Where is my love and so what if I lie?

Lately, things have been a little slow for me. To be honest, I feel like half of me is dead already. I don't want the other half to die too, I don't want it to. In the past couple days, I've nearly been called out several times for lying about myself. A normal girl my age would be pretty sad or scared, but for me, I don't really care. So what if I lie? If my life isn't perfect, don't I have the right to at least make an illusion that it is perfect? There's no wrong in living in a fantasy world. Reality is way too cruel anyways. Lying is my way of coping with the fact that life is a mundane world and that reality is too, too cruel. Lying keeps my heart beating everyday because as I lie, I trick my foolish heart into believing that one day, all my beautiful little lies will become reality. What do I lie about you may ask? Well I'm sorry but that is my thing to know and yours to find out. One thing though, I lie about the things I lack. The love, the honesty, and the care that seems to be missing from my life. Mostly it's the love and the romance.

And now for my one, my love. In all religion, in all beliefs, and in all hearts and minds, we all believe that our one true love exists somewhere out there, we just have to find each other. As for me, at the end of the day I'm still only a girl, and I still yearn for the love and care that my life lacks. I too am wondering where he is, my one true love. When I am lonely, I would wonder where he is, whether he is happy or sad, how his day went, is he smiling, and why he has kept me waiting for so long. I haven't met him yet, at least if I already did, neither of us have realized yet, I know that for a fact.

All these years that I've spent searching for him, I find it unfair as so many others have already found theirs, but yet mine is still missing. Where in the world is he right now? Why has he kept me waiting for so long? I don't ask for much do I? Just a boy who loves me and will allow me to love him with all my heart. All these years that I have waited for him, I wonder where he is now. I wonder if he's just like me, lost, lonely and sad. I wonder if he is searching for me too. If he is, I wonder why faith must play us both as fools and not allow us to find each other. Maybe we have to wait a little longer until we see each other, who knows. Or maybe, in life there are many unlucky people who never find romance, maybe I'm just one of those people.

But I don't want to be. So where in the world is he? I long for his love, I yearn for him to hold me. So much that almost every night I fall asleep, I'd try to imagine a boy, smiling at me, taking my hands, meeting me halfway, and asking me where we both have been for so long. I just want him to appear in my life, make himself visible. I want to love him, to care for him. There are many things that I want. I want him to appear and to smile. I want to know what makes him smile. I want to know what his fears are so that I know to sheild him from them. I want to be there for him, and I want to love him. I want to be the girl he misses seeing, and I want to miss him. I want to care for him, to wipe his tears when he is crying, to make him smile when he is sad, to take away all his worries. I want to hug him, to hold his hand. I want to kiss him. I want to brag that he is my one and that he is the best in the world. I want to say that he is my perfection. Is that really so wrong? Even though I can't cook, I want to learn how to for him. I want to eat with him. I want to talk with him on the phone for hours. I want to fall asleep in his arms. I want to mess with his hair. I want to be the one who gets him to smile after a bad day. I want to see his smile that lights up my whole world. I want to listen to songs with him. I want to write about him. I want to draw him and think about him. I want to love him.

Sadly in this cruel reality, I'm afraid I won't ever find him. Why? Because I am not that lucky in the department of love and romance. I've seen many, many people part from this world without romance in their life. I'm afraid I may be one of those people. No matter how much I don't want to be, my entire past is reflecting on that truth. I know I am not that lucky to find him. So, that's why I lie that I already have. I lie so that I don't feel as broken. Maybe one day when he finds me, he can see through all my lies but still want to be with me. Am I a fool for thinking that way? Really is it so bad that I am lying about something so silly?

...

Who am I kidding. I'm not that lucky in the love and romance department. Every single relationship I've had only ended in tears with me being the one hurt. Everything I do always backfires and blows up in my face. Everything. Who am I kidding about love at first sight or a sweet and silly little love story. Life isn't that simple. Life is sadly all about fame and money, if not one then the other. For me, my entire past leads me into believing that I will never find him. I guess I will just have to live with my silly little dreams. Sometimes my dreams are so vivid I wake up thinking they really did happen and I really was with him. If only they become reality. Sadly, life isn't that charitable. Sadly...

=====================================

Well enough of me stressing about love and romance that my life lacks. ^_^ So lately I've been pretty busy with school and I don't have the chance or emotions to write much anymore, but rest assured all the works that I have started I will finish some day. Hmm, also I've been pulled back into the obsession with Harry Potter...I'm silly and weird I know ^_^ But well so I've been re-reading Harry Potter and re-watching Harry Potter. The weird thing is, I don't love the main characters, I actually love two very small characters in Harry Potter. Lupin and Tonks...I just can't get enough of them and wish that J.K. Rowling never killed them off...or at least gave them more screen time in the story. But hey, I don't create life. So sadly, I'll just have to live with the little time they get. Aish, Lupin and Tonks...hahahaha, I'm weird I know. Deal with it. ^_^

From Dawn Till Dusk - 10 - Lost & Found in Hong Kong

===
November 15, 2011……5:30 p.m.
===

It had been over a week already and her wound still pained now and then, causing her face to twist slightly in turmoil. Nancy sat up from her white leather sofa, her good arm trying to ease down the pain by massaging areas around her wound. That didn’t seem to be working as the pain and aching only stayed there. She sighed out of frustration and pushed herself off the sofa and into the kitchen, looking for some painkillers. Ron stood in the kitchen with an apron on, looking like a stay-at-home husband as he was getting dinner ready for both of them. As Nancy raided the medicine cabinet, he looked up, placed down his knife, wiped his hands and walked over, holding her from behind as he reached up for the painkillers.

“You don’t have to put up a tough girl act in front of me. You can whine all you want,” he spoke softly by her ear as he took out two pills for her.

She laughed softly, leaning back into his embrace. “I’ve just been so tense lately and I don’t want to bring you more troubles than you already have.”

“You’re my fiancée, what trouble can you bring? I’m just thankful you haven’t done anything risky in the past couple days,” he sighed, kissing her neck. “Now as for your mom and Fala, maybe you should try to arrange a day where they both could sit down and talk. Fala still doesn’t know that Michelle is your mother, and I doubt neither does Michelle. The first step may be to break the ice first. Then go on from there.”

Nancy sighed as she held onto Ron’s arms around her. “I don’t know how you always manage to say the right things, but you do. Thank you.”

He laughed softly as he kissed her neck several times again. Then he straightened up and gently turned her face facing him, looking into her eyes. “Can we finally get married after your family gets back together? I think your mom would be pleased to see the wedding herself, rather than on video.” His voice was gentle, kind and sincere as he gazed into her soft eyes.

She simply nodded. Whenever Ron would mention their unplanned wedding, she would always have a mixture of feelings arouse inside of her. On one part she felt unsure of when they could get married, due to all the troubles that kept on coming their way. On another part, she felt guilty that she had been putting it off for so long. Then on the last part, she was quite happy on how faithful he is and how lucky she was to find a guy like him. She smiled as she could just remember the two days when they first met. It was an ironic story, but in her lifetime, they have had two first meetings.

“Now the end of this month, how about we take a day off for the two of us? When your wound closes and we could you know, get risky?” Ron asked with a slight sign of mischief in his eyes.

Nancy smiled and looked back at him with eyes that dared him to continue, in a pleasant way. “You know, you are the worse at asking for dates. But somehow I always end up giving up to you…and I guess this is no exception.”

