AAE CAROUSEL OF LOVE
Written by: Margie L
2004-07-04
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Part I

For the hundredth time, Xiang Zhe looked at his watch again. Why does time pass so slowly when you least want it to? It would be another two long hours before he could see San Mei again. How he wishes he could make that magical hour arrive by turning the 'hands' on his wristwatch.

Smiling to himself, he opened a drawer of his dresser and took out a box. It was his birthday present for San Mei. Knowing her love for crystals, he had commissioned the gift during his 1-year stay in Vienna. It was a musical box comprising a crystal carousel. As the carousel rotates, the infamous 'Blue Danube' emanates from it. He had missed her so much when he was away from Korea. For the last few months of his stay in Vienna, he had worked hard to ensure that he could tie up all the loose ends and return in time to celebrate her birthday with her. He couldn't wait to see her excitement when she opens her present.

Then he remembered that Jin Yong would also be joining them. But that did not matter. What matters is that he would be able to see the love of his life; see her beautiful eyes crinkle up when she smiles or laughs; see her adorable nose turn up when she curls her lips; see her ......

Knock! Knock! The knock on his door brought him back to earth.

Laying down the box, he called, "Come on in."

An extremely good-looking young man entered on cue.

"Am I interrupting your solo waltz?" They shook hands. "Welcome home, brother! Why didn't you let us know you would be arriving home this morning?"

"Just wanted to surprise you and dad. Heard from dad your calendar's fully booked." He playfully chucked his cousin on the chin. "That shouldn't surprise me. All the Yin men are blessed with Adonis' genes!"

Jin Yong laughed. "Never thought my serious, older cousin gave a hoot about his looks!"

Pulling his cousin to the mirror, he pretended to make a comparison.

"So, who's better looking? Let me see." The cousin brothers stood side by side. Two magnificent specimens of manliness stared back.

"See? I'm taller than you by a good 2inches." Shoving a writing pad into his Xiang Zhe's hand, he ordered. "Here, write an A for me, B for you."

Xiang Zhe was indignant. "What crap! Only a miserable 2" difference and I get a 'B'?" He threw his hands up when Jin Yong ignored him. "It's my dad's entire fault. He let you have your way once too often." But he obligingly scribbled as Jin Yong demanded.

His cousin continued. "Now, body-shape? Let me give you the 'pinch test'."

But Xiang Zhe hit his hand and scowled. "Cut that out! I'm ticklish. Besides, my mid-section's like as flat as an ironing board! No chance of any flab hanging on there." He pointed at his cousin's 'flab' and exclaimed in exaggerated tones, "See that rubber float around your mid-section? You have a disaster waiting to happen. And you're a model for Christ's sake!"

His cousin shrugged. "I'll get rid of it in no time. Okay, okay. Write 'A' for you and 'A-' for me."

Xiang Zhe hit his cousin on the head with the writing pad. "What kind of justice is this? I got a 'B' for being 2" shorter but you get 'A-' for your rubber float?"

He pretended to be angry and flung the pad away. But he couldn't help laughing along with his cousin. He has always been very fond of his cousin. They have always been close even when Jin Yong's parents were alive.

The young man inquired as he sat on his cousin's bed. "What's this?"

"It's a birthday gift I got for San Mei." Xiang Zhe opened the box. "What do you think?"

"Hey! It's great!" Jin Yong's eyes glistened with excitement. "She would love it for sure." He eyed his cousin suspiciously. "It must have cost you a bundle. You didn't mind?"

"Aha! You're worried that I would ask my father for a share of your trust fund?" He teased his young relative. "So, what present did you get for San Mei?"

"This is why I wanted to talk to you."

Shame-faced, Jin Yong told his cousin that he was broke. He had put aside a substantial amount of his income from modeling to buy a ring for San Mei. He had planned on proposing to her on her birthday. But other things came up that required his urgent settlement and before he knew it, he had used up the reserved funds.

"What did you say?" Xiang Zhe was stunned by Jin Yong's sudden proclamation. Gripping his cousin's shoulders, he demanded, "You're going to propose to San Mei?"

"Yea. I said that and I'm going to do that." Surprised by his cousin's reaction, he shook off the tight grip on his shoulders. "What's the matter with you anyway? We had become close during the year you were in Vienna. Uncle Weng Hao knew about it and he was happy for us. Didn't Uncle tell you about this in his emails?"

Xiang Zhe's clenched his fists to stop them from shaking. His 'castle of dreams' came tumbling down and broke into a thousand pieces. He rubbed his suddenly heavy head.

Touching his cousins' shoulder, he asked, "Brother?"

