Round Robin Fic (Modern) ?

[jeh]

Em, I edited my post. Hope there's no more problem. I think we should wait for some days for Yak's update or we could pm her and ask her if she is going to continue.

[Yak]

I'm sorry everyone <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0"> I would like to resign from this fanfic. It's hard for me to concentrate and write fanfic this way. Sorry, hope no one mind. So please go on without me. I'll be around to read though <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> so keep going!!

[Em]

Aww Yak - sorry to hear that you don't wanna carry on. Maybe you can come back as a guest writer once in a while. Just join in if you want to contribute! In the meantime, keep up the good work with your own story!

Thanks for the edit jeh!

Here's my bit... I am starting to really like the three brothers now! Hee hee <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

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Ryan waits patiently as Derek packs the items carefully into a paper bag and hands it to his last customer for the evening. Walking the plane fanatic to the door, Derek reaches up to the shutters with ease, hardly stretching his long limbs, and pulls them down to the ground, latching them into place and locking the glass door to the shop.

“C’mon kid, you know the routine by now.”
Derek signals to his little brother to start straightening out the store while he checks the takings for the day. Putting down the magazine he has been reading, Ryan saunters over to the pile of boxes disturbed by some curious customers earlier on and starts to re-pile them into straight lines.

“Dad doesn’t seem too happy about me going to Leeds… do you have any better suggestions?”
Ryan starts the conversation across the shop with his brother.

Derek shrugs his shoulders in resignation.
“I would’ve guessed that, nothing is good when it comes from me – goodness knows why he told me to find you a place to go. I guess he’s just too used to giving me orders.”

“Aww, but I’ve got my heart set on that now and you know what I’m like – nothing else will ever be good enough now that you’ve sold it to me!”
The judgement of his elder brother means a lot to Ryan.

“Maybe we could get William to help you out… Dad’ll listen to William because he is so much like him.” Suggests Derek.

“Nah, William’s too busy wining and dining that lawyer at the moment…”

“Oh.. you mean Janette?”
Derek’s expression suddenly falters slightly, her name seems to strike a chord and his carefree attitude is moved through a hundred and eighty degrees at the mention of her.
“I hope he isn’t going to hurt her…you know what he's like with his women.”

Ryan is receptive to his brother’s concern for Janette and his words rush out before he has a chance to censor them.
“You still fancy her don’t you?”

“Of course not…” snaps Derek, before hesitating.
“Anyway, I couldn’t even afford take her out for an evening with my current situation.”

Ryan looks at his brother understandingly, whilst Derek desperately tries to evade the subject, which is distracting him from his figures. A brief silence later, he closes his accounts book and clicks off the cash register. Calling Ryan over, he pulls a piece of paper and an envelope from the side of the counter.
“Well bro, if all else fails, you can always do things my way.”
Derek hands Ryan a pen and points to a space on the form.
“Just sign there… we’ll tell Dad later when you’ve got the place!”

A smile brightens Ryan’s face as Derek smirks mischievously. Even facing the wrath of his father once again is worthwhile for the sake of his brother’s happiness.

*****
Deep into the night, the numbers of people milling around the waterfront outside the convention centre at Wanchai starts to dwindle and William leads Janette for a quiet stroll on this clear night to overcome the rich but delectable foods that they have just tasted. He holds her hand gently as they talk about how beautiful the harbour looks and Janette lets out the odd lovable laugh at William’s wit and humour.

“What would you really like to do now?” asks William.

“I don’t know … it has been so wonderful already!”
Janette thinks for a while…
“If only we could go out to sea now, that would be so peaceful. To go out where there is total darkness apart from the sparkling stars reflecting on the water and just appreciate their beauty like diamonds on a black silk.”

“So lets do it!” laughs William.
He pulls her along to a mooring point on the side of the water and points over to a light slowly heading towards them.
A shocked Janette catches her breath and looks up towards a yacht heading in their direction. A hundred tiny lights spell out the words “Happy Birthday, Janette” along the front of the boat and it stops near to where the two lovers are stood.
“Welcome aboard!” says William as he jumps onto the side and offers his hand to Janette who is quite overcome with emotion. She steps onto the boat and as it moves away, William leads her inside where there is champagne and strawberries laid out.
“I know you don’t like caviar, so I got your favourite instead.”

