Saturday, March 13, 2010

Paper Stars - Chapter Nine

Chapter 9 – Lost And Found



The door opened. All the maids lowered their head as their master came in. Yu Ming Zhe came as soon as his younger son, Chen Yi, called him regarding the disappearance of his first born. “Have they seen him yet?” he asked Chen Yi as he approached his father. “They are searching for him now, dad.” he said. “How is Xue?” the elder man asked. “She is upstairs. Ah Ren is consoling her. She have been crying nonstop since she heard the news about Jiang Wei being lost at sea.” Chen Yi explained.

The elder man looked piercingly at his younger son. “Yu Chen Yi... how can you not look after your brother? Why did you not stop him from drinking too much?” he asked him in a firm tone. Chen Yi looked at his father and he could see his fury at him. “D-dad... I... I didn't know this would all happen...” he said. “You are not using that small brain of yours, Chen Yi! You were there with your brother! You should have looked after him, instead of drinking yourself to death!” he scolded him. Chen Yi looked down. Hew clenched his fist as he listened to his father's nagging. He wasn't ready for this kind of reaction from his dad. He thought that when Jiang Wei is gone, he will get his father's affection, but he was wrong.

“You knew how important the first born it to our family, Chen Yi, and yet you failed to look after him!” his father said. “It wasn't my fault!” he shouted at his father out of rage. “It wasn't my fault that Jiang Wei drunk himself to death. It wasn't my fault that he is dead drunk, that he insisted us to sail. It wasn't my fault that my brother is stupid enough not to know that it's very dangerous to swim in the open water at night, and most of all, at his state that he is drunk! I am not responsible for him, dad. Jiang Wei is old enough to realize what he is doing is wrong.” he said angrily to his father. Yu Ming Zhe was shocked at what Chen Yi said. Chen Yi realized that he should have not let his own jealousy get in between him and his father. For sure, right now, his father needs him. He let out a sigh, and shook his head. “I'm sorry pa... I... I just had a long night trying to talk with the coastguards... I... I need to call them again for some updates.” he said. He turned his back wearily on his father, and headed to the den.

--

Paolo sat on his bed. It was afternoon, and he was waiting for Nadine to visit him at the hospital. It was his third and last day at the hospital, and he was happy when Nadine told him that he will be staying with them. He was thankful to all the deities that it was her that saved him when he was washed ashore. He doesn't know what exactly it is that happened to him before he lost his memories, but he was thankful that he was saved by an angel, which is Nadine.

“Good afternoon!” he heard a cheerful voice say. He looked by the door, and saw Nadine entering his room. His face lightened up upon having a glimpse of her. “Ni hao...” he said. “I told you, no Chinese, right? If you keep on saying things in Chinese, then I'll leave you here at the hospital tomorrow.” she threatened him. Paolo suddenly had this scared expression on his face upon hearing that. His eyes widened, and his mouth fell open, which made Nadine laugh. “I'm just kidding. How could I leave a poor soul like you here?” she said. With that, Paolo gave her a smile.

She sat beside him, and took out a bun and gave it to him. “Here's your favorite siopao, as requested.” she said. Paolo smiled at her, and nodded his head. “Xie xie... I mean, thank you.” he said. Nadine smiled as she watched him munch his food. Since she met Paolo, she feels this kind of happiness in her heart whenever she sees him light up. Paolo have been so appreciative of whatever it is that she gave him, and she was happy because of that. “How are you feeling today, Pao Pao?” she asked. He turned to her, and with his mouth full, he smiled, then he gave her a thumb's up sign. “That's good. Tomorrow, you'll be coming home with us. Are you excited?” she asked.

Paolo paused. Nadine could see the smile on his face slowly fading. He is excited, all right, but he knew that Nadine's home is not his real home. It's just a temporary home, until all of his memories comes back. “What's wrong?” she asked him. “Dui bu qi... sorry... I have to bother you so much with me going to your home...” he said. She smiled at him, and shook his head. “You don't have to worry about a thing. And don't be sorry, because it's my pleasure to help you out. I know it wouldn't be like the home you had back in China or whatever, but I can assure you that you are most welcome to stay there as long as you want.” she said. Paolo shook his head. “As soon as I get to remember a thing, I will leave. I've burdened you so much, and I can't burden you anymore because of my condition...” he said. “Fair enough, but don't try so hard to remember a thing, all right? Don't stress yourself out.” she said. Paolo smiled at her again and nodded his head.

