Over Time (Complete)
Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
"Okay!" yelled Vicki, who was in the bathtub, taking a relaxing bubble bath. "Bye Ruby! Bye Jessica!"
Ruby and Jessica left the room. "Isn't it a waste of the week for Vicki! Not going skiing or outside to watch the fireworks. I heard it will be magnificent this year!"
"Yeah I know, Jess!…..Ohh! Sorry!" said Ruby who bumped into a guy rushing down the hallway.
"Oh no problem!" said the guy and rushed off into the room next to theirs.
"Wasn't he hot?" whispered Ruby.
Jessica laughed. "Ruby, I doubt you have a chance with him!"
Ruby made a face and they went into the elevator to outside where the fireworks were going to be off at midnight.
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"Alec! Alec! Here are the films!" panted a person. The same person who bumped into Ruby.
"Thanks, Jim! Only 10 minutes before the fireworks." Said Alec calmly.
"But isn't taking the picture outside better?" asked Jimmy worried.
"No, this is perfect level to the sky. These pictures will be perfect for the newspaper!"
"What ever you say! I'm just the article writer, you're the photographer!"
**
"Ahh…peace at last!" said Vicki, soaking into the warm water. "Wooonnnddderrrfull…"
Boom! Boom!
"Ah? What's going on?" Vicki quickly rushed out of the bath, wrapped herself into her bathrobe. She rushed to the window. "Fireworks!"
After the fireworks were finished, Vicki's stomach growled. "Hmm…Lobster New Year Meal sound good." As she scanned the hotel menu paper by the bed. She called receptionist. "Hello? I wish to order a lobster New Year meal…what? Limited number?….no more left?…no I don't want anymore pasta thanks," said Vicki as she looked onto the tabled with piled up pasta plates. "I understand." She hung up. She made a face at the phone. "Fine! These dirty dishes have to go, oh yeah! Ruby said just into the hall and someone will pick them up."
Vicki opened the door and put down the dishes. She looked across the empty hall. What was there? On the ground, the lobster meal. Vicki carefully kept her foot opening the door(so it won't lock on her) and stretched to the other side to observe the food. "Ohh…look at that meal. It's so delicious looking. I wonder if…"
***********************************************************
"Oh Alec! I have to go get my laptop cord in my car!" said Jimmy.
"Okay." Said Alec still focusing his attention on his camera.
Alec looked up. Jimmy was gone already. But his car key was still on top of the television. Alec sighed. He went out to catch him in the hall.
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Alec opened the door. Vicki was frightened by the noise, making her foot move, which of course, locked her out. Alec stared at this girl. Vicki jumped up, and shrieked, "Oh no! Ahh!!!!" she yanked on the door. Then she realized this guy was watching her. She jumped! She quickly tried to cover herself because she was wearing no more than a small thin bathrobe that didn't really cover her body well.
"Are you okay?" asked Alec who was wearing a big cotton bathrobe.
"Me? I'm fine! Better than fine..please…just leave…" said Vicki shaking with embarrassment.
"Are you locked out?" asked Alec, "You can come into my room(it's right next to Vicki's) to dial to the receptionist."
"Who do you think I am? Entering a man's room wearing this? Oh I know…you're those guys that rape poor innocent young women…"
Alec gave a shrug "Okay fine." Seeing Jimmy already was gone, he returned back into his room.
"Wait!" said Vicki desperately and pulled him back. Which made Alec fall and toppling on top of Vicki. They both watched the door to his room close.
"No!" yelled Alec. Shut. Locked. "Thanks! Now what do we do?" Noises came down the hall. Alec and Vicki both looked at each other. They both ran into the elevator around the corner and quickly pressed down, to the main floor.
"Oh no…my image! My poor innocent image…ruined! I'm wearing practically nothing, a thin bath robe with a man who is also in a bath robe…what will they think?" Vicki looked at Alec with a pleading look.
"No! I am not giving you my bath robe!" said Alec.
Vicki pretended to sob again. "Ohh how will I marry? I ask for a simple thing from this stranger and he won't give it to me…" Vicki stopped her fake sobbing, "You're wearing underwear right?"
"For your information, yes. Boxers." Said Alec not looking at her.
They reached the main floor, the door opened. They hid at the sides of the elevator; outside many people were standing around. Alec looked at Vicki, she had a sad puppy face and gave a fake sob. Alec said finally before anyone enters this elevator, "Oh fine! I can't stand a woman crying." He took off his bathrobe and gave it to Vicki and flew across to the front desk. Everyone there gasped and stared.
Vicki happily put the robe on, "That's one brave guy…"
"Alec! There's a fire at the apartment near the ski resort ! Go there to take some pictures!" said Jimmy excited on the cell phone
"Okay. Heading there right way." Answered Alec.
The building was flaming. Firemen there was running back and forth, moving the unconscious people out of there. Alec took a picture. Near him was tow firemen talking. "There should be one more girl up on top floor. But you can only get there by the fire escaping stairs on the outside of the building." The other answered back, "There's no spare fireman to go save this person right now, there's more people still trapped on the second floor." Alec rushed up to them. "Show me where the girl is. I have taken firemen lessons( I don't know)." The firemen looked at each other, before they could say anything, Alec already rushed up the fire escape stairs. They yelled, "Hey! Come back here!"
Alec rushed into the room at the top floor. "Cough, cough!" a shadow at the corner made the sound. Alec quickly put her onto his back and ran out.
When he reached outside into the fresh air, all he got was flashes of light from other reporters there. None stopping to help. Some, knowing Alec yelled, "Put her down! Let us take a picture of her!" Alec frowned at them, instead he rushed her to the ambulance and pushed all the reporters crowding around there away. The girl woke up and faintly said, "thank you."
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"Alec. I'm sorry but what you did, pushing other news reporters away, not doing your job, which is to take pictures, are against out rules, I won't fire you, but you will have to be moved to Tokyo." Said the manager.
"Tokyo?" asked Alec surprised, "What's wrong with Tokyo?"
"They need someone to be the food advertisement photographer(which is way worse than what he was before, which was a news reporter photographer)."
Alec was baffled.
***************************************************************
It's January in Tokyo.
"Oh, so your blind date is coming for lunch with us?" asked Ruby.
"Yes!" said Vicki.
"It's your first 'date' isn't it?"
"Oh quit rubbing it into my face!" said Vicki madly.
"Oh here comes a man running to us, is it him?" pointed Ruby.
"No, but why is he here?"
"He? You know him?"
"Oh sorry I'm Alec Su," said the person to Ruby, "My friend is late today, he told me to run here to tell you."
Ruby laughed, "Not me! Her!" pointing at Vicki.
Alec wrinkled his nose, "My friend is with her?" he whispered, "God help us now."
Vicki caught it, "Oh I heard that! You…you are so rude!"
"Me?" said Alec surprised, "Who is it that asked a stranger for his robe?"
Vicki widened her eyes and covered his mouth.
"What? What's this about Vicki?" asked Ruby curioused.
"Nothing! Nothing!" said Vicki, glaring at him. "Anyway, here comes my boyfriend. Hi Vincent!"
"Hi, you must be Vicki!" said Vincent greeting Ruby. "Hi…wow…you're beautiful! I'm Vincent."
Ruby blushed and said sweetly, "My name is Ruby. She is Vicki" Shoving Vicki in front of her.
Vicki said a little madly, "Let's order! Are you staying?" meaning to Alec.
"I might as well." Said Alec just to get back at Vicki.
The whole time the conversation was between Vincent and Ruby. Laughing, joking…Vicki just sat there, motionless. Even Alec felt Vicki was being harshly ignored. All of a sudden Vicki stood up. "I, the light bulb, will go away now, leave you guys alone." She ran from the table out of the restaurant.
"Vicki!" yelled Ruby.
Alec got up from the table, "It's okay, I'll get her." And he rushed to run after her.
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"Oh you love birds, I won't be the one in the middle stopping you guys, I am nice, I'll leave!" said Vicki madly stomping off.
"Miss Vicki!" Yelled Alec, chasing her.
"Who allowed you to say my name? Anyway, my last name is Zhao!" yelled Vicki back without even turning.
Alec caught up to her and held her elbow to stop her from moving. "Okay, Miss Vicki Zhao. Stop!"
Vicki didn't look at him.
Alec said, "I understand why you feel very upset. I know a place to get you hyped up again!"
Vicki looked up, "Where?"
"Come with me!"
"Where are you taking me?"
Vicki looked around, "We're at a small private air runway. What are you doing?" asked Vicki when Alec walked off.
Alec walked to a man beside a small two seater airplane. He talked to the man, he nodded and handed him something. Alec walked back to Vicki. "Come on, get in!"
Vicki widened her eyes."This plane?" meaning the small two seater plane.
"Get in!" said Alec excitedly and he yanked Vicki in.
Up they flew. Over the city. Vicki couldn't believe her eyes. Everything was so much smaller! It was so carefree! Nothing mattered. "Oh I wish I had a camera!"
