As I went through what I had in mind with Victor, he only had one thing to say.
Victor : You got to be shitting me…..
James : think about it… it might work… we’re meeting on neutral ground after all…..even after they are trick………. There is no winner or loser….
Victor kept silent for a while before adding that he would make a decision after seeing what I had come up with.
James : I’ll send it to you tonight.
Stephanie had come out of the balcony by then and stepped onto the balcony with me.
Stephanie :What is it ? Who called ?
James : I called Victor …
Stephanie : WHAT !!
James : Relax…. Calm down….
I updated Stephanie about what I told Victor, and that he already guessed we would be in Hong Kong, there was nowhere else we could go.
I snuck a look over Stephanie’s shoulders and told her I had a plan, to get Amelia and Marcus to meet. Her eyes brightened instantly and she tugged on my shirt, asking me to share with her what I had in mind.
Stephanie : You got to be shitting me……
James : I’m not…I’m serious….
Stephanie said the same thing as her brother did.
Stephanie : let’s see what you come up with first then….
Amelia came out of the shower shortly after and she asked where were we staying. Stephanie told her about the hotel in Jordan and she said we shouldn’t have wasted money.
Amelia told her helper to clean up the guest room instead but Stephanie declined, adding that we don’t want to impose on her.
Amelia : What rubbish…. You’re my grand daughter…. I haven seen you in ages…. I’m demanding you spend time with me since you’re already here… haha…
Stephanie smile and said we don’t have plans and if she would like to have us around, we would definitely obliged.
Amelia laughed and added coyly.
Amelia : Just a word in advance though, don’t try to change my mind on certain things…. You know I won’t budge.
Stephanie put her hands on Amelia shoulders and said she understand.
Stephanie : Come… I help you make soup… I remember last time I helped to put ingredients into the pot….
Amelia : Putting ingredients is hardly…..
As her voice trailed off into the kitchen, I quickly sprung into action. Taking my phone, I quickly went to the family photo wall and started taking photos. There were some I saw that I knew would come in handy and I took a few high res photos of the pictures, focusing on both the words and the photo.
Eventually I chose one of Amelia and Marcus taken at the restaurant the family ate.
Once I was done, I check through to make sure the shots were clear enough.
Next, I went into the kitchen and waited for an opportunity.
Once the girls were done preparing the ingredients for dinner, we adjourned to the living room and I casually strolled to the picture wall. I loitered there for a moment before Stephanie joined me.
Amelia naturally came over as well as the reminiscence the good old days.
I pointed to the photo where the family dined in every year and asked where was that restaurant.
Amelia : It’s in Macau…
James : Looks nice…
Turning to Stephanie I asked if she wanted to go there.
She thought about it for a moment before asking if Amelia would like to go along.
Stephanie : Ah ma… you want to go ?? We’re not familiar with the place….take it as a day trip ?
Amelia thought about it for a moment and agreed to act as our tour guide to Macau for the weekend.
She went on to give us a brief history of that restaurant and that she still visits it several times a year just that the food don’t taste as good since you don’t get to share them.
Amelia : Let’s go on Friday, Saturday would be really packed…and I already have an appointment tomorrow during lunch…
Stephanie agreed and I mentally worked out how much time I have left.
We went through old photo albums, talked about times when the siblings were young and Amelia even brought out some old clothes Stephanie left at her place many years ago.
Stephanie : Oh my god…!! I was looking for that sweater for the longest time…. Always thought I lost it… hahah… so it’s here….
Stephanie then started taking pictures with Amelia, trying to recreate pose from eons ago including one with her sitting on her grandmother’s lap. I helped to take a few photos for them before I excused myself to the bathroom while Stephanie showed Amelia what phones can do these days.
When I came out of the bathroom, Amelia as laughing at the various apps that could distort people’s faces and edit out wrinkles. She herself was still using a old nokia phone.
Amelia : Who would have thought to put all these things inside a phone…. Hahah ?
I could not help but smile as I watch Amelia get acquainted with the latest technology.
Her bookshelves were filled with books, novels, journals & biographies. It must get pretty lonely at times especially when you have no young people in the house to interact with.
Suddenly I pictured myself growing old.
Would I have a grandchild showing me stuff that would seemed like something out of a science fiction movie today ?
Perhaps by then people no longer carried mobile devices around anymore.
6pm
We had a nice sumptuous dinner at 6pm and we left Amelia’s place at 8pm.
It was already 9pm by the time we stepped into our room.
I immediately borrowed Stephanie’s laptop and powered it up.
After I transferred all the photos into the computer, I powered up the photo editing program.
I cropped out and edited all the words Amelia wrote.
The ink colours were all different, some had faded with age but I ignored them for now.
