Fan Fiction |
by Caryn
“Take a look at him!! He’s so handsome! Check out his great body!!” Frost drooled at the guy.
“For god’s sake he’s on a box of briefs! He’s not even present now and of course he has a nice body, he has to parade briefs with it!” I threw my hands up in exasperation.
“Who cares? As long as he’s cute.” I rolled my eyes. That’s Frost to you.
She was walking backwards, talking excitedly about the cute guys she saw. Then, it happened. She bumped into a guy and they fell over each other with the guy underneath her. She was shocked but soon regained her composure. Frost quickly got back on her feet and helped the guy up. She was apologising profusely when the guy finally spoke.
“Don’t worry, I’m okay. I gotta say sorry too because I wasn’t looking at where I was walking.” It was his mannerism that told me he was a perfect gentleman. He was different from any other guys who would ogle at Frost rudely. I’ve met guys who are complete jerks because all they want is some frisky fun from you if you know what I mean. He was still busy brushing himself.
He finally looked up at us and he’s not bad. With a lanky built and nice natural medium length hair and sharp features, he passes my expectations. He smiled and introduced himself as Vanness. What a unique name but sadly, he’s not my type.
He extended his hand to me and I shook it firmly. “I’m Caryn. Pardon my friend for being so clumsy.” I said apologetically.
“It’s okay, really. I don’t mind bumping into pretty girls once in a while. I usually bump into guys so it’s a nice change.” Vanness grinned. He looked at Frost and extended his hand.
Frost took his hand and shook it. “I’m… I’m… Frost.” She stammered a little. I looked at her in disbelief. Frost the flirtatious queen is stammering in front of a guy? The sun must have risen from the west today.
“What a unique name. Why Frost? Are you a cold person?” He asked with an amused look.
“Maybe, it depends on how people judge me.” Frost said almost shyly but suggesting something else at the same time.
“Look, are you free now? Wanna go for a cup of coffee?” Vanness smiled.
Frost had that kind of effect on guys. They always end up asking her out or taking her to a café to chat over coffee. I guess her beauty would smite any normal sane guy. She has a petite frame with smooth milky skin. She has sparkling brown eyes and a sharp nose. Her long straight red locks fall over her shoulder. Who says blondes have more fun? Frost has more fun than blondes. She’s shorter than I am with more womanly curves than me. I have a lean, toned body and I’m stronger than your average girl is now that I’ve taken up kickboxing. I have all the toned curves at the correct places. I’m more like the rough and rowdy one while Frost is more like a flirtatious babe, turning on her charm at will. She usually gets any guy she wants.
I followed both of them although I felt out of place. Vanness offered to carry Frost’s shopping bags and they were both talking among themselves, not really noticing I was there at all. I slipped away and left the two to get to know each other better. I headed to the climbing supplies shop to get myself a new pair of climbing shoes because mine were already worn out. I came out of the shop with my wallet less bulky and decided to walk around while waiting for Frost to finish with Vanness. I decided to try out my new shoes and headed to the rock climbing gym in the mall. I scaled the walls and rested for half an hour. I looked around. Most of the people there came in pairs and I was the only one without a friend. As I scanned around, my eyes fell on one particular guy. He had his hair tied up loosely and was climbing the walls almost effortlessly. Not bad at all. He was alone too and man, he has a nice body. I smiled but quickly shook the thought away.
He finally finished and walked to my direction. I look at where I was sitting and found a knapsack. He walked over and opened the knapsack and took out a water bottle and gulped down the contents. I raised my eyebrow. He looks kinda attractive. He looked at me and smiled. I smiled back and this was how our conversation began.
“You come here often?” he asked me.
“Whenever I can make time.” I answered briefly.
“You’re alone?”
“Erm, technically I am alone but I actually came here with a friend of mine. She decided to desert me because she bumped into this cute guy and I think they’re now chatting over tea.” I said, adding a little sarcasm along the way.
He laughed. “Poor you. You must be kind of lonely sitting here. My name’s Alex. What’s yours?” he smiled and extended his hand.
“I’m Caryn. Are you of mixed parentage?” I asked earnestly.
Once again, he gave a hearty laugh. “No. Why? Do I look like I’m not Chinese?”
“A little. Sorry.” I said, a little embarrassed.
“It’s alright. I get that most of the time. Must be the American accent.” He shrugged.
“Say, wanna do some more climbing?” he asked.
“Aren’t you tired? You just finished bouldering.” I was amazed.