They both laughed in unison as Ron leaned in closer and placed his lips on hers. He kissed her gently at first. Then slowly he pushed harder and harder until they reached a small level of their usual passion. He knew Nancy was tired, so he didn’t dare push for more, but right then and there, just having her in his arms, kissing him back was enough for him.

===

Even during late hours, the office floors of the police station still bustled with people coming in and out, most were criminals being escorted by cold-faced police officers. Fala stood in the hallway, waiting patiently for the man of whom she had agreed to meet with come face her. Occasionally she would look down at her watch and then look up again, but she still saw no one. After what seemed like a long time of waiting, the usual sloppy mess of a police officer showed up. Something was different about him though as Fala took a closer look at him. He had actually combed his hair just to meet her?

“Bosco, what took you so long?” She asked once he stopped in front of her.

“I had to get a statement for Nancy. With your sister and her fiancé off, it’s been a busy day.”

“Did you actually comb your hair?” Fala asked. “You never look nice unless for some special occasion. And look, you’re even wearing a collar shirt!”

“Ok forensics, I don’t need an excuse to dress nicely. I just thought I’d wearing this shirt since it’s been hanging in my closet for so long. And as for my hair, I don’t know why it looks like this, it just does!” he laughed at her.

Fala shook her head. “Whatever you say,” she sighed. “Here are the DNA tests and documents.”

“Thanks,” Bosco replied. “But I guess I do have a small reason to dress up today.” He leaned in.

“What is it?” Fala asked, oblivious to his actions as he came closer to her.

As innocent as she was in terms of romantic relationships, Fala didn’t realize it until a second after it had already happened. Bosco had come closer to her, and quick as lightning, he placed a gentle kiss on the side of her cheek. It was something reckless for him to do, but not impossible. He leaned back and rocked on his feet with a smile on as Fala stood frozen as ice, surprised and speechless, unsure of what to say.

“I know you’re single,” Bosco smirked. “Nancy complains about that all the time. What do you say you give me a chance and go on a date?”

Without thinking, Fala wanted the best excuse to reject Bosco, mainly because she didn’t want to have a boyfriend at the time. So what would be the best excuse? “I already have a boyfriend, thank you,” she replied. Then afterwards, she wanted to mentally kick herself a million times realizing what excuse she had just given him.

“Really?” Bosco asked. “I don’t believe you. Look I just kissed you and you’re blushing.”

“I do, he’s going to pick me up right now,” Fala continued, wanting to kick herself even more.

“Alright, I’ll walk you down and see your boyfriend down there,” Bosco offered as he pushed her to continue walking towards the elevator.

As she walked, Fala’s mind shot to a complete mess. She wondered how she would ever pull it off to convince Bosco to back away from her. She wasn’t surprised that Bosco liked her. She was surprised at how strongly he came on and how stupid she was all of a sudden to say she had a boyfriend, which didn’t exist. She doesn’t have a boyfriend, how will she pull out a fake one in five minutes? That’s it! Ruco’s name suddenly appeared in her head as she quickly pulled out her phone and hoped to God he’d pick up.

“Hello?” Ruco’s voice came on over the line.

“Ruco? Can you pick me up at the police station front doors?”

“Sure I’ll be right there, but what’s going on?”

She quickly hung up before he could finish, hoping not to lead Bosco into thinking this was all an act. “There, my boyfriend will be picking me up.”

“I’m still coming to see,” Bosco smiled.

They walked into the elevator and Bosco pressed the button for the first floor. Fala stood beside him awkwardly as she wondered what else she should try to pull off to convince Bosco to back away from her. She knew she didn’t like him in any special way besides just friends, but she had no clue how to handle her current situation. Her sister was right, Fala may act like the older sister, but in terms of romance she will always be the younger one.

Stepping out of the sliding glass doors, Fala could see the young man standing there beside his car, waiting for her. He had on a light blue polo and worn out jeans, his goatee and moustache nicely trimmed and his eyes lit up once he saw her. His hands were in his pocket and he smiled as she walked towards him. He had a sense of confusion in him though once she came up closer than she would normally do.

“What did…?”

“Shh,” she hushed him quickly as she wrapped her hands around his neck. “I’m sorry but play along, please,” she spoke again before suddenly her lips were on his.

Ruco was surprised and his heart nearly burst out of his chest, but he finally calmed down after a moment. Fala didn’t seem to know what to do, but he guessed that she was trying to give him a kiss. He really didn’t mind playing along with such a pretty girl, and so he returned her kiss, leading the way for her as Fala’s lips eased up and softened along with his. After a moment, when Ruco was about to close his eyes and push closer to her, Fala pulled back gently and smiled awkwardly at him.

She then turned around to the officer who stood behind her. “Believe me now Bosco? Bye!”

As they got into his car, Ruco finally had the chance to ask her. “What was that?” he laughed.

“I’m sorry,” Fala stressed, looking at him with innocent and sincere eyes. “That was Bosco Wong, I’m sure you already know him. He wanted to go out on a date with him and I didn’t want to lead him on because I don’t like him that way and I couldn’t come up with a good excuse to get him to back off because he came on pretty strong and just then your name suddenly appeared in my head and I knew that you would never like me that way due to how different we are but I guess since we’re friends you would help me out and so I called you to pick me up to have him think that you’re my boyfriend and I knew he was still suspecting me so I didn’t know what to do so I just kissed you! I’m sorry!” Fala spilled out, speaking too fast as she tried to explain.

Ruco only laughed at her silliness. “It’s ok, I didn’t mind the kiss. It was good, thanks.”

“What?” Fala replied, confused.

“Nothing,” Ruco laughed and shook his head. “You know, I could actually fall for you too if this keeps happening.”

“Don’t say that. I don’t want a boyfriend right now, I still have a career to focus on,” she sighed.

“Whatever you say. But just remember, now in front of Inspector Wong we’re boyfriend and girlfriend. I’m up for helping you with the act. Now it all falls on you to tie it together.”

Fala sighed as she leaned back in her seat. “Fine.”

“Alright, so we’re setting up a date at the end of the month and having him accidentally run into us so that he’s convinced you have a boyfriend.”

“Fine,” Fala sighed again. “Wait, what?” she suddenly sat up, realizing what she had agreed to. It was one heck of a strange night for her. She had just managed to avoid Bosco’s date but then somehow ended up agreeing to a date with Ruco. She fell back in her seat and sighed, giving up.

===
November 17, 2011……2:30 p.m.
===

That day was probably the last day he’d see Yoyo for a while. She was boarding a plane in the evening, heading for Toronto, Canada. He was hoping that bringing her away from Hong Kong and into the hands of a closely trusted friend, she would have the time to relax and possibly get over her growing, already out of control addiction to drugs. He had helped her pack in the early morning, now he left her alone with her words to Tavia.
Raymond walked into the sunlit living room with two steaming coffee mugs in his hands. As he sat down, he handed one to Michelle and placed his on the table. The elegant woman set down her magazine as she turned to him with her soft and gentle eyes.

“Are you sad that she’s leaving?” Michelle asked.

“No,” Raymond replied, shaking his head. “At least I’ll know that she’ll be safe over there.”

