Stardust Dreams

[Em]

Chapter 9 – Haunting Past

“Mum! Dad! I’m so glad to see you again. Here, let me help you with your luggage!”
Vanessa runs forward to hug her parents before helping Mr Ho to push his trolley across the concourse of the arrivals lounge at the beautiful Hong Kong International Airport. Mrs Ho follows closely behind and Michael takes her hand luggage from her.

“Auntie – let me take that!” he offers, he is still a little shy around his prospective in-laws.
“My car is just in the car park – it isn’t very far!”

“You won’t be calling me Auntie for very much longer!” laughs Mrs Ho.
“Wait – there is still one more person!”

A man rushes through the sliding glass doors of the restricted area, clutching his case and his documents. Panting a little, he puts his passport away. Vanessa runs forward and gives him a hug.
“Big Brother! You made it! I thought you weren’t going to be back!” she calls.

The hug is reciprocated and he turns to Michael and puts out his hand.
“Hi, I’m Frankie. Nice to meet you.”

“Pleased to meet you too – I’m Michael, but you know that already…” laughs Michael nervously as he realises the closeness between this brother and sister.

“Hey, you’ve done well to win my sister’s heart – you’d better take care of her or you’ll have me to answer to!” Frankie laughs with a reassuring wink. Then he looks around to see who else is around and is a little disappointed when he doesn’t find what he is looking for. Michael is a little bemused as he herds them off towards the car park.

Vanessa spots her brother’s disheartened expression and totally understands what he is thinking. She sides up to him and whispers mockingly:
“She’s filming so she couldn’t make it – you’ll catch her later!”

*

“Wow – British chocolate! For some reason it just tastes so different and so much nicer than the stuff you get out here!” Gigi points out as she and Auntie Sin tuck into their presents from Mr and Mrs Ho. They have come over to make sure all is in order and to welcome their friends back once again.

“Well, old Ho. I bet you didn’t think you’d be back here again so quickly!” chuckles Auntie Sin as she shares a drink of tea with her old friends. She and Eva’s mum used to live next door to the Ho’s before the families emigrated.

“And after you all promised to look after my daughter for me!” taunts Mr Ho, but he is secretly pleased that his daughter has found a good husband and will soon bear him a grandchild.

“Well, we have found her someone to look after her permanently now!” replies Auntie.

Meanwhile, out on the balcony, Eva and her childhood friend Frankie share a reminiscent moment.

“Who would have thought that little stumpy girl who used to come to our house would end up as such a popular TV star?” comments Frankie.

“Hey! Don’t laugh at me… I never planned it this way! How have you been lately without me keeping an eye on you?” defends Eva.

“Not much really, working part time in IT – like everyone else over there at the moment, but the markets are quite tough so I’ve had to go back to mum and dad’s restaurant to help out. After all it is about time they enjoyed life.” Frankie shows his total commitment to his parents.

“That’s good, at least you get to see them more… I wonder how my folks are doing.” Eva suddenly thinks about how much she misses her own family.

“Oh, your folks are fine – they are very proud of you, but you know Chinese families will never tell you that!” says Frankie reassuringly.

Eva changes the subject.
“So you’re little sis has overtaken you! Have you managed to find yourself a Mrs Ho yet?”

Frankie is a little hesitant with his response:
“I’m… I’ve been waiting for my special person…”

“Oh? And who is this who doesn’t know a treasure when she sees one? I must know her – after all, I have known you since I was born!” continues Eva.

“Eva, I really want to tell you…” Frankie starts.

“Eva! Frankie! Come and get some sago pudding! And there’s some huge lychees here as well – better come before Gigi gets them all!” calls Auntie from inside the room.

“What do you want to tell me?” asks Eva to Frankie

“Umm… I just wanted to say that there is some food on the go and we’d better go in and get some!” Frankie decides to keep his words for another day.

*
A car is parked on the side of the road in the leafy suburbs of the mid-levels. Across the road is the gate to a beautifully peaceful convent. From the front seat of the car, a shape recognisable as Anthony is watching over the entrance, anticipating something of interest. This is journalism at its peak.

Anthony’s efforts have not gone to waste, the gate to the convent swings open and a tall, medium built man walks out. He is wearing a baseball cap over long, shoulder length wild looking hair and sunglasses, but through the disguise, you can tell this is Louis or at least someone who looks very like him. Anthony pulls out the long lens of his camera and snaps a few shots before noting where the man is going.

The Louis-twin hurries off down the hill and jumps into a car. Anthony recognises this as Louis’ car so he follows him as the car starts and speeds off. An expert in the art of tailing stars, he manages to keep on the back of Louis’ car and follows him all the way back to Louis’ apartment. To the surprise of Anthony, the man who steps out of the car has removed his cap and wig and he can clearly see that the driver was Louis all along.

Anthony is overjoyed. He pulls out his mobile phone and dials a number:
“Hello, is that the Caritas Sanctuary? May I speak to Julia Wang please, I am a friend of hers!”

*

[ November 24, 2002: Message edited by: Em ]

[Em]

“Wow! You look beautiful!”
Everyone gasps in wonder as Vanessa walks out from the changing rooms at the portrait studio where she is having her wedding photos taken with Michael. Louis is there as best man and Eva as the lead bridesmaid. Michael’s friend Sophie is the photographer and proud owner of this small studio. Gigi is also around as part of the inseparable three girls.

In the various backdrops and scenery in the shop, various combinations of the foursome are made and some wonderfully happy images are captured on film. As they finish and Vanessa retires to change out of her wedding dress, Sophie boldly asks Louis and Eva for a favour.

“I would be really honoured if you could do some publicity shots for me as bride and groom.” She says nervously.
“It wouldn’t be for free of course! I know you artists charge a fee and I wouldn’t want to cheat you on that. Just with you knowing Michael, I was hoping you could help me!”

