Round Robin Fic (Modern) ?

[junny]

Grace and David settle down at the empty hospital cafeteria, each with a cup of hot coffee. There is a good while of silence as Grace lifts the cup to her lips and takes a delicate sip, while David just sits there, observing her.

Grace sets her cup on the table. The cafeteria is fairly quiet, and only a few tables are occupied.

"I didn't think you'd come, when I first called you," she says quietly.

David looks slightly startled. "Why ever not? He's my son, Grace."

Grace lifts her gaze to his. "I know, David. But he doesn't. Or rather... he knows, but refuses to acknowledge it," her voice is gentle, without censure.

David gives a weary sigh. They have gone through this many times, and each time, there is no proper closure, and there doesn't seem to be one in sight now.

"Why do you put up with it, Grace?" David's question surprises both himself and her.

A soft smile touches Grace's lips. In that instant, the years seem to fall from her face, and he is reminded of the lovely young woman he fell in love with so many years ago. Her touching simplicity and her generous nature moved him enough to share part of his life with her; but it was not enough to convince him to abandon what he'd achieved so far and move to Leeds with her. Perhaps if...

Grace's voice interrupts his reverie. "I love you, that's why," she says softly, and David sees the love in her eyes.

He reaches for her hand and grasps it tightly. "Me too," he says, equally softly, at once feeling relieved yet sadly inadequate. It is a long time before he releases her hand.

***

Ethan is still staring at the ceiling, resolutely ignoring his surroundings. His injuries hurt, but he is oblivious of the pain as his mind concentrates on one thing.

He cannot believe that his mother has placed a call to that man. What is the purpose of coming, anyway? To show false concern? To shed fake tears of relief that Ethan is fine? To pretend to be a father? After all these years of absence, it is completely laughable to Ethan that David should show up with this pathetic act of fatherly love and concern for his injured son. To hell with that man.

The door to the ward creaks open and a head pokes in. Ethan's gaze remains unflinchingly on the ceiling. He doesn't want to acknowledge the presence in the room. He is about to close his eyes when he hears a voice.

"Hi."

It's small. It's female. It sounds young. And when Ethan reluctantly turns to see who this girl is, he finds himself looking at an unfamiliar face.

"I'm Yvonne," the girl says, as she pulls up a chair to sit by his bedside.

"Don't know you," Ethan rasps.

The girl looks shamefaced. "Yeah, well. I knocked into you, remember?"

Ethan lifts a brow. "Ah." He turns away again and prepares to close his eyes.

The girl looks at him, surprised. "You're... not angry with me?"

Ethan lets out a small laugh. "I'm alive," he says, without rancour.

The girl is silent, gazing at him as he shifts slightly to make himself more comfortable. Then she asks a mundane question.

"What's your name?"

Ethan looks at her again. "Why do you want to know?"

The girl shrugs, and gives him a small smile. "You don't seem mad at me for... getting you injured. I want to be friends. But I'm not sure if you want to..." she trails off, rather awkwardly.

Ethan looks at her for another moment. She seems so sincere, and he hasn't experienced sincerity for a long while now.

"Ethan," he tells her. He lifts a frail hand from under the blanket, and extends it to her.

The girl's features are one big beam, and Ethan almost laughs (if it didn't hurt to laugh) at the comical relief he sees in her eyes.

"Yvonne," she says, shaking her hand firmly. "Nice to meet you, Ethan." Then she giggles at the irony of that sentence, and Ethan smiles too.

***

"You look spiffy," Kirsty comments, as she looks up from her magazine.

Monica glares at her younger sister. "What on earth is spiffy?"

Kirsty shrugs. "Just a word. Which isn't probably far off from your current mood. What has angered you, big sister? Or rather, which imbecilic moron?"

Monica sets her briefcase on the floor and flops down into the nearest armchair. "Stupid clients," she mutters, a black look on her face. "Stupid man..."

"Man?" Kirsty arches a brow. "Not Derek..."

"Shut up," Monica snarls, cutting her sister off.

Kirsty grins. "Why the hell are you so hung up over him, still? Can't get over the fact that he passed you over for Janette?"

Monica makes to get up from the armchair. "Kirsty, if you don't stop babbling..."

"You'll what? Kill me?" Kirsty laughs cheerfully. "Bugger off, Mon. Take your anger out in the office, but not on me. Derek is a nice guy, and it wasn't his fault you weren't remotely in his line of vision." She gets up and stretches lazily.

"Why don't you buzz off elsewhere?" Monica snaps irritably. Kirsty was Derek's junior in university, and they know each other pretty well. In fact, Kirsty's association with that loser is a constant thorn in the sisters' relationship.

"I will," Kirsty nods obligingly. "In fact, I am meeting Derek for supper. And if you have a problem with that, I suggest you see your shrink." She strolls to the front door, lets herself out, and slams the door shut, cutting off Monica's string of expletives.

[Em]

Katherine arrives early the next morning to see her brother, leaving good old Julian to open up the shop. She talks to him on her phone as she rushes down the corridor towards the room where Ethan is resting.

“Don’t forget, Mrs Chan needs her delivery before noon, otherwise she will be at Cantonese Opera and she wants an extra bottle of soy sauce…. Okay, I’ll pick up some lunch for you on my way back…. Yes, I will tell mum to get some sleep… I’m here now and I shouldn’t be on the phone here… okay okay, I will be careful. Bye!”

She pushes open the door to the ward and is rather surprised by the small crowd gathered at her brother’s bedside. Identifying the faces one by one, her emotions rock from relief to excitement to anger. Enraged by the presence of Yvonne who has stayed all night chatting to Ethan, Katherine loses her temper and yells:
“What are you doing here?”

Grace rushes over to pull her back as Katherine steps nearer to Yvonne.
”Kit, it’s okay – don’t take it out on her!”

Katherine looks at her mother with suspicion, wondering how this girl has managed to sweet talk Grace into siding with her. She scowls at Yvonne before realising she has completely neglected her father.

“Dad! What are you doing here?”
Darting over to the other side of the bed, Katherine hugs her father tightly. Her sentiments towards him are a little different from Ethan.