--

“Xue...”

Xue turned around, and saw Jiang Wei walking up to him. He seems ever so handsome in his white suit. She let out a smile as she looked at him. “Yu Jiang Wei...” she called. Then, she ran towards him, and as she reached him, she embraced him tight. “Yu Jiang Wei... I know you won't leave me. I know you won't...” she whispered to him. She looked up to him, and saw him looking into her eyes sadly. “Xue...” he whispered. The smile on her face slowly disappeared. “I'm sorry... I'm sorry that I can't fulfill my promise to you. My time has come...” he said sadly. Xue shook her head. She could feel her tears about to fall from her eyes. “No... no... please don't say that... you promised me that we'll be together forever... you promised you'll spend the rest of your life with me... I thought you love me? If you love me, then you have to keep that promise to me...” she said. She was trying her best not to cry in front of him.

She saw the tears fall from Jiang Wei's eyes. “If only I could, I will be with you forever, Xue... but it's time for me to go.” Jiang Wei said. Xue shook her head. She held on tight to him, not wanting him to go. “No... Jiang Wei... please don't do this to me... please don't leave me...” she pleaded. Jiang Wei took her hand away from him. He held her hands tight, then leaned down to her and kissed her on the lips for the last time. She could feel his salty tears as they kissed. Then, he broke away. He stepped back away from her, slowly letting her go from his arms. “I love you, Xue... always remember that. Goodbye...” he said. He drifted farther and farther away from her. Xue ran after him, but she could not catch up with him. “Jiang Wei... don't leave me...” she cried. “Goodbye...”

“Jiang Wei!”

Cold sweats formed on her forehead as she woke up from that bad dream. At least it is just a dream for Xue. At least, there is still hope that Jiang Wei will come back to her, but her dream felt so real and it scares her so. She sat up from her bed. She curled up, and hugged her knees. Tears began to fall from her eyes as she closed it. “Jiang Wei... please come back to me... please...” she thought. She bit her lips and buried her face on her knees as she cried. She wished that wherever Jiang Wei is, he could hear her cries, so that he'll come back to him soon.

“Xue?” she heard someone call. She looked up, and saw Ah Ren by her door. “Ah Ren...” she called helplessly. Ah Ren walked up to her. He sat on her bed, and then hugged her tight, letting her cry on his shoulder. “Sssshhhh... everything will be fine, Xue...” he whispered to her. Xue held on tight to him as she continued to cry. “I... I dreamed of Jiang Wei... he... he was saying goodbye to me...” she managed to say in between sobs. “It won't come true, Xue. Jiang Wei will come back to you. He's going to marry you, remember?” Ah Ren said. He was hoping he could cheer up Xue with what he said, but it's not the case. “I'm so scared... Ah Ren... I'm so scared... what... what if Jiang Wei never comes back for me?” she said to him. Ah Ren could only hug her tighter to comfort her. “No... it won't happen, Xue... I trust that no matter what happens, Jiang Wei will come back for you...” Ah Ren said. As he consoled the girl in his arms, he is starting to doubt if Jiang Wei will really come back. “You better come back, Jiang Wei...” he thought. “You better come back for Xue...”

--

The car stopped in front of the gate. Nadine got out of the car first, and then helped Paolo to get out of the car. Upon seeing the resort, Paolo's jaw fell open upon seeing how beautiful the place is. “Welcome to Crimson Skies!” Nadine told him. Paolo gave her a confused look. “C-crimson... Skies?” he asked. Nadine smiled at him. “For me, this is the most beautiful place on earth.” she said. “You're only saying that because you live here. Geez...” Angelo retorted as he was taking out Paolo's things from the car. Nadine could only glare at her brother for what he said.