Louis is very hesitant.
“It wouldn’t seem quite right, we aren’t the ones getting married…”

Eva looks on earnestly, but doesn’t say a word.

“Oh please! Just a couple of shots – the two of you just look so good together!” pleads Sophie.

“Go on Louis! Do it for me….” Urges Michael, eager to push his friend into facing his real emotions.
“How about we call it quits for the portraits if he does it for you, Sophie?”

“Wow, you drive a hard bargain – no problems, Mikey – if your friends are willing though!” agrees Sophie.

“Go on Louis! You know how hard up I am at the moment… I have three mouths to feed soon!” jokes Michael.

Eva still stands in silence, but looks longingly at Louis, who glances over and sees the will in her eyes. He can’t fight it any longer.
“Oh go on then…”
He feels a great weight lifting off his shoulders as he decides to relax and enjoy the experiences. After all he does feel greatly towards this girl standing beside him.

As she is led off to choose a bride’s outfit, Eva smiles shyly – hiding the overwhelming flood of emotion and excitement she is feeling inside. When she emerges in a bridal dress, Vanessa and Gigi show their support and shower her with praises.

“Wow Eva – you look amazing! It’s a good job we aren’t having a double wedding otherwise I’d be shadowed by you!” Vanessa has only good words for her best friend.

Louis casts eyes on her and his inhibitions melt away. He falls into the role naturally and Sophie gets her shots, whilst Gigi offers to put some forward to be published in SNU. As the group happily go about their work and admire the stunning creations mastered by Sophie, they are being watched through the shop window to the studio. This person’s expression changes rapidly from happiness to anger to being upset as she sees what is happening, as wipes her tears with one hand and grips a fist with the other.

Suddenly, Louis catches a glimpse of her and rushes to the door, but as he runs out and looks into the street outside, she has gone. He wonders if he is imagining things, but his expression has changed from the relaxed happy state to a nervous edgy mood.
“What’s the matter?” asks Eva, she shocks him a little.

“Oh… nothing…have we finished yet? I think we should leave now.” He stutters.

Eva finds herself once again wondering what it is that pains him so much, but she dare not ask him and holds her pain in her heart.

*
Through the window of the treatment room in the retirement home, Eddie and Sylvia look on as Old Mrs Wai undergoes her dialysis treatment. As she sits watching the small television screen, she is half falling asleep and though she bravely soldiers on, it is clear that she is finding things tough and her aged body is slowly losing the battle against the build up of toxins in her body. Eddie has taken time off to be with her in the closing stages of her life, and despite his close relationship with Vanessa, has played little part in her wedding preparations. Instead, he spends each day at the home, maximising the time he has left with his mother who gave him life and brought him up.

“Don’t be so sad. Auntie is such a good person, the heavens won’t let her suffer.” Comforts Sylvia as she tries to hold down the lump in her own throat.

“How can I not be worried? I see her condition get worse day by day… and I stand here so helpless, not knowing what I can do to make her better.” Weeps Eddie.

“I really admire how she can still be so happy when she is in so much discomfort.” Continues Sylvia.

“Her greatest wish was for me to build my own family, but I couldn’t even do that for her. I am so useless… I hope that she will live to see the day when I get married, have children…” Eddie loses track of his thoughts as he spills his innermost feelings.

Sylvia hands him a tissue to wipe his tears.
“Don’t let Auntie see you like this, it will only make her unhappy.” She scolds.

Eddie takes her advice and wipes his eyes.
“Thank you. I’m sorry.” He apologises as he looks up at Sylvia.

She grabs his hand tightly and stares softly into his eyes.
“If you are willing to let me into your life, I would like to help you fulfil your mother’s final wish.” She offers sincerely.

Eddie is lost for words as he throws his arms around her and holds her tightly.
“Thank you for giving me this chance!” he cries.

“I love you, Eddie.” Whispers Sylvia gently to him.

From inside the room, Mrs Wai glances over at her son and his true love. She smiles gently and drifts off into a contented doze.

*
“Anthony, what is all this about? What is that Louis doing on the front of your magazine with Eva in a wedding photo? Is this what you have been working on? Are you on my side or not?”
Steven shouts angrily down the phone at his former publicity guy.

Anthony shrugs as he rolls his eyeballs and calmly responds:
“Hey, this is just the beginning of it, and I didn’t even have to orchestrate this starter!” he laughs.
“Trust me Steven, the main course and dessert are yet to come and it’s much tastier than this!”

Steven is rather simple minded and doesn’t read into Anthony’s metaphorical analysis.
“I don’t care! Just get me back into the headlines!”

“Hang in there, you’ll be number one man again soon.” Assures Anthony as he slouches back into his seat and puts his feet on his desk.
“Three days time – the wedding day… sit back and enjoy the show!”

*
If anyone could be more fanatical about Louis than Eva once was, it would be the owner of this room. Posters, pictures and photographs adorn the walls and the small shelf is cluttered with everything to do with him. On the windowsill is a photograph of Louis with the pretty girl who also beams from the frame in his apartment and a weathered Valentine’s card – signed “With all my love, Louis”.

The young woman sits at her desk, shaking her head.
On the desk is a copy of Showbiz News Unedited – Sophie’s photo splashed across the front and the headline “The Marriage of Dreams”.
The soft mutterings coming from the girl can be faintly heard as:
“Louis, how could you do this to me? How could you do this to me?”
Tears stream from her face and a build up of emotion grows inside her, gradually building into an uncontrollable fit of frustration. She throws a glass against the wall and tears the magazine in half with the strength of her despair.
The picture falls to the ground in two pieces as the smiling faces of Louis and Eva are torn from one another, never to be reunited seamlessly again.

