Round Robin Fic (Modern) ?

[junny]

Hiya Yak.

I put you after jeh because you mentioned you didn't have much time. But if you want to post before her, you can <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">. Just let me know here.

Well, I'm glad that you're joining! Looking forward to reading your instalment... which means I must go work on mine now... ack.

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[junny]

Em, I like the title of the story very much! Are you OK with the rules?

Here's my ... contribution *winces*. Next up is jeh. Don't take all of 5 days for the next bit! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

~

Chapter 2

“I’m fine,” Ethan spits out the blood in his mouth, ignoring the frantic ministrations of his worried mother, who is trying to apply some medicine to the wounds on his forehead. “Will you stop worrying?” he snaps, moving out of her reach.

Katherine folds her arms and glares at Julian. “What do you mean, fighting against Danny’s gang? Again? How many times, Jules?” She turns to her brother, who is getting a drink from the fridge. “When, for goodness sake, will you become more sensible and stop worrying Mom?”

Ethan spins around, his expression taut with anger. “Little sister,” he sneers. “Mind your own business.” He exits the kitchen and heads towards the bathroom. Grace looks at her son’s retreating back, worrying her lower lip. Katherine slings an arm around her mother’s shoulders and draws her close.

“He’ll be OK,” she assures her mother.

Grace sighs. “He’s still so angry, and it’s all my fault…”

“It isn’t,” Katherine stresses. “None of it is. Mom, get some rest. I’ll clean up here.”

“Don’t you have an interview tomorrow?” Grace frowns.

“I’ll help,” Julian offers. Grace sends him a grateful look. She murmurs her thanks and heads towards her bedroom after Katherine assures her again that everything will be all right.

***

“You’re late, Mr Chung,” Professor Ma pushes his spectacles up as his beady eyes rake through Ryan’s entire body. His expression sours with distaste as he takes in the leather outfit and the dishevelled state that Ryan is in.

“Well, yes, there was traffic…” Ryan begins to explain, feebly, but is cut off.

“Sit.” The professor’s tone brooks no argument. “Mr Chung, I’m sure we know why you are here, do we not?”

Ryan’s foreboding rises rapidly. Granted, Professor Ma isn’t the most amenable of professors, but to Ryan’s knowledge, the professor has always gone by the use of first names for students, as befits the faculty tradition. That he has called Ryan “Mr Chung” twice in the space of five minutes just about sums up the professor’s current mood, and it is not a good one.

“Yes, sir,” Ryan says humbly, hoping that he looks contrite enough for the professor to give him another chance.

“Good.” The professor’s expression does not ease. Ryan’s mood sinks even lower. “Even if you are unclear with regard to some of the details which has resulted in your presence in my room, I will make sure you are well apprised of ALL of them by the end of this meeting.”

Oh, shit.

***

“Give me the brush,” Katherine snaps, snatching it out of Julian’s grasp.

He sighs. “Will you stop being so irritable? I already explained what happened. Kit, look here. I may be your brother’s friend, and Aunt Grace’s adopted son, so to speak, but I am not Ethan’s minder. I can’t control what your brother does.”

Katherine merely scrubs the floor harder. Why won’t the damn stains come out?

Julian crouches down beside her. “Kit?” he asks gently. “Are you OK?”

Katherine stops scrubbing after a while. “I’m fine,” she says, eventually. “How’s that gash of yours?” she indicates the ghastly wound on his right arm.

Julian glances down. “Oh. Flesh wound. Looks worse than it really is.”

Katherine gets up, retrieves the First Aid box from one of the kitchen shelves, and squats down beside Julian. She begins applying medicine on the wound and bandages his arm. Julian watches her in silence, not wishing to say a word, not knowing what to say.

“Done,” Katherine turns away, packing the stuff back into the First Aid box. “Should be all right in a few days.”

Julian nodded. “Thanks.” There is awkward silence for a bit, and then, “I should go. Tell Aunt Grace I’ll drop by again for dinner in a couple of days’ time.” He stands up, and Katherine rises to her feet and follows him to the door.

“Good luck for your interview,” Julian smiles, before he disappears into the night. Katherine stares after him, a bleak look in her eyes.