Alec smiled, "I'm a photographer, I always have a camera." He pulled out a disposable camera out of his pocket, handed it to Vicki.
Vicki took tons of pictures, "Of course, these won't be as good as yours…" Poof, Poof! The plane shook a little. "What was that? Why is there SMOKE coming out of the plane engine?"
Alec shook his head, "I don't know this is my first time…"
Vicki nervously said, "First time this happening, or first time flying…no this can't be your first time…"
"First time flying alone..I got my license today." said Alec quietly.
Vicki shook Alec. "FIRST TIME FLYING ALONE? You're taking a hardly familiar girl into a plane when this is the first time flying alone? How could you! We better not die…why why why! Something bad always happen when I'm with you?"
Alec turned his head to her, "Why isn't it the other way? Bad luck whenever I'm with YOU!" His action made the plane sway.
Vicki shrieked, "EEEiikkk! Quick! Land, land!"
Alec said with sweat forming on his forehead, "I am I am!"
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"Never again!" yelled Vicki stomping off in front of him when they landed safely.
"Sorry." Said Alec.
Vicki turned around and smiled though, "But that was so fun! So carefree! Like a bird!" She ran around the road lifting her arms like wings. "Why are you here in Tokyo? I thought you worked in Hokkaido."
Alec sighed. Vicki stopped running, "Sorry, if you don't want to say it.." "No, no.." He explained what happened.
Vicki nodded her head. After a few minutes of silence she said, "I think what you did was right."
Alec looked up at her, "You do?"
"Yup, what you did, was saving her with your life, which is more important, I think, than taking those stupid pictures and not helping out."
Alec looked at her, examining her. Vicki interrupted, "Anyway, the bus is coming. I don't know when I will ever see you again, so good luck." Vicki waved good bye.
After Vicki walked a few steps, Alec said, "Thank you, Vicki." Vicki stopped. "Vicki, thank you, good bye."
***********************************************************
"Okay you two!" said Jessica seriously, "You may live in my house till when ever, but! You may not bring guys over and make a mess!"
"Oh thank you Jessica! You are the best! Rent now a days are just so expensive!" said Ruby, putting down her boxes.
"Thanks Jess! This will be a blast, though I wish one of us won't be here." Said Vicki madly.
"Oh you two! You never stop fighting!" said Jess crossing her arms. "Oh also, my older brother is moving in today from Hokkaido. Okay, Ruby you better not try and seduce my brother!"
Vicki said surprised, "What about me? Can't I? Are you saying I don't have the power to?"
Jess and Ruby looked at each other and laughed.
Vicki stuck her tongue at Ruby. She made a face at Vicki.
After dinner, everything was put away and there was nothing to do, so they decided to play a game called Life (Anyone played it?).
"Spin. 3 steps." said Vicki when it was her turn she was moving her piece. "Sorry Ruby, I didn't mean to be so rude, it was just a blind date anyway."
"Spinning, 2 steps," said Ruby moving her piece around the board, "Sorry Vicki, I didn't mean to flirt with him. Forgive me."
"Spin, 4 steps," said Jessica, "I think you two have forgiven each other now."
They all looked at each other and laughed. The door bell rung. "Who could it be?" asked Ruby.
"Oh I think it's my older brother." Said Jessica, running to get the door.
"I wonder if he's hot." Said Ruby. Vicki smiled and gave her a look.
"This is my brother everyone," said Jessica
Vicki looked up, "Wah? You again?"
He looked at Vicki and groaned, "Not you!"
Jess looked at them, "You have met?"
Vicki rolled her eyes and returned to the table to play Life, "Unfortunately."
Alec rolled his eyes, "Me too" He saw Vicki playing Life. "And shouldn't you be outside experiencing real life instead of playing this..game?"
Vicki glared at him. Alec turned around and headed up the stairs to put away his stuff. Vicki made a face at his back.
10minutes later…
"Alec, your turn! Spin!" said Vicki impatiently.
"Okay, okay!" said Alec spinning the wheel of the game.
"Ha! I'm still ahead of you!" yelled Vicki victoriously.
Jess and Ruby just looked at each other and shook their heads.
***********************************************************
The next day..
Alec sighed looking at his pictures of a plate of sushi. Alec muttered, "News reporting pictures down to food section pictures…"
"Alec!" said Jimmy.
Alec looked up from his desk. "Jimmy? Why are you here? Weren't you working in Hokkaido?"
Jimmy smiled, "Nah! Missed you! No really, I got a job transfer here."
"What section?"
Jimmy fidgeted, "The news reporting section…"
Alec sighed, "Great! Good luck on it! I'm going out to grab my lunch, want to come? My welcoming treat!"
"No..can't. I have to get this article written soon."
"Your loss!" said Alec smiling. He grabbed his jacket and left.
"Excuse me?" asked a quiet lady. "Is there a Alec Su?"
"Alec Su?" said Paul, Alec's work mate, "He's went for lunch 20 minutes ago."
Jimmy just walked by and heard. "Hi, I'm Alec's friend, what is it that you need? Can I take a message?"
The lady smiled happily, "I guess you can, I'm from Hokkaido. Last month, he was the one that saved…"
Jimmy broke in, "So you're the one that…" he stopped himself.
The lady frowned, "I was the one that?"
Jimmy shook his head, "No no! Nothing!"
The lady continued on slowly, "Can you give this to him?" she handed him a bag.
***********************************************************
"Hey Jim! You missed the great lunch I had!" called Alec to Jimmy back at the office.
"Great great…who cares! You just missed a pretty 20 something lady that you saved at Hokkaido, she told me to give you this."
Alec opened the bag. It was a new jacket of a very expensive brand at the bottom of the bag was a thousand dollar. Alec ran out the door. He looked all around the street. Then a girl waved at him from a bus stop few feet away.
"Hi," said the girl who came to him, "I am from Hokkaido. My name is Sandy."
Alec panted, "What's this mean?" pulling the jacket out and the money.
"It's just..it's just my present to you. Nothing important." Said Sandy.
Alec said seriously, "I will not take this." And shoved it back to her.
Sandy gave a surprised sound. "But but…" she got an idea, "Here…I'll take back the money…but not the jacket."
Alec thought it out, "Okay fine. Hey! Your bus is leaving!"
Sandy shrugged, "Oh well."
Alec didn't know what to say, "Ah..let's walk."
"So how did you know I was here?" asked Alec.
"I found out from reading the newspaper, there was a picture of you pushing them away and there was your name. So I asked around, and found out the news paper company that you worked in, then I found out you moved to Tokyo."
"You came to Tokyo to find me?"
Sandy shook her head, "No…I was at my parent's in Hokkaido for Christmas. I live in Tokyo."
"Oh I see." Said Alec nodding his head, relieved. They continued walking.
***********************************************************
"Stupid Ruby, making me come to this hospital to get her medicine." Grumbled Vicki. She stomped down the corridor of the hospital.
"Vicki?" said a man in a doctor's gown.
Vicki looked up from her hanging black cloud. "Steven?"
"How long now? 8 years? 9 years?" said Steven in the cafeteria of the hospital.
"Oh I have no idea!" said Vicki. "When did you become a doctor?"
"3 years ago! I always wanted to become a doctor. That's why you took Biology didn't you in grade 12?"
Vicki blushed, "That's one of the reasons."
Steven laughed, "Vicki! You got prettier! Your eyes even brighter!"
Vicki blushed even more, "Stop it! Still that smooth mouth that speaks sweet honey. Not changed?"
Steven's beeper went, "Oh sorry! I have to go check on a patient! I'll phone you tonight. Scribble your phone number here."
***********************************************************
Ruby's mouth hung open, "You met Steven? That guy you had a crush on ever since elementary school? Did he get hotter?"
Vicki dreamily nodded.
Jess laughed, "The guy that 'made' you want to take Biology? And failed it?"
Vicki frowned at Jess, "It's the past! He said he's going to call me. Wait! I better wait by the phone." She ran up the stairs.
Ruby asked, "Where are you going? The phone is right here."
Vicki laughed, "Exactly, you guys would hear. I'm going to Alec's room, he has a phone in his room."
Vicki slowly peered into his room. Empty. He went out. Vicki paced around his small room, and got tired. She sat on his mattress on the ground. She whispered at the phone by her, "Ring!" Ring ring! Ring ring! Vicki gleamed happily. "Hello? Who is this?"
"Hi. It's Alec."
"Oh it's you."
"I'm guessing you're Vicki."
"Yup." Vicki took the phone by the window. "What do you want?"
"I just want to tell you I'm not coming home tonight."
"Okay." Answered Vicki.
"Okay, bye."
"Oh wait!" said Vicki, "Wow, Tokyo Tower is only as tall as my forth finger." Vicki admired the view of Alec's room. The beautiful magnificent tower stood shining.
"Tokyo Tower? There's only one place you can see the tower in the house…hey! You better not be in my room!"