“Oh Kit! I’ve missed you!” exclaims David from his heart.

Yvonne grabs her handbag from the side.
“I think I’d better leave you and your family now.” She says to Ethan.
“I’ll come back later with that magazine you wanted.”

She turns to Grace: “Thank you for being so understanding Auntie. I’m very very sorry for what happened.”

“Thank you for keeping Ethan company, Miss Wong”

“Goodbye, Auntie… goodbye Uncle…”
Yvonne tries to evade the scowling of Katherine as she walks away.

“Muuuuummmmmmmm……….” Whines Katherine as soon as Yvonne has left.
“How could you become friends with that girl? And you, big brother…. She almost killed you – doesn’t that make you angry?”

Ethan looks at his hot-headed sister and smiles, before changing the subject:
“Seems like my li’l sis isn’t really bothered how I am….”

Katherine realises that she has let her prejudices against Yvonne cloud over everything and feels sheepish.
“I’m sorry, how are you feeling?”

************

(I am going to add to this later, so just hang in there for now! Thanks, Em <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">)

[Em]

...continuation of my previous post... <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">
____________________________________________
A group of old university friends leave the bistro after enjoying an evening of reminiscence and memories. A couple of them had returned from working in the rainforests and called out the members of the Naturalist Society to report on their experiences as well as catch up on the old times. Among them are Derek and Kirsty, who are laughing and joking as they leave the restaurant.

Although Derek and Monica have their differences, this has not affected his friendship with Kirsty whom he treats like his own little sister. She listens and understands him and most importantly, she was there to help him through the darkest times and for this he will forever be grateful to her. However, his feelings towards her are truly brotherly and he shows no signs of attraction to Kirsty, who in turn sees him as nothing more than the big brother she never had.

After waving goodbye to their friends, Derek offers Kirsty a lift home. The two head towards his car and walk down the closing time crowds in the bustling street when a cry can be heard from up ahead.

“Stop thief!”

A stocky man, clasping a designer handbag pushes through the currents of people and heads towards Kirsty like a stampeding bull. Struck by the shock of this man hurtling towards her, Kirstly is stunned and stops straight in front of him. The thief sees this obstacle and without a second thought, he shoves her out of his way and into the side of a parked car on the road.
“Outta my way, b*tch!” he yells as he continues evading the pursuit from a couple of bouncers who are close on his trail. She falls to the ground and a grinding click can be heard from her ankle as she lands painfully on the side of her foot.

“Kirsty!”
Derek rushes over to check on his injured friend who is in a state of shock. She hugs Derek and bursts into tears as he strokes her back and tells her that everything is alright. His calming tones urging her to take deep breaths soon help to compose her and as she sniffs away her tears, she starts to feel the pain emanating from her leg.

“I don’t think I can walk.” She sniffs.
“My ankle really hurts.”

***********
A blurry-eyed but still beautiful Monica scuttles out from her bedroom woken rudely by the sound of the front door opening and closing.
“What time do you call this Kirsty?” she yawns not really paying attention.
The light shining in through the window of the living room from the streets outside cast an unfamiliar shadow across the floor of the hallway and this jolts Monica quickly from her sleepy state. Driven by adrenalin and a rapidly beating heart, she clasps for the nearest thing she can, which luckily happens to be the cordless telephone and aims it heavily towards the head of the intruder.

“Take that and that and that….” Screams Monica as she brings down blow after blow.

“Mon – what are you doing?”
Kirsty turns on the light after hobbling over to the switch and Monica looks down at her hapless victim, who has fallen into a heap on the floor.

“Derek Chung – what are you doing in my house at this ungodly hour?”

“I…. Sorry…” Derek is too shocked to say anything coherent and is dazed by the blows to his head.

“I sprained my ankle and Derek carried me home!” explains Kirsty hurriedly.
“We didn’t want to disturb you so we didn’t switch on the lights. I was just getting the ointment to rub on my ankle, but it looks like he will be needing it too now…”

Monica puts the phone down and helps Derek up, but she is too proud to apologise to him. Propping him up on the sofa, she retires to her room.
“I have no time for either of you, if I am tired at work tomorrow it’s all your fault!” she announces.

“Derek! You okay?” asks Kirsty to the dazed Derek who is rubbing his head.
“Looks like it just hasn’t been our day today!” she sighs as she pours out the ointment onto her hand.

[zzzbeauty]

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

I'm still reading your story, but just a tad bit behind. I'll comment on it, as soon as i catch up.

Thanks for the story and fast updates.

[junny]

Guys, if you're joining the round-robin even as a guest-writer, would appreciate if you post a note to the effect asap or within 5 days of the last post. Would like to avoid as much editing and clashes of posts as is humanely possibly. Thanks! <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

Here's mine. Sorry it's a bit short.

~

"I'm okay," Derek says, shaking his head to clear the stars he keeps seeing. "I should be okay after a while."

Kirsty sighs as she rubs ointment on her ankle. "Mon is such a idiot. Fancy not checking things out before she screams blue murder... ouch!" She winces as the pain gets to her. "Damn ankle."

Derek scoots closer to her. "Come, let me," he offers. He takes the ointment from her and begins to gently massage her ankle. Kirsty winces again, but she holds the cries of pain as she watches him. He does have a way of alleviating the pain, it seems.

"You're good at this," she smiles.

Derek looks up, smiling in return. "Had my fair share of knocks and swollen ankles. Better now?"

"Bit," Kirsty admits.

"Good, just a few more minutes of massaging and I should be done," Derek says. "I'll bring you to a doctor tomorrow."

"Uh, it's not necessary," Kirsty says hurriedly. She's not particularly fond of doctors.

Derek frowns. "Are you sure?" he asks, looking up again to find Kirsty wincing in pain. "Kirsty, are you OK?"

Kirsty nods bravely. "Yep," she forces a smile. "I'll be right as rain tomorrow. Trust me."

Derek doesn't push. Kirsty can be very stubborn, and he knows better than to insist. He caps the ointment bottle and sets it aside. "All right. I should help you to your room. Come on."

