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Thread: The Vow

  1. #21
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    Thanks aficionado for the encouragement! <IMG SRC="smilies/blush.gif" border="0"> Yes, I do plan to finish all the fanfics that I've started. When that time will come I don't know. My first goal is to finish this one first than tackle with how to develop "Gatekeepers" further. I am thinking of changing "BOGAE" into a shorter story rather than the very extended version that I had envisioned earlier. Therefore, that might be completed before "Gatekeepers".

    I sincerely do apologize for the long wait. I'm such a SLOW writer that I'm sure all those out there who read my work would want to hurl objects at me or bang on a wall or something. <IMG SRC="smilies/bang.gif" border="0"> I know if I was in your shoes I would want to do this same.

    May I ask if you are from the other forum -- Maggie Siu International Forum? I'm just curious since you seem to know about my other stories as well. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

  2. #22
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    C Monster,

    this is my first time ever joining a forum. i came across your fanfics while browsing thru the net for info about the novel/movie of Xiao Shi Yi Lan (phonetic might be wrong).

    even though i would like to be able to read Gatekeepers and BOGAE as early as possible but i do know you have other committments as well. thus, i'll just wait.

    your fanfics are captivating, you certainly possess great storytelling ability.
    For any journey one makes
    Even if the displacement equates to zero
    Something is being gained
    For the distance travelled is certainly not zero

  3. #23
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    Thanks aficionado and others out there for the support. You really know how to make me <IMG SRC="smilies/blush.gif" border="0">.

    Here's a little bit more to add to this tale. Enjoy!
    ___

    Chapter 13

    “Maggie? Everything’s all right?” Andy asked cautiously. He stole a side glance before resuming his concentration on driving. There was no traffic, but the road to the city from the hospital was especially winding and difficult to navigate. A prolong silence passed. Andy turned again and was greeted by a lost, dejected, glassy expression on his friend’s face. “Maggie?”

    Maggie’s eyes blinked slowly. She wrestled to understand what Andy said. Out of habit, she answered in verbatim, “I’m fine.” Yet, clearly she was not. Seeing Meredith again had dredge up memories that she had wanted to bury and never have to recall ever again. The letter, the necklace and the oath she gave to Meredith in exchange for the ransom money for her father. The softness of her baby’s cheek when she kissed him for the very last time before she left for Macao. Her father’s last words as she cradled his head while sitting in a small pool of his blood. She has long since come to terms and learn to live with the results of her decisions. But to remember and relive these heart wrenching partings were…. Maggie shook her head back and forth, vigorously hoping to wipe them from her mind.

    “Maggie? Mag? What’s wrong?”

    Upon hearing the familiar pet name used, she snapped back from the abyss. In a calmer voice, she replied, “Nothing, Andy. I was just thinking how I envy Sammi. I know it’s wicked of me to think this. To make light of her condition. But amnesia’s not so bad if you have so much you want to forget and want to put behind you.”

    “Yes. But you don’t get to decide what you want to forget. Anything and everything can go, you know.”

    “The worst along with the best,” added she still pondering.

    “Hmm-hmm. So, where are we heading?”

    “Back to our hotel. If you don’t mind.”

    “Not at all. I was thinking the same thing. Need to change out of these sticky, smelly clothes.” He said lightly as he made a silly face while taking a deep whiff of his shirt.

    Maggie tried to conceal the ready smile. “Thanks, Andy.”

    “For what? It was I who put you in a situation you had no desire to be in.”

    She shook her head sideways to disagree. “Thanks. For getting me out of this wretched mood. For not asking questions. And for being so understanding.”

    ***

    “Son, what is it you want to talk about?” Meredith broached in a trifling manner. Upon entering the room, Leon had parked her and the chair unceremoniously by the round table by the bay windows that looked out onto terrace. She offered him a seat by one of the armchairs beside her, but he declined, preferring to stand instead. With his back turned toward her, she couldn’t make out the ebbing anger flickering across his face.

    Leon stared outside trying to contemplate the view. He crossed his arms and took a deep breath, deeply wanting to ease the tightness in his heart. He kept in mind of his mother’s failing health and answered frostily, “Maggie’s back. She came to me a few weeks ago wanting a divorce and custody of Jimmy.”

    “What! Divorce?!” screeched Meredith. “Weren’t you two already…. And Jimmy?! The audacity! You’re not going to let her….” Overwhelmed by emotions, she almost choked and began coughing loudly.

    He shook his head slowly and replied in an even tone, “I told her ‘no’ on both counts. No divorce means there’s no custody case.”

    “But why not?!” demanded Meredith. “She left you all those years. And yet you’ve remained legally bound to her?! That’s ludicrous. You have every right to a divorce. What about Jessica? What are your plans with her? Keep her dangling? Jessica is a fine girl. If I had known you’re going to be like this, I would have…”

    “Done what?!” Leon quipped back sharply. He turned to confront his mother squarely and exclaimed, “I have had enough of your meddling when you made Maggie write that letter and send her off to Macao to die!”

    “Whu… when did you find out?” She asked weakly trying to break away from her son’s cold contemptuous eyes.

    “If I had known sooner, do you think we’ll be having this conversation NOW?” He forcefully took the chair next to her and sat down.

    “So not only did she break her promise and came back, she decided to let you in on our original agreement.” She muttered to herself disgruntlingly. Meeting Leon’s stare on the same level, she asked, “Did she tell you this before or after she asked for more money?”

