The Next Morning
Jin massaged his face with both of his hands as he sat in disbelief on the chair in the hospital. They had informed him last night that Dionne has passed away peacefully in her sleep. He was numb and clueless. Was it really you saying goodbye to me? He thought remembering the dream so vividly.
He had spoken to the doctor and checked the radiology report as well. Doubts about the accuracy of the report in his hands crept in his mind because it indicated that there was nothing was in her system and had died of natural causes. This is nonsense! He thought. Can something just disappear in your system? I don't understand.
He walked to the room where Dionne was asleep eternally feeling teary eyed. "I'm sorry that I never told you that I loved you." But I promise you that Christina will know exactly how much you meant to me.
He took a deep breath and took his phone out of his pocket. Who shall I call first? Aya? Fay? He didn't have the heart to tell the girls so he decided to dial Mika's number. He slumped on the chair, waiting for Mika to pick up.
"Good morning, sunshine."
"Hi, Mika. I am sorry to call you so early on a Saturday."
Mika laughed. "I would have forgiven you if I was asleep, but I'm still up. I don't sleep much."
Jin smiled a bit. Mika was someone who suddenly came into their lives. He remembered meeting him when they were still working for Lee. Today, he had become a trusted confidant for all of them. At some point, he had felt that Mika liked Dionne but once Mika knew he had feelings for her; he told him to go get her.
"What's up?"
Jin let out a frustrated sigh. "I got a call from the hospital last night…"
"She didn't make it." Mika finished.
Jin stayed quiet.
Mika chuckle sadly. "I kind of knew or say felt it. I've been uneasy all night. I was waiting for bad news."
"I need to finish the paper work; and make the arrangements. Can you tell the girls for me? I don't think I'll be able to."
"Sure, Jin. Let me know if there is anything I can help with." Mika said.
Jin hang up the phone and still sat there. I guess I need to make the burial and funeral arrangements.
[RING]
[RING]
[RING]
Jordan woke up suddenly at an annoying sound. He looked for the source and realised that it was his phone. He was lying down on the inner edge of the sofa while Fay slept next to him. They never made it to the bedroom and ended up in his living room this morning. He leaned over her, fumbling his hands on the floor until he found his phone. He cursed himself for waking up Fay, "Yeah?"
"Are you still asleep? Its 9am!?" Mika exclaimed.
Jordan looked at his phone screen checking what day it was. "Of course, I'm still asleep. It's a Saturday." His voice hoarse from waking up; he cleared it and spoke, "and you scared the shit out of me."
"I'm sorry to wake you up, but this is serious," Mika began.
"What is it?"
"I just got a call from Jin and it's not good news."
Jordan kept rubbing his eyes, trying to shake the sleep off. "Just spit it out! What are you trying to tell me?!"
"Dionne passed away last night."
Jordan moved over Fay and sat down at the edge of the sofa. He glanced at her and found her awake. He stood up, only in his boxers and walked to the kitchen so Fay wouldn't hear. "You serious?"
"Yes."
"Damnit."
"Have a heart, man!" Mika muttered.
"My condolences. I am sorry but I can't put more feelings into this because I never met her." Jordan explained. "Seriously, my condolences." He repeated. "Did you tell anyone yet?"
"No, I am going to call the girls now. Jin asked me to tell them because he couldn't." His voice coming out in frustration.
"Take it easy." Jordan told him. "I'll catch up with you in a bit."
"Ok."
Jordan hung up and placed his hands on the kitchen counter. He wasn't sure if he should tell Fay or leave it to Mika. I'm not really good with these types of situation. He exhaled, took out two mugs and decided to make some coffee for the both of them.
"Is everything ok?"
He turned to see Fay standing by the kitchen door. She was only in his t-shirt eyeing him curiously. There was a troubled look on her face. Jordan allowed the machine to make the coffee and walked over to her. "No, it's not ok."
She waited for him to continue.
Jordan put his hands on each arm and rubbed it affectionately. "Your friend…" How the hell am I supposed to do this?!
Fay looked at him and felt her eyes tear up. She knew what he was trying to tell her. She still waited for him to speak, when her phone rang. She looked at the caller ID. "It's Mika."
