The Life of Orphans - Chapter 40

Jason: Good morning!

Selina: Good morning, Jason.

Jason: Is the manager in there?

Selina: Oh, I think so. You'll just have to find out yourself because I’m off to do my work now.

Jason: Ok. (Knocks the manager's office door)

Voice: Come in.

Jason: (mumbles) Yup, he's in there. (Open the door and went in)

Voice: Jason. Can I help you?

Jason: Mr.Chang, I was wondering is the restaurant short of waitress?

Mr. Chang: Hmm.... We are not short of waitress. Why? One of your friends is interested?

Jason: Oh, yes, Mr. Chang.

Mr.Chang: Well, although we are not short of waitress but its school holidays now, we are having more customers than usual, so another waitress isn't a bad idea.

Jason: That means... It's ok?

Mr.Chang: I guess so. When can she start?

Jason: Anytime.

Mr.Chang: And her salary will be the same as yours.

Jason: No problem. Thanks, Mr.Chang.

Mr.Chang: You’re welcome.

Jason went out of the office and meet Hebe who was having a conversation with Selina.

Selina: So, you're Jason's friend. I'm Selina.

Hebe: Hebe.

Selina: Looking for a job? Don't worry, Mr.Chang is a nice guy. You'll sure get it. That's why a lot of students work here during the long holidays.

Hebe: Oh.

Jason: Hebe.

Selina: I'll go back to my work now. See you.

Hebe: Is it ok?

Jason: Of course. You can start work straight away, right?

Hebe: Yes.

Jason: Ok. But now, you'll have to go and see Mr.Chang first.

Hebe: Ok. (Sounding nervous)

Jason: Don't worry. He's a nice guy.

Hebe: Ok.

After a couple of minutes, Hebe came out of the office.

Jason: What did he say to you?

Hebe: He told me to enjoy my work here.

Jason: That's good. Come. I'll show you around.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Rio: Miss, you're not a worker here. Please don't do what we are supposed to do. If our boss finds out, we'll be in big trouble.

Cyndi: Don't worry. I just want to help.

Rio: No! you just sit here and do anything you like except entertaining customers.

Cyndi: Is your boss that strict?

Sam: Just let her be.

Rio: Sigh. I just have to pray that boss won't come back all of a sudden.

Sam: There's a time when a customer drop some of the rackets down and helped pick up. Rio was doing some other things and didn't help him. The boss saw that and thought he wasn't doing his duty, he almost got fired.

Cyndi: Oh. That's why he's so overreacting.

Sam: Our boss demands that our customers have the best service.

Cyndi: I see.

Sam: He doesn’t want to loose his job after loosing five.

Cyndi: Five!!

Sam: Shh!! (Looked up and saw Rio arranging the basketballs) Hold it down. He doesn't like people mentioning that.

Cyndi: Oh, sorry.

Sam: That is why he is so freaked out when you help out with the customers.

Cyndi: I know that now. I won't do that again.

Sam: Good. Now, you would just sit here and do whatever you want to do...

Cyndi: Except serving customers right? (Cyndi helped Sam finish his sentence)

Sam: Correct. Smart.

Cyndi: I always am.

The Life of Orphans - Chapter 39

The Life of Orphans

Chapter 39
Someone knocks Jason's room door,

Jason: Come in.

Cyndi: Hello. Are you free?

Jason: You mean now?

Cyndi: No, yesterday.

Jason: Why would you want to know that?

Cyndi: Sigh. I was just kidding. Are you free, NOW?

Jason: Yes. Anything?

Cyndi: Yes. There are loads of things.

Jason: Ok.

Cyndi: Firstly, I want to know that have you fall in love with anybody before?

Jason: Huh?

Cyndi: Do you know what love is? Something like umm.... like.

Jason: Like?

Cyndi: It's a torture talking to you. I mean do you somehow rather like a girl before?

Jason: I think not.

Cyndi: Are you going to?

Jason: Maybe. Why are you asking me these?

Cyndi: Just to know you better.

Jason: Really?

Cyndi: Or else?

Jason: Maybe you like me?