He lifts Kirsty to her feet, and puts an arm around her as she slowly hobbles to her bedroom. After she's tucked into bed, Derek is about to switch off the lights and head off when she stays his hand.

"Thanks," Kirsty says, smiling. The soft light from the bedside lamp plays on her features, making her look extra beautiful.

Derek experiences a strange feeling deep in his stomach. "You're welcome," he says, smiling back. Kirsty and Monica may be sisters, but they are nothing alike in personality. Not for the first time, Derek wonders how the two can be thus related.

"When you let yourself out, don't worry about the door," Kirsty is saying. "Monica programmed it to auto-lock itself when we go out."

"Oh, okay," Derek nods to show that he has heard. "If you're still in pain tomorrow, just give me a call and I'll bring you to the doc's."

Kirsty laughs softly. "You just won't ease off. Right. I'll report to you in the morning." She gives a slight yawn. "Good night, Derek."

"Night, Kirsty," he says, before letting himself out of her bedroom, and of the house.

***

"What are you thinking?" Janette asks. William has been quiet ever since he picked her up at her work place, and so far, he hasn't said a word except to agree to her choice of restaurant.

"Huh? Oh, just thinking about a piece of work," William says distractedly.

"What's it about?"

William makes a turn into another street. "Acquisition project. You know, the dull and boring stuff. Now that Dad is away, I have so many things to handle."

Janette nods understandingly. William has been very busy indeed. So busy that they haven't had dinner together for some time. She sighs quietly to herself. And he's never too keen to share his work burdens with her. Perhaps he doesn't want her to worry. Some men are like that.

"So how's your day been?" William asks, in an effort to make conversation.

"Not too bad, although Monica's been in a really bad mood for the past couple of days," Janette says thoughtfully. "I wonder what happened. I did try asking, but she wouldn't really say."

"The day she isn't is the day pigs turn blue," William chuckles.

Janette smiles. It is nice to hear his laughter again. She's missed that part of him. When he stops at a red light, she leans over and gives him a kiss on the cheek. William looks surprised, but pleased, as he brings her near for another kiss before the light turns green.

<font size="1">[ May 27, 2003: Message edited by: junny ]</font>

[Paradise]

Please update soon. :-)

[zzzbeauty]

Aww....Kristy seems like a very cute person. Hmmm...i wonder who Derek is gonna end up with? I'm torn between Janette and Kristy.

Janette was his ex-lover and he still has feelings for her. Kristy has been supportive of him...although at the moment they are best friends...in TVB land they could become a couple. Hmmm...any hints as to who ends up with Derek. <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

I like all the guy characters, except for Will. I don't know...maybe cuz he has Janette and Derek doesn't. Yeah, I know...i'm biased. <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

I feel sorry for Yvonne but hey, it's a good thing that she hit Ethan though, right? They're cute together.

Thanks for the update guys. Just like Paradise said, please update soon.

[Em]

Thanks for your comments folks - here is a bit more!
_________________________________________
William and Janette finish their main courses with few words. It seems that they have little to talk about now apart from work and Monica. William’s mobile phone has been ringing numerous times through the meal, intruding on the conversation and Janette has not been able to able to get her message across to him. She puts down her knife and fork before dabbing her lips delicately with the corner of her napkin.

“Will… are you free this weekend?”
Her question is cut short by the ringing of William’s mobile again. Slumping slightly back into her seat, Janette sighs as William answers his phone.

“Hi, oh it’s you…”
He peers up at Janette who senses his need for privacy. She signals that she will be back and heads off to the washroom. William continues, he seems on edge as he talks and a frown spreads across his face.
“Look, I told you to sort out the deal and don’t call me on this number… what do you mean they want more money, I thought we had it all arranged… where am I supposed to find another three hundred thousand from? What! Call it off, we can’t let go now, we stand to lose millions…”
William’s expression has turned from annoyance to desperation.
“Okay okay… tell them to give me three days, I’ll sort something out – I’ll steal from my own father if I need to… yes I know we’ll have it all back in three months, but you know how careful my father is… you just make sure that shipment comes in on time. I’ll see you in the massage parlour later.”
Wiping a drop of sweat from his brow, William’s cool demeanour gradually resumes as he gulps down his glass of wine waiting for Janette to return.

“Who was that?” asks Janette, before realising that she shouldn’t pry into William’s business.
“Sorry, you don’t have to tell me…” she adds.

“Oh, it was just Sue from the office… she was just filling me in on that project, everything’s on hold until my dad comes back.” William lies with a great belief in his words.

“I see, “ nods Janette, but she doesn’t really. She tries to continue her earlier question.
“I was wondering if you…”

“Jan, you’re not doing anything afterwards are you?” interrupts William.
“I’ll run you home first but then I have to head back to the office. Sorry I can’t take you out tonight, you know how it is…”

Janette nods and sighs. She isn’t going to be able to ask him to join her at Monica’s garden party on Saturday and he’ll probably be too busy anyway. She gives up and although disappointed goes along with William’s plan.

*************

“How long are you staying for, Dad?” asks Katherine as she hands her father a cup of tea in the office at the back of the shop.

David thanks his daughter and sups at his tea, leaning back in the battered chair and letting out a breath of comfort. Here he can take off his David Chung – Business Tycoon mask and simply be David. Grace and her children didn’t care for the rich pickings of his other life and had time and time again refused his money, saying that they would rather work hard and enjoy the fruits of their labour. Here, David didn’t have to keep up appearances, he didn’t have to think about how other people were plotting against him or when the next stock market crash would take place. For a few days at least, he could just sit back, relax and enjoy the company of the people he loved.

“Oh, a couple of days. I’d like to stay longer but I can’t leave the company for too long.” He replies.

“I’ve been keeping your apartment clean for you.” Enthuses Katherine.
“Ethan’s been staying there a bit, he likes the peace and quiet there – but I make sure that he doesn’t mess it up. Just in case you come back at short notice… like now.”

“Thanks Kit!” calls David, showing his gratefulness to his child-like daughter. Grace watches over and smiles, feeling a sense of completeness that she rarely has a chance to live. If only Ethan was here as well, then they would be a family again.

