Stardust Dreams

[ice_cream]

omg......sad.......but i guess it was his fault i mean....he wasn't so secure about their relationship anyway.....

[Em]

Short update, but I am pushing this towards the end now so putting some effort into this!
More soon! <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

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Wandering alone and dazed through the streets of London, Louis rolls more thoughts through his weary mind and experiences the pace of life in Britain. Even in the busy capital, the steady rolling of the people, the information and life in general is no comparison to the gushing rapids of that in Hong Kong. The faces, though foreign, are friendlier and more trusting, the attitudes more honourable, the curiosity infectious.

Alice has invited Louis to visit the local Chinese community centre for what she described as “an insight into Eva’s life”. Without a thought for protocol, Louis has agreed, the realisation of his lack of understanding of her is hard to face.

Despite the informality of this visit, as Louis steps into the reception of the centre accompanied by Alice, he is met by a group of TV fans, eager to catch a glimpse of him, yet quietly keeping order, calling him from a safe distance. This combination of shyness but still brimming with enthusiasm is a refreshing change from the highly charged supporters that Louis meets in Hong Kong. After signing some autographs and spending some time talking to his fans, Louis retires to the staff room for a cup of tea with Alice.

“How have you found it today?” Alice asks expectantly.

Louis doesn’t say a word, but smiles and nods.

“Any difference?” prompts Alice.

Louis formulates his response for fear of sounding patronising.
“Thank you Alice. I never realised how deeply we affect the lives of people here.”

“Living overseas, you are faced with a dual identity. There are those who choose to drop one or the other, but the majority will try and grasp them both.”
Alice talks from her own experiences.
“You and your colleagues provide a vital link to maintain this Chinese background and as a result, my generation has turned to you for inspiration and direction. Couple this with the relative innocence and simplicity of life over here, you can see how deepset this fascination and respect can become.”

Taken aback and somewhat speechless at this explanation, Louis doesn’t respond.

“For my sister, having the chance to meet you, get to know you and fall in love with you was just a dream come true. I can safely say she was your biggest fan, but when those feelings of admiration turned to feelings of real love, she was never the same again. If I know Eva, she won’t let go so easily – she still loves you and she will always love you. I just want her to be happy, but what is to happen next is entirely down to you,”

*

[jeh]

A short chapter but still good. I can't wait until Eva and Louis get back together again. It's too sad to see them like this. Please update soon.

[Em]

Thanks jeh - how do you know they are going to get back together again? Hee hee ... I might be nasty and split them up forever! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">
Then again, it might be a happy ending!

Wait and see... here is some more!
<IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">
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Ding dong!
The doorbell sounds as a heavily pregnant Vanessa in her maternity dress scuffles to answer. As she opens the door and peers through the gate to see who her visitor is, her expression changes to one of shock.

“Surprise! Bet you weren’t expecting me!!” Eva squeals as she sees her friend.

“Eva! What are you doing here?”
Vanessa opens the gate and steps forward to hug her friend, but realising that her bump is in the way, she laughs and grasps Eva’s hand instead.

Eva looks over Vanessa and exclaims:
“Great! We made it back in time…”

“Not long to go though!” responds Vanessa.

“Hey! You can forget about this big brother when your mates are around!”
Vanessa looks over to where this sound is from and sees Frankie.

“Frankie!”
Vanessa immediately rushes over and grabs her brother’s hands.
“How could I forget you? How are you?? Come in come in!”

Eva and Frankie pull in their luggage and Vanessa pours out three cups of tea.
“Vanessa, you sit down. Let us look after you in your condition!”
Eva overacts as she ushers Vanessa to the seat.

“I need to keep active, can’t sit around too much!” points out Vanessa.

Frankie looks on proudly.
“My little sis isn’t so little any more…” he sighs emphatically.
“Where’s Michael?”

“He’s in Japan filming with Raymond.” Replies Vanessa,
“But he’ll be back next week in time for the birth!”

“What? He’s left you alone?” gasps Frankie.

“No, Gigi’s been keeping me company at night. She’s out at uni.” Explains Vanessa.
“I take it she doesn’t know you’re back either… I thought you said you wouldn’t be back for the Easter break?”

