My attempt at sharing my experiences...

[gattaca]

Call her and talk to her... perhaps i think you may have realised that she is indeed very special in your heart... perhaps this time round u will learn to appreciate her alot more... n maybe that other guy is not wat he turns out to be... for a guy to call you up and tell u to stay away doesnt really sounds like a nice guy to me... jus one bloody possessive person...

in any case, love is about wanting the other person to be happy, the best for the other person... and never about owning person by your side...

u never know what u might get from callin her... but at least u feel that u have closure...

[anton]

She might be in trouble and you're the only one she can turn to.
Hope it is not something like she's pregnant and her bf decided to dump her and left her holding the baby.
Call her already!!!

[mentholfresh]

TS, how are you lately? Are you on 2nd term as a regular?

Reading your updates with 2 big packs of potatos chips.

If your story, dramatised by HK TVB, high chance best drama of the year.

I think to most readers, Shirley is an important character in your story, and she's back! Hope everything fine.

[EnigmaofSorrow]

Originally Posted by mentholfresh

TS, how are you lately? Are you on 2nd term as a regular?

Reading your updates with 2 big packs of potatos chips.

If your story, dramatised by HK TVB, high chance best drama of the year.

I think to most readers, Shirley is an important character in your story, and she's back! Hope everything fine.

I'm on the premium plan bro. Haven't been offered the new through-train. Probably due to my injuries and performance.

Health-wise, I'm getting back on track.

Heart-wise, wait for the updates.

Shirley's back. But it's slightly complicated...

Stay tuned.

[EnigmaofSorrow]

Me: What if I don't want closure?

J: Everybody needs closure. Don't you want to figure out what went wrong and make amends? Even if it doesn't work out, at least you tried.

Me: What about yourself?

J: I've got all the closure I need. For now.

Me: Why did you split anyway?

J: He saw my tattoo.

Me: And?

J: And I told him everything.

Me: And?

J: He got a shock, called me a slut, then left?

Me: Hmmm.

J: What?

M: And you're ok with it?

J: Not really? But what can I do?

Me: Fight for what is right?

J: If you can't change a person's mind you can't change his heart.

Me: If he changes his mind and comes back to you?

J: I won't accept him.

Me: Why not?

J: Er. I just won't.

Me: What happened?

J: Not gonna tell you.

Me: Why?

J: Don't ask.

Me: What did he do?

J: Stop asking please.

Me: Why?

Suddenly she flared up.

J: JUST FUCKING STOP ASKING!

Despite my initial shock, I pulled her towards me for a hug.

Me: What happened?

She struggled to get out of my embrace but gave up after awhile, hugging me back while holding back her tears. I stroked her hair.

Me: It's ok. You can tell me.

J: He hit me.

Me: What?!

J: A few times.

Me: Where?

J: Mostly slaps.

She pulled down her sleeve to show me bruises on her shoulder.

Me: Where is he?

J: Why?

Me: This is abuse. Voluntarily causing hurt.

J: Just forget it.

Me: No.

J: You've got Shirley to worry about. Don't worry about me.

Me: How can I settle things with Shirley after knowing what happened to you?

J: I can take care of myself.

Me: You let him hit you? You didn't fight back?

J: It's my punishment.

Me: For what? Making wrong choices? Give me that ballless coward's number.

J: No. Go and settle Shirley.

Me: I will. After I settle this.

J: And what are you going to do? Beat him up?

Me: No. But I'll make him regret it.

J: Drop it please.

Me: Did you even make a police report?

J: No. I already told you it's my punishment.

Me: Are you crazy?

J: Maybe. Now go settle Shirley. We'll talk about this later.

Me: I won't let him off.

J: Whatever.

[wolf2305]

Bro,

i would want to see something happened to that ballless A**H**** too.
raising his f****** hand on a lady. Make him Pay!!!!!

[who0ps]

bro TS, I swear your story is really a great one. please do continue writing ! and give Shirley a call ! (:

[EnigmaofSorrow]

I sent Jenny back into the house and went to the coffeeshop to grab brunch for her. Coincidentally, Jason was there as well.

Me: Bro.

J: What the fuck. Where did you come from? You've been sleeping with my sister again? So quickly after she broke up?

