Sunday, December 27, 2009

Me And The Boy Next Door - Round 13

Round 13 – Partners In Crime




“What?! Are you freaking serious?!” Ella shouted in Chun's ears. Chun flinched in pain as Ella shouts in his ear. He sighed, and looked at her. “Will you come down, Ms. Pi- Ella?” he said. “Calm down?! Calm down?! You want me to pretend to be your girlfriend?! Over my dead body!” she shouted at again. Then, she turned away from him and folded her arms. “Obviously, you didn't listen to me. I said, it's our drastic move. Our last resort if the rest of our plans failed, all right?! And I don't want to pretend to be your boyfriend either.” Chun said. Ella took a deep breath and looked at her again. “OK... just a last resort... great...” she said more calmly. “So start praying that our plans A to Y will work or we'll have to resort to Plan Z.” Chun said.

Then, Chun took her hand, and pulled her, much to Ella's confusion. “Wait, wait! Where are we going?!” she asked. Chun paused and looked at her. “We're going back there.” he said. “But what if they left already?” she asked. “Then we'll find them. Plan A, remember? Plan A?” Chun reminded her. Ella just nodded her head. “So, this is the start?” she asked. Chun nodded his head. “Look, remember this Ella... knowing Bianca, she would want to get to your good side. Be friends with her. Be close to her. Then, when she asks something about Sphinx, tell her all the bad sides of him. Do you understand?” he said. “I got it already, chi- Chun. No need to remind me of that.” she said. Chun smiled at her, and gripped her hand. “Great, now let's find them.” he said. Then, Chun pulled Ella back to the cafe.

--

“I didn't know that it was like that. Chun told me she liked picking on that Ms. Piggy, because Ms. Piggy does the same on him... and I never thought that Ms. Piggy and Ella are one and the same...” Bianca said in disbelief. Shortly after Chun and Ella left, Sphinx told her the reason why Chun hates Ella, and why Ella hates Chun. “I'm sorry, Bianca... seems like things are more complicated...” he said. He leaned towards the table, and then held her hand. “But that doesn't mean that we can't be together, right?” he asked her. Bianca fell silent, and just looked down at his hand. She loves Sphinx, but the fact that the people close to them hates each others to bits makes things uneasy and complicated for her. She doesn't know if she should continue this thing with Sphinx, or just let him go for the sake of Chun.

“What do you think, Sphinx. I know you care about Ella... and knowing that your girlfriend is her enemy's friend...” she said. “I will make Ella understand. I know she will be able to accept it. I'm worried about Chun, especially now that he found out that I'm your boyfriend...” he said. “I don't know how to explain everything to him. I know he's devastated when I told him that I can only love him as a friend, and knowing that you are my boyfriend now... I don't know what he'll do next.” she said. “Then, I'll talk to him. Don't worry, everything will be fine, trust me.” he said. Bianca just let out a smile as Sphinx squeezed her hand.

Ella and Chun went inside the cafe, and as they went to find the two, they saw Sphinx holding Bianca's hand, and Bianca smiling sweetly at him. Chun looked worriedly at Ella and saw her sigh. She could never deny the sadness in her eyes. Then, he put his arm around her. Ella looked up at him, and found him smiling at her. “Smile. If you they see you gloomy, then it will ruin our plans.” he said. “Fine...” she said, then she let out an exaggerated smile at him. And Chun was not amused by it. “Don't you know that you looked like an idiot when you smile like that. Act like a normal person.” he said. Ella composed herself first, then she felt Chun drag her to Bianca and Sphinx's table.

Sphinx and Bianca were surprised to see the two together. Before anyone could question them, Chun started his speech. “Look. I don't like Sphinx for you, Bianca, and definitely, Ms. Piggy here doesn't like Bianca for you, Sphinx.” he began. Ella looked at Chun, confused at what he said. “I thought you said no name-calling, you stupid chicken face!” she thought. “But we both realized that you two love each other. I know the way we acted a while ago is uncalled for. And so, Ella and I made a truce. We decided to have a ceasefire as long as the two of you are together. And we also promised each other that I will accept Sphinx for Bianca, and she will accept Bianca for Sphinx.” he said. Sphinx and Bianca exchanged glances, and then they looked at the two with belief. “Seriously?” Bianca asked. Ella nodded her head. “I guess we really can't stop you two from falling in love...” she said. With that, Chun nudged her, which made her flinch in pain. “Ouch...” she muttered. Then, she glared at Chun, who just ignored her.