***

Ryan stumbles out of Professor Ma’s office, stunned. What is he going to tell his parents now? Oh god, and the official letter. There will be an official letter informing his parents of what happened and why. Ryan slams a hand against his forehead. He doesn’t want to imagine his father’s reaction when the old man finds out about all this. And how his elder brothers will sneer. Oh, great. Beautiful morning. Well done, Ryan.

Cursing himself a thousand times over, Ryan walks to where he left his bike, still unable to stomach what just happened. He turns around to take a look at the faculty grounds, and realises that this will probably be the last time he will return to this place. Is he starting to miss the building already? The people?

Ryan gives a heavy sigh as he lifts his bike and starts the engine. Home to face the music. If there is one thing that Ryan Chung is not relishing right now, it is that he has to return home to tell his parents that he has been kicked out of the Law faculty.

<font size="1">[ April 26, 2003: Message edited by: junny ]</font>

[Em]

Well done junny! Great stuff... lets keep it going!

I am fine with the rules - glad you worked them out! Hope it doesn't discourage any budding writers there though with it being pretty intense!! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> J/k! It is good that you can pass if you don't feel up to it!

PLEASE DON'T BE PUT OFF BY MY WRITING STYLE!
I am a just a creativity freak... hee hee.
(Plus I am in England so I don't have an excuse for poor English. <IMG SRC="smilies/tongue.gif" border="0">)
Grammar and spelling etc can be edited, but what we need are your ideas, your input and your inspiration.
Don't worry Yak, I am not a pro - although I really wish I could write for a living...

Glad you like the title junny, I quite like it too - the Chinese title was my original title for it and I just translated it in a slightly more artistic way! <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

I wonder what Ryan did to get kicked out of uni....

Lookin' forward to the next bit!

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[Yak]

Great job!! <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> So jeh is next, I'll wait patiently <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[jeh]

Ryan walk up to his house gloomily. The thought of what will happen once he step inside did nothing to lesson his gloomy mood.

Sighing heavily, Ryan ring the doorbell. Sakura, the house-keeper open the door.

Ryan step in to find his father sitting on the sofa, dissappointment and anger shone in his dark brown eyes. Sitting next to him was his mother and his two elder brothers.

"Hey, why is everybody so quiet?" Ryan ask trying to liven the gloomy mood surrounding the whole house.

Mr.Chung glare at Ryan angrily, "You care to explain this?" he growled while waving a letter in front of Ryan's face.

Ryan gulped, he had expected this but he couldn't help feeling scare at his father's reaction.

******

Ethan wash the blood off his face, angrily. He was annoyed at his mother for worrying too much. It is no big deal. Just a small wound.

Ethan was too occupied wih cursing Danny in his head that he didn't notice Katherine standing behind him.

"Are you sure you're okay?" she ask suddenly, startling Ethan.

Ethan spun around and look at Katherine with annoyance.

"I'm fine." he grumble and went back to cleaning his face.

"Why do you have to fight with Danny's gang everyday? Don't you know how worry mom get when she see you everyday being injured like this?!" Katherine said, dissapprovingly.

"Mind your own business!! I can do whatever I want! I don't need you telling me what to do! I'm fine!" Ethan shouted and walk out of the bathroom.

Grace went outside just in time to see an angry Ethan rush pass her and out of the house in no time. Grace look at his dissappearing back with sadness.

Katherine embrace her mom tightly.

"It's all going to be okay, mom. He just need some time alone." she assure her mother.

"It's all my fault, Kat." Grace said sadly.

"Mom..."

"Don't you have an interview tomorrow? Go to sleep." Grace said and walk inside her bedroom.

Katherine sigh, she went to close the front door that Ethan have left open.

******

Danny pick up a bottle of spray paint and spray it onto Mr.Lin's house.

Seeing the door being open by Mr. Lin, Danny quickly run away.

"Hey, you kid! Come back here! Look what you have done to my house! Come back here!" Mr. Lin yell out angrily.

After knowing the old man won't catch up to him, Danny stop running and bust out laughing.

Suddenly, somebody tap him on the back.

<font size="1">[ April 26, 2003: Message edited by: jeh ]</font>

[Em]

<IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> Great stuff jeh!

I was bored and messing about with the photosuite on my pc so I took the liberty of making a simple poster - if you don't like it I will bin it. <IMG SRC="smilies/tongue.gif" border="0">
If anyone can make it better or do another one then feel free! Hee hee...

