Que Sera Sera Chapter 27: Auntie and the Bumble Bee

March 20, 2009 at 3:41 pm (Que Sera Sera)
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“Be nice. Please?” Joe asked his mom the afternoon before Ariel was supposed to come to his house.

“I am always nice.” Mrs. Cheng pretended to look offended.

“Mom! You never approve of my girlfriends.”

“The only one you’ve ever brought home before was Natasha, and I knew she was trouble the moment I saw her.”

“Mom…” Joe sounded a bit whiny.

“It’s true.” Mrs. Cheng gave her son a look and was glad to see that he didn’t look depressed when she mentioned Natasha. There had been more than a few moments in the past two years that Anita had been worried whether Joe would ever come out of his shell and feel again.

“Ariel’s nothing like Natasha though. I’m sure you’ll like her. And don’t forget her sister is coming too.”

“I didn’t forget. Poor kids. To be without parents when they are so young.” Mrs. Cheng sighed. She knew exactly what that felt like. She had been lucky though. Very lucky.

——————-

“Remember to smile.” Ariel whispered as she rang the door bell.

“I know I know.” Miranda sounded annoyed, “why are you so freaked out.”

“I just don’t want to appear like an idiot.” Ariel fidgeted.

“Don’t worry Ari, you are one already.” Miranda quipped.

“Brat.”

The door opened and Joe grinned at the two sisters.

“Hey guys, come on in.”

“Thanks Joe.” Miranda said as Joe shut the door behind them.

“You can give me your coats and go right in.”

“I’d much rather wait for you.” Miranda poked Ariel. “You ok sis?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Ariel smiled serenely.

“Come on guys, my mom is nice.” Joe motioned them to follow him once he had hung up their coats.

Mrs. Cheng met them at the door of the dining room and Joe introduced the girls.

“Allow me to introduce you to each other.” Joe said in a faux French accent.

Mrs. Cheng gave him a light slap on the side of his head, “ignore this goofball here, I’m Anita.”

Ariel smiled and shook Mrs. Cheng’s hand. “Hi Auntie, I’m Ariel and this is my sister Miranda.”

Mrs. Cheng smiled warmly. “I hope you guys are hungry. I’ve prepared enough food to feed a small army.”

“A small army eats less than these two.” Joe supplied, but quickly pretended to be studying his nails when Miranda glared at him.

—————————–

“So where are you from Ariel?” Mrs. Cheng asked when the desserts came.

“My parents are from Taiwan, but I was born in Kitchener.” Ariel’s mind switched to defensive mode. She didn’t want to give away anything she shouldn’t.

“Really? I’m from that area too.” Mrs. Cheng looked surprised.

“I know. Joe told me when he showed me your beautiful garden.”

“I love that garden. Joe told you the story behind it?”

“Yes he did.”

The conversation turned awkward again.

“So Joe told me you parents have passed away.” Mrs. Cheng started again.

“Yes.”

“Don’t interrogate her Mom.” Joe looked at Ariel apologetically.

“No worries.” Ariel smiled. “I don’t mind.”

“My father passed away when I was four in a car accident. My mother died of cancer when I was twelve.” Miranda volunteered without further prodding. This lie usually stopped people from asking too many more questions.

“That’s too bad.” Mrs. Cheng looked sympathetic.

“Yes, I miss them.” Ariel agreed.

“I’ve always wondered Ariel, where your name came from.” Joe asked when the conversation petered away again. “Did your parents really like the ‘Little Mermaid’?”

“Oh no.” Ariel laughed a little. “The ‘Little Mermaid’ wasn’t even made when I was born.”

“Then where did it come from?” Joe was intrigued.

“Shakespeare.” Miranda grinned when Joe looked confused.

“It’s from ‘The Tempest’.” Ariel explained. “My father was an English teacher and loved Shakespeare. Both ‘Ariel’ and ‘Miranda’ came from ‘The Tempest’. Ariel was the playful spirit and Miranda was a generous and kind girl.”

Joe was still confused.

“Just read ‘The Tempest’ later Joe.” Mrs. Cheng chuckled. “To explain the plot to you is going to take a while.”

“You’re familiar with the play then?” Miranda asked Mrs. Cheng.

“Indeed. ‘The Tempest’ was one of my good friend’s favourite plays.”

“It was my father’s favourite as well. That’s why we are named after people in it.”

“Your last name is Zhang, right?”

“Yes.” Ariel’s smiled a little to disguise the lie.

“The only Zhang I know from Kitchener is named Henry. Do you happen to know him?”

“I’m not sure” Ariel pretended to think and looked at Miranda.

“I don’t think so.” Miranda volunteered. “Our family moved to Toronto when we were both really young.”

——————–

“Joe, do you want to take Miranda to see the garden upstairs? I don’t believe she has seen it before.” Mrs. Cheng said after all the dishes have been cleared away.

“Ok, sure. Come on.” He gestured to Ariel and Miranda.

“Leave Ariel here with me for a minute, I want to talk to her.” Mr. Cheng smiled. “Don’t worry, I won’t eat her.”

“Alright,” Joe sounded hesitant. He gave Ariel a worried look, which lifted when she smiled reassuringly back.

“So…” Mrs. Cheng started when Joe and Miranda left, “I just have a few questions for you dear.”

“Sure Auntie.” Ariel leaned back on the couch she was sitting on. She looked calm on the outside, but inside, her mind was racing. What could she possibly want to ask and how much should I say?

“How long have you and Joe been going out for?”

“A few days.” Ariel sighed internally with relief. She would not have to lie more about herself.

“Really?” Mrs. Cheng looked surprised. Joe didn’t bring Natasha home until six months into their relationship…

“Yes. Is that surprising?” Ariel tacked that on as an afterthought.

“Yes it is. You’re special Ariel.”

“Thanks Auntie.” Ariel smiled.

“I know this is going to sound weird coming from me,” Mrs. Cheng looked serious. “but please don’t hurt Joe.”

“Can I hurt him?” Ariel smiled wryly.

“I don’t know how he feels about you, but he takes relationships seriously… Perhaps too seriously.”

“Oh.” Ariel didn’t know what to say.

“I know that me saying this is odd, but I’m his mother and I worry about him. His last girlfriend-“ Mrs. Cheng trailed off.

“I understand that he has had a bad breakup in the past, and I assure you Mrs. Cheng, that I am serious about Joe.” Ariel supplied. But for how long? How long can I stay here and be with him? Sooner or later I will have to leave. Is it wrong to want to be with him, even if we have no future?

“That’s good –“ The phone suddenly rang. “Excuse me.”

—————————-

“What do you think they’re talking about?” Miranda asked Joe as they sat on the bench in the garden.

“Probably me.” Joe shrugged. “Mom’s always worry about me.”

“I heard about your last girlfriend.”

“How?” Joe looked surprised.

“Mike.”

“Chatter box.”

“No, it was just that after that time when you said those stupid things to Ariel, Mike tried to make us understand why you did it.”

“So how much do you know?”

“How much is there to know?” Miranda asked instead.

Joe rolled his eyes. “Fine, fine. Does Ari know?”

“She knows you had an ex-girlfriend who dumped you, but not much more than that.”

“Alright, please don’t tell her.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t want to give her ideas.” Joe joked.

“Joe!” Mrs. Cheng called from downstairs. “Phone!”

“I’m coming Mom.” Joe yelled.

“Come on, let’s go downstairs.” He said to Miranda.

———————-

“Hello?” Joe asked into the phone.

“How’s it going?” Bianca asked over the phone.

“Bee! I haven’t heard from you in a while.” Joe grinned. “I’m fine. How’s Japan.”

“Japan is fine and so am I,” Bianca quipped. “Busy of course.”

“Right, Ms. Prima Donna Ballerina.”

“You’re just jealous.” Bianca’s smile could be heard over the line.

Joe laughed. “Ok, ok. I admit, I want to dress up in a tutu and dance in front a whole bunch of adoring fans too.”

“Yes, I’m sure you’ll have a lot of girls chasing you after that.” She teased.

“So how’s Ethan?” Joe changed topics when he realized that he was going to get teased more by her if he said anything else. It has been like that since they were teens. Bee was a year younger than him, but she always out-argued, out-teased, and outshined him in everything.

“He’s fine. Still really busy with that computer company he’s starting up.” Bianca sounded down. “Ethan’s been ecstatic lately because the company is actually making money now, and he’s miffed that I’m leaving Japan to go to New York to dance. He said he’ll wait for me, but he doesn’t seem all that happy about it.”

“He’ll come around Bee. You know he loves you. He just wants to settle down, marry you, and have lots of children.”

“I know he does, and it’s what I want… But I want my career too. I am so close to realizing my lifelong dream. In half a year, I’ll be dancing the part of Odette at the Lincoln Center. How can I give up something I worked my entire life for?” She sounded forlorn.

