Chapter 13: Beach Fight
The ride to the beach house was in utterly silence with Ah Si driving the Kia Sephia, Shan Chai sitting at the front passenger sit beside Ah Si and the other two, Lei and Xi Men, at each side of the back seat. The silent environment was merely because of the little quarrel at the beginning of the journey.
~~~Flashback~~~
The minute Lei and Shan Chai reached her house, Ah Si was already going berserk! Kicking the tire and screaming on the phone, screaming, giving orders to search for her was an awful and terrifying sight for her. Even Xi Men was looking frantic on the phone. Upon hearing the sound of the scooter, the two of them looked directly towards them and hanged up their calls. Shan Chai tried her very best to hide herself behind Lei.
"LEI? What are you doing riding Shan Chai's bike? Where is she? Did something happen?" asked Xi Men, walking towards Lei.
Ah Si glared straight at Lei. He was furious and raging with anger. His face says it all. Looking away from Ah Si's glare, Lei made a gesture that Shan Chai was behind him with his head to Xi Men. Xi Men walked past Lei and stood beside Shan Chai. She didn't seem to noticed him because her head was rested at Lei's back and she had her eyes closed.
"Shan Chai. thank god you're okay. We were so worried about you, especially Ah Si. When you didn't come out at eight, Ah Si climbed over the gate and knocked on the door. He thought you overslept, but when there aren't any response, he went out behind. Your scooter wasn't there. That was when he thought something might have happened to you and called up for a search team for you. Where did you go, anyway? How did you end up together with Lei?" told Xi Men, glad that Shan Chai was okay and curious at the same time.
Slowly, Shan Chai turned her head towards Xi Men, still holding down her head low from Ah Si's sight.
"I am soo. sorry. I didn't mean to make the two of you worried. I was with Lei the whole night moon gazing. We fell asleep while doing so. that is why we're late. Is 'he' still mad?" enquire Shan Chai slowly.
Looking back at Ah Si, Xi Men nodded. Seeing that, Shan Chai sighed.
"I'm in big trouble, aren't I?" she asked even though she knew the answer. Taking her time, she got down from the scooter.
"I'm here when you need me. Don't worry. I don't think he'll do anything to you," consoled Lei, giving her the support Shan Chai needed to confront Ah Si.
Nodding, Shan Chai walked slowly towards Ah Si, still with her head looking down at her shoe. She was feeling very sorry and a little bit scared towards Ah Si. Never has she seen his behavior that tempestuous before.
Standing right in front of him, while closing her eyes, readying herself for the outburst from Ah Si, she apologized, "Dao Ming Si. I.I am very, very sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. Sor...sorry."
But, to all of their surprise, instead of giving out a scream at Shan Chai, Ah Si hugged her.
"Thank god you're okay. Never, never do this again. I'm getting a mobile phone for you after this. So, next time, when you're out or going to be late, you could just call the others or me and inform us about it. Promise me you're not going to scare me like this again, okay?" said Ah Si softly to Shan Chai's ear.
Bewildered by the sudden, unexpected reaction from Ah Si, Shan Chai just nodded her head. Then, Ah Si let her go, and went straight to Lei who had got off the scooter, looking at them.
"And as for YOU! What is the meaning of taking Shan Chai out in the middle of the night? And most importantly, why didn't you tell any of us that you are back?" cried out Ah Si, pushing Lei with his index finger.
"Ah Si, it's not his fault! I ." Shan Chai tried to explained but stopped when Lei shot a look at her and shook his head indicating he doesn't want her back up. Lei looked at the spot Ah Si pushed him and faced back Ah Si with an expressionless face. Walked past him, he went to the car and sat at the back.
Being ignored, Ah Si huffed and said intensely, "Xi Men, parked Shan Chai's scooter inside and Shan Chai, get in the car."
~~~End Flashback~~~
~~~*~~~*~~~
'I am not in the mood of explaining anything to him. He can presume anything he wants. What made me shocked was that the relationship between Ah Si and Shan Chai had gotten closer. She knew Ah Si was punctual and Ah Si hugged her instead of screaming out like a mad man. In just two weeks, they have gone that far? Do I still have a chance?' asked Lei to himself.
Looking at Ah Si, he thought, 'His concern seemed genuine. Has he really fallen for her and not just because of the bet? If he really do like her and vice versa, would I let go? Would I be able to? He is my friend, my brother. and she is my love. I know Shan Chai still like me, but she had gotten confidant with him. Can I manage to win her back before they get too serious?'
