2006年11月6日 下午1點06分17秒Nicely Love chapter 16

Chapter 16

Our Love Will Go On

After the argument with Tiffy, Alex rested his weak, tired body on the couch. He laid in the silent living room with his eyes closed; Tiffy’s words repeated over and over in his head. The tears in her eyes, the anger in her voice, he could still remember it clearly.

If there’s nothing between you two, then why dont you bother explaining?"

How can you expect me to believe you, when you have lied to me more than once?"

I guess you wouldnt want such an unreasonable person in this house with you!"

With that, she slammed the door and ran off. Leaving Alex in the house alone now. He regret not explaining to her more, he regret not chasing after her. But it was all too late now. With much effort, Alex grabbed the phone from the table and dialed Tiffy’s number for the hundredth time tonight, but still, no one picked up.

Clutching onto the phone still, Alex soon dazed off to a deep sleep. Time ticked by slowly as he slept peacefully in his home, waiting for Tiffy’s return. His stomach was growling and the room got colder. But Alex had no energy to get off the couch right now.

He was slowly awakened when a delicious scent of food was carried into the room. He felt a blanket going over his shoulders, giving warmth to his whole body.

Tiffy?"Alex grabbed the soft, warm hands that were placing the blanket over him. He opened his eyes, and only to find that it wasnt Tiffy.

Its me, Nancy."She smiled softly at him. Look what I bought for you today."She took the container of fried rice out of the plastic bag. She slid off the lid and the warm, delicious scent filled the room.

How did you get in here?"Alex asked. He pulled himself up to a sitting position and rubbed his eyes.

The door wasnt even locked."Nancy told him. But anyways, eat something first. Your stomach is growling."She chuckled and fed him a spoonful of rice.

Thanks. I will do it myself."Alex took the spoon from her and ate. The hot delicious rice gave energy and warmth to his body once again.

Nancy watched closely at Alex as he quickly ate. He swallowed the last spoonful of rice and smiled gratefully. Ooh…why did you come today? Did you want to find me for something?"Alex asked.

I guess you can say that." Nancy stood up and paced around the room nervously. You know I have always liked you, and I know you have feelings for me too. Right?"
Alex nodded, surprised by her straightforwardness. It was true; he did have feelings for her before. But it was only a slightly bit, Alex couldnt even tell for sure himself if what he felt for her was love.

Then tell me, who do you truly love?"Nancy looked deeply into his eyes, prepared for any answer coming from him. Me? Or your wife."

The thought of Tiffy made Alex smile again. He knew the answer clearly already, and there was no need of hesitation. Tiffy.The one I love is Tiffy."He answered clearly and quickly. I m sorry if I made you misunderstand before. I know I should have been clearer with my actions. But right now, I can say for sure. There is only Tiffy in my heart."Alex repeated and looked at Nancy, waiting for her reaction. He knew he must have done lots to make Nancy misunderstand before, and he was terribly sorry for it. But it was because back then, he wasnt even sure about his own feelings. But now he knew, after Tiffy left, he knew how much he missed and loved her.

Unexpectedly, a smile broke onto Nancy’s face. Alex looked at her puzzled. The smile on Nancy was a sincere, truthful one. That’s all I need to hear.?Nancy grabbed his hand and dragged him up. Come on, let’s go. I will go find Tiffy with you."-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ron! Dont you dare to touch her! Let her go!" Raymond and Tavia came running in. Raymond’s voice echoed through the empty, abandoned place. He watched helplessly at Tiffy, who was tied up to a chair in the middle with her mouth taped. Ron’s gun was pointing straight at her.

Stay back there!" Ron yelled and pointed his gun towards them, causing them to stay where they were. If you dont want to see her dead yet dont come near me!"

Okay?Okay." Raymond said and stopped walking, he held out his arm so Tavia couldnt walk past him either. Just let Tiffy go. This seriously has nothing to do with her." He gazed at Tiffy, who was looking back at him. Her eyes pleading for help.

I dont care! I dont care!?Ron was as mad as ever. Through all these years, his anger has always been boiling inside him. Every night, he dreamed of Matt’s death. The more he thought about it, the more he hated Raymond. If you did something wrong! Then you have to pay for it!"