She nodded and took small sip of her coffee. “I’ll only send her over until everything settles down. With Kevin Cheng knowing her relationship to you, he’ll use her against you. That’s why we need to worry about our family members in this business. Thankfully, my two girls are elsewhere. Otherwise, I wouldn’t know how to face them if they are harmed in this struggle between me and Kevin. I wouldn’t know how to face them if they were harmed because of me.”

“But you told me you left your two only daughters in an orphanage in Beijing. Aren’t you ever going to look for them?”

“I did,” Michelle sighed. “Sadly when I came over there a few years ago, the caretaker told me the younger sister had been adopted. Nancy, the older one ran away and they both ended up in an orphanage in Hong Kong. When I came to the orphanage in Hong Kong, both girls had left already. I just hope they’re ok and happy wherever they are.”

“Not that I don’t support you. I’ll never forget all the good things you did for me. You treated me like your own son and I treat you like my own mother. So with our relationship, I want to know why you’re taking such a big risk in fighting Kevin Cheng for 14K. Sure you have an even chance of winning, but it’s still too risky.”

Michelle set down her coffee and looked up, staring at something far away in the distant horizon. She watched as the sun rose high up in the sky, glimmering down upon her for coming success. “I’m doing this, because I want to get back at him for all of those years. When I met his father, I thought my chance had come. If I married him, me and my two little girls would live a happy and fulfilled life. His father tricked me into leaving my girls back at the orphanage in Beijing for safety and promised me that once things got settled down we’d go back and get them. Well it all turned out to be a lie. Once things settled down, he had his men watch me all the time and he wouldn’t allow me to even step near an orphanage. He wanted his son to be my only priority. That kid never even respected me and as he grew older, he would always create trouble for me. Because of him and his father, I lost contact with my precious little girls. For twenty years I didn’t know how they were doing or if they’re safe or happy. For twenty years I’d spend every night wondering how their day went and wishing that I’d be able to care for them again. I thought that once his father died, I’d be able to see my girls. But it was too late. So the only form of vengeance I could think of was to bring his life’s work down to ruins. Once I have 14K in my hands, taking it down would be easier than ever. That’s why I have to fight with Kevin for it. I’ve already won over two elders to support me through bribery and blackmail. Nothing beats the power of money in this world.”

He sighed and took her hands. Raymond sat close to her, treating her as if she was his own mother and caring for her like so. “You have good reasons for doing all of this. But just please promise me when you come to trouble, get help immediately. I know you’re tough but as a woman, you have the right to ask for help. At the end of the day you’re still just a woman. Remember to choose your life over vengeance. You still have two daughters somewhere out there. Don’t forget that.”

Michelle chuckled lightly and replied to him with a tight squeeze to his hands. “You sound just like that girl who saved my life from the police station.”

“Nancy Wu, the recklessly amusing cop?” Raymond replied. “I said this because I care about you and I treat you as my mother.”

“She said the same thing and that was the first time we saw each other. Though for some reason, I have this strange feeling about her. I feel close to that girl. The whole time I was there, I was fighting the feeling to hug her. I didn’t want to seem weird and weak.”

“I guess Nancy does have her way with people then,” Raymond replied. “I like her too, and like you, we’re triads and she’s a cop.”

“Maybe not all cops are justice blinded fools then.”

“Not all of them, but some of them are still pretty bad people. Kate Tsui, that other police officer, I suspect something about her. Once we all established that Macy’s move might somehow be related to Kevin Cheng, she suddenly acted really weird. If I didn’t know better, I might even think that Kate is somehow associated with Kevin.”

“I doubt you’ll have to worry. Besides, she seems like she could do little to harm me.”

“I just hope so then,” Raymond replied, finally picking up his coffee mug.

===

Her mind was saddened once she realized she won’t know when the next time she’ll be able to see Raymond again will be. Yoyo never had the chance to properly thank him, and with her leaving him alone, she couldn’t help but worry. As she finished packing the last of her things, she turned back and smiled at the young woman who sat quietly on her bed with her hair tied back, wearing a casual flannel shirt that still made her look stunning. Looking at that woman, Yoyo felt at ease leaving Raymond with her. She knew that the woman, Tavia Yeung, would take care of her only brother properly.

Yoyo smiled, sadness showing in her eyes. “Promise me you’ll look after Raymond when I’m gone. He tends to get himself in a lot of trouble. But he’s a good guy.”

Tavia nodded and assured her of the promise. “I promise. You won’t have to worry.”

“I know your impression of him wasn’t very good, and I don’t know if over the time you’ve been together that impression has changed or not, but please trust me, he’s not the heartless player that people make him out to be. I feel that with you around, you’ll be able to bring out the real him. He’s only afraid to show others the real him because he’s afraid people will take advantage of him that’s all. He’s not such a heartless person. Please don’t believe in those rumors.”

Tavia nodded. “I won’t believe those rumors, you can count on that. My impression of a person won’t be turned that easily, and I think I’m already starting to see the real Raymond Lam.”

“I don’t talk much to my brother about his romantic relationships, but I know enough that you’re currently his girlfriend, and I know him well enough to say that you’re the first girl whose heart he doesn’t want broken. Please trust him and give him a chance.”

Tavia smiled as she took Yoyo’s hand and held them gently. “You won’t have to worry. I don’t know what had happened to you two in the past that caused Raymond to build such a wall around his heart, but I will be sure to give him a chance and I will be sure to treat him well.”

“Raymond never told you about our past did he?” Yoyo asked.

“No, the most I’ve heard was about you and him a couple years back.”

Yoyo gave her a warm smile, one of which only an innocent little sister of someone could give off. She looked down at their hands as she began speaking again, slowly and gently. “He used to be very different actually. When we were kids, Raymond could actually be considered a nerd. He went to school and then home to study. He’d help mom, dad and me and never complain. He was the nicest guy ever and was probably such a pushover in school. Raymond had good grades and really good relations with the teachers. He even aimed to be a lawyer or doctor. He once told me he wanted to be someone who could help people because we need a lot of help back then and the people who helped us such as the social worker people were very kind and very good people.”

“Raymond used to be like that?” Tavia asked as Yoyo gave her a nod. “What happened then?”

===
Lost & Found in Hong Kong - Raymond’s Story
===

I remember I was in elementary school then, and Raymond was in middle school. We had a nice family, a mom a dad and everything. We were very poor though. Dad worked as a mechanic and mom worked in a sweat shop. They’d always come home very late so Raymond and I usually ended up making dinner. It wasn’t a full life, but we were happy the way we were. The only problem was we were so short on money dad was forced to borrow money from the government to keep the rent for our house. When the government stopped loaning us money, the only place left for us to turn to was the loan sharks.
We were too young to realize what exactly had happened, but all we knew was that dad had lost his job as a mechanic and so the only working person was my mom since no one would hire my dad. For a time, living off mom’s salary and borrowed money was all we could do. Raymond was getting close to an age that he could begin working so we thought if we lasted a few more months, my dad could possibly fix Raymond a job in his school so that he could study and work at the same time. We only needed to last a few more months, but before that time was up, the loan sharks suddenly came.
They were scary and mean people and wouldn’t stop beating up my dad until we agreed to pay double the amount we owed by the end of the month. We knew we didn’t have the money, but agreeing to them was all we could do or else dad would be beaten to death. Things didn’t get any better and soon they came back at the end of the month for the money. We of course didn’t have nearly enough. We could barely afford the food on our dinner table. I would always remember that day for the rest of my life. That’s why I hate the people in the gang, they are just like them. I still remember clearly, how their faces all were on that day.
Raymond and I were in the living room as he was tutoring me on something I couldn’t remember. Suddenly the door burst open and these men came in with knives and glass bottles. I didn’t know what was going on but they suddenly started messing up our house, knocking over everything. They beat my mom and dad until we saw blood. When they realized that beating us won’t get them any money, they were going to kill us. Raymond was already really big then and he tried to save us. He managed to knock out two men and as he helped my mom and dad up, we ran out of the apartment. All I could remember was him half carrying me as we were running and then two gunshots rang in my head. I turned around to see my parents both fall to the ground, no voices, no noise coming out from them. I remember Raymond stopped for a moment, shaking with anger. He even turned back and was about to run back there, but then he looked down at me. That was the last time I saw him cry as he picked me up and turned around, running again.