~~~*~~~*~~~
'I don't like this graveyard silence. We have been driving for an hour with this condition, now. Ah Si's anger might have subsided by now.'
"Xi Men, did you bring your guitar along? I want you to play it at the beach house, maybe we can build campfire and sit around it again like last week only this time by the sea. Have roast marshmallow, singing together, tell ghost stories." chatted Shan Chai cheerfully as if nothing had happen. She was trying to break the ice.
"Sure we can Shan Chai. You know I always bring my guitar whenever we have a F4 outing. Wish I could bring one of my Mei Mei along than it would be more interesting," sighed Xi Men.
"We had a deal Xi Men. no outsider when it comes to F4 gathering unless it's a 'date' get together," reminded Ah Si, looking at Xi Men through the rearview mirror.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. I'm just joking."
"Xi Men, I've been meaning to ask you about something," asked Shan Chai, turning around to look at Xi Men. Xi Men looked at her, waiting for the rest of her question.
"Why do you make the one-week-girl policy? Do you have anything to hide? Afraid they will know about it and leave you? Aren't you afraid of AIDS? Don't you want to feel falling in love and spend the rest of your time with the only one suited for you? I know I will. If I love someone, I want him to be by my side, through all the good and bad situation, except me as I am and don't try to change me."
"Hear that Ah Si?" teased Xi Men. Shan Chai shot Xi Men an annoying look.
"Okay, I'll answer. stop looking at me like that. So many question at one time. How am I going to answer all? Let me try to sum it all. Emm. I am afraid of AIDS, who wouldn't but I choose my Mei Mei carefully and use the appropriate protection. It's not that I don't want to fall in love but I haven't found the one for me yet. I'll stop the so-called policy when I do, I promise. Emmm.. Shan Chai.. Xiao You is single right?"
"Oh no you don't! Don't you DARE hit on my friend! I won't permit it!!" shout out Shan Chai, panicked.
The other three laughed at her sudden panic attacked. Shan Chai was baffled, not knowing what was so funny.
"Don't worry Shan Chai. He won't play Xiao You like that. Xi Men knows not to mix pleasure with friendship," explained Lei, joining in the conversation.
Shan Chai smiled at him before fixing his eyes back to Xi Men. "He'd better!"
The rest of the trip was livelier then. Conversation after conversation was brought up after that and the radio filled the car with music. They even sing along with the songs aired.
'I had no idea they have such nice voices. They could form a group of their own. With the wealth, looks and voice, I'm pretty sure they'll be able to be on top. I think Lei have the most gentle and beautiful voice. When he sings, he shared his emotion together with it. I have to praise him later. Maybe he could even sing for me at the beach, alone, romantically under the stars. What am I thinking? He probably wouldn't. I'm not his girlfriend.'
~~~*~~~*~~~
"You're finally here. Are you okay? Don't go wandering away without telling us first. Did Ah Si give you any trouble? No? That's good. Shan Chai let me show you around," invited Jing.
Mei Zhuo sat beside Xi Men at the beach. They watched the girls walked away before Mei Zhuo started the conversation.
"Where did she go?" asked Mei Zhuo.
"She said she went moon gazing with Lei last night, fell asleep and came back this morning at 8.30, with Lei."
"Man. No wonder they are keeping their distance. Lei, sleeping in his room and Ah Si, at the Jacuzzi. Did Ah Si have a fit back then?"
"He had a fit alright, with Lei! I think Ah Si really cares for Shan Chai. She was late and was out with Lei, instead of shouting at her, he hugged her. He was really glad Shan Chai was safe. He's different now," commented Xi Men.
"I suspected the same too. He became her driver ever since the day her parents left. We'll ask him later about it. If he really likes her, I think we should cancel the bet."
"How about Lei? He's acting really weird since the day Jing played out her plan for Shan Chai to accept us. Do you think he likes her as well? If he does, there'll sure be trouble. I don't want F4 to break up because of a girl and the stupid bet WE started," uttered Xi Men, worried.
"Maybe we could play a game to get them back together. I hate to choose sides. Lei and Ah Si are both our brothers. This is what we should do."
The both of them discussed the game plan to make amends between Ah Si and Lei. After they had an agreement, they gathered everyone including Lei and Ah Si at the beach.