He took the phone from her hand. "Don't answer it. I'll tell you." He had read about Dionne in the reports and the girls always mentioned her. "Your friend; Dionne passed away last night."
Fay just stared ahead. After a few minutes, she clenched her hands, turning around. She went to the living room, picked up her dress and slipped it on.
Jordan followed her. "Say something."
"I'm going to go home, change then I have to see Aya." She turned around giving him her back, removed the t-shirt and adjusted her dress. After she finished dressing up; she found Jordan in front of her. He pulled her close and hugged her tight. "You don't have to put a strong fold."
Fay remained silent. She was in shock. All she wanted to do was see Aya. She moved away from him. "Thank you, but I really have to leave."
He walked with her to the door. "I'll see you later?"
Fay didn't say anything. She opened the door to leave when he held her upper arm. The move took her by surprise. She turned to face him seeing a genuine concern on his face.
"Does this worry you?"
She knew what he was asking. "I don't know." She admitted, taking his hand. She held it on her chest. "I have a lot of things to think of right now."
"We will talk about it when the time comes."
She leaned in, kissing his cheek.
Jordan let her leave and turned back into his penthouse. He went to the kitchen to get his coffee. He couldn't stop thinking about her. If anyone had told him that he would be sleeping with her last night he would have laughed at them. I have my own problems to think of. He picked up his phone and glowered when his calendar notification popped up.
Hwoarang was nervously passing his phone between his palms. He had just hung up from Mika and he was not pleased. He was impatiently waiting for Aya to get out of the shower so he could give her the news. This is bad and serious. Are they going to hunt us down one by one? Would Lee do this? I've known him the longest but I don't think he is calling the shots here.
"You ok?" Aya had just come out of the shower. She was only in a towel and another was wrapped around her hair.
"No, it's all bullshit. I am not ok." He muttered, standing up. "I don't have good news."
"It's Dionne, isn't it?"
"Unfortunately." He walked over to the dresser to pick up his wallet, but without thinking punched the mirror, causing his knuckles to bleed. "This is all so fucked up!"
Aya frowned at the scene in front of her. He's right but we can't let this beat us up. I need to see Fay. She thought, going back into the bathroom. She came out with a first aid kit and told him to sit on the bed. "Don't do something stupid like that again. We all need to be strong." She bandaged his hand and then placed a tape to secure it. "I'm going to get dressed then we will go to the office. I'm sure that everyone is there."
"It's a Saturday."
"I'm sure that they will be there." Aya said confidently.
"Whatever you say." He stood up, and picked up a jacket from the sofa. He put it on and went to the kitchen. He grabbed a bottle of soda out of the fridge and opened it. Sweet Di! You really didn't deserve this.
"Let's go." Aya came out, wearing a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt. Her hair was still wet from the shower. She slung her backpack on her shoulder and they walked out of the apartment. As they walked along the streets, Aya observed her surroundings. There were people walking, children playing in the playgrounds, and birds chirping. We tend to forget about how important living and breathing is when we get so busy.
Her heart ached; they kept on walking as they made their way. Finally, they reached. Aya walked into the office and found Fay there already. No words were exchanged. She just hugged her. Fay put her arms around her and placed her head on her shoulder.
Hwoarang saw Mika there too who looked awful. He gave him a fist bump while Mika inclined his head in return.
"Has anyone spoken to Jin?" Aya looked at the boys.
"I have. He said he is taking care of the arrangements. He will text me when he is done so we know what we can do to help." Mika sat at the edge of the desk. "It's insane! We were just having dinner last night."
"I'm actually here." Jin walked into the office.
Fay walked over to him and hugged him. "Hey."
"Hey yourself," he said, hugging her back. "My condolences."
Fay moved back. "Don't be silly. You're hurting too." She said, tears in her eyes. "I am so sorry."
Jin hugged her again. "She would never have wanted us to cry like this. We need to be strong and put an end to this mess."
"He's right." Aya agreed, giving him a thumbs up. "What's the plan?"