*

[ November 26, 2002: Message edited by: Em ]

[Em]

Not sure if anyone still reading, but here is a bit of drama for you if you are still here...
__________________________________________

“Welcome, and today we are gathered here to witness the joining of Tsui Chi Leung and Ho Wai Fan in the sanctity of marriage…”
The registrar announces the beginning of the civil ceremony in the registry office as the closest friends and family of Michael and Vanessa are gathered in this simple testimony of their love.
Eva and Louis sit beside them, with Mr and Mrs Ho, Frankie and Gigi, Auntie Sin and Uncle Wing, Eddie and Sylvia and a few other relatives and friends sitting behind.
Sophie is in the background, armed with her camera.

“Do you, Tsui Chi Leung take Ho Wai Fan to be your wife, love her and share with her the rest of your life together?”
“I do.”
“And do you, Ho Wai Fan take Tsui Chi Leung to be your husband, love him and share with him the rest of your life together?”
“I do.”

The couple exchange their rings and everyone lets out a round of applause as they share a gentle kiss on the instruction of the registrar. Louis shakes his friend’s hand and congratulates him on marrying a lovely wife and Eva gives Vanessa a heartfelt hug.

They complete the formalities and Sophie ushers them out into the gardens of the Town Hall to have some photographs taken in the sunshine. Once again, she arranges them all in different combinations to ensure a thorough montage for her friends’ memories.

“Okay okay, bride and groom please!” she instructs, as she tweaks at Vanessa’s dress and tucks in Michael’s collar.
“Next with the bridesmaid and best man please!”

Eva and Louis step forward again and stand next to their friends. Sophie continues to snap away.
“Okay, let’s have everyone in!” she calls.
They all fall in and again Sophie clicks away yelling at them to look at her and pointing at people who are obscuring others.
“Fantastic! That is just fine!”

“I’LL NEVER LET YOU TAKE HIM FROM ME!!!”
A roar can suddenly be heard from behind Sophie as everyone’s eyes suddenly turn away from the camera and can only see the sunlight reflecting from the blade of a long kitchen knife being held by a woman who is violently charging towards the crowd, in particular at Eva.

In the split second, a gut reaction from Eva pushes Vanessa away from her before she freezes at the shock of the sight of the pointed end of the knife heading straight for her and the desperate rage of the madwoman heading towards her.

“NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!”
Everyone looks in horror as the knife meets flesh and is pushed deep into the body of a human body.
“Aaaaaaah!” The cry of pain is that of a man.

Eddie runs forward and subdues the woman who is unable to accept the severity of what has happened and is simply laughing chillingly to herself. She turns to Louis and calls to him.

“It’s just you and me now, I love you and you love me! No-one can stand in our way.”
She says, before rocking her head and continuing to laugh.

“Frankie! My brother….. quick, someone call an ambulance! Get a doctor! Do something!” Vanessa is hysterical as she runs around screaming.

The lifeless body of Frankie lies in a pool of blood on the white stone steps of the gardens, his hands grasping at his chest where the knife has pierced him. Eva is kneeling beside him, she is dumbstruck and her body is not responding. She wants to help him yet she cannot move or speak or think. In the final moment as she watched Frankie dive forward to intercept the attacker, she could not believe that this was happening, yet here she was faced with the reality before her.

“Julia! What are you doing here?”
Louis rushes over to the girl grappling in Eddie’s arms. He obviously recognises her and seems to care about her more than Eva.

“I love you Louis, you know I’d never let anyone get between us!” she giggles as she looks up at the frustrated Louis.
“Are you going to marry me now?”

Eva turns to them. Louis notices her and tries to rush over, but Julia grabs hold of him and strongly pulls him back. He tries to explain, but Eva looks away. The paramedics have arrived and are taking Frankie onto the ambulance, Eva follows them into the vehicle, holding Frankie’s hand, urging him to hang on. As the doors close, she peers out through the window and all Louis can see is her blood and tear stained face looking longingly back at him.

As Eddie hands Julie back to his colleagues who have arrived at the scene, he receives a call on his mobile phone, as he takes the call a horrified expression crosses his face. Sylvia runs forward to ask him what the matter is.

“It’s mum, she’s been rushed to intensive care – they don’t think she will make it…”

*

[Paradise]

Wow! <IMG SRC="smilies/yikes.gif" border="0"> That was quite something...I have been waiting for this to happen in a long time. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">Please continue em. Great job!
<IMG SRC="smilies/sweating.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0">
Argh, my similies never come out right the first time. <IMG SRC="smilies/eh.gif" border="0">
[ November 27, 2002: Message edited by: Paradise ]

[ November 27, 2002: Message edited by: Paradise ]

[Em]

Hi Paradise!
It is so good to know that at least you are still reading this... sometimes I feel this is being written just for you! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> Anyway, I finally reveal some of what you have been waiting for - hope you enjoy it! I am really enjoying writing this bit because my secrets can finally be shared. Yay!
<IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">
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The bleeping of the heart monitor in an intensive care room can be heard as doctors and nurses rush around taking readings and ensuring that Frankie is as comfortable as he can be as he lies fresh out of surgery and in the deepest state of unconsciousness. His family and friends wait outside to hear the results from the medical team. Mr Ho paces up and down the corridor as Vanessa comforts Mrs Ho. Eva stands by the glass looking into the treatment room and Michael stands watching over them all.

The doctor leaves the room with a pile of readings and is immediately accosted by Mrs Ho.
“Doctor, how is my son?” she questions frantically.

The doctor thinks and replies calmly and sympathetically.
“He was very lucky, the injury did not have a major effect on any major internal organs and he is not in any mortal danger.”

“So why is he not waking up?” asks Mr Ho.

“The lack of oxygen to the brain caused by loss of blood and a possible blow to the head when he fell means that he is still unconscious and we cannot say how long it will be before he wakes. This will be down to his own will to live.” Continues the doctor.

“Oh! My poor son! Can we go and see him please?” weeps Mrs Ho.

“Of course, but not all at once, you’ll crowd him.” Replies the kindly doctor.
“Try and talk to him – patients can sometimes be stimulated into a response by things that they hear whilst they are in a coma.”

