Now and Then

"Now and then, a triangle love story, in here the three main characters will leads you to the plot, in their own personal feelings and judgments." If you find this style is too confusing to follow, please alert me, so I can find a better approach.  

Introduction Chapter 1

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A dark Blue, Celica, sharply made if turn across the single land drive, before stopping at the front door of the San Yan Building Tower. Inside the car, stepped out a youthful looking lady, within her twenty. The light yellow  knees length skirt, and the professional white shirt, with an elegant yellow bow tied in her neckline helped the lady shone out easily in her milky skin and the silky long hair. 

With the round shaped hand-bag already laid on her shoulder, she quickly leaded over to the gentleman build, who was sitting on the driver seat. Sweetly they shared a good-bye kiss, and then she finally begins to move away from the car, only then to hear her name call out.

-April! The firming voice of the gentleman sitting in the car raised out urgently to hold back her moving step. Hesitantly April, turned her body around, facing with an enquiry look, waiting for the gentleman to continue. I'll pick you up later, then we'll go out for dinner okey! The male hastily finished his newly offer, giving to her a pleading face.

April abruptly hold back on her thought as if little hesitation just went by, but then, she brightly looked up and accepted his offer.

-Okey! I'll wait for you then, Bye Jack! With that she closed the car's door, fixed up her handbag and then like others, she moved her way quickly into the automatic glass doors.

On receiving the consent reply, Jack also smiled a brief grin, then placing back his seat belt, the gentleman gave a brief look to his rear mirror, before zooming his car out of the loading spot.

The moment the blue Celica moved away, from the behind, suddenly appeared another sophisticated looking man, dressed in a modern light gray suit, one hand grabbing on to a square leather folder. He was making his rushing run into the San Yan Building, between a mobile conversation on the other hand. After entering in the automatic doors, seeing the elevator was about to close in with a busy number of people already standing inside, hurriedly he had to finish the conversation.

-Okey, Steve, I understand, got to go now, bye...I know let me go or I'll be late for my first day, then that won't be a good impression now! Despite that the voice on the other line was still speaking out, the young man, sharply cut off his phone, just in time for the last minute jumped into the already packed elevator's box. 

After settling down, he tried to put away his little phone, but when bringing up his leather folder, due to the tight space, he accidentally hit the person standing next to him.

-Opps, sorry! He hesitantly apologized to the young lady standing beside him who he just hit slightly pass her arm.

-Don't worry! April answered with a brief smile to console the person. 

Then the two of them stood still again, waiting for their destination floor. As the red notification number turned to level 9, after the door opened, April then pushed herself out from the block of people, passing the young man to walk out of the elevator. Staying back for a little while, until the red light hit level 15, the young man then tighten his gray tied, before stepping into his new working environment, beginning on another investigation.

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April (Vicki):

"My name is April, I'm 25 years of age, living by myself in a small unit at South of the City Shanghai. My Parents both died many years ago, but I'm totally used to living by myself. I worked in San Yan Building, level 9 as a tax consultant. I love my job and the people, we seem like a big family with everyone all enjoy each other. 

But my best work-mate and who also my best friend is Felicity (Ning Jing). We shared the same office and pretty such suitable with each other, we don't fight and always like to discuss our personal problem with each other. Likes how I been haven't this uneasy feeling with Jack, my fiancé going back to England to visit his parents, and Felicity would often come to me with different complains about her current boyfriend Robert (Ken Chang). Personally I think Robert is a great person, and an ideal partner, Felicity knows that as well, since they both shared very deep feelings for each other. But then Felicity is that type of girl when her mouth is bigger then her mind. She likes to exaggerates things worst then what its seem. Don't get me wrong, she is an adorable person. Truly, her dashing bright smile could easily grab hold on a punch of yearning males, that's why Robert is always in concern and treasure her like diamond. But today, Miss Felicity is late, I already arrived at work 15 minutes ago, and yet Miss elegant still shows no sign. 

-Felicity! You better get in before the boss comes around, I can't cover for you then!

Talking about Jack, he's not only my dearest friend, but to me he's an angel, a bright touch that shines and cares for my lonesome life. We met each other 5 years ago, when doing a short course on Computing. I wasn't planning for a relationship then, but Jack soon convinced me, proving to me that love does exist and it is the most wonderful thing, which a person have to physically experience it to knows how it feel. Jack's parent are living in England, but he lives in Taiwan because of work commitment. So far, that is the only thing which bother me about our relationship because I haven't had the chance to meet anyone in this family yet. Unknowing how we would get along with each other.

Until now, my office door suddenly flung opens from the outside, interrupted on the thought, as I quickly turned to the door and with no surprise I saw Miss 'Late' Felicity, pushing in toward her table, still puffing in short breaths as she laid down her bag.