Her moment of enjoyment is rudely interrupted as Julian knocks on the door to the office. He calls over to Grace: “Auntie, sorry to bother you, but Mr Hung from the Old Folks’ Home is here to pay off this month’s bills.”

Grace acknowledges and walks out with Julian, who winks at Katherine but blanks David.

David notices the friendliness between Katherine and Julian and a look of displeasure appears on his face.
“How many times have I told you to keep your distance from that boy?” he scolds.

Katherine looks pleadingly at her father.
“Dad… Julian’s a good guy. Why don’t you just try to get to know him?”

David is indignant.
“Good guys don’t hang around with the gangs or end up in prison for beating people up.”

“You know that wasn’t his fault, why do you keep holding it against him?” argues Katherine.

“Katherine, we have been through this before. Your mother giving him a job is bad enough, the last thing I would want to see is my daughter dating a convict!”
The setting may be different, but when David’s fire is lit, he has the same stubbornness in Hong Kong or in England.

Katherine sits in her chair with her lips pouting like a duck’s bill. She knows she will not win against her father, but her heart wants so much to stand up for Julian and what she knows is the truth. She is so upset that she wants to burst into tears, but having inherited her father’s obstinacy, she refuses to break down in front of him.

After a period of silence, David calms down a little and tries to change the subject.
“Anyway, I thought you had some good news for me…”

The thought of university sways Katherine’s thoughts onto more pleasant things and she perks up as she begins to tell her father about the news.
“Yeah! I’m going to start at Leeds Uni in September. Everything’s sorted out.”

“Why didn’t you go somewhere else?” asks David.

“Thought I’d stay close to mum and Ethan and…” Katherine stops just in time.

“And?” queries David.

“Er… and help mum out in the shop.” Katherine spins the story round just in time.

“I see…” David is non the wiser.
“What are you studying?”

“Law and Business Studies” announces Katherine proudly.
***********

“Garden Party?” gasps Derek as he looks at the invitation card that Kirsty has handed him.
“I haven’t been to this kind of social gathering for years!”

“Yeah, Monica told me to invite you.” Says Kirsty, smiling her trademark cheeky beam.
“I think she wants to make it up to you for hitting you the other night.”

“Uh, you know I don’t really socialise much nowadays…” says Derek shyly.
“I don’t even have a decent suit any more.”

“More like you don’t wanna see Monica!” laughs Kirsty, seeing through his expression.

Derek ignores her and puts the card away in his usual stash under the counter.
“I’ll think about it…” he mutters, trying to get her off his case.

“C’mon Dez, it’ll be a laugh. It’s not every day my sister makes an offer like this, especially to you!” Kirsty mocks him attempting to sway his decision. Then she notices something and her eyes light up.
“… And she’ll be there!”

Derek looks up curiously and sees Kirsty waving and pointing at his photograph of Janette.
“Hey gimme that back!”

He reacts strongly as he snatches the photo back from her and she laughs heartily.
“That got a reaction out of you, lover boy!”

[Melanie]

Hello, I am back. <IMG SRC="smilies/wave.gif" border="0"> Great installments. <IMG SRC="smilies/thumbsup.gif" border="0"> Hmm...I wonder what happened to Janette and Derek's relationship. What caused them to break up? It seems there are several new developments in my favorite love triangle (rectangle?). William is beginning to sound more and more like a jerk. Once again, he reminds me of Gallen Lo's character in Cold Blood Warm Heart - very suave yet slimy. <IMG SRC="smilies/eh.gif" border="0"> Derek, on the other hand, is very endearing. I am rooting for Janette and Derek rather than for Derek and Kirtsy. In my humble opinion, too many people involved in a love equation confuses the whole picture. I would prefer that Kirsty remain Derek's little sister and good friend. Sometimes, it's refreshing to see true friendship, without the complication of romance, develop between two people of the opposite sex. But that's just my opinion. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> Hope I didn't offend any of the authors here. Sometimes, I can't keep my opinons to myself when I get really involved and excited about a story. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> Anyway, keep up the fabulous work and please elaborate more on the Derek-Janette-William relationship. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[junny]

Thanks for all your feedback, guys! <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> Much appreciated and am glad to know that you're reading. Keep those comments coming! <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

~

Derek blushes as he returns the photograph to its original spot. "Well, and you're entirely too nosy for your own good."

Kirsty grins, unperturbed. "Come on, Dez. We've been friends for so long, and it's not as though I didn't know what happened between you and Jan. You met up with her recently?"

"Yeah, she stopped by my shop sometime back to get something," Derek says, relaxing now that they're on safer territory.

Kirsty regards Derek with a thoughtful look in her eyes. "Ever told her that you still love her?"

"Kirsty!" Derek turns red again.

Kirsty laughs. "It's so amusing to see you blush. Well, why not? I mean, it's not as though she's off limits or something. I know," she waves off Derek's protests. "I know she's attached. Who cares? She's got a right to choose, and if you're the better man, so much the better, eh?"

Derek sighs. "Do you know who her current boyfriend is? He's my younger brother, William."

Kirsty's eyes grow as round as saucers. "Really? That'd make a good rousing fight, eh?" Her eyes light up with anticipation and excitement.

"Kirsty!" Derek chides her, but he is laughing. "You can't be serious."

She gives him a mischievous grin. "Well, why ever not? The thing about you, Dez, is that you don't stand up often enough for yourself, or fight for what you want. When you told me you squared off against your dad... well, ok, told him you didn't want to be the good puppet, I was so proud of you, man. If you love Jan, you should fight for her. She ought to know that you still care for her."

Derek looks doubtful. "Are you sure? But he's my brother..."

Kirsty shrugs. "That's never stopped people before, don't see why it should stop you. I'm just offering a suggestion, Dez. Don't have to take it if you don't want to." She picks up a nearby pencil and begins doodling idly on the notepad on the counter.

Derek smiles when he sees that. "You still like to draw," he remarks.

A soft light enters Kristy's eyes. "Yeah. My only passion nowadays. By the way, do you still keep that box of crayons under your counter?"

Derek nods and reaches for the box to give to Kristy. "Yep. Wouldn't throw it away for anything in the world. Kept there just for you to come to my shop and spend your time doodling."