“Well, we were going to stay in the UK to run the revision classes…” says Eva.

“But two things much more important came up!” continues Frankie excitedly, not realising he is finishing Eva’s sentence for her.

“Oh? And what might they be?” asks Vanessa curiously.

“Of course I had to be back to see the birth of my new nephew or niece….” Enthuses Frankie.

“And the other reason…” prompts Vanessa.

“Well…” Frankie suddenly becomes very coy as he looks over to Eva who smiles awkwardly.

Vanessa’s senses are as sharp as ever as she reads the expressions and puts two and two together.
“Don’t tell me you two are getting married!” she says suspiciously.

Eva’s head tips forward slightly as if to nod and Frankie’s face lights up with a beaming smile.
“Spot on sis! Are you happy for us?”

Vanessa stops for a moment as her thoughts resettle in her mind. She feels uncomfortable, as she looks over at Eva who remains silent and her joyous brother. She offers a few words of congratulation to her brother and sister-in-law-to-be, but deep down in her heart she can sense that this was not meant to happen. She wants to be happy for her brother, yet she knows that Eva is not totally immersed with elation. Burying her true thoughts for later, she continues the merry conversation with Frankie and Eva, but she is desperate to find out what is happening inside Eva’s mind.

*

Later that evening, Gigi has returned from university and she sits with Vanessa and Eva and the three old friends flick through Vanessa’s wedding photos, whilst catching up on the events of the past few months. Frankie has gone out to meet an old friend of his own, so Vanessa takes the chance to ease into the contents of Eva’s mind.

Meanwhile, Eva can’t help but think back to the events of the wedding day. She looks at the group photograph and sighs deeply before turning to Vanessa.
“I’m really sorry we spoiled your big day!”

Vanessa looks at her with an air of resignation.
“Hey, are you gonna be like that with me?” she asks.
“It’s no-one’s fault. Frankie got better and that’s all that matters…”

Eva bites her lip as it shudders slightly, Vanessa notices the sudden burst of emotion and tries to lighten the mood.
“… and I still look beautiful in the pictures! That’s more important than anything!!”

Gigi tries to help.
“Yeah, you’re still as vain as ever!” she adds.

Eva forces a smile.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to get all weepy…” she apologises.

“Hey… it’s the first time the three crazy girls have been together for so long. We’re supposed to be happy!” says Gigi handing a tissue to her cousin.

“And you’re getting married soon yourself!” adds Vanessa, keen to bring in the subject.

“Yeah – you didn’t waste any time with Frankie, Cuz!” laughs Gigi.
“You aren’t pregnant are you?”

“No, don’t be daft…” says Eva, drying her eyes as she smiles again.

“So how come you decided to get married after such a short time?” pries Vanessa.

Eva thinks for a moment.
“I guess it was the most logical thing to do. You know how simple life is in Britain.”

“You sure that it wasn’t Uncle Fu putting pressure on you?” jokes Gigi.

The reaction from Eva is unexpectedly serious.
“Of course not! I wouldn’t do it just because of him.” She snaps.

Vanessa and Gigi both sense that there is something making Eva a little nervous. They both have a good idea of what this may be, yet they are both hesitant about opening up an old wound.

Finally, Vanessa can’t hold it back any more.
“Michael told me that Louis is visiting England at the moment… looks like he has missed you!” she bursts out.

A moment of silence sweeps across Vanessa’s living room and the hum of the traffic down from the road can be heard wafting in from the open window.

Eva breaks the stillness with a remark to conclude the topic.
“Not that he would come looking for me anyway.”

* *

[jeh]

Great chapter! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">
So glad to see Eva again. Em, you are just so cruel. Eva have to come back right at the time when Louis is at England. Cruel, cruel <IMG SRC="smilies/angrystick.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">. Hope you update soon or I will... I will stop reading your story! Yes, that is a threat <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">. Joking. I would never stop reading this wonderful story <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">.

[Em]

Haha... I like to keep you guessing!
Anyway thought I'd end this on a happy note tonight so put this last scene in before I go to sleep!

<IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">
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Chapter 13 – Decisions

History repeats itself in the crowded hospital reception room as Michael once again flings himself against the counter of the reception room and gasps:
“Where is the labour ward please?”

“Third floor.” Replies the rather shocked receptionist.

“Thank you!” yells Michael as he rushes towards the staircase.
Fresh off the taxi from the airport, Michael has arrived back just in time for the birth of his child who has decided to enter this world a little early.

Gigi and the others are waiting outside the labour room and as she sees Michael rushing through the door and down the corridor, she calls out to the nurse:
”Excuse me, the father has arrived!”

The nurse passes a surgical gown to Michael who throws it on and quickly washes his hands before entering the swing doors to the labour room. He walks in to see Vanessa taking deep breaths and being encouraged by the doctors and nurses. Grasping her hand tightly, he joins with the words of support:
“Come on Vanessa, just like we practiced so many times before!”
As the adrenalin pumps through his arteries and veins, the tiredness from the last twenty hours without sleep has little effect as he gives his wife all he can and he can think of nothing other than how much he loves her.

No-one knows how much more time passes by, but finally the sound of a baby’s soft crying pierces the hum of activity as this tiny life takes its first breaths. The bundle of joy is wiped clean and wrapped in a blanket before being passed to the proud father.
“Congratulations Mr and Mrs Tsui! You have a lovely baby daughter.”

Michael holds the baby up to show her to a weary Vanessa who smiles breathlessly. It has been hard work, but definitely worthwhile.
“Thank you, my dearest!” he whispers as he kisses her and sheds tears of joy.

*

[ice_cream]

i was reading it this morning....and my friend was sitting along side me....and Em....you're getting heaps of fans....

[Em]

Thanks ice_cream and your friends!
With your continued support, I will keep writing as quickly as I can!
Here is a little more....
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In the sunny maternity ward of the hospital, a rested Vanessa sits up in her bed cuddling the new baby as Eva, Gigi, Eddie and Sylvia gather round her bedside and admire the googling girl. Michael has gone to get some much-needed sleep, Frankie has gone to buy some drinks and there is much cheeriness as they discuss what Vanessa and Michael will be naming their daughter.

“How about Helena? You always liked that name!” suggests Gigi to Vanessa.

“No, Michael says it reminds him too much of this girl who used to bully him at school called Helen!” laughs Vanessa.

“What does he like?” asks Eva.

“He’s really old fashioned. He suggested Florence and Betty!” jokes Vanessa.

“No way!!” the three girls gasp in unison, before bursting out with laughter.

“So what have you decided on?” asks Eddie a little more seriously.

“I think we’ve pretty much settled with Amy, nice and simple.” Explains Vanessa.

“Amy? That is a sweet name!” comes a male voice from the doorway.

Five pairs of eyes suddenly sweep over to see who the owner of this familiar voice is. A few jaws drop and a sudden feeling of anticipation sweeps across them, bringing a sudden halt to the joyful conversation.

Michael rushes through and drags the newcomer into the room, happily announcing:
“Look who I found along the way! I thought I’d bring him to see his god-daughter!”

“Louis! When did you get back?” asks Vanessa.

“Er.. yesterday, but I only found out this morning when I called Michael.”
Louis says as he passes some flowers to her.
“These are for you!”

Vanessa glances over at Eva who is sitting silently assessing the situation. Her heart is thumping away as she feels like the world is spinning around very fast. Taking a few deep breaths, she regains her composure a little before looking up at Louis. As their eyes meet, she offers a little smile and a quick “Hi!” before Michael interrupts again with his rapturous gabble.

“Isn’t it great? With you both here, I’d like to ask you to be Amy’s godparents. Louis? Eva?” he says without thinking.

“Michael, we’ll talk about this later!” Vanessa calls out, whilst signalling him to be quiet.

“What’s the matter? Isn’t it traditional for the bridesmaid and best man to be the godparents?” The lack of sleep is affecting Michael’s brain power.

Vanessa pokes Michael in the ribs.
“We’ll think about this later. After all, Eva will be becoming Amy's auntie soon anyway…”
She looks up and sees Frankie returning with some cups of coffee.
“Isn’t that right Frankie?”