"Yup…too late…"
"What are you doing there?"
"Waiting for a call."
"IT'S A PRIVATE ROOM YOU KNOW!" yelled Alec into the phone.
"Alright, whatever! I'm waiting for a call! Bye!"
"Wait! Hey!" said Alec looking at the receiver of the pay phone and frowned. Alec turned around, "Let's go, Sandy."
He quietly crept up the stairs and into his room. He fell onto his bed because he was so tired.
"OW!" yelled a voice from under the cover.
Alec jumped. He lifted the cover. "Vicki!" he said in surprised.
"Go away!" muttered Vicki falling back to sleep again.
Alec tried to push her off the bed but it didn't work. "Who in the world would come into a guy's room and sleep? Does she have no manners?" Alec said half yawning. Alec fell asleep on the ground.
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"Good morning!" said Ruby at the table.
"Morn'" yawned Vicki.
"Mornin'" grumbled Alec.
"You guys sure look awake!" laughed Jess.
"Oh…that's all thanks to her!" said Alec pointing at Vicki.
"I was tired of waiting for the call and I didn't have the energy to go back into my room!" said Vicki.
"Ah? Vicki! You slept in his room?" said Ruby surprised. Jess and Ruby gave each other a look, then a wink.
"Nothing was going on!" insisted Alec and Vicki. "Yeah right, with her/him?"
They sat down at the table across from each other. They were quiet because of embarrassment. Then Vicki decided to fill the silence, chewing her chopstick she said"At least I don't have old X-rated magazines under the mattress!" Ruby, Jess and Alec looked up from their breakfast. Alec yelled, "You!"
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Jimmy leaned over Alec's cubicle wall and said, "Hey, you okay man? You look tired."
Alec grumbled, "All because of that…thing…in my house."
Jimmy laughed, "You guys like switched bones or something. You never leave each other alone from what I hear. So it's not because of that girl that came yesterday?"
Alec smiled to himself, "Sandy?"
Jimmy grinned to himself, "I see." And He left Alec alone in his dream.
************************************************************
"We're home!" called Alec.
"Welcome!" said Jess, "We're having dinner right now."
"Can Jimmy have some too?" said Alec, while taking off his shoes.
Jimmy peeked into the kitchen, where they were eating. "Hi!"
Ruby looked at him. "It's you! From the ski resort!" She gave Jess a look and smiled happily.
"Oh! Yes, I remember you!" said Jimmy sitting down.
"No no! Sit over here!" said Ruby, pushing Vicki off her seat beside her.
"Hey!" yelled Vicki. Vicki pouted and moved to another seat. "Fine, forget your friend. Guys are always more important for you."
Ruby put on a begging face. Vicki snuffed her nose at her.
After dinner they pulled out a game. "Life?" asked Jimmy.
"Yup!" all three girls answered.
They got the game started. "So how did you girls all become friends?" asked Jimmy.
"Because we all wanted a friend." Answered Jess.
Jimmy was confused, "What?"
"We all met at a concert. All 3 of us were alone there. So…we began talking and that's it got started."
"So you guys weren't friends from high school or something?"
"Nope!" replied Vicki.
Jimmy was amazed, "Wow! Fortunate for you guys wasn't it?" while Alec shook his head and muttered to himself, "It was unfortunate more likely."
The phone rang. Vicki jumped and got it. "Hello? Yes…one second…" she covered the receiver and said, "Alec, it's for you, a girl named Sandy."
Alec jumped up quickly and said, "I'll take it upstairs."
Jess looked at Vicki, "A girl? My brother, and a girl?"
Jimmy nodded, "Yup. And she…" he quickly explained to them who she was. After they all looked at each other and nodded. They quietly crept up to the phone and picked it up. Ruby giggled. Vicki covered Ruby's mouth with her hand. In the phone.."Did you hear anything?" asked the girl.
"No..must have been at your end of the receiver." Answered Alec.
"Okay…anyway, do you want to go out sometime?"
"Sure! Where?"
"Umm…you see…I always wanted to go to this place but each time I go it rains."
"Where?"
"Disneyland."
Jess covered the receiver and whispered to everyone. "Alec hates those kinds of stuff! Anything cute and rides like merry-go-around!"
"Disneyland?" repeated Alec in disgust.
"Oh!" said Sandy, feeling his dislike. "Oh…if you don't like it…then we can go…"
"Oh no!" answered Alec, "It's fine! How about Sunday?"
"That's great!"
"See you then!"
"Bye!"
Jess quickly put down the phone. They hurried back to the table. Alec slowly walked down the stairs. "So whose turn is it?"
"Alec's." said Vicki trying to keep from laughing.
"Mine? Okay." Said Alec, spinning the wheel.
"So yeah anyway. Ruby, you know, Disneyland sounds fun! Wanna go with me on Sunday?" asked Vicki with a straight face.
Ruby giggled, "Yes! Let's! You want to come Jess? Jimmy?"
Vicki said again, with a straight face, "There should be a VERY good show there."
Alec looked at all of them took a deep breath and looked at the sky in hopelessness.
It was a very peaceful Sunday morning. Vicki was reading the newspaper, Ruby was doing her nails and Jessica was washing the dishes. Peaceful, of course, is because Alec wasn't there.
"So, what do you think that Sandy look like?" asked Vicki.
"Probably very pretty. I mean, Alec is quite hot, you know."
"Actually, I don't." answered Vicki making a face.
"First date," said Ruby dreamily. "So romantic!"
"I don't think so,"Jess interupted, "Look!" Vicki and Ruby looked out the window beside the sink. Rain.
************************************************************
Sandy sighed, "I guess we can't go today."
Alec looked up at the sky from under the little covering of the cafe they just came out from, "I guess not." said Alec, a little relieved.
After a couple of hours of strolling through the mall, it was already dark. After dinner, they decided to head to the bars. They entered a bar called, Over Time.
"Hey! Look who's here!"yelled a drunk Ruby.
"Hey! Alec." greeted Jimmy, steadying Ruby back down to her chair.
"Hello. This is Sandy. Sandy, this is Jess, my sis, Ruby, Jimmy." said Alec, pointing everyone out.
"Hi!" said Sandy quietly.
"Sit! Sit!" said Ruby, pulling a chair towards Sandy, and almost falling. "Oh look who else is here. Hey, Vicki!"
Vicki looked around, hearing her name. She spotted Ruby waving her arm madly in the air. She walked towards them, a bit embarassed as she was with someone.
"Ruby, you're drunk!" hissed Vicki when she got to the table.
"No way! I'm not! Who is this?" asked Ruby laughing.
"Everyone, this is Steven." said Vicki proudly.
"Hi." answered a quite serious but yet charming guy.
Everyone shufled around to give room to them. Beside Vicki sat Sandy. Sandy was ordering a drink talking to the waitress. "I'll have a glass of coke thanks. What about you Alec? Do you like to have a beer or something?"
Vicki broke in, overhearing this, "Alec doesn't drink beer."
Sandy covered her mouth with her hand in surprised, "Oh..."
"Hey Vicki!" yelled Ruby, 'walking' towards her. At the last step, she tripped and spilled a glass of red wine on Vicki's skirt.
"Eek!" cried Vicki. "Oh, it's okay, I'll just go to the bathroom and clean up."
Luckily, it didn't really stain her skirt. Vicki came out of the washroom. She walked near their table and saw Ruby sitting on top of Steven giving him a kiss. Vicki widened her eyes, and stormed out of the bar madly.
"Vicki!" yelled Steven trying to run after her.
"I'll go get her." said Alec getting up, grabbing Vicki's jacket she left.
"No, I'll go." said Steven.
Sandy just sat there, watching Alec's actions.
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Vicki shivered while she walked down the street.
"Vicki!" cried Steven.
Vicki stopped walking, but she didn't turn around. Steven caught up and put her jacket around her.
"I'm sorry, Vicki. It wasn't my fault. Ruby was kissing everyone, even that fat guy beside our table and even Alec." explained Steven.
Vicki couldn't hold it in her. "It was your fault? Oh no. You just let her kiss you. No...you never stopped her though!"
Steven broke in, "That kiss meant nothing!"
Then Vicki looked up at his face coldly, "Then what is a meaningful kiss?"
"This!" said Steven as he pushed his lips onto hers. Vicki's eyes widen in surprise. At first she tried pushing him away, but she slowly melted her hardness away.
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"So, they are kind of weird aren't they?" said Alec when they left the bar.
"No," said Sandy smiling at him. "They were all very nice."
"They are. Too bad Vicki and Steven left so quick though."
"Yeah," replied Sandy slowly. "Ah well, at least I don't think I found anyone of your housemates threatening."
"Them? How will they threaten you?" laughed Alec.
"Nothing...nothing!" anwered Sandy covering up her fear.
"Um." answered Vicki, sitting beside Alec on his bed in his room. She didn't pay any attention to what Alec was saying, she was dreamily recalling the kiss an hour ago.