“Thank you doctor!” says Michael on behalf of the family.

After the nurses leave the room, Mr and Mrs Ho enter to go and see Frankie, leaving the three young people outside. Michael sits down on the seat and holds his head in shame.

Vanessa asks the question on the edge of everyone’s lips.
“You know all about her don’t you? What is her relationship with Louis? I think the two of you owe us all an explanation.” She says sternly.

As he formulates a response, Michael sighs several times and shakes his head.

“Her name is Julia Wang. She is Louis’ ex-girlfriend and my cousin…”

The girls look on eagerly, urging him to continue his story.

*
In another hospital, Eddie and Sylvia sit at the bedside of Old Mrs Wai. Eddie is fighting back his tears as he watches his mother on her death bed.

As he holds on tightly to her hand, Eddie urges her to hang onto life.
“Mum, you can’t leave me – you haven’t seen me get married yet or played with your grandchildren. How can you bear to leave your little boy alone in this world?”

Mrs Wai is too weak to show emotion but inside her heart is breaking too. She can fight no longer with the illness, which has consumed her body, but with her determination, she is summoning her final energy to move her hand and speak. She gestures to Sylvia who reacts and bends down to hold her hand. Gently but with great confirmation, she guides Sylvia’s hand over to Eddie’s hand and places the two together.

Seeing that Mrs Wai wants to speak, Sylvia moves the oxygen mask away for a moment and leans over to hear her whispers. After she finishes speaking, Sylvia has been moved to tears and turns round to face her, saying:
“I couldn’t have had a better mother-in-law. You will get through this….”

Mrs Wai twitches a final smile and looks at Eddie.
“Look… after… her…” she whispers to him.
“Be good, son.”
And with those words, the brave lady leaves this realm and moves onto the next.

Eddie breaks down as he calls to his mother to speak to him and wake up, but she can no longer hear him now. Sylvia puts her arm around him and also weeps furiously for the loss of such a wonderful spirit and courageous soul.

*
In a third hospital, Louis watches through the window in the door of a secure medical unit, housing a single patient. It is Julia. He is not allowed to enter the room and he can only watch as she screams to be released. She is bound in a strait jacket, awaiting psychiatric assessment, but she seems to be acting and speaking normally, just slightly frustrated at being held against her will.

Louis’ emotions are in turmoil as he tries to assess his own situation and his feelings towards these two women. One to whom he owes his life and one to whom he owes his love.

* *

Chapter 10 – Louis’ Biography (as told by Michael)

Ten years ago, Louis was known as Chiu Wai Lok. He was the youngest son of a wealthy businessman who had made his fortune in the property boom of the 80’s and was preparing to emigrate to Canada with the hoards of others in the exodus before 1997 and the return of Hong Kong rule to China. Mr Chiu was a man of great principle and believed that as he had worked hard to make his riches, his children must also establish themselves in an upstanding role in business and make their own fortunes. Louis’ two brothers Charles and Pierre both followed in their father’s footsteps and did well for themselves, making small fortunes in property development and keen to join their father in the booming property trade in Canada. However, Louis was the black sheep in the family and was always arguing with his father over his chosen path in life.

Louis dreamed of stardom and honed only his skills in acting, singing and dancing. He would lie to his father that he was going to business classes when in actual fact he was attending drama school. When his father found out that he was spending all his spare time in karaoke bars and at theatre performances they would have huge rows and he would run away for days or weeks at a time. He found business was hugely boring and was prepared to go hungry to follow his passion. Mr Chiu and Louis’ brothers could not comprehend this dedication to his art and Mrs Chiu was powerless against the directions of her husband and elder sons.

The time came when the Chiu family were preparing to leave for their new home on the other side of the world, but just at this time, Louis received the news that he had been accepted into the TVC academy. Beaming with joy at this ultimate goal in his career at the time, he broke the news to his family, but it was not met with the same enthusiasm. The biggest ever row broke out and Mr Chiu gave him an ultimatum – either he gave up on his dreams of stardom and joined the family in Canada to work on the family business or he stayed in Hong Kong but was no longer his son, as he would no longer continue to support this mad pursuit of Louis’.

Louis chose his dreams over his family and Mr Chiu kept to his word. The family home was sold, they moved away and Louis was left with just the possessions he could gather from his own room.

He met me at the academy where I was studying to be a producer and we became great friends. We formed a great bond as since I was young, I had been left in the care of my distant auntie and uncle. Although they treated me like their own son and brought me up, I often still felt very isolated and wondered why my parents didn’t want me. I found him to be a very positive and determined person and looked to him as a role model, urging myself not to let things pull me down and always to work to achieve my dreams.

Louis worked as a bar singer in a karaoke bar to earn a meagre living and one evening, I took my cousin to go and see him perform. Having lived in Julia’s home since I was 4 years old, she was more like a sister to me than a cousin. A freak accident had left her an orphan as well and despite having inherited her parent’s significant wealth, she was desperately lonely and unhappy. As three abandoned orphans, we shared a great affinity and Louis and Julia fell madly and deeply in love.

[Em]

Julia and Louis became inseparable and shared a happy time together, in order to spend as much time with her as he could, Louis even gave up his job in the bar and Julia funded his studies and they moved into an apartment together. She became his assistant and looked after his bookings whilst he concentrated on his studies and his work. People at the academy became accustomed to seeing Julia waiting for Louis after his filming sessions and classes, but Louis’ pride got the better of him and he would not disclose any information about Julia to his classmates, including Steven. Ashamed of his background and of his need to spend Julia’s money, Louis kept his history a tight secret from his professional life. I was very pleased for them that they had both found happiness, stability and companionship, but was becoming concerned about Julia’s obsession with him and her eccentricities leading her to think of nothing but Louis all the time. After graduating from the academy, Louis was offered a contract with TVC and he adopted a stage name of Lok Man, so that he would not be associated with his estranged family. However, the happy times were short lived as tragedy struck.