“Oh William, this is just perfect… Thank you so much!”
Without a word, William pulls Janette towards him and with a gentle kiss, they hold each other close and begin to dance to the soft music that is slowly flooding the dimly lit cabin.

*****

<font size="1">[ May 05, 2003: Message edited by: Em ]</font>

[jeh]

Great update, Em! What a twist! Derek like Janette but she is going out with Will. How sad.

[zzzbeauty]

Awww....that's sad. <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0">

I like Derek more than William...he sounds more sincere.

But i guess it's too early to be biased right? <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

Thanks for the update, and looking forward to more twists. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

[junny]

OK, here goes mine. Bit short, sorry.

~

Grace is pacing anxiously outside the OT doors, her hands clasping and unclasping, her eyes red, waiting for some news on Ethan's condition.

Katherine is sitting nearby, equally anxious, as Julian slings a comforting arm around her. "He'll be all right," he murmurs soothingly.

"I hope so," Katherine bites her lip.

The girl sitting opposite them lifts her head. "I'm sorry," she stammers.

"You should be," Katherine snaps, ready to pounce on the girl. "Why the f.u.c.k can't you look where you're going?"

"Calm," Julian's voice is soft but firm, as he pins Katherine to her seat.

"I'm sorry," the girl says again, wretchedly. "Daddy will be so mad at me again. I keep crashing..."

"I don't give a f.u.c.k what your daddy thinks!" Katherine loses her calm. "The guy inside is my brother! Do you care? No. All you care is about your daddy and your expensive clothes and your freaking car! Have you even asked about him? Whether he has a family? What he was doing out there on the streets?" Her face is red from anger and worry.

The girl looks taken aback. Tongue-tied, she can only look helplesly at Julian. I'm sorry, she mouths at him, her expression perplexed.

Julian shakes his head as he gathers Katherine into his arms and tries to comfort her. Meanwhile, Grace is still pacing anxiously outside the OT doors, oblivious of anything except the need to know of her son's safety. For him, she will give up anything. Vaguely, she wonders if she needs to place an overseas call...

***

"I kinda need your help," Ryan says to William at breakfast one morning.

William lifts his head and sets his papers aside. "What's up? Got into trouble with Dad?"

Ryan sighs as he flops into a chair opposite William. "You know that business with the university..." he trails off awkwardly, and William nods, not too sympathetically.

"Well... I found a place I really like," Ryan continues, helping himself to a piece of toast. "And I want to go there to continue my studies."

"Oh, good for you," William's voice is just a tad sarcastic.

Ryan scowls. He shouldn't have taken up Derek's suggestions. "Yes. I like Leeds, and I want to go there. So... I need you to help me convince Dad to let me go."

William's brow rises. "Me? Since when do I govern Dad?"

Ryan looks exasperated. "Look, it's for mutual benefit. Derek won't fight with you for the inheritance or the business, while I'll be out of the way. We won't bug you and you're free to do whatever you want. Ain't that good?"

William flushes. "You're getting awfully annoying, kiddo," he snaps.

"I have good examples to learn from," Ryan mutters.

William takes a sip of his coffee as he ponders this. "I can't guarantee a hoot," he says, eventually. "I'll speak to Dad and see what he says."

"Great," Ryan looks more relieved. "You're going now?" he asks, curiously, as William gets up from the table.

His elder brother rolls his eyes. "I'm going to pick Janette up. Is that sufficient information for you, Mr FBI?"

Ryan grins. "More than enough. Have fun."

William tosses his brother a disgruntled look before heading upstairs. Maybe it is a good idea that Ryan is so insistent on going to Leeds. One less annoying brother means less grief.