    “Mother! I think all bets were called off the moment you sent your hounds and abducted her to Singapore! I can’t believe my OWN mother could hate someone that much to contrive such a sinister scheme. To have another person pose as a decoy while Maggie’s rotting in jail. To trick everyone, especially me for five years! How could you, mother?! Be so cruel! To take the only woman I love away from me?!” Hands covering his face, his last sentence came out in a bare whisper that sounded like the dying wind unable to muster the strength or lift to move on. His head was bowed down to rest on top of the table.

    Meredith was taken aback by her son’s sudden implosion. It was as if all life had been sucked out of her poor boy. “Son,” she asked softly while tussling his hair, “What are you talking about? What scheme? All this time, you mean to tell me she was in jail? For what?”

    Lifting his head, he tried to assess his mother’s look of innocence. “Don’t play coy with me. You were the one who gave her the money she needed to free her father. In return, you made her write that letter….”

    “Yes, yes. Now that it’s out, I have no qualms admitting it. But you have to understand, Leon, it was my only way of bringing you back on the straight path. Your father was dying and you were off carousing night and day with THAT woman!”

    “Mom,” protested he, “at the time, I had no idea about Dad’s health. You two never told me. Not until after Maggie left and I began to take over Lai Industries from Dad.”

    “We didn’t tell you, because we needed to keep up with appearances. Too many vultures were circling around wanting to take a bite out of our company. You were so young and vulnerable. Fresh out of college with no idea on how to handle the intricacies and nuances of business courtship. All we wanted was to protect you, to shield you from the pitfalls and the land mines. But alas, we failed miserably when you ran off like that with her. I thought those things only happen in those old poorly produced black and white late-night melodramas. And only to those stupid green girls dumb enough to fall for the charms of wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing. Never my son. My only son!” She began to wail and weep. She dabbed her eyes lightly with her silk handkerchief.

    Even at a time like this with him so angry, his mother was making light of the situation and was trying to shift the focus of his questioning. “Stop that,” complained Leon. “You know from the start how I felt about Maggie! But instead of welcoming her to our family, you made it your damn utmost to drive us away. You gave me no choice.”

    “Choice?!” Meredith fired back. “I gave you plenty. Jessica, Michelle, Carina, Angela, Kimberly… everyone of them met my seal of approval. But no! You had other ideas. Aligning yourself to that older broad so beneath our class. What was there for me to do?”

    “Forget it. I don’t want to get into this with you.” Leon waved his hand up in the air to cut her off. Staring straight into her eyes, he asked coldly, “Mom. All I want to know is your role in Maggie’s incarceration. Did you have a hand in any of it? In Singapore? I suggest that you come clean with me now. Because if I find out of your involvement later on I will not be as forgiving. You know me. I can be as heartless and stubborn as you. It runs in the family.”

    “Is that a threat?” She challenged.

    “Mother!” Leon lashed out before getting up and moving towards the door to leave.

    “Oh, all right! Stop badgering me the way your father used to. For crying out loud, I may look weak and helpless, but that doesn’t make me deaf or senile.” Meredith grumbled before reluctantly giving her son the answer. “No. Other than giving her the ten thousand dollars and getting her to leave you and Jimmy, I know nothing of her little sojourn to Singapore. Think about it, darling. If I was going to do that, would I give her the money then?! If I wanted her dead, do you think she would live to talk about it?!”

    “If you didn’t, then who?” wondered he in a less excited state.

    “Humph! She probably have more enemies afoot than either you or I can imagine. Her father’s shady background. His dealings with some of society’s most rotten scum. Maybe they’re the ones behind it.”

    “But whatever for? I don’t see a motive. Not when her father’s dead and all.”

    ***

    “How could you?!” exclaimed Maggie into the telephone receiver she was holding tightly to her face.

    On the other end of the line, Master Stephens replied calmly, “You sent them to me. I am at liberty to do whatever I wish with them.”

    Pacing around the small confines of her hotel room, she twirled the cord around her fingers nervously. “But he was not supposed to know! If you had only asked me, I would have told you to burn those stupid letters.”

    “Well, if you didn’t want him to find out, why did you write them?”

    “A moment of weakness on my part.” Maggie admitted fretfully. There had been many moments of weakness during those horrible first months, she remembered. She had sent letters not only to Master Stephens’ old address, but also tried to contact Leon directly. Her limited phone calls were never answered. Her letters always came back to her, untouched and unread. “I still can’t believe it though. After all these years. What’s the point?! His knowing now won’t change anything.”

    “Well, too late,” said he contritely. “The deed’s been done. I’m just the messenger anyway.”

    “What does HE want now?” she snapped back. First the mother, now the son. Will she ever be free of them? She wondered to herself.

    “My my, aren’t you a bit touchy today?” Master Stephens went on. “He wanted me to tell you that he wants to see you for one last time before you leave Hong Kong. Tonight at 8. At your old home.”

    “What home?! The boat’s been burned down decades ago…”

    “Not that one! Silly girl. The house you and Leon were living in before...”

    “That place?! I had no idea. He still kept it?! Why?”

    He replied ominously, “There are many things you don’t know about your husband, dear Margaret.”

    “What’s that supposed to…”

    He interrupted, “So you know where it is then?”

    “Yes.”

    “You are going, right? I do have your word?”

    “Master Stephens! When did you become so ‘cheung-hay’ (long-winded)?” Maggie chuckled uneasily. Her old teacher knew her all too well. “I don’t need to give you my word. It’s not an ultimatum…. Or is it?”