It was the night of Louis’ big break. He had been working on bit parts for months and after finally being noticed by the producer of a big show, he was selected to appear in a grand charity performance with no other than the veteran of the stage Leslie. This was his big chance to shine and be noticed and the performance meant a lot for him, but as he was still starting out, he had many odd engagements and a slight oversight on the part of Julia had meant that his appointment before the live show was on the other side of the island. Frustrated by her poor organisation, Julia endeavoured to ensure that Louis was not to be late for this important performance, so after collecting him from his last shoot, she drove at top speed over to the studios. Speed leads to accidents and Julia was in no fit state to control her car as it crashed into the barriers and toppled down the side of an embankment, rolling several times as it fell.

When the car came to a rest, Julia awoke to find herself injured but able to pull herself from the wreckage. Louis however was still inside the car and her first instinct was to use her adrenalin powered strength to haul him out in case the car caught fire. She scrambled round to the passenger side and dragged him out, over the side of her convertible. Just in the nick of time, she flung him over to safety as the car exploded, but Julia was pushed away by the force of the blast and thrown against a nearby wall, sustaining massive head injuries.

Things were never the same again. Although Julia recovered, she lost a lot of her cognitive abilities and despite the doctors comments that she was making great progress, she only regained the mental ability of a child and the only memories which she retained were those of the happy times she had spent with Louis and how much love they had once shared. She had violent emotional outbursts and sometimes closed herself to the outside world. She was no longer the cousin I grew up with, or the Julia who Louis fell in love with. Louis’ love for her changed to feelings of guilt and sympathy – I can understand how he could no longer face her, and yet he knew he owed everything he had to her and how he had to be by her to moderate her temperament. He vowed to look after her for the rest of her life.

Julia moved to a nursing home in a quiet convent away from the prying eyes of the media and with Louis’ reports that she had emigrated, people gradually forgot about her existence in Louis’ life. For fear that she might become irrational, Louis played along with being her boyfriend and avoided any relationships or any open links with other women. This is the reason why he would never admit to his love for Eva – even though it hurt him thoroughly whenever he had to refute it. For the first time in eight years, when he met Eva, he felt the same feelings for her as he had for Julia. The innocence, the devotion, the unconditional love for him which he felt was overwhelming, but the shadow of the past was lingering and tormenting.

I tried to tell him that he had to move on and he couldn’t continue pleasing Julia’s childlike fantasies forever, but Louis could not bear seeing Julia hurt by him again. Even as Julia’s cousin, I tried to push him away and admit that they were no longer the loving couple from before, but time after time, the responsibility in his heart got the better of him and the thought of letting go of Julia would be relegated to the back of his mind once more. He knew that if Julia was to find out that his affections had changed, she would not take the news lightly…

* *

[Paradise]

I am sure a lot of ppl are reading your story. It's just that they are not persistent like me to urge you to write more. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[cussieB]

I'm your new reader. Just found your story last week. Nice story, I like it. <IMG SRC="smilies/thumbsup.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/thumbsup.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/thumbsup.gif" border="0">

Keep up the good work and please update soon. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[Em]

Thanks Paradise and cussie B - sorry no updates for so long, had some study to catch up with! Here is a short extract for you tonight - more soon!

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Chapter 11 – Awakening

As she sits at Frankie’s bedside, Eva passes the thoughts of what she has heard about Louis through her mind. She understands what he has been trying to hide and why he has had to do this and yet she still cannot come to terms with what has happened. She doesn’t know how to approach him any more and moreover how to accept Julia and her part in his life.

Watching over the motionless body lying before her, she then tries to understand the reality that Frankie loves her so much that he is willing to lay down his life for her. In the short space of a few hours, the simple life of this simple girl has been turned upside down and inside out. She picks up Frankie’s hand and grasps it to her face as she weeps and weeps.

Images pass through Eva’s mind of how Frankie had been there for her whenever she had needed him. He had shared with her all the good times and the bad times. The great performances at drama classes, successes and failures, graduation, boyfriends coming, boyfriends going, birthdays, Christmas, the millennium… permanently on the end of a phone line or on the other side of the door. Yet how had she never realised his feelings towards her were more than platonic?

“Please don’t leave me!” she cries.
“I never realised how much you meant to me…. I promise you that if you wake, I will leave this place and go back to the life we led in England, away from all this.”

“Really?” comes a whisper from the person in the bed.

“Frankie! Thank goodness!” gasps Eva as she looks up to see that Frankie has opened his eyes and is showing a rather feeble, but distinctly elated smile.
“I’ll go and get a doctor!”

*

[Paradise]

Em,

You have been leaving this fan fiction hanging and not going anywhere. At least a brief ending would be nice. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> Just a suggestion since I have been waiting for so long. <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0">

[Em]

Sorry sorry sorry!! <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0">
I know you want updates - please don't get <IMG SRC="smilies/mad.gif" border="0"> with me.
I know I haven't updated this for a while - I have been revising the next part as the original was a little bit "huh?"... have made a start so you should see some more soon. I don't want to rush it and spoil it!

(And I know I have been doing far too much other stuff and neglecting my fanfics a bit.)

Will spend more time <IMG SRC="smilies/typin.gif" border="0"> on this. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

[Em]

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO sorry for the long wait. Hope you haven't forgotten about me!
I'll try and update more often....

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“Louis, how is Julia coming along?”
Michael grabs a spare moment to catch up on the news of his own cousin as he speaks to Louis on his mobile phone.

“As good as can be expected, I don’t think she remembers much of what happened, which I think is the best thing.” Replies Louis, eager to ask the next question.
“How is Frankie… and Eva?”

“They are fine. Frankie woke up yesterday and is making a remarkable recovery…” Michael’s tone is a little hesitant.