Jin crossed his arms. "I'm done with all arrangements. The funeral will be on Monday." He nervously moved his fingers. "Then we need to find out who the fuck did this?!"
"Damn right." Mika muttered. He watched Jin, and felt for him. He was trying to look strong for everyone else but it was obvious that he was barely able to keep his emotions in place. "I hate to be a mood killer." He suddenly remembered, "What about Christina?"
"I took care of that already."
Aya and Fay exchanged looks. "Can we see her?" Aya asked. I miss that munchkin.
"When this is all over you can."
Aya and Fay were still in the office with everyone else. They all got busy, doing their own paperwork. For a Saturday, no one wanted to leave the office. It was around noon when lunch arrived. The girls had ordered lunch, and were setting it at the meeting room table. They knew that no one had an appetite but they wanted to make sure that they ate so they had their energy.
"Hey…"
"Yeah?' Fay asked, as she placed the Chinese takeout boxes on the table. She was wearing a short mini strap dress. It was a light peach in colour, and she wore matching heels. She was also wearing a van cleef necklace with a matching bracelet. It was pure mother of pearls al hambra design. Her hair was just straightened. It was obvious that she had just showered and left.
The silence is killing me. Oh, I never asked her. Aya looked at Fay, "What was that about?"
Fay was still taking the boxes out of the bag. "What?"
"Last night with Jordan?"
Fay blushed at the question. She lowered her gaze, and continued fixing the stuff.
"Oh my God!" Aya exclaimed knowingly. She should've known from the way Fay was acting that something was up. "You slept with him, didn't you?"
Fay just shrugged with a smile. "It just happened. Don't announce it though."
"and speak of the devil." Aya grinned, seeing Jordan walk into their office. The meeting room had glass walls so they were able to see the entire office. "You think he's here to propose." Aya joked, seeing Jordan wearing a full business suit.
"You do need to stop joking about this. We haven't talked about it so don't make it awkward." Fay said in a serious tone. She then shrugged. "Maybe it was a one-time thing."
Aya frowned then realised she might have actually upset her. "I am sorry. Timing sucks. I'm just trying to fix the mood. Everyone is depressed."
Fay sighed. "I know. Anyway, food is set so let's call everyone and eat."
"I'll go." Aya said, walking out. She got out and saw Jordan first. "You're looking all dashing."
"My condolences." He said, hugging her. "And I just came from a board meeting."
She looked confused. "On a Saturday?"
"A lot of members of my father's company can only do Saturday's." he explained, then he glanced behind her to where Fay was.
Aya smiled knowingly, "I'm sure it was fun."
"Hardly." He said dryly. "My brother and I don't see eye to eye, but I'd rather not talk about it."
Cute. He has a brother. "Don't bother explaining. I am sure you're hungry after that. Go eat. Fay already set everything. I'll call the others."
He nodded, and walked towards the meeting room. He knocked so he wouldn't scare her. "Yo." He made her turn.
"Hi,"
Jordan couldn't help but admire her. She was always dressed in her best. "You look nice."
"I know." Fay said confidently, making him grin.
"Need help?"
"No, I'm good." She said, "How come you're all suited up?" she asked, checking him out. She looked at him, then realised she was caught so she turned her head embarrassingly.
Jordan walked closer, and held her. "My condolences again." he kissed her forehead and moved his hand across her back not facing the glass walls. "Last night was fun." He whispered in her ear.
Oh, interesting. He is the flirting type. I didn't see that coming. He moved his lips to her temple then moved his hands further down her back. When she realised that he wasn't planning to stop, she put her hands on his chest, looking up sharply at him. "What are you doing? Are you crazy? This is a glass meeting room."
He gave her a knowing grin. "You shouldn't dress up all sexy then, and no one will think otherwise. They'll think that I'm consoling you."
She was about to speak. "What are we eating?" Mika asked, followed by Jin entering the meeting room. Fay moved away from Jordan, "I ordered our usual Chinese food." Fay answered Mika, pretending that nothing weird was happening. She went to the head of the table and couldn't stop her heart from beating so fast.