“Cheer up. Ethan understands how much you love ballet.”

“I know, but he doesn’t see that I have room for ballet and him in my life. This is once in a lifetime opportunity, and he thinks I’m betraying him by picking it over him.”

“You know he’ll come around.” Joe sounded awkward. He never really knew what advice to give to her. At least he could talk to her and talking about stuff like this always made her feel better.

“Sorry I’m unloading all of my problems on you.”

“Now problem. You always do the same for me.”

“Thanks Joe.” Bianca sounded grateful.

“Oh, I have an idea to cheer you up! Mom and I will go see your first show at the Lincoln Center.”

“Really?” Bianca sounded extremely happy. “It would be great if you and Auntie are there.”

“Sure. I think Dad has enough Airmiles saved up from his travelling and I haven’t seen you in forever.”

A noise from the living room distracted Joe for a moment. “Anyways, it’s great talking to you, but we’ve got guests over. I’ll call you later, ok?”

Bianca was silent for a few moments, then exclaimed. “Joe Cheng! You have a new girlfriend!”

“How do you know?” Joe was amazed.

“It’s obvious. Oh my God! What’s her name, what’s she like?” She paused. “Is she anything like Natasha?”

“I’ll tell you all about her later, but nope, she’s nothing like Natasha.”

“Good.” Bianca said with finality. “I’ll call you later.”

———

I’m sorry for not updating for so long. I’ve been ridiculously busy with random stuff. I hope you’ve enjoyed this double update…? I’ll be back with another update soon, but after that, I may not update for a while again because 1) I’m busy (I really need to find a better excuse) and 2) I’m having a bit of a writers dilemma. I’m not sure what direction to take the story in and I need to sort that out a bit more.

If you like my story or have any constructive criticism, please let me know by commenting!

Thanks!

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Que Sera Sera Chapter 26: Christmas Eve Blues and a Bright Yellow Man

March 20, 2009 at 3:35 pm (Que Sera Sera)
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Ariel sat in a pew beside Miranda in the small church they chose to attend. It was Christmas Eve, so it was pretty crowed. Somehow no one thinks of God until Christmas. Ariel thought ironically. And that includes me. But then again, I’m not exactly religious.

Miranda felt her sister fidgeting besides her and frowned a little. Ariel always seem to be restless in churches, yet she always insisted on going to one on Christmas Eve, no matter where they are. Miranda could see why. Being here made it easier to remember her parents. She still remember the last time her entire family was in a church. She had been eight, and it was the last happy memory she had of her family. I’m sorry Daddy; I didn’t mean to drop that reindeer. Would we still be a happy family going to church if I didn’t drop it? Miranda could feel tears forming, but she stopped them. If Ariel saw, she would be worried, and Ariel had enough to worry about.

Ariel let the priest’s soothing voice wash over her and tried to relax. Sitting here like this made her feel as if she was still 12 and her entire family was sitting beside her. Tranquility was not something she felt very often – if at all – and if she could hold on to the past a little longer, she was willing to do almost anything. She missed them so much.

I love you all. Mom. Dad… and… I’m sorry. I love you. I am really, really sorry. Ariel gave herself permission to cry.

Miranda could feel Ariel crying, but she pretended not to notice. Ariel only ever cried on Christmas Eve. It was as if she was getting a year worth of sorrow out of her system on this particular day. It’s a good thing I guess. Miranda thought. She needs it.

——————————

“I’ll get it!” Ariel called out and went to the door. “Hey Josh, come on in.”

“Hey Ariel.” Josh handed her a cake. “My mom made it.”

“Thanks!” Ariel laughed and put the cake in the fridge. “Miranda’s in her room.”

Shrugging off his jacket, Josh went to Miranda’s room.

Ariel went back to baking cookies. After putting last tray of sugar cookies in the oven, she turned on the TV.

There was a knock on the door, and Ariel was extremely surprised to discover who was standing on her door step.

“Oh, hey Joe.” Ariel opened the door wider. “What are you doing here?”

“Mira invited me yesterday, didn’t she tell you?” Joe stepped in to the basement and thrust a large bag at her, “It’s a present for Mira. I got your present too, but since you insisted on exchanging it later…”

“Alright” Ariel laughed and put the bag under Herb.

Joe hugged her from behind.

Ariel yelped in surprise, “What are you doing?”

“Hugging you.” Joe grinned.

Ariel gave him a light punch, but didn’t pull away.

“You’re warm.” Joe gave her a quick kiss.

“You need to stop molesting my sister Joe.” Miranda was standing at the door of the kitchen grinning. Josh, who was behind her, gave Joe an apologetic look.

Ariel pulled away from Joe, who pouted at her.

“You’re not wearing PJ’s.” Miranda said pointedly.

“I’m wearing them, they’re just underneath my coat.” Joe said defensively.

“Josh, you haven’t met Joe yet have you?” Ariel asked Josh.

“Nope. I’m Josh if you haven’t figured that out yet.” Josh waved to Joe.

“I’m Joe, it’s nice to meet you.” Joe took his coat off.

Everyone started laughing.

“What?” Joe looked at his pyjamas.

“Pikachu?” Ariel collapsed on the floor laughing.

“What’s wrong with Pikachu?” Joe demanded indignantly.

———————-

“Ariel.”

“Hm…?” Ariel fidgeted. She was sleeping on Joe, who was trying to shake her awake.

“What do you think your sister and Josh are doing?”

“I don’t know.” Ariel opened her eyes. “What time is it?”

“It’s almost four.” Joe looked at his watch. “Seriously, Mira and Josh has been in her room for hours, are you afraid…?”

“That they’re going to ‘do it’?” Ariel air quoted.

“Er… yeah.”

“Nope.”

“But she’s really young.”

“I know.” Ariel remembered when she and Mira had “the talk”.

———————–

==Flashback==

“I know what you want to say Ari, so you can save your breath.” Miranda grinned, “I was wondering when you were going to give me this talk.”

“Brat.” Ariel glared at Miranda. “I don’t want to have this conversation with you any more than you want to have it with me.”

“I know, I know.”

“Seriously Mira, what you choose to do with Josh is none of my business. Just be careful,” Ariel winced slightly, “and use protection.”

“I know.” Miranda turned more serious as well. “I don’t want to drag along a child with the way we live, and STI’s are just unpleasant.”

“Good. I’m glad we’re on the same page. What do you want for dinner?” Ariel went to the kitchen.

=End of Flashback==

—————————-

“Does that mean we can do it too?” Joe sounded hopeful.

“Gross.” Ariel leapt up from the couch.

“You’re older than Mira.” Joe began unbuttoning his Pikachu pyjamas.

Ariel looked positively mortified and bolted towards the washroom, leaving a very amused Joe.

“Come on Ariel, come out of there. I promise I won’t attack you.”

Ariel poked her head out and looked at him warily before walking out.

Joe immediately grabbed her and kissed her.

The kiss was not gentle but surprisingly intimate. Ariel felt her embarrassment and apprehension slip away as she kissed Joe back. It was as though she was floating on a cloud and she felt lightheaded. Finally, Joe pulled away.

Ariel turned scarlet. “What happened to not attacking me?”

“That was not attacking. You want me to show you what attacking is?”

“Joe!”

“Ok, ok, no more teasing. You just react so strongly. Are you sure you’re 23? You’re acting like a teenager.”

It was this comment that sobered Ariel. If you only knew Joe. “I’m just not very comfortable with this sort of stuff.”

“You were doing fine.” Joe grinned suggestively.

“Perv.”

“Oh yeah? How about I demonstrated further?” Joe leaned towards her again.

Ariel squirmed out of his grasp. “Really, there’s no need.”

Joe was not deterred. “I say there’s plenty of need.”

Ariel started giggling at the close proximity of Pikachu’s on Joe’s PJ. “Honestly!”

Joe stuck his tongue out and then kissed her again.

———————

“It’s gorgeous here.” Rainie smiled happily.

“It’s cold here.” Mike shivered. They were walking along the beach after they exchanged Christmas gift. The night was clear but chilly, and since Rainie was cold earlier, Mike had acted gentlemanly and gave her his coat. Now he was freezing.

“Oh come on. Look at the lights and the stars.” She gestured to the houses on the North Shore Mountains.

“Yes, the lights are nice, but I don’t see any stars.” Mike could feel his teeth chattering. He sneezed. “Can we please continue this conversation somewhere else? I’m going to freeze into an iceberg.”

“But Ariel told me Vancouver was warm compared to where she was from.” Rainie teased. Mike looked so cute at the moment.

“Ariel is crazy.” Mike sneezed again. Then, gently, he grabbed Rainie, threw her over his shoulder and started walking to his car.

“Stop! Put me down you oaf!” Rainie giggled.

