A/N: Hmmm... I don't know about you people, but for me, school has already started. And first week into school is like, whoa! There's already homework and tests! Okay, so they are diagnostic tests - whatever - but still, they give you stress, don't they? And excessive stress is bad - that's what I always say. Anyway, don't worry about not updating regularly due to homework demand, I will still update at least once per week. :) That should be good enough. Thanks to sundaym0rning for constantly reviewing! Your words are what encourage me to go on! :)

Disclaimer: Rebecca belongs to me. Ian doesn't.

Hope you'll like this chapter!


Chapter 5

It was already late at night and the whole office was dark and empty, except for Ian scribbling away in his own little office. Suddenly his computer gave a little 'beep'. He glanced up at the monitor screen and saw that he had a new mail. And it was sent by Rebecca. Immediately his hand flew to the mouse and he clicked on the icon, reading the message.

To: Ian Wallace
From: Rebecca
Subject: Working from home
Time: 21:48:16, Thursday, April 26, 2004

Mr. Wallace,

I just wanted to let you know that I am currently working from home.

Yours Sincerely,
Rebecca

He replied the email immediately.

To: Rebecca
From: Ian Wallace
Subject: Re: Working from home
Time: 21:49:08, Thursday, April 26, 2004

Rebecca,

Actually you do not need to inform me that you are working from home. But never mind.

How's your mother? Is she okay?

P.S.: Do you want to go for supper or coffee with me? I know I'll need the break. What about you?

Ian Wallace

As he lay back on his cushioned chair, his mind was racing. It was as if there were two people debating inside him. One was discouraging him to invite Rebecca out; the other was actually egging him on.

------Just go ahead and ask her. There's no harm in it.

No! You cannot do this! What about Daphne?

------Never mind about Daphne! You're only going for a break with your secretary! What's wrong with that? You deserve a break anyway!

Ian Wallace, are you really sure that you're only going for a break and nothing else?

Just as he was feeling frustrated, his computer beeped again.

To: Ian Wallace
From: Rebecca
Subject: Re: Working from home
Time: 21:49:58, Thursday, April 26, 2004

Mr. Wallace,

Sure! I'd very much love to have supper/coffee with you! I need the break too.

My mother's fine now. Thanks for your concern. By the way, I can return to work tomorrow.

Yours Sincerely,
Rebecca

He clicked on the "Reply" button, but then paused. Who should he listen to?

After a few moments of hesitation, he pushed away the 'debate' in his mind, and typed the following message: Okay. I'll pick you up in 20 minutes' time. Then he hit the "Send" button.

Ian pushed himself away from the computer and sighed.


Ian and Rebecca were sitting in a Starbucks café, sipping cups of hot steaming coffees quietly. They had just discovered that they had something in common – not stirring in sugar or milk into their cup of coffees. Both preferred bitter coffees. Of course, it might just be a coincidence, but the two decided it was more than that.

Once in a while, Ian would sneak a glance at Rebecca, but she was sipping her cup of coffee. Then Rebecca would peek at Ian, but he didn't notice for he was staring at his cup as if something was very fascinating about his plain, black coffee. And this would go on and on, the two sneaking glances at each other every now and then, yet the other person not knowing about it.

"So…" Ian began, finally trying to break the awkward silence, and yet he does not know what to say. "Um…" Come on, Wallace, go on. Say something. After all, you're the one who asked her out.

"Uh…" What's the matter? Cat got your tongue? Say something, for goodness' sake!

"Well, um… how are you?" He asked lamely.

Oh man! Fine, at least you opened your golden mouth to speak, but can't you say something better that that, for crying out loud?

"Oh! Um… well, I'm fine…" Rebecca shrugged.

Ian nodded. "Okay… I see…"

Speak, speak, speak… Start a conversation. Need I tell you that?

"So, um… just curious, but how many siblings do you have?" Rebecca asked sweetly.

Ian, obviously surprised at the sudden question, stuttered, "Oh! Um, I… Well, none. I'm an only child, you see. Why do you wanna know?"

Okay, so she started it. But you must take the initiative in the future, Wallace. Bear that in mind.

"Oh, nothing." Rebecca replied. "Just… just wondering, you know."

Ian immediately placed his hand on her hand and patted it, gazing into her eyes. "You're hiding something. I know it, I can see it in your eyes. Why don't you tell me about it? Maybe I can help you, or at least lend a listening ear."

For a moment, Rebecca sat still, without moving a single inch, as if she was under some spell. But when Ian took his hand away, the 'spell' was broken and Rebecca nodded vigorously, breathing rapidly. Omigod, I can't believe it! Did you see it? Did you? Did you? Ian Wallace just held my hand! Okay, not 'held', but he placed his hand on my hand! I can't believe it! He actually did that!

"Um… are you okay, Rebecca?" Ian asked, a concerned expression on her face.

"Yeah, sure. I'm fine. Perfect. Nothing could be more wrong." Rebecca replied with a pasted smile on her face, smoothing her hair and desperately trying to calm down.

"You sure? You were, like, panting just now."

"Oh, um, perhaps it's because of the hot coffee. I must have drank too much of it. And it sort of affected my breathing, you know." Rebecca made up an excuse quickly. A lame and silly excuse.

Ian nodded, but the expression on his face goes to show that he didn't really believe the reply given to him. It was as if he was deciding whether or not to believe her. "So… do you still want to talk about it?"

"About what?" For a second it was as though she had short-term memory loss. Then she recalled and pulled herself up. "Oh, oh. That. No, no, trust me, I'm okay." Rebecca said, reaching out to pet his hand. Startled by the sudden action, Ian pulled back his hand immediately, only to see a disappointed look on Rebecca's face.

"I… I'm sorry. It's just that I'm not used to –"

"Never mind. I'm tired. See you tomorrow at the office, Mr. Wallace." She took out a five-dollar bill and placed it on the table before standing up. "This is for my cup of coffee. Bye, and goodnight, Mr. Wallace." She turned to leave.

"No, wait. Let me drive you home. And let me foot the bill too. And please, call me Ian." Ian offered.

Rebecca turned back and for a while their gazes locked. Then she said reluctantly, "Okay. Very well. Thanks for the treat, Mr. Wallace."

"Ian."

"What?"

"Ian. Call me Ian."

"Okay. Thanks, Ian." Rebecca smiled, and this time, it was a true smile that came from her heart.


"Okay. You can just drop me off here. Thanks, Mr. Wallace." Rebecca told him, pointing ahead at a row of houses.

"No problem." Ian replied, flashing her his best smile for the first time. "And please, it's Ian."

"Right, right." Rebecca giggled a little too happily. "I keep forgetting. Not used to it, you see."

He pulled up, then got out of the car and walked around it to open the door for Rebecca. Smiling, Rebecca stepped out of the car.

"Shall I walk you to your door too?" Ian offered.

"No, no. There's no need. But thanks for offering, though." Rebecca shook her head. Just then she did something totally unexpected – she kissed Ian on the cheek. She then ran up the steps leading to her house, shouting as she ran. "Thanks for everything, Ian. See you tomorrow! Goodnight!" Then she turned around and blew him a kiss before bursting into a fit of giggles, turning back and running into her house.

Still taken aback by the unexpected kiss, Ian stood there, still. Then his face broke into a smile as he shook his head slightly, climbing back into the car and driving off.

TBC...