[Tavia’s Point of View]
The constant rumbling and buzzing of the ground kept ringing in my ears as I waited. Raymond had been with me the entire day yesterday, but luckily today I’ve found a reason for him to leave me alone for a short time. I know it’s stupid of me, foolish, selfish, whatever, for being caught in the middle between these two decisions. To other people they would be nothing more than tiny obstacles in their way, but why for me they are greater than massive walls? No matter how hard I try to forget, the past haunts me, and every time I look at Dominic Lam, even when I’m not trying to I would hate him down to the core. Yet for Raymond, each little thing he does for me pulls me closer to him. The problem was, at the same time I’m moving regrettably closer and closer to Raymond, I’m still bounded on the hatred for his dad.
So the two roads lay in front of me. If I want to take back all that’s mine, I will in the process hurt Raymond, even if he’s already found out. But if I want to stay with Raymond, I will have to completely let go of my past, and also soon to diminish the hate for his dad. The third path for me, in order to get out all of this without harming anyone seemed impossible. I know Damian will assist me, but he’s already made his decision, a long time ago. I’m still left here at a dead end, facing two roads of which I must choose one.
“Hey…did Raymond send you to pick me up?”
I looked up, and there was Steven, standing there with a grin on his face. His hair had grown out, and he looked well groomed. His mood seemed the total opposite of Raymond’s and everyone else. How can he be so simple?
“No…” I replied, cold and distant. Did I really have to go there? “I came on someone else’s behalf.” I handed him the yellow envelope Damian had given me earlier, tucked safely inside my purse. His expression made a 180 turn once his eyes fell upon the envelope.
“I never expected you to be in this. Actually even if you were I’d never expect you to be on his side.” He tried to pull a fake smile as he took the envelope. “How do you think my cousin will feel about this?”
“He should already know.” I replied, knowing that by now Raymond should’ve seen this coming.
“Here’s the contract. When you sign your name on that last slot, the 5% is yours.” He spoke, handing me a stack of stapled papers folded in half.
Without wasting any more time, I took the papers, turned around and began to walk away. I wonder what Damian did to blackmail someone like Steven to give up so easily, but I’m sure I’m going to find out soon. All that’s left for my part is getting Bernice Liu to comply, and everything will fall into place. Simple, but harsh, that’s how life is. I just wonder about the extra step Damian asked me to make, to get a part of Nancy’s company. Why do I have to drag my friend into this feud? And no matter how hard I avoid this subject, it always lingers in the back of my head. What about Raymond?
“When did you lose yourself Tavia?” Steven called after me.
I could sense a tone of empathy and disgust in there, but no matter. That shouldn’t be the problem anymore. That problem had disappeared when I decided to come to this airport in the first place. It seems that without realizing it, I’ve already made my decision after all. Good or bad, I guess I’ll just have to wait and see.
“Tavia!” he called a second time. I turned around, just at a slight glance. “So what if you win? No matter what, you’re still going to hurt everyone that cares about you.”
What he said, was true. I have thought of that point, but I guess I was just too afraid to admit the reality that it will happen. There has to be another way out, but everything seemed so two dimensional. In my mind and Damian’s mind, it was revenge, or forget. I can’t forget it, no matter how hard I try. So it seems that revenge is my only other option.
Unless…no…I can’t take a risk that big. Knowing my luck, I can’t take that risky chance, with a mere strand of hope I’ll succeed. That idea was out of the picture, sadly.
~*~
[Raymond’s Point of View]
My phone suddenly vibrated. Turning away from the monitor, I picked it up.
“Hello?” I answered, admitting to myself my tone was a bit unwelcoming.
“Raymond…I think there’s something you should know.” Steven began, as I recognized his voice almost immediately.
Sighing, I rubbed my forehead. “Just say it cuz.”
“I no longer hold a part of AVC. My five percent had been bought off.” He spoke, ashamed.
“What? How? Who bought it from you and why did you sell it to them?” I reacted in a panic.