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Que Sera Sera Chapter 25: Upstairs

January 30, 2009 at 11:29 pm (Que Sera Sera)
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“I’m here, what do you want from me.”

“So glad you could join us man.” Jason slurred. “Go grab a drink.”

“I’d rather not. I have to drive back home.”

“Dude, don’t be such a goody two shoe. Drink up!”

Before Joe had a chance to refuse again, Tiffany sauntered up to him.

“Joe, honey you came.” She smiled dopily.

“Tiff, are you ok?”

“Oh yeah, fine. Never been better.” She tried to drape her body over Joe.

“Tiff!” Joe straightened her as she started to tilt. “How many drinks did you have.”

“Oh, not many.” She rubbed against him and pulled on his hand. “Let’s get a room.”

“Oh you two have fun.” Jason grinned and made an obscene gesture.

“Tiff, I have a girlfriend.” Joe ignored Jason.

“Oh what does that matter? That ugly bitch wouldn’t expect you to be exclusive. She should be happy that you’re even looking at her.” She slurred. Pulling hard on his hand, she led him tipsily to the stairs.

“Tiffany Xu!” He jerked her back.

“Yes?” She leaned up and tried to kiss him. “Don’t say anything baby, just enjoy what I’m going to do with you.”

“I’m taking you home.”

“You want to go home?” She seemed really happy. “Your place or mine?”

“I’m not going to sleep with you!”

“What if I want you to fuck me?”

“Tiff, you’re drunk!”

“Oh psh.” She pulled him towards the stairs, meandering through a throng of dancing people, “I’ve wanted you since we were 12. Except that slut Bianca was always there.”

“Tiff, do you know what you’re saying? Bee is my sister!”

“Oh, you know she wanted you. Why else would she always wear those short little skirts and tights around you all the time?”

“Those skirts were tutus and Bianca is a ballerina!” Joe gave up arguing with her. “You’re inebriated, I’m taking you home.”

Against her protests, Joe picked her up – princess style – towards the door.

————————

“Here,” Ariel pushed a cup of coffee across the counter. “Drink up. You look dead.”

“Thanks.” Joe raised his head gratefully, took a giant gulp of coffee, only to realize it was hot, and spat it back in his cup.

Ariel took the cup from him and emptied it. “What’s with you today? Fresh coffee is hot, remember?”

“There was a party at Jason’s house, and I went.”

“Jason the guy with the spiky hair that always has a harem after him?”

“Yeah.”

“I didn’t know you guys were friends.”

“We aren’t. He always insists on having me go to these parties. I tried taking Tiffany home because she was drunk, but then I got stopped on the way and Jason and Brian teamed up on me.”

“What did they do?”

“They forced me to drink two shots of some really strong liquor thing. I don’t even know what it is – and I never want to try it again – but then I got too drunk to drive home, so I crashed there.”

“So for these parties, people always drink, do drugs, and have sex right.”

“Yeah.” Joe just realized what he said. “I mean, I just slept there – not with anyone.”

Ariel crossed her arm and raised an eyebrow.

“What? I’m not lying.”

“You better not be.” Ariel smiled a saccharine sweet smile.

Joe wisely refrained from talking replying.

—————————

“Flour, check, corn starch, check, candy canes, check, chocolate, check, turkey, check, PJ’s for Miranda, check.” Now what type of cereal should I buy? Cheerios are so bland and so are Rice Krispies. It’s near Christmas, so I should splurge a little… But I’m working fewer shifts this month because it’s Christmas and it’s a tight squeeze for rent already…

“Fancy meeting you here.”

Ariel turned at the sound of a high feminine voice and groaned inwardly. “Hello Tiffany.”

“So I see you couldn’t wait before sinking your claws into him could you.”

“I beg your pardon?” Ariel turned back to inspecting the cereal again. She looked utterly relaxed, though beneath that calm veneer, she was a full defensive mode.

“Joe. You couldn’t wait before you crawled into his bed could you.”

“Nope. You know what Joe’s like in bed. He’s insatiable.” Ariel then smiled pleasantly.

“You bitch!” Tiffany tossed her hair, “It’s not like you can satisfy him the way I can. Did Joe tell you that we slept together at Jason’s party the other night? Just wait ‘till he dumps your slutty ass and crawl back to me.”

“Yes, and he also told me how ‘hot’ it was to have sex with someone who just puked all over him.” Ariel winked.

“Bitch!” Tiffany tried to slap Ariel, but Ariel effortlessly twisted her arm behind her back.

“Listen carefully, because I’m only going to say this once.” Ariel whispered into her ears. “Stay away from me or I will have no qualms about hurting you. It will be easy for me and oh so painful for you. If you want Joe, go ahead and try to seduce him. You and I both know he doesn’t give a damn about you or he wouldn’t be with me. So why don’t you leave now,” here Ariel gave her a little push, “while you are still relatively unscathed.”

And with that, Ariel turned back to her cereal.

“He’s going to be mine.”

“Why?”

“What?”

“Why is he going to be yours?”

“Because I want him!”

“Too bad dear, because he doesn’t want you.” Ah! A Fruit Loops sale! All that food coloring can’t be good for the liver though. Oh well, we’ll only eat it once a year. At least they look festive.

————————–

“Joe asked me to have dinner at his house on Boxing Day.” Ariel said as she and Miranda are putting up their Christmas decorations.

“Really? That’s awesome. Does that mean you’ll meet his mom?” Miranda pinned the poster of a Christmas tree on the wall.

“Yes it does. He invited you as well.” Ariel looked at the Christmas tree. “Herbert looks a bit crooked.”

Miranda took a close look at Herbert the poster. “Oh yeah.”

“So you want to go?” Ariel straightened the poster. They have used Herb as their substitute Christmas tree for the last two years.

“Sure, why not. If I’m not there, who is going to prevent you from being uncouth?”

“Be quiet before I throw Herb at you.”

Miranda giggled. “You can try.”

———————-

“Hey Mira, is your sister around?” Joe asked when Miranda opened the door of the basement.

“Ariel’s just getting ready. Where are you guys going today?”

“Just shopping. No where special.”

“Alright. Make sure you have her back by seven. It’s our tradition to have dinner at eight on Christmas Eve.”

“Jeez, you guys have a million traditions.”

“Yup, we do.” Something occurred to Miranda. “You want to come over tomorrow?”

“I thought you guys have a ‘family day tradition’ tomorrow?” Joe said sourly.

“We do, which is that both of us must stay home and hang out. My boyfriend, Josh is coming, so why don’t you?”

“Ok. What should I bring?”

“Food, oh and wear your pyjamas, hopefully ones that don’t show off too much… stuff. I know you’re trying to seduce my sister, but tomorrow’s not the day to do it.”

“Someone’s seducing me?” Ariel walked in to the living room.

“Who? Me?” Joe grinned. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

Miranda shoved both Ariel and Joe out.

————————–

“I’m stuffed.” Rainie leaned back into her seat, leaving one last piece of sushi on her plate.

“Finally.” Mike grinned. “I can’t believe you can eat so much sushi. What do you have in your stomach? A dark hole?”

“Black hole. Not a dark hole.” Rainie rolled her eyes.

“Same difference,” Mike took the last sushi off Rainie’s plate and ate it.

“Pig. That was mine.” Rainie glared at Mike.

“You said you were full.” Mike replied.

“So?” Rainie demanded.

“Waiter, check please!”

——————

Hey Guys!

I hope you liked this update. I really would like to hear from you, so please do comment!

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Que Sera Sera Chapter 24: The Fast Track

January 17, 2009 at 10:00 pm (Que Sera Sera)
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“Phew! We’re finally done!” Mike threw his huge bio book in the air. It did an ungraceful spin in the air before promptly landing in a mud puddle.

“Hm… Mike?” Ariel snickered.

“What?”

“You need that book next term.”

“Aw Shit!” Mike quickly retrieved the book, but it was almost fully soaked through.

Laughing at Mike’s attempts at drying off his book, Joe and Ariel yelled a quick good-bye to him before heading off to Joe’s house. The accounting final was tomorrow, and Ariel had pleaded with Joe for some last minute reviews.

“You know everything already Ari, so why are we doing more reviews?”

“I just need a little more help with section 3B. The prof says it’s going to be at least 30% of the exam.”

“But we went over that section at least 5 times. You know it forward and backward.”

“I just don’t want to take any chances. If I don’t get a B in this class, Prof McArthur says I won’t be able to enrol in her class next semester.”

“You didn’t tell me that earlier!”

“I know, but she only told me two days ago. Now you see what I need that review?”

———————————-

“Here you go.” Joe handed a bag of roasted chestnuts to Ariel.

“Thanks.” Ariel smiled. Who knew Joe was so considerate.