“And Eva? How is she?” Louis puts aside his reservations as his concern for her finally emerges.

“I … er , I had to explain about you to her. She hasn’t taken it very well.”
Michael stutters.

Louis’ expression drops as he realises how difficult it must be for Eva to accept what has happened.
“What has she said?”

“There’s something you should know…”
Michael gulps.
“She has agreed to go back to England with Frankie as soon as he is fit to fly. It could be as soon as next week.”

Louis’ heart sinks as he falls silent.

*
Almost at the same time, Eva and Vanessa catch a coffee in the hospital canteen after visiting Frankie. They are both relieved to see that he is making a startling fight back to health and they finally have a chance to reflect on the occurrences of the last few days.

“I really should have told you about my brother earlier. He’s doted on you ever since we were at high school, but he has been too shy to admit it,” explains Vanessa,
“but what are you going to do about Louis?”

Eva sighs, her heart is split – yet she has made a promise to Frankie and must keep her word.
“I don’t think I want to see him at all. He never admitted anything between us. Maybe we should just let things fade out.”

Vanessa senses that she is speaking against the will of her heart, but understands her dilemma. They both want what is best for Frankie, but Vanessa is not sure that this is the right thing to do.
“Is that fair on Frankie though?” she asks.

Thinking for a moment, Eva formulates her feelings into a compelling sentence.
“Too much has happened over these past months, it is like I have been living a dream - I think it’s time I woke up now and faced up to my own reality and not a life which isn’t real.”

*
“Cheers!”
Anthony and Cecilia share a drink in the SNU offices as they celebrate the record-breaking sales of the magazine after the incident at Michael’s wedding. Well aware of the impending incident, Anthony had been there from the start and had a complete step-by-step pictorial account of what happened and had backed up his story with the evidence collected from his months of researching and stalking. He had single-handedly orchestrated this tragedy and was now reaping his rewards.

As Gigi walks through the office, he jeers at her in contempt:
“Hey little girl! How are you gonna beat this?”

Gigi tries to overcome her anger and hold herself back, but her rage gets the better of her as she flies for Anthony and punches him in the face and giving him a nosebleed.
“That was a human life you nearly sacrificed! How can you be so unethical?” she yells as tears start pouring from her eyes.

Anthony calmly wipes the blood from his face and sniggers unapologetically.
“You really do have a lot to learn still.” He sneers.

“Call Security!” screams Cecilia, flapping her arms around hysterically.

“You don’t need to!” replies Gigi.
“I can leave myself, and you can stuff your job as well – you murdering criminals!”
She leaves, still angry; still fuming and still very upset, turning her back on the room, the people in it and the dream job she once loved so much.
* *

[Em]

At last - my inspiration has returned .... sorry for the delay to those who are still reading. Anybody?

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Chapter 12 – Reality

The farewell to Old Mrs Wai is a small quiet affair where simple wreaths are laid out in the room of the funeral parlour and a few close friends and family arrive to pay their last respects to a remarkable lady who had lived a more than fulfilling life. Eddie kneels beside the tribute to his mother and thanks those who come to say their goodbyes by bowing silently as he mourns for the one who gave him everything. For Eva and Frankie, this is goodbye in more than one sense.

As the ceremony closes, they turn to Eddie who thanks them for their concern.
“Take care of yourself Eddie. Your mother will still be watching over you.” Says Eva sympathetically.

“Thank you.” He replies.

“I wanted to let you know that Frankie and I will be leaving Hong Kong tomorrow, so I don’t know when we will see you again.” Eva continues.

“So soon?” enquires Sylvia, who has just walked up beside Eddie.

“Yes, we want to try and get back for the beginning of the school year. I’ve arranged for Eva to work as a classroom assistant at the school where I teach.” Explains Frankie.

Eva turns to Eddie and gives him a hug.
“Please look after Auntie, Uncle and Gigi for me.” She pleads. “Especially Gigi – she is in a bad way.”

“Don’t worry Eva, we’ll make sure she is okay.” Says Sylvia reassuringly.

Eddie nods and whispers, “Of course I will.”
He can barely hold back his emotion as the tears start to well up in his eyes once more. Eva’s tears flow freely too as she grabs him once again and gives him another big hug. She is missing him already and she hasn’t even left.

“Call me!”

*
On the morning of Eva’s flight, Michael calls Louis and is put through to the answerphone.

“Hi this is Louis, I can’t take this call – leave a message!” The machine plays Louis’ rather abrupt message.

“Lok! Listen to me – this is your last chance!” Yells Michael down the phoneline.
“She’s leaving today. 11 am flight to London. If you value your relationship then get down to that airport and don’t let her go!”

BLIP! The message ends and the machine confirms the recording.
Next to the phone on the sofa lies the rundown heap that is Louis. His emotional turmoil, late nights down at Incognito and countless sleepless nights has left him half the man he once was and still his stubbornness prevents him from making and pursuing a decision about his life. Strewn across the table are photographs of happier times with Julia and also the wedding photos he had taken with Eva.
Memories of his scenes with Eva dominate his thoughts – the accident, the notebook, the first date and star gazing through to the wedding day tragedy. As his mind stops on the look of Eva staring back at him through the window of the ambulance, he finally realises the meaning behind those teary eyes and the message she has been trying to send to him all along.

Suddenly, Louis wakes from his trance and looks over at the clock. It shows nine o’clock. He grabs his car keys and rushes out of his apartment. This is a real race against time.

*
“Please will passengers for Cathay Pacific flight CX251 to London Heathrow, please proceed to Check-In desk B for baggage check and passenger identification!”
The loudspeaker at Hong Kong Airport booms loud and clear as people pushing trolleyloads of luggage hurry across the concourse towards the perfectly uniformed ladies at the airline reception desks.