Jin Yong was looking at him quizzically. "Your migraine problem is back?"

Xiang Zhe didn't want to arouse his cousin's suspicions with his emotional state. He must not let his cousin see through his feelings. Pasting a smile on his face, he thumped his cousin on his back.

He shook his head. "No. I haven't experienced the migraines for some time."

Smilingly, he congratulated his cousin on his plans and wished him luck. He looked at his watch again.

"Look, since you're going to propose to San Mei, I doubt you'd need a lamp post there." He handed Jin Yong the musical box and his credit card. "Here, give this to San Mei as your birthday gift to her. Put the bill on my Visa."

Pushing Jin Yong out of the room, he added, "You should be getting ready. Don't keep her waiting like you usually do."

"Hey! Thanks! You're a wonderful brother." Jin Yong was happy his problems were finally solved. "But she's expecting you there too. What should I tell her when she asks?"

"Just tell something unexpected came up and I couldn't join you. I'll be calling her. Wish her 'Happy Birthday' on my behalf." Giving his cousin an encouraging smile, he adds, "When you return, we'll start preparing for your wedding!"


Only minutes ago, he was full of hope and life. Now, his body felt as weighed down by an anchor -- he felt unable to move. After making sure that Jin Yong had left the apartment, he picked up his car keys. He didn't want to be there when Jin Yong returns with good news. He was not certain he could control his real emotions.

He needed to drown his sorrow. What better way than to do this at his favorite watering hole? He drove to the hotel and headed for the direction of the café he used to patronize.

Xiang Zhe sat down in a quiet nook and ordered a big jug of beer. His mind on his troubled thoughts, he did not notice the interested glances in his direction. A group of women were trying to catch his attention. Posing seductively and smiling coyly under artificial eyelashes, they finally gave up when Xiang Zhe did not even spare them a glance. However, they couldn't seem to rivet their eyes from him.


The minute they entered the café, San Mei noticed Xiang Zhe. His head was resting on the leather sofa and his eyes were closed. His tie was loosened and he seemed to be intoxicated.

She touched Jin Yong on the arm. "Isn't that Xiang Zhe?"

When Jin Yong looked in the direction she indicated, he confirmed it was indeed Xiang Zhe.

"Didn't you say he had an important appointment?" San Mei was concerned. "I can't believe it! He's drunk!"

She quickly headed for Xiang Zhe's table.

"Yin Xiang Zhe!" She shook his shoulder. Getting no response, she patted him lightly on his face. "Xiang Zhe!"

Recovering from his stupor, Xiang Zhe was immediately alert. "San Mei, what are you doing here?" He looked at Jin Yong. "You should be at the Sheraton."

"There was an accident pile-up and traffic was terrible. The entrance to the hotel is blocked; so, here we are," his cousin explained. "It must be destined that we celebrate San Mei's birthday together."

But Xiang Zhe got ready to leave. Alcohol slurring his speech, he muttered, "I don't want to get in the way of your proposal." Picking up his tab, he added, "You young people enjoy yourselves." The next minute, he had collapsed at her feet.

San Mei looked down Xiang Zhe; too stunned by his behavior to say anything. In the years that the three of them have grown up together, she had never seen him getting himself drunk. And what had he been muttering about? She had heard him say something about a proposal. And what young people? He was only eight years older than herself and Jin Yong.

She got down to her knees and tried to pull him up. But he was deadweight. She looked up at Jin Yong. "Don't just stand there. Help me to get him to his feet."

Heaving and grunting, both of them finally managed to get the well-built Xiang Zhe on his feet.

"What are we going to do with him?"

"What do you mean by that ridiculous question?" She was irritated because her shoulders and arms were sore from holding onto her burden. "You put him in his car and I'll drive him back to your apartment. You follow in your car."

"But what about your birthday?"

"Forget it. It's ruined anyway. Thanks to him." She glared at the unconscious Xiang Zhe.


Part II


The alarm clock rang on the bedside table with a determination to do what it's been created to do. To wake those who sleep like the dead!

"What in thunder!" Brewing coffee in the kitchen, Jin Yong grinned as he heard his cousin's grouchy morning greeting. He had deliberately set the alarm clock early to teach his cousin a lesson -- i.e. 'Not to exceed your tolerance level for alcohol consumption.'

"Six a.m.! Yin Jin Yong, I'm going to take a strap to your hide!"

After that, groans and moans were all Jin Yong heard. Popping his feet on the coffee table, he nonchalantly checked the papers.

"It's not me who's going to enjoy the strap, but you!" he muttered devilishly.