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[jeh]

Nice poster, Em. Very pretty. I like how you put a picture of HK and then a picture of UK.

[Yak]

Turned around with his laughter trailed off, Danny straightens himself a bit with a respectful grin. "Uncle Rob," the youngster greeted his father's buddy and great helper.

"Child, you still pull kiddy prank like that?" the mid-forty years old with sharp looking eyes and brows asked. Robert Kwan is an opportunist that has always been wise with seeking way to secretly climb to the top. He just witness what Danny was doing to some residential house. Seeing an opportunity from this boy of his so call buddy or boss, Rob smiled at the boy with fatherly support. He wanted to shine his relationship with this naive boy that could be the key for him to gain more power in the underground society in the future.

Grinning at the gullible Danny, Rob swung his arm around him with a pat and signaled the boy to walk with him. "I remember that when your father and I were your age, we were roaming the street with knife and follower trailing behind us. Danny if you wanted to make your father proud, you got to show people what you are made of. Kiddy tricks like these don't get you anywhere, boy!"

Danny nodded with agreement. He has always admires and respected his father and Rob like heroes. After remembering his father words, Danny is a bit disheartened. He kicked a soda can that is in front of him making it skid several feet to the left and collided into the wall. "Too bad dad never trusted me enough to let me handle things," complained the impatient boy.

"All you got to do is show your father that you are capable of helping and will even do a wonderful job too. I believe in you. All you needed is someone to guide you toward the right path," Rob assured with encouragement, making Danny feel a bit more confident. The wise fox grinned as the child slowly step into his trap. He sees the boy as a stepping-stone that will help brighten his future, cause he could easily manipulate this inexperienced boy trust.

"Come on, let me show you around. You got to hang out with the right group of people in order to do big thing," Rob suggested and gotten into his car. Excitedly, Danny hopped in the car. He is grateful to find someone willing to bring him into the world his father tries to block him from.
-------------

"Dad, I really didn't do anything this time..." Ryan tries to explain.

"They wouldn't expel you for no reason!" snapped his angry father. Ryan softly sighed to himself and gulped. His father never tries to understand him or allow him to choose his own path. "If you said it the university fault, then why are they picking on you? How come I never see your two brothers Derek and William have the same problem with their university as you are?" asked the father, who let out a tired sigh filled with disappointment. "Ryan this is not the first university you got kick out of. Aren't you ashamed of yourself? It about time for you take schooling seriously, you are not getting any younger!" scolded the raged father.

His son just nodded slightly while standing there shifting his weight from one leg to the other every couple minutes. Ryan didn't dare to talk back to his father. His heart is definite and clear on what he wanted, but sadly what he wants will never satisfy his father. And there is no reason to tell his father either cause his father will never listen to his choice. All he could really do now is nod and wait till his father finish scolding.

Seeing her son not really listening anymore, Anne shook her head at him. She just knows his son too well. To Anne, Ryan is the baby of the family, so she tends to be a bit more lenient toward him. She gently places her hand on her husband arm, "David, he is still young, you don't have to be so hard on him. He has learns his lesson this time. Let give him one more chance," Anne stopped when her husband darted at her with still disapproval eyes.

"Anne, you can't keep on pampering him like this. He will never learn to grow up and take responsibility if you keep on making excuses for him!" David sighed loudly at his youngest son hopelessly. "He is not getting anywhere if he stay here for schooling with you pampering him like this. Derek, you help your younger brother find an oversea university to enroll," ordered the father.

Obediently, Derek nodded while studying Ryan reaction to their father decision. He could see that Ryan face stern at the idea. Wanting to help his brother, Derek suggested, "Dad, maybe Ryan just need a break from school. He is an good student."

"How much longer do he want to rest!" asked the angry father with settled mind about sending his son out into the world to learn. "Just get him into a law school in France or anywhere else. Just not Hong Kong," David added before he turned to look at his wife warningly. Anne sighed and gives up on helping, cause she know her husband too well. She knows that once her husband has decided on something it will take a miracle to change his mind. Ironically, that was one of the traits that Anne admires from her husband.

