Monday, October 19, 2009

99 Love Notes - Chapter 6

Chapter 6 – His Familiar Face




“I'm sorry, but Mr. Tang is not in right now.”

Hannah let out a sigh upon hearing what Danson's secretary said. “I see... can you tell him that I called?” she said. “i sure will, Ms. Hannah.” After Hannah ended the call, she sat on her bed. She looked outside the window sadly. It was another attempt to call Danson, but as usual, he's not around. He's not even picking up his mobile phone. She could understand that Danson is busy, but it have been a week since he last called, and she badly misses him.

“Why are you sulking there, Hannah?” she heard Daphne asked. She let put a sigh, and Daphne could tell by her sigh that she's rather frustrated. “Danson, isn't it?” she asked. “I don't know what else to do, Daph. I've been trying to contact him, but he's not around. It's just that I'm a little worried...” she said. Daphne sat beside her, and gave her a playful smile. “Are you worried that you're boyfriend is flirting with some girls?” she asked. “Of course not!” Hannah exclaimed. “I trust Danson so much. I know he loves me, and he could never cheat on me...”
“But you can't get hold of him.”
“It's just that he's busy I guess. I know he's dad is slaving him again. I guess that's why... why he isn't calling me. I'm worried about him...”
Daphne gave Hannah a warm smile, and then she hugged her friend. “Aiyo! Don't worry too much about that boyfriend of yours. I'm sure he misses you as well. He'll call you, I know that.” she said. Hannah let out another sigh, and forced a smile at her. “Well... I just have to wait for his call then. As for now... guess it's time to work.” she said. Daphne stood up from the bed, and then pulled her up. “Well then, I'll see you downstairs in 5 minutes, OK?” she said. Hannah nodded her head.

She walked towards her drawer, and opened it. She opened a small box, and took her watch. She was about to close that box, when something caught her attention – it's a picture of her and Arron back then. She paused as she stared at it for a long time. “Arron...” she said in a low voice. She took it from the box, and stared at his smiling face. The picture was taken a few weeks before he died, and she could still clearly remember what happened on that day.

[Flashback]

“Hannah...” she heard Arron call him. She felt him sat beside her on the bench. “You're late.” she said, pouting at him. She could hear him trying not laugh at her angry expression. “You're late, and you're laughing at me. You're crazy, Arron Yan!” she said. This time, Arron couldn't help but laugh at her. “Well, it's just that I find you really cute when you're angry and pouting like that.” he said. Hannah frowned at him. “Wei, Arron Yan Ya Lun. Even if I'm blind and I couldn't see how foolish I look like when I'm mad, you shouldn't laugh at me. And besides, you're late that's why I'm mad!” she said. “I'm sorry for being late, Hannah. But there is a good excuse why I'm late.” he said. He took a Polaroid camera from his bag, and let Hannah hold it.

Hannah tried to guess what Arron gave him, and Arron could only smile as he watched her confused face. “Eh... this is a... I can't guess! What is this?” she asked. Arron laughed again, and took the camera from her hand. “Camera. You haven't touched one when you can still see?” he joked. Then, he saw Hannah's face turn into an angry expression again. “Hey, hey... I'm just kidding.” he said. “Well, it's not a good joke.” she said as she folded her arms. “I'm sorry... I promise I won't do it again...”
“But why do you have a camera with you?”
“I want to take pictures.”
“Pictures of what?”
“Of you. Of us.”

Hannah fell silent at what he said. “I want to make a lot of memories with you, Hannah. I want to capture every moment that I am with you...” he said in a low voice. He stared into her face for a long time, and he moved his face closer to her. He wanted to kiss her cheeks, but he was fighting that urge to let his lips touch her cheeks. He closed his eyes, not wanting to let the tear fall from his eyes. If only Hannah knows what has been happening to him, but he can't let her down. He can't hurt her now that he have gained her trust. “Arron?” he heard her call. “Why do you want to take pictures of us?” she asked. “Because I want to see you even if I'm not with you. And, I want you to see me... especially if... I'm... gone...” his voice was faltering as he said the last word. Hannah let out a laugh. “How can I see those pictures? I'm blind, remember?” she said. “I believe that someday, you will be able to see again. And you will be able to see these pictures...” he said.

He put his arms around her, and then placed the camera in front of them. “Smile!” he said. Hannah rested her head on his shoulder, and let out a sweet smile. She heard the camera make a clicking sound. Then, Arron put the picture on her hand. “This is for you...” he said. “So that you will always remember me...”

[End of Flashback]

“Hannah! Get your butt down here, or we're going to be late!” she heard Daphne say. “Coming!” Hannah shouted. She looked at the picture at her hand, and then placed it back inside her box. As she rushed down to meet Daphne, she took out her phone, and dialed home. Luckily, it was her brother who picked up the phone. “Hello? Chris? Yeah, Hannah here... can you do me a favor?” she said. Then, she paused, smiling to herself. “Purple daisies as always, for his grave...”