Cyndi: Haha. I just noticed you do have the sense of humour.

Jason: That is?

Cyndi: Of course I like you as a friend. A really close friend. Or maybe as a brother.

Jason: (confused)

Cyndi: Ok now, I’ll go straight to the point.

Jason; You should ages ago.

Cyndi: Fine. What do you think of Hebe?

Jason: Hebe? Hebe Tian?

Cyndi: No, Hebe Wang. Is there any other Hebe's you know?

Jason: I don't think so.

Cyndi: So?

Jason: Huh?

Cyndi: What do you think of Hebe?

Jason: She's cute, smart, nice ...

Cyndi: That means she is good?

Jason: She is good.

Cyndi; Ok, that does it.

Jason: Does what?

Cyndi: Something you don't have to know.

Jason: Ok.

Cyndi: It's dinner time. Let's go to the canteen together.

Jason: Ok.

In the canteen, Hebe was chatting with Tony, Zax and Sam.

Sam: Here they come.

Cyndi: talking about me?

Zax: Yup.

Cyndi: What's that? (Sat down)

Zax: When you were my "girlfriend"

Cyndi: What? What were you telling them?

Tony: Is there anything you don't want us to know?

Cyndi: Nothing, that is. Nothing I want all of you to know.

Everyone laughed.

Sam: Speaking of girlfriends. Where's yours, Zax?

Zax: Huh? You mean Rainie?

Hebe: Is there any other?

Tony: There must be.

Zax: Don't crap. I think she's on the way here.

Cyndi: Aren't you guys hungry? I’ll go take my dinner.

Tony: Wait for me!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After the dinner, Hebe went back to her room.

Hebe: Hmm.. a pretty good start.

(Flashbacks)

Hebe: (whispered) Hey.

Jason: (look at the back of him before he answered) Talking to me?

Hebe: Yes.

Jason: Oh, anything?

Hebe: Just want to ask you how were your holidays?

Jason: Nothing special about it. Just as normal as everyday life.

Hebe: Oh.

Jason: What about you?

Hebe: Who me? I think it's even more normal than yours.

Jason: Even more normal?

Hebe: I have nothing to do at home. Just hanging around in my room and sometimes out for shopping.

Jason: I didn't know normal can be more than normal.

Hebe: Huh?

Jason: It's ok. No one really understands what I say. Sometimes, even I myself don't.

Hebe: Oh. I was just wondering...

Jason: Yes?

Hebe: Is the restaurant you're working short of waitresses?

Jason: I'm not very sure about that. Are you interested?

Hebe: A little. There's still a few weeks till school reopens.

Jason: I'll go and find out for you.

Hebe: Thanks.

Jason: No problem. You want to come with me to the restaurant tomorrow?

Hebe: Can I?

Jason: Sure.

Hebe: Ok.

Cyndi was watching the both of them from her place and smiled to herself. Hebe was the only one who can make Jason talks so much. They were really made for each other.

The Life of Orphans - Chapter 38

In the morning, there was a loud knock on Cyndi's room door.

Cyndi: Who's that? (Went to open her door)

Voice: Surprise! Didn't expect to see me, right?

Cyndi: Hebe! Why are you here? There's still a long way before school reopens.

Hebe: I missed you.

Cyndi: Oh really? Or you missed someone...

Hebe: No! I missed you.

Cyndi: I doubted that.

Hebe: Ok fine. I came back because my parents were going on a business trip. I'm allowed to
follow but that's boring. I can't just stay at home alone so I decided to come back earlier than
usual.

Cyndi: Oh, ok. You came back the wrong time. Jason is working now.

Hebe: So?

Cyndi: Are you sure you sure not back because of him?

Hebe: I regretted telling you this.

Cyndi: Chill. Just kidding. Boredom could make someone go nuts.

Hebe: Then I didn't come back on the wrong time after all.

Cyndi: Why?

Hebe: Let's go out together.

Cyndi: Really? Oh good. Let's get going!

Hebe: Are you really that bored?

Cyndi: I am. Don't waste time. Let's go! (Pull Hebe's arm)

Hebe: Alright, alright. I can walk, thank you.