-Oh my God! Has the Boss been passed? The mischievous lady looked at me with her enquiries round eyes.

-Nope! Lucky for you today, but don't take that as an advantage okey! I replied, pretending in a little scolding sound, while pulling out a folder in front of me.

-Hey! Do you think I love being late like this. Don't blame me, blame the stupid car of Robert, and when we get in the elevator got stack, so we had to climb up to the ninth floor, can't you see I'm dehydrating already! 

Amazingly with a small complain from me, yet Felicity let out a whole trend of excuses, wonder how can Robert stands her? And speaking of the devil, here he is, popping in our office with a Spring water bottle on his hand. Robert also works in our company, but he shares a different office, which I strongly believe that is a good thing...He is nice and all, but too me, he is way too easy with Julia, that's why she always plays the winner role. Since they been running out of breath to get to work, he knows Felicity is thirty, so here he comes with the drink bottle for her.

-Hi April! He waves at me as polite but quickly walk over to Felicity desk. Feli! I brought you a drink! I guess you're must be thirsty.

-You bet I am! Without a thanking word, Felicity just grab over the bottle straight from his hand, she opened it in a rush, and quickly brought it up to her mouth and gurgle in a few large lumps. 

-Hang on, slowly down! Robert caringly hole back her bottle, scaring she could chook from the hurry drink.

Couldn't help myself I giggle out aloud while witnessing the tender act. However Felicity saw me and took it hard.

-Hey, April, stop picking me! The cheeky lady gazed strongly at me in a warning sight, while Robert looked up to me helplessly. Poor guy, I sighed, but still remember to keep my strong pace when replying with the mistress.

-I haven't say anything okey! Picky! It's too early to fight with me, we got a whole day!

-Who says I want to fight with you! Felicity hit back again.

Robert on seeing our common civil war was rising, he quickly withdrew himself out of our office. But Felicity quickly calls him back.

-Hey Rob! Honey, I still have yours folder, do you want it back? She asked him, while grabbing out a carbon folder then gives to Robert who received it thankfully.

-Oh! I almost forgot about it! Thanks darl! I better get back to work, see you girls later.

And this time, he really gone, but not before he blew a small kiss to Felicity, who smile sweetly with all her enjoyment. 

-Um, look at you guys, I'm jealous! I had to comment, after the door had closed, leaving the privacy moment for us.  

However, Felicity quickly hit back at me with another return.

-Jealous of what! I bet you and Jack are more mushier than us, we're only dating, but you're going to marry to him!

I smiled, only then the thought of the wedding day, of meeting his family sadden my impression, and Felicity quickly pick it up!

-What's wrong April!? She asked with cares.

-Jack, going to England, in 2 days! And I...! I lost my word when Felicity abruptly cut in.

-April! Honey! But you're always worry when every time he comes back to see his parents.

-I known, but this time, it really is strange! I tried to explain for my fear. And it is true, with another 2 days, Jack will leave Taiwan and come back to England for 1 week to visit his parents, and discuss with them about our wedding day. At first I wanted to come, but he refused, saying his parents won't like that way. But some how, I keep felling uncertain, during our time together, Jack had gone back there many times. I should be getting use to it, but somehow, just this once, as our departure time gets nearer, I begin to feel worry and scare, for what? I don't really known myself.

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A working day soon gone past, as April and Felicity with Robert waved good bye to their staying behind work mates, the three stepped out to the elevator together. 

-Hey April! Want to go and have dinner with us? Felicity invited when the three of them were waiting for the lift to arrive. Releasing her hand from Robert and came closer to April who returned with a thanking smile, but quickly refused.

-No! Thanks! I promised Jack already!

-Oh! Then we shouldn't bother them! Robert joined in, coming to strand behind Felicity, while pacing on April a little teasing smile.

April looks down, she shouldn't feel shy when the fact the she and Jack are about to get marry.

Felicity given a supporting grin to Robert, but luckily then the elevator door opened. The three hastily looked in to the packed box and confused. After a urgent thought, Robert pulled back Felicity to his side, while waving his hand for April to come in first.

-You go in April! Julia and me will catch the next one!

-Are you sure? April checking back, as Julia hurried her into the lift.

-Yes, yes! Now you go, quickly! We'll see you tomorrow!

So the reluctant friend finally got push into the lift by her couple friend. After the elevator's door closed, Robert playfully rounded his arm on Felicity's shoulder pulling her in closer.

-Now, Princess, would you refer to wait or should we use our stair trip again.

Quickly frown out of the thought, Felicity waves her hand as a clear rejection sign.

-No thanks, I had enough exercise for one day, I rather wait for the next lift!

So then the couple waited, but it didn't bother them, since all the accompany they need is each other.

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April finds herself squeezing in the fully filled elevator box, as she tried to moves her step a little, but accidentally knocks on the person standing next to her.

