Fan Fiction

Seeking Happiness

by MetalAZNWarrior

Chapter 19

revived hope

[Shanghai, Nim Chi's Room]

Weeks pass and after several meetings with Ah Nin (Frankie Lam), he still showed no signs of progression or even expressed any hints of his memories coming back. Disappointed and distressed, Nim Chi (Nancy Sit) decides to give up. This was the first time that she lost faith and gave up on something. Usually, she would fight to the end. This time, however, things were different. Perhaps Ah Nin's accident had been so severe that he would never remember her or his family ever again. Even if this were the case, it wouldn't matter anymore because he has Rose (Kenix Kwok). Through their weeks of meeting, Nim Chi had developed a good relationship with Rose. She felt that she was suited for Ah Nin and was sure that she would take care of him. "Rose is a sweet girl, pretty with brains and quite a charming talker," Nim Chi concludes, "yes, I'm sure that Ah Nin will be in good hands married to her."

Even though she made up her mind to reluctantly give up, Nim Chi couldn't help but shed one last tear. Her son, even if he wasn't really her son, was lost and couldn't be regained. She sighs and repeats to herself that she still has Ah Sing and the others. Yet, deep in her heart, Nim Chi knew that Ah Nin couldn't be replace.

[Rose's Room]

Rose gleams at her "Best Actress" award given to her during her schooling years. She had to wait until her senior year, when all of her tough competitors were gone, to finally receive the award, but the wait was well worth it. She smiles remembering how happy she was to finally lay her hands on it. "How long I've waited to get you..." She ambles to her comfy bed and rests. The past weeks had been torture for her. "I've done more acting, and a damn good job at my role as well, during the past few weeks than I've had during all my years of acting," she sighs. Although she was tired, she was satisfied. Everyone in the Kam family all looked upon her fondly. Everyone, except for Joey (Bernice Liu), who was always silent during meetings.

Rose grins, "I must commend her. If it were I, I would have long left Shanghai. Poor Joey," she laughs, "it must feel like thousands of ice crystals jabbing at her heart every time she sees me with Chris. Why doesn't she relieve herself of the pain and just go? There's no way she's ever getting Chris back. In fact, not even his family will get him back."

Rose turns off her lamp and falls into a deep sleep.

[Joey's Room]

Joey was finally able to convince herself to let go of Ah Nin. "Rose is a nice girl, perhaps even better than I am. I abused, teased, slapped, accused, and misunderstood Chris so many times in the past that I probably deserve this. She's so nice to him and understands him so well. She's always there for him and willing to do anything for him. I can't compare." She exhales and leaves her room in the hotel.

[Bridge]

The moonlight is reflected in the gleaming dark waters beneath the bridge. Joey stands there gazing down. It took her awhile decide, but she finally decided. "It's time to let go and throw it all away," Joey quietly says. "Why can't I move? I've decided... and I want to do it, but I can't." She looks at the watch on her wrist. It still ticks away. Ah Nin bought her the watch four years ago. Joey had hoped that the two could spend every second together, but they couldn't anymore. She tries to move her hand to take off the watch, but it won't budge.

"God," she cries, "I've decided to give him up. Why won't you let me carry out what I've decided? I know we're not meant to be..."

In the moment after she speaks these words, her hand and fingers finally function. Slowly, Joey unlocks the watch. It falls lightly into her palm. She holds it in her fist and wants to throw it as hard and as deeply into the water as she can, but she can't find the heart to do it. She looks at the watch again and begins to cry. "This watch represents the love between Chris and me. If it's gone, I'll stop thinking about him and can whole-heartedly wish him and Rose happiness. But why, why can't I let go?" Perhaps it was because the watch was beautiful, or maybe it's because it's the only watch that fits her perfectly.

Joey shuts her eyes tightly and clenches her fist, preparing to throw it into the cold waters.

"Miss? Are you okay?" a voice calls to her.

She opens her eyes. It's Ah Nin.

"Chris..." he draws her breath away and her heart thumps. It was the first time they'd been alone together in years.

"What are you doing here? It's late at night!"

Joey frowns, uncertain of what to say.

"I was driving by and I saw the figure of a woman standing on the bridge seemingly scared and alone. I turned around and walked here to see if she was ok. I can't believe it was you. Are you feeling unwell? You seem nervous and upset."

Joey's heart beats faster. Ah Nin hadn't cared about her since she came to Shanghai. She felt excited and wondered if he possibly remembered about their past. "Chris, do you remember about us?" she asked shyly.

He blinks, "Excuse me?"

She blushes, clearly getting an answer of "no." "Nothing, nevermind."

"So why are you standing alone on the bridge? You're not planning on suicide are you?"

"Oh no! I just wanted," she pauses and shows him the watch, "to throw this watch away."

"Why? It's a beautiful watch and complements you well."

"The person who gave it to me no longer feels the same way."

"And? You like the watch, don't you?"

"I want to forget about him and move on. Our fate is gone."

"I'm sorry to hear that. It's such a shame for such a nice watch to go to waste. But, if you really want to part with it, then do whatever you must. Well, since you're fine, I'm going to go. Rose is probably worried about me," Ah Nin winks and walks away.

As Joey stares at him walking away with a grin, he abruptly turns around. Joey flushes red.

"Do you want a ride back to your hotel? It's late and dangerous for a girl."

"It's fine!" she yells. Joey's heart pounds in her chest. She places the watch back on her wrist and walks back to the hotel with a smile. That night, the moon was especially bright and the stars even more sparkly. Ah Nin had appeared in Joey's moment of despair and revived her hope and love for him. "Perhaps," she says, "destiny is still on our side."