“Eat them while they’re hot, they taste better.” He said, “but not too fast, or you’ll burn yourself.”

“I know how to eat chestnuts Joe.” Ariel said wryly.

“I know that, I’m just…” He decided to be quiet. Why am blabbering like a fool? Come on Joe, show her you’re not an idiot!

“You want to walk around?” Ariel asked. Joe had insisted they get roasted chestnuts before they looked at the light displays.

“Sure.” He grabbed Ariel’s hand and led her to the nearest set of light. It was of Santa and his reindeers, and Rudolf’s nose glowed brightly.

Ariel blushed a little. No one has ever held her hand in public before, and instead of being embarrassed like she normally would be, she found she liked it.

For the next half an hour, Joe and Ariel walked around and looked at all the displays. Joe continued to hold Ariel’s hand and he was surprised she let him. It was 10 o’clock by the time they were done seeing the displays and Joe really wanted to ride the Christmas Train after. Even though she was starting to get worried about Mira at home alone, Ariel couldn’t refuse Joe’s puppy dog look. In the end, she agreed. Since it was near Christmas, the line-up was long.

Looking at all the families in the line-up, Ariel felt a little bit teary. She missed her family. A lot.

“You ok Ariel?” Joe asked, concerned.

“Yes.” Ariel gave a shaky smile. “Just thinking about my family, especially my parents.”

“Where you close to them?” Joe asked.

Ariel frowned at him, “yeah, I mean, they were my parents.”

“Oh.” Joe felt the need to defend his last comment. “It’s just that I’m not particularly close to my father. He’s off in Taiwan somewhere doing business related stuff and I haven’t seen him in at least half a year. He’s never really been there fore me, his business always came first.”

“That’s too bad.” Ariel looked pensive. “Kind of ironic. I’d do anything to talk to my dad again.”

Joe hugged her lightly. Ariel stiffened, then relaxed. “What’s that for?.”

“I don’t know.” Joe grinned. “seemed like you could use a hug.”

Ariel smiled back at him, his grin was infectious, “Thanks.”

“I’m so glad it’s almost Christmas.”

“Yes, me too. Especially since all the exams are done.”

Joe nodded, “You thought you did well on the exam, right?”

“I think so. I mean, I got answers for all the questions. I just hope I didn’t make a stupid mistake somewhere.”

“I’m sure you did fine.”

Ariel just nodded.

“Do you want to come over to my house on Christmas Day?” Joe quickly continued when Ariel looked at him questioningly. “It’s just both Mike’s and my Dad are not home on Christmas, so Mike and his Mom always come over to my house. I was just wandering if you want to come too.”

“Thanks for the offer Joe, but I don’t think so.” She elaborated when he looked disappointed. “Mira and I have been alone for years, so we developed all these weird traditions for ourselves around Christmas. One of them is that we must both stay at home.

“Besides, Mike would probably spend Christmas with Rainie.” Ariel continued him.

“Fine, I’ll just spend Christmas alone then.” Joe sighed melodramatically.

Ariel pinched him lightly before running onto the Christmas train – it was finally their turn.

On the train, they oh-ed and ah-ed like little kids at the various light exhibits. Joe put his arm around Ariel’s shoulder and she leaned on him. All too soon, it was time to go home. Joe looked increasingly uncomfortable as he drove near her basement. Although Ariel noticed, she pretended she didn’t.

“Ariel!” Joe called just before she was about to open her door.

“Yes?” She turned around.

“Do you,” He said extremely fast. “Doyouwanttogooutagainsometime?”

“What?”

Joe took a deep breath, “Do you want to go out again sometime?”

“Sure.” Ariel smiled, “but please stop sounding so nervous, it makes me nervous.”

Joe chuckled quietly, looked at her for a moment, and then leaned down and gave her a quick kiss on the lips before dashing away to his car.

Ariel stood there, rooted by the door for a long minute as she recovered from shock. That was my first kiss.

————————–

“I want all the gory details.” Rainie exclaimed excitedly.

“I told you Rainie, there aren’t any.” Ariel rolled her eyes as she was brewing coffee. Luckily, she wasn’t facing the counter, so Rainie didn’t see it. “And stop sounding like Mira. She grilled me for details when I got home last night too.”

“How can there not be any details. There’s got to be more to it than what you told me.”

“How do you know?”

“Because there is no way the only thing you did on your date was walk around Stanley Park while eating chestnuts!” Rainie sounded frustrated.

“That is all we did!” Ariel didn’t want to tell Rainie about the kiss. If she did, Rainie would probably get so excited that she would blurt it out so everyone in the Lotus could hear.

“I give up!” Rainie glared at Ariel. “You are hopeless.”

Ariel finally turned around and handed Rainie her coffee, “Jeez, what tipped you off?”

——————————-

“So you ran off? Just like that?” Mike asked incredulously.

“Yup.” Joe leaned back on the couch.

“You never cease to amaze me with the weird stuff you do around her.”

“I never cease to amaze myself.” Joe chugged down his eggnog.

“Why are you drinking eggnog?”

“My mom is making me, something about getting into the festive spirit. and if you don’t get out of here soon, she’s going to make you drink it too.”

“I’m outta here man.” Mike bolted for the door.

—————————-

“Nothing sir.” Arron reported to Ge. “We still don’t know why Ariel is hiding from him.”

Ge rubbed his temples, “why am I not surprised?”

“Our agents are concerned about James’ latest business transaction. It seems that he’s purchasing some land down in South America. The only reason we know about it is because the land he’s buying belongs to an orphanage. Since he doesn’t seem the charitable type, or San Salvador Office flagged him.”

“That is odd. Find out why he’s buying it. It’s definitely illegal, whatever it is,” Ge looked at the paperwork infront of him. “but he’s good. All his documents and paper works are perfect and his stories and alibis air tight. We can’t get any proof on him. All these cover-ups are professionally done. We need to find out who’s doing them.”

“What do we do once we find out?”

“We need to take him out. His company is making a tone of profit – far too much to be gained through legal means and he’s rapidly becoming powerful.” Ge took a close look at the piece of paper in his hands. “He’s dangerous.”

“If you say so, Sir.”

Ge frowned at Arron, “Just spit it out.”

“He is Ariel and Miranda’s stepfather. Wouldn’t they be upset if you arrest him.”

“Judging by the way they’re running from him, I don’t think so.”

“But what if they’ve only got a small quarrel with him and were merely being stubborn and wilful by running away? Wouldn’t they be upset then.”

“Ariel’s not like that. You know that. It doesn’t matter anyways. If what he’s doing is illegal, we take him down.”

————————–

“Joe, dude! Come hang out with us.” Jason yelled loudly into the receiver.

“I don’t-“ Joe started saying.

“Don’t tell me you don’t have time,” Jason slurred, he was definitely drunk. “You haven’t hanged out with us since you started going out with your new girlfriend.”

“We’ve only been going out for a few days you idiot, and stop drinking so much!”

“You’re such a pansy Joe.” Jason swore, “Maria honey, I’ll be with you in a second.”

“Where are you?”

“We’re at Jessica’s.”

“Jessica. Your blond and blue eyed ex-girl friend who swore never to talk to you again?” Joe asked in disbelief.

“Yeah, she couldn’t get enough of me.”

“And yet you’re with another girl right now?”

“So What? Jess and I are hardly exclusive.”

“You’re an ass.”

“Hey, she’s in a room with Brian. I bet you don’t need to me tell you what they’re doing.” Jason chortled as if he told a funny joke. “Oh, that feels good Janice… Oh yes Chelsea.”

“Look, I got stuff to do, I’ll see you later.”

“That lame excuse won’t work… ah… today. If you’re ah not ah here in 30 minutes, I’m going to go over to your house. We all ah know how much your mother loves me.”

Joe didn’t even want to think about what Jason was doing and felt annoyed. Mrs. Cheng hated Jason. She hated his spiky hair, multiple body piercings, and oversized clothing, and he knows it. Anytime he wanted Joe to do something, he threatened to come over. Joe didn’t like Jason much either, but since that one time Jason got him out of trouble in grade 9, it seemed like he was always doing what Jason wanted.

“Stop shitting me man.”

“I’m not fucking kidding you. Get here or I’ll go there.” Jason hung up the phone.

Joe slammed down his phone, grabbed his coat, and started driving to Jessica’s house. Jason is annoying, immature, and a slob, but he never goes back on his words. If Joe didn’t show up in the next 30 minutes, Jason will make good of his promise and come to Joe’s house, and that could be disastrous. Why the hell am I friends with him?

——————-

Hi Guys! Thanks for reading. Sorry for the long gap between the updates. I was going to update around New Years, but I got a bacterial infections and couldn’t. Then school started, and well… Anyways, enjoy this update and please comment!

Happy Chinese New Year!

