One of my ideas I decided to play with and the story seemed good so far so I think I'm going to go with it! Hope you like!
~*Finding The Strength Within: Chapter I*~
It's dark and gloomy outside again, I hate these kinds of days, and it always makes me look back. Ever since then things in my life have been so hectic, with graduation then starting work at Moonlight Fashions, I haven't had the chance to think about it until now. How long has it really been? Five years, I've changed so much since then. I wonder how they are doing. Would they be mad if I came back now and told them all the secrets that I have been holding back. Maybe I shouldn't, they might not welcome me anymore. After all, I did leave them without any note saying I would be okay. Yet a part of me misses my family so badly. The only person who know of my where about was Andrew, the only person that I could confide in. I'm so ashamed of what happened though. I can't believe I fell for those stupid lies and ended up in the position I am now. If it weren't for my so-called "friends" and whom I thought was the love of my life, I'd still be at home with my loving family. I can't believe I fell for all the stupid lies.
"Sere, everything okay in here?" asked one of my co-workers, interrupting my line of thought. I looked up to see the worried eyes of my savior, Jason had helped me through all my problems ever since the incident.
"Yeah, fine!" I feigned a smile and closed my notebook quickly, making sure I saved my e-diary before I shut down. Jason shook his head and plopped into the seat before me. "So what's up big guy?" I asked, curious as to why he was here.
"The boss said you've been a little weary lately," answered Jason with a concerned look on his face. "What's wrong babe?" he asked with a serious tone. "And don't tell me that b.s. of you being tired again, I know you better than that," he added.
I hesitated to look up before answering him because I knew he could see the real reason behind my façade in my eyes. With a sigh, I gave in. "Okay, truth is, I've been thinking about them again," I admitted quietly.
"Not again, how many times have I told you Sere? If you miss them that much, then pick up the phone and order yourself a ticket home!" replied Jason, shaking his head as he rolled his eyes at me. I chunked a wad of paper at him, recalling how we met.
*flashback*
Barely 18 years old and already leaving home without notice to a place I had nobody to depend on was a scary thought to me. I wandered the streets looking for work and learning my way around. I happened to bump into an old man who looked friendly enough, and he directed me towards all the businesses that were looking for help and where I could find a job with my high school diploma. I ended up getting a job helping a local fashion designer that was trying to make it big. I didn't get paid much but it was a job and I needed the money badly. That is where I met Jason, he was the promoter for the guy I worked for and he somehow took a liking to me.
I found out that he too left home at an early age to make something of himself to prove to his family that he wasn't
worthless. I told him of my problem and he helped me prepare for the life that I would soon enter. Andrew would fly over constantly to take care of me when I'd get sick. He even offered to be the one to walk me through life. But Jason was the to hold my hand and guide me that first year; I don't know what I would've done without his help. He provided me with a home and a great friend to lean on when I was in a bind. After the worse part was over, Jason enrolled me into fashion school and offered to help pay for it.
*end flashback*
"Maybe I will, but what will I do about..." I trailed off, thinking about the what ifs that could go wrong if I went home.
"Don't worry, they won't shun you. And I guarantee that they'll love Keith!" exclaimed Jason, shaking me out of my daze. "Goodness woman, who could not love that girl!" he asked, laughing as I shook my head at him.
"You're a nut, he's too much to handle for me!" I cried, thinking about all the nights I've lost sleep. True, everyone at work loved Keith, but that's because he laughed all the time. Who couldn't smile when they saw his eyes twinkling with joy. Keith came into my life shortly after I entered fashion school, it was something different at first and I'm still trying to adapt to him being in my life, but he's grown so much on me.
"If you want, I'll go with you to help you settle in," offered Jason suddenly, snapping me back to reality. I couldn't believe my eyes, he has helped me so much already and now here he is, considering going back to Japan with me.
"I don't know JP, you've got the new line coming out, and I have my deadlines coming up too!" I said, trying not to think too much about going home. "Maybe some other time, things are a little too hectic right now for me to just pick up and go, plus Keith isn't finished with classes yet," I added, trying to find a way out of the ridiculous idea.
"Why do you do this to yourself?" Jason asked me with a sad look in his eyes. I hated it when he had that look, it always made me feel so guilty. He's given up so much to help me find my way out of the ditch I was in and I can't even find the gratitude to make him happy by letting go of my fears.