Kirsty smiles, and leans across the counter to give Derek a peck on the cheek. "You're sweet, Dez. Whoever snags you will be one hell of a lucky girl." She picks up a crayon and begins colouring.

Derek feels his cheeks turn warm. The inexplicably snug feeling is back in the pit of his stomach, and as he observes Kristy at work, he wonders if her remark will ever come true.

***

"Law?" David's eyes widen. "Did you say Law? At Leeds?"

Katherine nods, puzzled. "Yeah. I did. Why, what's wrong?"

David swallows. "Nothing," he says, after a while, trying to manage a smile for his daughter. "It's... so unexpected, after all. I'm so proud of you."

He doesn't sound like it, Katherine thinks, but she doesn't say it out loud. In fact, he looks rather shocked, and it's certainly not the shock of joy or of pride. Katherine is about to ask if her father is all right when he speaks.

"Ah... I just remembered I have something to tell your mother," David says, managing to sound calmer and more composed. "I should go out and get her..."

"Get who?" Grace enters the office at this time. "Having a pleasant chat, you two?" she smiles.

"Dad says he needs to tell you something," Katherine tells her mother.

Grace lifts an eyebrow. "What is it?"

David casts a surreptitious glance at his daughter. He crosses over to Grace and begins to guide her out of the office. "Let's take a walk, shall we? I'll tell you along the way..."

Katherine frowns as she watches her parents leave. There's something going on. Maybe she will ask her mother when she returns. Her thoughts are interrupted as Julian pokes his head into the office. He smiles when he sees her.

Katherine gets up and goes into his arms. She holds him extra tightly.

"I could do with more hugs like that," Julian teases.

Katherine lifts her head up. Just seeing him lights up her day, and all her troubles flee at the first sight of his smile. How can her father not approve of Julian? He is a good man deep down, and Katherine knows it for sure.

"Kit, what's wrong?" Julian queries.

Katherine bites her lip. "Dad doesn't like seeing us together," she says.

"Ah."

"That's all you can say?"

Julian is quiet for a beat. "Well... seeing as he's barely here most of the year, shouldn't he trust his daughter's judgment a little bit more? And last I checked, I'm not dating him."

Katherine has to laugh. "You're not worried about his disapproval?"

Julian smiles slightly. "I'm only concerned if it affects you. And it does, am I right?"

Katherine gives a reluctant nod. "I would prefer that we live in harmony, and that he'd trust my judgment, have more confidence in me. I just don't see why he can't take the time out to get to know you better."

Julian gazes at her for a moment. "Think I could have a little chat with him, just to assure him I'm not going to hurt you?"

"I'm not sure how it'd help," Katherine admits.

"We won't know until we try, Kit," Julian says gently. She hesitates a moment, before nodding her agreement.

"You're very good to me," Katherine lifts a hand to Julian's face, caressing his cheek tenderly.

"I know," Julian smiles, a tad mischievously, just before he bends his head and takes her lips in a kiss.

[Paradise]

Hmmm...I begin to like Kristy. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> She so cute like me <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">jk
Anyways, I really hope someone will come to Derek and Ryan's rescues. Unlike Mel, I want to Derek to be with Kristy. Sometime what your looking for is right next to you. You just have to realize it. =) Plus, it would be a steam to drag Derek/Kristy/Monica into something. You guys might think that I am crazy but I think Monica needs to rid of her cold attitude to show her kind heart(I am sure she has one). <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

Please update soon junny, Em and others. I am waiting for it everyday. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

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

[Em]

During a quiet moment in his shop, Derek pulls out the invitation card once again and runs up and down it with his eyes. His thoughts flutter between the delicately printed card and the photograph at the side of the cash register. A battle of wills is forging in his heart as he tries to overcome his fear of large high-class social occasions with his wanting to see Janette again. Kirsty was right about what he wanted, but she could never guess how much convincing he would take.

"Hi!" comes a voice from the girl stood opposite Derek in front of the counter.

The dreamy Derek looks up startled as he recognises the face and starts to blush.
"Oh...er.. hello Janette! Didn't hear you come in then!"

"No, you seem very deep in thought there, what are you looking at?"
Janette cheerily peers at the card still in Derek's hand and realises what it is for.
"Oh, you got an invite as well? Oh yeah, you and Kirsty still inseparable brothers aren't you?"

"Well... er... yeah, I s'pose!" Derek's stutter has returned as he tries desperately to compose himself.
"What can I do for you?"

Janette smiles shyly.
"I came to see you about that actually!" she says, pointing to the invitation.
"Will is tied up with a business transaction on Saturday and I was wondering if you could be my partner in his place?"

Derek's eyes pop out of his sockets as he can barely believe his ears.
"Are you sure? I mean won't he mind?"

The concept puzzles Janette.
"No, why should he? After all, I've known you for a lot longer and we're still friends right?"
She seems to have no reservations about her relationship with Derek as she looks at him earnestly.

The bashful guy thinks to himself for a moment - well, if she can put the past behind her then he has no reason to refuse her request...

"Okay then, I'll see you there - I'll get Joey to open the shop up for me." He agrees.

"Oh that's great!" exclaims Janette excitedly.
"You'll come and pick me up on Saturday right?"

"Sure!" replies Derek.

"Thank you, Dez! I knew you wouldn't let me down!"
Janette leans over the glass on the counter, pulls his head forward and pecks Derek on the cheek.
She glances at her little watch and hastily picks up her case from the floor.
"I have to go and meet a client, I'll see you at the weekend." She calls as she rushes out of the shop.
"Bye Derek!"

"Bye Janny..." waves Derek, with a glint in his eye as she leaves. He takes a moment to recover from the events of the last few minutes before suddenly realising what he has agreed.

"Damn!" he curses to himself.
"I don't have a car! I can't pick her up in a van..."

**************
"Hey, J - my man! How are you doing these days?"
Danny struts into Grace's store and grabs a can of cola from the shelf, opening it and glugging it down.

"I'm fine Danny. I hope you will be paying for that!" replies Julian sternly.