I knew he was joking but I was still pissed off with the situation. I grabbed the cigarette out from his mouth and stubbed it out.

Me: Fuck you. What kind of a brother are you? Do you even know what happened to her?

Jason was taken aback by my aggressive stance.

J: Chill bro. They broke up. Right?

I sat opposite him and grabbed his kopi-o, downing the balance of the glass which was half-full, not bothering whether it was hot or not.

J: What the hell? You want a coffee I can buy it for you.

Me: He abused her bro.

J: He what? Wait. Who? Matthew?

Me: So that's the losers name?

J: Slow down. What did he do?

Me: He hit her. You didn't know?

J: Jenny just seemed rather upset but she didn't wanna tell me what happened...

Me: I really wonder why.

J: Ok. I admit. I probably haven't been a very good older brother to her.

Me: Glad you realised.

J: What did he do?

Me: Let's go back and I'll ask her to show you.

We headed back to their house. Jenny answered the door.

Jen: Thanks for the food. Are you going to meet Shirley now?

Me: No.

Jen: Back so early Jason?

Jas: Jen, what happened?

Jen: Nothing.

She turned to me and gave me a cold stare.

Jen: What did you tell him?

Me: Show him.

Jen: What? No!

Me: Don't make me force you.

Jenny retreated back to her room, dumping the food on the dining table.

Jen: Go away! Both of you.

She slammed the door and locked it. Jason knocked politely. I could hear her sobbing inside.

Jas: Jen, open up.

Me: Don't you have a key?

Jas: Oh yeah.

He went to look for the key.

Me: Jen, come on.

Jen: Fuck off!

Me: Jen. Trust me on this. That guy needs to be taught a lesson.

Jen: I asked you to drop it why couldn't you?

Jason returned with the key and unlocked the door. I entered first.

Me: Jenny?

Jen: Go away!

Jas: What did he do?

I hugged Jenny to calm her down.

Me: Show him.

Jen: NO!

I held her tightly.

Me: Jason! Her left shoulder!

I pulled down her t-shirt slightly. Jenny initially considered struggling but gave up.

Jas: My god.

Jason looked on in horror at the purplish bruises on Jenny's shoulder.

Jas: When was this?

Jen: The day we broke up.

Jas: That's like a week ago.

Jen: There's more.

Me: Where? You didn't show me.

Jenny broke free and and removed her t-shirt. I wondered how I never noticed her bruises when she was wearing the tank top. I mean it was dark, and no wonder she was wearing t-shirts in the day.

Jason, normally uncomfortable with seeing his sister naked, was growing more and more incensed by the second. The whole of Jenny's upper and lower back all the way till her buttocks were covered in scars, as though someone had whipped her with a leather belt. Her ribs appeared to be slightly bruised as well.

Me: What the fuck.

Jason clenched his fists and left the room, slamming the door.

Jen: Jase!

I heard a shout and a loud noise that sounded like wood breaking.

Me: Now what...

I left Jenny to get dressed and went in search of Jason. I didn't have to go far.

Jason stood outside his room, holding his right fist. He hand punched a hole into his bedroom door. I wondered how that was even possible.

Me: You ok bro?

Jas: I'm gonna kill that son of a bitch.

I had never seen Jason so angry before. Not even the time in JC when he found out that his then-girlfriend had been cheating on him with another of our classmates. At least it proved to me he did care about Jenny. I examined the hole in the door.

Me: Nice one. I think you got cheated. The door ain't solid.

Jas: Yeah. I figured that out when my fist went through.

Me: Lucky you didn't get cut.

Jas: I hope nothings broken.

Jenny came out.

Jen: Jase! What the fuck!

Jas: Jen, I'm sorry.

Jen: It's not your fault.

Jas: I should not have introduced him to you.

Jen: Forget it.

Now I knew why Jason was so angry. He had indirectly caused Jenny to get hurt.

Me: Well, now what?

Jen: Let's forget it please.

Me: At least make a police report.

Jas: No. I'm gonna find that motherfucker-

Jen: Revenge never solved anything... Violence begets violence...

Jas: Sorry. He went too far.

Me: We'll find him to talk, then turn him over to the police.

Jen: Please don't.