“Well, I’m not really tired. I just got bored because like you, I’m here alone.” He explained.
“I see. If you’re still game for another round of bouldering, I’ll join you.” My eyes lit up at another round of bouldering but now, I have a partner.
“Let’s go then.” He got up.
We climbed but usually, he’s the belayer. My hands were soon sore from the climbing and when I reached the ground, I asked him to climb while I belay. He laughed and said that maybe I can’t hang on to the rope because he’s heavier than I am. I snorted and asked him to try me.
“Wow. You sure are strong for a girl.” He said amazed when he had a smooth journey down.
“Of course. What did you think I am? Some gentle weak girl?” I said sarcastically.
“Well, now I know that you’re not that kind of girl. Very refreshing.” He said.
“What’s so refreshing?” I asked.
“Let’s just say that most of the girls I know are well to do and have manicured fingers and smooth skins. Signs that show they aren’t cut out to do stuff you do.” He smiled.
I felt a surge of pride. “Why, thank you for your gracious compliment.” I curtsied.
He laughed again. “You’re a nice girl, Caryn. I just don’t understand why you’re still single and hopefully available.” He winked.
I rolled my eyes. “That method won’t work on me Mr. Casanova.” I felt like I’ve known him for a long time. It’s like we’ve been friends before but the angels decided to wipe away the memory.
“Damn! You saw through it.” He stamped his feet a little.
I laughed. “Like I’ve said before, I ain’t your average kind of girl. Maybe that trick works on them but it sure won’t work on me.” I said triumphantly.
“Seriously, why haven’t you got a boyfriend?” he asked innocently.
“Who would like me? I’m rough and loud. Don’t forget that I’m not good looking too.” That was not the real reason I haven’t got a boyfriend. The past still haunted me. When will I get over it? I need to get on with my life without the past still chasing after me.
“Who are you trying to kid? Some guy who grows up eating tofu? You’ve got beautiful eyes though dark at times. I mean it. I do.” He said seriously.
I smiled. “Thanks.”
“Okay, I can sense an awkward situation coming. Let’s pack up and go for tea okay?” he suggested.
“Sure. I wonder if Frost is done with her guy.” I said.
“Frost?” he asked questioningly.
“Yeah. She’s that friend I was talking about. She’s a beautiful girl. Most guys fall for her.”
“She must be an outgoing girl to be able to attract so many guys.” He smirked.
“Yeah, she’s like the queen of seduction.” I said jokingly.
“She sounds dangerous. I don’t want to be her victim.” He said dramatically.
I laughed. “She’s okay. Maybe if you have the chance, you’ll get to meet her. I’ll give her a call and see what she’s doing.”
Turns out that Frost changed the venue and she’s on her way to have dinner with Vanness. Oh right, I forgot. ROMANTIC dinner with Vanness according to Frost. I rolled my eyes.
“I take it that she has deserted you?” he smiled.
“Yeah. Give her a handsome guy and she’ll totally forget about me. Talk about a best friend.” I haven’t got much to pack as I came here to shop with Frost actually. I put the new shoes into the shopping bag and waited for Alex to finish packing.
“I smell horrible! The sweat won’t stop too.” I said exasperated as I wiped my face on the sleeve of my T-shirt.
“Eeew! Don’t wipe your face on your already sweat soaked shirt. Here, take my towel.” He threw a towel at me.
I took it and wiped my face. I put the towel around my neck to soak up any sweat that trickled down.
“Come on. Let’s go for a burger.” He said.
“Burger? Okay.” We headed to Burger King.
I ordered a chicken burger and a cup of coffee. He ordered 3 chicken burger, one big fries and a big cup of soft drink. I gaped at him. Seriously he’s not going to eat all of those is he? He smiled at my awed face. He paid the man and we headed to an empty table.
“Here’s my share of the bill.” I handed him a ten-dollar bill.
“Keep it. Just take it that I’m buying you dinner for being able to meet you.” He said smoothly.
“Thanks. Are you sure you can finish those?” I pointed at the heap of food on the tray.
“Sure I can. I’m hungry.” He said sheepishly.
“Okay. Whatever you say dude.” I said and ate my burger.
I can’t believe he actually finished the burgers and fries before I finished my cup of coffee. He offered me the fries but I declined because seeing him eat at this rate is enough to fill up my tummy. He burped loudly and I gave him a disgusted look. He said sorry quickly.
“So, what do you do Alex?” I asked as I sipped on my coffee.