<font size="1">[ May 07, 2003: Message edited by: junny ]</font>

[Melanie]

Ok, I am seriously falling in love with Derek. <IMG SRC="smilies/inlove.gif" border="0"> Aww, how exciting, you guys! <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> A love triangle looming in the horizon - Derek, Janette, and William. Somehow, William reminds me a bit of Gallen Lo in Cold Blood Warm Heart. <IMG SRC="smilies/eh.gif" border="0"> The scoundrel! It's too early to predict what kind of character William will turn out to be, but I have a bad feeling that he will end up hurting Janette. <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0"> He just seems too sophisticated for her. She may be dazzled by his wealth and romantic gestures right now, but I believe she would be a more suitable match for Derek, who appears more down to earth and sweet. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> Please, please write more about this triangle! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Poor girl who hit Ethan! I know, I know. Ethan's the victim here, not the girl, but I just feel sorry for her. I have this feeling that she's a rich girl - not too independent but a good person nonetheless - who is too sheltered and needs to see more of the real world. Could she be the perfect match for our rebel, Ethan? Will she be the one to tame the flame of anger and resentment that he has burning deep within his heart? <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Okie, sorry guys. I talk too much. I bet you guys are tired of hearing me babble on and on, when I am sure you already have the whole storyline planned out. See ya until next time... <IMG SRC="smilies/wave.gif" border="0">

[Em]

Thanks so much for your comments Melanie! <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">
We don't have a plot in mind, so your comments are great in helping to develop the storyline. It's all part of the fun in a round robin because we can build it on the input from each different writer and dedicated readers like you! Keep them comments coming!!!

To all our other readers - thanks for reading and keep coming back!

I foresee plenty of lovely twists to come yet, and of course more of junny's angst!!

Waiting patiently for my turn now...

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[Yak]

So far my favorite is Ryan! He sounded like a dare devil or rebellious type that is playful and spirited! Can't wait to read what happen when he went to Leeds. So far so good, please keep going. <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0">

[jeh]

I will pass this turn. I have too much schoolwork to do and therefore will not be able to continue right now. I'm so sorry. I will be back when it is my turn again.

[Paradise]

I can't wait for the next updates. Mel, I like Derek too. Though, I prefer Ryan since he so adorable. I hope there will be new spices for Derek after all these years of waiting for Janette.Good job everyone. It flows so well. <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

<font size="1">[ May 08, 2003: Message edited by: Paradise ]</font>

[Melanie]

Ohhh! I have this wild urge to stick my nose into this story and crank out a few chapters on the Derek-Janette-William love triangle! But I don't have the time right now and I don't want to slow down the story. <IMG SRC="smilies/sigh.gif" border="0"> Ohhh! The itch to write is so strong! <IMG SRC="smilies/cringe.gif" border="0"> *breathe breathe breathe* <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[Paradise]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><table border="0" width="80%" bgcolor="#dcdcdc" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1"><tr><td width="100%"><table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="10" bgcolor="#DCDCDC"><tr><td width="100%" bgcolor="#eeeeee"><font size="1">Originally posted by Melanie:
<STRONG>Ohhh! I have this wild urge to stick my nose into this story and crank out a few chapters on the Derek-Janette-William love triangle! But I don't have the time right now and I don't want to slow down the story. <IMG SRC="smilies/sigh.gif" border="0"> Ohhh! The itch to write is so strong! <IMG SRC="smilies/cringe.gif" border="0"> *breathe breathe breathe* <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"></STRONG></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE>

C'mon, get it out of you. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[Melanie]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><table border="0" width="80%" bgcolor="#dcdcdc" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1"><tr><td width="100%"><table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="10" bgcolor="#DCDCDC"><tr><td width="100%" bgcolor="#eeeeee"><font size="1">Originally posted by Paradise:
C'mon, get it out of you. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE> <IMG SRC="smilies/laugh.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/laugh2.gif" border="0">

[Em]

I had some time on my hands, so here is a nice long extract for you! Thanks for reading folks and keep those comments coming...

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--------------------------------------------

David puts the phone down in his simplistically decorated office. His face is as white as a sheet and he sits for a moment or two trying to work out what he must do. He may be a wizard in the boardroom and a winner on the negotiation table, but when it comes to his family, he is at a total loss. A knock comes on the door and wakes David from his trance.