From the crowd emerges Frankie, his parents and Eva as they meet up with Vanessa, Michael, Auntie Sin and the family who have all come to see them off.
“Look after my little girl Michael, or I’ll be back here to sort you out!” warns Mr Ho, before chuckling and shaking Michael’s hand.

“Don’t worry Dad! I will make sure that you will come back to see your nice chubby grandchild!” laughs Michael.

Auntie Sin passes Eva several large carrier bags, as is customary after you have checked in your luggage.
“Now you take these back to your mother and make sure they don’t get crushed on the plane!” she instructs.
“And this bag is for Mrs Wan and this one is for Auntie Mui…”

“Mum! They only let you take one piece of hand luggage on the plane!” protests Gigi.

“Oh you’ll be fine – there are so many of you anyway!” argues Auntie in a way only Chinese housewives can.

“Thanks Auntie. You and uncle take care of yourselves!”
Eva turns to Gigi and gives her a hug. “Study hard! Don’t let go of this opportunity – you have great things ahead of you. Email me, okay?”

“Definitely!” replies Gigi, who is surprisingly lost for words.

Vanessa steps forward and embraces her best friend without a word.
“I don’t know how I am going to cope without you here!” she squeaks as her tears break through and start to roll down her cheeks.

Eva mirrors her emotion and tries hard to try her eyes, sniffing hard to catch her breath.
“You have a husband to look after you now! You’ll be just fine…”

After a few moments silence, Frankie decides to move things along:
“We’d better go in, it’s nearly time.”
He turns to the girls who are still saying their good-byes.
“Hey kid, you can always just jump on a plane – we aren’t that far away!” he says trying to cheer up his sister and giving her a big brotherly hug.

As they walk towards the entrance to passport control and the restricted area, Eva looks around at the entrances and the other people in the airport, searching quickly for a familiar face. Vanessa and Frankie both notice her instinctive action.
Tactful as ever, Vanessa tries to rectify the awkwardness as Eva realises what she has just done.

“Eddie and Sylvia can’t make it. They will call you once you arrive in London.”

As they wave goodbye at the point where the ground staff check boarding cards, Eva passes her ticket and passport to the uniformed lady at the gate and once again glances behind her, gazing past her family at the door to the concourse. She longs to see someone but there is no one there.

“Thank you miss!”
The staff member passes the documents back to her as Frankie tugs her to move along.

Eva sighs, shakes a final wave to her folks and turns to enter the glass doors.

At this moment, a man runs through the other glass doors at the opposite end of the airport reception. He rushes across the concourse and catches sight of Michael and Vanessa standing near the restricted area. Lifting his head to look at the door leading into the restricted zone, he catches a brief glimpse of Eva as she turns away to leave but he is too late. She has gone.

Louis leans against the side of an empty check in counter as he tries to catch his breath and console himself. Holding his head in his hands, he cries uncontrollably as the public go about their business and a couple of ground staff come and check on him.

“Come on, let’s go somewhere else and get a drink!”
Louis takes a breath and looks up. It is Michael offering a much needed helping hand.
*

<font size="1">[ February 19, 2003: Message edited by: Em ]</font>

[jeh]

Hi Em, you're doing a great job with this fanfic. It's so sad that Eva left Louis <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0">. Please continue, I can't wait to see what happen next. By the way, what actress is playing the role of Eva?

[Paradise]

I am still here Em and still reading. You had me waiting for quite a long long long time but it's all worth it. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

[Em]

Thanks guys, you have no idea how much your comments mean to me - I will update again soon! It is great to know you are still reading even after so long! Thank you thank you....

jeh - I have never really set up a cast list for this story but I will put some thoughts down here... most of the guys are obvious like Louis (Koo), Michael (Tse/Tong - take ur pick), Steven (Ma), Frankie (Lam) and Eddie (Cheung)... but the girls are a little less defined. The actress I have based Eva on is actually Rain Li and Vanessa is loosely moulded around Tavia Yeung.

I'll save the rest of the cast list for the end of the story - you can compare and see whether your choice of actor matched mine!

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[ice_cream]

wow Em...my first time reading a fan fic...cos i've never been bothered.....
and it was good.....
makes so much sense..so....when is it going to finish.....and updated???
*eagerly waiting*

[Em]

ta-daa! At last, my cognitive juices are running again... enjoy!
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The following six months are a tough time for Louis, the absence of Eva in his life takes its toll and he spends many days missing her dreadfully as he completes the rest of his commitments in his schedule, which are stopping him from leaving Hong Kong. Michael’s priorities reside with his own family so Louis is often left only with Milo and his trusty beer for company as he runs through his memories over and over again in his mind, whilst trying to relax a little in Incognito. His popularity dwindles as his adverse publicity has left a scar in many of his fans’ minds, but with the fickleness of the public’s opinion, the event is soon forgotten along with his name as new and more exciting gossip is formulated and propagated, often with Steven and Tina in the limelight.

Julia is found guilty of assault and committed for psychiatric treatment. Under the expert supervision of the medical professionals, Louis and Michael are relieved to find that she is finally letting go of her dependence on Louis and is starting to make friends at the hospital. On one visit, the two friends bump into each other by chance and as Julia skips off to play with the other patients, they share a few words in the hospital gardens.

“It is such a relief to see that Julia is getting better!” exclaims Michael.
“I should think that is a great weight lifted from your shoulders?”

“Well, I only want what is best for her,” replies Louis.
“And it won’t stop me from looking after her.”

“I know, it is the same for me. I owe it to her parents for bringing me up.” Sighs Michael.

“How’s the new film coming along?” asks Louis, pleased that Michael has now moved onto bigger and better things.

“It’s fine! We’ll be filming with Raymond in Japan for a couple of weeks, but I should be back in time for the birth!” raves Michael excitedly.

“Of course! The baby is due to be born soon… has it been so long already?” gasps Louis.

Michael nods as his thoughts turn to Louis’ situation as though he is sensing the way that Louis’ own thoughts are heading.
“How is the work coming along?”