Jordan clenched his jaw at being interrupted. It's like I can never get a moment alone with her. He removed his suit jacket and took a seat. He didn't take any food though.
"You're not eating?" Aya plopped on the chair next to him.
"Nope." Jordan replied back to Aya. "I'm not really that hungry." His eyes still on Fay as she was handing everyone drinks. She walked over to them and handed Aya a bottle of water. She gave Jordan a can of soda, then picked up a diet coke for herself and sat next to him.
"So how come you're all formal and gloomy?' Mika asked, as he ate his noodles.
"I had a board meeting." He answered. The truth was is that he hated these board meetings but because he still owns shares in his father's company, he had to attend. "Not one of my many happy occasions."
"Sorry, I'm late. I had to quickly pass by Lei's." Hwoarang walked in and threw his jacket on the chair. "And I'm starving."
"Eat up, boy. Gain some energy for me." Aya grinned, he's always so sexy.
"Oh my God. That's disgusting." Fay muttered, putting her chopsticks down. "Can we not be icky?!"
They all laughed.
Much Later
Aya came out of her office and found the place empty. Jin had gone to Dionne's apartment to pick out something for her burial while Mika and Hwoarang went to see Lei. Only Jordan sat there, flipping through a book. "What you doing?"
He threw the book across the table and shrugged. He had removed his jacket and folded his sleeves. He had the first few buttons unbuttoned. "I am just killing time. We cannot do much. Lei asked us to wait until after Monday."
"He doesn't want us to go to Miguel yet?"
"No, he said he is planning something." Jordan answered, then he stood up. "Lei is a smart one. He knows everything, yet he makes us feel like he is a dumbass. Get my drift?"
Aya chuckled at him. "Maybe that's why he is a good boss."
"Oh well."
"So, seriously why are you still lingering around here?" she asked.
He picked up his jacket from the mustard sofa in the middle of the office. "Can't wait to kick me out?" he said sarcastically with a laugh. "I thought no one was here. She said she will take a nap in her office. I was waiting for her to wake up."
"What is she to you?"
He raised his eyebrow, "what do you mean?"
Aya walked around the table, "You know. I'm not stupid. I sort of guessed that you slept with her." Aya concluded as she placed a finger on her mouth.
Jordan looked at her seriously, then shrugged nonchalantly. "Sometimes it's good to just leave it be. Maybe it was just a fun thing to do."
His reply surprised her, "But…"
Jordan saw Fay come out of her office. She was wiping her eye as she spotted the both of them. "Why is everyone still here?" she yawned, stretching her arms. "I hate my sofa. It is so uncomfortable."
"We were waiting for you to get up so we can leave." Jordan said, motioning for her to come closer. He gave Fay his jacket and looked at Aya. "Let's go then. I'll drop you girl's home."
They just followed.
Monday Morning
Hwoarang was fixing his tie, looking into the mirror. He hated suits but he was making an exception for Dionne. You deserve all the agony I am going to go through today, he thought with a silly smile. He fixed his hair when he got a message on his phone.
[Make sure that she doesn't show up in her death gaze t-shirt]
Hwoarang smirked at Fay's message just as Aya walked out of the bathroom. He laughed at her because she was wearing the t-shirt with black pants. "Aya, you need to change. Fay's orders." He showed her the message.
"She can kiss my ass." Aya put on her jacket, picking up her keys. "Let's leave."
Hwoarang raised his eyebrow. I am so not facing Fay's wrath. She has to deal with her. They walked towards the cemetery. When they reached the place, they found Mika in a suit as well. He was waiting by the entrance.
"How do you greet someone by the cemetery?" Hwoarang joked.
Mika gave him a look, shaking his hand. "This can do for now. Who else is coming?"
"Just Fay and Jin." Aya answered, "We didn't really tell Jordan. It didn't seem right." She explained, then she saw Fay walk towards them with Jin. Fay was dressed in a Ted Baker boat-neck woven midi dress. She also had on an elegant and luxurious feather mesh Kentucky derby hat fascinator headpiece. It had a feather flower. High black Louboutin heels accompanied her outfit. She was completely in Black. She only had diamond with pearls earrings on.