Your right. If I did something wrong, then I should pay for it." Raymond tried to talk some sense into him. It hurt to see Ron like this; they were once best friends. It even hurt more to see Tiffy suffering this pain because of him. Let go Tiffy. Come get me. I m the one you hate. Not Tiffy. You dont even know her."

You think I m that stupid?" Ron laughed sarcastically. Capturing you wouldnt make a difference. But when you have to watch someone you cherish so much die in front of you, then that would be more meaningful."

You are crazy, Ron."Tavia finally spoke up from the side. Though she never knew Ron very well, she could have never imagined him like this before. You have friend died. That’s a fact. You cant do anything to change that. You think Raymond wasnt sad when Matt died? He probably felt just as bad or worse than you did!"

Surprisingly, Ron has stopped screaming as he listened to Tavia. Seeing this, Tavia took a deep breath and continued. You know, Ron? Matt is actually my brother. I was probably a billion times sadder than you were. I know how hard it is to loose someone so important in your life, but we all have to live with it. It wasnt just you; we all suffered the pain. But we are all learned to forgive and forget?What about you? You are doing the stupidest thing right now and you know if Matt knew he wouldnt-"

She was suddenly interrupted when Ron blasted off again. Shut up! What the fuck are you talking about? You are Matt’s sister? You are Tavia Yeung?" He questioned her.

Tavia nodded and answered him clearly. Yes, I m Tavia Yeung. Matt’s sister."

Ron looked at her, feeling puzzled and taken back. He always knew Matt had a sister, but he never knew she was Tavia. I dont get it? Why? Why arent you mad?" Ron asked. Are you cold blooded? He’s your brother! How can you not feel angry at all?!"

I was sad and depressed?But not angry." Tavia replied. She hoped she could really convince Ron; it seemed to be working well. At least he was keeping a conversation with her. Why would I be angry? Who could I be angry at? His death was nobody’s to blame."

Are you kidding me?" Ron laughed again bitterly as he heard Tavia’s talk, innocent words. No one to blame? I guess you must have still not found out the truth yet, eh? Your brother might not have died! He could have had a chance to live. If only he had made the right decision! If only Raymond Lam wasnt such a wimp and made the right decision!" Ron grew loud and emotional again as he glared at Raymond.

They both turned to Tavia, waiting for her reaction. Ron smirked as he watched Tavia stare at Raymond. He knew this would ruin their relationship for sure, and he was glad.

Oh.....Tavia...I.." Raymond tried to explain, but no words came out. He looked deeply into Tavia’s eyes, waiting for her to react. Waiting for her to yell at him, to hit him, to hate him. It was all expected. His nightmare had finally come.

Tavia looked back and forth from Raymond and Ron, trying to take in what Ron had said. What are you talking about? It was Raymond’s fault? How?" She asked, determined to find out the truth, though a part of her was afraid to.

Without hesitation, Ron explained everything to her. The whole story spilled out of him easily and Tavia listened attentively, showing no emotions. Raymond stood on the side with his head down; the scenes from that day haunted him again. When Ron was finish explaining, Raymond glanced up at Tavia again.

Their eyes were all focused on Tavia once again, waiting patiently for her to speak. "Is that all?" She simply asked. Ron, that’s nothing to be angry about. If I were Raymond, I might have made the same decision."

Raymond’s face lit up again to see Tavia’s calm reaction. It was too unexpected. As much as it was unexpected to Raymond, it was even more unexpected to Ron. Tavia! How can you be like this? Has love made you blind? He killed your brother! And look at you?You are speaking up for him!"

Love did not make me blind. You are the one that’s blind!" Tavia protested. The truth was hard to accept, but it wasnt as bad as she expected. She felt the anger slightly too as she heard the story from Ron, but when she thought about it from Raymond’s perspective, her anger died down. It wasnt Raymond who killed Matt! It was those kidnappers! You have been lying to yourself for so many years you are convinced yourself that was the truth. But think about it...It has nothing to do with Raymond. If Raymond had turned back to save Matt that day, then maybe the two of you wouldnt even be standing here right now. You two might have died also! Dont release you hatred and anger on the wrong people. You have already made enough mistakes. But it’s not too late to turn back now."

Tavia’s words slowly sank into Ron’s mind. He was slowly realizing what he did wrong, but it was too hard to accept. Just when he was slowly dropping his gun, someone burst in through the doors and made Ron all uptight again.