"Threatening?" continued Alec, "Who could be threatening? As if any of you guys will be wanting to date me!" Alec turned to Vicki, "Are you even listening?"
"Wha?" said Vicki, snapping out of her daydream.
"Oh nothing."said Alec, throwing his hands into the air.
After a few moments of silence, Vicki broke in, "Do you see me as a girl?"
Alec glanced at her and thought about it, "Um...Nope!"
"I am trying to become a more mannerly girl. Speak softer, be gentle." said Vicki, but was more like talking to herself, "But no...people like Ruby come in and just ruin it..."Said Vicki madly, but then she smiled, "But...Steven is such a good boyfriend..." Suddenly she said, "Did Ruby kiss you?"
Alec frowned, "Why would she do that?"
Vicki put on a grumpy face, "But he said..."
Alec broke in, "Do see me as a guy?"
Vicki stopped and thought about it, "Ah..." she looked at Alec. "No...no.."
Alec replied, "That's what I thought."
They turned around, not facing each other with a confused face.
************************************************************
"Yawn" said Ruby, just waken up. She sat down at the table.
Vicki made a cold face at her, took her cereal bowl and left the table.
"What was that about?" said Ruby gripping her head, "Ouch...a bad headache!"
Vicki yelled from the living room, "Ha! That's what you get!"
Ruby said in pain, "For what?"
Jess whispered to Ruby, "You were really drunk last night."
"I was?" said Ruby in surprised. "I don't remember!"
Jess continued on, "And you made out with Steven."
"Who's Steven?" said Ruby massaging her head.
"Her boyfriend." answered Alec, who was sitting there reading the newspaper.
Ruby suddenly got why Vicki was so mad. Ruby quickly got up from the table and kneeled by Vicki on the couch, "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!"
Vicki turned her head away.
"I promise to never to that again!"
"Not good enough!"
"I promise to clean and vacuum your room?"
"Nope."
"Clean vacuum and wish dishes when it's your turn?" said Ruby with a puppy face, she peeked at Vicki's expression.
Vicki finally smiled, "Deal!"
"I promise to that for only a week! Haha!" said Ruby, jumping up. "Owww...my head."
Vicki frowned, "Hey! No fair!"
Alec who was sitting there watching shook his head in confusion, "How do they do it?"
************************************************************
Vicki and Steven slowly strolled down the night streets of Tokyo. The sky dark, yet covered with stars, they were silently enjoying the view. But then Vicki spotted a little booth. "Hey! Look!"
They headed that way, "Aww...look at these glass figurines!"said Vicki picking up a small dolphin.
"Do you think a 6 year old daughter would like it?"
"A 6 year old daughter?" repeated Vicki.
"Yes." said Steven. "Excuse me, I'll have this dolphin and this cat."
After, Steven continued on, "I was married, and now I'm divorced."
"You were married?"
"Yes. Does that change anything you thought about me?"
"No...no! Of course not!"said Vicki, "Just surprised."
************************************************************
"He just gave you this junk?" said Ruby, holding up the dolphin. "Isn't he a doctor? How much? 3 dollars?"
"No," said Vicki grabbing it back, "It was 15!"
"It's just a size of an eraser! He didn't get you a necklace, or anything?"
"At least, I have a boyfriend to give me things!" said Vicki madly.
Ruby paused and made a high pitch shriek. "You!"
"Vicki! That's the thing you never say!" said Jess. "Ruby hates that!"
Vicki regretted it but she's stubborn."But she's the one that started it!"
"Vicki! You!" said Ruby, she bounced across the coffee table of the living room and wrestled her.
"Ruby! We have visitor you know!" said Jess meaning Jimmy who visited Alec and stayed for dinner. Jimmy was wide eyed watching this. "And don't break my coffee table!"
Ruby tried to grab the dolphin so Vicki threw it the other way to get her off her. "Ah! My dolphin!" They stopped and Vicki quickly searched the ground. They all helped, even Ruby regretted what she has done. "Vicki, I think it's lost." said Alec.
"Where is it?" muttered Ruby.
"Ruby?" asked Alec. "What are you doing at 3 in the morning?"
"I'm searching for that dumb dolpin." said Ruby looking behind the couch, she turned around."What are you doing?"
"Going to do exactly where you're doing."
"Let's do it together then."
After 10 minutes, Ruby and Alec cried out, "I found it!" They both held it up, "Only half of it though."
The dolpin was broken in half. Ruby and Alec sighed. "Oh well Ruby, I'll glue it together tonight. You go to sleep."
************************************************************
Vicki yawned, stretching her arms she went to the bathroom. She grabbed her toothpaste. "What's this?" said Vicki, picking it up. "It's my dolphin!"Vicki smiled happily. "Huh? What's this?" She examined it under the light. A thin but visible crack ran right through the middle of the dolpin.
************************************************************
"Hey Alec! Why are you here?" said Ruby, meeting Alec on the street at night.
"Hey Ruby, just got off work."replied Alec. They walked down the street together.
After a while they met the same booth where Vicki got her dolpin. "look! It's the glass figurines!" cried Ruby excitedly. "Excuse me, how much is this dolpin?"
"18 dollars."
"18? My friend got it for 15!"
"Want it or not?"
"Yes, I'll take it!"
************************************************************
Vicki headed to the bathroom in the next morning. "Huh? Another one?" said Vicki, picking it up. She closely examined it. "But this one doesn't have a crack." said Vicki confused.
************************************************************
"Your turn Ruby." said Jimmy, who was over for dinner again.They got out the Life game again.
"Me? okay." She spun the wheel.She moved her piece "4 steps, Also, i apologize again Vicki. Your turn Vicki."
"5," said Vicki, she moved her red piece." i apologize too.Never should of touched that subject."
"3," said Jess, moving her blue piece, "finally, peace in this house!"
"2," said Alec, sighing, "Don't know how long THAT will last."
"1," said Jimmy, "Anyone else hungry?"
They all looked at Jimmy, "What? What? Aren't we all suppose to say something when it's your turn?" replied Jimmy confused.
"Okay, you and Alec lost! So now, first you have to go buy eggs then come back and play the Egg Game!" said Jess.
"What?" said Vicki,"What's the egg game?"
"Tossing it to each other, until the egg breaks." answered Alec.
"Fine!" said Vicki, "I never back out of a promise!"
Alec and Vicki carried the grocery bag. They stopped at the park to rest. Vicki and Alec sat on a wooden prarite ship. They were quiet.
Vicki broke the silence. "Did someone buy me a new dolphin?"
"Huh?" said Alec, "Oh, yes."
"Who?"
"Who else than your best friend, Ruby."
"Ruby? Then who fixed the old one?"
"Me."
"You?"
They were quiet again. Alec pulled out an egg from the bag. "The Egg Game."said Alec, smiling evilly.
"Bet I'll beat you!"
"You wish!"
They jumped down from the ship and headed to the grass. They tossed it to each other. Vicki threw it high into the air. "Ha!" said Alec catching it."I wasn't the baseball star for nothing!"
Vicki stuck her tongue out at him. Alec threw it high into the air for her. Splat! Egg yolk ran down Vicki's face. Alec covered his mouth in surprise. Alec waited for her angry yells, but all he got was her laughter. Alec joined in her laugh.
************************************************************
"Alec, I'm so sorry I have to do this." said the manager of the
newspaper.
"What did I do wrong?" asked Alec frustrated.
"Nothing, but it's budget cuts. I don't need that many people in the food department."
"So you're firing me?"
"Sorry, I will give you 3 days before you must leave." said the manager shaking his head.
"Alec, what's wrong?" asked Jimmy, seeing the down Alec leaving the office.
"I'm fired." said Alec, after he looked at Jimmy, "Don't tell anyone okay?"
"Oh..okay..." said Jimmy unsure.
Alec returned to his desk. His love was always for photography. What will he do after he leaves this job? thought Alec hopelessly.
************************************************************
"One beer please." said Alec to the bartender.
"Alec?" said Vicki who was a seat away from him.
"Vicki? What are you doing here?"
"If your in Over Time, what do you think?" said Vicki, sounding a little drunk.
"Why are you upset? I'm in more stress than you." said Alec, gulping down his beer.
"You don't drink beer." said Vicki.
"Only when I'm really stressed."
"What's wrong?" said Vicki, snapping out of her troubles and listened to his.
"I..." began Alec."Oh forget it."
"Nono...tell me."
"I'm fired."
"You are? I'm so sorry!" said Vicki sympathic.
"Yes. I told you why I'm upset. What about you."
"I...I found out...."
"What?"
"I found out Steven was married and have a child."
"Oh...I guess we both have black clouds hanging above our heads, don't we?"
Vicki nodded and they both returned to their drink.
"Jess! Calm down! Yes, he did." said Vicki.
"But you don't understand. Photography is everything to him. He can't live without it!" said Jess who was upset.
"How did you know, Vicki?" asked Ruby.
