MIKITA IN A DIFFERENT STORY

(Disclaimer: I do not own the show Nikita or its characters.)

This was a product of my imagination.

She was my Sister's Bodyguard

The Kang couple has arrived from their London trip in time before the Christmas Eve. Alex after her revelation has became quiet especially when Owen was around. Nikita was being concerned of Alex's feelings. She may not have boyfriend or at least experience her first kiss, she knew that Alex was hurt towards the revelation. How she wish she can also guard her heart from pain.

"So how's school?" Jackie asked Alex. They were in the living room watching.

"Everything was okey Mom. It's Christmas break." Alex answered her mom with sad face. She doesn't want to be caught of the pain she feel inside. Before her tears fall, she went upstairs hiding.

When Alex walked out, Nikita just so happen went to living room to give Alex her scheduler.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I thought Alex was here." Nikita was surprised and took a step back when Jackie stops her.

"Is everything okey with my daughter?" Jackie asked.

"Yes ma'am." Nikita paused. "Actually she's not okey. She needs her mom right now." Nikita continued.

"What happened?" Jackie asked again switching off the television.

"It's just that she needs you right now." Nikita answered.

Jackie went to Alex's room with a tray of snack.

"Baby, you need someone to talk to? Nikita gave this." Jackie handed to Alex her scheduler and seated next to her.

"Did Nikita tell you?" Alex asked.

"No. I have noticed that sad look in your face." Jackie answered.

"I'm hurt mom. He was my greatest love. He was one of my inspirations to become the best person in me. He made me smile in all his hellos' and sad in all his goodbyes'. I thought it was great to fall for someone. But why it was like this? It's too painful. It made me regret of everything I felt on that very moment that he saved me." Alex opened up her feelings to Jackie. She poured it out.

"Alex, how I wished I could cast the pain you feel right now. With all that I can be, I don't want you to get hurt. But this how we grow and learn. There are two sides of love. It doesn't mean when you're in love you will be happy and will not be hurt. That's not normal. You need to surpass the pains and enjoy the love when it was there. Is it Owen?" Jackie asked Alex and hugged her tight.

"Why did his name come out to your mouth, mom?" Alex asked back. Jackie releases her from her arms.

"I would not be your mom if I don't know it."Jackie answered.

"Mom, what will I do? He only sees me as his sister." Alex stood up and took the glass of juice her mom brought in.

"What was important is that he did not pretend about his feelings. If we love someone, it's not a 100% that we can be loved back. Just be strong. Love will find a way." Jackie explained.

"Thank you, mom. You're the best." Alex hugged her mom.

Alex felt light after being comforted by her mom. She dressed up and decided not to spoil the day. It's a day before Christmas. She went for shopping together with Cassandra and Nikita of course her bodyguard. Michael also went with them while Owen was on vacation.

"This shoes looks great, isn't it Cass?" Alex asked Cassandra while holding a blue high heel shoes.

"Yes. They're beautiful." Cassandra answered.

"I'll buy this." Alex went to the cashier.

"How about this, does it look great on my feet?" Cassandra asked Michael wearing grey high heel sandals.

"Yes. They look perfect." Michael answered with his eyes shimmers. "I'll buy it for you." Michael pulled Cassandra's hand towards the cashier.

"Hey brother, what about me?" Alex jealous of what Michael did for Cassandra.

"Okey. I'll pay that also." Michael gets his credit card and gave it to the cashier.

It was a fan moment for the four. After shopping they ate at a Chinese restaurant.

"Please give us Chinese pepper steak, sweet and sour pork and chicken salad. One more, Crab and Shrimp corn soup. Give us your finest drinks." Michael ordered.

"Ah, excuse me. Can I order something for me?" Nikita asked with shame on her face.

"Why? Is there something wrong with what I've ordered?" Michael asked back.

"Ah nope. It's just that I'm a vegetarian." Nikita answered.

"Ah okey. What's your order?" Michael was a little surprised.

"Please give me a vegetarian soup, Ba Gua and Yu Choy salad." Nikita ordered.

"Was that all Ma'am" the waiter asked.

"That's all."Nikita answered.