Tiffy! Tiffy!" Alex cried as he ran in along with Nancy. Who are you? We dont even know you! What do you want?"

Alex’s sudden appearance made Ron all confused again. Has he been doing the wrong thing all along?...Was what Tavia said true? Or is she lying? It’s too late to turn back now, it’s too late? He’s gone this far already.

Leave her alone!" Alex yelled and ran towards Tiffy. Ron held tightly onto his gun again, pointing directly at Tiffy.

Stay back! Stay where you are!" Ron ordered but Alex didnt listen to him. He ran up to where Tiffy was and ripped off the tape over the mouth. He began to untie her from the back. Tiffy burst into tears the moment she saw Alex. Alex! I was so scared! I thought I'd never see you again!"

Dont cry. It’s okay." Alex smoothed her hair. I m here now. I will never leave you again."

Stop what you are doing!"Ron yelled again at Alex who ignored him completely. I said stop!" Alex was almost finished untying Tiffy now, and it was making Ron more nervous. He squinted his eyes and pointed the gun towards them, his heart beating away.

Dont! Ron!" Tavia and Raymond yelled. She could see Ron was going to shoot them any second. Ron! Drop the gun!"

Alex wrapped his body around Tiffy’s and closed his eyes. He was expecting the shot, expecting the pain, and expecting to die. But to save Tiffy, it was all worth it.

Alex!Go! Leave me."Tiffy cried and tried to push Alex away. He’s crazy. He will really shoot you. The one he wants to kill is me anyways. Leave Alex!"

No, I m not leaving you."

Ron! Stop it!"

Ron! Dont! You can still turn back now!"

Ron! No!"

SHUT UP ALL OF YOU!" Ron finally yelled.

BANG! BANG!

The loud, piercing noise made all their hearts drop. The whole place was silent once again. Raymond embraced Tavia tightly and they slowly opened their eyes. Alex and Tiffy were still on the ground; Alex’s body was still over hers. He hugged onto her tightly and squinted, preparing for the pain to come. But surprisingly, he felt nothing. Slowly, his eyes opened and saw a trail of blood in front of him. But they werent his blood; it was Nancy’s.
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[Seven Years Later]

Daddy, Daddy! Katie stole my chocolate bar!"

Daddy! Kevin’s lying! The chocolate bar’s mine!"

I smiled as I watched my two young, innocent children, whining beside me. Like Tiffy, they have the most important people in my life. I cannot imagine living without any of them. No fighting now." I tried to put on my best daddy look. Why dont you just go and ask mommy for another chocolate bar?"

Mommy wont let us." They pouted and gave me the puppy eyes. I always had to give in when they do that, it was simply too adorable.

Of course not." My beloved wife, Tiffy came out of the kitchen in an apron, carrying a dish of food. Its almost time for dinner, no chocolate now. Go wash your hands, you two. Uncle Raymond’s going to be here anytime."

Okay!" They replied and raced to the washroom. Their screams and laughter can still be heard in the living room.

Ermm...The food smells delicious! I must say, your cooking skills have improved so much through the years." I complimented and stretched on the couch lazily.

Of course I have improved." She replied, her voice still so soft and delicate. I have given up all my time for you lazy bum and those two naughty kids already. I have even given up my interior design course just to be your housewife. You should feel honored."

I chuckled and closed my eyes, resting on the couch peacefully as I listened to my children’s laughter and Tiffy’s voice. At times like this, my mind would always wander off to Nancy. The incident that happened seven years ago...I will never forget.

[Flashback]

BANG!

After I heard the gunshot, I was almost sure I was dead. But I slowly realized I felt no pain at all, and finally, I had the courage to open my eyes.

In front of me laid Nancy, her body was fragile and weak. Ron had shot her near her heart, causing her to die almost instantly. I still remember the way she last smiled when she looked at me.

Though I thought she was dead, I could hear her voice ringing in the air. I couldnt see her spirit, but I can feel her eyes on me. I can hear her speaking directly to me. Bye Alex. I will be gone now, and forever. First I must congratulate you though, for passing this test. I was an angel sent here to test the love between you and Tiffy. And I must say, you did an excellent job. Your love for her was so great and admirable; it even touched an angel like me. And now that my mission is complete, it’s time for me to leave. From up above, I will bless the two of you. You will never see me again though, but I m always around because I am your guardian angel. May you and Tiffy’s love hold strong and true for eternity. Goodbye, Alex."