Bianca stood up from her seat, smiling at Chun. Then, she jumped into him, and hugged him tight. “Chunnie! Thank you! You're the best, did you know that.” she said. Ella looked at Chun, and saw him froze in his place when Bianca hugged her. Ella turned away from him and laughed secretly. “Really, Ella? You approve of Bianca for me?” Sphinx asked. Ella looked at him, and nodded her head. “As long as she keeps you happy. That's all that matters to me.” she said. She looked at him, and smiled. And though she is smiling, there was sadness in her eyes that Sphinx failed to notice. Chun looked at her, and could see her expression. “Ella, stop looking like that! You're only going to ruin everything!” he thought. Sphinx smiled at her, and gave her a hug. “Thanks, Ellie! I know you will approve of Bianca for me.” he said. Then, he looked at her. Ella have managed to fake another smile at her best friend. “But of course, I want to get to know you girlfriend more, OK?” she said. Bianca looked at her, and smile. “Of course, that wouldn't be a problem. And Chun, you have to test Sphinx first, OK?” she said. Ella gave Chun a confused look. “Chicken face, what are you going to do with my best friend? If you dare hurt him, you're dead!” she thought. Chun looked at Sphinx and Ella, and smirked at Ella. “Don't worry, I won't do anything to your beloved Sphinx. But I'm going to make things hard for him...” he answered in his thoughts. “Do anything stupid to Sphinx, and I will get back at you through Bianca, you got that?” Ella thought, faking a smile and glaring at him.

“Hey, look at the two of you... I never thought the two of you would look good together.” they heard Bianca said. Ella and Chun gave her a bewildered look. “No way!” they said in unison. Bianca just laughed at the two. “I'm just kidding. But anyway, I'm glad that for once, the two of you agreed on something. I hope this would be a start of friendship between the two of you...” she said. Ella and Chun just looked at each other. “We'll see...” Ella said.

--

Ella and Chun walked back to their apartment. Both of them were silent the whole time. “Wei, Ella...” Chun called. Ella paused and looked at him. “What?” she asked in an irritated tone. “Are you mad because of what happened?” he asked. Ella didn't answer his question, and just looked away from him. “Look, just bear with it for a while. One day you will have Sphinx by yourself. I know it's hurting you, but you're not the only one who feels that way...” Chun said. Ella let out a sigh, and hugged herself. “I'm scared, all right?” she said. Chun gave her a confused look. “Scared?” he asked. “What if our plans didn't work? What if, despite all the plans we made to break them apart, they still chose to be together? Chun, you have no idea how long I've waited for Sphinx. You have no idea why it pains me to see him with another girl...” she said.

Then, Ella turned away and walked away from him. Chun, still confused with what she said, followed him. “We will make this work, Ella. We will, trust me. I won't let Sphinx be with Bianca, I promise that to you.” he said. Ella paused, then faced him again. “Don't make promises you can't keep, OK? Do you have any idea how it hurts when you expect a lot, then in the end, it didn't turn out the way you wanted to be?” she said. Chun looked at her, and then nodded his head. “I know how it feels like, Ella. I've expected a lot from Bianca... but in the end she rejected me. But you know what, a friend told me that maybe God has His own reasons why things don't turn out the way it should be. Maybe there is a reason behind everything. You should not give up, because if you do, then I will have to give up now. You are my only remaining strength, Ella... we should support each other to make this work, all right?” he said.

Ella lowered her head, and Chun can tell that she was about to cry. He held her hand, and then pulled her close to him, and embraced her. Ella was surprised at his actions. “Don't cry, Ella. No man is worth your tears, unless its tears of joy, remember that. Not even Sphinx is worth those tears...” he said. Ella gave him another confused look. “Why are you being nice to me?” she asked. Chun simply smiled at her. “We're friends now, remember?” he said. Then, Ella smiled back at him. “Actually, you're not that bad yourself, Chun.” she said. Chun smiled at him, and folded his arms. “Of course I'm not that bad! You're the one who always starts a fight with me.” he boasted. He saw Ella laughing at him, and seeing her laugh like this make him very happy as well. “You're so full of yourself... that's why I hated you before.” she said. Chun just smiled at her, then he held her hand. “How about this? I'll make up for what I did in the past by treating you in my shop...” he said. Ella just sighed. “I can't resist sweets, so OK. You're forgiven.” she said.