"He told me in the bar." said Vicki,"He looked pretty down."
"Oh, I sympathize him." said Ruby sincerely. "But Vicki, why were you in the bar?"
"I...I was thirsty." said Vicki, covering up.
Jess broke in before Ruby could be suspicious. "Oh, when he comes home, I'm going to have a talk with him."
"No!" said Vicki, "He told me not to tell anyone! Why don't we just act like we don't know anything and let him tell us when he wants to?"
Ruby and Jess nodded.
"Hey you guys! I'm home!" said Alec, trying to sound cheerful and with a fake smile.
"How are you?" asked Jess.
"I'm fine, why?"
"Oh, you guys, I can't stand it! Why are you acting in front of us?" bursted out Ruby. "We are a family. You can tell us anything!"
Alec was taken back, he glared at Vicki. vicki just meekly nodded, admitting she told them. Alec smiled, "You guys, I guess you know. Yes, I'm fired. I have to leave the office in 2 days."
"Oh Alec, I'm so sorry." said Jess, giving him a hug.
"Me too. But I know you'll pull through." said Ruby, joining in the hug.
Vicki looked at them, Jess gave her a look, "Argh! Okay!" and she joined in the hug.
************************************************************
"Oof!" said Jess. She bumped into someone on the street. "Sorry...Sandy?"
It was Sandy she bumped into. "Oh, Jessica right?"
Jessica nodded.
"Alec is fired?" said Sandy very surprised.
"You don't know it either?" asked Jess.
Sandy was baffled, "No! No! I guess Alec just told you!"
"Oh no! Not me! I had to hear it from Vicki!"
"Vicki?" repeated Sandy.
"Yes, I guess my dumb brother of mine didn't want to worry us."
Sandy just sat there, not responding.
************************************************************
It was the last day of work for Alec, he put all of his stuff into the box. Carefully placing his treasured books on famous photographers into the box. He held up the newspaper of January first. There was the picture of the fireworks he took in the ski resort, it was on the front page. He put it in with the rest of the stuff. He looked around the emptied office. Everyone has already gone home. He looked at the box. He headed out the door, leaving his box on his desk.
"Sandy?" said Alec, seeing her outside the building. "What are you doing here."
"To give you this," she replied holding up a bag of warm food. "I wanted to encourage you."
Alec hugged her. Sandy dropped the bag onto the ground.
"Why didn't you tell me Alec?" asked Sandy softly into his ears.
"I didn't want to worry you."
"Alec, I'm your girlfriend. You don't want to worry me? You are worrying me because you aren't telling me what's troubling you," said Sandy pulling away from the hug. "Instead, you tell Vicki."
Alec searched her eyes to find out what she's talking about.
"Alec, who is Vicki to you?" asked Sandy.
Alec didn't answer.
"I got it." said Sandy, brushing by him, as she left.
Alec snapped out of his thought. "Wait, Sandy!" called Alec chasing her. "Sandy!" He grabbed her elbow, not letting her go. "THe reason I didn't answer was because I didn't know how to say it so you will believe me."
"Then who is she?"
"She's like a really good friend to me. A friend I don't want to lose."
"A friend?" laughed Sandy.
"Yes! And you're my girlfriend."
************************************************************
"Then what did she do?" asked Vicki eagerly.
"Then she left me alone on the street."Vicki laughed. Alec got angry."Don't you understand? She sounds like she want to break up with me!" said Alec frustratedly.
Vicki layed onto Alec's bed. "It's just a phase. It'll pass."
"Vicki, you don't understand."
"Yes I do. I'll fix it, somehow."
Alec rolled his eyes at her.
"They wouldn't would they?" whispered Jessica back.
"Why don't we check?" asked Ruby.
They nodded to each other. They lifted the cover of the bed. "Thank god, they didn't."
Ruby watched them sleep and held her chin in her hand. "How do a girl and guy sleep and do nothing? Can a girl and a guy really just be friends?"
Jess shrug and they exited Alec's room quietly, leaving Vicki and Alec sleeping on the king sized(it's the name of a size of bed, it's the biggest) bed.
************************************************************
"Stupid bed," said Vicki to herself, "It was too comfortable! Now, I'm late!" She scanned the bar. Sandy waved at her.
"I'm so sorry!" said Vicki.
"No,no. Sit." said Sandy politely.
"It was all Alec's bed's fault!" said Vicki to herself.
"Ah?" said Sandy who caught that.
"Not what you think." said Vicki laughing.
"Okay," said Sandy unsurely.
"Anyway, back to business." said Vicki. "Sandy," said Vicki turning serious. "I think of Alec as only a friend. A very good friend. Maybe as an older brother too. No more."
Sandy scrunched her eyebrows. "What?"
"He's just my friend." repeated Vicki.
Sandy smiled, "You know, it's much more reasurring when you tell me."
************************************************************
"I'm home!" called Vicki.
"Vicki," said Jess quietly, meeting her at the doorway. "There's some one for you."
"Who?" said Vicki heading to the living room. She saw a little girl sitting on the couch, "You are?"
"I'm who you are now dating's daughter."
"What?" said vicki surprised.
"Give my father back to me and my mom." said the girl clearly pronouncing each word slowly. The girl glared at Vicki.
Afterwards, the girl left on her own. Jess saw her board a taxi. She turned back to Vicki who sat on the couch, her face not showing any emotions. Ruby sit beside her, trying to encourage her to talk. Vicki just slowly shook her head. Jess couldn't hold it into her any longer. "Vicki, tell us what is going on? Is Steven married? Speak!" demanded Jess.
Vicki looked at Jess's expression fearfully, she reluntly spoke, "Yes, and no. Steven was married before, now divoriced. I found out he had a daughter when we were buying those glass figurines." She pulled out the dolphin from her jacket and played with it in her hand. "But...I never knew she would..." she trailed off.
Ruby and Jess couldn't believe it. "But, you're okay with it right? I mean that he has a daughter."
"Sure, I am." answered Vicki, "I would never expect Steven to leave his daughter behind whenever we get married."
Ruby and Jess nodded, understanding Vicki's point of view. They were quiet. Ruby broke in, "Then you will be a stepmom to her. You won't be like that evil step mom in Cinderella, now would you?"
Vicki laughed, "Do I look like one?"
Ruby examined her over, "Hmmm...I kind of can..." and Jess tried to hide her chuckle.
Vicki threw a pillow at both of them.
Afterwards, Alec got home. He heard from Jess what happened to Vicki. He felt so sympathic towards her.
Vicki got out of the showers, drying her hair as she walked out of the bathroom. "Hey, you're back! WHere's Ruby and Jess?"
"Yes. They went to bed." said Alec awkwardly. He thought up of something, "Hey, I have some stuff to show you." He pulled out a box from his room.
"These are pictures you took?" asked Vicki, looking at them.
"Yes, over the years. These were my favorites."
"Hey!" said Vicki holding up a picture of the fireworks."I have this on a newspaper!" She ran into her room, came back out holding the newspaper.
Alec smiled, "This was when I took in that ski resort. You remember that one! I'm surprised you have it."
"I loved it!" said Vicki. She held up another picture. "Wow..."
Alec looked at what she was looking at. "Oh this one. It's my favorite one of all."
"It's beautiful. You've captured their youth and innocence! Two small kids, holding hands, in the park. I specially like how you took it from the back, seeing only their backs and shadows." said Vicki amazed.
"Really?" said Alec surprised, "I'll tell you a secret. I always wanted to make a book of the pictures I take of peoples back. It is so..."
"Pure and real." Vicki and Alec at the same time. Vicki laughed, "Well then. I know you can do it! You can, you will, you would, you could and you should!"
Alec nodded his head. "Thanks for the encouragement Vicki."
Vicki bit her lower lip.
"What is it?" asked Alec.
"Then can you put on the front or the last page, 'To my greatest friend, Vicki Zhao, for her wonderful encouragement'?"
Alec laughed, "When I actually have a publisher!"
************************************************************
"Sorry, Sandy." apologized Alec as he met her in a cafe.
"It's okay." said Sandy.
"It's just because I was having such a long talk with Vicki."
Sandy put down her coffee, "Vicki?"
"Yeah, anyway,"continued Alec, "Because she encouraged me so much, I have this great plan for a book..."
"Alec.."interupted Sandy. "That's the reason I called you out."
"What?"asked Alec, no idea what she's talking about.
"Vicki! Not once did I have a conversation with you without her name popping up."
"But..but..."sputtered Alec,"We aren't...we don't have any.."
"Alec,"said Sandy gently, "I want to break up with you."
"What?" said Alec confused.
"I can't cope with the stress." said Sandy. "I know one day, Vicki will interfer with our relationship. Why don't we just end it early, before it does happen?"
Alec grabbed her hand. "Sandy, it won't happen!"
Sandy freed her hand away. "Alec, anyway, I'm going back to Hokkaido."
"You are?" said Alec, reality hitting him at last.