"We are going to have a game. It is called 'The Dog Bone'. There will be two teams. Each member of the team will be given a number, 1, 2 and 3 by the leader. The leader will take turns to call out a number. When your number is up, you will try to get this branch in the middle of the circle," said Mei Zhuo, drawing the circle and place the branch at the middle.
"You can't touch one another while going around the circle trying to get the branch. When one of you managed to take it, he or she will run back to their team while the other team member will try to touch them. If the opponent managed to touch you before you manage to high-five your team member, you lose. If not, you'll get a point. Whichever team that managed to get 5 points first is the winner. The winner will then get to punish their opponent with anything they wish for. Got it? Okay, Xi Men and I will be the leader. We will choose our team members one at a time," explained Mei Zhuo more about how the game will be played.
"That is not fair. Let's pick straws to determine the leaders. Whoever gets the longest, will be leader," suggested Shan Chai, agreed by Jing and Ah Si.
Mei Zhuo and Xi Men looked at one another. Their plans are going to be ruined. They wanted Lei and Ah Si to be in the same team. And, they are right. After the straw picking, it turns out that Lei and Ah Si were going to be leaders for each team. At the end, the teams were divided into; Lei, Mei Zhuo and Shan Chai, while the others are in Ah Si's team.
The first round was between Xi Men and Shan Chai. Because of her small figure, she managed to grab the branch first and runaway with it untouched, getting a point for Lei's team. The second round was unfortunately between Lei and Ah Si. At first, everything went out fine until, suddenly Ah Si hit Lei in the face with his fist. Falling down onto the sand, Lei stood up and hit Ah Si back.
"Stop! Stop it you two!" yelled Jing.
Xi Men and Mei Zhuo tried to pull them apart. Lei seemed to be more at ease than Ah Si.
"What is wrong with you Ah Si?" asked Mei Zhuo.
"He touched me!"
Shan Chai went over to Ah Si. Looking straight at him, she said, "It's only a game! Don't be such a sour player. Grow up, Ah Si!"
She then, walked to Lei and led him back to the beach house to clean up the cut on his lips. Watching this, Ah Si pushed Mei Zhuo aside and walked away.
"This is getting worst.," told Xi Men towards Mei Zhuo and Jing.
The ride to the beach house was in utterly silence with Ah Si driving the Kia Sephia, Shan Chai sitting at the front passenger sit beside Ah Si and the other two, Lei and Xi Men, at each side of the back seat. The silent environment was merely because of the little quarrel at the beginning of the journey.
~~~Flashback~~~
The minute Lei and Shan Chai reached her house, Ah Si was already going berserk! Kicking the tire and screaming on the phone, screaming, giving orders to search for her was an awful and terrifying sight for her. Even Xi Men was looking frantic on the phone. Upon hearing the sound of the scooter, the two of them looked directly towards them and hanged up their calls. Shan Chai tried her very best to hide herself behind Lei.
"LEI? What are you doing riding Shan Chai's bike? Where is she? Did something happen?" asked Xi Men, walking towards Lei.
Ah Si glared straight at Lei. He was furious and raging with anger. His face says it all. Looking away from Ah Si's glare, Lei made a gesture that Shan Chai was behind him with his head to Xi Men. Xi Men walked past Lei and stood beside Shan Chai. She didn't seem to noticed him because her head was rested at Lei's back and she had her eyes closed.
"Shan Chai. thank god you're okay. We were so worried about you, especially Ah Si. When you didn't come out at eight, Ah Si climbed over the gate and knocked on the door. He thought you overslept, but when there aren't any response, he went out behind. Your scooter wasn't there. That was when he thought something might have happened to you and called up for a search team for you. Where did you go, anyway? How did you end up together with Lei?" told Xi Men, glad that Shan Chai was okay and curious at the same time.
Slowly, Shan Chai turned her head towards Xi Men, still holding down her head low from Ah Si's sight.
"I am soo. sorry. I didn't mean to make the two of you worried. I was with Lei the whole night moon gazing. We fell asleep while doing so. that is why we're late. Is 'he' still mad?" enquire Shan Chai slowly.
Looking back at Ah Si, Xi Men nodded. Seeing that, Shan Chai sighed.
"I'm in big trouble, aren't I?" she asked even though she knew the answer. Taking her time, she got down from the scooter.
"I'm here when you need me. Don't worry. I don't think he'll do anything to you," consoled Lei, giving her the support Shan Chai needed to confront Ah Si.