“Ray trust me…it’s something I can’t tell you. But…the one who bought it from me…is someone you know very well…” he paused.
Someone I know really well… “Tavia…” I breathed.
“…and can you tell auntie and uncle I won’t be home for a while? I…I’ve got something personal I still need to take care of…”
Without hearing a response, he hung up. I trusted Steven, and knowing he must’ve had his reasons, he would still never lie to me. But how can I force myself into believing reality when I just can’t pull myself out of all the lies?
I tossed the phone on the table, a soft thud sounded but my mind was already too clouded to bother. Leaning back in the chair, I tried so hard to relieve the pressure on my chest, but all was futile. I couldn’t feel relaxed no matter what. I could even close my eyes without the constant headaches coming back to me. That call earlier, was it really necessary?
Just as I was about to decide to give Tavia a larger portion of the company in order to repay her, my decision yet couldn’t reach an end. I should’ve seen this coming, but how come I didn’t? I know why, because I can’t let her leave me no matter what. I don’t know if it’s selfishness, or what, but just the thought could make my heart ache. Yet, I can’t seem to do what I want to do, knowing that AVC is still on my shoulders.
Steven’s call was the big change in my mind. Ironically, after printing out the finished documents, records and contracts of the agreement I’m about to set, he called me. What he said was just simply too much. I thought I knew her, but truth is I’m far from it. I didn’t want this to happen, but life is such a rocky ride. Knowing her as well as I have, if she’s taken the liberty to take this step proves that she won’t settle on just a large portion. I know her too well, and the Tavia I fell in love with wouldn’t even consider this step. But time’s changed now, and she’s a totally different person. I didn’t want to believe it, but I have no other reasons to fool myself with. Tavia Yeung, I was so close in to ending this, I was sure of it. But after the phone call, I can’t find the right mind to go further with my decision. I just can’t.
Sitting up, trying to clear my vision from all the lies, I know there was only one option I could choose at this time. Regrettably, I still find reluctance in me. I picked up the freshly printed contract, still warm from the printer. Looking at it one last time, my mind was unknowingly made up. Pulling the metal waste basket out from under the table, I flicked my lighter on. The soft flame flickered side to side as I held it closer and closer to the set of papers. The flame burnt a bright vermillion color, and the odor was hateful. I dropped it into the waste basket, watching as the set of papers burned to ashes.
The smoke rose slowly, its ghostly image scarring my memories forever. It hurts so bad.
~*~
[Nancy’s Point of View]
The steam rose from the hot bowl of congee Kenneth had just brought up. I sat comfortably on his leather sofa, looking at him, hesitating to take action. He held a soft, timid smile as he returned my eyes with his. I already felt awkward enough staying with him and now Kenneth is treating me way too well than what I deserve. I gave him a small smile, wondering what is going on in his mind right now.
“Aren’t you going to eat it? I spent a good amount of time making it.” He smiled.
I merely nodded as I reluctantly picked the bowl up and took a sip.
“Hey…uh…I’m sorry about the way I acted earlier…” he mumbled, just barely audible.
“About what?” I asked, honestly having no clue what he’s talking about. He’s already done too much for me, and now he’s apologizing.
“I know that you still have feelings for him…and I shouldn’t have over-reacted when I punched him. But…well I just couldn’t hold it back, I can around you but when I see his face I just can’t stand what he’s done to you.” He tried to explain.
I looked down at the bowl of congee, thinking to myself. Kenneth’s words were the unshaken truth. I know that Ron well deserved that punch, but I kept lying to myself. Now that I look back, why do I have to care about a man where I’m nothing more than a doormat in his life? If he’d take responsibility, he’d tell me then and there, but he didn’t. So I shouldn’t care about him anymore. Instead, I need to look ahead, at the man who is waiting for me, and taking care of me. I need to sort out my feelings for Kenneth. Though how can I? Throughout the years, I always thought he treated me like a little sister. That kiss we shared, it was unexpected, but then I can’t deny that I didn’t feel anything. Now I know that I’ve made another mistake that I can’t afford. I’ve already gone too deep with Kenneth, and he well deserves someone who isn’t as troublesome as me.
