A/N: Hey there! I'm back! Finally, yeah, I know. It's been, hmm, a week? sundaym0rning: LOL. Getting Rylan hit by a car? That's so mean! LOL. Well, in the later part of the story, Ian DOES get to realize those points and 'awakens'. So read on! :) aj: Rebecca related to Ian? Hmm... as far as I know, they are both in a relationship. As in, romance, and yep, that seems about it. Why on earth would you ask that? :P

Okay, hope you guys will enjoy this chapter!


Chapter 8

He recognized the white mist and the figure in the white dress. He knew where he was. But why was he back here again?

Then the figure moved towards him. Again. Why was this happening again? He felt like running away, but he couldn't. It was as if his feet were nailed to the ground.

He wanted to bury his head in the white ground that doesn't look like a ground - they were more of… clouds. He didn't dare to face her. He was too ashamed to.

She leaned forward and caressed his cheek. A single tear rolled off her cheek. She opened her mouth as if wanting to say something, but shut it immediately. Then, without a single word, she turned and started to walk away.

It was only then did he find his voice. "Wait… where are you going? Why don't you even talk to me?" He asked, feeling a little hurt, yet relieved.

With her back still facing him, she answered, "I feel your shame. I know you don't want to face me, to talk to me. But the only thing that leaves me puzzled is why. I know I have the ability to look into your mind, to listen to your thoughts, but I won't. I respect your privacy, and was hoping you would tell me instead. But you didn't. So what's the point in talking to you anyway?" She sniffed, as though she were crying. Just then, she spun round to face him. "I feel hurt. I am disappointed in you, Ian."

Ian swallowed. He did not know how to tell her how he felt. He did not know how to express his feelings.

"We were after all husband and wife. Why must you keep secrets from me?" She asked tearfully as she took a step towards him.

"I –"

"Don't you trust me anymore? Or have you actually given your love to that woman?"

"But I –"

"Oh yes, I forgot. I'm dead. I'm gone. I'm history." She slapped her hand on her forehead as if she had just forgotten something.

"No, it's not like that! We are still married to each other! And you're not gone. You're still living in my heart forever, Daphne. You know it." Ian tried to explain. "And moreover," he lowered his head like a child does whenever he did something wrong, "you… you were the one who encouraged me to… to get Rylan a mother…"

"Yes I did. But what I'm upset about is your heart. You no longer trust me anymore."

"No, it's not true!"

"Then why didn't you tell me what was going on? Why did you feel like running away? Why did you feel so ashamed to see me?" Daphne shot back.

Ian dropped his gaze to the ground as he desperately searched his mind for an answer. Well, actually, the reason is simple. I'm in love with Rebecca. He thought. But of course he didn't dare say it out loud.

Unfortunately, Daphne had 'heard' that. She turned away from him.

"Daphne, I'm… I'm sorry."

She snorted. "What for? What for do you apologize? It isn't you fault. I was the one who wanted you to get a girlfriend."

"Please… don't…"

"It's the truth, Ian. I've got to face it. Rylan needs a mother. And you love her. It's… it's something that I… I cannot… avoid. I'll just have to accept the fact."

"Daphne… please…"

"No. No, Ian. No. I understand. I do. I really do." Daphne turned to face Ian, and looked him squarely in the eyes. "You'd be better off with her."

Ian remained silent.

"Forget it… I just want to wish you good luck."

Ian did not speak at all, and he watched as Daphne faded into the distance. He sighed.


Ian awoke to find beams of sunlight cast onto his bed. Then he propped himself up and lay on his back, thinking.

Did Daphne really mean what she said? I feel that… that I've let her down. I mean, yeah, she was the one who told me to get what Rylan wants, but I could not listen to her. I could have ignored her suggestion. And I shouldn't break her heart like that.

Then he turned and lay on his side, sighing. He was totally at a dilemma. Now he finally knows what it feels like to be in a – what do you call that? – a love triangle.

But his thoughts of Daphne soon turned into images of Rebecca. Sweet, young, innocent Rebecca.


He jogged down the stairs. In one hand, he was carrying his bag, and the other clutching his tie.

"Hi, Papa," Rylan looked up from his breakfast and waved at his father, beckoning him to come have breakfast with him.

"Good morning, sir." Said Mabel as she placed Ian's breakfast on the table.

"Good morning!" Ian announced with a broad, but forced smile and sat down next to Rylan. "Hi, chocolate pudding," he ruffled the boy's hair gently.

Playfully, Rylan shoved Ian away, laughing. "Papa, have you watched too much of Lion King? I'm not Simba, you know!" He joked.

Grinning, Ian ruffled the boy's hair once more. He loved doing that, and he knew that his son loved that too.

Suddenly, Rylan changed the subject, and asked, "Papa, have you seen my art? I placed it on your study table last night. Did you see it? Did you?" He asked excitedly.

"What art? Nope, sweetie, I didn't. Sorry." Ian apologized, though it seemed as though he was uninterested and insincere. "I'll look at it tonight, okay?"

Rylan was truly disappointed. "How about now, Papa? Now? I'll run up and get it for you to see." He offered. He stood up so quickly he almost upset his food.

"Sorry, not now, Rylan. I've got to go to work." Ian stood up, and placed a gentle kiss on Rylan's forehead. "I'll come back in the evening to see your art, okay? I promise. And moreover, I can't wait to see it. I'm sure it's fantastic." He winked at the young boy as he made for the door.

"But sir, you've not eaten your breakfast!" Mabel exclaimed.

"I'm not eating it. I have important matters that need to be settled in the office. Take good care of Rylan." He told her, as he slipped into his black, shiny polished shoes.

"So you're coming back for dinner then?"

"Yes, yes. See you at night, Rylan!"


He was very disappointed. Ian did not even look at his sketch! He felt so hurt.

But Papa has to go and work, remember? Papa said that he'd come back tonight to look at it. He tried assuring himself. And maybe Papa came back home late last night, so he didn't see the picture on his table.

Ian's promise miraculously calmed the boy down, but Rylan was still unconvinced. Finally, he decided to give Ian one more chance to prove that he really loved him.


Look, look at the child. The boy is disappointed. Yes, he is. I can see it in his eyes. But he's not alone. I'm practically seething! I cannot believe it! My plan has foiled again! If has failed twice, and I won't let it repeat again! The third attempt must work!

TBC...