“Come in!” calls David.
William walks in with a file for David.

“Here is that report you wanted on the land over in Yuen Long.”
Noticing David’s pallid expression, he shows a little concern for his father:
“Dad… are you okay?”

Wiping a tear of nervousness from the corner of his eye, David recomposes himself for a moment before answering.
“Yes, I am fine. Thank you Will.”
He takes the file from William and remembers something.
“Oh Will – can you go and meet Mr Chu from SI Enterprises this afternoon? I have something to sort out and I can't make it.”

“Sure Dad. Hope there’s no problem…”
William takes the opportunity to bring up the subject of Ryan.
“Oh, while I’m here. I think you should let Ryan go to Leeds, after all it’s not every day that he puts his commitment to something so thoroughly.”
The mention of Leeds brings David’s memory of the phone call back to the surface, so he doesn’t really take in what William is saying.
“Maybe you should just let him try it Dad, you never know, he might even finish his course this time.”

David’s urgency overshadows his thoughts.
“Will, you do what you feel fit – you know I trust your judgement entirely. Just make sure that it gets sorted out.”
Grabbing his jacket, David calls to his secretary on the intercom.
“Mary, tell Jack to have the car ready in five minutes.”
He turns to William:
“I have an urgent meeting over at our Manchester offices – I’ll be flying out this evening. Can you let your mother know for me please?”

“Okay! Take care Dad.”
William accompanies his father out of the office. He has seen this happen too many times for it to be of alarm any more. David has always put the business before anything else and it is this quality that Will admires entirely and aspires to achieve.

After seeing David out of the office, Will’s mobile phone rings:
“Hi Will – are you coming this afternoon?”
It is Janette.

“Oh! Hi honey…”
William slaps his head, David’s rearrangement of his schedule has clashed completely with his date.
“I’m really sorry, I can’t come with you to choose your nephew’s birthday present. I have an important meeting this afternoon.”

“Oh…”
Janette is no good at hiding her disappointment.
“Never mind, work is more important, I suppose.”

“I’ll make it up to you later! I promise.”

“Okay, I’ll just have to go myself. I’ll call you later.”

“Women!” William sighs to himself as he ends the call.

**********

“Yvonne! What happened?”
A middle-aged lady with a serene face like that of an angel puts her arm comfortingly around the shoulder of the rich girl, who is sitting with her hands over her tear-stained face as she waits with Ethan’s family in the corridor of the hospital Accident and Emergency department.

“Auntie June!”
Yvonne flings her arms around the lady and bursts into more floods of tears.
“I really didn’t mean it – he just came out from nowhere – I just didn’t see him – I didn’t mean to hurt him – I don’t want anything to happen to him – are you going to tell Daddy? – am I going to go to prison?”

Grace looks on and beyond her concerns for her own son, her heart goes out to the quivering wreck before her.

“There there…” the soothing tones of Auntie June seem to make things a little better.
“I know that you didn’t mean it… accidents happen.”

Touched by the scene, Grace hands a tissue to Yvonne.

“Thank you – I’m so sorry!” sniffs Yvonne, wiping the mascara stains down her baby-faced cheeks.

Grace doesn’t say a word as she walks back over to where Katherine and Julian are sat.

“Come on Yvonne, I don’t think you’re any use to anyone here. Let’s go and get a coffee and tell the police officer what happened.”
June leads her niece down the corridor to where a female constable is waiting and as she passes Grace, she nods in appreciation and apology.

Katherine loses her patience with her mother and yells at her angrily.
“How can you be so nice? She might have killed your son!”
Julian pulls her back, but Grace doesn’t say anything still. Inside she is praying to the buddhas that her son will pull through.

********

During a quiet moment in the model shop, Derek pulls out a book from his little hiding place under the counter. It is an autograph book and inscribed on the front is the title “Environmental Summer Camp 1995”. He leafs through the pages to find photographs and autographs from his fellow camp members in various poses and positions, annotated with messages and quirky remarks. For this moment, he relives the memories of times gone by.