"I am."replied Sandy. "I wish you luck for the future." She stood up and left the cafe, leaving a broken hearted person.
Alec took his time going home. When he reached his room, he saw Vicki sitting on his bed. "What are you doing here?" demanded Alec.
"Jess got some of your favorite food left, so I saved...."
"Get out." said Alec.
"What?" said Vicki still smiling, but bewildered.
"Get out of my room!" yelled Alec.
Vicki quickly got off his bed and headed for the door. "Are...are you alright?"
Alec pointed to the door and yelled, "Out!"
************************************************************
The next morning, Alec slowly came down the stairs. HE saw Vicki crossing the hall. "Vicki," he called out.
Vicki stopped. She turned to him. "Alec, I'm so sorry I was in your room. I do realize it's a private property. And I will never do that again."
"Vicki," he interurppted. "I'M sorry. I shouldn't of yelled at you. It's just that..." He explained what happened.
Jessica saw Vicki coming into the kitchen,"What's with you and Alec? I just heard you two were apologizing for something."
"Oh, it's because...how do I say this..." said Vicki, trying to find a way to say it nicer but couldn't. "Alec is dumped."
Ruby who was sitting at the table at the time heard that. "What? He's dumped? Poor guy."
"My poor brother." said Jess, "You know, he's a guy that fall really deeply."
"Uh-huh..." said Ruby and Vicki.
************************************************************
"Steven," said Vicki who met him at the hospital cafeteria at lunch. "You daughter...your daughter came to my house a couple of days ago."
"She did?" asked Steven very surprised. "I hope she didn't say anything bad."
"She said, she wants you back." said Vicki, trying not to be upset. "Do you have problem with your relationship with her?"
"She always thinks that the girlfriend I have is the reason why I broke up with her mother."
Vicki nodded understanding,"I hope when we get married, she'll understand I'm not trying to take her mother's place."
Steven stopped eating, "Married?"
"Yes. Aren't we going to in the future?"
"I..I...never planned to get married again."answered Steven truthfully.
"You don't..."repeated Vicki.
"Since my first marriage went so bad, I don't believe in it anymore. I'm sorry, Vick." said Steven squeezing her hand. "Also, I'm so sorry to bring this up right now, but...I am to be flying to US by tomorrow for 2 years of studying there."
"Two year?"
"I'm so sorry, Vicki. It was just decided yesterday. It is a very good course and experience. It's really once in a life time chance."
"I'm happy for you." said Vicki putting on a fake smile.
"Vicki, maybe we can put this relationship down for a couple of years and then when I come back, we can be together again."
All Vicki could do was nod because her tears would pour out if she tried to speak again.
************************************************************
"What?" said Ruby, when Vicki got home. "You're...you're just letting him go?"
"Two years isn't long." said Vicki, trying to convince herself.
"Enough for him to get a new girlfriend!"
"Ruby, I'm going to my room." She closed the door to her room. She fell down onto her bed and sobbed into her tear stained pillow.
************************************************************
The next day when Vicki was heading to her work, a taxi pulled over by her. "Vicki!" yelled the person.
"Ruby? What are you doing here?" asked Vicki.
"Come in! Come in!" said Ruby opening the door.
Vicki boarded the taxi. "where are we going?"
"Driver, airport." said Ruby.
"Why are we here?" asked Vicki."I don't...I don't want to see him again."
"Vicki,"Ruby stopped walking."I know you do."
Vicki closed her eyes and walked with Ruby.
"Where is he?" said Ruby to herself as Vicki and Ruby searched the airport.
"There he is." said Vicki quietly.
"Where?"
"By the gate 23, beside a woman and a girl."
"Why, isn't that his wife?" said Ruby angrily.
"Ruby, don't go over there." said Vicki, "Please."
Vicki from a distance saw him kiss his daughter and headed to the doorway to the plane. She saw him board the plane.
"Well, he's gone now."said Ruby. As they headed out the door of the airport. She looked at her watch, "Oh no! I have a date!"
"I can go home myself"said Vicki.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes! Now go!"
************************************************************
Alec got home from hanging out with his friends late at night. He turned on the lights. "Vicki!" said Alec.
Vicki sat on the couch motionless. Tears trailing down her cheek. "Sniff...sniff...turn off the light"
Alec turned off the light, he can still see her tears from the moonlight shining through the window. Alec sat down beside her, "Where's everyone else?"
"Ruby's at a date and Jess is working over night at her office" answered Vicki.
"What's wrong?" asked Alec gently.
"Steven...is gone..."
"He left?" said Alec. Then he remember what Jess told him this morning. "How can Ruby and Jess leave you alone at a time like this?"
Vicki smiled, wiping away her tears, "It's okay. I'm fine."
"Here's a time when a guy is useful." said Alec. He put her head on his shoulder. Her sniffling stopped. They sat there for awhile, not talking.
Alec moved, trying to keep the numbness away.
Vicki turned her head at the same time. Their lips close. Alec leaned his head down lower. Less than a centimeter away, Vicki broke in, "Are you about to kiss me?"
Alec moved away embarrassed, "Ahh...It's late...I better go to sleep." He slowly went up the stairs.
Alec went into his room, he thought about Vicki. He opened the door, outside stood Vicki. She went up to him and hugged him very tightly. They looked at each other and automatically they're lips matched up. And slowly the door closes.
Vicki turned to Alec unable to answer. Her face slowly turned crimson red. "Coincidence." she answered. It would of been believable if she weren't stuttering.
"Vicki, Alec, want breakfast?" asked Jess buttering her toast.
"Yes." they both answered at the same time.
"So, what were you two doing last night when we were away?" asked Ruby, observing them.
"You know what sis? I'm just going to get a coffee outside." said Alec, heading out the door. He turned and gave a longing look at Vicki.
"So Vicki,"began Ruby.
She slowly sat down into a seat. She grabbed a piece of toast.
"So did you guys..."
Vicki nibbled at her toast. She lowered her head and nodded slightly.
"Last night..."
She nodded again, hiding her face behind her piece of bread.
"Oh my god..." Jess pretended to faint. "Oh my..."
Ruby mischeivously grinned. "And? It was..."
Jess lifted her arm and got out from her seat. She widened her eyes and said, "I DON'T need to hear about this."
Ruby frowned, "It's only a typical girl talk...only this involves your brother!"
Vicki just closed her eyes and hid behind her breakfast as her face turned redder and redder.
************************************************************
Alec had a walk to clear his head. He now understood how this will change their whole friendship around. He sighed, and opened the door to his house. He hoped no one was home. No such luck. ALec saw Jess in the living room with Vicki watching TV, "Sis," he said, "Can you go out for awhile?"
Jess looked up confused at first, then understanding, "Ahh, sure." SHe went to the stairs and called, "Rub! We're going to Over Time!" She turned to Alec, "An hour?" He nodded. Rubyran down the stairs,"Why?" she asked, then she saw what was going on."Oh okay, let's go Jess."
Slam! The door was closed, leaving Alec and Vicki alone. Vicki turned off the TV, she tried to think hard about how to start her speech. She looked around, played with her hands...so nervous. Then she stopped, she thought, he's just a friend, why are you so nervous? Friend? Was he just a friend?
"Vicki..." began Alec.
"Wait!" she interrupted, "Hear me out first. Alec, I think we started out too rushed and too quick. Last night...."she stopped, trying to rephrase it"wasn't suppose to happen. We can still be friends right?" She finished her difficult speech, she looked at Alec pleadingly. She didn't want their relationship to change.
Alec looked down at his feet. He took a deep breath and said, "Vicki, we can still be friends. But..." he looked at Vicki in the face. "I will never regret last night."
Vicki looked at the person in front of her. She was confused, was he more than just a friend? He has always understood her more than Steven and even Ruby. And me to him. Maybe...maybe he is the one....not Steven.
************************************************************
Everyone sat around the TV enjoying their noodles. Instant noodles that is. Jimmy was over to visit Alec and to give out an announcement. Jess was pacing around in the room reading a letter she received from her father. She yelled out, "What!?" when she read a certain part.
Vicki absent-mindedly asked, "What's wrong?"
Jess turned to them, "It's from my father, he's coming home."
Alec broke in still watching TV, "Isn't he in France with mother?"
Jess said seriously, "You guys listen." Everyone snapped their attention to Jess as she sounded very very serious. "My parents are coming back in a week or two and...that means...you guys have to move out in the next few days."
"Me?" said Vicki and Ruby. Ruby smiled happily at Jimmy. Vicki turned at looked at Alec, their expression saddened.
"Ruby, why are you so happy?" asked Jess bewildered.
"Because..."answered Ruby. Jimmy broke in,"We have an announcement. We are getting married. So she can move in with me"
Jess squealed, "You are? I'm so happy!!!"
Vicki turned her attention to Ruby and just smiled.
Alec asked,"Jimmy man, aren't you always afraid of comitment?"
Jimmy smiled sheepishly, "It's because of this." pointing to Ruby's stomach.