Several months passed and during those months, we were practically living on the streets. He couldn’t go to work or finish school because he couldn’t leave me alone. So Raymond ended up becoming a pickpocket to get us some money. For several months we lived by the change that I got collecting bottles and cardboard and the money that Raymond stole from people on the street. Occasionally we would see those men who ruined our life again on the streets and Raymond would fight them when they are drunk. One time he got hit with a broken glass bottle trying to protect me. You can ask him about it, he still has that scar on his left shoulder. We found out those men were a part of a huge gang called the 14K. Raymond once swore that he would burn down 14K, ironic isn’t it?
Almost a year passed and one day, Raymond had accidentally robbed a woman named Michelle Yim from the 14K. She chased him down and found me. She was alone though so Raymond thought he could handle her if she wanted to hurt us. But she didn’t want to harm us at all. Instead, that woman looked at me with the most gentle and loving eyes ever. When she saw me, she said something like how I reminded her of her younger daughter with my sweet tooth. Michelle didn’t hurt us or turn us into the police. Instead she even took us in and took care of us as if we were her own. She would make us finish high school and even taught me how to be a woman. As we grew older, she was like a replacement mother to us. Till this day, Michelle would still look at me with those warm and gentle eyes.
Then as we grew older, Raymond decided to join the gang and help her out as to repay her. I wanted to help too, but as a girl people kept trying to take advantage of me, and as a girl I had so much at risk. Raymond didn’t want me to be played or get hurt and so he pretended to not be related to me and made me his girlfriend. With his status in the gang, no one dared trick me or lay a finger on me. I was safe for the time being under his name. With Raymond’s status, he also took revenge on those men who killed our parents and turned our life upside down. I don’t know what exactly he did to them, but I never saw them again after he asked them to meet him out by the bay one night. I couldn’t blame him though. If they didn’t exist, our life would still be like normal, and maybe by now Raymond would be a successful man and our parents might still be alive. If not for them, Raymond wouldn’t have to give up his dream of helping people and end up contradicting his own ambitions.
He once said he was going to become someone who would help people. Now he’s someone who needs help himself. He also said that he was going to burn down 14K. Now he’s a high ranked member of the very organization that killed our parents. Life is such a heartless irony isn’t it? You end up becoming the very thing you said you’d never be.

===

Her mind was still wrapped around the idea of how different Raymond and Yoyo’s personality used to be. She would never imagine him to be of how Yoyo had described, never at all. As she stood there halfway in a trance, Yoyo wrapped her arms around Tavia’s neck and gave her a tight hug, subconsciously asking her to keep Raymond out of unnecessary trouble while she was gone. Tavia smiled as she returned with a hug and an assuring nod. As she let go, Yoyo slowly turned around and pushed her cart of heavy luggage away from them, heading for the destination gate and her terminal.

“Remember to call when you get there,” Raymond spoke as he watched her leave longingly.

“She won’t turn around, if she did she might start crying,” Michelle sighed. She then turned to Raymond and patted his shoulder. “This is the first time you two have been apart isn’t it? Don’t worry, it is for the best. You can trust that Yoyo will be safe and sound over in Canada. After she gets over her addiction, I even enrolled her in a college course. Hopefully when she comes back she’ll have a degree under her hand.”

Raymond nodded as he took Tavia’s hand without saying a word to her. “Michelle, thank you. Without your help all these years, I don’t know where Yoyo and I would end up.”

“You’re making it sound like you’re leaving as well,” Michelle smiled. She then turned to Tavia.

It was then that Tavia suddenly remembered something, something that suddenly made all the sense in the world to her and tied everything together. Michelle’s eyes, they were warm and gentle just as Yoyo had explained. Tavia also remembered something Nancy had revealed to her long ago. Nancy rarely ever spoke about her missing mother, but when she did the impression she left Tavia with was that no matter how heartless the woman was, one look into her eyes and the world suddenly seemed like a better place. Nancy had once told her that her mother’s eyes were the warmest and most gentle place on the face of the Earth. When Tavia looked back into Michelle’s eyes, she suddenly realized all the care and tender in there. Then she finally thought. Could Michelle be Nancy’s mom? It was all just a feeling or a guess, but she could picture Michelle and Nancy be related. As she began thinking about it, the two women were so much alike from their very features down to their personality.

“Tavia,” Michelle began. “I’m sure with you by his side. This kid here would be a lot better off.”

Tavia nodded and simply smiled as she was still wrapped up in the enchantment of her eyes.

“Do you plan on looking for your daughters now that you have one less worry on your mind?” Raymond suddenly asked.

Michelle smile and nodded. “Hopefully fate won’t play yet another trick on me this time. I’ll see you two later then. I still have a few meetings to attend,” she smiled and turned around, taking slow steps in leaving the airport.

“Her daughters?” Tavia asked as she watched Michelle leave.

Raymond stepped in front of her, taking both her hands up and looking into her eyes as he spoke to her. That was the first time she had the crazy urge to just hug him without control. “Yeah,” Raymond nodded. “Michelle had two daughters of whom she had lost contact with and now she’s still trying to find them.”

“That’s ironic,” Tavia mumbled.

“What’s ironic?”

“Nothing,” she replied, realizing she should have a good talk with Nancy first before she ends up stirring a misunderstanding between everyone. “What do you plan on doing now?”

“I don’t know,” Raymond replied as he placed his arms gently around her waist. “Like Michelle, I too have just had one worry lifted off my shoulders. I’m in a mood to celebrate.”

“One minute you were sad that your sister’s leaving and now you’re in a mood to celebrate?” Tavia laughed as she discreetly danced around in Raymond’s arms.

He nodded. “I was, but now I’m happy because I know that at least she’ll be safe, away from all the drama and problems of this restless city.”

“So what do you plan on doing to celebrate? Are you going to hit the club and play around with some of the girls there?”

Raymond shook his head as he leaned down closer to her face. “I already have a girlfriend, why would I want to play around with other girls?” He watched Tavia as she began to blush. Raymond smiled as he saw her lips begin to curl upwards in a shy happiness. “This might actually be the first time you’re being shy around me,” he commented. “Miss Tavia Yeung, would you like to accompany me to dinner, a movie date, and then relaxing at my place?”

Tavia smiled, trying to avoid embarrassment by shying away from Raymond’s eyes. “I would love to,” she replied. Just as she finished, Raymond’s lips suddenly stopped everything around them as he kissed her. It was a strong coming, a passionate kiss that she overly enjoyed. She began to close her eyes softly, pulling him closer to her, holding him tighter as she let go of anything that restricted her from loving the man she had in her arms.

