TEN REASONS
Chapter 9 – Why life is like a soap opera – Part II
"In a week?... You've found someone new? Haven't you?"
Kevin's question plagued my head. Should I tell him I have and if so that it's Tyson? I can trust him. He won't tell anyone, especially Ray. And he did just tell me what Meyong and Jan at schemed and wheeled. I can't believe them, Jan may have been a bitch but Meyong too? And to stoop so low. I remember Lee telling me after our first world tournament in Russia how greed and jealousy wrecks the world. He himself admitted that when Ray abandoned us he felt so furious and betrayed that greed and jealousy over swept him, blinded him and that he wanted Driger all for himself. But all it does he said is destroy people, breaks friendships, separates families. Even if Jan and Meyong has been taken over with these emotions why did Ray fall for it? He was the kind of guy who always looked before he leapt. Why did he change? Did he want to hurt me? But then why did he send me off to live with Tyson?
I sneak a quick glance at Kevin beside me. Poor guy his family has absolutely been trashed by Meyong's and Jan's expedition not to mention fate and where has his best friend, Gary been all this time? Married to that Sira gal, might who I add is a chef. Once he was married he totally forgot about his previous life. God he is so self centred! I should tell Kevin the truth about me and Ty, after all we're the only one's we can trust from our village left and he needs a friend… and I do too.
"Yeah," I replied after a rather lengthy pause.
"Thought so," he nodded knowingly, "Who is it?"
How did I know he was going to ask that?
"Tyson,"
"Obviously," he muttered, stroking his chin like some kind of detective.
"Mmmm?" I queried, inquisitive of why it was obvious.
"Well you've lived with him for about a week and he was nearly going to beat the life out of me when I stepped into the room."
"True," I reply reminiscing Tyson's face when he did step in the room. They say a picture has one thousand words but a picture of that pic would only have two. Them being 'bloody murder'. Speaking of Ty he'll probably be worrying about how I am and the others will be worried about where we are too.
"Hey Kevin, we better head back to the unit. They'll be wondering where we are."
"Yeah, okay. Does anyone else know about you and Tyson?" he agrees as we head back in the opposite direction.
"No, I didn't want it to get back to Ray," I answer, feeling myself open up with more in depth replies reflecting my emotions.
"That's understandable. Do you want me to keep it secret?" he asks.
"Yeah… Hey Kev, thanks. And I mean it,"
"Back at ya," he winks. "So how did you and Tyson hit it off?"
My reply about my last week and re-written version of Ty and I hooking up, excluding swimming in our undies, carried us all the way back to the unit.
Once at the penthouse, I wave Kevin and the others off, who were playing twister, dismissing myself to my room as I muttered something about needing a shower. As I enter the room I hear the shower already running. Ty must be in there. I make my way do the cupboard, where I had earlier hung out my suitcase wardrobe and debate whether I should wear my boob tube or my lime green one shoulder top with my jeans. Decision, decisions. Laying my possible outfit combinations on my bed, I debate which what flatter my figure more.
"How about this?" asks Tyson. I turn around and he stands there in noting but a fluffy white towel around his waist holding out a red and white shopping bag. All my trains of thoughts halted to a sudden stop and focused on him. His luscious, navy hair free form its tie clung to the nape of his neck and one particular lock very cutely fell down his forehead and hid his eye. Beads of water raced down his nicely toned chest and collected at the edge of the towel.
"I'll lay it out and we'll see if it goes with the jeans?" he suggested and laid the item in the back out on the bed not at all noticing my inabilities of speech. I turned to face the bed in hopes to drown the flush that was rising to my cheeks. It was a pretty white top that had a thin see-through material sewn over the top with pastel flowers embroided on it. Instead of having just the plain old singlet's straps its straps intersected each over between the collarbones and tied up at the back as a halter.
"It's gorgeous," I managed to stumble out softly.
"Wear it; I bought it for you when you were had the ad auditions." He informed.
"You didn't have to," I mumbled.
"I wanted to and besides I knew you would have trouble finding something to wear tonight so I decided to help you."
"Thanks," I smiled. The first decent smile since my encounter with Kevin and kissed him on the cheek. I wonder how long he liked me before the 'beach' incident. I'll ask him one day.
"Pleasure." He grinned. "How did things go between you and Kevin?" he asked concernedly, his grin slipping away.
"Not as bad as I thought," I replied sitting on the bed with Ty taking his place next to me. And then began diving into the whole story about Meyong and Jan's evil ways. He put a reassuring arm around me and listened intently to the tale. Once I had finished he scooped me up and sat me on his lap, patting my back.