I cropped out Marcus and Amelia’s name. I cropped out the name of the restaurant.
I cropped out ‘lunch’ , ‘we’ ‘together’ .
I needed ‘meet’ but there was none.
The closest one I could get is ‘meat’ , extracted from one picture where the family gathered around a large turkey and a variety of other meats for Christmas.
I edited and remove the ‘a’, and I duplicated the ‘e’
After an hour, I showed Stephanie what I did.
I managed to piece together a message written in Amelia’s hand writing.
“ Marcus, Shall we meet for lunch together at Fernandos ? “
Amelia.
Stephanie : Holy shit… like that also can ah… but the sizes and colour all different…
I spend another 40 minutes, adjusting and touching up the message and by 11pm, I was ready to send
Stephanie : Do you think it will work ? Looks really good…
James : I don’t know. … it’s worth a shot.
I had superimposed the words onto a photo of Stephanie and Amelia.
I sent it to Victor and barely 30 seconds passed when my phone rang.
It was TJ
I picked it up and it was Victor on the line.
Victor : What the fuck man ?…. you got to be kidding me…
James : It’s worth a shot…. At least we’re doing something…
Victor : You think Marcus would buy this ??? What am I suppose to do….just bring this to him with no apparent reason at all and stuck it in his face ?? What if he calls Amelia ?
James : Has he called or contacted her all these years ??
Victor fell silent
James : There’s not need to hide anything Victor… just tell him the truth….. The spot he put Stephanie in….. he spooked her out…. She’s a little girl….she’s scared…. She ran….
I paused and caught my breath before I went on.
James ; Stephanie went to the only place she could…. Amelia’s…. I mean where else can she go to ??
I could literally hear Victor thinking about what I just said.
Victor : Did you get Amelia to write this ?
James : No… I photoshopped it…. It’s not the best work but to fool a old stubborn man in his 70s, it’s more than enough.
Victor : What if he doesn’t buy it ?
James : At least we tried….. but I think he will bite….Stubborn people are all the same….they melt faster than the rest when you hit their soft spot.
I told Victor the date and time and he cursed again before adding that he’s not sure if Marcus would be up for the trip.
James : Victor I’ve know you for only a few months, but so far there is nothing you can’t do once you set your mind to it…
Victor laughed
Victor : Haha… I can’t stop my sister from running away with you.. . … I’ll take care of Marcus…. you make sure Amelia turns up…
James : Ok… see you..
I hung up and I had a shock when I turned around and saw Stephanie only in her bra and panty on the bed.
James : Wah!… what’s wrong with you…
Stephanie : The little girl…. Is scared….~~ save me…
She did a dramatic fling of her hair before lying back down on the bed.
I laughed and went for my shower.
After my shower, I punished a scared little girl and reminded her to go get the pill.
Grabbing tightly onto Stephanie’s body, I emptied myself again into her as I kissed her breast and stroked her sweaty back.
As we panted on the bed in the dingy room Stephanie added.
Stephanie : still shoot inside…… pant… pant… you want to die ah…. Pant… pant…
James : Aiyah… already shoot twice already… once more no harm…
21th Feburary 2013
Thursday
7.30am
We met Amelia for dim sum at a restaurant before she left us alone to explore hong kong.
It was a city Stephanie had visited so many times that we ended up chilling at cafes, visiting book stores and supermarkets.
I was not really in the mood for holiday shopping.
I had more pressing matters in my mind, the first of which was how do I tell Amelia that Marcus would be joining for lunch.
What if she did not take the news too well ?
I discussed it in depth with Stephanie and she too was worried how Amelia might take it.
James : Well, we’ll tell her when we’re there then. It’ll be too late to do anything by then.
1.30pm
Right after we finished our lunch, Victor text me to say that we’re a go.
He’ll see me and Stephanie the next day in Macau for lunch.
Stephanie got the pill from the pharmacy and once we were back in the room, I unloaded another 2 more times inside her.
Stephanie : Ehh…. Use condom la… very gao wei leh…. Keep dripping out throughout the day…
She complained that she had to wear a panty liner just so it doesn’t stain her underwear.
I nodded in exhaustion and I agreed.
Yes, in that state, I would agree to anything.
22th Feburary 2013
Friday
6.30am
We met at the ferry terminal and boarded a ride over to Macau.
I did not expect to see so many people so early in the morning, it’s almost like the peak hour crowd waiting for the train.
9am
After alighting in Macau, we took a free shuttle to Venetian Macau and visited the casino.
It felt good being able to enter without paying 100 even though we did not gamble.
We had coffee, took some pictures before we went to the ruins of St paul.