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Que Sera Sera Chapter 23: Short and… Not So Sweet

December 24, 2008 at 2:23 pm (Que Sera Sera)
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“Go out with me?” Joe asked Ariel without preamble while she was wiping down the counter at the Lotus.

“What?” Ariel looked at him like he was crazy.

“Please?” Joe joked. Joe finally decided to just go for it… well, after Miranda threatened to decapitate and castrate him if we didn’t.

“Are you talking to me?” Ariel looked around and could see anyone else that he might be talking to. It’s about 10 o’clock Thursday morning, so there weren’t too many patrons around the Lotus.

Joe rolled his eyes, “no, I’m asking the wall.”

Ariel scowled at him, “are you actually asking me out?”

“Yup”

“Er… where are we going?”

“Does that mean you’ll go?” Joe’s grin lit up his face.

“Yes.” Ariel said, feeling rather embarrassed, but betraying none of those feelings on her face.

“Awesome!” Joe mentally did a victory dance. “Bright Nights is happening at Stanley Park for the next couple weeks, do you want to go to that?”

“Sure, I’ve never seen it before.”

“Awesome, it’s pretty fun. When do you want to go?”

“Any time I’m not working.” Ariel went back to wiping the counter.

They finally decided on 4 days before Christmas. Although she tried to fight it, Ariel felt extremely excited that Joe had asked her out. I hope it will go well… this is my first date.

——————————-

“He agreed!” Miranda jumped in front of Ariel at 8 o’clock in the morning on Thursday.

“Hm…?” Ariel said rather blankly. She hasn’t woken up yet.

“Josh agreed to come spend Christmas day with us!” Miranda practically yelled, oblivious to Ariel’s distractedness.

“Oh, that’s great.” Ariel said rather robotically while walking over to the fridge. “What do you want to eat for breakfast?”

—————————

“Dude, congrats.” Mike patted Joe on the back.

Joe grinned foolishly. Ariel agreed to go out with him and nothing can take away his happiness.

“Dude, stop grinning, you’re scaring me.”

————————–

“He asked you out like that?” Rainie asked, outraged.

“What’s wrong with how he asked me out?” Ariel was confused.

“How could he be so blunt? He’s supposed to ask you romantically, not blurting it out in a coffee shop. You shouldn’t have agreed so readily Ari.” Rainie asserted.

“It doesn’t matter.” Ariel was amused. “Besides, didn’t Mike ask you out after he kissed me? You agreed didn’t you.”

“It’s not the same thing.” Rainie declared.

Ariel hid a grin and didn’t press the point.

 

 

—————

Merry Christmas!

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Que Sera Sera Chapter 22: Sickness and Dates

December 24, 2008 at 2:05 pm (Que Sera Sera)
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Ariel was running late to her first class. She missed all of yesterday due to the whole fiasco with Joe. Damn, I wasn’t going to think of him today. So much for that plan. She thought wryly.

The day went by quickly, Ariel’s nerdy tendency kicked in and she soon became too engaged in the lectures to think of much else. Before she knew it, it was time for her shift at the Lotus. As she put on her apron, she realized she hasn’t thought of Joe since breakfast. Not to bad Ariel. She congratulated her self. The only problem was, once she thought of him, he wouldn’t leave her mind. Ariel ended her shift feeling cross, annoyed and tired. She went straight to bed once she got home and slept a dreamless sleep.

This pattern continued for a few more days, Ariel just couldn’t seem to get enough energy. On Friday, the day of Rainie and Mike’s first date, she fainted at work. Jerry freaked and called an ambulance. It turned out to be the flu, but Jerry, being concerned about the health of his customers, told her to take a week off despite Ariel’s protests.

———————

“No Rainie, I don’t need you here, really.” Ariel wheezed into the phone.

“But you sound really sick. Are you sure you’re ok on your own?”

“I’ll be fine,” Ariel sneezed, “I’ll just get you sick if you’re here. Go have fun with Mike.”

“But-“

“No buts Rainie. Have fun on your date.” Ariel hanged up before Rainie said anything else. She flopped down on her bed and fell asleep again.

———————

“Is she ok?” Mike asked Rainie.

“Yeah, I think so.” Rainie smiled. “I do wish I have a picture of her looking sick to blackmail her with later though.”

Mike chuckled, Rainie joined him, and their conversation flowed all though the dinner. The movie was slightly awkward, as Mike didn’t know how far to go with Rainie. In the end, he put his arm around her and she leaned on him. To Rainie, it was the perfect date.

———————-

“How did it go?” Hu Ge asked his best spy Arron.

“It went well, sir. It looks like he took the bait and went out east to look for Ariel and Miranda again.” Arron reported.

“That’s good.” Ge leaned back in his chair. “His trackers are getting better. It’s good Ari has us on her side.”

“It would appear so sir. Though what I don’t understand is why he would go through this trouble just to look for them.”

“I don’t either.”

“Don’t you find it weird that Ariel hates him enough that she would ‘kidnap’ Miranda and take off? Isn’t it weird that he would look for two run-aways that are not really his children? Isn’t it even weirder that he hasn’t reported that they are missing?”

“Very, though I am most concerned with the first one. Both of us have known Ariel since she was in her diapers, and she is not an irrational person. She didn’t decide to run away on a whim, but she won’t tell me why, which is even odder. There must be a reason.”

“What is it sir?”

“I don’t know.” Ge looked sharply at Arron, “but we better find out.”

“Yes sir.”

————————

“That was fun.” Mike smiled at Rainie.

“Yes it was.” Rainie turned to face him at her apartment door. “Do you want to come in?”

Mike debated to himself. Is that some kind of invitation?

Rainie smirked at him. “Don’t even think about it.”

Mike’s ears turned pink. He held up not his hands as if he was surrendering. “Alright.”

Rainie unlocked the door and picked up her phone, “I’m not trying to ruin the mood, but I I better check on Ariel. I hope she’s ok.”

Rainie dialled. The line was busy. “That’s weird; she shouldn’t be making phone calls when she’s sick.”

“Miranda’s probably calling her boyfriend again.” Mike assured Rainie.

“Yeah, that’s probably it” Rainie plopped down on the sofa. Mike followed her. “Ariel didn’t look too well this week. I think the stress of finals, working, and Joe is getting to her.”

“It’s getting to him for sure.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, he’s been PMS-ing all week.” Mike joked.

Rainie laughed, and then turned serious, “Why doesn’t he just ask her out then?”

“Because he’s scared of rejection.”

Rainie looked shocked, “that’s why? He’s afraid she’ll turn him down?”

“Yup,” Mike nodded.

“Why would he think she would? I mean, it’s pretty obvious to us she likes him.”

“You know, when you like someone, you analyse everything they do. You think that their every action around you means something and you desperately want to believe that they like you.” Mike looked at Rainie intently.

“And then you start thinking you’re over analysing things, that probably that person doesn’t like you, that they really act that way around everyone, and you’re deluding yourself.” Rainie looked at Mike.

“And this is confusing because you don’t want to be too optimistic, but you still hope that person does like you.”

“Until you really does overanalyse everything, and you get hopelessly confused.” Rainie finished and then smiled.

“Yup.” Mike nodded.

“Speaking from personal experience?” Rainie teased.

Mike looked at her seriously, “Just with you.”

Rainie smiled, “Cheesy.”

“Very.” Mike leaned over and kissed her lightly on the lips.

—————————–

“He Ge.” Miranda said into the phone.

“Hey Mirror, how’s Squirrel doing?” Ge asked lightly.

“Still sick.” Miranda confirmed and ignored his annoying nickname for her. “She is getting better though.”

“That’s good.” Ge was silently.

“How’s it going with…?”

“We tricked his tracker out east again. Don’t worry, you guys should be fine for a couple more months.”

“That’s good.”

“Yes it is. This tracker is better than the last one though, so be ready to move at any time… as usual.”

“Alright.” Miranda sighed, somewhat relieved. “Let me know when you get any other news.”

“Yes all mighty ma’am.” Ge said dryly.

Miranda laughed and hanged up. She looked at Ariel’s sleeping figure and sighed in frustration. Ariel’s sick because of that whole thing with Joe. She is so fragile when it comes to him.

Am I going to fall apart too if Josh and I break up? No I will not. I’m stronger than that. Miranda vowed. I wish Ari would just accept Ge. He’s been in love with her since forever, and he’s done so much for us.

This is so ironic. Ariel can’t accept him because she needs to love him, not feel indebted to him, and that can’t happen because Ari and I are indebted to him, big time. But if Ge doesn’t help her, Ari’s not going to be able to accept him because she’ll begrudge him for not helping us.

Poor Ge. He just can’t win. Yet he is still hopelessly in love with Ariel. Unfortunately, short of James being completely out of the picture, nothing can ever happen between them…

Miranda huffed in annoyance. I know how Ari thinks, but really, Ge is perfect for her. I don’t know why she likes Joe. But I do wish that guy would do something already!