Jas: I'm sorry. You have no say in this.

Me: Well, where's he now?

Jas: In church.

How apt. We were going to make the fucker repent for his sins...

[FirstTimeUser]

What a bastard this Matthew is. Hope you guys managed to teach him a lesson. This episode kind of reminds me of how you protected Charmaine at the chalet. Continue updating!

[wolf2305]

great job bro!

[EnigmaofSorrow]

I drove Jason to the church and we waited outside for the service to end. While waiting he chain-smoked stick after stick, all the while staring in the general direction of the building. I had never seen him this agitated before.

About half an hour into our wait, people started streaming out from the exits. I wondered how this guy looked like and scanned the crowd looking for potential candidates.

Jason kept silent, intently staring in the same direction. Suddenly, he got out of the car and ran to the building.

Me: Fuck.

I wound up the windows and took after him.

Unfortunately for us, Jenny's taste in guys hardly deviated from what I knew, despite this guy being introduced to her by Jason.

Matthew was about half a head taller than me and Jason, and he looked like he hit the gym alot. Way more than me now anyway.

Matthew noticed Jason approaching stopped to greet him.

M: Hello my brother-

He was stopped short by Jason's fist connecting with his gut, the same fist that created a hole in his bedroom door. I had never seen Jason fight before, but it seemed like he was a smart one, and knew how to take out this giant. Or maybe he learnt some sort of martial arts sometime along the many years I knew him. Jason then stepped around him and swept his feet out from under him, while pulling his shoulders back, sending Matthew crashing to the ground.

The couple of girls with Matthew started screaming and probably ran off to find help. There were three other guys there but they seemed in two minds about helping Matthew. Either they did not really like him, or the wrath of Jason was too much for them to bear. I grabbed Jason and stopped him from viscously stomping on Matthew.

Older Church Guy: JASON! STOP WHATEVER YOU'RE DOING!

A man with silver-grey hair, wearing a long-sleeved shirt and trousers, bible in hand, came up to us. Probably a pastor. I half expected him to open his bible and start reading a passage on how violence was wrong or something.

By now, a couple of other guys arrived and stood between Matthew and us, as if challenging us to proceed further.

OCG: Jason, what is going on?

Jason refused to speak. To my knowledge he was not a frequent church-goer, but this guy seemed to command a sufficient amount of respect from him.

The other guys helped Matthew to his feet. For someone who looked this fit, he sure was weak.

OCG: Matthew are you alright?

Matthew remained silent too.

OCG: What's going on here?

He turned to me, extending his hand.

OCG: I'm Benjamin. You are?

I did not shake his hand and he wisely retracted it.

Me: You don't need to know who I am.

Ben: Could you at least explain what just happened?

I looked at Jason.

Me: Why don't we let Matthew explain?

M: I didn't do anything, Ben. I have no idea what's going on.

So he decided to act dumb. Bad choice. Jason broke free from my grasp and struck him with a swift side kick to the chest, knocking him backwards. He attempted to follow up with a roundhouse to his face but Benjamin, wisely, or rather stupidly stepped in between them.

Ben: Jason! Stop this or I'll call the police.

I grabbed Jason again, this time rather reluctantly.

J: I'll speak to you in private.

Jason left with Benjamin while I stayed behind eyeing the confused crowd. Matthew found a bench and sat on it. I stood there and folded my arms, trying to make myself look tougher than I felt. I doubt anything would have happened, and I was pretty sure I could take on any of those guys if I channeled the rage Jason felt. Sure, I was angry at what he did to Jenny, but was I angry enough to kill or severely injure him? I guess not.

The other guys were talking amongst themselves, no doubt putting two and two together and figuring out that Matthew probably did something to Jenny. One by one, they moved away from Matthew and stood around me instead. I wondered if it was a deliberate action.

Jason reappeared with Benjamin.

Ben: Matthew, I would like to speak with you.

Matthew got up and turned to run.

The other guys wondered if they should stop him. In the end, they did not.

Ben: Let him go. We've lost one of the flock.

I almost burst out laughing. (No disrespect to the Christians, I'm one myself).

Ben: Jason, I'm truly sorry for what has happened. God sees such things. This wrong will be made right. As advised, please get Jenny to file a police report. And I hope to see both of you back in God's family.