By 11.30am , we boarded a cab to the restaurant called Fernando’s
It’s located by a beach and I had done my research, even to the extent of checking it out on google map.
There is this rustic quiet charm about the place as we pulled up to the entrance after driving along some winding hilly road.
My heart was beating pretty fast as I tried to think of the words I could use to tell Amelia what we had done. I could see Stephanie was feeling pretty nervous too.
The moment we paid the cab driver and got out of the car I went up to Amelia.
James : Amelia…. Ermm… I have something to tell you…
Amelia : Yes ?
James : Marcus….. would be joining us for lunch…
She turned and looked at me while Stephanie held onto my arm.
It took her a while to digest the news and she kept quiet, making me feel even more nerve wrecking as she stared at the both of us.
Amelia : how did you manage to invite him ?
James : It wasn’t exactly an invite…. More of a… you could say… trick ?
Stephanie came clean on what we did and after listening to what we had done, Amelia asked to look at the photo.
She burst out laughing as she examined what we had done.
Amelia : Well… well…. Haha…
We were still a little apprehensive, not knowing if she was truly ok but she reassured us she’s fine.
Amelia : You did not trick me here…. We came here for lunch…. Marcus was the one you tricked….. hahha… though I have to say…. I’m surprised he agreed to come on such short notice…
Stephanie : Well…. Victor is with Marcus…. he always has a plan….
Amelia laughed and we took some photos of us outside the restaurant.
Right when we were about to head in, we saw a limousine coming down the road a distance away.
Something made us stopped and waited.
I don’t know why but something feels off about this.
Call it a 6th sense or maybe I’m just worrying myself for nothing.
Still, I could not help being a little worried.
Even if we managed to get Marcus and Amelia down at the same table, there was no telling where the discussion was headed or if the matter could be resolved.
As the car pulled up, TJ was the first off the passenger seat.
He opened the door for Marcus and all of us watched at the patriarch of the family slowly got out of the vehicle.
Victor alighted from the other side.
Another car pulled up shortly behind the black limo.
The same man I saw helping Marcus in his house got out together with another woman.
The salty sea breeze hit us gently as the group approached us.
Marcus walked slow but steady enough.
When Amelia and Marcus was finally in front of each other, they spent a good 5 seconds looking at each other before embracing for a hug.
I could see Stephanie breaking out into a smile as she squeezed my hand.
They did not speak to each other though even after they separated their bodies.
A 3rd car pulled up behind the convoy and all eyes turned towards it.
I could hear a gasp escape from Stephanie’s lips as she let go of my hand and brought it to her mouth.
Getting out of the car was this bulky frame I recognised.
There was no mistake about it.
It was Matthew.
I recognised one of the guys that he ordered around in the car too but he stayed where we was, choosing to light up a cigarette.
He walked towards everyone in his cock sure attitude , removing his sunglasses only when he was near.
Matthew : Hello !!! Everybody …..
I could not believe what I was seeing.
Marcus : Shall we ??
Stephanie glared at Matthew before turning away and went to Amelia’s side, entering the restaurant together.
I was still dealing with the shock and I forced myself to move but I can’t.
The whole group walked on in leaving only Victor, TJ and me outside the small arch entrance.
James ; Why is Matthew here ?? Did he find us ??
Victor shook his head.
James : Why is he here ?
Victor removed his shades too and looked at me.
Victor : The invite alone was not enough to get Marcus here…..
James : What ! ?
Victor : I told Marcus Stephanie is marrying Matthew….
A gust of cold air escaped from my breath as I looked at Victor in disbelief.
James : You must be joking….
Victor : my role was to get Marcus here…… and I did it…
I could not believe what I was hearing.
Victor : Marcus was the one who informed Matthew.
I turned and walked right into the restaurant.
I saw the table that was reserved for the group and I was about to head over when Stephanie shook her head at me.
Marcus : This table…. Is for family only….
Amelia rolled her eyes at him but said nothing.
Amelia, Marcus, Victor and Stephanie took their seat on a rectangle table while the rest of us had to contend with the table on the side.
Matthew threw away his cigarette outside in the courtyard and walked right in, sitting himself on the same table as the family.
There was this unmeasurable tension in the restaurant. We shared the same dining hall with the typical lunch crowd but I could still feel this weird cold draught creeping up at me.
No one spoke at the main table.
TJ looked at Victor as he sat down.
The 2 helper that came with Marcus never took their eyes of him .
I kept my eyes peeled on Stephanie who was looking really uncomfortable.
I looked outside the window and saw the man that Matthew came with positioned outside.
There was still one more seat at the table of 6 .
I heard the click of heels on the concrete floor approaching and I had this sick dreaded feeling in my stomach that was slowly working it’s way up to my throat.