“Kenneth…” I sighed. “It’s okay. I’m already over that. The only thing I’m worrying about now is how I’m going to handle being a mother, and how I’m going to tell my parents. I haven’t talked to them for a month.”
He smiled softly and gently as he took my hand. “I’ll handle it.”
Just then the doorbell rang. Its soft chime broke the awkward moment between us as Kenneth stood up to open the door. I could hear him mumbling something as he stood up, but it probably wasn’t anything big.
He opened the door. “Who could be here at this time of night?” Kenneth grumbled to himself.
“Can I stay here for the time being?” someone asked, his tone rushed and panic like.
I sat up from the sofa, looking out the door to see who it was. I recognized the voice, but by the vague tone I could exactly tell who the voice belonged to. Pushing myself to stand up as I felt a quick, piercing pain in my side, I flinched. I looked back out the door, and there was a man. He was too familiar, but yet he was different. Unlike his casual personality, he looked more worried and unshaven for about a week. He was Steven Ma.
“Steven!” Kenneth spoke in surprise. “Come in! What happened?!”
“N…nothing. I just really need a place to stay for a moment. Is that okay?” he asked again, this time pushing himself to sound more casual and pulling an obviously fake smile.
“Sure. Second door on the left. Is something wrong though?” Kenneth asked.
Steven walked in with surprise in his eyes as to why I’m sitting here, in my PJs eating congee. But I can tell that was the least of his worries. He had a small bag in his hand and a bulky laptop case around the other arm. Quickly, he rushed into the room. Kenneth sat down on the sofa, his eyes blankly staring into space. I looked back to see Steven’s lights flicker off.
~*~
[Raymond’s Point of View]
As the soft, gentle breeze of the night hit my face; I turned towards the open street. There she was, walking my way. It was like those good old days, where I’d wait for her and we’d end up running all around the busy streets of Hong Kong, laughing and goofing around like two big kids. But unfortunately, I know too well that tonight won’t be like any of those nights. Everything has changed, and so has she. Unlike those beautiful memories, tonight is different. We both have things we need to talk about. Things that won’t lead to a happy ending.
“What’s so important that you can’t wait till tomorrow?” she asked me. Her voice was different too. Unlike her old self with a shy, tomboyish tone, she was much more flirty and open now.
“Let’s get straight to the point.” I sighed. “Why did you blackmail Steven and take his 5%?” I asked her, only seeing the slightest reaction in her eyes as she blinked.
She pulled me a smile, but it was one I wish I had not seen. She’s changed so much. “I’m only doing what is supposed to be done. Don’t forget that the Yeungs are the rightful owner of AVC.”
I was taken back by her tone. It was cold, and distant, as if she and I never knew each other. “Why are you doing this though?” I asked, wanting to hear her thoughts. “You know you’ll end up hurting everyone and yourself. AVC was brought up by our fathers. Can’t you stop with a large portion of the company?” I reasoned.
“Raymond it’s not money I want. I want to take back everything that was rightfully mine. I’m tired of being stepped on and pushed aside. For twenty years I’ve lived like that, and if it wasn’t for your family I wouldn’t be here right now. Besides, so what if I stop? Damian won’t, because he’s already seen everything first hand. He wants to take back everything, and there’s no way of stopping him.” She replied, her feelings confusing to read. One part I feel like she’s a total stranger, but another part I feel like she’s still the same person I loved, except hiding behind a façade.
“There’s always a way out. You’re his niece I’m sure you can convince him. If you’re the first to forgive and forget, as a grown man the idea would hit him sooner or later. Can’t you just go back to the life that was so happy for us? This path is only bringing both of us pain.”
“I can’t Raymond. Everything is already laid out, and no matter what I can’t forgive your father. If it wasn’t for him I might still have a mother right now! Do you know how much I hated the feeling…when I’m out in the streets seeing a mom care so much about her daughter? I would give the world for that feeling. But your father took that away from me.”
