I got home and hesitated as I took out my keys. I wondered if Lin would be at my place. I thought for a moment about what to say to her, before deciding to play by ear. Lynn had no idea what happened and if both of them were here, I would have to think quickly.
Checking that there was no additional slippers at my doorsteps, I took a deep breath and stepped forward, inserting my keys into the lock. As I was opening the gate, my wooden door opened. Lynn was standing there in her body hugging white singlet and a pair of cotton white shorts. Her hair was still wet and so of the water had dripped on her top. I blinked and focus my attention towards the interior of my house.
It looked someone alien to me as I scout the living room for Lin. Lynn obviously saw the direction of my eyes and an irritated sound emitted from her.
Lynn: tsk. Lin is not here.
She sound annoyed. Well, I guessed she had a reason to.
She stepped aside as I made my entry, but she did not disappear into the house, instead holding the door open for me.
Lynn: you have some explaining to do….
I ignored her as I removed my footwear, but she still lingered around, not wanting to give me the opportunity to scoot into the bathroom or my personal space. I quickly thought about what I would want to say to her.
I stood up and closed the door. Immediately she pulled my hand, dragging me to the sofa. She pushed me down and sat besides me.
Lynn: ok. No escaping. I want to know what is happening.
Me: what?
I feign ignorance.
Lynn: Lin.
Me: yah?
Lynn: who is she to you?
Me: neighbour?
Lynn: don’t give me this shit. She said you two are more than neighbours.
Me: hmmm…. ok…. then we are more than neighbours.
Lynn: are you in a relation with her?
Me: errm… yes….
Lynn: why didn’t you tell me about it?
Me: I want to bathe.
Lynn: you are not going any where until I am done with you.
She is biting the topic like a dog on a bone. She is not letting me off without answers tonight
Lynn continued grilling me. Probing me for more answers about Lin.
Lynn: So, when did you start? How did you start?
I told her briefly, not adding too much details if I were to wriggle my way out. I need to convince her that Lin should not go. After finishing the details, I continued before she asked me the next question.
Me: so, what did you tell her about the trip?
Lynn: I told her that I am going with my friends.
Me: and you asked her to go?!
Lynn: nope. I didn’t.
Me: did she said she wanted to tag along?
She eyed me suspiciously.
Lynn: what’s your point?
Me: nothing.
Lynn: ok, she wanted to tag along without me asking.
I held my breath as she did not seemed to finish talking.
Lynn: I told her that it will not be convenient.
I was surprised and let out a breath of relief subtlety.
Lynn: I know that you do not want her there. If not you would have asked her. But why?
Luckily I had already thought of the excuse on my way home. I replied without much hesitation.
Me: Because I wanted to spend time with you. It’s our first trip together.
Lynn: Yah, right.
She rolled her eyes.
Me: can I go bathe now?
Lynn: Not yet. Tell me, what’s going on between Kym and yourself?
This question caught me by surprise. I have not prepared any answers.
Me: errrm… nothing. She is my… errrm…..boss…. why did you asked?
Lynn: Just remember this. She has a boyfriend. And her family is complicated.
Me: ok…. I know…..
She got up.
Me: can I bathe now?
Lynn: remember to dry your hair before you sleep.
She went off to her room and I went to bathe. Once I was back in my room, I laid down in bed and thought about what Lynn had said about Kym. Why did she asked me about Kym? What does she knows?
I looked at my phone and realised that Lin did not text me. I wondered why.
I fell into a troubled sleep.
Wednesday
I reached office early and got some takeaways for both Jess and Kym, making sure that I got them from different place, and then took my seat in my cubicle.
Jess came in first, and her eyes widen when she saw the breakfast on her table. She turned and looked at me, mouthing a silent “thanks” and smile before going to the pantry to have her food.
Kym came in about 10 mins later and I received a text of “thanks” from her. She did not invite me for lunch or dinner.
I went about my work for the rest of the day. Soon, the end of the day arrived , Jess waved goodbye and left. Even after everyone had left for the day, for the first time since I was here, Kym was still in the office. I packed my stuffs, looking around and making sure that there were no one around, before heading to Kym’s cubicle.
Me: I’m going off. You’ll be staying?
Kym: yah. Finishing off this contract. Need to give the client tomorrow morning.
Me: Want me to get dinner for you?