    “No. That he didn’t say. But I know my pupil well enough to know that she only likes doing things on her own terms. Now that Leon knows the truth, there is a very high probability that you would choose to run away and hide.”

    She asked agitatedly, “Why do you say that?”

    “Intuition.”

    A subdued silence passed by before Maggie shore up the courage and asked in a meek tone, “Does Jimmy know? The truth. About me. That I’m his….” She swallowed hard, unable to finish her sentence as a steady stream of tears fell down her face.

    “No, Maggie,” consoled Master Stephens in a gentler tone. “That I will leave to you and Leon. Jimmy deserves no better than that. He’s with me now. Do you want to talk to him?”

    She shook her head. “No, no. That’s all right.” She then heard a quick click on the connection indicating that another call was coming through. “Master Stephens. I got to go now. I got another person here trying to reach me….”

    “You’re…”

    “Yes yes. Tell him I’m going to be there. 8 o’clock sharp.”

  4. #24
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    C Monster:

    Vow ... another chapter leaving everyone at the cliff. However, bringing in Sammi really throws me off my path. There were many foreshadows and I hope they are not there to throw people off their paths a well. Thanks.
    For any journey one makes
    Even if the displacement equates to zero
    Something is being gained
    For the distance travelled is certainly not zero

  5. #25
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    Only one more chapter to go! <IMG SRC="smilies/wiggle.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/beerchug.gif" border="0"> Hope you all enjoy!

    To aficionado: What do you mean throwing people off the path? <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0"> I would never think of doing something like that. There's some use of foreshadowing, but not all that much. Hopefully, in the end you will be satisfied with the resolution that I have in mind.

    As for the off-the-wall pairing of Andy and Sammi, early on I gave some indication that Andy's affections might be already engaged. From the start, I tried to treat him and Maggie as good friends only. Sorry if I might have misled some people. <IMG SRC="smilies/bow.gif" border="0">
    ____


    Chapter 14

    Leon was unable to get anything more out his mother that afternoon. A steady stream of helpful staff came walking in and out interrupting them far too many times. From giving her medication to getting her ready for bathing to asking her what she would like for her early supper, he never got another word in edgewise during all the hub-bub. He just stood by in a corner observing, waiting to see if his mother might slip up and disprove her declaration of innocence. He hated feeling this way, not being able to trust his own mother. But since she can put on such a great act and hide the truth on Maggie’s disappearance for five long years, Leon was not going to take her word so easily this time around!

    Being left alone also gave Leon a chance to cool down and prepare himself mentally for his meeting with Maggie tonight. He had no speeches ready. All he got was what he felt in his heart. This overwhelming sense of sadness and remorse for a time passed, forever lost to the both of them. He remembered her departing words to him spoken in haste during their last meeting. She had said:

    "Five years is not a long time nor a short one. Luckily, we're both young. We still have time for a second chance in love and happiness. Don't let what happen between us turn you away from finding yours."

    “Well,” Leon thought to himself, “I found my only chance in love and happiness when I met you, Mag. This second time around I’m not going to give up so easily.” For despite all the awful things he accused her of doing, his love for her never waned or wavered these past five years. Admittedly, it had been buried beneath all his anger, frustration, and bitterness that even he didn’t know it at the time. But it took just one look – during that fateful morning when she marched into his office demanding to see her son again – for all those years of angst and anguish to melt away. A trace of a smile crossed his face as he reminisced how hard he tried to school his face into a cold hard mask devoid of all emotions. Yet he knew the hopelessness of the effort, for he was feeling everything but that. His phone buzzed lightly and woke him from the reverie. It was Master Stephens calling to tell him that Maggie was set for tonight.

    ***

    Sitting inside a cozy corner booth in the restaurant bar and hotel, Maggie massaged her temple gently as she tried to read the employment contract before her again. It was hard to take this sudden about face from her former employer, Human Rights Watch, seriously. After her talk with Master Stephens, the next incoming call turned out to be the hotel concierge at the front desk. He informed her that an “Angela Chao” was waiting for her down at the hotel lobby. Naturally, Maggie assumed that her unexpected ex-boss’s visit probably had to do with finishing some administrative and housekeeping details brought on by her sudden dismissal. Who was to follow up with what in regards to the charity concert. The location of her notes and files so that her replacement would be able to pick up from where she left off. The final tallying and clearing out of her expense accounts and so on. She was eager to comply with all of this since she knew that when the time comes for her new job search she was going to need a good reference and recommendation from them. What she never expected was this laid out before her. This 180 degree turn to rehire her! And boy, was it an enticing compensation package. Not only will she get a 30% raise in salary, Angela is giving her full authority and directorial power to plan out this Hong Kong concert as she sees fit! Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine this! Something strange was up in the air, but she couldn’t put a finger on it. It was all too good to be true.

    Arching one of her brows tightly, Maggie asked point blank in a light, self deprecating tone, “What’s this all about?! Less than a week ago you were ready to cast me out on the wayside. Now you can’t live without me? I’m flattered by the attention. But if you would please excuse my bluntness, this is very difficult to swallow.”

    Angela giggled nervously. She took a deep sip from her cocktail drink before replying, “Not at all. Not at all. It’s just that these past few days we have come to realize how indispensable you are to our organization. To the concert. To our mission. We’re totally lost without you. And we want you to come back to us.”

    It was spoken with truth and honesty, but sounded somewhat rehearsed to Maggie’s ears. “My plans were to leave on Monday…,” she began.