Frankie walks in and looks at the crowd, which has gathered around his sister’s bed. His glance rests on Louis to his right and then immediately sweeps across to Eva on the opposite side. The tense moment subsides as Eva stands up and grabs her bag.

“Frankie, we’d better be going. Don’t want to keep Auntie Sin and Uncle Wing waiting. We said we’d meet them for Dim Sum.”
She turns to Gigi.
“Are you coming?”

“Yeah – better keep the folks happy.” Says Gigi.

“We’ll bring them over to see you later Vanessa.” Adds Eva as she leaves.
“Bye everyone!”

They say goodbye and leave the room. As they walk out, Louis’ line of sight follows Eva out of the room and rests on the gentle swinging of the door as it settles down. The others can only look on helplessly as he wears an expression of longing on his face.
“I think you two need to talk.” Suggests Vanessa.
*

[jeh]

Yeah, Louis and Eva finally meet again <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0">! Please continue to update. I want to know what will happen. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

[Danielle Lin]

sorry i havent left a message in a LONG time! <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0"> i've been reading you story but i have been a silent reader lately...but great story so far <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">!one question though is your story posted on winglin? i'm super lazy <IMG SRC="smilies/blush.gif" border="0"> i never check the first page of winglin for updates, i just skip to the completed story list... <IMG SRC="smilies/knocked.gif" border="0">i'm kinda cuckoo, i know lol anywho bya- oh gee <IMG SRC="smilies/shifty.gif" border="0"> my sis is trying to steal my candy, again! that lil brat! <IMG SRC="smilies/sigh.gif" border="0">

[Danielle Lin]

side nte im danielle too but i the stupid idiot that i am lost the password <IMG SRC="smilies/cringe.gif" border="0"> and me being stupid again didnt know about how your password can be sent again to you(exactly yesterday) <IMG SRC="smilies/disgust.gif" border="0"> so i had to start all over, hey i changed my icon too! cute eh? reminds me of, well me being clumsy again! <IMG SRC="smilies/tongue.gif" border="0"> anyway <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> to you on the grat story!

[Em]

Thanks Danielle and all my other avid readers - here is some more. Building it up now.... oooh! How will it all end????? <IMG SRC="smilies/tongue.gif" border="0">
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As they head towards the restaurant to go and meet Auntie Sin, Gigi remembers she needs to go and buy something from the paper stand.

“I’ll meet you there, you go on ahead!” Gigi calls as she ushers away Eva and Frankie.

“Don’t be too long!” replies Eva.

Eva continues along the road holding Frankie’s hand and they pass a shop window, which catches their eye. They both stop without a thought as they peer in at one of Sophie’s studios. Tucked away among the various frames displaying old and new photographs is one of the pictures which Louis took with Eva during Michael and Vanessa’s photoshoot.

In Eva’s mind, the picture brings back memories of the beautiful time she spent with Louis, when for that short time taking those photographs they were truly part of each other with no cares or worries for anyone else and truly believing that they were living a dream. She doesn’t utter a sound, but a sweet smile automatically appears on her face.

At first Frankie thinks that she is simply looking at the wedding dresses and thinking of their planned marriage and he starts to suggest that maybe they should get their photographs done in advance. Then he notices what Eva’s attention is focussed on and his expression turns to one of sourness and envy. Looking at the photograph of Louis and Eva makes him feel awful and then seeing the gentle smile on Eva’s face just makes him worse.
“Come on, don’t make Auntie and Uncle wait!” he says gruffly as he tugs on Eva’s arm and wakes her from the daydream.

*
“Showbiz News Unedited please!”
Gigi hands over her ten dollars to the newsvendor as she picks up her magazine from the rapidly decreasing pile.

“And one for me as well…”
The owner of the voice looks over at Gigi and smirks.
“I left my copy at work and I just couldn’t be without my masterpiece!”

Gigi gives the man a death stare before turning away to leave.

“Why are you in such a rush to leave? Such disrespect for your teacher! You really didn’t learn much from me did you?”
Anthony does his best to stir up the anger in Gigi’s mind.