Kym: nope. I am about to complete. You want to wait for a while?
I nodded and sat at the seat opposite her. She looked even prettier as she concentrated on her work. I just sat there quietly.
FInally she finished, saved the work and made some printouts and kept the stuffs.
Kym: ok. done. I am ready.
I nodded and after locking up, we went down to her car.
Kym: I am too tired to have dinner. Is it ok to just get some Mac takeaway and I’ll send you home?
Me: ok. You want me to drive?
Kym: it’s ok.
on the way home, she did not speak much as she seemed exhausted. However, she did reminded me of the trip and she seemed excited about it. But she did not go into too much details.
After we got the takeout and was on the ECP, suddenly I felt her hand on my thigh, searching for my hand. I put my hand out for her and she held it. Automatic cars are useful as it allow her to drive with one hand, even though it is definitely not recommended by the traffic police.
Feeling ecstatic, I felt the warmth in my heart, just holding onto her hands.
Soon we arrived at the carpark under my block. With just a peck from her on my cheek, I made my way home.
Later, she texted me that she is home safely.
Thursday
Kym came into the office early in the morning, collected the contract, and did not appear in the office after that. She texted me that she wasn’t feeling too well as she had her dinner too late last night. But she assured me that she’ll be fine for the trip.
Just 2 more days to go. On one hand, I am looking forward to the trip. On the other, I wondered if Jess will be able to save me.
Friday
Jess text me to say that she will be seeing me in Phuket when I was on the train. I was surprised as she did not let me in to this plan of hers as I was literally left to fend for myself alone for today.
Me msg: So what’s the plan?
Jess msg: Nothing much. Don’t worry. It’ll be fine.
Me msg: I am afraid
Jess msg: don’t be. Just be natural. You are supposed to help Jim. Go ahead with his plan.
Me msg: But if something happened to you then he will get Lynn.
Jess msg: I already told you not to worry. I got to go. See you.
I quickly called her back, but she had switched off her phone. I wondered if anything bad will happen.
After I left the packed train, I made my way to office. I did not get breakfast for Lynn or myself. Grumpily, I sat in my cubicle, looking across the aisle at Jess empty seat and wondering what plan she had installed to save me.
As I sat there day dreaming, the rest of the office started streaming in and my day started.
I should be happy that I am going to get Kym and Jess is going to save my butt, but I am not. Not when Lynn’s at stake.
As lunch time approached, 2 train of thoughts came into my mind simultaneously. Lin had not looked for me since the day she met Lynn. This was puzzling to me, but I was unable to think about it further because at the same instance, I realized that I was too preoccupied thinking about what Jess’s plan was that I did not noticed Kym was not in the office today. I was thinking if I should check if she had recovered.
Just then, Kym text me.
Kym msg: Are you in office?
Me msg: yah. How are you feeling? Better?
Kym msg: I am still feeling weak but better.
Me msg: you sure you want to go tomorrow?
Kym msg: I did considered not to. But it’s a promise to you.
Me msg: ok. but if you are not feeling well, we can skip this trip.
Kym msg: I am fine.
Another text came in. Jim.
Jim msg: I need to talk to you.
I wondered how I should reply him. I put myself into Jess’s shoes and tried to will myself to think like she would.
Me msg: when?
Jim msg: now.
Me msg: I am working.
Jim msg: take the remaining of the day off. Tell her.
I thought about it before I replying.
Me msg: can I take the rest of the day off? I want to get some things for the trip.
Kym msg: ok. remember to have your lunch. I am going to have mine now and then the medicine before resting.
Me msg: ok. Rest well.
Kym msg: see you tomorrow.
Me msg: see you.
I opened up the other window in my chat.
Me msg: ok.
Jim msg: I’ll pick you in 10mins.
I did not look forward to meeting Jim. But with “my balls in his hands”, I have no choice. He called me when he arrived.
Jim : I am here.
Me: ok. 10mins.
With that, I hung up. Even though I did not had anything to do, I loitered around the office doing nothing and just walking around, looking at the cubicles, the pantry, the copier that I am so familiar with, the fax machine. I will be away from this afternoon and the trip will be tomorrow. This could be the last 10mins I ever set foot in this office again.