-Sorry! She apologized, when looking up to meet with the same man who bumped into her this morning in the same elevator box!

-Oh! Don't worry! The sophisticated looking young man promptly reply, when at the same moment he too recognized her face. I remember you from this morning, I guess we're even right! He smiled to her, a friendly gesture but brought out his charming feature.

April returned the smile, somehow she felt like she had met him before, but can't recall when.

Only then the elevator finally land to the last level. And got pushed out by the wave of hurrying people, April had to walk fast to the front without the chance to question on the strange man familiar features.

When reaching out of the street, she immediately saw Jack's car was already parked at the same spot where he dropped her off. So with no other thought she quickly rushed in to his car and they instantly drove off.

Only when the Blue Celica moved out to the street, the young man dressed in gray suit finally found his way out of the busy building, he was also waiting to catch up with the girl in the elevator before, to question if they had met somewhere before, but within the rushing crowd, she was no where to be seen. 

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Joshua (Alec):

"My name is Joshua, I worked as a undercover detective, and the reason for me to appear in San Yan building today because of by latest assignment. Our quarter believes that one of the company operating in San Yan is actually a Black Gang hidden cover. My job is to explore on the news, and collect actual evidence.

I had a feeling that this will be a very quick task, seen only in the first day working at level 15, but I have a wise chance observing at what's going on in the office opposite to mine. Those big head guys are too arrogant to watch their back. They properly thinks that our Police team are a punch of unused people. Too bad for them, because I'm going to be straight forward, and gather them all.

I was walking back in the car park, happily with what I had gathered in this first day, only then my mobile phone rings out.

-Hello! I picked up the phone, when from the other line, the familiar voice of my assigner Steve could be heard.

-Josh, where are you? He was in a rushing tone as per normal.

-Going home! I replied shortly.

-How was it in there! He raised out the directly, which doesn't surprise me, Steve is that kind of person, what makes him a great commander is his ability to be straight forward, no time will be waste if you're working for this guy, who is me!

-Good! Very good! I got a few things to put down before I can give to you though! I answered, which a little hope that I can have a peaceful night away from work. And thankfully I gained it.

-That's fine...! 

"Then my settlement for the night is done" I thought, until my mobile immediately ring out again straight after my conversation with Steve. Thinking it was the boss calling back with a change of mind, I almost frown out aloud when answering the phone. But thing was worst than I expected, it was Jenny.

-Josh! Where are you, I need to talk to you, very importantly! 

I looked away tiredly, when hearing her usual complaining tone. I thought I made it clear with her, that we're not suitable for each other so how come she keeps ringing me.

-I'm on a job Jenny! I replied heavily hoping the stubborn lady could get my point.

-But I need to see you Josh! Right now! Quickly or you'll be regret.

I closed my eyes, wondering how did I bring myself in dating her for the past five months, and now I can't get out of my own trap. So pushing hard, I asked for the place and time where she wants us to meet, and promised myself that I will make a clear cut on everything after tonight.

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Jack (Leo):

April and I just finished a quick dinner and decided to take a walk together along the side of the city's harbor. April looked very quiet during our meal, and yet until now, she still hasn't say much to me. I felt strange something uncertain suddenly comes alive within my suspicious. I known that she is not happy when I didn't take her with me to see my parents. But how can I explain. Even if my parents are living in a modern country like England, however they are still like typical traditional people. Knowing that me and April had lived together for almost a year, my parents were not very keen with our decision, to them is a 'foolish, rushing choice'.

But I loved April, and so does she. We both were very lonesome people within this hazard city. God had lead the way for us to meet each other, then the red string had tight our heart together. We just want to prove that our lives are already connected with each other. After the constructing time, we're now ready for the next step, to get marry, and official announce that we belongs to each other. That was the major reason for my trip coming back to England, but now seeing April was uncertain, it's moved my mind.

-April! Are you okey! I walked faster to catch up with her, rounding my arm above her shoulder, I wanted she to look at me.

-Um! I'm fine! She stopped her steps with a short answer, then abruptly looks away from me, as if she wanted to hire her depression. 

-April! Do you want me to stay? I suddenly find my mind spinning around with all different decisions, but the most important one is to make her happy, to be with her.

By my sudden question, April surprisingly turned back to me another bewilder look. 

-Oh! Don't do that! She reminded me, then I'm not so sure now.

-But you're not happy! I rebutted, bringing by arms on her shoulder to turn her face back, fully opposite with my searching eyes, I wanted to see what is she really thinking.

-No, Jack! I'm fine! She faulted out, before letting out a heavy breath, then gaining her brighten expression back, she tried to ease out my worry. I understand why you have to go, and I'm okey with it. It's just that for 1 month, I'll be missing you a lot.