“You were no teacher of mine. I would rather be jobless than follow in your footsteps!” retorts Gigi, fuming.

“I see you still can’t resist in reading my work though!” laughs Anthony, putting his arm around the woman who has just joined his side.

Gigi sees who she is and laughs flippantly.
“I’m buying it for research purposes only … and at least I don’t need to sleep with my subjects to get a story!”

“Anthony darling, who is this person wasting our time?”
The woman is the same as that who is gracing the front of the magazine, wearing little more than a few fig leaves and posing with some strategically placed apples.
“Oh is that your article on me?” she squeals as she grabs Anthony’s copy of the magazine. It is hard to believe that this is the same May who took part in the Miss Hong Kong contest with Vanessa.

“Come on, let’s go!” says Anthony to her before turning to Gigi and adding arrogantly: “These girls just can’t resist my charm!”

Gigi makes vomiting gestures before pulling a face and walking away in the opposite direction, muttering to herself.
“Just you wait, I’ll get my own back on you – patience Gigi!!”

*
“Uncle Wo!”

“Eva!”

In the trendy reception area of the radio station where it all started for Eva, she gives her mentor a little hug and passes him a bottle of fine duty free red wine.
“This is for you!”

“Oh Eva, you shouldn’t have! It is just good to see you so well.” Responds Uncle Wo, but underneath the niceties, he is really quite chuffed.

“I’m just sorry I left without saying goodbye properly. It was all so rushed.” Says Eva.

“Come through – the old gang would love to see you again.” Invites Uncle Wo as he leads her through to the studios where Eva used to present her radio show.

The old faces, familiar sights and sounds all serve to refresh Eva’s memories and it seems like yesterday when she was here and so fresh, learning the ropes with Uncle Wo and forging a wonderful career for herself. Turning the corner into the main corridor, thoughts of Louis are rapidly resurfaced as she thinks back to the time she brushed past him and the other corridor where she spoke to him for the first time and he found her notebook.

“Uncle Wo! We need you to sort out this rundown!” A frantic DJ grabs Eva’s guide and tugs him away.

“Eva – you know your way round. I’ll call you later, this will take a while.” Calls Uncle Wo.

Eva is left to her own devices and as she decides what she should do, she hears the voice she both most and least wants to hear.

“Eva, can we go for a drink somewhere? I would really like to tell you what is in my heart.”

*

<font size="1">[ March 20, 2003: Message edited by: Em ]</font>

[tweety365]

Hiya Em,

Just finished reading chapter 3 and I have to say, this story is very interesting. Definitely hooked to the beginning and hope you continue on with this fanfic. <IMG SRC="smilies/thumbsup.gif" border="0">
Keep it up. Will comment when I finish more chapters.

[ice_cream]

hahaha......the guy sounds like it's louis.....or it could be frankie..... hehehehe.....
have to show my friend again <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

[Danielle Lin]

cant wait! <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

[Paradise]

Em, I am still reading. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> Keep it up and please update soon!!

[Em]

<IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> Thanks to you all - it is so encouraging to hear from you all, especially now that the atmosphere is so heightened in the story. You really help to make it work.. thank you for your anticipation!!!

Need to build up to this scene - kleenex at the ready. Let me know your reactions please!!! I'd like to know if it is dramatic enough...

roll title music... <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> hehehe <IMG SRC="smilies/typin.gif" border="0">
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In the simple settings of a quiet European-style coffee bar, Louis and Eva sit at a table in a secluded corner of the room and silently wait for their drinks. There is so much that they want to say to each other and yet the words cannot escape from their lips. The extreme nervousness apparent at their first such meeting is once again lingering and each heart is pounding as hard as the other. Moments seem like hours until the unknowing waiter brings a cappuccino for Louis and a cup of tea for Eva. He puts the two items down and walks away.

“Sorry, I forgot you don’t drink coffee.” Opens Louis.

“It’s okay.” Replies Eva.
“Vanessa tells me you went to England. Did you have a good time there?”
Eva starts the polite conversation.

“I met your sister… and your dad.” Says Louis directly.