--

Aaron sat in front of his piano, playing his favorite tune, when Robert suddenly came in.
“Aaron?” he called. Aaron stopped playing, and looked up at Robert. “Yes, Robert?” he asked. “Miss Yeh called to remind you about your lunch date today.” he said. Aaron smiled, and nodded his head. “I didn't forget that, Robert. I couldn't wait to see Daphne. It's been a long time since I last saw her.” he said. Robert smiled, and nodded his head. Then, he excused himself, and left Aaron in peace. As soon as he is alone, Aaron began to play the piano again. As he was playing, he suddenly remembered the girl he saw a few days ago, who was playing a lovely yet sad and soulful tune. There was something about that girl that made him think about her often, and there was something about the song he played that made him want to listen to it again.

He put his hands on the piano keys, and closed his eyes. He tried to remember that lovely melody he heard. He pressed the keys, and before he knew it, he was playing it. He was playing her song. “I found you.... I hope I can see you again...” he thought. He remembered her smiling face as she play that song. He remembered the way she looked. It was as if she was one with her music, that her innermost feelings, all her love, is being expressed by that song. He couldn't help but admire the girl. And he's determined to know who she is.

“Aaron...” he heard Robert call again. Aaron stopped playing, and looked at the butler. “Yes, Robert?” he asked. “It's time. You don't want to keep Ms. Yeh waiting, don't you?” he said. Aaron gave him a confused look, and then he looked at his watch. True enough, it's almost lunch time. “I've been playing the piano that long?” he asked. The butler smiled and nodded his head. “You're too caught up with it, Aaron. It's the first time I've seen you too drawn into a composition.” he said. Aaron smiled, and shook his head. “It's not my composition, Robert. I just heard it... from that girl...” he said. The butler smiled at him. “Oh, that's why. She's as talented as you are, Aaron. I do hope you would meet her soon.”
“I hope so too, Robert.”
“But... you have to remember... Ms. Yeh...”

Aaron paused upon hearing his reminder. Robert could see the smile on his face slowly disappear at what he said. “I know, Robert... you don't have to remind me about it...” he said. “But it seems to me that the young mistress of the Yeh family have no clue about the betrothal. Who knows, like you, Ms. Yeh wouldn't want this betrothal as well.” Robert said. “Daphne and I grew up together. We studied together, except when we reached college. I know she only sees me as her brother... because you know... she was first engaged to Rico, remember? I know until now, she grieves for my twin brother's death.”
“And it's a big question why all of a sudden, your father decided to betroth you to her, when it is a common knowledge that she is still in love with Rico even upon his death.”
“You know my father, Robert. He would do anything to be more even powerful. And the Yeh family is the most influential family in Hong Kong. That's the reason why they decided to betroth us.”

Robert let out a sigh, and then smiled at him. “I guess we should end our conversation. I know you're not comfortable discussing about this.” he said. Aaron smiled back at him, and shook his head. “It's OK, Robert. Sooner or later, I have to face this. It's better for me to talk about it now.” he said.

--

Aaron waited inside the fancy restaurant. It's been fifteen minutes since he arrived, and Daphne is still nowhere in sight. “She's late as usual...” he thought. Just as he looked at the restaurant's entrance, he saw Daphne walking up to him. He waved at her, and Daphne smiled at him. “I'm sorry, I'm late. Orchestra practice.” She said. Aaron stood up from his seat, and helped her to her own seat. “I understand, Daphne. You're always late.” he teased her as he sat on his chair. Daphne just laughed at what he said. “I know... and since I'm late again, it's my treat.” she said. Aaron shook his head. “No, Daphne. I'm paying for our lunch. I promised you, remember?” he said.

Just then, the waiter came, and gave them the menu. “So what would you be having, Daph?” he asked as they read the menu. “I'm not quite sure...” she said. Aaron looked up at the waiter. “I'm having steak, and for the lady, it would be carbonara.” he said. Daphne looked up at him, and smiled. “You still remember my favorite.” she said in a low voice. Aaron just winked at her. The waiter took down their orders, and then left them. “So, how are you doing here in Vienna, Daph?” he asked. Daphne smiled at him. “I'm doing OK here. How about you? What brought you back to this city? I thought you hated to be here?” she asked. Aaron let out a laugh and shook his head. “That's what you want to think, Daph. I just don't like the fact that whenever I'm here in Vienna, I have to be treated like a prince.”
“That's because you are a prince, Aaron. You are the son of a royalty, and of the richest man in the world. You have to deal with it.”
“That's why I hated being here. When I came back here after studying abroad, mom insisted that I live at the mansion.”
“And knowing you, Aaron... you turned it down. Am I right?”
“Yes. Because I want to be a normal person for once.”
“So, does that mean that you're not going to take over the Yan Enterprise?”
Aaron shooks his head. “Business is not my cup of tea. You know that I prefer my music.” he said. Daphne nodded her head. “I know that, Aaron. So, it means you will let your brother-in-law handle everything?” she asked. Aaron nodded his head. “David knows more that I do. Let him handle everything.” he said.