"It doesn't matter where you send me, I'll still do this horribly! I told you many time that I have absolutely no interest in law!" Ryan finally speaks up with a grumpy tone.
********

That's all from Yak! Hope the post pass the test, from everyone... Oh yes, I used David for the father, since no one mentions what his name should be, since Em didn't want him to be called Henry. Anyway please tell me if you want to switch to another name, I'll edit my post! =o)

[Em]

“Derek, you have to help me…”
Ryan playfully tugs at his brother’s shirt sleeve, distracting him from sorting out the latest delivery of Tamiya scale model racing cars fresh in from Japan. The model shop is Derek’s life and he spends as much time as he can making sure that all the stock is correct and the displays are pristine. Walking over to the counter and pulling out a dusting cloth to wipe down the boxes before stacking them on the shelves, Derek looks over at Ryan and takes a deep breath, smiling in resignation.

“Look kid, if Dad wants, Dad gets. You saw what happened with me!”
Their thoughts retract to that fateful day five years ago when Derek graduated from university. Amidst the pride and merriment of David Chung’s eldest son receiving a first class degree with honours from the most prestigious business school in Hong Kong, was the biggest disappointment to come.

“David! Congratulations, I am sure that Derek will be a great help to your company!”
“Derek – looking forward to seeing you in the boardroom alongside your old man.”
“Mrs Chung, you must be so proud.”
At the celebratory party lovingly prepared by Anne and Sakura, business partners, colleagues, friends, admirers, and lackeys all shower their excitement, whether they be genuine or not, at Derek’s parents who are glowing with joy, but Derek is agitated and seems extremely uncomfortable with these great expectations from him. Ryan who is emotionally closer to Derek than William, senses this unease and pulls him to one side.
“Are you okay?”
Derek doesn’t get a chance to respond as he is grasped by Uncle Pang, his father’s right hand man, to introduce him to some more business associates.

The evening continues and Ryan notices that Derek is getting more and more miserable as the tension is mounting up. The party begins to draw to a close and David and Anne step forward to thank their guests for coming. They begin the address and Anne suggests that Derek should also thank all his elders for coming along and to ask for their continued support and assistance. Derek reluctantly treads onto the stage and turns to the many faces looking at him earnestly. Inherently shy, Derek smiles timidly and taking a little cough, starts to pronounce his words.
“Dad, Mum, Uncles, Aunties, Friends and Relatives,”
His speech is reminiscent of a school recital competition.
“Thank you all for sharing this special day with me and for all the support you have given me. Maybe we will have a chance to work together in the future and I thank you all, especially my father for the opportunities you have given and presented me with, but I won’t be joining Wang Fung... I have another project of my own that I would like to work on… I hope you will support my decision. Thank you once again and good evening.”
Derek looks enquiringly over at his stunned parents and a feeble round of applause is raised from the rather shocked audience who are whispering among themselves. A look of fire grows on David Chung’s face.

“You want to what????”
Derek faces the music later on that evening in his father’s study as David unleashes the full extent of his anger.
“I can’t handle life in the corporate rat race. I just want to run my own little shop selling the things that I love the most and enjoy going to work every day,”
After thirty long years building up his import and export business from modest beginnings, David can no longer understand life without ambition, power and conflict and this is the only expectation he places on his three sons. He cannot bear to see that the fruit of his labour in giving Derek only the best in education and lifestyle is for him to become a lowly shopkeeper. In his eyes he would rather not have such a son.
“Get out – you are no son of mine.”

For the first time in his life, Derek had disobeyed his father and suffered the consequences of his actions, but not for one moment did he regret what he had done. The next few years were hard as he built up his dream with no financial backing from his father and only by borrowing the money from his mother and brothers was he able to start the first difficult steps towards his own ambition. His father blanked him for four years, even on his occasional visits to the house to see his mother, until the day when she had a heart attack and begged for David to forgive his son. Derek was once again welcomed back to the family home, but still received no backing from David, whose attitude to him has remained chilly and unwelcoming. For this reason, when Derek is not visiting Anne, he would still prefer to stay in his small living quarters in the back of the shop.

“Look, I got you this.”
Derek pulls out a prospectus from under the counter for Leeds University and hands it to Ryan.
“ I have a friend’s younger brother who is going to study there next term, so you can get a place together and hitch up. It’s three years and you can do joint degrees, so it won’t just be Law. Time will fly by…”
Ryan looks at the picture on the front of the booklet.
“England?”