Paolo gazed at the sea before him. He have never seen something this beautiful in his life. “Wow... the place is really beautiful...” he said. Upon hearing that, Nadine smirked at his brother. She turned to Paolo, and smiled happily at him. “Really? You think our place is beautiful?” she asked. Paolo let out an innocent smile at her, and nodded his head. Nadine took his hand, which surprised him. He felt a tinge of electricity from her small, warm hand as she touched his hand. “Come on, I'll show you around.” she said. Before Paolo could answer, Nadine have pulled her towards the resort.

They run up to the shore. As soon as their feet touched the see, Nadine let go of his hand. She gazed at the see, and then took a deep breath. “This feels so good!” she shouted. Paolo could only laugh at her. Nadine looked at him. “Why? It does feel good. Having the cold water splash on your feet while gazing at the other end of the ocean, it does make you feel alive.” she said. “This... sea... this is where you found me, right?” Paolo asked. Nadine nodded her head. Paolo looked away from her, his smile slowly fading from his lips. “I still wonder, what could have happened before you found me... I kept on trying to remember everything... but...”

He paused as he felt Nadine's hand held his hand. As he looked at her, he saw that warm smile on her face. “What have I been telling you before? You don't have to keep on trying to remember the things in your past. One day, it will come back to you...” she said. “And what if it does not?” he asked. “Then, make new memories that you will treasure forever.” she said. Paolo let out a faint smile as his eyes gazed on the sea. “But I still want to remember... to know... who am I... where my home really is...” he said in a low voice. “It's only been days, and it seems that you're homesick. Don't worry, I'll do my best to help you retrieve all of your memories.” she said. Paolo gave her another faint smile. “You've already done so much for me...” he said. “My dad said, if I could help someone, I have to do my best to help that person out.” she said. Paolo looked at her again, and just like the l\very first time he saw her, his heart fluttered the moment she smiled at him.

--

Yu Ming Zhe came down the stairs, and upon seeing him, Chen Yi stood up from his seat. “It's been days already, Chen Yi. Are there any news about your brother?” he asked. “Dad, the coastguards have been searching on the area where Jiang Wei fell. They were also checking if there are any boats during that time. It's possible that someone have saved him.” Chen Yi answered. “And?”
“They said that there is a fishing boat missing. It was near the Batanes island that time, and it's probably been hit by the storm. They have sought the help of the Philippine Coastguards for their search operation.”
“Have they found the trace of that fishing boat?”
“Not yet, dad...”
Yu Ming Zhe shook his head, and took a deep breath. He just doesn't show it, but he is worried about his son. And he is also scared that they will find Jiang Wei dead. “I do hope they will be able to find that boat. I do hope that it went to that island, and I do hope that they saved your brother.” he said. “It is possible, dad. Let's not lose hope. I know we will be able to find ge ge.” Chen Yi said.

Just then, an officer came inside the villa, and went up to Chen Yi and his father. “Col. Hsu, do you have any news?” Yu Ming Zhe asked. The officer nodded his head. “We do, but it is a bad news, Mr. Yu.” he said. Chen Yi and Ming Zhe gave him a confused look. “What do you mean?” Chen Yi asked. “About the fishing boat, the Philippine Coastguards found that it wrecked and sank somewhere near the Babuyan island. And as they were making their search, the found a dead body floating in the area.

Ming Zhe was shocked at what the officer said. “The body... it had been so rotten, that you could no longer identify it. But, it had some trace. If you can only confirm if this watch belongs to your son...” Col. Hsu said. He took out the watch from his pocket. Just as he was showing it to Yu Ming Zhe and Chen Yi, Ah Ren and Xue were walking down the stairs. Xue was able to see the watch that the officer is showing them. “Is that Jiang Wei's watch?” Xue asked nervously as she walked up to him. Col. Hsu turned to her. “Xiao jie, can you identify if this is Mr. Yu Jiang Wei's watch?” he asked. He showed the watch to her, and she was able to recognize it right away. “It's the watch I gave him a few months back. I saw him wearing this before he left that night.” she said.

Yu Ming Zhe and Chen Yi's expression changed from shocked to sorrow. “I'm sorry... but the dead body that the coastguards found at the bay... he was wearing this watch... since you have identified this as Yu Jiang Wei's watch, then we can confirm that the dead body they found is him.” Col. Hsu said. Xue was shocked at what he said. “Dead... body? Are you kidding me? He is still alive!” she shouted at him. She could feel the tears cascading from her eyes as she speaks. “I'm sorry....” Col. Hsu said. Xue turned to Yu Ming Zhe and Chen Yi to seek the truth from them. “It can't be, right? There was no dead body found?” she asked them. “Xue, we wished that it wasn't true, but Col. Hsu just brought the news. The dead body found in an island in the Philippines was wearing Jiang Wei's watch...” Chen Yi said.