Nodding, Shan Chai walked slowly towards Ah Si, still with her head looking down at her shoe. She was feeling very sorry and a little bit scared towards Ah Si. Never has she seen his behavior that tempestuous before.
Standing right in front of him, while closing her eyes, readying herself for the outburst from Ah Si, she apologized, "Dao Ming Si. I.I am very, very sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. Sor...sorry."
But, to all of their surprise, instead of giving out a scream at Shan Chai, Ah Si hugged her.
"Thank god you're okay. Never, never do this again. I'm getting a mobile phone for you after this. So, next time, when you're out or going to be late, you could just call the others or me and inform us about it. Promise me you're not going to scare me like this again, okay?" said Ah Si softly to Shan Chai's ear.
Bewildered by the sudden, unexpected reaction from Ah Si, Shan Chai just nodded her head. Then, Ah Si let her go, and went straight to Lei who had got off the scooter, looking at them.
"And as for YOU! What is the meaning of taking Shan Chai out in the middle of the night? And most importantly, why didn't you tell any of us that you are back?" cried out Ah Si, pushing Lei with his index finger.
"Ah Si, it's not his fault! I ." Shan Chai tried to explained but stopped when Lei shot a look at her and shook his head indicating he doesn't want her back up. Lei looked at the spot Ah Si pushed him and faced back Ah Si with an expressionless face. Walked past him, he went to the car and sat at the back.
Being ignored, Ah Si huffed and said intensely, "Xi Men, parked Shan Chai's scooter inside and Shan Chai, get in the car."
~~~End Flashback~~~
~~~*~~~*~~~
'I am not in the mood of explaining anything to him. He can presume anything he wants. What made me shocked was that the relationship between Ah Si and Shan Chai had gotten closer. She knew Ah Si was punctual and Ah Si hugged her instead of screaming out like a mad man. In just two weeks, they have gone that far? Do I still have a chance?' asked Lei to himself.
Looking at Ah Si, he thought, 'His concern seemed genuine. Has he really fallen for her and not just because of the bet? If he really do like her and vice versa, would I let go? Would I be able to? He is my friend, my brother. and she is my love. I know Shan Chai still like me, but she had gotten confidant with him. Can I manage to win her back before they get too serious?'
~~~*~~~*~~~
'I don't like this graveyard silence. We have been driving for an hour with this condition, now. Ah Si's anger might have subsided by now.'
"Xi Men, did you bring your guitar along? I want you to play it at the beach house, maybe we can build campfire and sit around it again like last week only this time by the sea. Have roast marshmallow, singing together, tell ghost stories." chatted Shan Chai cheerfully as if nothing had happen. She was trying to break the ice.
"Sure we can Shan Chai. You know I always bring my guitar whenever we have a F4 outing. Wish I could bring one of my Mei Mei along than it would be more interesting," sighed Xi Men.
"We had a deal Xi Men. no outsider when it comes to F4 gathering unless it's a 'date' get together," reminded Ah Si, looking at Xi Men through the rearview mirror.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. I'm just joking."
"Xi Men, I've been meaning to ask you about something," asked Shan Chai, turning around to look at Xi Men. Xi Men looked at her, waiting for the rest of her question.
"Why do you make the one-week-girl policy? Do you have anything to hide? Afraid they will know about it and leave you? Aren't you afraid of AIDS? Don't you want to feel falling in love and spend the rest of your time with the only one suited for you? I know I will. If I love someone, I want him to be by my side, through all the good and bad situation, except me as I am and don't try to change me."
"Hear that Ah Si?" teased Xi Men. Shan Chai shot Xi Men an annoying look.
"Okay, I'll answer. stop looking at me like that. So many question at one time. How am I going to answer all? Let me try to sum it all. Emm. I am afraid of AIDS, who wouldn't but I choose my Mei Mei carefully and use the appropriate protection. It's not that I don't want to fall in love but I haven't found the one for me yet. I'll stop the so-called policy when I do, I promise. Emmm.. Shan Chai.. Xiao You is single right?"
"Oh no you don't! Don't you DARE hit on my friend! I won't permit it!!" shout out Shan Chai, panicked.
The other three laughed at her sudden panic attacked. Shan Chai was baffled, not knowing what was so funny.
"Don't worry Shan Chai. He won't play Xiao You like that. Xi Men knows not to mix pleasure with friendship," explained Lei, joining in the conversation.