They have a nice lunch. Nikita was being conscious of their conversation. It was not about her but it seems like she was just a props on their table. While Michael was still surprise how Nikita can have the strength to protect someone while she only eats vegetables. The siblings treat Nikita as part of their family starting on the day of the pool incident.

"Excuse me; I'll just go to the ladies room." Nikita asked permission. It was a way for her to be out of the picture. After spending little time in the ladies room she went to the front desk of the restaurant. "Can I ask something?" Nikita approach the waiter.

"Yes Ma'am. Anything I can do for you?" the waiter asked back

"I just want to ask if you have black beans noodles." Nikita answered.

"Yes Ma'am we have. Chinese style" the waiter said.

"Oh. Ah" Nikita stopped seeing Michael was standing beside her.

"Black beans noodle?" Michael teased Nikita.

"I'm just asking." Nikita feels irritated on how Michael asked her.

"Do you want to order it?" Michael asked Nikita.

"No." Nikita left Michael on the front desk and returned to their table.

Before it gets dark Alex and Nikita went home. They gave Michael and Cassandra some bonding moments before Christmas Eve because Cassandra needs to spend time with her family and also Michael. The Kang family prepared a lot for the Christmas Eve. They make it sure always that it would be an ultimate bonding for the family. It's like barbecue day. They prepared lots of finger foods, pastas, sea foods and lots of wines. All their household maids were invited on their gathering. The more the merrier. Michael went home in time their already starting the party.

"Mom and dad I brought a present for you. It's from me and Cass." Michael handed his Christmas gift to his parents. It was a key, a motorcycle key. "I know you have wished for this long time ago. Now you can have bonding moments."

"Thank you my dear son." Jackie hugged her son.

"Thank you son." Jarred also gave a hug to Michael.

"Me, too. I made this for you, a photo mosaic." Alex gave hug to her parents.

"Thank you." Jarred and Jackie in chorus.

Ever since, Kang's couple never buys any gifts for their children. They made sure that in all their important moments they were there. If not, than they have to buy a car for every absence. So far they manage to attend every moment that their presence needed. It is not because buying car would be expensive but because it was very important for them being parents in spite of their busy schedule. Everyone enjoyed the night. Every housemaid receives a Christmas present from the Kang's family. Nikita did not attend the gathering. She chooses to be alone. She misses her dad so much. She receives two gifts from the Kang couple and Alex. The Kang couple gave her a book with cash gift as her bonus while Alex gave her an angel's wings pendant. Seeing the pendant made her think about her mom. She was her guardian angel. She cried. She was not use to receive neither gifts nor giving gifts especially when her mom died. But on the contrary she gave Kang couple a couple key chains and also gave Alex a stuff toy. It was not expensive but it comes from her heart. On the other hand Michael was wondering why Nikita did not attend the gathering.

"Alex, where is Nikita?" Michael asked Alex.

"She went home." Alex answered.

He wanted to ask more about Nikita when his phone ring. It was Owen. He wanted to meet him in Joe's Restobar. After the happy and touching gathering almost 1am of December 25, Michael went out to meet Owen.

"Bro, why did you not come to the gathering? When will you come home?" Michael asked.

"Bro you know the reason why. I haven't found myself yet. And I don't want to hurt your sister." Owen answered. They were in the Joe's Restobar in Arcadia, a 30 minutes drive away from Haven.

"When are you going to stop hiding?" Michael asked back.

"I don't want to risk everything especially you and your family for my own interest. And I also don't want see your sister sad." Owen answered and drinks his wine.

"Do you love her?" Michael tried to let Owen tell him how he feels.

"Do you know that the first time I saw her in your house I wished she was just a visitor, that she was not related to you. But knowing that she was your sister, I thought to myself that I need to treat her as my sister also to avoid complications. But she mesmerized me the first time I saw her. She was young and beautiful. I'm older for five years. And God I was just 18 before. I thought it would pass and it was just that I adore her not loving her. I thought everything will change." Owen explained and drinks more wine.

"Why don't you fight for how you feel?" Michael comforting his bestfriend.

