12 o’clock. Sydney, Australia in a hotel room
The door burst open as Louis entered the room with a distinct frown on his face. He threw the suitcase he was holding, on the bed and roughly loosened the gray tie around his neck as Anne walked out from the bathroom.
Anne (walks over to the bed): The meeting didn’t go well?
Louis (taking off his vest and throws it on the suitcase): He’s exaggerating more and more every year!
Anne (her eyes concerned): So what are you going to do?
Louis (shaking his head in frustration): I’m not going to comply with his ludicrous demands.
Anne: But Ah Tin, he’s not going to back off until you listen to him. And you know he’s capable of everything.
Louis (looking down to the floor, in a soft voice): I know… (then he looks up at her, his voice suddenly strong and confident) but don’t worry, I can handle it. I know how to deal with him.
Anne just nodded but the look in her eyes told Louis that she wasn’t convinced. And neither was he.
But he would deal with all that later, not now and not here. It was enough dealing with everything in Hong Kong. Now that he was here with Anne, he wished they could for once put aside the constant anxiety that has been plaguing them and really enjoy their time together. He wants Anne to be the happiest she could ever be today.
Louis (smiles): I’m going to change now and then we’re going to leave.
Anne (reading his mind, she smiles back as she tries to put aside all worries, for now at least): OK. (she musters up a playful expression as she pushes him towards the bathroom) Hurry up!
2 o’clock p.m
Anne walked towards a fountain that stood in the middle of the busy street and sat down while Louis was only a few feet away buying hamburgers from a fast-food stand for both of them.
For a moment, Anne just gazed at Louis who today, as opposed to most days, was dressed in casual beige baggy pants and a white t-shirt. The clothes hung comfortably loose around him, giving him enough space to breathe, unlike the formal suits and ties he usually wears at work.
As Louis moved out of her view, Anne then turned her head and thoughtfully observed the beautiful fountain behind her. In all its splendor, the fresh new water springs up from the fountain as it formed the most beautiful sight for people to see just to ordinarily come crashing down in the basin a few moments later as it finally mingle with the other body of water which had once been at its most glorious peak. And like this, the cycle is everlasting. Just like in life, Anne thought. Nobody can stay on top forever just like no secrets could remain unrevealed till the end of time, and when the truth comes out and reality comes crashing down, not everyone is able to take it. She just hoped that if something like that should ever happen to Louis, he would be strong enough to deal with it.
Anne’s gaze then shifted to the countless coins that rested in the fountain’s basin. Each coin in the fountain represented one distinct wish.
Anne took out a coin from her purse and threw it in the fountain as she closed her eyes and made her wish.
Louis walked towards Anne just in time to see her throw the coin in the fountain basin. Louis just knew that whatever Anne was wishing, it wasn’t for her but for him instead. It has always been like that. He chose to not ask her about the wish she made because he knew she would never tell him.
Louis (handing a hamburger to Anne when she opened her eyes): You haven’t eaten anything since this morning.
Anne (taking the hamburger, she sits back at the fountain, Louis sits beside her): Thanks.
While they were eating, a wedding couple suddenly emerged from the church located just in front of them. All the accompanying guests, who were there to celebrate this couple’s love ultimately represented by the sacred ceremony and commitment that is marriage, cheered loudly as the groom kissed the bride.
Anne glimpsed at them with admiration for a few seconds before she just resumed eating her hamburger, knowing in her heart that she was completely satisfied with what she has right now.
When she finished eating, Louis suddenly stood up, grabbed her hand and ran. To where, she didn’t know, she just followed him.
Louis just ran and ran until he found what he was looking for. He stopped in front of a store. It was a bridal shop.
Inside the Bridal Shop
Woman: May I help you?
Louis (squeezing Anne’s hand): We would like to take wedding photographs.
Anne stared at him astounded, her mind going blank. She simply looked up into his eyes as if to say “are you sure?”
Louis nodded as he once again squeezed her hand, reassuring her that he knew what he was doing.
Woman (to another woman): Mandy, can you take care of this gentleman? (and to Anne): Miss, would you like to come with me?
Anne looked at Louis with an unsure expression on her face but Louis just once again nodded.
Anne followed the lady.
Mandy (now walking towards Louis): Sir, would you like to follow me? The tuxedos are on the other side.
A while later
Dressed in a black tuxedo that put to advantage his tanned skin and tall frame, Louis was sitting on a chair waiting when Anne came out.