"Chill out man, you aren't gonna charge me for a measly Coke are you? C'mon, you practically own the place now..." responds Danny indignantly.

"Look, I thought I told you to stay away from here." Says Julian, walking over to the unwelcome visitor. Seeing his approach, Danny puts the half empty can back on the shelf and holds out his hand to embrace his old friend. Julian brushes it away and points to the door.

"You're not welcome here, please leave." He instructs. "And it's 50p for the can."

"J! Is this how you treat your old war buddy? Just think of all those times my dad looked out for you, how he pulled you from the bullies in the schoolyard, accepted you into the organisation and showed you the ropes? If it wasn't for him, you'd have been wasted long ago..."

Julian smarts at the mention of his tearaway past and sneers at Danny.
"Don't use Uncle Choi against me! I repaid my debt to him when I did that spell in prison. And I'm sure he'd be pretty disappointed if he finds you followed in his footsteps." His words are strong, yet calm as he puts his hand on Danny's shoulder to usher him out.

Danny angrily pushes the hand away and steps back, knocking over a pile of tins.
"Get your dirty prisoner hands off me!" he yells.
"What's it to you how I end up. It's my life and I'll lead it however I want. Even my old boring dad can't stop me! It's not my fault he's lost his guts in his old age!"

Katherine emerges from the back of the store to see what the commotion is about. She is furious to see Danny's presence.
"Danny Fong, just what do you think you are doing here? Don't you think you've caused my family enough trouble?" she shouts.

Danny laughs.
"Well, if it isn't Miss High-and-Mighty herself? And what are you gonna do? Hit me?" he retorts.

"She won't but I will!" returns Julian as he loses his temper and launches a punch in Danny's direction. Years of gangland experience make him a good aim and his fist lands squarely on the cheek, sending Danny flying into the side of a stack of shelves and knocking its contents to the ground with a crash.

Instinctively, Danny retaliates: "You bastard!" as he sends a strike towards Julian. However his fighting skills are no match for the bigger built man as Julian sends him another blow into submission. He stands, leaning against a shelf and catching his breath, wiping a cut on the side of his lip with his sleeve and staring threateningly at Julian and Katherine.

"You watch your step... both of you!" he threatens as he runs from the shop.

"Jules, are you okay?" gasps Katherine as she runs over to check on her boyfriend.

"Yeah, I am fine!" he replies with a reassuring smile.
"But we'd better clear up before your mum and dad get back."
He starts to pick up the scattered cans and broken jars that have fallen from the shop.

Katherine looks up at the light coming from the opening door and sees a sight that strikes fear through her eyes.
"Too late!"

Grace and David look solemn after their little walk and chat, but when they see the mess on the floor of the shop, their thoughts are jerked away sharply. Grace grasps her hands over her mouth as she calls:

"Oh my Lord! What happened?"

David looks angrily at Julian.
"No wonder I thought I saw Danny Fong walking out just then! I think I can safely say that you caused this trouble?"

"No, Dad! It wasn't Jules' fault! It was Danny..." protests Katherine.

David will not hear her protests as his anger has misted his view of everything now. He looks at Grace, who is still stunned at the damage to her shop, but has started to help pick things up in silence.

"Grace, I think you have no excuse not to fire him now!" he instructs.

Grace doesn't say a word, her mind is too messed up right now.

"Dad, you can't sack him. It wasn't even his fault!" Katherine continues her futile requests for her father's mercy, whilst Julian silently continues picking up the pieces. She turns to Julian.

"Jules, come on. Explain yourself... tell him what happened!"

"It doesn't matter." Mutters Julian, continuing to mope around on the ground.

David reaches into his pocket for a few notes, which he throws onto the floor in front of Julian.
"That's more than severance there, now get out!" The irate David yells, pointing to the door.

Julian doesn't respond as he continues to pick up the shards of broken glass, but his insolence only serves to fire the wrath of David.

"I said get out! We don't need you to clear up, just clear out!"
With that, David sweeps Julian up from the floor by his collar and throws him out onto the street outside the store, chucking the money out afterwards. Katherine tries to follow, but is held back by her father.

"I don't want to see you near my family again! Do you hear me?" shouts David as he closes and locks the door and returns to the continual sobs and protests from Katherine.

Julian sits on the kerb outside and lights up a cigarette. He seems deflated, losing a job isn't so bad, but being separated from the only people he can call family is the hardest thing to accept. He sits and watches the traffic go by for a little while. Exactly how long he doesn't know, but he doesn't have anything else to do right now.

-----------------------------------------
All done from me again!
Is anyone else joining in - Mel? When are we going to see your guest piece?? <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

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

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

[junny]

I apologise for not updating sooner, although it'd seem that no one else is reading. Sigh.

~

Night.

Julian has moved off the kerb. He has returned to his small flat and intends to spend the night hoping to figure things out. He wonders about Katherine and how she is holding up. He wonders why he didn't bother to explain to David Chung.

The problem is, David Chung isn't the sort of man who is partial to explanations. He isn't the sort who will listen to another person's side of the story. The man is bigoted, selfish, self-centred, and arrogant. Julian detests Katherine's father, but has never made his feelings known to either Grace or Katherine.

Ethan understands. Julian sighs as his thoughts drift to Katherine's brother. They share a common revulsion against David Chung, who drops by barely twice a year to show off his concern for his "other family". Julian can never understand why Grace has stuck by David all these years. Neither, it seems, can Ethan.

Julian stretches out on the bed, intending to catch some shut-eye. Come morning, he will have to start looking for a job. David Chung won't stay long, but whether Grace will hire Julian again is another question. Frankly, Julian doesn't want to put Grace in a difficult position.

He is just about to doze off when he hears the buzzer. Julian sits upright. Someone at this time of the night?

He gets up and goes to open the door. The dim light from the hallway shines on Katherine's worried face, the worry immediately replaced by relief when she sees that he is all right. Once inside the small flat, she throws herself into his arms.

"You shouldn't be out at this time of the night," Julian chides gently. "He'll be angry."