Hebe and Cyndi went to the nearest shopping complex and started shopping until its lunch time.
They went to a restaurant and have their lunch.

Hebe: So, how are you doing lately?

Cyndi: Nothing much. Eat, sleep, walk, talk.....

Hebe: Don't crap. Who don't do those things?

Cyndi: But that's what I did during the holidays.

Hebe: I mean anything special happened?

Cyndi: Me or someone else?

Hebe: Will you stop that?

Cyndi: ok, ok. Well, as you've known, Zax had found his family.

Hebe: Oh, yes. I forgot about that. How are they doing now?

Cyndi: Fine. They get along well.

Hebe: That's good news.

Cyndi: Yup. There's another thing about Zax.

Hebe: What's that?

Cyndi: He's now with Rainie.

Hebe: Rainie Yang?

Cyndi: Yup. The one from the school volleyball team.

Hebe: I didn't know that he was after her.

Cyndi: I didn't know either. Maybe it's just fate.

Hebe: What about him?

Cyndi: I thought you won't ask. Him? Ummm... working, as usual. Quiet, as usual. He is just too
quiet to have anything special happening to him.

Hebe: Then while he is working, does he.... ummmm.... you know.

Cyndi: Know what? How am I supposed to know if you don't speak it out?

Hebe: Well, he..... Anyone?

Cyndi: who?

Hebe: Ok, fine. Did he like.... go out with any other girls?

Cyndi: Yup.

Hebe: What?! Who?

Cyndi: Me.

Hebe: You! (Knocks Cyndi's head.)

Cyndi: Ouch! That hurts. You should have seen your face.

Hebe: Haha. Very funny.

Cyndi: Ok, ok. I'll be serious. As I told you, he's a stick! He doesn't really have the courage to talk
to anyone that he doesn’t know apart from his customers, of course but that is just official
business.

Hebe: What about the ones he knew?

Cyndi: You mean me?

Hebe: No! Not you, other girls that he knows.

Cyndi: He doesn’t really dare to talk to anyone especially girls. Too shy.

Hebe: That means you don't know what kind of girls he likes?

Cyndi: Not really. But I can find out if you want to.

Hebe: I'm not so sure about this.

Cyndi: Don't worry, he won't know. The secret is safe with me.

Hebe: Hah! It's you whom I worry.

The Life of Orphans - Chapter 37

Sam walks towards Cyndi's room,

Sam: (clench his fist) Should I knock? What should I say when I see her? Maybe I should just knock first.

Just as he was going to knock, Cyndi opened the door. Sam fist almost knocked
Cyndi's forehead.

Cyndi: (dodge from Sam's fist) You're looking for me?

Sam: Yes. Busy?

Cyndi: Not really. Want to come in?

Sam: Ok.

Cyndi: So, what is that you want to say?

Sam: I... I... Umm... You and Zax....

Cyndi: Are just friends.

Sam: So, the two of you are not together at all?

Cyndi: No. We will remain friends. Now and forever.

Sam: Oh, I see.

Cyndi: Anything else?

Sam: [Why can't I just say it out? I like you!]

Cyndi: Anything else?

Sam Yes!

Cyndi: (waiting for him)

Sam: Umm.... There's something I want tell you all along. I ... I ... I LIKE YOU!

Cyndi: [Really? He likes me too? ]

Sam: So, do I have this chance?

Cyndi: (kissed him on the cheek)

Sam: (stunned)

After a few seconds,

Sam: Can I take that as a yes?

Cyndi: What do you think?

Sam: Can we not tell them?

Cyndi: Not again?

Sam: Let's just them find out themselves.

Cyndi: Do we have to hide when we see them like what Zax and I did the last time?

Sam: Come on. I won't say anything to them after I get back as if I failed. Let's
just fool around with them.

Cyndi: Ok. [Sigh, I can't believe I’m doing this again.]

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Zax: Ouch! Can't you be a little gentler?

Tony: That's serves you right, hiding such an important thing behind our backs.

Zax: I didn't really mean to.