"I'm sorry, I know it would make your whole life meaningful if I went back, but I can't, I don't even know where to start!" I yelled, shaken that I raised my voice at the guy who has been there for me through thick and thin. "I'm sorry, it's just so hard, I don't think I can handle the stress," I responded, fighting back the urge to fall to my knees and cry.
"Sere, I told you so many times already. You don't have to do it alone, not with me around," said Jason, pulling me into an embrace. "I'm your strength remember!" he whispered into my ears, trying to sound goofy to get a grin out of me. Giving in, I broke down in tears and we sat there in my office just holding each other. After some time, Jason told me to head home and get some rest, so he had his driver give me a lift home since I wasn't feeling well. "Take tomorrow off if you need some time to yourself, I'll let the boss know you're sick," whispered Jason as he walked me to the car.
"Thanks, I just need some time to think over this," I answered giving him a hug before getting in. As Jason shut the door
behind me, I turned to see that same sad look in his eyes once again as he tapped the car, signaling for the driver to take off. 'I'm sorry Jason, I know this is hurting you, and it kills me too,' I thought to myself as the car drove off. As the building disappeared into the distance I drifted off to sleep, thinking about how I would go about things if I decided to go home. When I awoke, the driver had already opened the door for me and was calling out to me. I grabbed my bags and thanks him as I headed up to my apartment, it was a cozy little loft just a short distance from Central Park. "I'm home!" I called out to no one in particular, knowing that Keith was with some friends so I was home alone, buy it's something that I've grown accustomed to since I was young. I lit some aroma therapy candles to relax my mind while I soaked myself in a warm bath and thought about everything that's been bottled up in my head for the past five years.
Over the years, Jason has developed feelings for me, and I honestly don't know if I can return them. I feel bad about not having any affection for him, I thought that I would've felt some kind of love after all the help that he's given me. But I realized that love out of gratitude is not enough; I can't do that to Jason nor myself.
Then there was Andrew, my shoulder to cry on. We talked every night since I left Japan, from everything about why I left to how it all began. Sure I told Jason everything, but I never told him how it all came to be, I couldn't find it in my heart to tell him the truth. Andrew knew me since childhood, so I was sure he wouldn't be ashamed of me. I hate to admit it, but I sort of still have feelings for him. I've always been ashamed of that though, considering the fact that I was dating his best friend. Poor Andrew, if he knew, he'd be so confused.
Suddenly the phone rings and snaps me out of my daze, causing me to drop my glass of champagne into the tub and splash water all over myself. I laugh and grab the phone quickly before the person hung up, since it might be important. "Hello?" I answered, still laughing at my clumsiness which hasn't disappeared over the years.
"It's good to hear that you're in a good mood Ms. Moon," said the voice over the phone cheerfully.
"Well hello to you too Andrew!" I laughed, smiling just from hearing his voice. "What's up hun?" I asked, teasing him with the pet name. Ever since Andrew and his girlfriend had broken up, I've started using that pet name to remind him that he was on the market again and up for grabs. 'God you sound so good,' I thought to myself.
"Not much sweetie, just missed hearing your voice and calling in to check up on you," answered Andrew quietly. He seemed sad? My eyebrows bunched up as I tried to make out the tone of his voice. "Sere?" he called out, scarring me as the phone slipped from my hands. "Sere?! Are you okay?!" he yelled in a concerned tone. I hurriedly picked up the phone so he wouldn't get any wild ideas and freak out.
"Yes I'm fine, sorry, dropped the phone," I answered, giggling softly. "How come you sound so different today Andy?" I asked, more curious now than before.
"Oh, it's nothing really. I guess it's just getting a little lonely here without you," he admitted quietly. It's been five years since I've left Japan, and he finally says that it's lonely? I shook my head and laughed at Andrew's sad excuse.
"Really? So you weren't lonely all these five years?" I asked, knowing that he knew I had caught him red handed in a lie. It was funny hearing him chuckle and mumble a soft apology, truth be told. "I'm just teasing hun, but seriously, what's bugging you?" I asked in a more serious tone.
"Honestly? I miss you Sere, it's been so long since I've seen you," replied Andrew quietly, as if he was embarrassed to tell me the truth. "And I'd like to visit with Keith again," he added, his voice filled with hope. Tears slid down my eyes as I listened to Andrew, it hurt me to hear him this down, because the one thing I loved most about him was his spirit.