My gut dropped to the floor when Ruhui walked in as well.
She went straight to the table and sat down, crossing her leg with her back towards me.
Marcus asked for the menu and ordered, telling the staff that my table would be having whatever they had as well.
Amelia and Marcus looked at each other for the longest time before Amelia broke the silence.
Amelia : Are you here for the lunch Marcus ?
Marcus sipped his water but he kept quiet.
When he finally replied, what he said silenced everyone.
Marcus : I am here…. To invite you….. to your grand daughter’s wedding…
I could see tears welling up in Stephanie’s eyes.
Amelia : Must …….we do this here ?
Marcus ignored Amelia and helped himself to the warm bread that was served.
Matthew : So! …. It’s done then ?? I’m marrying Stephanie ? hahaha
Matthew turned to Stephanie and added.
Matthew : You are getting prettier every time I see you.
Matthew looked at Stephanie with a smirk that would guarantee him a punch in many places on earth.
Stephanie looked at Amelia, her eyes screaming for help silently.
Amelia : After what you’ve done to Victor… is that not enough ?
Marcus : Victor did what he did….. because it was the right thing to do…
Ruhui folded her arms, I wondered what it was like sitting next to the person who raped her only a few days ago.
Amelia : You are a fool Marcus !….. you’re a fool….
Marcus : Let’s eat.
Matthew shook his leg in a barbaric manner as he tore into the bread, he leered at Stephanie in an obvious manner, it was meant to irate her, to infuriate her. He knew there was nothing she could do.
My blood boiled as I watch him looked at Stephanie’s breast, tracing her neck, her jawline up to her facial features.
He dipped a piece of bread lazily into a dish of olive oil, eating it in a disgusting and haughty manner.
Food was served.
No one touched anything except Marcus and Matthew.
Amelia glared angrily at Marcus .
I had a feeling of desperation in me. I wanted to jump up on the chair and announce to the whole world that I have Matthew’s dirt, but what good would it do.
Amelia broke the silence
Amelia : This is enough…. This is as far as it goes…No decent man would force his granddaughter to marry someone she does not love…
Marcus laughed.
Marcus : I’m not forcing her…. Stephanie agrees to it…. Am I wrong ?
I could see Stephanie trying to hold back her tears finding it difficult to speak.
Marcus took a bite of his food and added.
Marcus : Your…. Mother….is on her way back too…. To attend your wedding…. Together with your father…
I choke on my breath as I turned at looked at Victor.
I was about to stand up when I felt TJ hitting down on the back of my hand.
Turning to him, he whispered softly that Matthew passed on the information about their mother to Marcus.
TJ : There was nothing Victor could do … not against Marcus and his father.
James : Then…….
TJ : We only found out this morning when Sarah told us about it….she too was not aware of it…
I saw the 1st drop of tear roll down Stephanie’s cheek but she kept her expression hard and unchanging.
Amelia : It’s been so many years Marcus…. when would you wise up ? You don’t have the right to do this …
Amelia : This is the very reason I left you …. You think you have the right to everyone’s live !
Amelia : Stephanie……. is not marrying….. anyone …that is not of her own choosing….
Marcus calmly replied that there was no need to get worked up about this.
Marcus : I love you Amelia…. I really want to have a nice lunch with you…. But this is much bigger than a simple lunch….we’re talking about….
Marcus was cut off before he could finish.
Amelia stood up and what she did made everyone on my table stand up as well.
I had a shock too as I watch Amelia grabbed Marcus by his shirt pulling him close to her face.
Marcus dropped his utensils as he too grappled with the forceful pull of his wife’s hands.
The commotion caught the attention of the staff and neighbouring tables.
Someone came over immediately but Victor attended to him, saying it was a misunderstanding.
Amelia : I won’t allow you to do this….
Marcus : The choice is not yours to make….
Marcus broke free and turned to Stephanie whose cheeks was streak with tears.
Matthew’s phone rang and he laughed and pushed it along the table to Marcus.
Matthew : Aiyoh Marcus…. I told you Singapore not enough beds and wards…. You don’t believe me….see la….. KNN… sia suay. Ah….. your daughter in law…
Matthew went on a tirade about how ill equipped Singapore was for the aging population.
I watched as Stephanie took a look at the photo and more tears streaked down from her eyes, wetting her cheeks.
I got closer and I saw it was a picture of Stephanie’s mother being parked along the corridor of some community hospital.
Victor’s hands were clenched tightly into a ball of fist but he said nothing.
Matthew : eh… you want to bring her back one hor… you better do something ah…send her to private healthcare la for god sake….i pay la… I pay la…. My future mother in law…
Marcus slammed the table with his palms and Matthew shut up immediately.