“I work in an advertising firm which explains why most of the girls I know are well to do and have manicured fingers. I’m always around models. I sort of arrange the photo shoots and stuff. Something like that.” Alex said plainly.
“Sounds like an interesting job.” I said.
“What about you? What do you do? Don’t tell me you make a living out of kicking jerks’ asses.” He said wide-eyed.
“Of course not, silly. You make me sound like I’m some gangster or something. I’m the assistant manager of Work It Gym. You can say I own half of the gym.” I smiled.
“Wow. That explains your lean figure. Are you required to have a toned body to become an assistant manager?” He asked, impressed.
I laughed. “No. It’s not required. I just thought it’s good that a girl should know how to defend herself in case of emergencies” I said from experience.
“Yes. A girl should always know how to defend herself. There are so many jerks out there nowadays.” He said gravely.
“Yeah.”
Then, there was silence between the both of us. I was silently sipping on my coffee while he was drinking his soft drink absent-mindedly. I could see the sun setting outside, casting an orange veil on everything. It was breathtaking.
“Caryn?” he asked quietly.
“Huh?” I snapped out of my thoughts.
“Are you okay?” He asked, concerned.
“Sure. I’m fine. Why? Did you want to ask me something?” I said distractedly.
“No. I just noticed that you were very quiet after our little discussion on the self-defence for girls thing. Is there something bothering you about this topic?” He narrowed his eyes.
“Er… no. Why should I be bothered?” I laughed. I quickly went back to drinking my coffee to hopefully avoid anymore questions on that matter.
“Okay. If you say so.” He shrugged.
“If you’re done drinking, wanna go for a little walk before heading back home?” I asked. I suddenly yearn for company.
“Sure. Let’s go. I think the burgers are practically swimming in the Coke that I drank.” He made a little gurgling sound.
I laughed heartily. “I don’t want to imagine how those burgers would look like swimming in your stomach.” I gave a disgusted look.
Alex rubbed his stomach. “I feel fulfilled. It’s not good to have an empty stomach you know.” He said wisely, like someone talking from experience.
“I can’t believe you could actually fit all those stuff in that flat and seemingly small stomach of yours. I’m amazed.” I said.
“Hey, are you hitting on me?” he said mischievously.
“Hell no! I just met you like few hours ago.” I said, shocked.
He laughed again. “Just kidding. Don’t get all shocked over that okay? Take it easy.” He winked.
“If you’re teasing me again, I’m going home.” I pretended to get up hastily and walk out of Burger King when he held onto my arm.
“Okay okay. I won’t mess with you again. Only for today.” He said, smiling.
I stuck out my tongue. “Guys.” I shook my head.
“Where do you want to go?” he asked earnestly.
“I’m not really sure. Wanna go for archery?” I asked.
“Archery? You wouldn’t want to have me as your competitor, sister. I’ll kick your ass in archery. I’m the top archer here in this mall.” He said proudly.
“Really? Interesting.” I gave a little evil smile. I can’t wait to wipe that smirk off his face.
We headed to the archery and paid the man for 24 arrows. We both took a bow and headed towards the target. He smiled at me as if I could never win him. I smiled back. He aimed and the arrow whizzed off and hit the bulls-eye. He looked at me triumphantly and I gave a nod of approval. I aimed at the same target that Alex used. He raised an eyebrow and looked at me quizzically as if he thought I was mad if I could hit the bulls-eye when his arrow is situated there. I looked sideways at him and smiled. As I looked at him, I let the arrow go and it whizzed off, hitting the bulls-eye. My arrow is now situated side by side with his arrow. His eyes widened. His mouth opened slightly in disbelief.
“Hmmm… who was it that said he was THE top archer in the mall?” I said sarcastically.
“A good shot sista. No one ever beats Alex in archery and today, you’ve opened my eyes. You go girl!” the operator of the archery said.
“Hey Gary! You were supposed to be on my side.” He said sternly.
“Quit whining Alex. Guess you’re not the ONLY top archer now, are you?” I grinned.
“You were lucky. You’re now officially declaring war on Alex Wang.” He said malevolently. I laughed.
After what seemed like an hour, I finally won the game. Alex pouted like a little child. My name is now on the top score chart. I’m in the first place while Alex came second.
“How can you be so perfect in every sport you do?” he said, obviously being a sore loser.
I smiled but I know I’m not perfect. Nobody is especially since the incident took place. I would never forget the sick smile on his face while he attempted rape. The sick smile on my half brother’s face. I would never forgive him. Never.