    “Don’t worry about it. We’ll make whatever arrangements necessary. To reschedule your flight. To extend your stay here at this hotel. Until after the concert. You have no problems with this hotel, right? Because if you are, we can….”

    “No. Everyone’s been great. It’s just that… I don’t know. I think I need some time to mull this over.”

    “Why? You know our benefit is happening in two weeks! Everything’s in an uproar! And now you need more time?!”

    The volume of Angela’s voice nearly doubled, and Maggie saw that they were drawing stares from other guests in the various booths. She lowered hers to compensate. “Angela,” she said evenly, “certain things have come up. Some personal matters. In which I believe it might be best that I do not stay.”

    “You mean in Hong Kong?” Angela inquired cutting in, to which Maggie nodded. “But I thought one of the reason why you took on this assignment in the first place was the chance to visit Hong Kong.”

    “Originally yes. But things have changed.”

    “Look,” Angela began again switching to a different tactic. “If this has anything to do with what I said to you that morning, I’m sorry. Please try and put it behind you. I was under a lot of stress. Having just finished a conference call with our board here and the main office back in Singapore. Too many people with too many expectations. And you know how I can get when I get flustered like that. I tend to say things I don’t mean.”

    “If I remember correctly,” Maggie corrected in wry humor, “you fired me.”

    Angela chuckled embarrassingly, face turning red. “Which is why I’m here now.” She shrugged, then said, “To rehire you. And to make amends. The original package called for a 20% increase. I was the one who fought hard and got them to up the ante.” She winked slyly.

    Seeing her ex-boss’s relaxed demeanor, Maggie couldn’t help but smile as well. She commented, “You know you’re not exactly what I expected in a supervisor.”

    She exclaimed, “What!? You don’t like!?”

    “No, no. Far from it. I think you and I are cut from the same cloth. Too honest for our own good.”

    “You think?”

    Maggie nodded. She coaxed gently, “So Angela, what was the amount he promised to donate to Human Rights Watch once you’re able to convince me to stay?”

    So caught off-guard by the non sequitur, Angela almost choked on her drink. She cleared her throat loudly before asking almost innocently, “What was that, Maggie?”

    “Come on, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Leon Lai of Lai Industries. I want to know how much he promised you.” Although spoken softly, her adamant words had the impact of a sledgehammer.

    Although slightly shaken, Angela was able to meet Maggie’s intense scrutiny squarely. She replied in between gulps of water, “Actually, you’re wrong, Maggie. It was not a promise. Mr. Lai came to us this morning and hand delivered the check personally to us. He was too generous. He insisted that his gift be anonymous and not made contingent on our ability to make you change your mind and stay. Although I got a sense that he would like us to be able to do so, but he’s wise enough to understand that some things can not and should not be forced.”

    “You still haven’t answered my question. How much?” She asked again, but this time in a weaker, more hesitant tone.

    “Five million dollars. Not including your $10,000 check that you wrote out to him. Which he also transferred over to us.”

    Struck silent, Maggie’s jaws dropped. Her face turned white. In her limited existence, it was difficult for her to fathom anyone having that kind of money let alone be in a position to be able to give it all away in one full swoop to a single charity. Finally finding her voice, she managed to grittily stammer out, “Guess you got what you wished for. My soon-to-be ex did come through and dropped his astronomical chunk of change!” Harriedly, she picked up her things and began to slide out of her seat.

    Angela with her quick reflexes caught Maggie’s flailing arms and struggled to calm her. “Maggie, are you…”

    “Mad?! Why should I be!?” She whipped her arms from Angela’s hold and started to laugh hysterically. She lashed out. “Five million dollars! Who would have thought that a jailbird like me could be worth that much!”

    “Maggie! Shhh!” Angela reprimanded in a loud whisper. “We’re in a public place!” In a gentler tone, she continued whispering, “Please be quiet and hear me out. I’m here today not because of the money. Because that’s already in our pockets. I’m here because of you.” Catching Maggie’s disgruntled look, she inhaled deeply and explained, “Look, I have no idea what kind of relationship you have with Mr. Lai. Nor do I want to know. I’ve always felt strongly that we should keep our professional and private lives separate. Mr. Lai knew that. Which is why he made that donation with no strings attached. Regardless of your return or not, the gift was honored.”

    “But the intent’s still there,” protested Maggie. “Your coming here today is clear indication of that. Just think. If not for my personal connection to him, do you think he would have made such a gift in the first place?”

    “Actually, without you, we were hoping for more.” Angela joked. “Just kidding. Anyway, so what if it is. I don’t see any reason why this should deter you from taking this job back. The money is going to a good cause. We help people. We stand up for those who have had their basic, fundamental human rights violated. Our work is challenging and meaningful. We’re not mean people, at least not most of the time.” She winced playfully before continuing, “And we get excellent benefits from a good medical coverage to luxurious accommodations when sent out to fundraise abroad. Plus you’re getting a hefty raise on top of that. What more could you ask?”

    “No, I can’t,” Maggie agreed. “Which is why I promise to stay. But only until the end of the concert. You see. Leon knows me quite well. He knows how I hate not finishing what I’ve started, especially when it comes to something I care deeply about. This concert has been very important to me, and I will follow through to its completion.”

    ***

    Maggie looked up at the wall clock hanging above the small dining alcove again. It read 8:15. Where is he? He was the one who set the time and now he’s late. Which is not like him at all, Maggie mused. She had arrived at the house 10 minutes before 8pm wanting to give her some extra time to peruse this house and its neighboring surroundings.