Tony: Then? We known each other since we were kids and we grew up together.
Is there anything that we can't share?

Zax: it's not that. I don't even know why I want to hide it.

Tony: Weird.

Zax: I admit that. Ouch!

Tony: Can't you just bear with it a little? What kind of guy are you?

Zax: Why don't you try it? Sam punches with great force, especially when he is angry. Trust me, I have experienced that twelve years ago.

Tony: Because of that stupid frog trick?

Zax: you knew that very well and yet you still ask!

Tony: hehe.

Zax: You were part of that fight too!

Tony: Can't believe you still remember that.

Zax: that's how we know each other.

Tony: Yup.

Zax: I sure miss those days.

Tony: me too. There seem no worries back then. (Looking at the photo they once
Took in the orphanage)

Just then they heard Sam's room door opened and close.

Tony: he's back.

Sax: Do you think he has succeeded?

Tony: I think so. Let's go ask him.

Zax: What if he didn't? I don't want to get another punch from him.

Tony: I think that possibility is low. Let's go.

Zax: Ok.

They knocked Sam's door,

Sam: It's not lock. Come in. (trying hard to keep a straight face)

Tony: So?

Sam: What?

Tony: How did it go?

Sam: How did what go?

Zax: You and Cyndi?!

Sam: Oh, that. (Looking down)

Tony: (nudge Zax and whispers) What do you think that means?

Zax: (whispers back) I think it's an F.

Tony: (still whispering) I thought so too.

Sam: What is that whispering about?

Zax: Nothing. It's ok. There are plenty of chances later.

Sam: I hope so.

Tony: We will not bother you now.

Zax: We'll get going.

After they left.

Sam: (peeking from the window and started smiling) This is going to be fun.

The Life of Orphans - Chapter 36

The Life of Orphans

Chapter 36
Zax and Rainie are now together they often went off dating. Cyndi in the other side was too happy to know that Zax found someone to replace her, she doesn't even mind being left alone.

At Sam's workplace,

Sam: Thank you. (Handing a bag of sports item to a customer) Please come again.
Have a nice day.

After the customer left,

Worker (Rio): Hey, didn't your cute girlfriend come and visit you today?

Sam: She's not my girlfriend.

Rio: Oh, but the two of you look so nice together.

Sam: Nonsense, she already has a boyfriend and it's my one of my best friend.

Rio: I see. Well, treat me as a busybody but I can see that you like her in the way you treat her.

Sam: No way.

Rio: I noticed that you were hoping for her to come. If not, why did you look at
the door every time someone comes in?

Sam: Customers.

Rio: Come on. Well, I can't say much. You know yourself best.

Sam: [Maybe he's right. I do like Cyndi. But she's now with Zax. I just can wish
her.... Who's that?]

Zax and Rainie just walk past the sports equipment shop that Sam is working in
and they are holding hands!

Sam: It can't be. (Ran out for a closer look.)

Well, to his surprise. It is Zax and another girl holding hands close to each other.

Sam: (clench his fists) How can he do that? He's still with Cyndi!

Rio: Who are you looking at?

Sam: Uh? (Walk back into the shop) Nobody. Caught the wrong person. (By heart he really hoped that he caught the wrong person.)

After work,

Sam went to Cyndi's room,

Sam: (Knock the door)

Cyndi: Coming. (Opens the door) Sam? Back from work?

Sam: Yup. Can I come in?

Cyndi: Sure. Come on in.

Sam went in and sat on the chair while Cyndi sat on her bed,

Sam: So, what were you doing today?

Cyndi: Nothing much. I went and hang out at the shopping mall for almost the
whole afternoon.

Sam: Oh. Bought anything?

Cyndi: Naah. I was just window-shopping. Don't want to spend so much.

Sam: How are you with Zax?

Cyndi: What? (Surprised by that question) Umm... [I don't think he know about
Rainie and I think Zax didn't tell him anything either] Fine. Why did you ask?

Sam: Nothing much. Just wanted to know.

Cyndi: Oh, ok.

Sam: I'll go change now. See you later.