After a while, their food arrived. “By the way, Daph... I have a good news for you.” he said. Daphne looked up at him, anticipating his news. “What is it?” she asked. “I'm going to be part of the Royal Harmonic Orchestra.” he said. Daphne's eyes widened with surprise. “Really?” she asked. Aaron nodded his head. “Yeah. So you'll be seeing more of me.” he said. “That's a really good news, Aaron! Congratulations! But... how? You didn't use your princely status just to get in, didn't you?” she asked. Aaron let out another laugh. “Of course not, silly girl! I auditioned, just like the rest of you. And the orchestra master have no idea that I'm the only remaining son of the duchess... and stop teasing me! I'm not a prince. My mom is a royalty, and not me...” he said. “But still you are Duchess Contance's son. It still makes you a royalty.”
“Royalty, yes. Prince, no. So stop calling me a prince, will you.”

Daphne laughed as she shook her head. Then, he noticed the smiled on her face slowly fade. “You're just like your twin brother, you know. Rico also hated it when I call him prince.” she said. Aaron looked at her sad face, then he reached for her hand, and held it. “Daphne...” he called. Daphne looked up at him, and smiled. “I'm sorry, Aaron. It's just that when I see you, I miss Rico. The two of you are really alike...” she said. Aaron smiled, and shook his head. “We may be twins, but he have differences, Daphne. For example, he's into dad's businesses, while I'm into music. He's a fierce guy, I'm the gentle one.” he said Daphne nodded her head in agreement. “I know that, Aaron. I'm sorry... it's just that I'm starting to miss him. God, it's been six years, and I haven't gotten over him... over his death...” she said. Daphne lowered her head, trying to hide the tears that were forming from her eyes. “Daphne...” she heard Aaron call. She looked up at him, and stared into his eyes. “You have not forgiven yourself, didn't you? You have not forgiven yourself for Rico's death?” he asked. “How can I forgive myself when I am the reason why he died... he tried to save me, Aaron... but... but in the end...”

Daphne lowered her head, and closed her eyes. This time, the tears couldn't help but fall from her eyes. It was hurting Aaron to see his friend like this. He knows Daphne is still in love with his twin brother, and she still haven't moved on. Six years have passed since Rico's death, and she still have not gotten over him, nor forgave herself. He reached for her face, and then gently wiped the tears from her face. “Rico wouldn't want to see you like this, Daphne...” he said. Daphne just gave him a faint smile. “I'm sorry, Aaron. It's just that when I think of him... I really couldn't help it...” she said. “Stop crying, Daph... or do you want me to do that funny dance again.” he threatened. Upon hearing what he said, Daphne laughed. She remembered the last time that Aaron did his funny dance. “OK... OK... I'll stop crying already.” she said. Arron smiled at her, then she reached for her cheek and pinched it. “Attagirl” he said.

--

“Denise, did someone call me?” Danson said as soon as he arrived from the meeting. His secretary smiled at him, and nodded her head. “Yes, Mr. Tang. Ms. Tan called a while ago.” she said. Danson smiled back at his secretary. “Thanks, Denise. And please bring the documents inside my office.” he said. He went inside his office and settled in his desk. It was such a long day for him. He had a lot of meetings that day, that week to be more exact, and he's getting tired of all of this. “I could use some break...” he thought. He glanced at his desk, and saw his plane ticket to Vienna for the weekend. He smiled to himself as he picked it up. He stared at it for a long time, imagining the surprised look at Hannah's face when he surprises her again. “it won't be long, and I'll be seeing you again, my love...” he thought.