As he turns the page, he finds the item he is looking for: a fresh, dreamy looking, pretty girl recognisable as Janette in her student years is leaning against Derek as he holds his guitar. The scene is idyllic as they sit beside the broad trunk of a centenarian oak tree in the romantic settings of a forest in Germany.
The inscription beside the photograph in Janette’s flowing handwriting reads:
“The memories of this month will last forever, I hope our love will last longer… Janny.”

A mixture of feelings: warmth, love and regret mill around in Derek’s heart as he loses himself in his thoughts. So much that he doesn’t notice a customer in his shop.

“Excuse me! Can you help me please?”

Derek hurriedly shoves the notebook back under the desk and looks over to the customer who is peering up at the highest shelf. He rushes over and his heart skips a beat as he realises who he sees.

“I’m looking for the latest Honda motorbike for my nephew’s birthday present. I think that is the one up there…”
Janette hasn’t noticed who she is talking to as her attentions are directed only at the box tucked away on the shelf.
“Can I have a look please?”
She looks across at the frozen Derek stood beside her, but not a shred of awkwardness can be found in her face. She smiles her beautiful, shining smile and bursts out with excitement.
“Derek! Hi! What are you doing here?”

“Umm… this is my shop…” Derek says shyly. His sensitive disposition doesn’t know how to handle these situations.”
“Hi Janny, it’s been a while.”

“Yeah, I haven’t seen you since you left university… Will mentioned that you started your own business. I didn’t realise it was here!”

Derek pulls down the box of plastic pieces from the shelf and hands it over to Janette.
“Well, this has been my life for the past few years, I haven’t had any free time since.” He jitters, trying to avoid eye contact with her.

“So does that mean I get a discount then?” laughs Janette, still as comfortable and friendly as ever.

“Sure!” responds Derek.
“So how long have you been with Will?”
He can’t help but pry into her relationship with his brother.

“Oh, a couple of months. We met at Monica’s annual charity ball – you remember Monica don’t you?”

Derek remembers her only too well…
“Monica Lang? How could I forget her?”

“I only found out Will was your brother recently – you are so different, I would never have known…” Janette discusses her affairs with a frankness and sincerity that only she can exude.

“Well, yeah. We followed different paths in life I suppose.” Mutters Derek.
“Here, let me wrap that model up for you. I’ll throw in some promotional goodies for your nephew as well.”

“Thanks Dez, you’re still as generous as ever!” exclaims Janette, unaware of the emotional turmoil her presence is inflicting on Derek.
He puts the box together with a T-shirt and baseball cap into a paper carrier bag and hands it to Janette in exchange for the payment. As he gives her the change, his eyes meet with hers for the first time and he is overwhelmed by the sweetness of her face and the purity in her expression. Even after years in the high pressure legal environment, the innocence that first attracted him to her is still apparent.

“Come and see me if you need any more stuff for your nephew... or maybe we could go for a coffee and catch up with the old times…”

“Definitely!” says Janette as she waves and leaves the store merrily.
“See you soon…”

[Em]

I've added this to the Story Vault under "Different Worlds" and will PM the writers with the username and password.

If you still want to join in, then please continue to post your contribution here!

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[Yak]

Very nice post Em! <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> I just love to imagine Derek expression <IMG SRC="smilies/laugh.gif" border="0"> he so sweet and sensitive. That is some good long reading! Please continue! <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0">

[junny]

Looks like it's only Em and me continuing this fic. No one else is interested in joining? Melanie, you sure you don't want to write something too? It's not healthy to stop urges and muses, especially when they relate to writing! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Em, I got your PM. You feel free to update this into Story Vault. Thanks. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

~

"He's all right," the doctor tells a relieved Grace and Katherine as he pulls his mask off. "His injuries look worse than they really are. We intend to keep him here for a few days, under observation, just to make sure everything is all right. He should be discharged in a week."

Grace sags with relief, and Katherine and Julian manage to catch her in time. "Thank you, Doctor," she whispers, sending a silent prayer of thanks.