    Five years. Much has changed, but much remained the same. Their humble abode had been a chain of identical houses built on top of a small hill in the outskirts of the New Territories region in Hong Kong. It was one of the first construction projects that Leon and Deric worked together on right before Leon left his parents to strike out on his own. Deric had been the chief designer for this small housing community while Leon worked on the planning and financial side using Lai Industries unlimited resources. At the time, Lai Industries interest was still tied to shipping, but it was beginning to branch off to other areas especially in real estate and development. Leon’s parents had sent him aboard to get training in just that, to get an MBA with a concentration in construction management. And as the filial obedient son, he did just that and with great success as well. The site they picked out was excellent. Far enough away from the hub-bub of the city life, but closely linked to a central highway for instant access. The houses were small, but Deric had practicality and efficiency in mind for his design. Compared to the cramped apartments in the high-risers that were sprang up like giant candles on top of a cupcake of green, they might even be thought of as luxurious mansions with independent back yards, open terraces, and ample windows for natural lighting. On her way here, Maggie noticed how some even had special touches that distinguished them from others. Some were quaint. Some were gaudy. But it demonstrated how proud the owners were of their homes. And that was what struck her the most when she came to the end of the block and saw this one. From its flowery curtains to the pastel window boxes that coordinated with the color in each room, she felt as if she was swept back in time, five years completely erased. On a whim, she tried her set of old keys that she always carried with her. And to her surprise, the original key still fit!

    Upon entering, Maggie immediately noticed the immaculate condition of her old home. It was not only orderly and neat, but everything was in the kept in exactly the same place as she remembered. From the placement of the furniture to the spinning mobile still hanging over the crib in Jimmy’s room, nothing had been touched and altered. She felt as if the house had been turned into a museum, forever preserved and encapsulated at a single moment in time. Even the old coffeemaker which went through so much abuse during those long nights as Leon was getting his company on-track still worked. And very soon the rich aroma of roasted coffee brewing began to permeate the room once again. She inhaled deeply filling her lungs with the refreshing taste she once craved. Just the smell alone brought back a lot of bittersweet memories. It was then she heard the jangling of keys and of a lock opening. She hurried over to the front door and saw a very disheveled and tired Leon stepping in.

    “You’re here, Maggie. Good.” he remarked breathlessly as he began to take off his sports coat. “I’m so sorry I’m late. Something unexpected came up in the office. An important project that I couldn’t put off until Monday.” Picking up the dark coffee scent, he added with a shy grin, “Good. It’s good to see that you’ve made yourself at home. Just what I need.”

    At first Maggie didn’t know what to say. Like their previous encounters, she had been expecting a less friendly, more solemn ex-husband-to-be. She replied nonchalantly, “It’s about ready. You still take yours the same way? Black with….”

    “Two sugars,” he finished as he looked deeply into her eyes.

    She nodded. “Okay. Why don’t you make yourself comfortable while I go get it in the kitchen.”

    Noticing how she had settled her things by the countertop that opened up into the kitchen, he said, “No need. This is fine.” He then took the stool next to hers and sat down, savoring this slight semblance of domesticity: Maggie greeting him at the door, making coffee etc. This was how he had envisioned his homecoming to be during that fateful night.

    “What are you smiling about?” asked she while gingerly placing the mugs on the laminated table.

    “Nothing really.” Leon shrugged shifting his focus to the cup before him. He picked it up, cradling it in his hands. He then noticed hers and said, “You drink yours with cream now? What happened to black not being strong enough?”

    “I’m getting old. Won’t be able to go to sleep if I take mine straight. Besides I need all the calcium I can get since I hate drinking milk so much.”

    He chuckled warmly. “You and your rationalizations. There’s always an explanation for everything.”

    Upon hearing that familiar remark, Maggie perked a brow. The atmosphere in the room cooled down significantly. “Not always,” she countered back in a serious tone. “For one thing I’m at a loss as to why you want me here. I thought everything was settled at our last meeting.”

    “Isn’t it obvious?” he asked with force.

    “No.”

    “Why did you come then?”

    “I promised Master Stephens. And now that you’ve seen me, I think it’s time for me to…”

    “To run out on me again?” He interjected getting up from his seat to meet her squarely in the face. Angry and disappointed, he lashed out in a broken voice, “You always keep your promises. Master Stephens. Jimmy. Your boss Angela. Even my mother. But what about me?!”

    Flustered, she slid down her chair and started to say, “What are you…?”

    Placing his hands on her shoulders, he stared and stated emphatically, “What you promised me?! Your vows!? To me?! ‘For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part. This is my solemn vow.’ Do you remember them?!”

    “Leon!” She exclaimed in a hoarse whisper.

    “Why?” continued he. “Why didn’t you tell me about Jimmy? About your father? I’m your husband for crying out loud. We’re a team. Partners for life. You were supposed to come to me first when there are problems….”

    Trying to hold back the gamut of tears, she choked out, “But you were away. I knew how badly you needed the deal in order to keep the company afloat. Telling you would only distract you. I didn’t want to add to your burden.”

    “So you decided to take it all upon yourself?! Do you know that’s very selfish?!”

    Maggie drew in her breath sharply. “Selfish? Me selfish?!” She laughed excitedly working her arms to break free of his hold.

    “Yes.” Leon held on strongly, drinking in her tempestuous brown eyes. “Because you gave me no choice in the matter. No right to decide if I wanted you out of my life. Whether or not I wanted to patch things up with my parents. You just abandoned me. Left me. Without a word. Without a trace. Never considering for once how I would feel to come home and not find you here.” He murmured softly as he grabbed and squeezed her tightly.