And that was the last time I have ever heard Nancy’s voice. Later the cops came and arrested Ron; and he finally realized how wrong he had been the whole time. I am quite certain that no one else heard Nancy’s last words...Other then me. But I never told anyone about it. Now that I think about it, I wasnt even sure myself if I really heard it, or if I imagine it. It was all too much like a dream.

[End of Flashback]

Dingdong!

The door opened and in came Raymond, hand in hand with Tavia. The kids rushed up to them happily.

Uncle Raymond! Uncle Raymond!" They jumped up and down beside him.

Stop bothering Uncle." Tiffy said and lead them to the dinner table. Have a seat, dinner’s almost ready. Just let me get the soup" She said and dashed back to the kitchen.

We all took a seat around the table, looking at the food hungrily. Finally, Tiffy came out and I couldnt wait any longer. Picking up my chopsticks, I went for the nearest dish in front of me.I m so hungry, I cant wait any longer."

Sorry, but I m afraid you will have to wait a little longer." Raymond said and smiled mischievously. Then he glanced over at Tavia, who was smiling shyly. We have something to announce." Raymond said and held up his and Tavia’s hands that were linked together.

Can you announce later? I m hungry." I whined jokingly.

Hey...Hey! Is that a ring I see on you guys' hands?" Tiffy asked and observed closely. You guys are?

That’s right!" Raymond grinned happily. Tiffy’s the smartest one after all. Tavia and I are getting married!"

Really?" I stopped eating and asked. It was about time the two pulled it off together; they have been going out for so long. You can have the wedding party at my pub; I will give you the place for free for one day."

How about the drinks?"Tavia asked jokingly. Shouldnt those be free too?"

Ermm...I dont know about that." I replied with a laugh. The pub I used to work at was now mine and Deep’s. Few years ago, our boss immigrated so Deep and I bought the place and kept it running. How come I dont see you at the pub anymore, Tavia?" I asked.

Before Tavia had a chance to answer, Raymond spoke for her. Hey...Dont turn my Tavia into a bad girl here. She has me already, why would she still need to go to those pubs?"

Yea...I have Rayray with me now. That’s all I need." Another sweet smile formed on Tavia.

"Aw...You are so cute Tavia." Raymond said and pinched her nose lightly. They gazed happily at each other smiling sweetly.

Oh please you guys..." I said to the two loving couple. Dont get so lovey dovey. We have little kids here."

They all laughed and picked up their chopsticks, joining in to eat with me. Though I was half finished already.

Here Alex. Eat more vegetable." Tiffy placed some in my bowl. Its good for you."

Aw...Do I have to eat it?"

Yes!"

And so, our dinner ended happily, like it had many other nights. A night full of laughter and joy with nothing to worry about. I smiled gratefully as I watched my warm, loving family. I feel so blessed to be able to have my loved ones by my side. And I will also remember Nancy, who is looking after us from above...
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2006年11月5日 上午6點55分29秒Nicely Love chapter 15

Chapter 15 Another Step Towards Love Hey Raymond, how do you answer question 16??Tavia asked. Unlike the playful, foolish girl before, Tavia cared a great deal about her schoolwork lately. Because she knew how disappointed her parents would be in her if she failed this course. But the most important motivation behind this major change was Raymond. She knew that in order to match with him, she must make some major changes in her lifestyle. Not going to pubs and drinking is one of them. Though it is a difficult adjustment, Tavia was determined to reach ...

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2006年11月4日 上午11點52分47秒Nicely Love chapter 14

Chapter 14 Argument Though the weather was turning cool and frosty outside, inside the crowded pub, it was hot and stale. Alex had been working busily the whole night with a terrible headache; he was glad his shift was almost over. Alex, are you okay??Deep asked on the side as Alex began coughing again. He noticed something wrong with Alex tonight. His eyes were red and weary, and he has been giving out wrong orders the whole night. Alex cleared his throat and replied. I think so. Just a little sick.?He coughed again and left the counter, making his way ...

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