The doctor smiles understandingly. "He's sedated and asleep for now. Besides, it's getting late. Come and see him again tomorrow."

"Can't we just have a peek?" Katherine begs. "We just want to see that he's OK."

The doctor mulls over that. "All right. Follow the nurse, then. Not for long, though. Visiting hours are actually over."

Katherine nods gratefully and thanks the doctor again. The smiling nurse leads the trio to Ethan's ward, where they see him lying pale and still on the hospital bed, a couple of IV tubes stuck on his arm, his head bandaged and arm in a sling.

"My poor boy," Grace's tears roll down her cheeks.

"He's all right," the nurse assures Grace. "He should wake tomorrow, though he'll still be weak. But he's a strong lad, and should recover soon."

"Thanks, nurse," Julian says, and the nurse leaves them alone. "Aunt Grace, I think we should go home," he says gently. "You look tired."

"No, I want to stay here with him," Grace insists.

"Mom, the doctor said..."

Grace shakes her head. "I can wait outside. I just want to be near him. You two go on home."

Katherine and Julian exchange looks. Julian signals subtly to her before he disappears outside. "All right," Katherine agrees, as she helps her mother outside, where Grace can still observe her son via the glass panel. "Call us if there's anything."

Grace nods absently, her eyes still fixed on Ethan. Julian returns and takes Katherine's arm as he leads her away.

"I've asked the nurses to keep an eye on her," he says, as Katherine leans against him. He puts a strong, comforting arm around her shoulders.

Katherine nods, wearily. "I'm so glad you are here with me," she says softly, as she wraps her arms tightly around him.

Julian drops a kiss on her forehead. "Silly. I'm always here for you."

A gentle smile touches Katherine's lips. "I know. The same goes for me."

***

"Hey," Ryan waves a hand in front of Derek's face. "You OK there? Which planet are you on?"

Derek snaps out of his reverie. "What?" he asks, blinking. "Stop confusing me."

"I've been saying hi to you for the last hour or so," Ryan spreads his hands out in a bewildered gesture.

Derek laughs. "What brings you here?"

"Oh..." Ryan's face is one big beam. "Will spoke to Dad, and he agreed to let me go to Leeds. And I've just submitted all my application forms. So... all good!"

Derek grins. "Congrats. I wonder what Will said that was so effective."

"Who cares?" Ryan shrugs. "The thing is, he did speak to Dad. Although it seems Dad wasn't really listening. He flew off to Manchester on business soon after Will spoke to him."

"Ah," Derek nods, as he goes back to fiddling with one of the models he was working on. "One less obstacle."

"Not really," Ryan frowns. "He'd better NOT stay on in Manchester. Don't want to have to bump into him when I go there."

Derek rolls his eyes. "Leeds and Manchester are two different places, last I checked. And I'm sure Dad isn't into stalking."

"You never know. He might have hidden talents," Ryan sounds ominous, as he flops down on a nearby chair.

Derek looks up again and laughs. "Now you're getting morbid. Are you here to wring a treat out of me?"

Ryan beams again. "I swear, your intelligent genes have spread to me. Anyway, we're overdue for a pigging out session. Why don't you close shop for the day and ... whoa, what's this?" He earths out a book and flips through it. "Ooh..." his eyes widen. "A picture of Janette!"

Derek spins around and snatches the book back. "Since when do you go rummaging through other people's things?" he snaps, suddenly annoyed.

"You left it there, under the desk," Ryan looks injured. "I didn't know what it was. I was just curious."

Derek turns away, clutching the book tightly. "Well, don't touch it again."

Ryan gets up and puts an arm around his brother's shoulders. "Aw, don't be like this. Come on. Cheer up. I promise I'll never touch your stuff again. Come on, give me a smile, man."

Derek relents. He can never hold out for long against his youngest brother. "Fine," he smiles reluctantly.

"Great," Ryan looks more relieved. "I'll help you close shop. We can try that new Mongolian buffet restaurant that opened just last week..."

***

"Grace?"

Grace blinks when she hears the voice on her mobile phone. "David?" her voice sounds hoarse and foreign to her own ears.