"Don't glare at me." Aya muttered at Fay who was looking disapprovingly at her.
"One thing I ask of you, and you totally chose to ignore me." Fay glanced at her, then at Hwoarang who was overlooking the conversation.
"Let's do this." Jin said, taking Fay's hand. He needed support, or anything close to it. His palm was all sweaty and he was a nervous wreck. Fay squeezed his hand, walking with him. Aya took Jin's other hand, cuddling it too. "We're in this together, Jin."
He nodded in appreciation.
Later
Mika had one hand in his pocket, "That… Umm that didn't take long." The cemetery was huge and one of the most beautiful ones he had seen. It was eerily peaceful. The skies were cloudy, paved walkaways and lots of trees in the area.
"What? Burying the dead?" Aya stared at the ground where they had put Dionne's tombstone. "No, it didn't take long at all," she placed a bouquet of flowers on it.
Jin was on his knees giving prayer to Dionne then stood up. "Shall we head back?"
"Yeah, I want to leave." Fay said, not liking being there anymore. Cemeteries depressed her. I promise that Ill visit soon though. They started walking back from another route, passing by so many tombstones.
"Hey, look…" Mika pointed at one of the tombs. "That's a coincidence."
Jin stopped walking and read the tomb.
Natalie Jordan DeMarco
Oh," Fay whispered, this is Jordan's daughter. Wow! She's been dead for 10 years now. So pretty.
Aya frowned. I guess cemeteries is not one of his favourite places. "Let's not mention anything. I don't think he'd want to talk about it." Come to think of it, he never talks about anything. He's very private.
"Its not like we can say hey, guess what we saw today." Mika said ironically, with a roll of his eyes. They reached the exit and everyone went their separate ways without saying a word to each other. They all needed time to recoup.
12AM
Fay was in her bed trying to sleep. Today can be written off as a weird day, she thought. She was in her pyjama, browsing through her phone when Jordan called her, "Hello?"
"How did it go?" he asked.
Fay realised that she actually misses him. She hadn't seen him. They were used to seeing him daily. "I don't know." She admitted. "It seems so surreal. I still think she is here. I can't believe we buried her. No one said a word. Everyone just left afterwards."
"I'm sure that it wasn't easy, but I just wanted to check on you." He added sincerely. "I haven't seen any of you since Saturday. Things ok?"
"Yep."
"Getting rest?"
"Yes, sir."
"Fay…"
"Jordan, what are you doing?" she questioned. He never calls me. What's going on?
Jordan was silent for a few minutes then let out a sigh. "I honestly miss you." He said honestly. "I couldn't sleep so I thought I'd give you a call.'
Fay's felt his sincerity. "Yeah, it's cute. I might miss you too." She joked. "Shall I see you tomorrow?"
"You better."
They talked for a while until she hung up. She yawned, stretching on her bed. "I might as well try and sleep." She patted her pillow and got under her sheets.
1AM
Jin was using he treadmill in his gym because he could not sleep. He already found Aya there when he entered the gym. Jin and Aya lived in the same building, and there was a gym on the rooftop. "You couldn't sleep either?"
Aya shook her head. "I'm tired of running though. I'm going to use the bars."
Jin kept on running as Aya used the monkey bars. "How do you feel?"
Aya hung upside down. "I don't know. A part of me wishes it was like Christina when we thought she was dead, but this is a different scenario."
Jin wiped his sweat as he increased his running speed. "Poor kid. I don't know how I'm going to tell her."
Aya kept swaying in the same position. "Don't feel that you need to take all the burden. We are all here to help out, Jin. She will get the best care from all of us." Maybe after this is all over, we can think of a nice plan and live all of us together.
Jin gave her a thumbs up in silent. These women are tough. Aya. Fay. After everything they have endured, they still don't take shit.
Aya returned the thumbs up.
4AM
Mika and Fay decided to jog at one of the parks at dawn. The group decided to do everything in pairs now. Lei told them not to take any risks. Mika was in a black ftblPLAY PUMA tracksuit whereas Fay was wearing a green cargo jogger pants with a white racerback crop top.