Finally, after 15mins, I slowly made my way down. His car was parked right at the lobby, as if he owns the lobby. He is absolutely inconsiderate and I really wondered what Kym sees in him in the very first place. Reluctantly, I grimaced as I put my hand on the handle of the car, grimacing as I touched the repulsive cold metal feel. It is not the car, but it is owned by Jim that made it repulsive.
As the car door opened, he barked his usual.
Jim: Don’t dirty my car. make sure your shoes are free from soil.
I ignored him and got into the passenger seat. With a screeched of the tires, he sped off even before I had time to pull the safety belt. He laughed at my annoyed look. He went into the PIE and started talking
Jim: so, tomorrow is the trip. Let me tell you my plan.
He started filling me up with the disgusting details on how he plan to trap my sister.
His so called plan was to get to a pub, have some drinks first, then buy more liquor back to the room. We were to get Lynn drunk first, and then Kym. I was then to bring Kym to my room and he could get on with Lynn.
After he finished, I wondered how this was called even a plan. It sounded so primitive to me, but I held my tongue, not wanting to encourage or discourage him, in case that he thought of something more detailed. I remembered that Jess told me to act normal.
Me: so what do we do in the day?
Jim: we go enjoy ourselves. haha….
Me: when do you intend it to take place?
Jim: of course the first day! what do you expect?! stupid.
He turned off the expressway at Kallang and suddenly stop by the side of the road amongst the industrial buildings.
Jim: ok. Now get off.
Me: at least get me to a bus stop.
Jim: I am not your chauffeur. Get lost now.
I quickly opened up the door, not willing to spend more time in an enclosed area with him and made my way to the curb. He sped off once again.
Thinking about what he just told me, I text Jess. Not sure if she would see it as there was no reply. I walked 15mins to the main road and caught a bus home.
Arriving home, I took my time to pack my stuffs. Lynn was not around. I text her and she said she is getting some stuffs for the trip tomorrow.
After I finished, I laid down in bed thinking about Jim’s crude plan. Something doesn’t feel right. The plan was too simple to begin with, but I could not place it. Finally, I text Jess about what Jim had told me. She did not reply to my messages.
I was not too worried as I had faith in her. Perhaps a little too much faith. Everything is in limbo now. I have no idea what Jess is planning, whether will it be smooth sailing or will it crash and burn.
I drifted off to sleep.
It was during dinner time that I heard the knock on my bedroom’s door. It jolted me out of my sleep. With my head still cloudy, I went over and open it. Lynn had came back with dinner and asked me to have mine. She had already eaten
Lynn: have you packed?
Me: errm… yes….
Lynn: ok…. Anyway, my friends are staying over tonight.
Rubbing my eyes, I saw 2 of Lynn’s friends coming out from our kitchen. They were not any good looking girl. Just normal ladies who would not even make head turn if they were to wear skimpily. One was short and stout. The other was thin, almost frail looking.
Lynn introduced them. The stout one was called Meg and the frail looking one was call Ann.
Lynn: they stay in the West. And because of the morning flight, our place is nearer to the airport and more convenient for them.
I just nodded and have my dinner.
Lynn: clean up after you finish and sleep early.
Once again I nodded and the girls retreated into Lynn’s room. My mum was again not around. It must had been a few weeks since I last saw her. I doubt she is interested to know that we are going for a trip.
After finishing, I went back into my room. Thinking of Lin, I looked out at my window, trying to see if she was at home. Her windows were closed and only darkness greeted me. Seemed like no one was at home.
The sleep demon had not left me and soon, my eyelids felt heavy again. I set my alarm and text Lin.
Me msg: I’ll be on a trip tomorrow. Take care.
She did not reply, and soon, I fell asleep once more.
Saturday
Finally, the day arrived. I was awaken by a knock on my door. Lynn was knocking frantically as I opened it with a pillow covering my groin.
Lynn: Hey lazyhead. time to wake up!
I mumbled something and close the door again, with her reminding me loudly outside the room. I had already prepared my luggage the day before, just a haversack with some clothing and toiletries. Nothing impressive as it was just a trip for a few days and also with the multiple endings that I could suffer.
Moving a little faster, I went to wash up and changed. When I was out, the girls were done almost at the same instance. They were all in tank tops and shorts, but obviously my sister was the outstanding one and I did not even bother to scrutinize any of them. Committing incest is just not my cup of tea.
Meg: you are fast!