******
“Thank you!”
Katherine waves to the driver as she jumps off the bus returning from the university campus in Leeds. Two long days of interviews and assessments have taken its toll on her and she is feeling weary as she walks around the corner to a small grocery store with some Chinese characters on the sign. This shop has been her second home ever since she could remember - stacking tins on the shelves and playing in the cardboard boxes with Ethan. It is their family’s treasure for it has provided for their livelihoods. She pushes open the door and walks in casually to the familiar surroundings and is met by the sounds of a woman bawling.

“Grace… oh Grace… what should I do?”
Old Mrs Lin is sitting on the stool beside the cash register and weeping bitterly. Grace stands over gently stroking her back and comforting the shaken lady.

“Mrs Lin, I’m sure your husband will pull through…”

“I don’t know – I don’t understand what the doctors are saying to me, I don’t know what’s happening to him.”

Katherine turns to Grace.
“What happened Mum?”

“We think Mr Lin’s had a stroke – Danny and his gang were vandalising his house last night. When he chased them away he was so angry that he collapsed when he got back into the house.” Grace explains.
Mrs Lin throws a Chinese expletive at the mention of Danny as Grace continues.
“She wants me to go to the hospital with her to act as interpreter, Kit – are you free for the rest of the day?”

“Yeah, I guess so… you want me to watch the shop?”

Grace nods and grabs her jacket.
“If that’s okay. Jules should be back soon, he is just finishing off the deliveries. Come on Mrs Lin, let’s and see Uncle Lin.”
Renowned for her good heart and caring nature, Grace has a good rapport with most of the Chinese community in Leeds and she is always the first port of call whenever anything goes wrong. Katherine knows this and ever aware of the need for her to watch over the store at a moment’s notice, she has decided to apply for university in her home town. As Grace helps Mrs Lin out of the door, Katherine takes up her place on the stool behind the checkout and glances over at the elderly couple who are leisurely gathering up their provisions.

The phone rings and startles the somewhat drained Katherine.
“Hello.”
“Hello, may I speak to Miss Katherine Lee please?”
“That’s me …”
“Oh, hello Katherine – I’m Doctor Lenard from the University of Leeds.”
“Hi…”
“I was just calling to say that I was very impressed by your interview. All going well, we should see you in September!”
Katherine is sparked with excitement.
“You mean I got a place? Waahhh!”

-----------------
Hope I didn't get too carried away!
I've set the town in the UK as Leeds, because the Chinese community there isn't too big so it is quite close knit and there is a thriving university there. If fellow writers need any background on the town and the uni then check out this website: www.leeds.ac.uk

Yak - The name David is fine and don't worry, your writing is great!

next...

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[Danielle Lin]

<IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> Wow, this is a great modern fan fic so far! You guys are really good at this, meanwhile I'll sit back and read... <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">
Update soon!

[junny]

"You did," Dr Lenard confirms. "Congratulations!"

"Thank you so much," Katherine's voice brims with happiness. "Thank you so much for calling!"

After Dr Lenard puts down the phone, Katherine hugs herself with joy. She can't seem to stop smiling as she attends to a steady flow of customers that day. Some of the customers are her mother's long-time friends, but Katherine wants to wait for her mother to return before breaking the good news. She wants her mother to be among the first to know.

Katherine is still smiling when Julian returns to the shop. He grins when he notes her happy expression.

"Hey, what's the occasion?" he asks.

"Jules!" Katherine exclaims with delight, coming over to give him a hug. "I got in! I got into the university!"

"Whoa!" Julian's arms tighten around Katherine as he lifts her up and swings her around. "Congrats, Kit! Well done, you!"

Katherine laughs merrily. "Thank you," she smiles brightly after he sets her down on her feet. "I must admit it's such a relief!"

"Aunt Grace will be so pleased," Julian nods. "Think we should have a celebration tonight. Should we eat out or buy food back to cook?"

Katherine mulls over that. "I don't know. Let me tell Mom first before we decide." She breaks out into smiles again. "I can't stop feeling happy! If we weren't in the shop, I'd be dancing all the way down the streets!"

Julian laughs. "It is something to be happy about. I'm really pleased for you," he adds, a tender look entering his eyes.

Katherine feels a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Thanks," she says, her voice softer, her gaze on his handsome features. Suddenly, she feels warm all over.

Julian hesitates, and then closes the distance between them. Hesitantly, he tips her chin up, and presses a gentle kiss on her lips. Surprised, but inwardly happy, Katherine's initial response is shy, but she relaxes and returns the kiss, delighting Julian.