I could hear the Staff telling Victor that they would need to ask us to leave if we don’t settle down properly, we’re disturbing the other guest.
Marcus : Shut the fuck up….
Ruhui threw a box onto the table as if it was some trash.
Ruhui : It’s 1.7 carat…. I got it off some boutique in Venetian….
Matthew asked Stephanie in such a casual manner as if he was asking some street meat how much it would be to spend the night.
Matthew : Ok… how… will you marry me.. ?? haha ….
Amelia turned to Stephanie and held her hand.
Amelia : Don’t bother about them…. Let’s go…
Amelia tried to move but Stephanie remained standing, hard and unmoving as a rock.
Amelia : Stephanie ….let’s go…. Marcus is becoming senile…. No use reasoning with people like him…
Stephanie could not hold it in anymore as her eyes closed, and more droplet of salty tears fell from her eyes.
I could see Victor almost shaking where he stood but he did not do anything.
With a sniff of her nose, Stephanie picked up the box, opened it and held up the ring.
She glared angrily at Marcus and threw the box onto the table.
Matthew sniggered, got up and walked over to Stephanie.
Without a word, he took the ring from her and put it onto her ring finger.
Matthew : There…. Done.. I’ll see you back in Singapore dear… hahaha…
With that, Ruhui and Matthew left.
Stephanie glared at Marcus.
Stephanie : I hope you’re happy now….
I could see Matthew doing a mock clap as he grinned in a disgusting manner as he exited the restaurant.
My legs felt soft, weak and my heart was failing to deliver enough blood to my organs.
Marcus wiped his mouth with the napkin and turned to Amelia.
Marcus : See you at the wedding……
The man that came with Marcus settled the bill and the group left.
10 minutes later, only Amelia , Stephanie and I remained standing at the entrance of the restaurant.
Once all the cars drove off, Stephanie’s legs gave way and she collapsed onto me, crying her heart out.
Amelia helped to pull Stephanie up.
Stephanie tried to pull the ring out of her hand and she threw it onto the road.
In a stern voice, Amelia asked me to quickly grab the ring.
Amelia : Go take it back… quick.
I did as I was told and quickly got back to Stephanie’s side.
James : It’s ok dear… I’m sure we can think of something…
Amelia took a deep breath as she tried to calm herself down.
Amelia : We’ll sell the ring for cash…it’ll come in handy….
James : What ? ??
Amelia called back to her place and asked her helper to pack her bag and prepare her travel documents.
Amelia : I’ve had enough of this… being pushed around by Marcus…
We got into a cab and Stephanie calmed down a little. As if taking off the ring lifted off some curse.
Stephanie : Sob…. Sob…Where….. are we ….sob…..going ?
Amelia : Home…..
She turned and I could see this glint in her eyes.
Amelia : And… we are going to push back. ……….
On board the ferry back to Hong kong, Amelia made another call.
Amelia : It’s me…. I’m coming back tonight….
That was all she said and she hung up.
Everything happened in a blur, we boarded a flight late in the evening, close to 8pm.
We arrived and got out of immigration at close to 1am in the morning.
As we got out into the arrival hall, I saw a familiar figure at waiting for us.
Muthu.
He nodded slightly at Amelia and offered to take her bag despite having only 1 good arm. Amelia did not reject his offer.
5 meters away, Ah Yee came up to us, guiding us to a waiting car.
As I got into the 7 seater MPV, I almost squeezed my pee out as I did a double take and looked at the driver.
It was Rex.
The guy who was supposedly working for Ruhui.
With the cold commanding voice of a family patriarch finally deciding to come into the fight, the first words Amelia said upon landing in Singapore was ;
Amelia : Let’s go.
…………………………………
Quote:
Originally Posted by
decepticon73
Walaue ….bro ilock…. Hv u tried selling to mediacorp???? Maybe Will be top drama series…. Who do u think shld be stephanie??? 😁😁😁
This kind of stuff SG TV cannot show.
Maybe in a couple more decades when they decide to do some adult only channel.
About time they consider that to boost birthrate. haha.
I’m not up to date with local artistes since i hardly watch TV. I’m sure everyone has a picture of ‘Stephanie’ in their mind while reading. Maybe better that artistes in the industry ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Alexxander
I cant believe I am addicted to this story instead of some erotica!
Keep it up!
*Wondering how many more episodes to go… Hope it will be like those Taiwanese never ending drama series!
Won’t be taiwan drama length lol. It should end by coming Friday or earlier depending on the last bit of editing.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
godsfury
Hopefully you have more stories for us? Really love reading your stories. How abt making a book on short erotic stories!
Will be working on something else when MLFTSV ends but probably not so soon.