"Everything will be at risk. Your family, our friendship and especially Alex. I don't want to hurt her. That kills me. I have decided not to be involved in her life. It's enough that she treats me as his brother. I don't want to destroy everything especially all your trust." Owen disappointed for not fighting for his feelings towards Alex. It was all that was left to him. Having relationship with Alex doesn't assure that she will not be hurt. That's why he chooses to give a distance between them.

"You haven't answered my question. Do you love her?" Michael asked.

"Yes bro. And believe me, I have tried to stop and control it." Owen answered.

"Then, if you really can't fight for it just go home. Be a friend and brother to her. Love fades. But if you think the other way then you have my support together with mom and dad. You don't have to be a perfect boyfriend for her. Just be the person she needed and be the person she loves." Michael taps his friend's shoulder.

After a long conversation with Owen, Michael went home. On his way, he saw Nikita walking towards the ice Skating Park. She was alone wearing a brown feathered sweater and black skinny jeans. Michael stopped the car and saw a Chinese restaurant nearby. After dropping in the restaurant he followed Nikita. He saw her sitting at the rink side.

"Alone?" Michael asked. He was standing at the back of Nikita who was looking of nowhere.

"Why are you here?" Nikita asked back.

"I just want you to have this. I was looking for you at the gathering but Alex told me that you went home." Michael handed his present to Nikita and sit beside her.

"Oh, black beans noodles." Nikita was amazed.

"It's good that there's a restaurant nearby and don't worry its pork free." Michael laughs.

"Thank you. I still can't believe it." Nikita can't stop wondering.

"Okey. Actually when I went home after driving Cass to their place I bought a bowl of that to be my present for you. A thank from me for taking care of my sister. Then you were not there. I've saw you on my way home and I've decided to drop by and coincidentally a Chinese restaurant was nearby. Do I make myself clear or do I have to leave?" Michael explained and stood up from where he was sitting.

"I'm sorry. It's just that I celebrate Christmas alone. And you found me." Nikita said.

"So you preferred to be alone. Sorry if I disturb you." Michael asked for apology and took a step backward.

"This was my favorite place." Nikita remembered her past. Michael stops and sits back beside Nikita. "My mom and my dad always bring me here during Christmas. This is where we spend Christmas Eve. And this noodles; we eat a lot of this. We were happy until my mom died. After that day, this would be my 10th year celebrating Christmas alone. Of course if you were not here. My dad hated me because my mom saved me from the bullet that should be shooting to me. I lost them both. This was just an ordinary day for me. Having no one, what will I celebrate?" Nikita opened up.

"Now I know why you always wonder. Why you're mind was flying every time you stand next to us." Michael responded.

"That's me, full of complications. All I thought I've perfectly pretended to be okey. But you notice it or you've been observing me?" Nikita wipes the tears on her eyes.

"Sort of, maybe. Let's go. Put it here first. Let's rent an ice skate." Michael pulled Nikita's hand. They did as what Michael has said. After wearing each other's ice skate, they went to the rink and skate. Michael knows how to skate while Nikita was trying to be in her posture. It was so long ago since she skated with her parents. Michael holds Nikita's hand for her not to fall on the ground.

"You've been here once in a year and haven't tried it?" Michael asked.

"It was so long ago. I just go here to reminisce and eat black beans noodles." Nikita answered.

"Now I know. Well, let's move a little faster." Michael replied.

They have skate for more than an hour. Michael did not release Nikita's hands. He gave Nikita time to reminisce that's why he has not spoken while they were skating. He silently observes Nikita wonders. As he always thought and what he sees to her, she was always so natural and simple. The silence between them stops when someone has accidentally bumped them. They fell both on the ground on a very embarrassing position. Nikita was on top of Michael. She smells his perfume and has a closer look on his handsome face. Michael clears his throat that made Nikita back on her consciousness. She stood up and offers her hand to Michael for him to be able to stand.

"Are you okey?" Michael asked.

"Yes." Nikita answered.

"Sorry if I let you fall." Michael tried to search Nikita's hand and make it sure that she was okey.

"I'm okey. Don't worry." Nikita replied.

"Come. Maybe it's time to go." Michael offered his hand to Nikita.

"Thanks." Nikita smiled and held his hand.