I couldn’t stop myself. I pulled her into my arms tightly, wanting her to just tell me everything so we can work it out together. But no, she pushed back, pushing me back and freeing herself from my hold. Why Tavia?
“Why are you doing this?” I asked her. “I know my dad made too many mistakes, but we can fix this together. I don’t want to see you hurt, I don’t want to see anyone hurt.”
“You don’t understand…not at all. There’s so many things holding me back from giving up, and I just can’t bear it.”
I’ve already tried everything. Tavia won’t listen to my reasoning, she won’t take my offer, and worst she won’t even look at me the same way I look at her. I’ve tried everything.
~*~
[Tavia’s Point of View]
There are so many things I want to tell him. Most of all, I want to tell him about my fear, but I just can’t. I can’t bring myself into doing anything else involving our relationship. I know I’m hurting him so much this way, but I can’t let my feelings hold me back. The best decision is for both of us to let go.
“I didn’t want this to happen…I never wanted it to…” he spoke, looking at me with a different gaze. That’s what I needed Raymond, I needed you to let go so we both can move on and finish this game.
From his pocket, he pulled out a small, velvet box. The box alone was elegant and beautiful. Then he looked up at me with a cold, emotionless stare. I was surprised. Has he finally given up? So quickly? How could he do that? But then again, I was the one driving him to this point. I shouldn’t be questioning myself any further.
“I was going to give this to you later…but I see no use for it now. You can keep it. It means nothing now.” He spoke, handing me the box. “You wanted this Tavia…I’m only satisfying you.”
As he turned to walk away, I felt a huge lump on my throat. It was hard to swallow this as I watched him. Once he turned his back, I couldn’t hold myself back any longer. I stood there with the elegant velvet box in my hand, tears falling down my cheeks. I was silent because I didn’t want him to turn around and make everything harder. I wish there was another way for both of us, but I can’t bring myself back anymore.
Looking down, I opened the small box. The tears wouldn’t stop flowing once I realized what was inside. The teardrops dripped on the beautiful piece of jewelry, infesting it was pain and sad memories. I couldn’t stop crying as I fell to the ground with the box still in my hand.
No, there has to be another way. I’ve gone too far into everything, and there has to be another way. I couldn’t stop the tears from flowing, but I can make my mind think. The only problem is, the only other way I see is the one from earlier. But that one was too risky. I could not only lose everything, but so could everyone else in the game. I needed help for that, but who could help me? There were three choices laying right in front of me. I could go full on, playing as a chess piece for Damian as he take revenge on Dominic and take back everything that was ours, or I could give up the game and hope that everything could still be resolved between Raymond and I. The third and last option was the most risky, the most dangerous, and the one that was hanging by a thread as time progresses. I couldn’t make up my mind, I couldn’t come to a decision. If Raymond already had, why can’t I?
I gathered my legs together, hugging them as I rested my chin on my knees. The tears had finally stopped but my face was still wet. I still held the small box in my hand, trying to come up with a decision and not waste anymore time. The third way out was too risky…unless…
My eyes fell upon a brightly lit neon sign all the way across the street. The sign wrote “time” on it, flashing with bright, blinding neon lights. Under the sign was something I didn’t expect. I immediately stood up once I saw the man’s face. My heart was pounding fast and I could feel myself overjoyed. I looked closer, slowly walking towards him. Sadly, I was only mistaken when he turned around and walked away. It couldn’t have been, no that was a fact. What I saw was merely an illusion, a trick played by my mind.
Then I thought back. I’ve already lost everything, and now I’m merely a chess piece in this game between Damian and Dominic. What more can I do? Losing all the hope I had left in me, letting go of everything, my grasp loosened. The small box in my hand fell to the ground, and the cling, ringing sound of the platinum beauty inside sounded against the hard floor. One final thought invaded my mind once the ringing sound of platinum ringing in my ears. That final thought was clear and open. I knew what I had to do…finally…
I’m a mere chess piece.
No comments:
Post a Comment