?.? Where Have I Been ?.?

So I didn't even touch my blog for the past week or two maybe? School is just such a troublesome thing, not because of drama, no I'm immune to it haha >:D But it's more of school work. In trig I'm learning about verifying trig functions...o.O...someone help?!?! IDK what I'm doing, honestly I think I'm gonna fail!!!

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Anyways, so school has been keeping me way too busy. I haven't had the chance to write any new poems yet, I just have not been in the writing mood lately. My next chapter for "From Dawn Till Dusk"? Well I think hopefully I'll have it up by this weekend.

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O BTW this post is just me rambling haha ^_^

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Anyways, I did say I was also going to start another story titled "Midnight Sun", but I changed the title...Stephenie Meyer -.- (I thought of the title first, like five years ago, I have proof so :P U!) So I changed the title and somehow it ended up trailing to a whole different story haha. So hopefully I'll start working on that soon or after this current fan fiction. I'm think of "Before We Change" as the title, how does that sound? It's about either business or lawyers, I haven't decided. Well, time to hit the resource books....jk lol when I write it's 100% fictional, I don't have a clue about either of those topics!

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Now since I have just turned 16 last December, I've finally gotten my permit like last month maybe? But now I've also convinced my parents to get me a car!!! We decided on a 2008 Honda Accord...good car? IDK. But I need money for the down payment haha, I'm kinda spoiled, but I know what I have so :P none of that bratty nonsense.

I'm also a terrible driver by the way, I totally have ADHD. I nearly...NEARLY hit a stop sign because I was busy looking at it...=.=...don't laugh at me :P

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I've been so bored lately so for this post I'm just randomly blabbing and talking nonsense. I probably should've posted this in the beginning but I'm too lazy to scroll up and change that now so...DON'T READ UNLESS YOU'RE DYING OF BOREDOM or something in that area.