Vicki asked,"What? You're pregnant? When have you guys started to go out? Why weren't we awear of it?"
Ruby grinned,"After Alec brought him over the first time."
Vicki shook her head at her,"Hiding it from your best friends.."
So the saddened news were put aside for the time being. But this is not forgotten in Vicki and Alec's minds.
************************************************************
"Hey Alec," said a person on the phone.
"Oh hey Paul," greeted Alec.
"Isn't Sandy suppose to be back in Hokkaido already?" Paul asked.
"Yes, she said she was returning last week." answered Alec bewildered about why he would be asking this.
"Well, I think you should know about this."
"About what?"
"I saw Sandy working in a fast food restaurant yesterday."
Alec was shocked, "She's still in Tokyo?"
"Yes. Alec, I hate to ask you this, but do you think it's because of you, she's still here?"
"I...I...."replied Alec not knowing the answer.
"Yup," she replied putting it into a truck. She looked back at Jess's house.
Ruby stood by her, and looked up with her,"I'm sure he'll come down."
"I'll go get him," offered Jess.
Vicki shook her head, "No...just let it be." After a last look of the house, she boarded the truck. And it drove away.
Di-ring, Di-ring...
"Huh?" muttered Alec. He lifted his head from beneath his covers. His hand felt over the nighttable until he reached his alarm clock. He grabbed it. "Ah!" He quickly threw on his pants and shirts. He hopped down the stairs as he tried to put his pants on properly. He reached the kitchen. Jess and Ruby looked up from their lunch. "Where's Vicki."
Ruby just looked at him and shook her head ashamed of him.
Jess answered,"You're 2 hours late."
"Why didn't anyone wake me?" demanded Alec.
"Vicki's orders." said Ruby shrugging her shoulders.
************************************************************
Vicki jumped up, finishing putting all her clothes into the bottom drawers, "Done!" She flopped onto her bed to rest. Beside her bed was the phone. She had been busy the whole day, cleaning, putting away. What for? Just so she won't think about him. She stared at the phone. Should I... No no... They have seperated. Vicki laughed at that idea. Seperated before they even were together.
Ring Ring~ Ring ring~
Vicki hesitated as she picked up her phone, "He...Hello?"
"Hello, Vicki?"
"Uh-huh."
"It's me, Alec."
"I'd recongize your voice anywhere!" joked Vicki, trying to sound like a friend.
"Yeah...how are you?"
"Fine! Guess what?" answered Vicki as she leaned on her balcony glass door. She stared into the city lights. "The Tokyo Tower is only the size of my pinky. It's so beautiful at night."
Alec chuckled, "So is it far?"
"Far from the tower or far from your place?"
************************************************************
"So do you think we should?" asked Jess doubtfully.
"I dunno...don't ask me." said Ruby(note:Ruby is not moving out until she marries, which is soon) pushing the letter away.
"But it is adressed to Vicki."
"But she's happy with Alec right now!" answered Ruby. "They just started and boom, this letter arrives, do you want Vicki as your sister-in-law or not?"
"I do.." said Jess admittingly.
"What are you guys talking about?" said Alec, just returning home and overhearing their debate.
Jess handed the letter to Alec, "This is from Steven."
************************************************************
Jess and Ruby looked at each other when they finsihed their noodles at Vicki's place. They kicked each other under the table, and giving each other looks.
"Okay, what is it? You guys have been doing that ever since you entered the door!" laughed Vicki.
Jess finally took a deep breath. She got a letter from her pocket and pushed it across the table to Vicki. "This..is from Steven."
"Steven?" repeated Vicki, taking the letter.
"We fought with the idea whether to give it to you or not." said Ruby, "But as this is your's we think you should have it. I hope we won't regret it."
Vicki quickly scanned through the letter. She sighed at the end and handed them the letter.
"Can I read it?" asked Ruby.
Vicki nodded tiredly.
"Dearest, Vicki. How are you in Tokyo? I hope you haven't forgotten me. I wish I was back in Japan. US isn't what I thought it would be, it lacked something...you. Vicki, I never realised how much you were part of my life. Without your bright smile, my day is never complete." Ruby and Jess couldn't help to gag at that. But as they saw Vicki wasn't smiling, they sensed something big is going to be said, she continued, "Vicki, I miss you. Very very much. I will be giving you a surprise very soon. And I hope you will answer 'I do'." Ruby and Jess gasped, "He's going to ask you to...to...marry him!"
Vicki nodded,"Yeah.."
Jess continued frantic, "And you're going to answer...?"
Vicki looked at Jess pleadingly, "Help me. I don't know. I truly don't know."
"Hello?" said Vicki slowly.
"Hi, this is Alec." answered back. "Is this..Vicki?"
"Yeah...can I speak to Jess?"
"They're not home right now. They went out for dinner."
"Why aren't you gone?" asked Vicki.
"I dunno." answered Alec, "I felt like I had to stay home. And while I am, guess what I am doing?"
"What?"
"I'm developing the film you took on that plane." answered Alec, holding up a picture, he hung it on a string along with other pictures there, drying. "It actually is quite good."
The plane. Vicki did so much to keep her mind off of Alec. Their experience, their meeting, their fun times together. Vicki shook her head away from those thoughts. It's not him, Vicki, she thought, you know that, you're Steven's. "Alec, I better go." replied Vicki and hung up before he said goodbye.
"Alec," yelled Jess returning home. "We have a guest!"
Alec rushed down the stairs thinking it was Jimmy. He spotted the person standing by the doorway. "Ah..Steven!"
"So, I came here right after I got off the plane, and meeting you outside the door." said Steven, telling them why he was here. "So, where's Vicki?"
"Why did you leave her all alone?" demanded Alec. "You shouldn't be even be allowed to ask for her!"
"Alec," whispered Jess, "Calm down!" Jess and Ruby looked at each other. They looked unsure about whether to say it or not.
Alec took a deep breath, Alec quickly answered, "She's moved out. I'll give you the address."
"Okay, thank you you guys," said Steven, as he was leaving, holding the piece of paper with the address of Vicki's in his hand.
Alec saw him out the door. He turned around closing the door behind him. Jess and Ruby cornered him and gave him a very strange look. "What are you guys looking at like that for?"
"Alec!" yelled Ruby, shaking him. "You were so mad at him before, what happened? Also,we weren't going to tell him! Now, you may not have a chance with Vicki!"
Alec took a deep breath and held his head high, "I realised something, after I yelled at him. Who am I to talk? What rights do I have of defending for Vicki? Maybe it's always been meant to be that way. Maybe we're not destined to be together." he said looking at them. His eyes strangely calm. "Anyway, Vicki will be more happy with him."
"Alec, but you don't know that!" said Jess madly, trying to encourage him.
He didn't listen, he closed his door to his bedroom, shutting the world out.
************************************************************
"Hi, how may I help you?" asked a worker at a fast food restaurant. She looked up and gasped.
"Sandy, we need to talk," said Alec.
Sandy took a break, and sat down beside Alec at a table where he was waiting for her. "Alec, why...why are you here?"
"More importantly, why are you here, Sandy? You said you were going back to Hokkaido."
"I...I just thought Tokyo had so much to offer for me right now, that I will just return a little later."
"Sandy," said Alec gently looking at her straight in the eye, "This doesn't have to do with me does it?"
"Ah.." Before Sandy could answer, her workmate called her back. "I gotta go."
Alec caught her hand as she turned to leave,"When are you off?"
Sandy stared at his hand holding hers, "10."
"I'll meet you at 10 then."
************************************************************
Morning-
Vicki grabbed her bag as she heading out. She opened the door and there stood a person she least expected. She gasped and dropped her bag.
"Hi Vicki," said Steven cheerfully, but seeing her dropping her bag, he picked it up and slowly said, "You weren't expecting me. big surprise huh?"
They strolled down to a park. Vicki was silent, and Steven didn't know what was wrong. "Vicki, you have changed haven't you?"
"Me?" repeated Vicki. "No.."
"No. I'm not that slow. Last night, when I went to Jess's house, Alec was very angered by me being here. And now, you don't sound the least bit excited to see me here. Is it because you like someone else now? Could it be Alec?"
"Alec?" Vicki flashed back at the time they first met("Oh no…my image! My poor innocent image…ruined! I'm wearing practically nothing, a thin bath robe with a man who is also in a bath robe…what will they think?" Vicki looked at Alec with a pleading look.
"No! I am not giving you my bath robe!" said Alec.
Vicki pretended to sob again. "Ohh how will I marry? I ask for a simple thing from this stranger and he won't give it to me…" Vicki stopped her fake sobbing, "You're wearing underwear right?")"He's...I don't know what he is." Flash back of the plane incident (Vicki shook Alec. "FIRST TIME FLYING ALONE? You're taking a hardly familiar girl into a plane when this is the first time flying alone? How could you! We better not die…why why why! Something bad always happen when I'm with you?" Alec turned his head to her, "Why isn't it the other way? Bad luck whenever I'm with YOU!") "But Steven, I still do like you...but it's just...when you were gone, we...we..." Flash back,(He opened the door, outside stood Vicki. She went up to him and hugged him very tightly. They looked at each other and automaticly they're lips matched up. And slowly the door closes.)