I started on this last year. Takes a while to get all the drafts in order especially i only have weekends to work on them.
Thank you for the support. i’m glad you enjoyed the read.
There was this feeling of unease in the car as no one spoke. I wanted to ask where were we headed but Amelia’s eyes were closed, it seemed as if she was taking a nap or something.
At her age, the amount of travelling she did on that day alone would surely tire her out.
I found out soon that Amelia was deep in thought.
Every once in a while when she thought of something, she would whisper it softly to Ah Yee. Sometimes she replied with a nod, sometimes she would tapped away on her phone.
We exited the expressway and I realised we were headed towards Simpang Bedok.
Inside one of the drive ways, Rex slowed down and parked in front of a semi D.
By the time everyone got inside, it was close to 2.30am
There was another helper in the house, this lady in her forties. Amelia told everyone to go and get some rest.
The helper gave Rex a cup of coffee as he settled down on the couch in the living room without a word. He never stopped messaging on his phone the moment he sat down.
Muthu and Ah Yee left the house after speaking in private with Amelia.
With the guest room prepared, Stephanie and I fell into a deep sleep.
7am
We got out of the room, still in the same clothes we travelled in. Stephanie and I were actually up at 6am but we spent the time in each other’s arms, talking about what would happen.
She was very worried about her mother but I told her since she had agreed to the marriage, Victor should be able to do something about it.
James : He would not sit still…. That’s not like him..
Breakfast was ready when we came down to the dining area. The helper had bought food from the food stalls a short walk away. Packets of coffee, noodles and prata were available.
Rex was sleeping on the couch and Muthu was sipping a packet of tea by the front porch.
I could see Ah yee bent over near the patio with Amelia with several pieces of paper and some folders.
After a quick meal, Stephanie went over to Amelia but was told she needed some time to think.
At 10am, Amelia asked for Stephanie into her room for a chat.
30 minutes later, Stephanie told me she’s going to grab her stuff from her place and from the office.
Rex, Muthu and Ah yee would be following her.
I wanted to go along but Stephanie said she needed me to do something else.
I was given a list, a shopping list of sort.
James : What is this ??
Stephanie : Help me buy everything on the list ok… take the car. … we’ll be waiting for uncle Bobby to pick us up.
James ; Uncle Bobby ?
Stephanie : Yup… we need his lorry..
11.15am
Uncle Bobby arrived together with another assistant.
He drove a normal sedan car while the assistant followed behind in the lorry.
They left the compound at 11.30am and so did i.
Taking the car Rex drove to pick us up at the airport earlier, I went to the supermarket. The list Stephanie gave me was just a normal shopping list.
From food, to toiletries and some brand specific cosmetic. I went to the large supermarket beside Ikea in Tampines and grabbed everything. The small pharmacy at the bottom supplied the rest.
I loaded up the trunk and started to make my way back to Amelia’s place.
Everything I had in the trunk would last Stephanie several weeks without leaving the house. I even had a few bags full of snacks, and chocolates she asked for as well.
I unloaded everything at Amelia’s place and was surprised to see some contractors arriving.
The helper attended to them and I just settled down in the living room. I dropped Stephanie a text but she did not reply me.
Amelia was nowhere to be found in the common living areas and I don’t want to venture around a house where I was just a guest.
At 1.30 pm sharp when I was about to go grab my lunch, my phone rang.
It was TJ.
TJ : James…. Where are you ?
James : In Singapore…why ?
I don’t know who to trust anymore in this game of deceit and mistrust. I would rather be a little more careful with words in case I mess something up.
TJ did not seem overly concerned about my lack of clarity and he straight away asked if I was available to help.
TJ : We need your help…
James : What ?
TJ : We need to get Victor’s mother out..
James : WHAT !?
He asked if I could meet him at Victor’s place within an hour and I struggled to give him a reply.
I really don’t know who’s who in this game anymore.
TJ seemed to be able to read my mind and he answered my question instantly.
TJ : Look James… we’re just going to get auntie out…. Then Victor and I would go with her to Malaysia. We’ll be out of town for a while…. We can’t do this alone..
Call me soft hearted but I agreed and I went along.
I did not take the car in case Stephanie and gang needs it later in the day. Hopping onto a cab, I went straight to Victor’s place.
When I got in, Victor was busy loading up his suitcase. TJ already has his bags packed.
Once they were done packing, we loaded up into Victor’s car.
Driving straight to town, we turned into the carpark where Sarah’s clinic is and she hopped on as well.
The moment we hit the expressway, Victor’s instructions was clear.
Victor : I need your help one last time…. We need to get my mum out… this time… I’ll go with her and make sure something like this doesn’t repeat itself again.