He had texted her at 3am that he could not sleep and he wanted to blow some steam by jogging. She told him that she would meet him at 4am.
They kept on jogging until they reached the bridge and made a stop. Fay checked her steps and was impressed that they had ran 3,210 steps already. She took a swig of her water and gave Mika a new bottle from the machine. "Not bad," she remarked.
He was trying to catch his breath as he took the water from her. "Thanks for joining me. I asked Jordan first but he hung up the phone on me."
Fay chuckled. "I would too if you had called me at 3am."
"and that's why I texted you."
[ZIP]
They both took a step back as the dart missed them.
Mika looked around and noticed that the figure didn't run off like always. It was approaching them slowly. "Stay alert."
Fay narrowed her eyes. "Show yourself."
A slim woman stood in front of them, completely in a black cat suit. She had blonde hair and striking blue eyes. "It's a shame it missed," she said, then she extended her hand and looked at Fay. "Come play with me."
Mika put his arm in front of Fay. "Don't."
The stranger looked at Mika, "Don't bother. You're going to be busy."
[SMACK]
Mika fell as he was shoved from the behind. "Is he one of them, Nina?" A red headed woman with a bob asked. She was wearing the same cat suit.
"Yep. He's all yours while I take care of this one."
"Don't underestimate me." Fay helped Mika stand up. They were standing back to back with each of them facing one of the strangers.
She licked her lips. "I would never estimate any of Lee's lovers."
"Ex."
"Don't you own a brothel?" Mika recognised her.
"That's just a day job." She giggled. "Want to visit so my ladies can please a sexy man like you."
"I'm flattered.
Nina swung her leg to kick Fay, but she dodged. "Not bad."
Fay rolled to the other side and side stepped her every kick as she swung her legs at her.
Nina pulled a knife from between her breasts. "It's time to get serious." She held the knife and tried slashing her.
Fay kept dodging until she was backed against a wall. Nina ran forward but Fay flipped and missed her but Nina managed to slash her arm. Fuck! Fay thought. She glanced at Mika who was fighting Anna as well and thought quickly how to get out of this situation. Think, Fay. Think.
Anna grabbed Mika and threw him across onto the floor. With a reflex of a cat, she took a knife and stabbed him in the stomach.
"Shit!" Mika swore, falling onto his knees. He took the knife out and stood up again. That's going to hurt…
Anna smiled playfully. "Still insisting to play?" she asked then she kicked him in the abdomen where she had stabbed him.
"Oof." He fell to the floor.
"MIKA?!" Fay exclaimed, but that move distracted her and Nina had struck her, making her fall.
Anna left Mika and walked to where Fay had fallen. She took another knife and stabbed her.
"Fuck!" Fay swore, trying to kick her; but she moved and placed her heel on her wound.
"Our orders were to only kill the girl." Nina looked at Anna. "Hold her while I inject her."
Inject me? Fay thought, then she looked up and felt horrified when she saw Nina holding the dart. Shit! I have to move. She tried standing up, but they hit her again. Anna held her up and restrained her. Fay struggled but her injuries hurt too much.
"Say good night," Nina said triumphally.
[BANG]
[BANG]
Fay froze as the two women fell. Mika was standing up, holding onto his stomach. He had shot them both in the head. He gave her a nod, and fell onto his knees. Fay ran towards him, "Mika."
"That's going to sting." He said breathless, holding onto his wound. His palms were on the floor as he tried breathing. "Shit! I'm going to pass out." He laid down flat on the floor, closing is eyes.
"Mika…" she put his head on her lap. Shit! They really did a number on us. She looked at her arm and realised that she was bleeding. She dialled Aya's number, but there was no answer. She was about to dial Jordan's but felt a bit faint and dropped her phone. She moved Mika to the side, and picked up her phone. "Siri, call Jordan."
[Calling Jordan Demarco]
Pick up. Pick up.
"Hello."
"Jordan…" Fay began, then felt a sharp pain in her arm. Crap… It hurts. "…. "
"Hey! All ok?"
Fay bit her lip from the pain and tried to speak, but couldn't. "Get he…l…p."
Everything went black.