"Do you want to confront him alone or do you want me with you?" he offered.
"Thanks, but I need to sought this out for myself." I voiced.
"My lil soldier," he piped. Kissing my forehead.
"Sir yes sir!" I saluted and kissed him passionately on the lips tasting that addictive familiar taste of his lips.
The noise of someone bumbling outside our room down the corridor abruptly pulled us apart. Oh, the irony of perfect timing.
"I better get a shower before they wonder what the hell is taking us so long," I notify.
"Yeah, you better. I think it might have already started. Don't take too long anyway I wanna see how this looks on you." He requested.
"Gotcha," I replied with a wink.
Hoping into the shower I immediately commenced washing my hair to rid of all the sand and sea salt that had collected in it over the past day. Once giving myself a good soap and scrub. I turned off the taps and stepped out of the shower scented like an apple and watermelon sweet. Patting myself dry, I slipped on my outfit. The top was perfect. It was individual, pretty and totally complimented my figure. Liking the natural look I skipped the foundation and added some gold shimmer dust on my eyelids, mascara, cheek tint and a tab of lip gloss. I styled my hair in my usual high pony but let some of my side locks fall down my face. Sticking a pair of silver giant hoop earring on and a silver bangle I was ready. I walked out of the bathroom to encounter Ty's opinion.
"So?" I ponder.
"Stunning… Wow Mariah… wow," he stutters and finishes rather lamely yet cutely.
"You don't look to bad either," I remark truthfully. And he didn't a pair of baggy jeans and a light blue button up shirt not buttoned all the way looked good. It was simple but flattering. Try mega hot!
"Shall we?" he suggests while still gawking at me and offers me an arm like a true gentleman.
"Let's," I reply courtly and take his arm. Both prancing our way over to our shoes we struggled to get them on whilst attached to each other. Though I must say the hells were extremely easier to slip on the Ty's lace up shoes. We ended up bending over and each tying up a separate lace.
We stepped out into the hall, sticking our noses in the air and walking as if we were the most sophisticated item since sliced bread. And guess who we bumped into first the world champ of sticking his nose in the air himself, Robert.
"Robert," Tyson acknowledge giving a curt little nod. "Meet Miss Mariah Wong."
"Tyson," he acknowledges and he too gave a small nod. "Miss Mariah, how are you? I haven't seen you in years."
"Alright thanks," I replied feeling really docile and stupid as if I had a carrot sprouting out of my ear.
"Mariah! Long time no see!" Enrique hollered bouncing his way over. Great… Ten bucks he hasn't changed one bit.
"I'd run if I were you. He knows you've started modelling." Robert whispered uncharacteristically, his noble voice evolving into a low murmur making me smile.
"Hey, how are you?" the Italian conversed lively.
"Fine thanks," I answered in an unsure tone, felling his bright eyes scan me.
"Hey I want you to meet my girl, HEY TATIANA!" he hollered suddenly adverting whatever thoughts ran through his mind. Sure enough a saucy blonde haired girl, showing off a lot of cleavage made her way over to Enrique.
"Tatiana met Mariah and this as you already know is Tyson." He introduced.
"Nice to meet you," I chirped.
"It's been an honour," she said in a bored tone in her stuck up Swedish accent. "Tyson it's good to see you." She greeted much more bubbly. What a boy toy!
"Yeah," he replied half heartedly.
"Mariah!" I turned to face the voice.
"Kevin? Excuse us one moment," I informed the Europeans glad to have an excuse for Ty and me to get away.
"What you want Kevin," I asked as soon as we had made our way over.
"Nothing it just looked like you needed an escape route." He smiled smugly.
"Thanks," I reply gratefully.
"Hey Kevin sorry about before, I didn't know…" Tyson started the guilt of false accusing washing over him.
"Nah, it's cool. If I was in your position I would have done the same thing." The green haired man interjects.
"Okay guys listen up! I hope everyone is here! Okay Max and Emily has just been sighted parking the car which might I add is very lucky since a certain red convertible with license plate number 'ENNY.01' oh so helpfully parked in their designated spot." Hilary shouted into a microphone. Everyone turned to look at a particular Italian and I swear I heard him mutter 'It's not like he was disabled or anything.'
"Yes thank you Enrique. Anyway we're all going to move out onto the roof and when he walks out of the elevator we'll bust out with the good old Happy Birthday song not the sick porn or monkey version. The steps are that away," she informed pointing in the direction of the steps. We all bounded our way to the roof. Hilary must be a legendary negotiator to have persuaded Kai to hold this party in his apartment. I guess it helps being a cunning lawyer. We all gathered around in a rough semi-circle. Glancing around I noticed heaps of familiar faces; all of course I would have to catch up with tonight. Scanning around the crescent of people there was no sign of Ray. Where is he? This is one of his best friend's birthday parties and no show. Quickly concluding he's just late I turn my attention to the ding of the elevator.