It was a pretty long drive and when we turned into Lim Chu Kang road, TJ slowed down and parked by the side of the road.
The nursing home is located along Ama Keng road. You would not think such a place existed in Singapore but it does.
The plan was simple, Victor would do the talking, if all else fails, we wheel her mother out by force.
My heart started beating faster the moment we drove up the gentle slope towards the nursing home.
All of them got off the car except me, I made a 3 point turn and positioned the nose of the car towards the exit.
My hands gripped onto the steering wheel, hoping this would be over soon.
There was a knock on the car window and a guard told me to switch off my engine.
I reluctantly did and got out.
Once the engine was cut off, the smell of the area reminded me of my army days. That unmistakable smell that I could not describe, it could only be experienced.
If you understand, no explanation is necessary, if you don’t, none is possible.
The soothing smell of the raw forest coupled with the industrial smell of a farm blanketed the whole area.
He asked me to fill in some visitor logbook or something and I followed him.
The guard wanted the rest to sign in too and I told him I would get them to do it.
He handed me the small logbook and he went back to his old rusty radio and creaking fan.
I caught up to the group and we were attended to by a staff.
TJ : Why are you here ?? What about the car ?
I told TJ what happened and he said we’ll have to play by ear and see how things go.
Finally a nursing staff approached us as we got in deeper and asked what we wanted.
Victor asked to speak with the person in charge, Mr Chew, and we were told that he was not around.
Victor : I was supposed to meet him here…. He must be around…
Staff : Mr Chew is out for a meeting…
Victor : I’ll call him… can you please…
TJ kept the staff occupied while Sarah and I looked around.
There was only 1 main corridor leading towards the exit from where we stood. Along the way, there were several rooms.
The staff was not helpful with finding his boss so Victor asked to see his mother instead.
15 minutes later, Victor held onto his mother’s hands and I could see him holding back his tears. His mother’s room was located along the main road, it was naturally ventilated with no air conditioning.
A few old louvered windows and a wall with peeling paint was all there is that separated her from the outside.
Her arms and neck were covered with mosquitoes bite and she looked tired and weary.
Victor : I’m getting you out…
Sarah checked to make sure she was fine before we helped her onto a wheelchair.
Staff 1: Hey… hey… she needs rest… don’t touch her…
TJ tried to tell the staff it’s ok but another one came in to check out the commotion.
Staff 2 : What is happening ?
He tried to stop Sarah and I went over to him, I quickly pointed to the old man on the bed behind that was trying to get our attention.
James : Hey… hey… he’s asking for you…
Staff 1 : Sir you cannot do this…. There are procedures to follow…
Victor nodded and said he understand and once he can speak with the person in charge, we would be able to sort all of these out.
In the meantime, we continued getting auntie ready for the move.
We barely made 5 steps away from the room when the staff shouted after us.
Staff 1: Hey.. hey… where are you going ??
Victor turned and went towards the Filipino male staff while gesturing us to continue moving forward towards the entrance.
I could hear Victor talking to the man and eventually it escalated into a quarrel.
We quickened our pace and I could feel my heart slamming against my ribcage.
20 meters away from the entrance and the shouting started.
I looked around nervously as other staff and some of the old folks were looking at what was happening.
Staff 1 : STOP!!.. STOP THEM!!…
That was the que and Victor started running down towards us. He barely made it 2 steps when he was held onto by the same staff talking to him. Victor pushed him away and shouted for us to keep going.
TJ was the one holding onto the wheelchair and he too sped up, pushing auntie faster along the corridor.
Sarah tried to keep up with her heels alongside while I walked on in front.
Suddenly someone came out of a room and hit straight onto me. Our bodies collided and immediately the whole situation escalated. TJ cursed and swerved the wheelchair to avoid me.
I could see Sarah and him moving further and further away.
The shouting got louder and I soon realised it was another nursing staff that I walked into.
TJ shouted to me for the keys and I managed to throw it over to him, it landed on the floor a few meters away and Sarah gestured for TJ to go on while she ran back to grab the keys.
I struggled and got up on my feet and turned back to look down the corridor.
2 more staff came running down towards Victor while TJ and Sarah continued making a run for the exit.
I got up and tried to leave but the man I knocked down tried to hold onto me.
Man : STOP!! … hey !
I shrugged and pushed him back, knocking him off balance as he landed on his butt.
My feet carried me as fast as I could as a total of 4 staff, 3 male and 1 female was on our tail.
Staff : STOP!!! Or I will call the police!!! HEY…!!
The chasing party were faster and they caught up with Victor and me.
Victor : She’s my mother !! fuck off !
