SHATTERED

Louis Koo-Joe Wong
Gigi Lai-Alice (Chen) Wong
Roger Kwok-Sam Yeung
Jessica Hsuan-Kerry Kwan
Nick Cheung-Shawn Lee

The telephone rang and Alice wiped her hands before advancing towards the living room from the kitchen. It was Saturday morning and she couldn’t figure out who would call that early.

“Hello?”

“Alice, it’s Kerry. Are you free today?”

“I’m free, why?” Alice turned as she noticed Joe leaning on the wall starring at her and crossed his arms. She giggled at his messy hair.

“What were you laughing at?” Kerry’s voice became suspicious like always.

“Oh, nothing. So why were you asking if I’m free?” She glanced at Joe with a smile.

Kerry sighed, “I’m bored. I can’t find anything to do in the house or in the office. It’s Saturday, can you believe it? I don’t have a date or anything.”

Alice sat down on the loveseat and shifted the receiver to her left ear. “Well, why don’t you get a boyfriend? There are tons of them, you see some everyday.”

Kerry made a sour face on the other side, “Are you serious? They’re mental-ill patients.”

“I suggest you should lower your expectations then, if you want a guy.”

“My expectations are average, not even up to yours. How come you got a guy and I didn’t! What about me, I can’t believe it!” Kerry shook her head in disbeliefs.

Alice rolled her eyes when she hears Kerry complain about her life. Kerry had always been a wonderful friend except the complaints. They’ve known each other ever since college and were best friends since then.

“Alright, I got your point. The expectations are average, but I don’t see why men aren’t crowding around you if that’s the case.”

There was a beep on Kerry’s line indicating that there was another call, “Al, I’ll call you back later. Don’t make any plans, we’ll have lunch. Ok?”

“No problem, I can have a chance to get away from Joe.”

“Great! Well, I have to get going so see you at lunch.”

“Bye.” Alice hung up the receiver and found Joe dressed in a blue dress shirt and black pants, walking towards her. “where are you going?” She walked up to him and gave him a kiss.

“I’m going to meet Sam at the police station. He said there were some evidences that I should keep under the most wanted criminals. I’m picking it up and we’ll go for a drink. Do you want to have lunch with me or Kerry?” He smiled at her exposing his dimples.


“Sorry, Kerry already asked, I’m having lunch with her and we might go shopping. I don’t think you’d want to come along. Do you?” Alice smiled nervously.

“Oh, no it’s fine if you’re having lunch with Kerry. I thought that if you’re free then I’ll come pick you up after I’m done with my work.”

Alice slipped her hand into his and he squeezed it. “I’ll give you a day off being around me and go do your guy thing. Hang out with your friends.” A soft, irresistible smile crossed her lips that made Joe’s heart flutter.

“Has Kerry been talking about her problems again?”

“Apparently. Kerry said she needed a guy, her life has been too boring lately. I was thinking of Sam. Is he still available?”

Joe raised an eyebrow at Alice, “Do you think they’re a good match? We can try, but I’m not sure if Sam’s going to be interested in a chatty girl like Kerry.”

Alice tugged at Joe’s arm, “We can try. Kerry’s my best friend and I really want to help her. I think their chemistry isn’t bad. Looks compatible enough.”

“But not like us.” Joe grinned at Alice.

Alice glanced at the wooden clock on the wall and saw that it was ten after. “Oh my! I’m going to be late!”

She quickly withdrew her hand and went for her purse on the countertop. “I have to mail a package to mom. She’s waiting for it. Besides I’m having lunch with Kerry. I’ll see you tonight. Bye.” She gave him a quick peck on the cheek before rushing out.

Joe stepped out to watch Alice as she went into the elevator. He waved to her and stepped back inside to give Sam a call before he departs.

“Sam, are you there yet?”

“Yeah, I got the files from the filing cabinets just now. I’m waiting so get here quick, I have to get home to fix my computer, some jerk sent me a virus. Dammit! Anyways, I’m not in a good mood.” Sam’s voice was getting impatient.

Joe chuckled, “Got your message, I’m on my way. An advice Sam, stop throwing tantrums and mood swings so you can find a nice girl.”

“Oh, whatever. If she can handle me then stick with me or else forget it.”

Joe picked his wallet and keys up before he left. “Hey, I’ll be there in a few minutes so just wait ’patiently’. Alright see you there, buddy.”

“Ok, bye.” Sam hung up and met with Joe to discuss about the new criminals and their case.