~*AN*~
Confused? Hope not, I was aiming for curious. Can't let you know too much, but I'm not sure who Sere should be with yet, Jason or Andrew? And who is Keith? Interesting twist right? Hope so.. =)
~*Finding The Strength Within: Chapter I*~
It's dark and gloomy outside again, I hate these kinds of days, and it always makes me look back. Ever since then things in my life have been so hectic, with graduation then starting work at Moonlight Fashions, I haven't had the chance to think about it until now. How long has it really been? Five years, I've changed so much since then. I wonder how they are doing. Would they be mad if I came back now and told them all the secrets that I have been holding back. Maybe I shouldn't, they might not welcome me anymore. After all, I did leave them without any note saying I would be okay. Yet a part of me misses my family so badly. The only person who know of my where about was Andrew, the only person that I could confide in. I'm so ashamed of what happened though. I can't believe I fell for those stupid lies and ended up in the position I am now. If it weren't for my so-called "friends" and whom I thought was the love of my life, I'd still be at home with my loving family. I can't believe I fell for all the stupid lies.
"Sere, everything okay in here?" asked one of my co-workers, interrupting my line of thought. I looked up to see the worried eyes of my savior, Jason had helped me through all my problems ever since the incident.
"Yeah, fine!" I feigned a smile and closed my notebook quickly, making sure I saved my e-diary before I shut down. Jason shook his head and plopped into the seat before me. "So what's up big guy?" I asked, curious as to why he was here.
"The boss said you've been a little weary lately," answered Jason with a concerned look on his face. "What's wrong babe?" he asked with a serious tone. "And don't tell me that b.s. of you being tired again, I know you better than that," he added.
I hesitated to look up before answering him because I knew he could see the real reason behind my façade in my eyes. With a sigh, I gave in. "Okay, truth is, I've been thinking about them again," I admitted quietly.
"Not again, how many times have I told you Sere? If you miss them that much, then pick up the phone and order yourself a ticket home!" replied Jason, shaking his head as he rolled his eyes at me. I chunked a wad of paper at him, recalling how we met.
*flashback*
Barely 18 years old and already leaving home without notice to a place I had nobody to depend on was a scary thought to me. I wandered the streets looking for work and learning my way around. I happened to bump into an old man who looked friendly enough, and he directed me towards all the businesses that were looking for help and where I could find a job with my high school diploma. I ended up getting a job helping a local fashion designer that was trying to make it big. I didn't get paid much but it was a job and I needed the money badly. That is where I met Jason, he was the promoter for the guy I worked for and he somehow took a liking to me.
I found out that he too left home at an early age to make something of himself to prove to his family that he wasn't
worthless. I told him of my problem and he helped me prepare for the life that I would soon enter. Andrew would fly over constantly to take care of me when I'd get sick. He even offered to be the one to walk me through life. But Jason was the to hold my hand and guide me that first year; I don't know what I would've done without his help. He provided me with a home and a great friend to lean on when I was in a bind. After the worse part was over, Jason enrolled me into fashion school and offered to help pay for it.
*end flashback*
"Maybe I will, but what will I do about..." I trailed off, thinking about the what ifs that could go wrong if I went home.
"Don't worry, they won't shun you. And I guarantee that they'll love Keith!" exclaimed Jason, shaking me out of my daze. "Goodness woman, who could not love that girl!" he asked, laughing as I shook my head at him.
"You're a nut, he's too much to handle for me!" I cried, thinking about all the nights I've lost sleep. True, everyone at work loved Keith, but that's because he laughed all the time. Who couldn't smile when they saw his eyes twinkling with joy. Keith came into my life shortly after I entered fashion school, it was something different at first and I'm still trying to adapt to him being in my life, but he's grown so much on me.
"If you want, I'll go with you to help you settle in," offered Jason suddenly, snapping me back to reality. I couldn't believe my eyes, he has helped me so much already and now here he is, considering going back to Japan with me.
"I don't know JP, you've got the new line coming out, and I have my deadlines coming up too!" I said, trying not to think too much about going home. "Maybe some other time, things are a little too hectic right now for me to just pick up and go, plus Keith isn't finished with classes yet," I added, trying to find a way out of the ridiculous idea.
"Why do you do this to yourself?" Jason asked me with a sad look in his eyes. I hated it when he had that look, it always made me feel so guilty. He's given up so much to help me find my way out of the ditch I was in and I can't even find the gratitude to make him happy by letting go of my fears.