Jason ignored him and turned to me.

J: Let's go.

We proceeded to the car and got in. I started the engine.

Me: Where did you learn how to fight like that?

J: Tekken.

Me: What? No, seriously.

J: Seriously.

We had an inappropriate laugh before I drove him back home.

[shortgirl]

It took me 2 days to read your story - from page one to the last page, which is a rare thing for me. The way you were with S reminded me a lot about the man I loved. Part of me knew that he loved me too. But he was so greedy. He wanted too many things. He wanted good/kinky sex, he wanted comfort, he wanted a good career, he wanted his friends. And I felt like he only turned to me in his spare time, after he's done with work, friends, every freaking little thing, then it's me.

I don't know why I'm telling you this. But I left. I wouldn't if he had done something, anything, to change things & I think it's the same with S.

Good luck to you.

[EnigmaofSorrow]

Upon reaching back at Jason's place. We wondered how we were supposed to convince Jenny to make a police report. As expected, she was still reluctant to do so.

Jen: I thought you were supposed to meet Shirley?

Me: Oh yeah. It slipped my mind.

Jen: You mean you wasted the better part of the afternoon trying to settle my problems?

Me: I don't see it as a waste.

Jen: You're a real idiot you know?

Jas: He meant well.

Jen: I told you not to do anything.

Jas: Since when do I have to listen to you?

Me: Erm.

Jen: I hate both of you!

She retreated into her room and locked the door again. I looked at Jason.

Me: What did we do?

J: Beats me. PMS again?

Me: Unlock the door. I'll talk to her.

J: Shit I left the key in the keyhole. I think she took it.

Me: Right.

I went to Jenny's room and knocked.

Me: Jen. Let me in.

J: Go away.

Me: Come on Jen.

J: Go to your Shirley and leave me alone!

Me: Jen, let me in and we'll talk. Or I'll break down the door. Jason needs to replace his door, I bet the contractor will give a discount if there's more than one door to replace.

I waited for awhile before she unlocked the door. I entered and saw her jumping onto her bed and hiding under the covers. I sat next to her.

Me: Jen.

J: What.

Me: We had your intentions at heart.

J: So?

Me: You don't think he deserves to be taught a lesson?

J: Maybe.

Me: Are you going to file a report?

J: No.

Me: Why not?

J: I just want to forget about the whole incident.

Me: What if he comes back to harrass you?

J: What if he reports you guys for beating him up?

Me: Hmm. Never thought about that, not bothered anyway.

J: You're both civil servants, a police case won't do you any good.

Me: He can try to report us. When the police find out the real reason, what do you think they'll do?

J: That's not a good enough reason.

Me: We care about you.

J: I know.

Me: Then?

J: I don't want any of you to get into trouble because of me.

Me: Don't worry about us. We know what we are doing.

J: So what happened?

I recounted the entire incident to her.

J: Tekken?

Me: Yeah. Jason's still as lame since the first day I met him.

J: Now will you find Shirley?

Me: Truthfully, I'm a little reluctant.

J: Just go.

Me: I'm thinking. She never called me back.

J: Maybe her phone's dead.

Me: I don't know.

Jenny crawled out from under the blanket and gave me a hug.

J: Thanks for everything. Now go settle your own problems.

I hugged her tightly. I could not describe the feelings that overcame me. Maybe one day in the future we would truly be happy together. But right now, I had to find Shirley.

[xkingking]

omg find shirley please!

[EnigmaofSorrow]

By the time I left Jenny's place to go look for Shirley, it was nearing dinner time.

I did not think of calling first, but I guess the visit could not be considered unannounced. After all, she did want to meet me.

After parking my car I walked briskly to her place, all the while wondering why she wanted to meet me, and whether her boyfriend was going to give me any trouble. He was, after all, a policeman, and the slightest mistake by me could land me in a whole lot of trouble, regardless of how minor the altercation may be.

I entered the lift and a sense of familiarity swept over me. It was as though I never left. Stopping at her floor I glanced around furtively before fully stepping out of the lift. Truth be told, I was probably acting like a criminal, in particular, a loanshark runner. Thankfully I did not have any permanent markers, paint, locks and chains or pig's heads on me. I made my way to her unit and took a deep breath before ringing the door bell.