--

“Hello everyone and welcome to 'The Love Corner'. This is DJ Angel, and I'll be with you from 9 AM till noon. Have you loved someone enough to fight for what you really feel for them? Is the one you love worth fighting for? What is it that you've done to prove to the one you love that you are worthy of them? Please do call in and share your experiences with us. And as this show starts, let me play to a song from Rainie Yang called “Just want to love you.””

Ella pressed on the play button, and let the song play. She took off her headset, and leaned on her seat. Her topic for the day is exactly what she is doing right now. Maybe hearing out her listeners' stories would give her enough confidence to go with Chun's plans. “Ella, there is a caller on line 1...” her assistant said. Ella smiled at her, and nodded her head. As soon as the song ended, she came back on air and talked to the caller.

“We have caller number 1 now on the line. Hello caller number 1?”
“Hi DJ Angel. I want to share my experience with you. By the way, I'm Jerry.”
“Hello Jerry. Can you tell us the time when you fought for what you feel?”
Chun increased the volume of the radio as he listened to Ella's caller. He listened as the caller detailed how he got the heart of the girl he loves, despite the fact that he have been rejected by that girl. Another caller detailed how she fought his love for their guy, despite their families' objection. Another one called to tell his story on how she fought to stay to be with a guy, even if it's a long-distance relationship. Chun smiled to himself as he listened to their stories. “My turn...” he thought as he took his phone from his pocket. He dialed the radio's station, and waited till someone answered the phone.

“And now, we're down to our last caller to share his story with us. Hello...” Ella said. “Hi DJ Angel... I hope you still remember me. This is Mystery guy, the one from before...” the caller said. Ella smiled to himself upon hearing his voice. “Oh, yes. I remember you. Is there anything that you want to share with us?” she asked. “Yes. Remember the last time, I told you how the girl I like rejected me to be with a guy she just met?” Chun said. Ella nodded her head. “Yes, I do. And I know our, listeners do remember your story, Mystery Guy.” she said. “I remember what you said, that there is a reason for everything. I decided to find out the reason why she rejected me. And as I've said the last time, I'll do everything to prove to her that I love her. I'm going to fight for what I feel for her, and I won't stop till she could accept me. I know it's not going to be easy, but I will...” Chun said. Ella paused and listened carefully to everything that he said. She finds it weird that this “Mystery Guy” seems to be in the same boat as her. “But.... but what would you do if in the end, she still rejects you?” she asked. “Then, I will accept it. At least I tried. At least I didn't gave up without a fight. At least I proved to her that my intentions are real. If she can't accept me, then it means that we're not meant to be together...” Chun said. Ella smiled to herself as she listened to him. “You know what, Mystery Guy... that girl doesn't know what she let go in her life when she rejected you. A man who is willing to fight for what he loves the most is a man who will stay by a girl's side forever. I hope a lot of guys will be like you, Mystery Guy... I do admire your courage.” she said. Chun smiled as he heard what Ella said to her. “Thanks...” he said. “I hope that you will call us again and tell us what happens, all right?” Ella said. “I sure will cal you DJ Angel.” he said. Ella ended the call, and then she played her last song for that day.

--

Jiro passed by Ella's cube and saw her busily doing her material for the next day. “Weird... why aren't you having lunch with Sphinx now?” Jiro asked. Ella looked at him, and smiled. “He had some business to take care of, that's why. “ she said. Jiro just nodded his head, and said goodbye to her. On his way, he met up with Chun. “Hi, I want to know where Ella is?” Chun asked him. Jiro pointed Ella's cube. He nodded his head, and said thanks to Jiro.

“Ella...” she heard someone call her. She looked up, and saw Chun by her cube, smiling at him. “What are you doing here?” she asked. “i was around the place, delivering some pastries... so I decided to pass by. Hey, want to have lunch with me?” he asked. Ella turned away from him, and shook her head. “I'm not hungry...” she said. “Not hungry? Are you kidding me? When we were kids, eating is your favorite past time!” he said. Ella looked up at him, and gave him a glare. Chun got her message to shut up with her looks. “Fine, I won't bring that up anymore...” he said. He took a chair and then sat beside Ella. “You're not going to bury yourself with work just because your best friend is happily having lunch with his girlfriend, right?” Chun asked. “I am not burying myself with work...”
“Ella, you are! Look at yourself... you're the only one left here at your office while everyone else is having lunch.”
“I am not. And I'm not hungry.”