^_^

<3

From Dawn Till Dusk - 09 - On the Verge of Fate

=== November 7, 2011……7:15 a.m. === Their gazes at each other were strong and unbreakable, staring intently into the iris of the others. Nancy bit her lower lip lightly once she realized how much of a gamble it would be to quietly rescue Michelle off of the boat. As the speedboat came to a silent whisper on the water, Fala stepped away from the wheel and looked back at her sister. Ron had his arms folded, listening in on the conversation between Macy and Raymond as he tried to figure a way to get Michelle safely off the boat without causing an unwanted shoot-out. While the world seemed to be revolving around her, her eyes were fixed on the woman up ahead. Nancy had nearly forgotten the troublesome situation she was in and had drifted into her own world. Looking into Michelle’s eyes, Nancy’s long lost memories seemed to have returned to her entirely, perhaps even stronger and more vivid than before. Before her eyes she could see two chubby little girl, full of smiles as they watched their mother create lovely chocolate treats in the back kitchen of a bakery. [FLASHBACK] Scented with the delicious aroma of sweet, baked goods, the kitchen of the bakery, though lined with metal equipments, was still a warm and lovely place to be. The calendar said it was a Friday on a beautiful summer afternoon. Students had just gotten out of school and the day seemed to have just started all over again. Inside the kitchen, a woman stood beside the large metal table centered in the middle of the kitchen, her hands stirring back and forth a large batch of batter. In front of her sat two little girls, their smiles lined with the white icing of a stuffed pastry. Little sounds of laughter and giggles could be heard as the hours drifted by. “You two are so naughty today,” the mother smiled, bringing over a new batch of batter. “Fala’s just learning how to eat. I’ve got to make sure she gets to try every single thing here!” the little girl in a small pony tail and polka-dotted dress laughed as she gently fed yet another piece of brownie into her sister’s mouth. “Nancy, careful. Fala’s teeth haven’t grown all in yet,” the woman smiled as she wiped her hands on her apron. “I know mommy!” the girl replied in a high pitched smile. The woman walked around the table, wiping the icing off of the two little girls’ smiling faces. She laughed in a gentle and warm tone when the older sister of the two managed to place icing on the tip of her nose. She shook her head and laughed when the little girl replied with a puppy face and covered her mouth, giggling. [END OF FLASHBACK] Her eyes were off in the distance somewhere as she rekindled the sweet memories of her childhood, carefully filtering out each one. Nancy must’ve accidentally let out a smile as Ron turned his eyes to her and saw that she and Michelle both had the very same expression. Looking between Michelle and Nancy, Ron saw how the expressions on their faces are nearly in-sync and how strongly Nancy resembled Michelle, from eyes to lips and possibly even to the personality. He held Nancy’s hand in his, squeezing it just a little tighter to bring her heart and mind back to reality, in a situation where her mother’s life was laid out before her. Nancy turned to him both exchanging glances that questioned each other what to do next. “Where did you drift off to?” he asked her quietly, noticing that Fala was still on the boat, listening intently to the conversation between Macy, Raymond and now Tavia as well. “Childhood memories,” Nancy sighed. “She must’ve just had the same thing happen to her,” Ron pointed out. “Your mother, Michelle.” “You saw?” she asked. A short moment afterwards, Nancy let out a small sound of laughter, bittersweet right down to the smile she gave him. “I doubt she did. Look at her. She’s a triad now, not the gentle and motherly woman that I remembered. They’re all distant memories now.” “She’s still your mom,” Ron reminded her with a tight squeeze to her hand. “Now we still have to find a way to get her off the boat safely.” Nancy’s expression turned straight as she looked back up at the boat. “I’ve got an idea,” she began. She then turned to Ron with a serious expression on. “But you could say it’s a little reckless. Can you trust me on this one?” “I’ve trusted you many times before. Though you tend to raise my blood pressure a bit, things tend to turn out alright,” Ron sighed. “If I cover you, do you think the chances of success would be greater?” he questioned. Seeing his sudden understanding and giving into her ideas, Nancy slipped out a small, gentle smile. “100%,” she replied assuring him of her plan. “Tell Fala not to worry.” From the corner of his eyes, Ron saw that Bosco had been waiting patiently in position, his gun in his hand and showed not a moment of holding back. He glanced over at Kate who stood still, nearly invisible with her gun out of sight. It stirred him how she wasn’t even planning on helping, but he would have to tend to that matter a bit later. As he turned back, both he and Fala saw Nancy swing off of the speedboat, hanging onto a side rope that hung from the larger boat just below where Macy stood. He covered Fala’s mouth just as she was about to speak and whispered something nearly inaudible to her. Fala settled down and bit her lower lip slightly, watching as Nancy swung steadily and quietly from the rope onto a stronger railing of the ship. Ron pulled Fala back behind him as he quietly took his gun out, placed the silencer on and cocked it in preparation. His eyes straight, he found his target immediately, following the tip of his gun to her every movement on the bow of the ship. Fala took over the radio, speaking something into it, quiet enough so as not to stir unwanted attention, but loud enough for the receiver on the other end of the line to hear her. “Bosco, Ron said to position your shot for Macy’s gun. Nancy’s going up there so be careful not to shoot her.” It surprised her a bit as Bosco gave her a quick response. That must’ve been the first time Bosco had spoken directly to her, and he had a sweet, childish voice that she could get used to. “No worries doctor, I’ll be careful not to lay a scratch on your sister. Wouldn’t want you and Ron after me,” he laughed. She could see his confident smile behind his sunglasses from far away as he hung up the radio on her. Her usual impression of Bosco was suddenly questioned when she noticed a distinct glow around him, enhancing his simple features and even making him look quite attractive. She herself was surprised. What was with all her choices in guys recently? First, triad boy Ruco, and now the usual sloppy mess Bosco. Fala sighed and shook her head, pulling herself back to the current situation. What was she doing, thinking about silly nonsense at such a crucial time? === The sun was climbing to a higher point in the sky as minutes passed quickly before her. Macy’s voice was becoming dry as she yelled across the open waters to Raymond, convincing him to let go of whatever or whoever was holding him back and leave with her. It had occurred to her that no matter how much she convinced him, Raymond still wasn’t going to take one step out of Hong Kong with her. The only thing left for her to do then was kick start the engine that had been warmed up. Then push the old woman who stood in front of her overboard. Her options were limited before her, but she still wasn’t going to leave until she tried her hardest on changing Raymond’s mind. All those nights she had spent with him, though they talked very little to each other, she felt something very strong towards him. She had felt something so strong that she was willing to risk all that she had to get him to be hers and hers alone, even going past the point of no return. She wasn’t going to leave him so easily, not after everything that she had done and everything that she had gone through to get him. Macy stopped a moment and swallowed, trying to refresh her throat with whatever traces of liquid she had in her mouth and she spoke again. “Why won’t you leave with me?” Macy yelled across the open space between them. “You said it yourself very often, you’ve always wanted to get away from this wretched city. Well here’s your chance! Why won’t you take it?” He was caught in a twist of surprise and disbelief as he watched the innocent and shy little girl he once knew turn into such a messed up street woman. Raymond held back his thoughts for a slight moment. His plan was going to drag it out as long as possible for the cops to do their job, until he turned and out of the corner of his eyes he saw Tavia. She was standing up arm distance away, her hands gripping the railing tightly as she watched, worried. Just seeing her beside him, seeing the way her eyes were looking far out and occasionally turning back to him, they just make him want to yell out whatever he was thinking. He wanted both her and Macy to know that because of Tavia, he had nearly abandoned his past plans and want to start anew with a different name to him. He wanted them to know that because of Tavia, he didn’t want to be a player and ‘love’ multiple hearts at the same time anymore. Lastly, he wanted Tavia to know, for it to come to her knowledge, that for her he felt something he couldn’t explain, something he really liked, and something he would love to have forever. “I won’t take that chance because there are things left in Hong Kong I still have yet to do!” Macy’s expression showed confusion as she stared back at him. “What do you still have to do?” Something came to his mind at that moment, something good and very clever actually. He discreetly glanced at Tavia for a moment, seeing that she had now fixed her gaze directly on both him and Macy at an angle. Raymond knew that to stir Macy’s attention away from Michelle and allowing the cops to do their job easier, he would have to make her really mad. “I’m in love with a woman in Hong Kong!” he screamed his heart out. “…and I can’t leave until that woman agrees to admit that I’m her boyfriend and promise to marry me!” He watched as Macy’s curiosity and frustration got the better of her as she stepped forward on the bow, away from Michelle and closer to Raymond. Tavia was now in shock. She shot yet another brief glance at her and she seemed to be frozen in her stance. He knew that he had just stirred Macy up enough for her attention to be on him for a little bit longer. What he didn’t know was what was going on in Tavia’s mind. Raymond sighed, fishing for more words to say to keep Macy’s attention. As for Tavia, he will have to have a proper one on one conversation with her later. Finally, from behind Macy, he could see a small figure, knowing it was Nancy’s, sneak up onto the boat and quietly making her way to Michelle. === Slyly, she had managed