Katherine shakes her head. "I don't care. I'm sick and tired of trying to defend my choice. It's MY choice, damnit! Why can't he understand?" She sets herself apart from him. "And you! Why didn't you explain yourself to him? It was Danny's fault..."

"It was partly mine," Julian corrects her. "I shouldn't have hit him in the first place. And it's useless explaining anything to your father. He won't listen. He never does."

Katherine falls silent. "True," she concedes after a while. "Mum says she'll try to talk him around. After he leaves, things will be back to normal."

"And when he returns for his next visit?" Julian gives a small shrug. "Kit, I'm not going to make things difficult for you and Aunt Grace. I owe her too much, anyway, to do that. Tomorrow, I'm going to find another job elsewhere..."

"No," Katherine overrides his protests. "No. I won't hear of it. I can understand if some time is needed for this to blow over, but you're coming back to the shop and that's final."

"We're not going to hear the end of this, you know," Julian warns.

"Then I will enlist Ethan's help," Katherine says firmly.

Julian lets out a soft laugh. "I wonder what he'll say to this."

Katherine is quiet for a while. "I spoke to him earlier on the phone. For once, I see where he's coming from. I still don't quite approve of his resentment against Dad, but..." she takes a deep breath. "Ethan's right. You have to stay. We have to show Dad we're meant to be together. If you leave, it'll prove that he's right after all."

A smile touches Julian's lips. "I think I'm convinced," he agrees, after a moment's thought. "But we tread very carefully, you hear me? He's your father. Let's not have another fall out a la Ethan."

Katherine draws Julian close. "OK. Whatever you say."

"That's a very dangerous thing to tell a man, you know," Julian teases. "Especially at this time of the night."

A mischievous light enters Katherine's eyes. "You talk too much," she grins, just before she leans up and kisses him.

***

"So I'll just get a friend to lend you his car for the evening," Ryan shrugs casually. "Not a big deal at all."

"You're sure?" Derek sighs with relief. "OK. Thanks. I really appreciate that."

Ryan grins. "Do I get an invite too? This party thing sounds like fun."

Derek laughs. "I don't know about that. You could ask Kirsty, if you want to come. Maybe she'll get you an invite."

"Kirsty? That babe pal of yours?" Ryan grins. "OK. I'll ask her when I see her. You know, I've always wondered why you never went with her. She's such a gorgeous girl, great personality and all that."

Derek flushes slightly. "She's a very nice girl indeed," he agrees.

"Yeah, better than that dull girlfriend of Will's," Ryan continues, blithely. "Then again, it's Will." He rolls his eyes.

"Janette isn't dull," Derek says defensively. "You'll like her once you get to know her."

"Sorry, bro," Ryan holds up his hand. "She's bland as water. I like girls with spunk! And Kirsty ain't afraid to tell you off if she thinks you're wrong. That's what I like about her."

"Well, if you're so interested, why don't you date her?" Derek asks, then immediately regrets his words.

Ryan eyes his brother speculatively. "You know, maybe I will. It's not really occured to me, my mind's been boggled by all this application stuff for Leeds, and all that. Kirsty would be a damn good distraction, eh?"

"Ryan, don't toy with her," Derek warns, eyes narrowing. "She's one of my best friends, and if you're just going to make a fool out of her, I'll skin your hide..."

"Ok, chill," Ryan looks injured. "I was just joking, man. Look at you, all feathers ruffled just because I was thinking of dating Kirsty. One would think you had the hots for her."

Derek's flush deepens. "Don't be silly. She's a good friend of mine."

Ryan shrugs. "Fine. Whatever you say. I'm meeting a few pals. Catch ya later, bro." He gives his brother a sunny smile and heads out of the shop.

[shootingst8r]

Hi,
I just wanted to let all of the great writers know that i am reading this story and i wait very impatiently each time for updates! i check everyday just to make sure that i am up to date!! <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">
so please keep up the good work and i really enjoy the story...esp julian! hehe...he seem so real!

[Melanie]

Looks like the Janette-Derek pair is not too popular with junny. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> I have a feeling that she's trying to sic Derek on Kirsty. Can't let that happen. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> Hence, I will write a few paragraphs to try to heat up things between Derek and Janette. Go Derek and Janette! <IMG SRC="smilies/laugh2.gif" border="0"> This might take a few hours, but I'll be back shortly with my guest piece. <IMG SRC="smilies/tongue.gif" border="0">

By the way, great work, Em and junny. <IMG SRC="smilies/thumbsup.gif" border="0"> Don't give up on this story even if the number of writers has dwindled down to two. I would hate to see this lovely story go to waste. <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0">

[Em]

<IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> YAY! Mel writes her guest piece...
*Em waits with great anticipation!*

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

<font size="1">[ June 11, 2003: Message edited by: Em ]</font>

[Melanie]

Aww, Em, thanks. But don't expect too much from me or I will probably disappoint you. <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0"> Here's my contribution to the story. Hopefully, I haven't ruined anything with my horrible, unimaginative writing. <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0">

********************

Late Saturday Afternoon

William leans back on the soft leather chair in his office and hides a yawn behind his hand. Taking a break from his work, he goes to the miniature bar in his office to pour himself a glass of wine. Sauntering back to his desk, he leans casually against the wall and looks out the large window, enjoying the breathtaking view of the ocean below, watching its tiny, rippling waves glistening in the afternoon sun like jewels.

Staring out at the shoreline dotted with tourists and beach lovers, William smiles slightly as he remembers the first time he met Janette. It was a similar sunny afternoon on the very same beach. He was just returning to his office after a lunch meeting with a business associate in the elegant beachfront bar. Even though he could have taken the indoor bridge, which connected the bar to his office building, William decided to take a detour to the beach to enjoy the beautiful weather.

And that was when he first saw her. She was wearing a skimpy little ice-pink bikini with spaghetti straps. A sheer sarong clung lovingly to her tiny waist, accentuating her slim figure. Every time she shifted on her beach towel, he would be teased with the sight of her belly button peeking out from under her wrap-around sarong.

However, Janette, being unaware of her beauty and of the effect she had on the opposite sex, continued to sit there on her towel, scribbling furiously on her notepad as if world peace would be at jeopardy if she did not finish her memo. If he were a fanciful man, he would have believed that he fell in love with this unpretentious beauty that first day.