Then, as if on cue, Ella's tummy growled. Chun looked at her proudly. “See, I told you.” he said. “Fine, I'm hungry...” she said. Then, Chun held her hand, and pulled her up her seat. “Come on, let's have lunch, all right? My treat.” Chun said. Ella could only give him a dubious look. Lately, he is being nice to her. She doesn't know if it's because they are on the same boat, or because they are plotting something evil, or just because. “You know what, I'm not used to seeing you this nice to me, Chun...” she said as they walked through the hall. Chun paused. He looked back at her, and smiled. “Then, you should get used to it.” he said. “I'm just scared that one day, you will go back to your old self and pick on me again, all right?” she said. “I won't do that anymore. Trust me.” he said.

Ella found herself in a five-star hotel's restaurant. “Wow? Don't tell me we're going to have lunch here?” she asked as Chun dragged her inside. “Of course we are...” he said, smirking at her. At the other side of the restaurant, Ella saw Sphinx and Bianca together. Then, she looked at Chun. “Chun, there is a reason why you ask me out for lunch, right?” she asked. Chun nodded his head. Then, he pointed at Sphinx and Bianca. “We can't let them have their own moments together, right Ellie?” he said. Ella sighed, and rolled her eyes at him. “Plan A commences now, Ella. Make sure to get more closer to Bianca. You know what to do.” he said. Ella sighed, and nodded her head. “Yeah, yeah... I know... get close to Bianca and tell her all Sphinx's bad qualities.” she said monotonously. Chun nodded his head. “Good. Now, let's go and meet them.” he said. Then, he dragged Ella towards where Sphinx and Bianca were sitting.

Bianca looked up, and saw Ella and Chun standing by their table. “Oh, hey guys... what are you doing here? Together?” she asked. Sphinx was confused as well as to why the two of them are together. “Hey, guys!” Chun said cheerfully. “Actually, I was around Ella's workplace, so I decided to stop by and ask her out for lunch. Then, I decided to treat her here in my favorite restaurant. I never thought we'd bump into you guys.” he said. Sphinx looked at Ella, and then he noticed that Chun is holding on to Ella's hand. “Hmmm... that's weird... why is Ella letting Chun hold her hand that long?” he thought. Chun then turned to Ella and smiled. “Right, Ellie?” he asked. Then he mouthed to her the word “pretend”. “Oh yes! He did! You know, Chun is so sweet... he remembered me, and asked me out for lunch.” she said, faking a smile.

Sphhinx turned away from them, still confused with what's going on. He knows that the two had some kind of ceasefire, but he never thought the two could be this close. “What's going on?” he thought. Bianca smiled at the two and clapped her hand. “Yes, yes... Chun is really a sweet guy, I tell you. Chunnie, I'm glad that you invited Ella out for lunch. Why don't the two of you join us. Sphinx wouldn't mind... right honey?” she said as she turned to her boyfriend. Sphinx nodded his head. “Yes, I don't mind. It would be better if they join us.” he said. “So that I can keep an eye on this guy...” he added in his thoughts.

Bianca transferred to Sphinx's side, and Chun and Ella sat in front of them. They ordered food, and while they were waiting for their food, they were happily chatting about their lives. Ella and Bianca exchanged stories about Chun and Sphinx, while Chun and Sphinx was just looking at each other, as if guarding each other's moves. “I don't know what's inside this head of this chicken face, but I know something is wrong here. Watch your back, Chun... you maybe Bianca's friend, but if you did something bad to Ella, I'll beat you till your back and blue...” Sphinx thought. Chun leaned on the table, and smirked at Sphinx. “Are you jealous now, huh? Are you jealous that I'm with Ella? Just be jealous... you don't know what you're letting go of, four-eyed puny guy!” he thought. Then, their order came. “Ella, you like pasta, right?” Sphinx said as she took the plate of pasta. “Wait, isn't Ella allergic to shrimps? That pasta have shrimps on it, can't you see?” Chun said as he held onto the plate. Ella just looked at the two guys. She could almost see bolt of electricity as they glared at each other. “Weird... what's wrong with these two guys... and how come Chun knew I am allergic to shrimps?” she thought.