She was dressed in a simple, strapless white vintage wedding gown. The upper body part of the dress was a purely white and smooth satin with no designs while the lower part of the dress was filled with embroidered sparkling leaves and small flowers. Anne’s hair was ornamented with white flower clips on one side and skillfully put up. The make-up she wore was of a pale shade and it made her look natural and graceful.
Louis stood up and walked towards his beautiful bride, gently taking her two hands in his. He smiled at her. Anne looked down at the floor for a moment and then she smiled and looked up at Louis, her eyes glowing with profound happiness. They just stood there staring at each other.
Woman (giving Anne a bouquet of white and red roses): The photographer is ready downstairs.
Louis (to the woman): We’re coming. Thank you. (he takes Anne’s hand and they walk down the stairs together)
After the photo session
Louis and Anne sat at the reception desk looking at the pictures.
Woman at the reception (taking a picture among the pile of wedding pictures and shows it to Louis and Anne): This picture is really beautiful. Would you mind if we put it up in our display window?
Anne (immediately answers before Louis could speak): Sorry, we would like to keep it personal.
Louis remained silent. He just looked at Anne.
Woman: It’s okay. May I know under which name should I put the receipt?
Louis (hesitates a bit): Put it under Mr…….. Lo and Mrs. Lo, please. (he gazes at Anne as she gazes back at him, he puts his hands on hers in a loving gesture)
Louis & Anne (standing up): Thank you.
The woman looked at the couple as they left the bridal shop hand in hand. What a pity they didn’t allow her to use their picture. It was simply so beautiful. In the picture, the bride and the groom stood very close to each other in an embrace, their eyes closed and their foreheads touching in such an intimate way as if they had promised themselves by this simple yet solemn gesture that they would forever hold onto each other and never be apart.
Being the owner of a bridal shop, she had seen so many couples’ photographs but none of them had aspired in her the same wistful feelings as this couple’s photograph did.
A picture can speak a thousand words and in this case, Louis and Anne’s picture forever immortalized the “deep-as-the-sea” feelings they always had for each other.
9 o’clock p.m. in Sydney’s Wonderland Theme Park
Louis and Anne were holding hands when Anne let go of Louis’ hand to excitedly run towards the “water-shooting for bears” stand.
Anne (turning towards Louis, pointing to the giant Winnie the Pooh bear on display): Ah Tin, look!
Louis (walking towards her, smiling playfully): Don’t you think you’re a bit too old for Winnie the Pooh?
Anne (shaking her head): There’s no age limit when it comes to liking Winnie Pooh and I’m not even that old!
Louis (teasing her): You’re not expecting me to compete against the little kids playing, are you?
Anne (looking a little disappointed but she agrees with him): You’re right. Let’s play something else then.
Anne was about to turn around and walk off from the stand when Louis said: “Just this once, ok?”
Anne smiled widely and nodded her head excitedly.
Louis (smiling sweetly back at her then turning to the lady who works at the stand): Miss, how much is it for one round?
12 o’clock p.m.
Holding the giant Winnie the Pooh bear in her hands, Anne was patiently waiting in line with Louis for their last ride of the day. They had done all the rides in one day except for this last one which would close-up their day quite nicely because it allowed them to sit on a train that would lead them around the whole theme park. It was almost their turn when…
Man operating the railway-ride: Everyone, may I have all your attention please? The railway-ride like the rest of the rides in the theme park will be closing in a few minutes. Please make your way to the exit in the next five minutes. Thank you all!
Anne (shrugging): Let’s go then.
Louis (seems to be thinking): Aiya, I need to go to the bathroom right now. Can you wait for me here? Just two minutes?
Anne: OK, hurry up. They will be closing soon.
Louis just nodded as he ran as fast as he could. 10 minutes later
There was nobody left in the park except for Anne who was still waiting for Louis to emerge from the male rest room. All the lights in the park were off, so it was almost pitch dark by the time. Anne was getting scared and as it had been quite a long time since Louis left, she was getting extremely worried about him as well.
Anne was about to walk towards where the rest rooms were located when Louis suddenly came running back.
Anne (sighs in relief): Is everything all right? Why did it take you so long?
Louis chose to not answer her questions. Instead he just stood there smiling at her.