When they break apart after a while, both are slightly disconcerted. Katherine is first to break the silence.

"That was a long time coming," she says, teasingly.

Surprise flares in Julian's eyes, but he laughs softly at her words. "I suppose it was," he agrees, feeling relief that their feelings for each other are mutual.

Katherine smiles again when Julian gathers her into his arms for another hug.

***

"Leeds?" Ryan frowns. "Why Leeds?"

"Because it's a nice place," Derek replies, patiently, for seemingly the umpteenth time. "Look, what's wrong with going overseas? You'll get a greater amount of freedom, and you won't have to report daily to the parents. It's suitable for you."

Ryan's eyes gleam at the thought of extra freedom. "Now that you mention it, I could give it my most serious consideration," he muses.

"Do," Derek says, dryly. "Look. I'm sure you don't want to stay here. This is the perfect chance for you to start afresh, in a place far from the parents. Leeds is a nice place. I already said I have a few friends there, if you need contacts."

"Uh, not really," Ryan says hastily.

"They won't bite. They won't report to me either."

"Oh... in that case... maybe I should at least talk to Mum about it. Coax her to my way of thinking and hope she'll persuade Dad."

Derek nods. "Do that. I'm sure she'll be supportive, IF you tell her you're intent on making good your studies there."

Ryan flushes. "All right. I will see what I can do about that. Thanks, brother. I owe you."

Derek smiles slightly. "Have fun."

Ryan grins. "I'm sure I will. Now, off to tell Mum..." and he skips off.

[Melanie]

Great, great writing, gang! <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> I've always enjoyed round robin fanfics. I see them as a sort of gathering where expert storytellers exchange ideas, all the while challenging and encouraging each other to further their writing talents. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> You have all done a fabulous job building the storyline and developing the characters. I think I'm already in love with two guys in here. <IMG SRC="smilies/laugh2.gif" border="0">

First, our dear Julian. He sounds like a guy with a gentle heart hiding behind a rough and tough exterior. I forsee some difficulties in his blossoming romance with Katherine. Perhaps with her being so educated (university student and all), he may find himself not worthy enough for her? That would really make an interesting side plot. I am just rambling, so please ignore me if you guys have a another plot in mind for those two. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Now besides Julian, I am beginning to feel something for Derek. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> Yup, he sounds like the hardworking, somewhat shy guy with an iron will when it comes to following his dreams. He's very proud and won't ask for help from his father. A guy who is not afraid to stand up to his domineering father. He seems like someone who needs a fun-loving, mischievous woman in his life to bring out the childish side of him.

Excellent! Excellent! <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> I am getting all excited now. Phew! <IMG SRC="smilies/sweating.gif" border="0"> Keep up the great work, everyone!

[jeh]

Okay, I will pass this time. Can't think of anything to write <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0"> So I will pass and let Yak write <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[Yak]

Sorry, I have to pass too <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0"> I need to study for finals this week, so I don't have time to think and write. I'll join back again once I'm free! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> Em please go ahead.

[Em]

A shiny black Mercedes C-class pulls up outside the overwhelming front doors to a large office block that is draped to from the sky to the ground in a drop of reflective glass windows in a steel structure. The darkened window on the driver’s side is lowered and William leans out over the side of his car, wearing his designer shades and Armani shirt, looking around for his target. The sun glimmers on the polished rim to his exclusive watch as he checks the time before tilting his head upwards to spy the item of his affection.

Carrying her dark brown leather briefcase in her right hand and talking into her mobile phone held by the other, successful businesswoman and high-flying lawyer Monica Lang strolls confidently from the revolving doors of the building and down the street towards William. She notices him and without breaking off her conversation gestures to him with a subtle smile and a nod before walking by. William responds with a small jest:
“Watch you don’t fall off those heels!”

Monica is followed closely by her partner in the firm, Janette. Equally beautiful but slightly more ditzy, she is a little flustered as she struggles with her pile of papers flapping around in the gentle breeze of early summer. William steps out of the car and walking over to her, he offers to take her case from her.
“Hi! You’re early!”
Janette is pleased to see him and lets out a broad smile, which highlights the dimples in her cheeks and washes away the fatigue from a heavy day’s work. Taking off his shades to reveal an immaculately built face coupled with his perfectly swept hair, William tucks the glasses into his shirt pocket and pulls the heavy case from his girlfriend’s hand. Grasping her shoulder gently, he gives her a short kiss on her forehead as leads her off towards the car.