After that, they went to the restaurant. They brought back the black beans noodles and ordered another one.

"Why do you like it so much?" Michael asked Nikita.

"Because of my mom and the taste were different. It was also good for the health." Nikita answered.

"You must miss your mom so much." Michael said.

"Yeah. She was my bestfriend." Nikita remembering her mom.

The two have enjoyed eating especially Nikita, seeing Michael forcing himself eating the black beans noodles. Michael tried to finish eating it but he almost vomits all he has eaten. Nikita let him stop eating and gave him a mint candy. After eating, Michael drives Nikita home.

"Thank you, I enjoyed a lot." Nikita with all her heart of appreciation. "It was nice to be with someone on this holiday."

"You're welcome. You know what, it's normal for you to miss them. It was normal to be sad without them. But you need to move on. Your mom would not be happy seeing you grieving for her for a long time." Michael showing concern to Nikita.

"I know. But I can't help it." Nikita replied with her tears falling.

"Nikita," Michael holds her hand "Don't be cruel to yourself. You deserve to be happy and that's what your mom wanted you to be. Stop living for your past. Move on."

"It's not easy." Nikita remove her hand away from Michael's hand.

"I know. But those eyes are not meant for tears. You were not meant to be sad. Put those beautiful smiles on your face. I wish you happiness Nikita." Michael said with a sad in his eyes.

"Thank you so much. I appreciate your kindness." Nikita responded and opened the passenger's door.

"I just want to share my happiness for having Cassandra back in my life." Michael smiled at Nikita.

"I'm happy for you both. I promise I will never interfere on your relationship again even when you kill each other. I'm just kidding." Nikita gave Michael her sweetest smile. "Merry Christmas, Michael."

"Merry Christmas Nikita." Michael also greets Nikita and he started the car and went home.

Nikita was happy that she was with someone in the Christmas Eve. She never thought how kind Michael's heart was. That moment with him will be treasured. She was surprised to know that he was observing her and he was giving importance on what she likes. He was thoughtful. It made her adore him as a man. The way he touches her and the way he holds her hand made her crave for more intimacy with him. That falling moment and a closer look of his not so angelic but handsome face made her heart beats louder. She was really happy and thanked Michael that even in a few moments she have not think about the past and be able to give herself a chance to be happy. "Nikita, stop thinking about him. He was taken. He was just kind. That's all. Don't be malicious. " Nikita murmured to herself.

While Michael was on his way home, thoughts of him was with Nikita. She was so alone and sad. He was wondering how can someone as kind like her get to experience lots of sadness and loneliness. He tried to eliminate the sadness in her eyes by pulling her toward the rink. He entertained but still she was so far away. He was too concerned about her. When he saw her on the road, his heart stopped and orders his mind to stop. He was sad that he didn't saw Nikita at the gathering in their house but seeing her alone on the park made him more sad. Knowing her story made him know her better. He was happy because she had opened up a chapter of her life to him and at the same time he feels pity for what she have been through. The moment Nikita fell on his chest was so memorable. His heart beats faster especially when she was closely looking at him. She has the most revealing eyes. It was not hard to spell out how she feels because of her eyes. Her hair smells like lavender. How he wished the time stops when they were breathing each other and feeling each other's heart beats. He felt a little joy holding her smooth hand and holding her close to him but at the same time he sympathizes on what Nikita's experiencing. He should be very happy that moment because finally he had Cassandra back but why does he feels sad? Why does he need to feel bad for other person? His feelings toward Nikita was parallel, they goes along with the flow. Maybe that's why he's too concerned for her or maybe he already falls for her.

The Kang family spends the rest of Christmas day by attending mass and spending time on their J&J foundation for the poor. They feed lots of poor families that day and also gave them a simple Christmas present. Cassandra also joined them. Michael revealed to his family that they were together again. His family was so happy especially Alex. They enjoyed their outreach. Nikita also enjoyed reaching those poor people. She felt the same way with them. She tried to avoid Michael especially having conversation with him. And Michael cannot stop himself on observing her. He just hides it especially to his girlfriend. He knew it's not appropriate but he was just a concern friend and nothing special between him and Nikita.