———————

Hey Guys, sorry for the late update! Merry Christmas/Hanukah/Kwanzaa/Festivus! I’ve uploaded two chapters (this one and the next one), so I guess that’s my Christmas present to you all :) Thank you so much for reading this story, and although it may seem a bit tame right now, I promise it will get exciting!

Thanks for reading!

–Izumic

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Que Sera Sera Chapter 21: Worries and Warnings

December 6, 2008 at 9:28 pm (Que Sera Sera)
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All eyes were on Ariel when she came out of the bathroom. There was a moment of silence when everyone just looked at her. Ariel smiled a small smile to let them know that she was ok.

Miranda ran up and hugged Ariel.

“Don’t squish me Mira.” Ariel made a choking face.

“You ok?” Mike asked.

Miranda let go.

“I’m fine.” Ariel smiled.

“Alright.” Rainie said dubiously.

Ariel’s such a good actress. I almost believe her. Miranda smiled slightly.

Everyone was silent as Ariel went and got some water from the kitchen sink. Suddenly, the door bell rang.

Mike made a move to open the door before Miranda breezed by him and opened it.

“Joe?” Rainie asked incredulously.

Ariel, who hasn’t looked at the door, dropped her cup of water. Oh God, what now?

“Hey guys, do you mind if I talk to Ariel alone for a few moments?” Joe asked.

“What if I say no?” Miranda challenged.

“Mira, it’s ok.” Ariel looked at Joe. Let’s get this over with.

“But Ari-“ Miranda stopped talking when Ariel looked at her. “Fine, we’ll be in my room.”

Grabbing Mike and Rainie, she went into her room and closed the door.

Joe and Ariel looked each other for a few minutes. Neither of them said anything.

“So,” Joe began awkwardly.

“So?” Ariel asked – looking perfectly composed.

“I’m sorry.” Joe said softly, trying to gauge her reaction.

“Ok.” Ariel said. “Since you’ve apologized, kindly leave my house.”

“Ariel, come on. I’m sorry.”

“Do you want me to say I forgive you? Well I haven’t forgiven you yet, so don’t bother.” Ariel opened the door. “Leave.”

“I’m sorry for being a jackass Ariel.”

“Glad you know that.”

“Could you close the door?”

“I will close it when you leave.”

“Why won’t you listen to my explanation?”

“Are you trying to explain why you were a jackass? Because you can save it, I don’t care.”

Joe walked over to where Ariel is standing, grabbed the door, and closed it. He stood really close to Ariel, and took a deep breath. “I was an ass because I was jealous.”

Ariel looked confused. “What?”

“I was jealous when I saw the picture of you and Mike kissing, so I said those stupid things.” Joe said all in one breath.

Ariel was still confused. “Which soap opera did you steal that line from?” Is he saying he likes me?

Joe smirked a little. “I’m serious Ariel. And I am really, really sorry. Will you forgive me?”

“Yeah, sure.” Ariel shrugged. “Now get out before Mira, Rainie and Mike suffocate in Mira’s closet of a room.”

Joe didn’t move. Should I leave or shouldn’t I.

Ariel raised her eyebrow.

“I, um, like you Ariel.” Joe smiled nervously. “Would right now be a really bad time to ask you out?”

Ariel’s eyebrow rose even higher. “Probably.” Awkward!

“Can I still do it?”

Ariel sighed, “No. I’ve had enough drama for one day Joe.”

“Oh.” Joe sighed inwardly. “I’ll see you at school then.”

“Ok.”

Joe walked over to the door, “I will try again later.”

Ariel didn’t know what to say, so she stayed silent.

“Don’t look at me like that Ari. I’m not jerking you around.” Joe smiled slightly before walking out.

The room was silent for a few seconds. Ariel sighed, “You can come out now.”

Noisily, Rainie, Mike and Miranda trooped out of Mira’s room.

“How much did you hear?” Ariel asked with a small grimace.

Miranda giggled, “I think the question is, what didn’t we hear?”

Ariel looked at her watch, then walked over to the fridge, “I guess everyone’s staying for dinner?”

———————

“That was interesting.” Mike was lounging on Joe’s sofa again.

“Don’t you have a home to go to Mike?” Joe was annoyed. He was tired, and all he wanted to do was to go to sleep and forget what happened that day.

“Yes, but it’s more interesting here.” Mike grabbed a muffin from the coffee table. “Your mom makes good muffins.”

“I know. Why are you here?”

“To talk about Ariel.”

Joe didn’t feel tired anymore. “What is there to talk about?” He feigned indifference.

“A lot of things. You know Ariel’s not too experienced with this whole relationship stuff, so don’t try anything too weird on her. She may look strong, but she’s really vulnerable when it comes to people and she doesn’t really know how relationships work, so take it easy and cut her some slack.”

“Wow, the day Mike gives me relationship advice. I thought it would never happen.”

“I’m serious.”

“I know. But how do you know his stuff? Since when have you ever analysed girls?”

“I don’t. Mira told me to tell you. And she said if you hurt Ariel, she’ll kick your ass and mine. She’s feisty, that one.”

“Just like Ariel.” Joe chuckled. “Alright, I got it.”

“Now that’s done, how about we play some video games?”

“How about we study?” Joe asked drily. “Finals are coming up.”

“You’re no fun.” Mike pouted.

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Que Sera Sera Chapter 20: Elasticity

November 22, 2008 at 8:03 pm (Que Sera Sera)
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“I can’t believe he said that!” Rainie fumed.

“Calm down Rainie.” Mike tried to be soothing. Rainie’s got quite the temper and frankly, he was a little amused.

“Where could Ariel have gone? I hope she didn’t do something stupid.” Rainie mutter, looking around the Lotus. Rainie and Mike have been waiting for hours for Ariel to show up for her usual Thursday afternoon shift. Except she hasn’t, and Rainie was getting worried.

“Ariel’s more level headed than that. Don’t fret Rainie, you’ll get wrinkles.” Mike teased, then immediately wished he hadn’t when Rainie glared at him.

“Let’s check out her house.” Rainie jumped up and walked swiftly out the Lotus, leaving Mike to pay for the drinks.

———————–

“Ari! Are you ok?” Miranda knocked on the bathroom door. “Ariel, open the door. What happened, are you alright?”

There was no response.

Suddenly, the door bell rang. Giving the bathroom door a look of despair, Miranda went to open the front door.

“Mira, is Ariel home?” Rainie asked.

“Yes she is.” Miranda opened the door up wider. “Do you know what happened? Ariel came home about an hour ago and just shut herself in the bathroom. No matter what I do, she wouldn’t come out or make any noise.”

Rainie plopped down on a chair and rubbed her temples, “You know that accidental kiss yesterday? Somehow Joe’s got a picture of it. He got really mad and punched Mike. Luckily I was at the school to take care of some last minute registration details for next semester. I saw Joe punching Mike, so I went and got Ariel. Joe demanded an explanation for the kiss. Ariel asked him how it was any of his business, and he called her…”

“He implied she was a slut.” Mike, who was still standing, deadpanned. “Ariel slapped him and then left, and we have been looking for her all day.”

Miranda, who had been silent until then, suddenly punched Mike. Rainie looked utterly surprised.

“Ouch! What the hell! Why did you punch me?” Mike groaned.

“I told you that if you do anything to hurt my sister that I’d kick your ass.”

“How is the picture my fault?”

“It’s not, but punching you made me feel better.”

Mike muttered something about a twerpy dictator before moving as far away from Miranda as he could in the small space.

“So what do we do?” Rainie asked.

—————————

Ariel couldn’t feel anything. She was treading water in an ocean of despair. She refused to go under, to give in. But for all her fighting, she couldn’t get out of this endless ocean. She felt so cold; the ocean is luring her in, refusing to let her go. No matter how she tried, Ariel couldn’t stop the barrage of memories that were threatening to drown her.

———————-

==Flashback==

“How do you like my dress Ariel?” Ariel’s mother, Alyssa Lin, asked. She was wearing a green and yellow sun dress with conservative v-neck that showed a hint of her breasts. The dress hugged her curves and flowed down to just above her knees. She looked like a fairy to Ariel.

“It’s really pretty mom.” 11 years old Ariel answered.

“Are you taking us picnicking mommy?” 7 year old Miranda asked, looking in from the doorway.

“Yes I am sweetheart.” Alyssa went to the door and hugged Miranda and Ariel. Ariel could smell her mother’s perfume, she smelled like lilies.