“Nearly there…” he stops and hesitates.
“Have you heard from Eva?”

“She is well.” Comes the short reply.
“Why don’t you go and see for yourself?”

*
Eight thousand miles and another world away, Louis wanders around the streets of a London suburb. The pace is sleepier and the streets less crowded than those of Hong Kong. Familiar Chinese faces are replaced by those of Westerners, whilst the red and white taxis have changed to black cabs. Grasping a street map and the address given to him by Vanessa, he is on a mission to seek out and win back Eva’s love.

As he passes by a small row of shops and restaurants, the Chinese characters on one of the signs catches his eye and his face lights up as he has reached his destination.
“New Dragon Restaurant – that’s the one!” he thinks to himself as he dashes across the road.

The door in the small shop front opens into a medium sized restaurant with about eight tables and some stairs leading upstairs. The furnishings are simple, but traditional and the tables are laid ready for business with neatly folded paper napkins and a carnation in a vase on each condiment tray. It is mid-afternoon so there are no customers yet as Louis nervously pushes the door and enters.

“I’ll be with you in a moment!” comes a voice from behind the small bar.

A girl in her mid-twenties, dressed in the standard black and white uniform of a waitress turns around and looks over at this stranger.
“Table for one?” she asks automatically.

Not knowing what to say, Louis takes the offer.
“Er, yes please.”

The waitress leads him to a table and offers a menu before looking closely at him and staring for a moment. She then steps back, showing a rather shocked expression and stammers:
“You?”

“I guess you know who I am…” suggests Louis.
“I’m Louis, I’m actually here to look for Eva.”

“I see.” Says the girl, regaining her composure.
“I’m afraid she isn’t here… I’m Alice, her sister.”

“Hi! I never knew Eva had a sister. Nice to meet you…”
Louis offers his hand to Alice, who shakes it politely.

“Louis, I don’t think you should stick around here too long.” Advises Alice.
“Where are you staying? I’ll come and speak to you later.”

“At the Russell Hotel in Kings Cross…” says Louis.
“What is the problem?”

“I’ll tell you what the problem is!” booms a voice from the door at the back leading to the kitchen.
“You do have some guts coming here! Have you not humiliated my family enough?”

“Dad! Stop it!” yells Alice as she quietly ushers Louis out of the door.

“Let me get my broom to beat you out of my property. You are not welcome here – do you understand?” Mr Cheung is not a pretty sight when he is angry.

“I’ll come down to your hotel after the restaurant closes tonight. You’d better go!”
Alice pushes a stunned Louis out of the door just in time as Mr Cheung wields his broom furiously towards them.

“And don’t you come back!”
*

[Em]

Alice is a simple, down to earth character who hasn’t had the same opportunities as her younger sister. Her feet are firmly planted on the ground as she works for the family business, which will become hers one day, in the only job she has ever done. She has no aspirations for stardom or for a glamorous life, the only thing she looks forward to is her day off each week which she spends at the local shopping centre and her Sunday afternoons teaching Chinese at the local community centre. She makes little effort on her appearance or dress, but yields attractiveness in her own unique way.

Sitting in the bar of the hotel, she orders a glass of lemonade and waits for Louis. He walks in and takes a seat at the stool beside her.

“Thanks for coming!” opens Louis.
“I didn’t realise how much trouble I’d cause you.”

Alice looks at Louis and smiles.
“I really don’t know what my sister sees in you. Give me Leslie any day.”
She says in her direct tones. Alice will always call a spade a spade.

“What can I get you?” interrupts the tall, English bartender.

“Oh, a beer please. Any will do…” replies Louis.
He turns to Alice again to continue their conversation.
“Please Alice, can you tell me where I can find Eva?”

“Why should I do that?”
Alice responds with a question as only women can.

“I really need to explain myself, I have something important to tell her.”
Louis’ desperation is very apparent as he is on the brink of pouring his heart out to this stranger whom he has just met.

“You men are always so self-centred. Have you ever thought about how she felt? What do you expect her to do if you just move in and out of her life as you please? She isn’t a doll which can be picked up when you want to play with when you feel like it!”
Alice starts to lose her cool as her concern for her sister takes over.

Louis leans forward in his seat, he is a little stunned but the thoughts have been unleashed in his mind all over again. He has asked himself these questions non-stop for the last six months and he feels so guilty and wrong. Yet, his determination to win back Eva has pushed him along all this way and put him in this position.

Alice continues…
“Do you realise how badly your relationship reflected on our family?”

“No.” Louis looks up enquiringly.

“Everyone in the Chinese community was talking about you both. Those who knew Eva were angry that you refused to admit your relationship, but most of the other people laughed and jeered, saying that Eva was a crazy fan, who wasn’t good enough for you. A wannabe just sticking by you for your popularity, and it didn’t stop there…”

Louis listens on intently. He never once thought about the other side of the price of fame. As Alice’s words sink in, his thought suddenly turn to his own family and his lack of consideration for their feelings and the effect that the limelight would have on them.

“Louis, my father is a proud man. He has worked hard for thirty years to establish himself in a tough environment, in a foreign land and with only his friends in the community and his family to give him the strength to achieve what he has done. When he sees his own daughter being mocked by those he thought were his friends, you cannot imagine how heartbroken he was.”

Alice stops and gulps her drink. Louis sits in stunned silence as he processes what has been said in his already troubled mind.

Alice sighs, a long sigh of resignation. She swallows her anger and looks over at Louis.
“After she came home, Eva couldn’t bear to see our dad so unhappy. She put aside everything that happened in Hong Kong and agreed to his wishes. She got engaged to Frankie last month. They aren’t in London right now.”

Suddenly, the barman drops a glass and it shatters into a thousand tiny pieces and it feels to Louis at that moment that his world has just done the same.

*

[Paradise]

Please cont... <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">