worst part was her attitude. If not the pay was high, Fanny would not stay here to work at all.
Sabrina called to the kitchen, “Make dinner for two people tonight. My boyfriend is coming over. Be sure to buy some prawns at the market. He says he wants prawns for dinner.”
“Yes. I will remember that.” Fanny answered. She expected this weekend routine because it was Saturday and Sabrina’s boyfriend will come over; her secret boyfriend whom Fanny had never met.
Toby whispered to Sabrina, “What time is he coming?”
“Around 8pm as usual.” Sabrina counted, “So you and Fanny have to be out the door by 7:30pm.”
Toby understood. She recalled, “Oh yes, on the phone you said your tap is leaking? I have the business card of this home repair shop…”
“Never mind.” Sabrina waved, “I told Andrew and he’ll fix it.”
“Your bulb also burnt off.”
“Andrew will change it.”
Toby looked at Sabrina.
Sabrina yakked, “Didn’t expect that, huh? He’s a rich guy but he actually knows a bit of these homeware fixing stuffs.”
“You used to take care of things yourself.” Toby noticed, “But ever since you’re with him, you seem to rely on him more and more. You might not realize it, but it’s true.”
“Really?” Sabrina scratched her head, “That’s ok. I’m getting lazy and don’t want to think. He can take care of all the things and it’s perfect.”
*********************************
Wallace stood on the street across from the school, watching the flocks of students running towards their mothers or maids who were at the door waiting to pick them up. Some teachers and staffs were heading out also. Wallace kept his eye at the crowd, hoping to see the person he was looking forward to.
The school ground began to quiet down. At this moment, Wallace saw her coming out alone. His steps became heavy. Finally, he took a deep breath and built up his courage to walk over.
“Good afternoon, Kylie.” Wallace gave a timid smile.
“Wallace?” Kylie was surprised, “Hm…hi…how are you?”
“Fine, thanks.” Wallace gave a standard answer, then he just stood there.
Curiosity showed in Kylie’s eyes, “You…are here at the school…for something? Can I help you? Are you picking up someone from our school?” She thought he had a nephew or something.
“No…hm…I’m here for…” Wallace faltered. He handed over a plastic grocery bag to Kylie, “Actually, this is for you. The beans ripped and I cut them just in the past weekend. They are fresh and healthy. Hope you will like them.”
Kylie was shocked. She did not expect that Wallace was actually waiting for her, just to give her the fresh beans.
“You don’t like beans?” Wallace asked.
“Oh no….” Kylie retained a polite expression, “Thank you very much, Wallace.”
Wallace was glad. They began to walk down the street.
“Wallace, may I ask? It’s Monday afternoon, and you don’t need to work?” Kylie wondered, though the question was somewhat abrupt.
“I work at a law firm. My boss gave us an extra holiday this week, because we just finished a big case in which we worked a lot of overtime on it.” Wallace explained.
“You’re a lawyer?” Kylie titled her head.
“No I’m not. I’m only a legal assistant.” He shook his head, “Kylie, are you busy now? Would you…hm…like to have coffee together?”
Kylie was about to say yes, but then suddenly she became cautious. It did not seem like Wallace was only inviting her, as a normal friend, for coffee. Her female sensitivity told her, that Wallace looked at her differently. But she was not sure, because she had no experience in being dated by a guy. Yes, despite ironically, she was supposed to be a married woman.
“Kylie?” Wallace was expecting an answer from her.
Kylie did not want to guess the intention of Wallace. Although he appeared to be a nice guy to be friend with, she needed to be careful. She reminded herself that she was Mrs. Ho, “I’m sorry, Wallace. But I’m a bit tired. I’d like to go home now.”
The corners of his lips curved down, “Then…it’s fine. Maybe next time.”
At this time, a taxi approached. Kylie waved it and hopped on it. She looked at Wallace, “Goodbye, Wallace. Thanks for your beans.”
“Bye, Kylie.” Wallace reluctantly let her go.
***************************************
Kylie was restless on the bed. She could not go to sleep, and kept thinking about the things happened today. She did not know how to deal with this feeling.
“Why are you flipping back and forth?” Andrew mumbled.
“Sorry Andrew. Am I disturbing you to sleep?” Kylie apologized.
“No, I just thought you are sick.” Andrew softened his voice, “I hear you coughing for the last couple days. If you aren’t feeling well, call our family doctor. He can come over to see you.”
Andrew’s caring words warmed Kylie’s heart, “I’m fine. My throat just feels kind of dry these days.”
He reached for the thermo cup on his bedside table. He usually kept some warm water in it before going to bed, so that if he woke up in the middle of the night, he can drink it instead of having to run downstairs in the dark. He handed the cup to Kylie, “Drink.”
She gobbled down some warm water and it soothed her throat instantly.
“Feeling better?” He asked.
“Yes.” She said softly.
“Tomorrow, ask Lin jei to make some honey drinks for you. She’s good at that.” Andrew suggested.
“Thanks Andrew.” Kylie appreciated.
“Alright, got to sleep now.” Andrew turned over and steadily fell asleep.