Even though Max knew about the party the look on his face when he had his friends their belting out happy birthday at the top of their lungs was beyond price. The way his eyes lit up and sparkled was enough to give the Grinch the warm fuzzies. With Ray still no show. I settled to mingling with my long time no see friends.
Max's POV
"Why aren't you eating anything Max?" Em poked as we settled down to the barbecue dinner.
"Saving for cake," I joked. Truth was my stomach had currently evolved into the size of a pin. Since about a year ago I had been planning to propose to Emily and tonight seemed perfect. All our friends would be here and it'd be a birthday/engagement bash if she accepted. That was the only thing that was holding me back, what if? What if she didn't accept? Cursing at myself for thinking negatively, I excused myself to 'the bathroom' to find Tyson, Kenny, Kai and Ray. My old team mates for some advice, especially since Ray was already engaged. Speaking of Ray, he still hadn't shown up yet. This is so unlike him. Or maybe he had? There were so many people here it was kind of hard to tell.
Tyson was the first I found. It wasn't to hard just look near the barbeque and hey presto there he was chatting animatedly with Zeo, Tala, Mariah and Zasha (Tala's similar looking sister who is one year younger than him.) About how unusual it was for two people both names starting with Z to go out.
"That's sought of weird for two people, both first names starting with Z to go out." Mariah pointed out once she found out they were dating.
"It's not that weird is it?" Zeo asked sceptically.
"Well it's not everyday you see two people's whose name starts with Z and who happen to be dating." Tyson replied boldly.
"Big deal, I'm positive heaps of other people whose first name starts with the same letter date, marry, have kids." Zasha brushed off.
"I don't see Tatiana and Tyson hitting it off for that matter," Tala stated.
"True but you and Tyson do seem kind of… cosy. And your names just both happen to begin with T." Zasha taunted. Mariah's face appeared to screw up with disgust. Guess she's not too cool with homosexuals.
"Sorry Tala," I interrupted. "But I am going to have to steal Ty away from you."
"Yeah Maxie?" Ty pondered. I heard Tala mutter a sarcastic 'damn!' in the background.
"I need to ask you for some advice," I rushed really quickly.
"Okay then," he perked up curiously. Mouthing something hurriedly to Mariah. I briefly informed him that we needed to find the rest of our former Bladebreakers.
Ty and I found Kenny conversing deeply with Jim and Cara about the latest computer virus that shocked the world. Getting him to pull away from that conversation was like trying to rip a leech of your leg. Kai was however easier to pull away he and Hilary, well considerably Hilary had being arguing with Johnny (who is a lawyer too.) about some huge law case back home in America.
"No, no clearly the jury was drugged up! They missed the fact of how Mr Marsh was informed seconds after they discovered the…" I heard Johnny arguing in the background. I may be mistaken but I think Hilary and Kai may have hooked up together due to their utter detest of Johnny McGregor.
Once we had all gathered into the kitchen. I asked them if they knew if Ray at arrived. No, was the reply I received.
"What do you need advice for Maxie?" Ty pondered.
"I'll tell you as soon as Ray's here," I murmured edgily.
"Here," Ray's voice rung. All of us whipping around to greet our old mate excluding Kai who merely shifted his head as we gazed at him and the beautiful black haired girl wrapped around his arm.
"Hey Ray," I greeted brightly contradicting my stomach's state of mind.
"Hey guys," he chirped back. Ty gave a little wave and Kai is usual nod.
"Hi," Kenny replied, "Who's the girl?"
"This is my fiancé Meyong. Meyong, Max, Kai, Tyson and Kenny." He announced. Tyson's mouth dropped.
"Meyong… is it? Well…er… she's definitely a looker." Ty commented his face covered in surprise.
"Thanks," she praised. "I'll leave you Ray and go catch up with Mariah, okay?" she informed picking up on my want to talk to my friends.
"Sure, I won't be too long." Ray nodded and kissed her forehead.
"Later then," she waved exiting up the stairs.
"So what do you want Max?" Ray questioned.
"Well it's about Emily," I started itching with nerves, as I looked down to my feet.
"What about Emily?" Ray arched his eyebrow curiously.
"Well… I want to marry her…" I spat out, glancing up to meet their eyes to witness their first reaction.