  6. #26
    Senior Member C Monster's Avatar
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    Cool

    Here's the last chapter! <IMG SRC="smilies/rofl.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/rofl.gif" border="0">
    Please give me comments and feedback on it. I realize that I left a few loose ends here and there -- no further mention of other characters besides the main people. So... if you would like a more satisfying ending, please tell me, so I can do some editing. Please remember this is still a draft. <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

    Thanks! Hope you all enjoyed <IMG SRC="smilies/read.gif" border="0">ing

    <IMG SRC="smilies/wave.gif" border="0"> Adieu (for now)! <IMG SRC="smilies/wave.gif" border="0">
    ____


    Chapter 15

    Swept into his arms, Maggie willed herself to stay strong and not succumb to Leon’s tidal wave of turmoil. She desperately wanted to melt into his arms and whisper words of love and regret to his ears, but alas, the rational side of her brain told her the dangers of falling into that trap. He and Jessica were the perfect couple. The incident at the hospital this morning proved that. Therefore, she comforted him like any mother would do when a child wakes up from a horrific nightmare. Petting the back of his head and neck, she cooed nonsense and gibberish to ease his heightened spirits.

    It took a few moments for Leon to realize what she was doing. And like a cold bucket of water dousing fire, he straightened up breaking his grip and beseechingly captured her eyes. “Why?” He asked softly while thinking to himself, “Why are you doing this? Erecting walls between us still?”

    Maggie met his gaze and answered self-deprecatingly in an amusing tone, “Believe me. I’ve asked myself that many times too. What if I had done things differently? Be not as ‘selfish’ as you say and filled you in on what was happening. Would things have turned out differently then?” Her eyes glassed over as she ran the various scenarios in her head. She shrugged. “Probably. I don’t know. You see…. Heh heh heh….” She broke off to giggle hysterically. “…Hee hee. Hmmm. I never intended to leave you or Jimmy for so long. That pact I made with your mother was part of a ruse to get you two on speaking terms again.”

    Eyes widening in shock, Leon asked, “What are you saying, Mag?”

    She sighed. “Yes, my father needed money, but it was not a large sum. There were other ways of getting it. I didn’t need to go to her.” She paused to smile bemusedly to herself. “That ten thousand dollars didn’t even make a dent into the cost of Jimmy’s hospitalization and treatment.”

    “Then why did you…?”

    “Do it?” She shrugged again. “Pity and arrogance. When I got in touch with your mother for help with Jimmy’s meningitis, it dawned on me how much the estrangement was affecting your parents. Your father was not doing well. And your mother’s handling of the bulk of the business was taking a serious toll on her. As a mother and having come so close to almost loosing Jimmy, I could sympathize with your mother’s predicament. Her anger and hatred towards me stems in direct correlation to how much she loves and worries about you. I thought to myself that if I were in her shoes and it was Jimmy I was protecting, I wouldn’t be all that different. That was one of the reasons why I approached her.”

    “And you knew she would come up with those terms and conditions?”

    Maggie nodded trying to hold back her tears. “As I said before, my disappearance was supposed to be short term. After I settled the business with my father, I planned on getting in touch with you immediately. To spill the beans, as they say. Hopefully by that time, you and your mother would have forgiven each other and patched things up.”

    “But she still wouldn’t have approved of you.” He pointed out.

    She smirked. “That’s where my arrogance came in. I was betting against that. Hoping that my good intentions would gradually whittle away her resistance and warm up to me.”

    Leon was deeply moved by her altruistic efforts. It only made him love her even more. With her innate honesty and goodness, Maggie rarely gave much consideration for herself, always thinking in terms of others. And somehow someone knew enough to take full advantage of it. He said sadly, “But things didn’t go as plan from day one. When you reached Macao.”

    “No, they didn’t.” She agreed.

    “Do you have any idea who it was that did it? Your abduction to Singapore?”

    Maggie shook her head. “No. Nor do I care to find out.”

    “Why not?”

    She responded dejectedly. “I’m tired, Leon. I don’t want to dwell in the past. Finding out who did what is not going to bring back the time I’ve already lost. Life is too short to fester over something that can never be changed. I want to put it behind me. To move on and make something out of myself in this second course of my life.” Taking a sweeping gaze at the house, she added, “I think you should do the same too.”

    “I know.” He agreed nodding to himself. If Maggie is magnanimous enough to put the past behind her, so could he. Besides the most important thing is that they’re together again, he thought. Working up the courage, he then asked softly peering into the depths of her bottomless brown eyes, “Would this second course include me and Jimmy?”

    “Whu?!” Her mouth agape.

    Once the first words came out, Leon had no problem turning on his charm. “You heard me. I want to be a part of this brand new life of yours. I’m sure Jimmy would say the same thing once he finds out. The other day, you told me to go out and find my second chance in love and happiness.” He stepped back to take a full perusal of her entire figure. With a brilliant smile, he continued, “Well, she’s standing right here before me. So, what do you say?!”

    She exclaimed flabbergastedly, “Leon, you’re not serious! Remember!? I betrayed you! Abandoned you and Jimmy. Cast you aside like…”

    “Don’t matter. You only did it because you love me too much,” proclaimed he happily.

    “What about you and Jessica then?”

    “What about me and Jessica?” He inquired back in puzzlement.