If he knew San Mei well, his 'big' cousin's would have a lot of explaining to do. Nevertheless, he felt a bit guilty being the cause of his cousin's impending plight.

Sitting down for breakfast, Xiang Zhe was quick to question Jin Yong.

His expression gave away his anxiety as he asked, "What happened last night? Did I make a fool of myself?"

"You don't remember anything?"

Xiang Zhe put down the knife and fork. "I remember meeting you and San Mei at the pub." Although he tried to fake it, his expression grew more anxious as he looked at his cousin. "Er, so did she accept your proposal?"

Jin Yong did not reply but feigned a happy and silly look on his face.

"I see. I should offer my congratulations then?" He held out his hand. "Congratulations! I wish the both of you happiness."

Noticing the tension on his cousin's face, Jin Yong realised he had gone too far. He decided to be honest with Xiang Zhe. He returned the musical box to Xiang Zhe.

"Take this back. I have no right to this -- just as I have no right to take your love from you."

"What are you talking about? Why didn't you give this to San Mei?"

"Have you forgotten the inscription in the box?" Jin Yong pointed to the box. "How could I claim this gift is from me when your declaration is in the box?"

"Is that all this is about? That inscription is nothing special." Xiang Zhe assured Jin Yong. "It's an affectionate message to someone who's like a sister."

Jin Yong read out the inscription. "My love -- Do not falter in your walk towards my direction -- for I am your destiny. Unconditional love from Xiang Zhe. It doesn't sound like what a brother would write to a sister. Just when are you going to be honest about your feelings for San Mei? Do you think I'm blind?" Jin Yong was irked by his cousin's stubborn denial.

Finally admitting his feelings, Xiang Zhe answered. "Ok. It's true. I love San Mei and have loved her for years -- since she was in diapers in fact."

"Yin Xiang Zhe!"

Xiang Zhe's head immediately swiveled around. He looked at his cousin and back at San Mei.

"You didn't send her home last night?"

Jin Yong grinned and shook his head. "After putting you into bed, both of us sat down and had a long chat. It was San Mei who took care of you last night. I offered my room to her and I slept in the guest room."

In truth, they had a very open discussion. Jin Yong had revealed to San Mei that he had always suspected Xiang Zhe's love for her. But San Mei refused to believe it as not only had Xiang Zhe never spoken outright of his love for her, he treated like a little sister. Jin Yong said that he would make Xiang Zhe reveal his true feelings.

He had asked San Mei, "But if Brother does love you, what about your feelings for him?"

He got his answer when he noticed the red flush spreading from her face to her neck.

"I .... uhm.... I, that is to say...." San Mei has the habit of being angry when she couldn't answer a question. "Yin Jin Yong, are you trying to embarrass me?"

Rolling a magazine, she swatted at him like an annoying pest.

"You know, I told Brother that I would be proposing to you tonight."

"You what? What for?"

"I wanted to find out how he would react."

"Oh?" Putting on a disinterested air, San Mei pretended to rearrange some magazines on the coffee table. "So, how did Xiang Zhe react?"

Intending to give her an anxious moment, Jin Yong suddenly stood up and 'yawned' loudly. "Gosh! Look at the time! No wonder I'm tired." Giving her a sly smile, he told the infuriated San Mei, "You can use my room. I'll sleep in the guest room."

"Hey! You rascal!" Hands on her slim hips, she was mad as a ruffled hen! "You haven't answered my question."

Jin Yong bade a hurried 'goodnight' and dashed into the guest room. Whether she liked it or not, San Mei had to wait until the next morning for an answer.

As San Mei and Xiang Zhe stood looking at each other, love shining in their eyes, Jin Yong decided it was time for his to make an exit. The apartment was getting too crowded for his liking.

He guessed they did not even realize he had left. Taking his cell phone, he called his Uncle Weng Hao.

"Morning, Uncle."

"Do you never look at your watch? I'm still in bed."

"You'll jump out of bed when you hear that our mission is accomplished."

His uncle's cry of joy was exactly what he expected to hear.

"You can get the mothballs out of your tuxedo!"


~ THE END ~


Love

Love is just a circle
That doesn't have an end.
It doesn't have a missing part
To tell where to begin.

Love is just a melody
That's sung throughout the land.
The exuberant tune that carries on
That makes us all join hands.

Love is just a memory
That shadows people's lives
It tells them of their souls and worries
And guides them through their strife.

And when it's just not working
Maybe that's for the best
Love is just a circle
And life is love's great test.

Lesley Barth

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This story is for Uyen (Ivy).
Margie