Now thinking back on that day, William has a sudden urge to see Janette. Picking up the phone, he dials her home number. Receiving her answering machine, he lets out a frustrated sigh and tries her cell phone.

On the third ring, she picks up. "Hello?" her soft voice answers.

"Janette?" William asks expectantly. "Where are you? I thought you would be home today since it's your day off."

Hearing William's voice, Janette excitedly exclaims, "William! Are you finished with work already?"

"No, not yet," William replies with a trace of regret. "I just suddenly miss you and want to hear your voice. Where are you Janey? How about meeting me for an early dinner?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, William, but I'm out buying a dress for Monica's party tonight. I won't have time to meet with you since I need to rush home and get ready for the party."

"Oh, that party. Janey? Will you be fine going alone?" He inquires. Normally, William is a person who places ambitions before romance and would not think twice about neglecting his girlfriend for a business meeting. However, for some reason, he especially misses Janey today and is suddenly eaten up with guilt for not accompanying her to the party this evening.

"Oh, yes!" Janette replies cheerfully. "Derek agreed to be my escort, so I'll be fine tonight." Unaware of the sudden silence on the other end of the phone line, Janette prattles on happily. "I haven't seen him for so long it would be nice to be able to catch up on the old times with him tonight."

Upon hearing that his woman is going out with his younger brother, William freezes, his hand clenching tightly into a white knuckled fist. "I see. And you're buying a new dress for this special occasion?" He asks in a carefully controlled voice.

Laughing lightly and totally oblivious of William's sudden coldness, Janette chuckles merrily. "Yes, I thought I would dress up tonight, since Monica is such a stickler for appearances. I wouldn't want to have her breathing down my neck the whole night, nagging me about my appearance."

In the background, a cash register rings loudly, signaling the closing of a sale. "William, I have to go now. Talk to you later, okay?" Janette hurriedly gathers up her purchases.

"Sure." William replies, his teeth clenched.

After saying his good-byes to Janey, he slams the phone down onto its cradle, the force of the impact causing the wine to slosh over the rim of the glass sitting on the desk. Angrily, William paces the carpeted floor, not exactly sure why he is so furious that Derek is taking Janey out tonight. He has never been the possessive or jealous type. Women flock to him because of his handsome, suave looks. And because he has his pick of the many beautiful women around, William has become arrogant and confident enough to never have to resort to jealousy.

But somehow…he is insanely jealous right at this moment. Maybe it is the fact Derek and Janette used to be an item a few years back. But Janette is his girlfriend now, and she surely wouldn't prefer his shy, bumbling idiot of a brother. Or would she, since he has been so wrapped up in business meetings lately and neglecting her?

Shaking his head at the ridiculous thoughts racing through his mind, William sits back down on his leather chair and forces himself to concentrate on the documents in front of him. After ten minutes of reading the same sentence over and over again, he angrily slaps the papers down. Leaping up, he grabs his suit jacket and briefcase and rushes out of the office, heading over to Janette's apartment…

********************

Meanwhile, at Derek's small apartment, Derek paces the floor anxiously, tugging on the knot of his bow tie. Kirsty mentioned that tonight's party would be a casual affair. But knowing Monica, Derek has a feeling that this would be a formal affair with all the elegant trimmings Monica is famous for. Therefore, in an attempt to blend in with the crowd, he has chosen to wear a tuxedo.

Now, the more he thinks about his "date" with Janette, the uneasier he becomes.

"Maybe this is a bad idea," he mutters to himself. "I'm going to end up making a fool of myself at the party and Janey would never want to see me again."

Tugging some more on his bow tie, he glances at his watch. Noting the time, his heart suddenly stops beating. "Oh, no! It's time to pick Janey up!" Running his fingers frantically through his short, conservatively cut hair, he runs around the room, grabbing his tuxedo jacket and his bouquet of roses before rushing out the door. Ten seconds after the slamming of the door, Derek rushes back in, his face flushed, as he grabs the keys to his borrowed car.

********************

Sorry, I was planning to write about Derek and Janette's date, but I got too lazy and had to stop. <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0"> Hopefully, the next writer will make their date a romantic one. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

[Eliar Swiftfire]

Give me some time. i'll join this weekend.

[Eliar Swiftfire]

Phew. Believe it or not? I've been reading this whole thing in one sitting. And what can I say? Pretty interesting.

Of course, at the beginning, it was pretty confusing, with the LARGE cast of members and all... had to scribble notes, reminding myself who is who. Of course, I finally got used to em' all.

I can see some potential development between some of the relationship here, and yup, I think i'm going to work on something. Count me in. I might not be able to contribute this on a consistent basis, but I'll contribute when it's possible.

[Eliar Swiftfire]

The party had been ridiculously boring... it was so boring that it defied description.

Making small talks...

Putting up a fake grin...

Then MORE small talks...

And laugh a fake laugh at some jokes which he didn't understand.

More and more.... small talks...

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGHHHHHHHHHHHHH -

"Derek?" Came a melodious voice.

-HHHHHHAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRR -

"Derek?" There was a tone of impatience in the voice.

RRR---- huh?

He turned to her. "Yes, Janny?" It took him total discipline to actually speak properly in front of her.

She's so beautiful... pale unblemished skin... framed by dark curls... her eyes... so dazzling. And the gown... who bought her this gown? She looks so beautiful in dark blue!! I can't seem to breathe anymore.

"You want to leave now?" Janette said, a look of genuine concern in her face.

"Eh?" Derek raised an eyebrow. "No, of course not. I'm... I'm totally enjoying myself."

"Derek, my dear friend, you've degenerated into a bad bad liar." Janette smiled in amusement. "You think I can't remember how much you hate parties? Come on, let's go now. You didn't even touch the food... perhaps, you want to go to our old place?"

Speechless, his mouth dry, all he could do was nod.

Then, she smiled radiantly as she took hold of his arm and gently pulled him out of the crowd.

Derek wept tears of manly happiness... well, inwardly anyway. She still remembers? I... I feel so lucky...

(to be continued...)