Anne: What are you smiling at? There’s no one left in the park. Let’s go, otherwise we would have to sleep here…
Suddenly, all the multicolored lights in the theme park, which had been switched off moments ago, flashed up again as it brightened up the whole theme park just for Anne to see. Her eyes surveyed the newly revived surroundings in wonder, feeling as if she had suddenly turned into the little princess she had always wanted to be when she was still a younger girl, living up a fairytale-like moment with her knight in shining armor right beside her.
Anne: Ah Tin…how…
Louis (smiling from seeing her so happy, he takes her hands): Let’s say that I have my ways. Let’s enjoy our midnight ride.
They smiled at each other as they boarded the ride together.
12:45 p.m. in Louis’ car at a red light
Louis (wondering why Anne hasn’t been talking, with a concerned tone): Are you tired Anne? Why are you so quiet?
No response.
Louis turned towards Anne. Anne had fallen fast asleep, hugging the giant Winnie the Pooh Bear tightly against her chest. In her sleep, her face wore a bright and flourishing smile.
Louis smiled as he took off his coat and covered her with it.
Anne had been smiling the whole day. It’s been so long since he had seen her so genuinely happy. For a moment, they seemed to have been traveling back in time when he was still 16 years old and she, 14 years old. Anne had always been a vivacious and cheerful young girl but the events of these past few years, had made her mature too fast and in terms had tarnished her vibrant nature. And all this because of him…his decision had affected her in so many ways…
The Next Morning in Hong Kong
Nic sat in the company’s Mercedes Benz waiting to pick up Louis and Anne from the airport. Joyce sat beside him in the passenger seat observing his slightly heated features through the rearview mirror. It's funny how she never really noticed Nic's expressive eyes until today, how if you look more closely into them, you'll see the deeply layered sensitivity hidden inside…as if there’s still a whole wide world behind those eyes that’s waiting to be explored.
Looking at the reflection of Nic's eyes in the rearview mirror now, she could tell that he was annoyed and slightly irritated by something.
Joyce: Something's bothering you. (she says this not as a question but more like a statement)
Nic stayed silent for a few seconds wondering how Joyce could have guessed what was on his mind, he thought he has always been successful at permanently keeping a cool mask of indifference on his face.
Nic (thoughtful for a moment before he finally decides to speak his mind): Is it that hard for one man to stay faithful to one woman?
Joyce: You're talking about Mr. Koo...
Nic: Jessica's such a perfect wife in every aspect. She loves him, she cares about him, she's the mother to his child, she is nice to everyone...I don’t understand how he could have the heart to do that…
Joyce: Do you think Mr. Koo loves Jessica?
Nic (thinks for a while before he answers her): I think he does, it shows. But I feel bad at how unfair he's been towards her. I feel irritated at the fact that he's been cheating on her behind her back without her having the slightest clue about it.
Joyce (thinks for a while): Who do you think is the one that's happiest among the three of them?
Nic: ...
Joyce: It's Jessica. Sometimes, it is better to be the ignorant party. I believe he keeps her in the dark because he simply couldn't bring himself to hurt her. The one who's got the burden on is him. As for Anne, she's certainly not in anyway happier.
Nic: That's because they had chosen to put that burden on themselves. If Mr. Koo had chosen to marry Jessica, he should stay faithful to her. He's hurting all three of them at the same time with what he is doing with that woman behind Jessica's back. And what about the kid? Has he ever thought about what might happen if she ever finds out?
Joyce: Are you blaming Anne for what is happening?.…Have you ever thought that sometimes, maybe things aren't as simple as we’d want them to be?
Nic: I only believe the things that I am seeing with my own eyes. In this case, both of them are to be blamed. (and then intently observing Joyce through the rearview mirror, he suddenly realizes that Joyce has had a thing for Louis Koo) You are blindly defending Mr. Koo.
Joyce (looking straight at the rearview mirror, her eyes assertive and full of confidence about what she is about to say): I'm not. Why do all men only see things in black and white? Maybe if you've seen what I've seen between Mr. Koo and Anne, you would not have said
what you just said. There's an unspeakable bond between them...I don't know how Mr. Koo had gotten himself into this complicated tangle of relationships but one thing that I know for sure is that he does really love both Anne and Jessica… (she pauses for a moment before she finally completes her sentence)…and that, possibly much more than he had ever loved himself.
With that, Nic just kept silent because he simply didn't know how to answer to Joyce's words. She said them with such sheer force and directness that he himself has started to wonder if things were really as simple as he had thought they were. But one thing he knew for sure was that there was one question that Joyce and possibly even Louis didn't have the answer to: Between Anne and Jessica, who does Louis actually love more?
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