Cyndi: Ok. Bye.

On the way to his room, due to Zax's bad luck he met Zax.

Sam: Zax!

Zax: Oh. Hi, Sam.

Sam: Can I talk to you for a minute?

Zax: Ok.

Sam: Just wanted to know how are you and Cyndi going on?

Zax: Me and Cyndi? We are fine. Nothing happened.

Just then, Sam punched Zax on the face.

Zax: Ow! What was that for?

Sam: This is the second time I’m punching you. The first time is when you played that stupid trick on Cyndi. This time is that you are dating someone else while you are still having Cyndi as your girlfriend.

Zax: What?! [How did he know?]

Sam: You are going out with another girl behind Cyndi's back!

Tony passed by,

Tony: Wow! What happened?

Zax: ask him.

Sam: You know what you did!

Tony: Ok, ok. What ever happened, let's go inside and talk about it. (While
pushing the both of them into his room, he sms-ed Cyndi)

In Tony's room,

Tony: Ok, now. May I know what's the matter?

Zax: No idea. He started it.

Sam: You are the one who one did something wrong to Cyndi!

Tony: Cyndi? What did he do?

Sam: He's dating someone else.

Tony: What! How could you do that?!

Cyndi and Jason rushed in at the same time,

Jason: What happened?

Cyndi: Yeah, I rushed over as quickly as possible.

Tony: (Totally ignoring the arrival of the both of them) How can you do such a
thing? Especially to Cyndi?

Cyndi: Huh?

Sam: You can hurt anyone but not Cyndi. Don't you know that she's a load better than other girls?

Cyndi: (Although was puzzled but blushed a little after hearing that.)

Tony: Why aren't you explaining? Is it because what Sam said was right? You
really did date another girl behind Cyndi's back?

Cyndi: No, it's a mistake. You don't understand ...

Sam: I saw it with my very own eyes.

Cyndi: It's not what you see ...

Tony: You don't have to side him, Cyndi. After what he did to you.

Cyndi: No, listen ...

Sam: We'll teach him for you. I'll never let anyone make you unhappy.

Cyndi: WAIT! Listen to me! (everyone stopped and Zax was shaking his head) I'm sorry. I can't hold this any longer. Zax and I was a fake couple. We weren't together. We are faking the whole thing just to satisfy Zax's father who wants to see him have a girlfriend before he leaves.

Tony: What? You mean the both of you were not together?

Cyndi: No, we are not. Now and always.

Sam: (Felt really happy inside but still kept a straight face)

Jason: (Finally talking) That means you and Zax was always faking the whole
love business?

Cyndi: Yes and I did hint that. I always said that we were not what you guys
think but none of you listens to me.

Tony: It's because we thought you were shy to admit.

Jason: Why are you two faking it?

Zax: Sigh... I thought I could hide this forever. It’s my dad. You know why he is so eager for me to go back? He had cancer and not much time left. He said he
wanted to see my girlfriend so I plead Cyndi to help me.

Tony: Oh, I’m sorry.

Zax: It's ok. He's much better now. He even might get a chance to recover
completely.

Jason: Wow, that's good.

Cyndi: But he still doesn’t know the truth.

Tony: We'll help you plan something.

Cyndi: Really? Thanks a lot!

Tony: What are brothers for?

Cyndi: (Smiled)

Sam: Umm... Zax? ... Sorry for that. (Eyed zax's bruised left cheek)

Zax: It's ok. You were just helping Cyndi.

Cyndi blushed when hearing this. She took a short glance at Sam and found that he's looking at her too. The both of them turn away at the same time.

Cyndi: I... I have something to do. Got to go now. Bye.

Zax: Bye. (After Cyndi went out) Hey, (nudge Sam) she actually has nothing to do.

Sam: So?

Tony: I can see that you like her.

Zax: And now you know that me and her are not a couple. You should ...

Jason: Go for it!

Zax: Bingo! Jason always speaks the point.

Sam: (walked out)

Zax: She likes him too.

Tony: I know.

Jason: So?

Zax & Tony: Sigh.

Jason: Huh?