Shan Chai smiled at him before fixing his eyes back to Xi Men. "He'd better!"
The rest of the trip was livelier then. Conversation after conversation was brought up after that and the radio filled the car with music. They even sing along with the songs aired.
'I had no idea they have such nice voices. They could form a group of their own. With the wealth, looks and voice, I'm pretty sure they'll be able to be on top. I think Lei have the most gentle and beautiful voice. When he sings, he shared his emotion together with it. I have to praise him later. Maybe he could even sing for me at the beach, alone, romantically under the stars. What am I thinking? He probably wouldn't. I'm not his girlfriend.'
~~~*~~~*~~~
"You're finally here. Are you okay? Don't go wandering away without telling us first. Did Ah Si give you any trouble? No? That's good. Shan Chai let me show you around," invited Jing.
Mei Zhuo sat beside Xi Men at the beach. They watched the girls walked away before Mei Zhuo started the conversation.
"Where did she go?" asked Mei Zhuo.
"She said she went moon gazing with Lei last night, fell asleep and came back this morning at 8.30, with Lei."
"Man. No wonder they are keeping their distance. Lei, sleeping in his room and Ah Si, at the Jacuzzi. Did Ah Si have a fit back then?"
"He had a fit alright, with Lei! I think Ah Si really cares for Shan Chai. She was late and was out with Lei, instead of shouting at her, he hugged her. He was really glad Shan Chai was safe. He's different now," commented Xi Men.
"I suspected the same too. He became her driver ever since the day her parents left. We'll ask him later about it. If he really likes her, I think we should cancel the bet."
"How about Lei? He's acting really weird since the day Jing played out her plan for Shan Chai to accept us. Do you think he likes her as well? If he does, there'll sure be trouble. I don't want F4 to break up because of a girl and the stupid bet WE started," uttered Xi Men, worried.
"Maybe we could play a game to get them back together. I hate to choose sides. Lei and Ah Si are both our brothers. This is what we should do."
The both of them discussed the game plan to make amends between Ah Si and Lei. After they had an agreement, they gathered everyone including Lei and Ah Si at the beach.
"We are going to have a game. It is called 'The Dog Bone'. There will be two teams. Each member of the team will be given a number, 1, 2 and 3 by the leader. The leader will take turns to call out a number. When your number is up, you will try to get this branch in the middle of the circle," said Mei Zhuo, drawing the circle and place the branch at the middle.
"You can't touch one another while going around the circle trying to get the branch. When one of you managed to take it, he or she will run back to their team while the other team member will try to touch them. If the opponent managed to touch you before you manage to high-five your team member, you lose. If not, you'll get a point. Whichever team that managed to get 5 points first is the winner. The winner will then get to punish their opponent with anything they wish for. Got it? Okay, Xi Men and I will be the leader. We will choose our team members one at a time," explained Mei Zhuo more about how the game will be played.
"That is not fair. Let's pick straws to determine the leaders. Whoever gets the longest, will be leader," suggested Shan Chai, agreed by Jing and Ah Si.
Mei Zhuo and Xi Men looked at one another. Their plans are going to be ruined. They wanted Lei and Ah Si to be in the same team. And, they are right. After the straw picking, it turns out that Lei and Ah Si were going to be leaders for each team. At the end, the teams were divided into; Lei, Mei Zhuo and Shan Chai, while the others are in Ah Si's team.
The first round was between Xi Men and Shan Chai. Because of her small figure, she managed to grab the branch first and runaway with it untouched, getting a point for Lei's team. The second round was unfortunately between Lei and Ah Si. At first, everything went out fine until, suddenly Ah Si hit Lei in the face with his fist. Falling down onto the sand, Lei stood up and hit Ah Si back.
"Stop! Stop it you two!" yelled Jing.
Xi Men and Mei Zhuo tried to pull them apart. Lei seemed to be more at ease than Ah Si.
"What is wrong with you Ah Si?" asked Mei Zhuo.
"He touched me!"
Shan Chai went over to Ah Si. Looking straight at him, she said, "It's only a game! Don't be such a sour player. Grow up, Ah Si!"
She then, walked to Lei and led him back to the beach house to clean up the cut on his lips. Watching this, Ah Si pushed Mei Zhuo aside and walked away.
"This is getting worst.," told Xi Men towards Mei Zhuo and Jing.