“I thought you had a board meeting.” Janette says as she steps into the passenger seat.

“I did, but I made sure that things got sped along. Had to make sure that I didn’t keep you waiting!” William is as charming as he is handsome.

“Where are we going? I know I said I’d leave everything up to you, but it would be nice to know.”

William looks over to Janette, raising an eyebrow…
“Oh you’ll see, but I guarantee you this will be your best birthday so far!”

********
Short extract this time, but more from me later maybe...

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[junny]

Melanie, why don't you join our round robin? <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> It'd be interesting to see what you can come up with.

OK, my pathetic contribution...

~

Janette leans back in her seat, contented. She has been dating William for several months now, and their relationship has been fruitful so far. They were introduced to each other by mutual friends, and hit off really well. She was surprised that he didn't go for Monica, who seems the type of woman that most men will go for, but Janette is happy with William, and he has never given her any reason to doubt his feelings for her.

"Well, at least give me a rough idea of the schedule for the night?" Janette coaxes, nudging William.

"Nope," he grins, manoeuvring a turn. "You'll see..." Approximately 15 minutes later, he pulls into a parking lot. They get out of the car, and William comes over to take her arm.

Janette smiles as they make their way to the posh restaurant. "Dinner at one of my favourite eating places?" she asks, and is about to say further when she notices the decor of the interior. She gasps with delight at the lavish decorations. "Will! This is beautiful!" She turns to William, who is sporting a huge grin on his face. Realization dawns on her. "You... did all this for me?"

William slings an arm around her. "More to come," he promises, as he leads her into the restaurant. "I always keep my promises, dear Janette..."

***

"Are you sure you want to go to Leeds?" Ryan's mother asks doubtfully. "Is the university there good?"

"It is," Ryan assures his mother, trying hard not to roll his eyes. "Mum, trust me. I'll work hard there, OK? I won't repeat my mistake. Derek says it's a nice place. You trust Derek too, don't you?"

Mrs Chung nods at the mention of her eldest son. "Well... if you're so insistent, I will speak to your father about it..."

"About what?" David Chung enters the living room. "What's going on?"

His wife turns around. "Oh, you're back," she gets up and goes to help him remove his jacket. "It's Ryan. He says he wants to study at Leeds University. Says it's a nice place..."

"Leeds?" David looks at Ryan in shock.

Ryan looks confused. Why has his father gone that lovely tomatoey-red? "Uh... yeah. Anything wrong with it?"

"Can't you choose a better university?" David snaps, recovering his composure.

Ryan blinks. Whoa. Amazing what a single word can do to his father. "But it's a nice place," he insists. "I read up the prospectus, and I like the look of the campus. I can't get into Oxford or Cambridge, UCL is out, and I'm not too keen on Manchester. Bristol and Nottingham might not accept me, especially Nottingham, and Sheffield is not exactly my cup of tea. So... Leeds it is. I like it, from the looks of the prospectus." Ryan happily forgets to mention that Derek has friends there.

David's complexion turns mottled. "No," he growls. "Pick another place!"

"Yes!" Ryan retorts. "I got kicked out, and now that I finally have the desire to go someplace else and do better, you come and say no. That's bloody hypocritical of you, isn't it? I'm going to Leeds, and that's it!" He storms out of the house. Bloody parents. He'll go find Derek. His eldest brother will be sympathetic.

***

"You know, I can't understand why a university grad like you is happy helping out at a grocery store and running with the gangs," Katherine notes, as she and Julian check the storeroom supplies.

Julian shrugs. "The label 'university graduate' doesn't mean that much anymore nowadays. It just means I got an education somewhere."

Katherine observes her new boyfriend for a long moment. "All right," she says, eventually, a smile on her face.

"And I don't run with the gangs," Julian corrects her, as he lifts a carton of goods and stacks it on the pile near the door. "I just happen to once in a while rescue your brother from trouble."

Katherine rolls her eyes. "Yes, thank you for that. If only Ethan were more sensible."

Julian does a light stretch. "He'll come round. Once he grows up."

"He's older than me!" Katherine is indignant.