Shocked with the news, Yu Ming Zhe stepped back until he fell on the couch. “Jiang Wei... my son...” he thought as the tears fell from eyes. Ah Ren bit his lips, trying his best not to breakdown. Chen Yi just lowered his head as he accepted the bad news. And Xue was too shocked with the news, that she fainted.

--

“Dear friends, we are gathered here to say our last farewell to Yu Jiang Wei, a good son, brother and friend...”

Three days since they found out that Jiang Wei is dead, Yu Ming Zhe have decided to have his body cremated. A small ceremony was done in their villa in Kaoshiung, where is last stayed. Although Yu Jiang Wei have been the biggest headliner that week, they have managed to keep the ceremony private. They stood at the beach as they said goodbye to him.

As soon as the priest is done blessing the urn which held Jiang Wei's ashes, Chen Yi, who have been holding it opened it. He took a handful of his ashes, and spread it through the sea. The guest threw white roses to the sea as their way of saying goodbye to him. Xue walked up to the shore, and then placed the white rose she is holding to the sea, and watched it as the water took it away.

As she watched the sea take her rose, she remembered how it is that in a short period of time, God took Jiang Wei away from her. He took him away from her without a warning, without even saying all the things she wanted to say. She was not able to let him feel for the last time how much she loved him. He took Jiang Wei away from him just like that, and she wasn't even ready for it.

The guests have left, leaving her alone at the beach. “Xue... let's go...” she heard Ah Ren said. “Please leave me alone first, Ah Ren...” she said softly. Ah Ren walked up to her, and put his arms around her. “Xue...” he said worriedly. “Why did He took her away from me? Why did He gave him to me, then I'm just going to lose him. Isn't He unfair? What have I done to suffer this way, Ah Ren?” she asked bitterly. She felt the tears cascading from her eyes again. “All I know is that everything happens for a reason Xue. There is a reason why He took Jiang Wei from us. He will not take back something without giving us something much better, Xue...” he said.

Xue's tears continue to fall from her eyes as she gazed at the sea. She took a deep breath, and then she shouted at the sea. “Yu Jiang Wei! Yu Jiang Wei, why did you leave me? Yu Jiang Wei.... wo ai ni! Wherever you are, I will always love you!” she shouted. She was wishing that wherever Jiang Wei is, he would be able to hear what she is saying. “I love you... forever...” she whispered. Then, she turned to Ah Ren, and cried on his chest. It was breaking his heart to see her in this state. The only thing he could do right now is to console her as she cries for her loss. “Yu Jiang Wei... I promise you, I will take good care of Xue...” he thought. He closed his eyes, and embraced the girl tight, hoping that somehow, it would at least ease the pain and sorrow she is feeling.

--

Pei Pei stood by her window. Since she came back from Kaoshiung and heard about Jiang Wei's death, she became restless. She hugged herself as she gazed outside the window. Guilt has been filling her whole system. She knew she is the reason why Jiang Wei died, she is the reason why he will never come back. It was a bad idea to go with what Chen Yi is planning. She should have not accepted that gun in the first place. If only she knew that the gun was loaded with a bullet, she would have backed out.

“I'm a murderer... I killed Jiang Wei...” she told herself. She wished did not get too obsessed with him, or even selfish of him. She wanted Jiang Wei by herself, and she thought she will have him by herself if she went with Chen Yi's plan, but she was wrong. In the end, she lose the man she loved, and it was her fault why he died. “I killed him... I killed him... God, forgive me for killing him... I didn't mean to kill him...” she said to herself. Her body was trembling as her mind takes her back to that night. If only she could erase that memory, she would have done so.