*
"Vicki," asked Steven. As he dropped her off at her apartment after their talk. "So you will you still marry me?"
Vicki froze at her step, she slowly turned around, "After what I told you, you still?"
"Vicki, will you?"
************************************************************
Same afternoon
"Steven. I heard you wanted to talk to me." asked Alec entering the living room where Steven was.
"Alec," began Steven solemly. "Vicki have told me what you two...you two...did when I was gone."
"She told you?" sputtered Alec."What an idiot! Look Steven, I'm so sorry. But I'm sure it means nothing to Vicki."
"Alec," said Steven holding up his hand to stop him, "It's my fault, as you have said, for not being here with her."
"Oh look, I was just angered because I thought you have hurted my...friend. I didn't mean what I said."
"Also, we are planning to get married soon."
"Married?" repeated Alec. His face fell but quickly pasted a smile, "Congratulations! I wish you two the best."
Steven put on a relieved smile, "You have no idea, how much that makes me happy. I was afraid that you will put her away."
Alec just laughed, while each laugh stabbed his heart deeper and harder.
************************************************************
It was 9:30. Alec grabbed his jacket as he planned to go out to meet Sandy. As he was just leaving the door, the phone in his room rang. "Hello?"
"Alec?" asked pleaded the voice.
"vicki, what's the matter?" asked Alec concerned.
"Please...please come out. I have such a big headache over some issues!"
"Where are you?" asked Alec, looking at his watch. 9:35.
************************************************************
Sandy paced around in front of the store. She looked at her watch. 10:20. She sighed, it does take 40 minutes to get here from his house. The restaurant behind her went slowly dimmer. She shuddered in the cold. "Sandy!" called a voice.
¡§Sandy!¡¨ panted the caller from behind.
Sandy quickly whipped around with a smile. Her smile fell, ¡§Oh, hi, Paul.¡¨
¡§Sandy, Alec called me 10 minutes ago to come tell you that he can¡¦t make it tonight.¡¨
Sandy closed her eyes and a tear trickled down her face.
************************************************************
¡§Vicki!¡¨ called Alec at the figure who was so absorbed at looking at the Tokyo Tower in front of her.
She slowly turned to Alec, her eyes misted over, her cheek flushed, Alec could see she was out in the cold for a long time. ¡§Alec.¡¨
¡§Vicki, you called me out, and I have a place to bring you to.¡¨ Said Alec, pulling her wrist. Vicki squint from the pain she received from his pulling.
¡§Why do you want to come here?¡¨ asked Vicki, taking off her jacket. Alec brought her to her own apartment. Yet since they have entered, he hadn¡¦t said anything. He just stood by the balcony door, examining the pinky sized Tower off in the distance.
Alec turned around as Vicki neared him. He pushed her onto the bed. ¡§Hey!¡¨ cried Vicki as she fell onto the mattress. He layed on top of her and forcefully kissed her. ¡§Ummff..What¡Kget off!¡¨
He clawed her shirt. ¡§That¡¦s why you called me out tonight isn¡¦t it? A special night before you¡¦re all tied down.¡¨ He then again pushed his lips onto hers.
Vicki kicked and pushed him off. She got up from the bed and slapped him. Alec stopped instantly. ¡§What¡¦s wrong with you? Who do you think I am?¡¨
¡§Trying to have some fun before your marriage!¡¨ Alec smirked.
¡§What¡¦s happened to you?¡¨
¡§Nothing, always been like this.¡¨
¡§Didn¡¦t that night mean anything to you?¡¨ asked Vicki coldly.
¡§I pitied you. Nothing more to it.¡¨
¡§Pity?¡¨ repeated Vicki.
¡§I thought you were lonely, so I accompanied you that night.¡¨ He shrugged.
Vicki hid her face in her hands. A sob escaped. ¡§Get out.¡¨ She yelled, ¡§Get out of my apartment now!¡¨
*Slam went the door. Alec leaned on the wall outside of her apartment. His fist curled up tightly and violently hit the innocent wall. He almost punched himself¡K
**********************************************************
¡§Pass the salt please.¡¨ Asked Alec the next night during dinner at Jess¡¦s house. Jimmy ignored him, scarfing down the bowl of rice. Ruby looked at him and shook her head in shame. Jess gave him a cold glare. ¡§What? What did I do?¡¨
¡§How could you do that to her?¡¨ asked Ruby.
¡§What?¡¨
¡§Vicki told us. What you did was a very stupid thing to do.¡¨ Said Jimmy no longer able to hold it in.
¡§What I did was right.¡¨ Said Alec.
¡§She loved you!¡¨ exclaimed Ruby.
Alec slammed down his chopsticks and got up from the table.
¡§If you didn¡¦t love her, you wouldn¡¦t of done it!¡¨ Jimmy called after him.
***********************************************************
¡§Here¡¦s the invitation!¡¨ said Ruby handing her a red envolvpe.
¡§Thanks!¡¨ said Vicki cheerfully. They settled in her livingroom. An uncomfortable silence came over them.
¡§Vicki¡Kyou know¡K¡¨ began Ruby.
¡§It it¡¦s about Alec, I don¡¦t want to know.¡¨ Interrupted Vicki.
¡§What he did to you, he did it on purpose.¡¨ Rushed Jimmy before she could stop him. ¡§He did it to hurt you.¡¨
¡§Oh he succeed all right,¡¨ said Vicki bitterly.
¡§He wanted you to go to Steven. He believed you would be more happy.¡¨
¡§He hurt me, and wants me to be happy?¡¨
Ruby held her hand. ¡§If you don¡¦t love him, why would you care what he did to you?¡¨
************************************************************
¡§Vicki, darling!¡¨ said Steven, giving her a kiss. They met in the park.
¡§Steven.¡¨ Greeted Vicki with a strained smile.
¡§Are you nervous about the marriage or something?¡¨ asked Steven concernly.
¡§Steven,¡¨ interrupted Vicki. ¡§I would love to marry you, you know. I truly would! But,¡¨ she paused, more sure of herself now. ¡§I can¡¦t. I can¡¦t marry you. Because I love someone else.¡¨
¡§Alec?¡¨
Vicki nodded, ¡§I don¡¦t know how, but I do. I know when you left, I said I will wait for you, but I didn¡¦t. I¡¦m sorry. But it¡¦s too late to change that. I hope you will understand and I wish you happiness in the future. I know now, Alec is the one.¡¨ With that she got up and ran off.
Steven sat there, and smiled to himself, ¡§Vicki, I wish you two lucky too.¡¨
************************************************************
¡§Woohoo!¡¨ yelled Jimmy throwing around his tie. The wedding was over, and Vicki unforunately missed it. All of Jimmy and Ruby¡¦s friends and relatives all hung out at Over Time to celebrate this night. Of course, Alec went around taking pictures of these special moments. He scanned the room. Still no Vicki.
Jess saw him doing so, and said, ¡§She¡¦ll come. She said she will.¡¨
Alec nodded.
At that moment Vicki entered. She scanned the crowd, and rested her eyes on Alec. She motioned him to the corner.
¡§Hi Vicki.¡¨ Said Alec calmly.
¡§Alec, I¡¦m not marrying Steven.¡¨ Replied Vicki, not even greeting him.
¡§Huh?¡¨ Alec didn¡¦t understand.
¡§I¡¦m not marrying him.¡¨ Said Vicki a little louder.
¡§WHAT?!¡¨ yelled Alec, finally catching it. The whole room looked at them. He whispered, ¡§After all I have done to make you stay with Steven, you what?¡¨
¡§I don¡¦t want to be his wife. I want to be yours!¡¨ exclaimed Vicki. Once again, the room silenced and looked at them. Alec pulled her outside.
They walked in silence, Vicki a few feet behind Alec. Alec stopped. It was the spot where they were that night. The Tokyo Tower, the bridge. The tower flashed it¡¦s light in the dark. ¡§Vicki, you¡¦re just confused. Jimmy must of told you huh?¡¨
¡§Alec, no matter what you do,¡¨ said Vicki, getting close to him. ¡§You can¡¦t stop me from loving you.¡¨ She hugged him tightly, and whispered by his ear. ¡§I love you.¡¨
Alec examined her, she truly meant it. Under the twinkling stars, their lips closed in.
***********************************************************
A book lay on the table. On the cover, it said, ¡§Alec Su, SHADOWS: Pure and Real¡¨ A hand, slim and ivory, slowly turns the book to its last page. There, was the picture of the two young children, holding hands, strolling in the park, taken from the back. On the page beside it, it said, ¡§¡¥To my greatest wife, Vicki Zhao-Su, for her wonderful encouragement¡¦¡¨