Lynn: let’s stop talking. Ann can you call a cab while we are on the way down?
Ann nodded. Lynn shouted out loud.
Lynn: Mum, we are going off now. Take care.
Mum: ok. take care of your brother.
I was surprised as I did not know that my mum was home. Her room door was closed and I assume that she was again on a gambling trip. Even though she replied, she did not even bother to appear to bid us farewell. Perhaps this was the last time that she would hear my voice.
Me: mum, bye.
She did not reply. Either she did not hear me or cannot be bothered.
Lynn: ok… enough…. go….
The girls file out of the house. I followed suit and Lynn closed the door. Ann put her phone down.
Ann: The cab is on its way.
Lynn: good.
She was chasing us and suddenly, she felt like an aunty to me. nagging, chasing, and basically overseeing everything. She was seldom like this. I guessed she was excited about the trip.
The lift arrived and we made our way down. The cab was already here. I looked up the opposite block, Lin’s window was closed. I did not know if she was sleeping or not at home.
Lynn bundle us into the cab, with me in the front seat. Finally, we were on the way to the airport.
Lynn: Good we are on time.
Meg: where’s your friends?
Lynn: they are on the way to the airport as well.
I looked at my phone. There was no messages from anyone.
The cab journey did not take too long and we arrived about 6am at the terminal. The airport was already crowded with holiday makers and business travelers. Our party walked to the check-in counter and we waited. There was already a small queue at the counter as the staffs started to walk in lazily to their booth.
Both Jim and Kym had not arrived.
Lynn: where are they? Will we be late?
Meg: don’t worry. we are still early.
Ann: They’ll be here.
We waited for another 10mins, and finally, we saw Jim from a distance. Alone.
He was wearing beach shorts and a singlet as he walked smugly towards us. I looked around behind him, but Kym was not in sight.
Jim: good morning. Sorry I was late.
He was addressing to Lynn directly.
Lynn: where’s Kym?
Jim: hmm… she should be here soon.
Lynn: I thought you went to pick her?
Jim: Nope. I did not drive. She told me she was on her way. Anyway, she stays nearby.
Lynn frowned and took out her phone, ignoring him. I could guess that she was calling Kym.
Jim: ai yah. don’t worry lah. She’ll be here. She is the one asking me for the trip.
He said it as if it was the truth. I knew better.
The called got through and Lynn turned away from our group. Jim just said a word of HI to the 2 girls, showing absolutely no interest in them and walked towards Lynn. He did not even acknowledged my presence so far, but I wasn’t too bothered.
As far as I could tell, he was obsessed with Lynn.
The 2 girls started to chat with each other and I continued to scout the vicinity for Kym.
As I turn my head, I thought I spotted a familiar person. She was near the escalators going up to the restaurants in the building, and she was on the phone. I looked back at the party and each of them were busy with some things. So they did not noticed Kym. I told them that I was going to the toilet, and Ann just nodded her head and continued chatting with Meg in excited tones.
I left the party and walked towards Kym. Her back was facing me. As I walked towards her, I thought about it. She had obviously seen us and was looking at us from her location. In fact, spying on us.
I realized that there was a high chance that she was in 2 minds to go for the trip.
Finally, I covered the distance between us and she was just hanging up the call.
Me: good morning.
She jumped a little when she heard my voice and slowly turn around to face me.
Kym: oh… hi…. I…. errrmmm…. I….. just arrived.
Me: If you change your mind to go, it’s not too late.
Kym: who says so…..
Me: you told me not to lie. Right?
Kym: errrmm… yah….
Me: ok. good.
I repeated my suggestion.
Kym: no… I am good to go…
Me: you sure?
Kym: YES! Let’s go. or they’ll start to think about us.
With that, she took off towards the direction of the party. I followed behind, scrutinizing her sexy butt in those tiny shorts.
As we neared the group, Lynn saw us first. Her face showed surprise, but she quickly caught herself, took a quick glance at me. I know what it means from her glance. She wanted answers from me later.
With a quick move, she grabbed onto Kym’s arm and pulled her towards the counter.
Lynn: finally. quick let’s go.
The rest of us caught up. As we approached the end of the queue, Jim walked swiftly in front and was the first to the end of queue.
Jim: I’ll queue here. Give me all your passport. You can go grab some breakfast. I want a egg and sausage muffin.