The house looked dark, even though it was barely 7pm. I wondered if anyone was home. No one was answering the door.

After another 5 minutes of ringing, I gave up and went to the staircase landing to smoke. Maybe I should have given her a call before turning up.

Barely a few puffs into my stick, the door and gate opened and Shirley stuck her head out for a look.

Oh my god. She really looked haggard. Her hair was uncombed and she was wearing a crumpled dress. Even from where I was, I could see the dark rings under her eyes. Or maybe it was her eye shadow. I still could not tell if she was pregnant. She caught sight of me at the staircase.

S: Kor!

She ran/jogged barefooted towards me.

Me: Hi.

She tried to hug me but I was hesitant. What if her boyfriend came back? She looked disappointed.

Me: Long time no see. How've you been?

S: Come in and we'll talk?

Me: It's not convenient.

S: Why not?

Me: Where's your boyfriend?

She started sulking.

S: Kor, please come in and we'll talk.

Me: Why are you still calling me Kor? I thought I ceased to exist in your life?

D: That's not very nice.

Out of nowhere, Diane appeared, carrying packets of food.

Me: What are you doing here?

D: Having dinner with my best friend?

Me: Right.

D: Now get your ass in there and we'll all talk.

Me: Fine.

I stubbed out my cigarette and tossed it over the ledge, not caring if I was going to be the next person to be fined for high-rise littering.

As I entered the house, it somehow felt different. The furniture looked the same, but there was a different air about it. I sat down on the single seated couch while Diane and Shirley sat on the one we used to fuck on.

D: How've you been?

Me: I'm fine. You? Both of you rather.

D: I'm good. And let's just say I've been having very interesting conversations with Shirley about you.

Me: What?

D: It's nothing bad really.

S: Kor, I'm sorry. I should have realised that you needed to be independent. To be allowed to do your own thing. Diane sort of convinced me on that point.

Me: Erm. So you know we dated?

S: Yes.

Me: And you don't mind?

S: No.

D: I never got to see how good or bad you are in bed.

Me: That's besides the point!

I caught sight of a faint smile from Shirley. No doubt she was reminiscing on the times we spent together.

S: Anyway, I hope that we can be friends again. You'll always be my god-brother even if we can't be together.

I thought about the pack I made with Jenny.

Me: I suppose that's fine.

D: Are you still living in camp?

Me: Yes.

D: Haven't found a place to stay yet?

Me: No.

D: Well, Shirley says you can move back if you want. You haven't cleared your things anyway.

Me: Can you let her speak for herself?

S: I would like you to move back.

I more or less figured what was going on and decided to ask the question I was dreading to ask.

Me: Where's your boyfriend?

D: You mean her ex?

Me: Ok that answers the question.

Shirley remained silent, as though she had taken some anti-depressants and was stoning.

Me: Is there anything else I should know?

Suddenly Shirley got up and sat on my lap, burying her head in my shoulder, tears streaming down her face.

S: Kor, I'm pregnant.

I almost asked who the father was before realizing it was probably a very stupid question. I stroked her hair.

Me: Shit.

D: Bastard packed up and left when she told him.

Me: How long?

S: Six weeks.

Me: You're keeping it?

D: You can't seriously be considering asking her to abort it?

Me: Just a question.

S: Yes I'm keeping it.

Me: Ok.

D: So you'll move back?

Me: I'll think about it.

D: What's there to think about?

Me: I said I'll think about it.

Shirley released herself from the hug and went back to the couch.

S: Kor, I know it sounds wrong, but I really need you around.

Me: I'll think about it. Anyway I have to go, need to go back to camp.

D: So fast? You barely warmed the chair.

Me: I didn't expect to come this late. Something cropped up just now.

D: Well, let her know then. Offer's on the table.

Me: Right. Goodbye and take care.

As I left I thought I heard Diane telling Shirley that it did not go very well.

As I walked to my car I wondered the real reason why Shirley wanted me to move back.

My thoughts were in a mess and I could not think straight.

Instead of heading back to camp like I said I would, I did the next best thing.

I went back to Jenny's.