"It's me," he confirms, grimly. "I've just touched down. I'm at the airport and will be over soon. Are you still at the hospital?"

"I am," Grace says, still shocked. "He's... all right. The doctor said he is."

David exhales in relief. "I'm glad," he says simply. "I'll be over to take a look." There was a pause, and then his voice comes over again, this time gentler. "Are you all right?"

Grace smiles, a little mistily. "I am. I'm fine."

"All right. I should be over soon. Stay put."

<font size="1">[ May 10, 2003: Message edited by: junny ]</font>

[Paige]

Hah, a modern RR, and plenty of characaters to play with. Hmm, good job peeps.

[Em]

Janette sits in her fairly spacious but cluttered office overlooking Victoria Harbour, but her mind is not on her work. Spinning a pen in her right hand and holding a coffee cup with her left, the focus of her eyes drifts over to the small picture frame on the edge of the desk that houses a photograph of her and William. She smiles and drifts off to the world of daydreamland, reliving the events of her birthday and not noticing that Monica has entered the room.

“Hey! Dozy….” Calls Monica, waking a startled Janette from her thoughts. She hands a document wallet over to Janette.
“You asked Millie to pass this to me and you haven’t even signed it yet! Come on, snap out of it… we’ve got some major clients to see this afternoon.”
The cool, enticing exterior of Monica exudes a sense of mystery and sophistication from the dark mixed race features of this exotic beauty and this is backed up completely by her acute sensibility and immense intelligence. Power and success are all that she strives for, culminating in her achievements to date.

In stark contrast, Janette is the Yang to Monica’s Yin as she lives each day for the day and is simply enjoying life and her work in her happy, cheery, carefree way. Her dedication to her career is driven only by the wish to provide a service to other people and despite hailing from three generations of successful barristers and a very wealthy background, her heart is full of charity and innocence and there is not a shred of malice in her blood. However, it is this great opposition that has created an unspeakable bond between these two partners and friends and although they work in entirely different ways, their years of friendship have been fruitful and inspiring.

Janette apologises and quickly scribbles her dainty signature onto the four pages of the document before handing it back to Monica, who smirks.
“So I guess you had a great evening then?”

Another beaming smile spreads across Janette’s cheeks, revealing her dimples once again.
“Yeah, it was beautiful, star gazing in the middle of the sea and then watching the sun climbing over the horizon…”

“Hmm, you stayed up all night? No wonder you were in a bit of a trance the next day” remarks Monica stoically.

“Oh.. Monica! Guess who I bumped into yesterday!” Janette enthuses.

Monica flickers an eyelid over at Janette as she double checks the document.

“Do you remember Derek, from uni? He has his own model shop now… it’s only small, but he seems quite happy.”

Sneering at the sound of his name, Monica hisses in reply,
“He’s a loser – was then and is now. Who’d want to waste time remembering him?”
She closes the file and walks towards the door. As she leaves she turns back to a somewhat bewildered Janette:
“Three o’clock and don’t forget!”

*************
Grace holds the hand of her precious son as she watches over him at his bedside. Her children are all she has and it pains her so much to see Ethan in this way. The nurses have taken pity on her waiting outside and allowed her to sit in the room to look after her boy. The tears uncontrollably fall from her eyes and down her cheeks again as she loses the fight against her emotions once again. Suddenly she is distracted by a tightening of the grip from the hand in hers and she wipes away her tears to see Ethan with his eyes open.

“Ethan!” she yells, before realising she might be disturbing the other patients in the ward.

Ethan slowly raises his hand up to Graces face and tries to wipe away some of her tears.
“I’ll be okay, mum.” He whispers.

“Grace!”
David has finally arrived after speeding down the motorway from Manchester airport. He rushes over to where she is sat and looks across at Ethan.
“Son – are you alright?”

Ethan turns his head away, as much as he can. He obviously does not want to see his father.

Grace senses the awkwardness and ushers David out of the ward.
"C'mon dear, let's go and get a coffee. We aren't supposed to be in here. I'll be back later, Ethan honey."