Sphinx smiled at Chun, and put the plate down. Then, he took a plate of salad and put some on Bianca's plate. “Honey, here... have some.” He said. Bianca just smiled at him. “Wait!” Chun said. Sphinx paused and looked at him. “Bianx hates raw tomatoes, so don't give her that.” he said. Sphinx nodded his head. “Thank you, Sphinx...” Bianca said, smiling at him sweetly. Chun and Ella just watched as the lovebirds became sweet again. Ella leaned back on her chair, and let out a sigh as they watch the two. Chun looked at her sad face. Then, he reached for her hand under the table, and squeezed it. Ella gave him a confused look, and he just smiled at her. And his smile is telling her that everything will be all right.

“I... I have to go...” Ella said as she stood up. She couldn't take seeing Sphinx and Bianca together anymore, as it's breaking her heart even more. “Ella, are you sure? You barely touched your food.” Sphinx said worriedly. Ella smiled, and nodded her head. “I had a lot of things to do back in the office anyways...” she said. Chun stood up from his seat. “Then, I'll drive you back all right?” he said to her. Sphinx could only watch as Chun held her hand again. “Shall we go?” Chun said to Ella. Ella smiled at him and nodded her head. Again, Sphinx noticed the way Chun held her hand. There was something in the way he held Ella's hand that made him feel somewhat jealous. “I'll see you around, guys...” Ella said. They said goodbye to each other, and left the restaurant.

--

Ella followed behind Chun as they walked towards the parking lot. “Sorry...” she blurted out. Chun looked back at her, confused as to why she is saying sorry. “I really can't stand seeing them together... I'm sorry if I ruined our plans...” she said. Chun folded his arms and smiled. “You didn't actually.” he said. Ella gave him a confused look this time. “Didn't you see the look in Sphinx's face when he us together? He is jealous.” he said. “He is?” she asked. Chun nodded his head. “I didn't notice that one...” she said as she folded her arms. “So, let's continue with this charade, and you'll have your Sphinx in no time.” Chun said. Ella smiled at him, and nodded his head.

Chun turned to open the door of his car, when Ella called him again. “Chun, how did you know that I'm allergic to shrimps? And how did you know that I like sunflowers?” she asked. Chun paused. He fell silent at her question. “Well... uh... “ he said. He was trying to think of an excuse as to why he knew those things about her. He turned to face her again and smiled. “I... I heard you telling Selina a long time ago that you like sunflowers. And I know you are allergic with shrimps, because remember during one of the festivals, you accidentally ate one and then they rushed you to the clinic because you had an attack? I can still remember how you looked like back then. Your face is swollen!” he said. He forced out a laugh, but inside, he was praying that Ella didn't notice his nervousness. “I can't remember that... but if you say so...” she said. With that, Chun sighed with relief. “Whew... she almost caught me. I'm doomed if she found out that I -”

Then he heard Ella' tummy growl again. He looked at her, and laugh. “You are hungry...” he said. “Of course I am.” she said as she touched her tummy. “Come on, let's go back to my shop. I'll fix you something to eat.” he said. He helped Ella to get inside his car.

--

Ethan was busy doing the inventory when he heard the door open. “Welcome to 'Something -” As he looked back, he was stunned to see Chun and Ella together. He looked down, and saw Chun holding Ella's hand. Then, he looked at Chun, and smiled evilly. “What can I do for you?” he asked. Chun wrinkled his brow, confused with the way Ethan is looking at him. Then, he lifted up his hand, and saw that he is still holding Ella's hand. “Wei! Don't think of anything dirty, will you?!” he said defensively. “Then why are you holding her hand?” Ethan asked. In an instant, Chun let go of Ella's hand. Ella looked at him, and could see him blushing. She turned away from him and laughed to herself. “And why are you two together? I thought you hate each other?” he asked. “None of your business.” Chun said. Then, he held Ella's hand again, and then pulled her inside the kitchen. Ethan could only laugh as he watched to two go inside Chun's lair. “Romance, romance... romance is in the air!” he sang happily.

Labels: fan fic, Me And The Boy Next Door