While on the other hand, Alice was finish with her errand and called Kerry to find out where she’s waiting. After they hung up Alice drove to the Chute D’eau Café. She parked her car, entered the café, and saw Kerry waving.

“It’s my treat.” Kerry said as Alice sat down.

“Thanks. Well, I came to tell you that I’ve got good news for you. I found a guy that would fit in your high expectations category.”

“Really?” Kerry’s eyes lightened up. She dreaded for a guy that cared for her the same way as Joe to Alice. They make such a sweet couple she thought. “who is he? Tell me more about him.”

“Whoa, slow down. He’s Sam, a colleague of Joe’s. Great guy, I’ve met him myself...quite good-looking, amusing, lovable guy. I think you’ll like him. But there’s one thing you’ll like him even more....”

“What’s that?”

“He’s a pretty rich boy. His expectations are like your so called ’average’ too.” Alice laughed when she saw Kerry’s face. “you’re not that desperate are you?”

“No, I am. I‘m drooling all over for him.” Kerry laughed along with Alice. “I’m just joking. He seems like a guy I would consider. When are you going to introduce him to me?”

“I don’t know, maybe at the Christmas ball in two weeks. To give you lots of time to make yourself pretty.”

Kerry stared at Alice with a half joking-surprise look. “What?! So you mean I’m not pretty?! Aw, that’s an insult Al, I’m so hurt.” She started pouting.

“C’mon, you’ve always been gorgeous, but you can make yourself prettier! The ball is in two weeks, that gives you a lot of time to prepare.”

“Good news! I can finally get my hands on a suitable target. I really regret breaking up with Shawn. He was such a sweet guy, that I can’t find in a million years! I’m beginning to miss him.” Kerry’s exciting smile began fading away.

“Forget Shawn! It’s been six years! Oh, my get over it. I never liked how he treated you. Not too faithful either. He was always the dominant one.” Alice wrinkled her forehead in disagreement.

Kerry nodded in agreement. “I thought so too. He was sweet and all that, but I didn’t really like how he decides on everything, taking control of me.”

Just then Alice’s cell rang and she looked at the caller ID and it was Joe, “Hello?”

“Alice, where are you now? There’s a case I think we might need your help in.”

“Now? I’m eating lunch with Kerry? Can you bring it home tonight?” Alice wanted to enjoy her weekend a little longer. She didn’t understand how men are so eager to work. Alice heard that Joe was asking Sam if it was confidential.

“It didn’t just arrived, don’t think it’s confidential. I should be able to take it home.”

“We’re going to go shopping afterwards, so is it alright if you cook something up yourself for dinner?”

“Sure. I took culinary classes before. Go ahead and enjoy shopping with Kerry. I’m a big boy, hun.”

“Well, then I guess you’re alright without me. I won’t be out too late, but don’t wait.”

Alice rested her chin in her hand as her elbow angled on the table.

“I’ll let you go back to eating now. I’m stopping by the bar with Sam for a drink.”

Kerry stared at Alice with a grin on her face. “That’s fine with me. But Kerry’s laughing at us.”

“I was not! Tell Joe, I won’t take his wife out to party.” Her smile widened.

Joe smiled on the other side, “I’m not going to worry about you. If I had to, you wouldn’t be my wife.”

“Aw, that’s cute. Kerry’s just joking, you know her childish personality.”

“Where are you right now?”

“I’m at Chute D’eau Café.”

“I see, Sam’s rushing me, so I’ll see you tonight. Bye.”

“Bye.” Alice closed her flip-flop phone and returned to talking with Kerry.

“Are you ready to be shopping freaks?” Kerry asked in a delighted voice while she gathered her things after paying the bill.

“We never found out who was the champion for being the Queen of Shopping yet?” Alice threw Kerry one of her wild looks.

“We’re going to have the results by tonight. The limit is 8:00 PM. I have to attend a meeting in the hospital tomorrow morning, don’t want to miss it.”

Alice‘s looked up at Kerry surprised. “OMG! You just reminded me about that!” Alice flipped open her cell to check the task list for the time of the meeting. “I completely forgot about it! It’s really important!”

“Good thing, I remembered. What’s with you, Al? You’ve always been the neat & organized type.”

“I’m a human being, not some robotic machine. I have flaws too you know.”

“Alright, let’s go shopping!” Kerry’s eyes sparkled as she got up from her chair and watched Alice gather her things before walking out with her.

The two woman in blue jeans strode out to the parking lot and Alice drove her car home, and went with Kerry. Their black Mercedes Benz backed out of Alice’s driveway and made it’s way to the shopping center.