Eva is a little shocked by this revelation, as Alice hadn’t mentioned this when she had called.

Louis continues, wasting no time in getting straight to the point. He has learned his lesson and isn’t going to make the same mistake again.
“She told me a lot about you… opened my eyes to so much about your life that I never realised. More importantly, she released all the emotion and love that I had buried so deeply in my heart that I should have cherished and allowed to flourish.”

Upon hearing this, a flush of adrenalin sweeps through Eva’s body, which partially stuns her. Then the tidal wave of emotion sweeps through, emanating from her chest out to the extremities of her fingers and toes. The spoon she is unconsciously stabbing into her cup slips and falls into her drink. Without a word, she clenches her hands together on the table and tips her head forward, looking at her shaking fists. A million thoughts blur in her mind as she tries unsuccessfully to work out a reaction, instead a million dreams, feelings and memories are melted through the tears welling in her eyes and flowing like streams down her pretty cheeks.

Louis reaches over, gently lifting and unfurling her digits slightly. Cupping her dainty hands with his, he holds her firmly and looks into her tear-filled eyes, before softly speaking with a slight quiver in his voice:
“I love you Eva, please can you give us another chance?”

A tear runs down Louis' face as he continues to search for an answer in her eyes. Nothing more needs to be said as the thoughts of the two are the same. Yet despite the realisation of each other's love, there is a sense that there is an obstacle to this happy conclusion and the battle inside both of their minds is cutting painfully.

Deeply moved and touched, Eva is motionless for a time as she enjoys the warmth and security of her hands in his. However, composure and sense soon takes over and as the shock begins to settle, she quickly draws her hand away, leaving Louis’ resting on the table. Reaching into her bag for a tissue, she dabs at the tears on her face and clutches her things. As she stands up from her seat, still sniffing away, she turns to Louis.
“I’m sorry. I can’t bear to hurt Frankie. We need to let go of the past… please try to forget about me. You have plenty more fans out there.”

Eva doesn’t give Louis a chance to respond as she rushes out of the café, trying not to let him see the tears once again oozing from her narrating eyes.

Eva's words are like a sword slicing through the flesh of a vulnerable child, each more cutting and more painful than the last, unable to bear his loss again, Louis breaks down once more. He is a torn man, brought down by his arrogance, his idealism and his stupidity.

Nearby in the same coffee bar, secluded by a decorative planter, another man sits in a state of emotional turmoil as his trembling body shakes up the coffee cup on the table. Having heard all that has been said by Eva and Louis, a third battle of love, anger and regret is firing inside Frankie’s heart.

*
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Well? How was it?
Waiting for your comments!!!
<IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

[Danielle Lin]

<IMG SRC="smilies/luv.gif" border="0"> OMG! that was so romantic of louis! but eva though <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0"> oooh Frankie was there? oooh this has gotta be good <IMG SRC="smilies/starwars.gif" border="0"> cool! i actually could picture the scene and the music in my head <IMG SRC="smilies/dizzy.gif" border="0"> guess i am getting kinda cuckoo. can't wait to see what happens <IMG SRC="smilies/crying.gif" border="0"> poor eva though! gotta take a nap now <IMG SRC="smilies/asleep.gif" border="0"> cant wait for you next idea <IMG SRC="smilies/idea.gif" border="0">!

[Em]

Opposite the entrance to a grand hotel in Wanchai, two girls sit in a car parked on a side street watching the people coming and going from the lobby. Gigi and Sylvia are on a journalistic stakeout. Tipped off by Eddie who has been working in the area, they are on the prowl with one intention in mind – revenge!

Sylvia sucks the last from her carton of chrysanthemum and stretches.
“Anything yet?” she casually asks Gigi. It seems that this is not the first night they have been here.

“No, all quiet since we saw them go in before… better make sure I keep that memory card safe!” replies her partner.

“If Cecilia found out I was doing this I’d be dead!” exclaims Sylvia.

“Don’t worry! I’m the one who will pass this to FutureMedia magazine, so no-one will know it is you. That is unless you want the credit?” offers Gigi.