to get herself onto the front of the boat in silence. It had never occurred to her but climbing a boat in silence really took a lot of effort as she feared that with one noise Macy would turn around and who knows what she would do. Quietly, she snuck over to Michelle, the woman who stood there, staring back at Nancy with gentle eyes, waiting to be rescued. She turned her body around, holding her hands out first, waiting as the stranger with a shocking familiarity came closer to her. Nancy could feel her heartbeat rising as each step she took brought her closer to her own mother. It frustrated her, killing her on the inside how she couldn’t scream and vent all her frustrations on that woman. She ignored her temptation to do so and instead only came over in silence and began untying the woman. “Thank you officer,” the woman spoke quietly. Nancy’s heart nearly stopped at the sound of her voice. How many years has it been since Nancy had heard that voice again? She could still remember the soft ring and the warmth it had to it. Tears came to her eyes and her hand shook for a short moment. What was she going to do afterwards? After rescuing Michelle, will she end up in a game of cat and mouse with her own mother, or will they be able to recover all those lost years? Pain came to her when more memories of the past came back, unfiltered. She remembered exactly the day Michelle left both Nancy and Fala for her own selfishness. “Miss?” Michelle questioned, wondering what was taking Nancy so long. She quickly blinked away the tears gathered in her eyes and continued untying the tight knot. She laughed sullenly, “How do I untie this knot?” Nancy asked. She didn’t know whether she was asking herself or the woman before her. She definitely didn’t know whether she was asking about the physical knot in her hand or the knot her life was in. “Don’t rush, it will eventually loosen up,” Michelle replied wisely. Nancy knew Michelle was simply referring to the physical knot in their hands, but in Nancy’s mind, those words could nicely apply to her life’s knot. “Raymond seemed to have things under control. That should give you enough time. Who is that girl beside him? I’m not sure I’ve ever seen her before.” She brought herself back into the game. It must’ve been the tenth time she had drifted off into her mind that day. Nancy recalled the words Raymond had declared earlier. She knew they were meant for Tavia, but it surprised her a bit as it came from someone like Raymond. “She’s the girl he’s mentally speaking to,” Nancy replied. === “Raymond Lam!” Macy yelled. “Why did you have to lure me in so deep?!” That was just the push they needed. Tavia’s eyes were wide and surprised, staring back at him in silence. Raymond was silent to her, unknowingly swaying closer to her. He then turned back to Macy. She was now bent over the railing of the bow, screaming something at him, tears forming in her eyes. He admitted it was cruel, but he needed to get Macy far away from Michelle and Nancy. Seeing Nancy nearly finished in untying Michelle, Raymond screamed back, now more serious than before, hoping to keep Macy’s attention for just a little longer. “I’m sorry!” he yelled. “I just never expected things to turn out this way! I never expected you to change so much for me! I’m very sorry Macy! But I can’t lie to myself either! Sure before I wanted to get out of Hong Kong very badly, but now I have found something that makes me want to stay. I’m so sorry!” Tavia placed her hand on his, not knowing what to say, unsure of what to believe, and puzzled on what she should do next. Raymond turned around for a brief moment, looking into her eyes. Something he had said suddenly made all the world matter to her. She watched as Macy slammed her fist on the metal railing, tears streaming. Tavia could see the pain that streamed through Macy’s body. She thought all women could. But yet, though Tavia felt sympathy for her, she understood the situation Raymond was in. She sighed. Blinded by her tears, Macy knew of nothing else to do. She felt a piercing pain in her somewhere, somewhere she couldn’t pinpoint exactly where it was. Her left hand came up, wiping her tears away as he right turned backwards, finger on the trigger and ready to fire at the woman she was certain still stood behind her. Macy’s sudden movement caught Nancy by surprise as she hurried to untie Michelle’s legs. Nancy was then rushing more than ever but as he attempts came harder, so did the knot. From behind her she could hear the sound of the safety on the gun clicking. As a cop, she herself knew better than anyone that the sound of the trigger being pulled would come very soon after. The sound of a gunshot bang rang through all their ears. Her mind froze and she admitted that no matter how much harder she tried the knot wouldn’t come undone. She didn’t bother to think as she pushed herself off of the floor and grabbed Michelle, jumping over the railing of the boat and into the open water. She took a breath and hung on tightly to the woman as they jumped head first into the sea, the water crashing against them. It was cold and somehow painful for her. Pain shot near her shoulder and for a second there she couldn’t move. === The smoke could faintly be seen leaving the tip of the black pistol that was held tightly in Bosco’s hand. He looked up from his aim, keeping the gun in position in case he needed another shot. Glad, he let out a sigh once he saw Ron swing himself up on the boat, over the railing and onto Macy. The vivid red color of blood could be seen from Macy’s hand as she tried to reach for the gun that was shot out and now laying yards away from her. Ron took her hand and bent it backwards with force, not caring whether he was hurting her or not. He had something else to worry about, something even greater than his own life. As he quickly pulled out his handcuff, Macy’s other hand had managed to throw a strong and stinging punch at the side of his face. The pain stung him and made him flinch, knowing a bruise was already forming on impact. He continued to pin her down, pushing his weight on her legs as he managed to get one handcuff on her wriggling body. “Ron I can’t see Nancy!” Fala screamed. He could see the speedboat Raymond was on come closer to him. Ron finally managed to get the metal handcuff roughly around Macy’s other wrist as she continue to fight him. He let go of her and pushed himself across the boat floor, his heart desperate to jump into the water. Ron’s one small worry about Macy escaping again was eased when Bosco had gotten up and held her down. He continued on his path, jumping over the metal railing and diving head first into the water. His figure was nearly perfect as a diver as he jumped. Water splashed up like a wave as he got underwater, kicking and pulling himself lower down to look for her. “Let me go!” Macy squealed, kicking and screaming as tears continued to leave her eyes. Bosco had lost his grip for a mere second and she was already on her feet but luckily Raymond had pushed himself on top of her, hugging her and pinning her down at the same time. He held her tight as she tried to push him away. Tavia saw her eyes behind those tears, looking back at her angrily. “Stop it!” Raymond yelled, pinning her down with force but careful not to cause anymore pain that he already had. “Detective Wong I got her, don’t worry,” Raymond sighed. “So close,” Macy sighed in defeat after a while of struggling. “If only I didn’t care about you as much,” she sighed. “I’m sorry,” Raymond spoke. “Macy I’m sorry but I can’t love you when I’ve already got someone else,” he sighed. He then looked up at Tavia who stood speechless, watching him. She didn’t move and her expression was unreadable. At that moment they felt like time had stopped. Tavia could see the sincerity in Raymond’s eyes and that was when it hit her like a speeding truck in her face. She was the one. She was the one he was talking about and she was the one he loved. Unsure of how to respond and what to say, she blinked hard and scurried over to the side of the boat, to the side where Nancy and Ron had jumped from. Tavia bent over, scanning the water. She turned back and looked at Raymond, avoiding eye contact with him, at least until she was certain of how she felt towards him and was able to put her feelings into words. “I’m going to go help Fala pull Ron, Nancy, and Michelle up,” she spoke. === For a moment, water blinded his eyes and stung so badly that he couldn’t see where he was diving in to. After those few seconds of darkness, Ron’s eyes had already nullified the pain and was now desperately searching around, looking for the stubborn woman he fell hopelessly in love with. He kept kicking and swimming deeper and deeper into the water, until he finally saw her. He saw her small body, kicking hard to push not only herself but a woman very close to her as well up and out of the water. While she kicked she scrambled to untie Michelle’s feet. He could see that Nancy was losing energy, and quickly. As fast as he could, he pulled his way over to her. Ron could see Nancy’s shining eyes, glad to see him as he placed his hands over hers to help her untie her knot. He held her hands tight in his, pulling and guiding her finger through her movement, and slowly, finally the knot became undone. The next thing he knew, he had gripped her waist, pulled her close to him and was pushing Michelle alongside her up to the surface. Fala was growing worried, leaning over the swaying water, hoping that sometime soon a familiar face would pop up and alert her that they were all alright. She feared her sister’s stubbornness, knowing Nancy would do something as stupid as jump into salty water with an open wound, and she knew Ron would definitely jump in after her even after his light was nearly knocked out by an amazing side punch. As for that woman, she remembered Michelle was her name, the woman they had all been searching for, for some odd reason, Fala felt a strange connection with her. It was a connection that she couldn’t explain logically. That woman, her face was totally new to her. She was nothing more than a stranger. But yet, how come she didn’t feel like a stranger? Instead she felt like… “Nancy!” Tavia screamed. The two girls on the boat leaned as far over as they could with open arms, waiting to pull the tired couple and mysterious woman out of the water. Nancy didn’t flinch from the pain the water was causing on her wound, something that didn’t surprise any of them. Ron stayed in the water the longest, his right cheek swollen blue as he ignored the sting and lifted Michelle, then Nancy up onto the small, already crowded speedboat. Once they all got on, Fala had already started the engine and were heading back to land. Michelle sat beside Tavia, her eyes watching both Nancy and Fala