Although they were able to make an alibi about Jiang Wei's loss, blaming him for being drunk and falling off the boat, as well as the storm that suddenly came, she doesn't feel at ease with the situation. The fact still remained that she shot him. She killed Jiang Wei. She could hear her own conscience blaming her for what she have done. She could hear the voices inside her head laughing at her for being such a fool. She may have gotten away with her crime, but she can never get away from her guilt. And to top of it all, because Chen Yi saved her by covering up for her crime, she made a deal with him that she will be his girl. She knew how Chen Yi feels for her even before, but she just couldn't love him the way she loved his brother. Chen Yi have threatened her that if she doesn't follow his orders, he will turn her over to the police.

She heard the door creaking. She heard footsteps coming up to her. She felt a pair of cold hands touching her bare shoulders. “Pei Pei...” she heard him call. The breath on his skin made her body tremble even more. It was as if his voice was telling her that he is hers now, and that no one could own her. He owe her life to this man now. He turned her around to face him, and as she looked up nervously at him, she could see th smirk on his face. “You are mine now...” Chen Yi said. She bit her lips, closed her eyes, and nodded her head. “I know...” she said. He lifted up her chin, and then kissed her lips hungrily. She let him took hold of her body as payment for the crime she have done. She let him own her and take her several times to cleanse for her sin.

She is now Chen Yi's possession. And as long as the fact remains that she killed Jiang Wei, she know there is no escaping him.

--

Paolo sat outside thew veranda the morning. He was gazing at the sea while trying to remember anything. But then, the more he tried to retrieve his own memories, the more it's getting harder and the more his mind gets blank. He could feel his head aching with what he was doing. “What is wrong? Why can't I remember anything? Please, make me remember just one little thing about my old self...” he said to himself. He clenched his fist, and hit his head with it.

“Pao Pao... why are you hurting yourself?” he heard Nadine said. He turned around, and saw her walking up to him. “My head aches...” he said. Nadine looked at him worriedly. “Have you taken your medicine?” she asked. He nodded his head. “I'm sorry, Nadine... it's just that I can't remember a thing. My mind is all blank. I want to remember a thing from my past, but I can't. I hate it... I hate myself for being in this situation. If only I can remember who I am, then I can no longer be a burden to you...” he said sadly. Nadine took a deep breath, and then smiled at him. “Pao Pao, I've told you, you don't have to try remembering something from your past. I know it's a hard thing to do, especially in your situation. I know, if I were in your shoes, I'd be frustrated as well, but instead of being frustrated, why don't you just replace your memories with new ones?” she said. Paolo gave her a confused look. “Aren't you even scared of me? What if I was a bad guy, or a criminal? What if someone is after me? I'm just scared that I will put you and your family in danger...” he said. She shook her head. “I don't mind. Besides, you are part of this family now. Don't think too much about who you really are. If you were a bad guy before, then use this opportunity to start anew and do the right thing. If not, then just enjoy being Paolo. I know, this is just a borrowed identity, but you can do the most in your life by using your identity now. And as I've said, make new memories – happy and good memories that you can add up to your old memories when you found them.” she said.

With what she said, Paolo let out a smile. “New memories...” he said. Nadine nodded her head. “I know you're feeling homesick, although you can't even remember where your home is. Pao Pao, this is your new home now, and we are your new family. We can make new memories together... just promise me that you won't forget us once you realized who you really are.” she said. He nodded his head. “How can I ever forget you. You were the one who saved me. I'll be forever grateful to you...” he said. “I'm glad.” she said. “I'm really sorry for troubling you... I assure you, this will be the last time I will try hard to think of my past. From now on, I'll start living as Paolo and make new memories with you.” he said. Nadine could only smile at what he said. “That's the spirit.” she said. As she was about to leave him, Paolo called her. “Nadine, can I ask you a favor?” he said. Nadine turned back, and waited for him to speak. “Can you teach me your language?” he asked. Nadine let out another smile at him. “Of course. When do you want to start?” she asked. “If you're not busy tending to the guest...” he said shyly. “Well, you're in luck. We don't have much visitors now, so would you like me to teach you Tagalog now?” she asked. Paolo smiled, and nodded his head. She reached out her hand to him, and Paolo stood up from his seat and took her hand.

And that day was the start of the new life of Yu Jiang Wei, or Paolo. But until when will he live without his past memories?

Labels: original story, Paper Stars