His hand came up and push the cash towards me.
Jim: Sam, bring them to get breakfast. There’s nothing to eat in the plane.
I hesitated for a moment, thinking what his plan was.
Jim: go on….. and pass me your passports.
With that, I took the notes from him and gave him my passport. the rest of the group did so and we left him alone in the queue.
-——————————————————————-
After we had done with our breakfast, we went up to the counter again. Jim was waiting with us, with the boarding passes. He handed the passports back to us. I realized his plan then.
Before anyone could look at their seating arrangements, he ushered us to the security counter and got us to immigration. As we were only going for a short trip, none of us had any items to check in and each of us had a haversack behind us. Jim did not offered to carry Kym’s and there is no reason for me to offer to carry anyone’s.
After much rushing, we finally got to the gate and sat down in the holding area. The 4 girls had already acquainted themselves during breakfast and were happily chatting with each other. I did not try to join in their conversation, but Jim was trying to. He might be better off trying to break down the great wall of China.
The call was made and we were to board the plane. As we walk down the aisle, the girls suddenly realized that the plane was a 3 by 3 sitting arrangement. Ann and Meg occupy one row, Jim and Kym another. Leaving me and Lynn as the solo ones.
Obviously, Jim plan was to make Lynn sit besides him, with Kym flanking on the other. Lynn was not having any of it and insisted that she wanted to sit with Ann and Meg. Jim was trying to convince her that she cannot change her seats in an airplane. As they debated, a queue was forming up behind us.
The steward came over, checking out on our commotion and requested politely for them to allow the other passengers to board first. Finally when everyone was seated, the steward came back again. The 2 of them was still debating, not very fiercely. But it was obvious that Lynn wanted to seat with her friends and not because she realized Jim’s plan.
The steward came to me and asked if I was willing to swap my seats with Lynn. Before I agreed, I saw a brief stared that Jim gave me. Before I can shake my head, Lynn threatened me the need to change seats with her. I was literally stuck.
Luckily this was solved by Kym, who ultimately spoke.
Kym: Sam, please change seats with your sis. You take the window seat here. Don’t let these 2 continue making a commotion. It’s disgraceful.
She shot them each a look. Lynn looked embarrassed and Jim looked unhappy. As such, I got up, went to the row in front and squeezed into the window seat. Kym sat in the middle and Jim sat grumpily along the aisle. Lynn was happy as she took the aisle seat behind, together with Ann and Meg.
Lynn: thanks Kym. It’s not that I don’t want to sit with you, but you know, the 2 girls….
Kym: ok babe…. don’t worry. I understand….. shhhsssss…..
She winked at Lynn. I wasn’t sure if she knows Jim was unhappy about it.
The plane took off.
If you expect to have some happenings on board the flight, I have to disappoint you. Unfortunately there were none. I sat quietly in the window seat. Kym took out her eyes mask and proceeded to sleep as the plane took off. Jim did not even attempt to speak to her and he just closed his eyes and crossed his hands. The 3 girls behind were chatting happily like teenagers going for their maiden trip, but not too loudly to cause a nuisance to others.
A couple of hours later, we arrived at Phuket.
There was a pick up provided by the hotel and all of us bundled into it. Kym joined into the conversation with the other 3 girls, leaving Jim and me alone. I decided that I would be better off keeping quiet rather than speaking to him.
Soon, we arrived at our hotel. It was near the beach, not on it. The small street running parallel to the beach separated the resort from it. The entrance of surrounded by luscious greenery and the mini bus dropped us at the entrance.
Again Jim proceed to collect our passports for the check-in. However, this time, Kym was having none of it, considering the mess he made for the flight.
Kym: no. hand me your passports. Don’t pass it to him. He’ll mess it up again.
I could tell that she was giving a dirty look at Jim from the back of her shades as she said that. Jim passed her all the passports and she walked over to the counter. I stared at her swaying hips as she walked to the counter briefly so as not to be noticed by the others.
I realized that Anne, Meg and Lynn were too engrossed with each other to notice, and Jim was mighty unhappy with Kym. I watched him and wondered if he could be planning something to hurt Kym, given that she had foiled his attempts twice. However, I could not read his thoughts.
Suddenly, I wondered if Jess was staying in the same hotel. The trip was starting to get too intense for me to handle.