Grabbing the picnic basket, the Ariel, Miranda, their mother, and James, their stepfather, went to the picnic. The picnic was an annual gathering for the families in the area. Before Ariel’s father died, Ariel’s family had gone to the picnic every year. This was the first time they were here since Ariel’s father died and Ariel’s mother remarried. After arriving at the park, Ariel helped her mom sat up the blanket and take out the food. Miranda had gone to play with the other young children and James, being the busy businessman that he was, was calling someone or another.

“It’s great seeing you Alyssa.” Said Kevin Zhou, one of neighbours. Ariel had no way of knowing he was one of her mom’s ex-boyfriends.

“Hi Kevin.” Alyssa sounded pleasant, but kept her distance.

“You look as amazing as usual.” Kevin grabbed Alyssa’s hand and began caressing it.

“Thank you.” Alyssa replied, trying to pull her hand away. “Ariel honey, could you take this plate to the potluck table?”

Ariel nodded, took the plate, and went off. Halfway to the table, she heard the sound of something hitting the ground. Turning around, she saw Uncle Kevin on the ground with James standing murderously over him.

The rest of the day was a blur for Ariel. They went home before the picnic even started. After getting home, James locked Miranda and Ariel in their room. The two girls could do nothing but listen in horror as James hit their mother and called her names such as slut and whore. This went on for what seemed like hours. After James was done, he stormed out of the house, leaving the two girls to comfort their mother.

Everything went downhill from that day.

==End of Flashback==

————————————-

“Ariel? Please say something, we’re worried about you.” Rainie called out.

“Ari? Sis, come out, please.” Miranda followed.

Mike sighed. “This is no good. She won’t answer.”

“What should we do?” Miranda asked, very worried.

———————-

Joe paced back and forth across his room. I can’t believe how much I’ve screwed up. I bet Ariel would never talk to me again, how am I going to apologize to her? Joe winced as he remembered the look she had given him. It was so cold and devoid of feelings. It felt like a punch to the stomach. I am such an idiot. How could I say that?

“Joe?” Anita Cheng poked her head through her son’s door.

Joe was so preoccupied he didn’t even notice her.

“Joe?” Anita waved her hand in front of his face. “Honey, are you ok?”

Joe snapped out of it. “Oh hey mom.”

Anita smiled, “something’s on your mind?”

Joe sighed; he was not very good at lying to his mom. “Girl problems.”

“Ah. Was this the same girl you were going to bring home to dinner on Friday?”

“Yes.” Joe flopped on his bed. “I was going to bring her home, but then a whole bunch of things happened.”

“You did something to annoy her didn’t you?” Anita sat on Joe’s bed as well.

“That’s an understatement.” Joe mumbled.

“So apologize.”

“I don’t think she’s going to want to see me anytime soon. I was being a jackass.”

Anita considered this. “Language.”

“Sorry Mom.” Joe sounded completely insincere.

“Do something creative. Show her you care.” Anita pretended to not hear her son.

“It’s not that easy.”

“No it’s not,” Anita agreed, “but just try it.”

“Alright.” Joe said dubiously. I cannot believe I am taking my mother’s advice.

“What’s wrong with my advice?” Anita asked.

“Mom, could you quit your mind reading for a minute? It is really creepy.”

Anita ginned deviously, “stop showing all your thoughts on your face then.”

“Alright, alright, mom.” Joe got up, grabbed his coat, jokingly shooed his mom out of his room, and ran out. Mom’s right. I need to talk to Ariel.

———————-

“We need to get Joe.” Miranda said resolutely.

“To do what?” Mike asked.

“To apologize.”

“Ariel won’t accept.”

“No she won’t.” Miranda conceded, then sighed.

“Is this how Ariel usually copes with a broken heart?” Rainie asked dejectedly.

“I don’t know.” Miranda answered thoughtfully.

“What do you mean?” Mike asked her.

“Well, as far as I know, she hasn’t ever had a boyfriend.” Miranda frowned. “Ari’s usually pretty ‘anti-male’.”

Rainie looked shocked.

Mike scratched his head. “She is? She’s fine around Joe and I.”

Miranda wanted to punch him again, “She doesn’t have anything against guy friends, but she’s never really been interested in guys either.”

“Well that explains it.” Rainie shook her head. “That’s why we’re in this mess.”

Mike’s feeling more lost by the minute, “what? Why?”

“Because, Einstein,” Rainie looked at him exasperatedly, “that Joe was jealous when he saw the picture of you two kissing, which is why he behaved like an asshole. But Ariel doesn’t know he’s jealous, so she thinks that he really meant what he said.”

“Does Joe like her?” Miranda wondered.

“Hell yeah.” Mike and Rainie said at the same time.

“Oh. He has a weird way of showing it. He doesn’t seem very experienced either… so did he have many girlfriends? He’s pretty popular, right?”

Mike considered her question, “Joe is pretty popular with the ladies. They tend to go for his looks and the fact that’s he’s rich doesn’t hurt either. But really, Joe hasn’t had that many girlfriends. He’s always been really serious about them. Actually, he was engaged once.”

“What?” Rainie looked shocked.

“Yeah,” Mike nodded. “It was two and a half years ago. He was 19, Natasha was 21. Joe really loved her. A month before the wedding, she disappeared without a trace. She was on the front page of a Hong Kong newspaper the next week; apparently she married some hotshot director at least twice her age. There was a lot of hype and buzz about her, how she was completely swept off her feet by the director and how in love they were. It was disgusting. She never said bye to Joe, never explained, and never even bothered to break up with him. Joe was destroyed. He took two years off school because of it, which is why he’s doing second year right now.”

“Wow.” Rainie said softly. “I never knew that.”

“So is Joe over her?” Miranda asked Mike.

“Natasha? I think so. He’s pretty into Ariel.”

“If only he would tell her that.” Miranda sighed.

———————

“Be flexible, find a way around adversity.” Ariel muttered to herself. I can’t believe I’m falling apart like this. Where’s the strong girl that Dad thought I was? I can’t believe I’m sitting here weeping like a child. Snap out of it Ariel.

Ariel stood up, checked her face in the mirror and grimaced. I’m a mess. She splashed cold water on her face. You can do it Ariel. She encouraged herself.

 

 

 

 

———

 

Thanks for following this story! I am currently very busy with school, so I appologize for not updating this as often as I (or you) would like. I will do my best with updating, but there will be AT LEAST a two week gap between each update. Please be patient, and thank you so much for reading!

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Que Sera Sera Chapter 19: Choose Your Words

November 6, 2008 at 9:57 pm (Que Sera Sera)
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“Hey Joe.” Tiffany sauntered up to Joe in the main hallway of VU Monday morning. She grabbed on to his arm, pressed her body close to his, and smiled what she thought was a seductive smile.

Joe pushed her away.

Tiffany pouted, “I have got something you might want to see.”

“What do you have that I would want?” Joe walked on, he was barely paying attention to what Tiffany was saying, all he wanted to do was to find Ariel. He had meant to ask her out over the weekend but both his parents were home, which was very rare, so he didn’t get a chance.

“This.” Tiffany flashed something in front of Joe’s face.

Joe stopped. “What is that?”

“It’s your little friend and her lover. Looks like she’s got you and everyone fooled with her fake innocence.”

Joe grabbed the photograph from Tiffany, and then blanched. Mike and Ariel kissing?

———————

“What the hell is this?” Joe punched Mike.

“Man, what are you talking about?” Mike wheezed clutching his stomach.

“This!” Joe threw the photo at Mike.

Mike look at the picture. Oh crap! “Where did you get this?”

“Does it matter?” Joe grabbed Mike’s collar, “when were you going to tell me you guys were going out? Does it amuse you to see me interested in her?”

“We’re not going out! Joe, let me go, people are looking at us weirdly!”

———————–

“Ariel!” Rainie practically tackled Ariel.

“Hey Rainie. What’s wrong?”

Rainie grabbed Ariel and began pulling her, “come quick, Mike and Joe are fighting in the courtyard!”

“What? Why?” Ariel asked as she ran after Rainie.

“I don’t know, but it doesn’t look good. I’m worried about Mike; he doesn’t know how to fight at all.”

“Oh shit!”

————————-

“Don’t lie to me!” Joe shoved Mike.

“I’m not lying! Joe, come on, let me explain!”

“What is there to explain?”

————————-

“Oh crap!” Ariel swore as she ran near the courtyard. Joe and Mike were fighting in the middle of the courtyard, and they had attracted quite the crowd.

“Excuse me, excuse me,” Rainie said as she moved through the crowd. Ariel wasn’t so polite, she just shoved those in her way.

————————

“What the heck is going on?”

Joe paused.

“Ariel, thank God you’re here, could you explain this guy that we’re not going out?”

Instead of replying to Mike, Ariel looked at Joe, “can we please take this somewhere private?”

Joe looked around, nodded, and began walking. Ariel followed. Rainie helped Mike up from the ground and dragged him along.