"That's fantastic!" Kenny burst.
"You dog Max!" Ray cheered.
"About time," Kai smirked.
"You needed advice with that?" Tyson wondered curiously.
"No, do you think I should propose to her tonight?" I enquire hastily feeling my self redden in the face.
"Definitely," Ray rooted. "Go for it!"
"Emily would love it," Kenny replied.
"So you reckon she'll accept?" I express, revealing my most inner thoughts and fears.
"Positive," Kenny affirmed.
"You have been going out for six years Max. That's almost like some form of marriage itself." Tyson concurred.
"Six years? And you two are still going on strong. She'll definitely say yes." Ray harmonised.
"Kai," I asked wanting to hear his always truthful and excellent advice.
"Hilary will just scream when she hears she's a bridesmaid." He quoted.
"So yes?" I pressed on.
"What do you think Max?" Kai continued, his face amused at something.
"Yes?" I answered unsure.
"Well if that's what Em will answer go ask her!" Ty declared enthusiastically. Leading me to the stairs.
"Well… here I go," I stumbled not quite sure what to say as I climbed the steps.
Emily's POV
I gazed around me; most people were up dancing and chatting deeply with each other. Across from me sat Aneki and next to her strangely enough was Bryan. Each of us having that awkward silence elapsed over us when you don't know what to say; well I'm not to sure about Bryan. He was always the one constantly playing statues. I wish Max would hurry back. He's always good at breaking the ice. However there was no need as Aneki suddenly spoke up.
"What flavour are the chips?" she enquired hungrily eyeing a bowl of potato chips on the table.
"I'm not sure," I answered back true fully.
"Chicken," Bryan spoke up, scaring me with his uncalled for answering someone's question. Aneki however was giggling herself sense less as her body shook from laughter.
"I didn't know you were capable of making someone laugh Bryan," I gasp incredulously in a highly mocking voice.
"Now I know what scared feels like," he replied in a sarcastic monotone, causing me to drown in a fit of laughter as well.
Mariah's POV
"Bryan's is being… funny?" Tala declared in disbelief. I turned around to see Aneki and Emily pissing themselves with the giggles. "I've got to see this," the red head stated as he shook his head in doubt. Curious Zasha, Zeo and I followed the Russian to their table.
"Bryan what did you do?" Tala asked as soon as he reached the table staring at Emily and Aneki in disbelief.
"I said chicken," he replied eyeing the two girls as if they deserved to be in a mental home.
"Chicken," Zasha replied as if it was the lamest thing she had ever heard.
"Chicken," the lilac haired man confirmed. All the mean while Aneki cracking herself in two and Emily laughing at Aneki's laughter. I started laughing too when I comprehended from the night that Aneki had a thing with the word chicken.
"You know I don't get it?" Zeo asked quizzically.
"Me either," gaped Zasha.
"Would like to dance," the aqua locked man asked wanting to edge away from their uncanny laughter.
"Yeah," she nodded hastily in agreement and grabbed his hand and headed closer to the speakers.
"Mariah!" Kevin rushed desperately as he snatched a near by seat.
"What?" I giggled struggling to form my words.
"Meyong's here," he announced alarmingly.
"Pardon," I screeched. My laughter immediately ceased as I eyed him anxiously. "Here, here?"
This can't be happening. Meyong here? How am I meant to talk to Ray about her and her ways with her hounding on my back 24/7? What if she discovers where I'm staying and reports back to the village elders? Oh my god they'll take away Galux! They'll disown me but more importantly Kevin if they find out what his been up to. And they'll take away Galmon too. My stomach wrings causing a large lump in my throat, drowning the colour in my face. This can't be happening.
"Here, here. I just saw her walking up from the steps. She didn't see me thank goodness and I ran to tell you." He replied hurriedly. The others eyes glued on me curiously however Aneki was still faintly chuckling.
Abruptly turning to face Emily I demanded shakily, "I thought you said only Ray was coming?"
"Ray said only he was coming out of the White Tigers," she informed. I quickly whipped a hand over my mouth.
"Meyong wasn't on the White Tigers team," I gasp in realisation.
10 Reasons why life is like a soap opera…
1. There is always that bitch in your life
2. Everything builds up to that one disastrous event
3. No matter how good your life seems one minute the next it heads down Chaos Road like a click of your fingers.
4. There is always the secret love interest
5. When you think you know someone they stab you in the back and leave you to die on the ground
6. And then your enemy gives you a hand up
7. Every event ends in a cliff hanger
8. The most random and unpredictable stuff happens
9. A knight in shining armour saves you
10. There's always a victim.