What more can a guy ask for, after hearing those loving words from his affection. I widened my arms to push her into my reassuring envelope hug.

-But after that one month, we will have a life time together! I tried to consoled her, when my mind was also fighting with my confident.

April seem to agree with me, she only laid softly within my embrace, and we both stood still, trying to capture our last moments together before my departure. Suddenly I felt my jacket been pulled back, as I stunningly turned around with April by my side. Both of us released a smile looking at the little flowers girl who was standing beside us with a half full basket of roses in one arm.

-Excuse me, Sir & Madam, would you like to have a flower for yours love one? The girl started to invite us, while putting a single red rose toward my sight.

I smiled and looked down to April, she also replied with a soft nod. So picking out a little note from my wallet, I bend down and grabbed the rose stem from the girl's hand.

-Thank you! She replied with a delightful cheer on her round face. May yours night be beautiful as this rose. Thank you! Bowing politely to us, she slowly back away, bringing her basket of roses to some other people who might needs it.

After the girl gone, I stood up and turned back to April.

-This is for you! I said, giving the rose over to her receiving hand.

-Thank you! She replied kindly, we stood there and look at each other eyes, to transfer our deepest love to the other side. Eventually, April fall back in my arm and together we continued our night walk. Despite where we'll be tomorrow, tonight we just want to be with each other.

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The little girl with the basket of red roses on her hand, happily skipped her way along the walking path, until her step paused looking brightly as another young couple that she just found. Thinking she would achieve the same result like before, the girl excitingly ran straight to the couple.

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Josh (Alec):

-Jenny, That's it for us. I don't see the point for us keeping on like this! I stressed out one more time, trying to translate my point into the stubborn mind of Jenny, who was standing in front of me.

-Josh, that's is not fair for me! During our times together, you hardly perform your duty as a boyfriend. And now you want to call it off. 

Listening to her defending, I only could feel the steaming hot blood raising out of my body, why can't she just except the fact that's we made the wrong choice, and both of us would never be happy together.

-That's exactly what's I mean, we can't understand, appreciate for each other, we don't treasure the time together, that's mean we're not suitable to be with each other.

-You're so self-fish, you abandoned your feelings so you can to better with your job! Jenny shouted back before turning away to weep.

"I abandoned my feelings!" I called out inside mockingly because I really don't have any feelings for her, or at least not those intimacy feelings that people always mention on TV series. And yes I love my job and I want to be better at it, so if she can't stand it, why not stop it all together.

I was about to fight back, but when hearing her small shriek, my mind struggle. I really sick and tired of the teary game from her. But still I couldn't bring myself out enough to cut in her sobering. Only then I felt a slight pull from my shirt, turning over, I see no body. But looking down I saw a little round face girl, holding on a basket of roses in one hand.

-Excuse me sir, would you like a rose for yours love one!

I smiled at her innocent inviting tone. She looks so young yet sound so professional. "Poor kid!" I thought, she should be at home, snuggling in a warm bed, not running around in this hour of the night, selling roses. With a good thought, I asked her.

-Sweet face, how many do you have left in the basket!

She widened her eyes, while her bottom jaw shockingly drop down. 

-You mean, you're going to buy all? She reassured with me, still looking astonished.

-Uh huh! I nodded, while pulling out my wallet from the back pocket.

-Oh thank you sir! She happily cried out, almost went skipping in one place. Hurriedly face down to her basket, she carefully counted each stem by stem before coming back to me with an steady answer.

-In the totally of 15 sir. That's 30 dollars.

I happily smiled, and took out two notes from my wallet and pass it on to her while the girl brought up the whole punch of roses from her basket to me. 

I held the flowers, still wondering where would it goes in my apartment. But stunningly I saw Jenny coming closer with a smile on her face.

-Oh! Josh, I known you didn't mean it! I love roses! 

She was bringing out her arms for the flowers until I quickly stood them back away from her grab.

-Excuse me I never say they were for you!

I could tell Jenny was boiling with anger and embarrassment. When I couldn't care less about what's she was thinking, looking around I saw the little girl still standing there watching at us in her surprising eyes. So I walked over and placed back the flowers in her basket.

-Here you go, this is for you as a present from me! I said to her.

-Really? I little voice asked back in bewilder, and as I nodded she quickly jumped up to give me a big cuddle, and then grabbed tightly to the basket and ran all the way back home.

I stood up, looking at the little person, while feeling a certain satisfying feelings, until I heard her shrieking voice cut in.

-Josh! You're really a cold-hearted person! 

In reply, I turned back to her with a little grin.

-Thank you! I answered, and then turned my step and start walking away. Maybe Jenny is right, to me at the moment is my work, and I don't really have anytime to think of personal issue. Well not with Jenny anyway.

to be continued