They stopped underneath a large pine tree right outside the campus. There was no one else around because classes were in session.

Joe turned, “I hope you guys have a good explanation.”

“For what?” Rainie asked before Ariel could.

Joe glared at her and thrusted a photograph at Ariel, “for that.”

Ariel looked at the photograph silently for a few moments. Rainie, curious about photo, looked over her shoulder and gasped.

“What is there to explain?” Ariel asked Joe.

Joe was taken aback, “why were you two kissing?”

“How do I owe you and explanation for it?”

“Because both of you are my friends, and I don’t want my friends sleeping around so that people could laugh at me.” Joe was angry. It was the first thing he could think of, and he immediately regretted it.

Ariel slapped him. Hard.

Mike’s jaw hit the ground.

Ariel’s eyes were cold. Her voice was clipped and her tone acidic. “What I do does not concern you.”

Joe involuntarily shivered despite of his anger. Ariel gave him a long, calculated, and hard look. Then she turned and calmly walked away.

———————–

Ariel felt empty. She did not, could not, feel anything. She walked.

————————

“How could you say that?” Rainie demanded.

“It’s true.” Joe’s face stun, but he was stubborn and refused to back down. His insides were still boiling from anger, and worst of all… he had no idea why.

Rainie slapped him. Mike stopped her before she could do it again.

“You are a fucking lowlife.” She growled before stomping off.

Mike punched Joe, perhaps in revenge for the earlier punches, “Stop being such an asshole and start making some sense.” Mike ran after Rainie.

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Que Sera Sera Chapter 18: Two Down, How Many More to Go?

October 19, 2008 at 8:51 pm (Que Sera Sera)
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Rainie was crying. She didn’t know why, but there were definitely tears streaming down her face. Something about Mike kissing Ariel made her want to cry. She didn’t want to know why. Running seemed like the only option.

 

    ”Rainie!” Ariel sprinted. She could see Rainie up ahead. “Rainie, slow down!”

 

    Ariel finally caught up to Rainie. Aw Shit, why is she crying? “Rainie, are you ok? Don’t cry, please.”

 

    Rainie tried to shake Ariel off, “Leave me alone!”

 

    Ariel felt helpless, she’s not good at dealing with weepy girls. “Come on Rainie, don’t cry. What’s wrong?”

 

    Rainie took a few deep breathes and managed to stop crying.

 

    Ariel waited until she had calmed down before speaking again. “Are you alright?”

 

    ”Yeah, I’m fine.” Rainie started turning away.

 

    ”Why are you so upset?”

 

    ”Why am I so upset? You were kissing Mike!” Rainie exclaimed.

 

    ”So?” Ariel asked confused.

 

    Rainie didn’t know what to say.

 

    ”Do you like him?” Ariel asked.

 

    ”Mike?”

 

    ”Yeah.”

 

    ”No.” Rainie replied automatically.

 

    Ariel waited.

 

    ”Yes.” Rainie said in a small voice. “Oh, I don’t know!”

 

    ”Do you get nervous around him?” Ariel thought of how she felt around Joe, “You’re always blushing, feeling nervous, or have butterflies in your stomach?”

 

    ”Yes. Sometimes. I don’t know why thought, I like Joe!” She sounded convincing.

 

    ”Oh really?” Ariel was sceptical. “Oh yeah, what happened with Joe? How come you’re here so late?”

 

    ”It didn’t work out.” Rainie left it at that.

 

    ”Oh.” Ariel’s mind was going at 100 miles a minute. What does this mean?

 

    ”So… Are you and Mike together?” Rainie asked.

 

    ”What? Hell no!” Ariel exclaimed. “I mean, no, we’re not.”

 

    ”Then, why were you…?” Rainie looked puzzled.

 

    ”That was a complete accident. Look, I’m not good at playing matchmaker, but that’s what I’m going to do now.”

 

    ”What are you planning?” Rainie asked suspiciously.

 

    Ariel grabbed Rainie’s wrist and started going back to her basement.

    

“Ariel!”

 

    ”Hey, trust me. Let’s just go back to my house ok?”

 

————————

 

    Mike went to pick up Rainie’s bag, and then sat on the front steps of Ariel’s house.

 

“Hi.”

 

    Mike turned around. There was a teenage kid standing behind him with her hand sticking out. “um… hi?”

 

    ”I’m Miranda.”

 

    ”Oh, you’re Ariel’s sister. I’m Mike.” They shook hands.

 

    ”May I ask why you kissed my sister?”

 

    Mike looked a bit embarrassed, “you saw that?”

 

    ”Yeah.”

 

    ”It was an accident.”

 

    ”You don’t like her? ” Miranda tilted her head.

 

    ”No.” Mike said.

 

    ”Ok. Rainie likes you doesn’t she?”

 

    ”I don’t know.” Mike said ruefully.

 

    ”Why would she run away if she doesn’t like you?”

 

    ”You’ve got a point there.”

 

    ”Of course I do. Oh, if you kiss my sister again, I’m going to kick your ass.”

 

    ”Wow, feisty aren’t you?”

 

    ”If you’re looking for a random girl to kiss, find someone other than my sister. She’s not someone you can play around with. Got it?”

 

    ”Yeah. I know. You know you’re exactly like Ariel.”

 

    Miranda smiled, the smile looked exactly like Ariel’s “I’m going to kick your ass, but I’m trying to be polite” smile. “I try. Look, there’s Ariel with Rainie.”

 

—————————

 

    Rainie saw Mike. “Ariel! Why didn’t you tell me he was still there?”

 

    ”Relax. He doesn’t bite.”

 

    ”But I can’t let him see me like this, I look horrible.”

 

    ”You look fine.” Ariel half dragged Rainie in front of Mike.

 

    ”Hi.” Mike waved at Rainie.

 

    ”Hi.” Rainie was looking at anywhere but him.

 

    ”Alright guys, you’re not kids anymore. Could you not act like teenagers?”

 

    ”Teenagers don’t act like that either.” Miranda interjected. She stopped once Ariel gave her a look.

 

    Rainie started blushing like mad.

 

    ”Guys, come on. I suck at this relationship stuff, so I’m not even going to try to help you guys.” Ariel grabbed Mike’s hand and made him hold Rainie’s hand. “You two like each other; work it out.”

 

    ”Ariel.” Mike started as Ariel started walking away.

 

    Ariel herded Miranda back into their basement. “You can do it. I suggest you go somewhere else though, otherwise Mira here will probably watch you guys like she watch Taiwanese dramas.”

 

    Both Rainie and Mike fell silent. Ariel smiled, waved and then closed the basement door.

 

—————————-

 

    ”I can’t believe you just played matchmaker Ari.” Miranda said. She’s been peeking out the window for the last few minutes. “I think they left.”

 

    ”Miranda Lin, stop looking. It’s none of your business!”

 

    ”But it’s interesting.”

 

    ”Go do your homework.”

 

    Miranda pouted, but obliged. Ariel went over to the window, saw that Rainie and Mike were indeed gone, and smiled.

 

———————–

 

    ”So…” Mike started.

 

    ”So…?” Rainie asked. They were sitting on a bench at the local park.

 

    ”So…” Mike said again. Rainie looked at him and started laughing. Mike joined in.

 

    ”I can’t believe we’re so awkward!” Rainie laughed clutching her side.

 

    Eventually, they both calmed down.

 

    ”Raine, I like you.” He faced her.

 

    ”Do you?” Raine asked. “Forgive me for being cynical, but you’re with a different girl every week. If you’re trying to get me to be one of those girls, I’m sorry, I’m not interested.”

 

    ”Why does everyone feel the need to remind me of that? Honestly though. I don’t know what I feel about you, but I know it’s different from how I feel about other girls. I want to try a serious relationship.”

 

    ”I could say the same for myself, not that I have a whole bunch of guys chasing after me, but I won’t lie to you Mike, up until very recently, I thought I liked someone else. It’s fairly obvious to me now that I was wrong, but I don’t know,” Rainie paused, “I’m not sure what I feel for you yet either.”

 

    ”Looks like we’re in the same ship.” Mike said.

 

    ”Boat.”

 

    ”What?”

 

    ”We’re in the same boat, not ship.” Rainie smirked a little.

 

    Mike rolled his eyes. The fell silent.

    

    ”How would that help?”

 

    ”Go out on a date with me, and if we don’t enjoy ourselves or if there’s no chemistry, then we’ll break up. At least then we know we’ve tried.”

 

    Rainie considered it, “alright, that sounds practical. When?”

 

    ”Next week? Dinner and then a movie?” Mike smiled.

 

    ”Ok.” Rainie smiled back. “It’s a date.”

 

 

——————-

Sorry about the long wait for this chapter, but I’m dying from school. I probably won’t be able to update for a few weeks at least. Sorry :( Don’t forget me!

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