Kylie heard Andrew’s slight snores and knew he was in sound sleep already. She shifted her body very lightly beside Andrew and placed her little hand over his. She lay her head beside him, feeling his breath and body warmth. This was her routine every night, the only moment she can be so close to Andrew. “I love you, Andrew.” She whispered inside her heart, the words that Andrew did not hear, and did not realize.
*************************************
“Come in.” Andrew called as he heard a few knocks.
Someone walked into his office and locked the door behind. Andrew lifted his head, “Why are you here?”
Sabrina took off her coat and sat down, “Your sales and marketing people asked us to come over to talk about the catwalk show at the shopping mall next week.” Sabrina was extra dressy today: pink tube top, mini skirt, and long boots. They were all clothes of Vooki. Her face was a ‘colourful picture’, as usual.
“Yes, I remember now.” Andrew recalled. It was a small job that did not require much of this boss’ attention. He scanned her up and down, “Our clothes range from bisexual casual wears to OL fashion. Look how you manipulate them: the tube top comes with a suit jacket, but you wear it alone, and your knee-length skirt is two sizes smaller, turning it to a mini.”
“Good observation! No wonder you’re the boss of Vooki.” Sabrina put up her legs, “How do you like my matching?”
“Good, as long as I’m the only man you’re asking that question to.” Andrew peeked down at the his documents and mumbled, “You’d better zip up your coat when the other models are around…I mean…those topless muscle models who are simply professional flirts.”
“Of course, Andrew.” She smiled sweetly.
“And what’s up with your hair?” He noticed her new hair style today: all permed and gel wildly.
“Nice eh?” She proudly touched her head, “Just did it at the Viddal Salon this morning. Gee, took me so long to book that popular hair dresser Jackie.”
“How much?” Andrew expected a big number in respond.
“$3000. It’s worth it!” Sabrina did not care about the money, “A lot of big singers go to that Jackie to do their hair too? Guess who I met today…”
“Alright, paid $3000 to that guy, to put some electric shock over your hair, then stick a few bunches up here and there.” Andrew pointed. He was not happy with how Sabrina being a big spender. Even though he was born and raised in a wealthy family, he would never waste his money like that.
She softened her voice, “Come on, I just wanted to have the new hair style to give you a fresh look. I just wanted to make you happy. You prefer to see a prettier me, right Andrew?”
Andrew chuckled. He loved to see that expression on her face.
She found another topic, “The interview is out already. Have a look!” She threw him a magazine.
Andrew scanned over it. The interview only occupied two pages in the middle of the magazine. Sabrina had a few pictures, together with a small chat with the reporter. Something caught his attention:
Reporter: Sabrina, there’re rumours about you getting particular care from Vooki. During filming and promos afterwards, they seem to give you clothes of the best styles and colours comparing to the other girls.
Sabrina: The reality is just because I look good in any styles and colours. Whatever I wear, I will always stand out among the other girls.
Reporter: Well, they also say that Vooki is nice to you, especially their boss Andrew Ho…
Sabrina: (giggles) Whatever, haha, whatever…maybe I’m too lovely…everyone likes me…including the big boss…
Andrew frowned, “What were you trying to say to the reporter? I’ve warned you…”
“Hey I didn’t mention a word!” Sabrina interrupted, “The reporter was just making wild guesses. I never admitted anything.”
“You’d better.” Andrew looked at her.
“Come on, don’t be mad.” Sabrina approached him. She sat on his lap and hung her arms over his neck, “Like this perfume?”
“This is office, Sabrina.” He shifted his body, “Get down.”
She moved her lips to his. Andrew could not resist and followed with a kiss. “Tell you one thing.” He nibbled her, “My wife is coming.”
Sabrina giggled, “You’re scared?” She played with his collar.
Andrew tried to drag her hands, “Stop it…”
At this time, the intercom buzzed. The secretary called, “Mr. Ho, Mrs. Ho is here.”
Andrew pushed Sabrina away and cleared his voice, “Ahem, I will come out in a second.” He stood up and wiped his mouth.
“Fix your tie also.” Sabrina sat down across from his desk and spun the chair. She took out her lipstick and refilled the colour.
Andrew unlocked the door and stepped out, “Kylie, you’re early.” He noticed Kylie was wearing a beige cardigan and matching pants, pairing with a lady briefcase. The colour and style perfectly matched her identity as a teacher and a young married woman.
What an extreme between the appearances of Sabrina and Kylie, Andrew thought.
“Are you busy at the moment? I can wait. I ain’t hungry yet.” Kylie did not want to disturb his work. Then she spotted Sabrina in his office.
“Hi, Mrs. Ho! Long time no see. Hope you still remember me.” Sabrina suddenly showed up in between. Andrew gave her a glare.
“Oh, hi Sabrina.” Kylie responded politely, “You’re discussing some work with Andrew?”
“Just casual talks.” Sabrina glanced at Andrew, “Mr. Ho said I’ll have more work coming.”
Andrew tried to maintain a professional tone, “We give equal opportunities to everyone. If you did a good job, you’ll get what you deserve in return, and vice versa.” He hinted to Sabrina.
Of course Kylie did not understand the double meaning behind his words. She praised Sabrina, “I saw the promo show on TV. You looked very pretty in it.”
“Thanks. Mr. Ho said so too.” Sabrina chuckled wickedly.