intently, puzzled as to why she felt a strange feeling towards them. It was a warm feeling, but strange. Nancy leaned back in Ron’s arm but she pulled back once her shoulder unknowingly collided with his chest, causing her wound to sting to the point of tears. She kept quiet though, not even a sound came out of her. Ron carefully placed his arm around her, pulling her closer. Michelle, the woman who didn’t know she was so close to her own flesh and blood, sat quietly, watching the stubborn little girl who seemed so much like herself. === November 7, 2011……11:30 a.m. === They’ve been at it for hours and it was finally time to give it a rest. Ron had surprised himself yet again that day, allowing someone like Raymond to stand there, shoulder to shoulder beside him, watching Bosco as he showed his professionalism in interrogating Macy. Sadly the only thing they managed to get from her was her awkward and apparently undying love for Raymond. Bosco’s eyebrows were shuffled together in the interrogation room as he tried to ask her about her support and aids but all she would give him in reply was her seemingly endless memories with the infamous player. Ron noticed that both he and Raymond had their arms folded and wore nearly the same expression as they watched the interrogation. It irritated him how alike he was to Raymond at that point, but he wouldn’t feel comfortable in changing himself just to have a distinct difference from Raymond. No matter, even if Raymond was a triad member, whatever happened that day had proven more than enough to Ron that under certain circumstances, Raymond was a great help to have. He sighed to himself at the realization. “I really need to stop giving to Nancy’s reckless behaviors,” Ron sighed to himself inaudibly. “Seems as if it’s all over now and things should be back to normal,” Raymond began as he placed his hand on his chin. “But yet I still feel like there’s something wrong.” “To be honest, no matter how much I hate to agree with you, I have the same feeling.” “Michelle’s return was a huge secret, the only outside person I’d expect to uncover it was Kevin Cheng. Macy wouldn’t know anything and the people she associates with in the gang wouldn’t know anything either. I have a feeling that Macy is somehow tied with Kevin.” Ron nodded for a moment. “We’ve followed Kevin Cheng’s activities overseas for quite awhile. From what I can see, I think that he’s manipulating her to take Michelle out. As you said when you asked us to look for Michelle, she came back to fight with Kevin over the main power in 14K. It wouldn’t be surprising for Kevin to want to take Michelle out of the picture before things began.” He glanced over at Raymond, observing his reaction and indeed it was a face Ron had expected from the way things had turned out. “I actually agree with you,” Raymond laughed. He then completely turned and faced Ron with an unreadable but yet pleasant smile across his face. “You know Detective Ng; you’re not such a dick after all. You take care of your girl, do your job right, and have the right ideals,” Raymond smiled as he held out his hand, waiting for a firm shake. Ron was reluctant for a moment, but from all the events that day, he ended up shaking Raymond’s hand anyways. “I wouldn’t expect things like this to happen again too often. I feel like I should keep a closer eye on my fiancée, after all it was her who dragged me into this.” “Give her some room. I think your fiancée is a free spirit, restricting her would only stir fights.” Again, no matter how much he hated to admit it, Raymond was right… === The break room of the police office reeked with a strong and odd smell as the day went by. The sweet aroma of coffee was enhanced five times by Bosco’s cruel attempt to stay awake and force the answers out of Macy if he had to. Along with the scent of coffee, there was also a strong scent of rubbing alcohol, ones not for drinking but used to clean open wounds. “Oh shit!” Nancy accidently screamed in a high pitched voice as she shifted into biting her lower lip. Her face cringed and twisted in pain, so obvious even someone like her couldn’t hide it. “Sit still!” Fala insisted as she peered closer to Nancy’s burning wound, trying to be gentler as she dabbed it lightly with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol. “You’re so reckless, why did you jump into the water?” “I thought I was going to get shot!” Nancy replied, partially laughing as she looked up to Tavia’s confused facial expression. Tavia shook her head and sat down beside Nancy. “Just try not to be reckless for the next couple of days. I think you’ve made Ron and Fala’s blood pressure rise enough for a few days. Even Raymond gave you a fun nickname,” she smiled warmly when mentioning Raymond’s name. “What is it?” Nancy asked, noticing that discreet smile of Tavia’s. “He calls you an amusingly reckless cop,” Tavia laughed. “Hmm,” Nancy replied with a smile. “I don’t know whether to take offense to that or take it as a compliment. But on a side note, don’t tell me you’ve fallen for him.” “What do you mean?” Tavia backed up nervously. “I’ve known you longer than most people. You’re feeling something for him aren’t you?” “No! Of course not!” Tavia replied. “I know, don’t try to hide it. You can lie to anyone but me,” Nancy laughed. “God! Fala! Ouch!” “Stop moving! If you’re going to question Tavia then sit still and do it,” Fala sighed. “I can’t believe you’re my older sister. If I ever meet mom I’m going to ask her if she somehow mistook us for one another and that I’m the older one!” Fala’s eyes widened slightly once she realized which territory of Nancy’s heart she had accidently wandered into, once again. Tavia stayed quiet, watching them and anticipating Nancy’s reaction. Much to her surprise, Nancy shook her head and…laughed it off? “Yeah if you ever meet her again you can ask that. Also ask her to find a good guy for you to marry too! I’ve been waiting for a brother-in-law for ages!” Her eyes lit up when she could see slight signs of blushing on Tavia’s face. A subtle knock came to their ears as the three girls turned to the open entrance way where an aged woman with a gentle face, warm eyes and welcoming smile stood looking in at them. She felt reserved at first, being the center of attention and having to interrupt their active conversation. Tavia took the chance she had and rushed out of the break room, her cheeks growing red with each second. The woman laughed awkwardly as she took slow steps in. “I’m sorry I’m interrupting,” she smiled. “It’s ok, I’m just about done here,” Fala replied in a warm voice. “You two can talk. I still have to go get DNA samples from Macy. In the heat of things I nearly forgot,” she laughed and left the room as Nancy tidied her shirt and sat awkwardly before Michelle. Bewildered, she didn’t know how to render what she saw in front of her. Never could she imagine the day when she would actually see her own mother again and actually be able to sit down and talk to her. Deep down in her heart, Nancy felt nostalgic and fulfilled. The one thing that ruined the sweet feeling of reunion for her was the fact that Michelle didn’t even know that she was their mother. The irony of the whole situation was how oblivious her mother was. “Thank you,” Michelle began. “You’re wounded and you had to stay in the water so long to help me. It must be very painful,” she spoke softly. In her mind, Nancy didn’t know which was more painful. The wound on her back or the fact that she was so close to her mother but she couldn’t expel her emotions onto her. She wanted to yell at Michelle, screaming and asking her why she left them. Then she wanted so badly to hug her, to hold her again and feel like the old days when she actually saw no fault in life. Nancy smiled, her smile discreetly hiding its bitterness behind the mask. “It was nothing. It is my job to protect people. Besides, I can’t just let you fall, that’d be wrong of me.” Michelle laughed and took Nancy’s hand. “You remind me so much of myself. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were my daughter,” she spoke, her tone unreadable. Nancy could feel her heart tighten and her eyes nearly watered if she wasn’t self conscious of herself at that moment. She strained herself to remain discreet and subtle. It was hard, but she fought back her growing desire to yell and scream at Michelle, to release all the questions and emotions she had held back for years. But at that moment, she just couldn’t. She didn’t want to come off on the wrong end with Michelle, not with the already oh so delicate relationship they have and the future troubles she knew was bound to come with their polar opposite status in society. “This must be very odd, the first time in history probably,” Michelle continued softly. “But even though I’m a part of the triad, I feel as though we could be great friends. Too bad it’s your job to put be behind bars and my job to pull as many tricks behind your back as possible. If we didn’t have our statuses today, maybe you’d be happy to join me for coffee some time?” “Yeah, if not for our status,” Nancy mumbled. “I don’t really understand the life you have, but take care and be careful from now on. At the end of the day you’re still just a woman and still very delicate. Watch your back in that treacherous world. I know you’re at odds with Kevin Cheng so try not to get killed before I put you behind bars.” Her voice shook as she spoke those words, but no other thought could come to her mind as she was suppressing most of her true feelings. Maybe it was a good start to warn Michelle about the darkness in the streets. Michelle nodded and smiled, a smile Nancy couldn’t erase from her memories even if she wanted to. “I won’t die before you catch me, but I won’t let you catch me either.” She sat there, dwelling into a variety of topics with a stranger who had just risked her own life to save hers. Michelle couldn’t understand why, but she felt awfully close to this girl. She would blindly explore the strange feeling of warmth and closeness even more if not for the gap between their statuses. After that day, she knew she wouldn’t be able to associate with such a girl again, so it was best to make such a strange moment last and answer all her questions then. The feeling she had was faint, but exchanging words with Nancy, she felt like she was talking to her own daughter. There were so many similarities in them from the smiles to the eyes and then to the very name. Mentally she backed up. This detective who had just saved her couldn’t be her Nancy. She had been sure to leave her two daughters in the mainland where they’d be safer from the exchanges of the city, and surely fate wouldn’t play such a twist on her as to place her own daughter on the very force trying to catch her. No, life isn’t that unpredictable.