“No, that’s fine. As long as he gets his just desserts I don’t care!” insists Sylvia.
“Oh how I hate going into work every day and seeing him so smug.”
She is still working at SNU.

“What a great project – gotta get a top grade at uni for this!” smiles Gigi.

Suddenly, she catches sight of her target leaving the hotel and heading for a car, which has pulled up. Gigi instantly and skilfully pulls out her camera and zooms in on the action, although she is highly excited, her hands do not shake at all as she snaps the photographs with expert precision and professionalism. Sylvia looks around to make sure that no-one is watching.

“Oh what’s this? We have a bonus! Keep your finger on the trigger!” calls Sylvia.

The man and woman who have just left the hotel in each others’ arms are no other than extravagant playboy Joe Li and the latest sexy sensation May Ng. Obviously drunk and highly excited, with her clinging to him tightly they are ready for the rest of the night on the town. Sylvia has spotted a rather furious Anthony heading in their direction, pumped full of just as much alcohol.

“Oi! What are you doing with my girl?” he shouts to Joe.
And within a second a fist is thrown towards the tall, smartly dressed man.

May has quickly sobered up from the shock and calls out to Anthony to stop fighting.
“What are you doing? Are you crazy?”

Joe doesn’t take to being clobbered lightly and instantly fights back and the two exchange hard and tough blows, whilst May continues to try and stop them both. Anthony catches sight of the champagne bottle in May’s hand. In his less than conscious state, he grabs it from her and launches it at Joe’s head. As it impacts, it shatters and champagne is mixed with blood as Joe falls to the ground.

May screams. Anthony realises what he has done and tries to run away, but he is quickly caught and held down by Joe’s driver and hotel security as they await the police to arrive.

Gigi has it all on camera and sees her chance to run out in her right as a journalist and claim the story. Sylvia follows nearby and Eddie appears from another parked car. He has been keeping an eye on these two reckless girls and has also witnessed the incident himself.

After the rest of the press and the police have arrived, Joe is driven off in an ambulance and Anthony and May are led away. As he boards the police van in handcuffs, he catches sight of his former trainees. He scowls at them and Gigi shouts back to him triumphantly.
“I warned you to look out for the girls! You were right when you said we’re nothing but trouble!”

*

[Em]

Three people…
Three places…
Three dreams…
One pain.

Eva leans against the wall of Auntie Sin’s roof. In one hand she holds Frankie’s engagement ring, in the other her Louis notebook. Despite her answer to Louis’ question earlier on, her heart is still so undecided. Should she answer the call of her heart and fulfil her own dreams or should she listen to the voice of reasoning and fulfil the dream of the man who saved her life?

The sound of a plane flying over head roars and Eva looks up at the flashing lights of the aeroplane dotting across the starless sky of Hong Kong and thinks of the time she spent watching the stars on the hillside with Louis, but then she is distracted by the other memories of Frankie’s happiness as she flew back with him on the plane from London… who should she choose?

…
On that same hillside in Eva’s memory, Louis sits in his car and stares into the murky, cloudy sky. He can see no stars tonight. The sky is as dark as his feelings that night as he turns Eva’s words around again and again in his head.
“… please try to forget about me…”
How can he do that when he has thought of nothing but her for the past six months? He has chased her for thousands of miles and she has touched his heart and his life in a way no other woman can.
“…you have plenty more fans…”
She is not just a fan - she is his true love and his idol.
Yet he lost her because of his own wrongs.
How he wishes that he could have had the convictions of Frankie on that fateful day.
Maybe he does deserve to be with her more…

…
The lovers’ walk in Tsimshatsui is Frankie’s place of contemplation. He sits and swigs from a can of beer as he watches the couples walking by, hand in hand and sharing a moment of endearment, whispering sweet nothings to each other and smiling sweetly. Occasionally, some people will end up arguing, whilst others seem to be less than interested in each other’s company.
Frankie takes note of his observations and rolls around some thoughts.
Should he continue to grasp his dream of being with the girl he has been smitten with for over half his life and deprive her from pursuing her own true love?
Or is it better to hold onto the happy times and let go before they turn cold and sour?
If she can let go for him, why can’t he let go for her?