With a ferocious charge, Victor collided with the staff and it soon descended into a messy struggled as they tried to hold onto him.
I went forward and knocked the female staff down onto her butt, hitting her with my shoulder. No I am not a gentlemen but I was hoping the staff were.
The moment that lady went down, another 2 went to help her up while Victor struggled to push the last guy away.
Once we got free, we ran towards the exit , I could see from where we were Sarah and Auntie were already safety in the car and TJ was heading to the driver seat.
The female staff no longer chased after us, instead, it was 3 angry Filipino nursing staff and a old uncle in a security guard uniform that were shouting and running towards Victor and me.
The engine of the car started, I could hear it from where we were.
Even before we stepped out of the compound, I knew we would not make it.
It was not possible.
The chasing party was too near.
So what if we got into the car, they could easily block the way with their bodies and shut the gate. This is not some hollywood production where you could run the extras down with your car.
You can’t even crash through the gate without fucking up the airbags.
I did the math in my head.
Auntie needs everyone in that car except me. It was the logical thing to do.
I started to slow down, and I positioned my body. All I needed to do was to turn and throw myself against the group. That impact and collision would buy everyone a few precious seconds.
I thought about the amount of trouble I would be getting into but in the end I fuck it.
What else would rival the adventure I got myself into this past few month?
When I was about to execute my self-sacrificial move, I saw this blinding white light.
Yes, it was the afternoon sun coming through the main door but with it came this hulking figure.
TJ : ARGHHHHHH….
James : WAH!!!!
Like a charging bull, TJ barrelled down the lobby towards us. Victor and I got a shock and we split down the middle, each of us moving aside to avoid TJ. If this was a running man episode, it would be the equivalent of Kim Jong Koot charging down a corridor with fire on his shoulders.
His shout was more than enough to petrify the pursuers.
There were so much shouting in that moment of confusion that it was hard to make out who was saying what.
The moment TJ’s body connected with the group, I could hear the sick thuds and groans of body hitting against body. Of raw muscles against bones.
Like a bowling ball hitting a row of pins, all of them collapsed onto the ground. It was a mass orgy, a warzone of sorts.
Some old folks were cursing and scolding everyone while couple was out in the corridor trying to walk over the fallen people.
TJ : GO! ..
TJ tried to get up but was pinned down by a staff.
He lifted him off like a piece of tissue and pushed him against the thin wall. Another tried to climb onto him, his arms going around his neck and TJ rose up to mid waist level before lying back down on the floor with a slam.
He would have made it if not for the old security guard who hit him with a baton. He blocked it with his arm, and it was the only mistake he made. He blocked it with his injured arm and the loud sickening crack made me sick to the core as Victor dragged me out and into the waiting car.
Sarah was pressing the honk repeatly and the moment we jumped in, all the staff jumped onto TJ, like a horde of zombies engulfing it’s victims.
Victor : GO!!
James ; What about TJ !!… we can’t leave him…
Victor checked out a long scratch on the side of his arm and said TJ would be fine…
We’re smacked right in the middle of the 2 causeway into Malaysia and Victor asked Sarah to go for the 2nd one in Tuas.
James : Wait… what about me ??
Victor : We’ll drop you off somewhere…
Once we hit Jurong
Sarah drove down Jalan Bahar, following Victor’s direction.
Instead of taking the PIE, they went on further, dropping me at Boon lay.
Victor : James… I need your help… Take care of Stephanie…. I’ll be away for a few days…
James : What about TJ ?? He’s going to get arrested… !
Victor : He’ll be fine… he can take care of himself.
As they drove off, I stood along at Boon lay MRT.
James : FUCK!
I kicked a pillar as I circled around the area.
I can’t possibly leave TJ alone. Well, even if the cops were there, another person would be helpful with the explanation.
I was about to grab a cab back when I got a call from TJ.
James : TJ !! Where are you ?? are you ok ??
TJ : I’m fine… Victor’s and Sarah’s not answering their phone…
James : What happened? They just dropped me off…. I’m at Boon lay…
TJ : Victor manage to get Mr Chew…. He just got back… I’m fine…. I think my old wound hurts…
TJ suddenly says he has a incoming call and it’s Victor and he hung up.
It felt as if I had a load taken off my chest.
I tried to call Stephanie but she was not picking up.
In the end, I took a train back to Bedok before grabbing a cab back to Amelia’s place.
I have never felt so exhausted.
6pm
Victor text me saying that Stephanie is not answer his call and asked me to check on her.
6.30pm
As I entered Amelia’s gate, I noticed a silver lancer parked a little further down the private road.
I backtracked and walked directly towards it.
As I got nearer, I realised it was one of Matthew’s man. He sat inside there with no expressions on his face as he looked at me.