    Coloring with embarrassment, she managed to stammer out, “I think she’s… she’s… expecting a proposal from you any minute now!”

    “Where did you hear that?! From Deric?” He sighed and stated clearly, “She and I are friends. And will always remain that way.” He perked a brow, imitating her favorite expression of challenge. “Any other problems?”

    She bit her bottom lip. “Um…”

    “And please don’t drag that lawyer friend of yours into this either. Andy Lau, is it?” It was his turn to smile bemusingly.

    “You know. How?”

    “Humph! We finally had our man-to-man talk and reached an understanding. Very bad of you to implicate him like that. After all that he’s done for you.” He chided playfully. It had been a stroke of luck that brought the two of them together. When he got the urgent call to go check out the Marina One project at the hospital, Leon saw a very preoccupied Andy just stepping in and accosted him. In their brief conversation, he found out that Andy was actually a very good friend of Sammi Cheng, a floor-mate of his mother.

    She protested, “I never said anything about me and him being together. You’re the one who jumped to conclusions! When did you find out? Is that why you made that outrageous gift?!”

    “So! Angela has already come to you then. Never expected them to work so fast. I guess money do get results.”

    “With $5 million, what did you expect!? Them sitting back and twiddling their thumbs!? Well?”

    “Well what?” He fired back playing dumb. This constant bantering between them was just one of many things he missed most in these five years. Shy by nature, the public image of Leon Lai was that of a deep, intelligent, intensely private man with very few words. Many of his business partners and subordinates thought of him as cold, distant and always serious, rarely breaking into a smile. Although he was well-received and respected by many, few knew of this lighter, wittier, and playful side of Leon. Maggie being one but two. He grinned widely as he faced her challenging stare and frustrated pose of both her hands falling on her waist. She looked adorable and majestic at the same time. “No. I only found out a few hours ago.” He then turned serious and said, “My gift to your organization was made out of gratitude and guilt. They were the ones who took you in and gave you a job during your hour of need. While I… was not. Could you find it in your heart to forgive me? For not being there for you? Believing you?”

    “Leon,” cried she heartfeltly. “There’s nothing to forgive. You did nothing wrong. If there’s anyone to who needs to say ‘sorry’, I should be the one. You’re right. If I had only told you the truth from the beginning, then….” She bowed her head as she smeared the pools of tears across her face. Only with Leon does her nerves run high and low like an exhilarating roller coaster ride, angry one minute, laughing and crying the next. It reminded her of those “good old days” when she was on her motorbike, feeling so much alive, speeding against the wind.

    “Oh honey.”

    Sniffling, Maggie attempted a brave smile, then whispered meekly, “I’m all right. Just need some time to think. How I’m going to explain to Jimmy that his so-called teacher for these past two months is actually his mommy in hiding.”

    Beaming with joy, Leon took her into his arms and exclaimed, “No sweat. We’ll tell him together. But I’m sure Master Stephens has been dropping enough hints for him already.”

    ***

    Two weeks later inside the backstage of the main auditorium of Marina One, Lai Industries newest and grandest industrial projects that featured an exhibition hall, convention center and a cosmopolitan hotel, there stood a young man waiting quietly in a darken corner. His hands were filled cradling a beautiful bouquet of pink tulips when three chatty young ladies in long sweeping evening gowns came rushing by. From their excited murmuring, he was able to pick up that they just had a close encounter with a celebrity.

    “That was Andy, wasn’t it?” cried the first one.

    “I can’t believe it! He looks so CUTE in person!” screeched the other.

    “I know. And what a voice. Sultry and deep. Don’t know why some always say that he sings like he has a perpetual cold.” The third one complained.

    “Yeah,” agreed the first. “He’s not that tall. But if I was to swoon in front of him and he….”

    They were soon interrupted by a big buffed man from behind. He urged strongly shouting, “Come on, ladies. Please get back to your seats. The show’s about to start.” Seeing that the three of them were scattering away like mice, he then turned to the boy hiding in the corner and asked, “You! What are you doing here? Where are your parents?”

    Standing tall, his silhouette cast a long shadow making him older than he was. He replied adamantly, “I’m waiting for my mommy.”

    “Your mommy?!” The security guard shook his head. He thought to himself, “What would these people think of next? Using a kid to do their stalking.” He said, “Come on, kiddo. It’s dark and dangerous here. You come with me and we’ll go find your mommy.” He grabbed the boy by one of his arms and began to drag him away.

    “I’m not going!” The boy tugged back, digging his feet onto the floor.

    From afar, they heard a soft cry exclaiming, “Jimmy! What are you doing here?”

    The guard let go of the boy immediately, startled by the intrusion. Recognized the striking figure, he asked, “This your son, Ms. Siu?”

    Maggie nodded apologetically. “Sorry, Mr. Singh. I know how strict the rules are. There’s not going to be next time.”

    “Only you, Ms. Siu.” Before he walked away, he added, “Make it fast. You’re almost next.”

    Maggie bent down to her knees. She scolded in fright, “Don’t you know you’re not supposed to be here, Jimmy? Where’s Daddy?”

    Handing her the bouquet of flowers, he replied, “Daddy wanted me to give you this.”

    “These are usually given after the performance. Not before.” She corrected out of habit. Smelling the fresh flowers, she said, “But thank you anyway. They’re beautiful. Here, give me a hug too. Mommy’s a bundle a nerves right now.” She hugged her little boy tightly, thanking God for small miracles.

    James whispered into his mother’s ears. “Mommy, you look great. Just be honest to yourself and to the music.” He quoted her most famous line.