"I'm sorry, I know it would make your whole life meaningful if I went back, but I can't, I don't even know where to start!" I yelled, shaken that I raised my voice at the guy who has been there for me through thick and thin. "I'm sorry, it's just so hard, I don't think I can handle the stress," I responded, fighting back the urge to fall to my knees and cry.
"Sere, I told you so many times already. You don't have to do it alone, not with me around," said Jason, pulling me into an embrace. "I'm your strength remember!" he whispered into my ears, trying to sound goofy to get a grin out of me. Giving in, I broke down in tears and we sat there in my office just holding each other. After some time, Jason told me to head home and get some rest, so he had his driver give me a lift home since I wasn't feeling well. "Take tomorrow off if you need some time to yourself, I'll let the boss know you're sick," whispered Jason as he walked me to the car.
"Thanks, I just need some time to think over this," I answered giving him a hug before getting in. As Jason shut the door
behind me, I turned to see that same sad look in his eyes once again as he tapped the car, signaling for the driver to take off. 'I'm sorry Jason, I know this is hurting you, and it kills me too,' I thought to myself as the car drove off. As the building disappeared into the distance I drifted off to sleep, thinking about how I would go about things if I decided to go home. When I awoke, the driver had already opened the door for me and was calling out to me. I grabbed my bags and thanks him as I headed up to my apartment, it was a cozy little loft just a short distance from Central Park. "I'm home!" I called out to no one in particular, knowing that Keith was with some friends so I was home alone, buy it's something that I've grown accustomed to since I was young. I lit some aroma therapy candles to relax my mind while I soaked myself in a warm bath and thought about everything that's been bottled up in my head for the past five years.
Over the years, Jason has developed feelings for me, and I honestly don't know if I can return them. I feel bad about not having any affection for him, I thought that I would've felt some kind of love after all the help that he's given me. But I realized that love out of gratitude is not enough; I can't do that to Jason nor myself.
Then there was Andrew, my shoulder to cry on. We talked every night since I left Japan, from everything about why I left to how it all began. Sure I told Jason everything, but I never told him how it all came to be, I couldn't find it in my heart to tell him the truth. Andrew knew me since childhood, so I was sure he wouldn't be ashamed of me. I hate to admit it, but I sort of still have feelings for him. I've always been ashamed of that though, considering the fact that I was dating his best friend. Poor Andrew, if he knew, he'd be so confused.
Suddenly the phone rings and snaps me out of my daze, causing me to drop my glass of champagne into the tub and splash water all over myself. I laugh and grab the phone quickly before the person hung up, since it might be important. "Hello?" I answered, still laughing at my clumsiness which hasn't disappeared over the years.
"It's good to hear that you're in a good mood Ms. Moon," said the voice over the phone cheerfully.
"Well hello to you too Andrew!" I laughed, smiling just from hearing his voice. "What's up hun?" I asked, teasing him with the pet name. Ever since Andrew and his girlfriend had broken up, I've started using that pet name to remind him that he was on the market again and up for grabs. 'God you sound so good,' I thought to myself.
"Not much sweetie, just missed hearing your voice and calling in to check up on you," answered Andrew quietly. He seemed sad? My eyebrows bunched up as I tried to make out the tone of his voice. "Sere?" he called out, scarring me as the phone slipped from my hands. "Sere?! Are you okay?!" he yelled in a concerned tone. I hurriedly picked up the phone so he wouldn't get any wild ideas and freak out.
"Yes I'm fine, sorry, dropped the phone," I answered, giggling softly. "How come you sound so different today Andy?" I asked, more curious now than before.
"Oh, it's nothing really. I guess it's just getting a little lonely here without you," he admitted quietly. It's been five years since I've left Japan, and he finally says that it's lonely? I shook my head and laughed at Andrew's sad excuse.
"Really? So you weren't lonely all these five years?" I asked, knowing that he knew I had caught him red handed in a lie. It was funny hearing him chuckle and mumble a soft apology, truth be told. "I'm just teasing hun, but seriously, what's bugging you?" I asked in a more serious tone.
"Honestly? I miss you Sere, it's been so long since I've seen you," replied Andrew quietly, as if he was embarrassed to tell me the truth. "And I'd like to visit with Keith again," he added, his voice filled with hope. Tears slid down my eyes as I listened to Andrew, it hurt me to hear him this down, because the one thing I loved most about him was his spirit.
~*AN*~
Confused? Hope not, I was aiming for curious. Can't let you know too much, but I'm not sure who Sere should be with yet, Jason or Andrew? And who is Keith? Interesting twist right? Hope so.. =)