"Yes, but you have more sense," he teases.

She laughs. "I'll let you off for that." They hear noises out front. "Think Mom is back," Katherine adds. She takes Julian's hand and leads him out of the storeroom. "Let's go tell her the good news."

[zzzbeauty]

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WOW!!! <IMG SRC="smilies/wave.gif" border="0"> Hi <IMG SRC="smilies/wave.gif" border="0">

I'm your new reader. You guys are awesome!!! I love how everything just flows; you can't tell when someone stops and another person continues.

I love the story so far, very interesting.

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Please update soon. Thanks for the fanfic.

[Melanie]

Hi, everyone! <IMG SRC="smilies/wave.gif" border="0"> Great installments by junny and Em. <IMG SRC="smilies/thumbsup.gif" border="0"> I am looking forward to reading what jeh and Yak have cooked up for the next two installments. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Ahhh...William sounds like a suave, cool guy. Hmm...he sounds almost too perfect and organized. I think he needs Janette to jazz up his life and disorganize it a bit. I want to see him lose his cool. Yeah, I know. I am too mischievous for my own good. <IMG SRC="smilies/sigh.gif" border="0">

So Julian has a university degree! Wonder where that degree will take him. Ethan sounds like a tortured soul. Must give him a girl who will set him straight. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> And Katherine sounds way too responsible! Must complicate her life a bit more. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

You guys are doing absolutely great! I am getting really excited about this story. Heheh...

Junny, thanks for inviting me to join the round robin. However, I can't seem to adhere to schedules. Sometimes I am free for weeks and sometimes I just have too many exams and papers building up. <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0"> I would love to contribute, but I don't want to disrupt the schedule here. Also, I have this insane fear of writing in round robins. It's fine if I mess up my own story, but it would be a big boo boo if I mess up everyone else's efforts. <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0">

<font size="1">[ May 03, 2003: Message edited by: Melanie ]</font>

[jeh]

Ryan gloomily step inside the model shop. He spotted his elder brother, Derek, talking to a customer.

Not wanting to disturb Derek, Ryan sat down on a chair and look around.
*******

Ethan walk down the street of UK, troubled. He is feeling guilty about making his mother sad.

Being the only man in the house, he should be taking care of his mother and his little sister. However, they're the one that have to take care of him. Ethan let out a sigh and curse himself for being so irresponsible.

Still deep in his thought, Ethan cross the street. The noise of a car honking brought Ethan back to reality.

All he saw was a car speeding toward him and then everything went black.

Ethan's body lay motionless on the cold ground, cover in blood. A crowd of people soon surrounded him.

The car door open and a young girl step out. She was dress in very expensive clothes. The watch on her wrist must have cost a fortune. Her shiny black hair fall down her shoulder elegantly.

The girl push the crowd of people away and bent down to look at Ethan. Seeing that he was not moving, fear spread through her entire body.

"Oh no, I'm going to be in so much trouble when daddy find out about this." she thought to herself.
*******

"Mom, I have something to tell you!" Katherine rush out of the store and ran toward her mom.

"What is it dear? By the way, how was your interview?" Grace ask her daughter.

"That's what I wanted to tell you. I got in!!! Doctor Lenard from the University of Leeds called me and say I been accepted!" Katherine said happily.

"Oh dear, I'm so happy for you." Grace said and hug Katherine tightly. Tears started to flow down her cheeks.

Suddenly the phone ring, Grace pick it up.

"Hello, who is it?" she ask.

"Hi, can I speak to Ms.Lee please?", a voice spoke.

"I am Ms.Lee, who is this?" Grace said, wondering who would be calling her.

The person on the other line started to soeak. Katherine watch her mother's face became pale as the blood is drain out of it.

Dropping the phone, Grace collapse but Julian catch her.

"Mom, are you okay?!" Katherine rush to her mother's side.

"Ethan... is in the hospital. They said he was hit by a car." Grace manage to mutter out.

<font size="1">[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: jeh ]</font>

[Em]

Nice dramatic piece there jeh - nice to have you back with us!

Just a small point - I think we should refer to Grace as Ms Lee because she's never officially married Mr Chung, so Ethan and Katherine take her maiden surname of Lee. That way it won't be quite so obvious when Ryan and Katherine meet. Hope that is ok! <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

Is Yak still on break? Shall I continue?

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