    She laughed lightly before caressing his soft cheeks. “You imp. Come on. I better be able to find someone to bring you back. Can’t believe your father left you here like this…. Angela!”

    ***

    “Well, how did it go?” asked Leon ribbing his son’s arm. They were sitting side by side in orchestra seats, fifth row, center aisle.

    “Shh! Daddy!” James warned.

    Slowly, the red curtains raised up. A lone white grand piano stood on stage. The only spot of coloring was the vibrant pink bouquet that rested on the far left half of the piano bench. A tall regal lady in a flowing black off the shoulder gown glided toward the piano to take her seat. Pretty soon, a familiar haunting melody of deep love, quiet passion, and even stronger vows and commitments came tinkling through the auditorium. The audience followed the tune in their heads in awe. It was Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata! When the piece was finished, there was an outbreak of loud applause and shouts of “Bravo! Bravo!”

    On stage as she was making her bows, Maggie was able to make out a tall man made even taller with a small boy sitting on top his shoulders. Leon and Jimmy waved excitedly. She waved back to them just as the curtains fell down again, and the MC announced that the next act was going to be a song and dance performance by Andy Hui.

  7. #27
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    bravo C Monster!
    thank you for bringing a finale to the story. even though i am a fan of tragedy, from time to time, a comedy is also satisfying.

    now that you're done with the vow, will you be updating BOGAE and the gatekeeper?
    For any journey one makes
    Even if the displacement equates to zero
    Something is being gained
    For the distance travelled is certainly not zero

  8. #28
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    oop ... p.s.

    i needed to ask about 'who did the kidnapping of maggie'? i know you've mentioned that crying over spilt milk will do no good but i'm just curious to hear it from you.
    For any journey one makes
    Even if the displacement equates to zero
    Something is being gained
    For the distance travelled is certainly not zero

  9. #29
    Senior Member C Monster's Avatar
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    To aficionado:

    You appear to be my one and only fan out there to have responded. <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0"> Oh well! I will not be discouraged. Some readers at the Maggie's forum in winglin had the same questions as you. Here's my response there:


    I was thinking along the same lines as you about Jessica being the one with the best motive to set up Maggie's demise in Singapore. Didn't know how to incorporate it in the story though. If you realize it, the story is told in the perspectives of Leon and Maggie only -- switching back and forth through their points of view. Since I didn't want to focus the tale on vengence and payback, there's not much details as the who is the real culprit.
    Hope this answers some of your questions! I'm taking a short break from re-editing this piece for now. Need some distance from this in order to get a better perspective in order to finish up the loose ends. Hope you don't mind.

    In the meantime, I have gone back to trying to write some more on "Gatekeepers." Hope I will have some happy news to report soon.

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    hey im a fan too!!! ilove your story!! maggies kidnapping was interesting <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">cant wait for an update <IMG SRC="smilies/tongue.gif" border="0"> -later days-

  11. #31
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    Thanks Danielle for your support! I'm glad you liked "The Vow" and would really like to hear any additional comments or suggestions on this story.

    I'm such a slow writer that it's going to be a LONG LONG while before I'll do a reprise of this fanfic.

  12. #32
    Senior Member Melanie's Avatar
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    Hi C Monster!
    This is a wonderful story. So eloquently written! I have only read the first three chapters so far and I can already tell that it is fabulous. This is the first fan fic I have read starring Leon Lai and Maggie Siu. I don't really know these artists that well, but I am beginning to like them more and more as I continue reading your story! Keep up the great work! <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/thumbsup.gif" border="0">

  13. #33
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    I'm glad that I stumbled upon this piece. It was SO good that I had some tears floating around at one point. But you know... the story line is kinda like Harlequin books, and I think that's why I like yours so much! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

  14. #34
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    Wink

    I agree with you, lil_bubble, that this fanfic has much melodrama and angst between the main characters to make it very much like a romance novel.

    It was not my intent since I was not the creator of the story. However, since this tone was established in the very first chapter and I really wanted the story to have an ending, I had to think up of a way to resolve the percarious situation that was presented.

    Hope you enjoyed reading it!

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    woo,C.

    you've done a great job!!
    it's the first that i watch your story for maggie, i do love it!

    thanks so much~~ <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

  16. #36
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    Cool

    Thank you very much for taking the time to <IMG SRC="smilies/read.gif" border="0"> this piece of "fluff" and sentimentality. I mean that in a good way. <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

    I'm glad you liked the tale. With a name like YeeMing, I'm suspecting that you have to be a big fan of BOGAE. Same here as well! <IMG SRC="smilies/wiggle.gif" border="0">

  17. #37
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    yeah, i'm a big big fan of BOAGE and Maggie too <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

    i love maggie very very much <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

  18. #38
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    It has been a while since I visit the forum and start to re-read the story. C Monster's talent in storytelling is still impeccable. However, it seem like there's hardly any posting from C Monster anymore ... where are you now? What's the fate of Gatekeeper and BOGAE?

    From your long-time fan.
    For any journey one makes
    Even if the displacement equates to zero
    Something is being gained
    For the distance travelled is certainly not zero

  19. #39
    Senior Member patricia n's Avatar
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    c monster, i've read this fic before but will still comment on it btw...yup, i was a huge fan of maggie back in the 90's and really adored here with leon...can't believe leon ended up with kathy in the breaking point though...
    if you have the time and enthusiasm, please join in on the new and fabulous wuxia rpg fic /rpg discussion. (<--- click here)

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