Hannah have been in Vienna for three months now, and he missed her terribly. He wanted to regret that decision of letting her go to pursue her dream in Vienna, but he knows it's Hannah's happiness. He have no heart to take it away from her and make her lose that golden opportunity. “Wait for me Hannah... I'll come for you. It won't be long and we'll be together again...” he thought. His thoughts were interrupted when his father entered his office. “Danson...” he called. Danson looked up at him, and immediately hid the plane ticket inside his drawer. What he didn't know is that his father noticed the plane ticket he is holding, and that he know that Danson is planning to go to Vienna that weekend. He have already made a plan to make his son stay, and stop him from seeing his beloved girlfriend. “Yes, dad?” Danson said. “I just came to remind you that the board presentation will be moved this Monday.” he said. Danson nodded his head. “I know that. I've already prepared my presentation.” he said. Mr. Tang let out a contented smile at his son. “Good... and one more thing. We have an important meeting this Saturday. I expect you to be there, as Ryan will be gone this weekend to make an on-site visit.” Mr. Tang said. Danson was surprised at what his father said. “Meeting, this Saturday? But dad... I made plans with my friends...” he said. “Then cancel it. I expect you to be there. This is an important deal that we can't miss, do you understand?”
“Dad... can we reset it?”
“No. The client will only be available this Saturday,”
“But my plans...”
“I don't care about your plans for the weekend. Cancel it, I'm telling you. I need you in this meeting, and you must come to this meeting. Clear?”

Danson let out a frustrated sigh. He have no choice but to give in to his father. “I understand, dad...” he said in a low voice. “Good. I'll see you later for the meeting.” Mr. Tang said before leaving his office. As soon as he is alone, he opened his drawer again, and took out the plane ticket. “I guess I have to cancel my trip to Vienna this weekend...” he thought. He sighed again as he leaned back to his chair. Why is it that whenever he plans to see Hannah, work always gets in his way?

--

“Baobei... it's OK, really... don't be frustrated.” Hannah said to Danson over the phone. “I know I shouldn't be. But I've planned this for a month now, and it's rather frustrating that I have to cancel going to Vienna because of this stupid meeting...”
“But this is more important, Danson. Your work is more important. Besides, you dad will get mad at you if you won't come.”
“I'd rather face his wrath. I want to go and see you this weekend, baobei.”
“No... follow your dad's order, Danson. Your work should always come first. Anyway, I can always wait for you. And didn't you told me that you'll come and follow me here in Vienna so that we can live happily ever after?”
Danson smiled to himself at what Hannah said. He lied on his bed, and then let out a sigh. “it won't be long, baobei. We'll be together... just wait for me. I promise to be there on your birthday and on our anniversary, OK?” he said. “I know, baobei. I'll wait for that day that you'll come to see me again. I miss you so much...”
“I miss you to, Hannah. I love you...”
“I love you too...”
“I have to go now, baobei. I need to be up early tomorrow for another grueling meeting...” he said in annoyed tone. Hannah could only laugh at what he said. “OK... I won't bother you now. I love you, sweet dreams... dream of me OK?” she said. “I always dream of you, baobei...” he said.

As soon as Hannah ended the call, Daphne called her. “Hannah... are you done? The professor wants to see us.” she said. Hannah looked at her friend, and smiled at her. “Coming!” she said. They went back to their group, and when everybody have settled on the stage, Professor Bruegmann came. “Everyone is here, right?” he said. All of them said. “I have some announcement to make.” he began. “First, we will have a concert at Germany next month, so we have to practice hard. I'll be giving you a copy of the piece we will be performing in front of the audience. Next, a new member is joining us today. He is a talented musician just like all of you.” he said. Everyone murmured, asking each other questions who the new member is. “Who could that be? It's so unlikely of the orchestra to accept a new member at this time of the year!” One of her colleague, Johanna, asked her. She simply shrugged her shoulder. She was also wondering who that new member is. She looked at Daphne, and saw that she was quiet. “Do you know anything, Daph?” she asked. Daphne smiled and nodded her head. “You'll find out who this new member is.” she said.

Just then, a young man entered the stage. “Hello everyone...” he said. Hannah paused upon hearing that familiar voice. “It couldn't be...” she thought. She slowly shifted her head to where the voice is coming from. She was surprised to see the man standing before their group. “I'm Aaron Yan. I hope we all can be friends.” he said. Hannah was stunned upon seeing his face.

His face.
His voice.
His smile.
His name.

All about him. It was all familiar. It was as if she was in a dream upon seeing him. “But... but it couldn't be... he... he died and he gave his eyes to me...” she thought. She closed her eyes, and shook her head. She felt as if she was just imagining things, but as she opened her eyes, it was the same thing that he saw. The man standing before him is Aaron Yan. And he looked exactly like her first love, Arron.

--

Aaron looked up at Daphne's side, and noticed a girl staring at her. Their eyes met in a few seconds, but she close her eyes and shook her head. As she opened her eyes, he found her staring at her. Her face was pale, as if she have just seen a ghost. “Finally... I found you...” he thought. He smiled warmly at her, and the girl could only nod her head. She took her eyes away from him, and did not bother to look back at him. He felt as if she didn't like to see him. “I hope that now that I'm here... I could get to know you more...” he said to himself. Then, he smiled again.

Joining the orchestra had a benefit for him, for he will get to be close to the girl who captured his heart at first sight.

Labels: 99 Love Notes, fan fic