"That haversack is all you have?"

"Why are your eyes so red?"

"Caramel, don't be noisy!"

"I want to sit in the back with big brother! I wanna hear stories." Joe smiled. Some of his happiest moments spent lately were with Caramel, adoring her innocence and telling her all the fairytales he knew.

"He's not your big brother. Look carefully! Say uncle Joe."

Caramel pouted. She had her mother's hair and the same intense eyes but that's where the similarities ended. However, she was cute with her little button noise and rosebud lips.

"It's ok Hope. Come Caramel, come sit with me."

Caramel grinned happily as she released the safety belt and started to climb behind to the backseat. Hope was clearly angry.

"How could you encourage her Joe? She's only a kid and you're teaching her bad habits! Caramel! Never do that again! It's dangerous!"

"But Mommy, I'm already in the backseat!"

"Never again Caramel or I won't buy you anymore cookies."

"Mommy....mommy...."

"If you're going to naughty, I'm going to make you do more sums when you get home."

Caramel who hated studying of any kind looked ready to cry. Joe snuggled her closer to him.

"Aw Hope, give her a break, right Caramel? Tell mommy you won't do it again?"

"But you ask me to climb to the backseat."

"Ok, we'll both say sorry to mommy. One two three.."

"Sorry mommy." They chanted in unison.

Hope shook her head as she kept her eyes on the road. Sometimes, she wondered if she had gained herself a boyfriend or another child. But when she glanced into the rearview mirror and saw how sweet Joe and Caramel looked when Joe was telling Caramel about Snow White for the 100th time, her heart was warmed.

Maybe he could be the one. A husband to me and a father to Caramel.

The journey to Joe's rented apartment was very smooth. The apartment was just opposite her house, much closer than the soup kitchen. She had actually suggested that Joe move in with her and to her surprise, Joe had declined.

I'm old fashion Hope. I don't want us to live together...unless we're married."

"And when will that be?"

"Ah..when you earn enough to support me."

"We're here! Honey?" Joe had fallen asleep with a very bored looking Caramel fiddling with the bracelet Joe made for her. Hope herself had one too. Joe could be extremely sweet at times.

When he's not withdrawn.

Hope had noticed that Joe would suddenly just lapse into complete silence for a prolonged period. Or at times, his smiles would seem extremely forced. And one thing Hope never understood was Joe's fear of intimacy, both physically and emotionally. She would confide in him everything and he would listen, and he would comfort her or just simply hold her for as long as she wanted. But he hardly talked to her about himself, his history or even his family. All she knew was that he had lived in Bayport, near New York, before. And he would also avoid dwelling deeper than describing how beautiful and peaceful Bayport was. But when she wanted to go see it, maybe meet his old friends, learn about his childhood, he would be agitated and immediately switch topic.

But she loved him and she would try to accept him for all that he was.

" Honey?" She prodded again with Caramel's help. Her impish daughter had poked Joe in the ribs.

Joe work up, startled. He was very sensitive to being tickled. Hope simply laughed at his response. It was too cute. He actually jumped.

"Hmm...we're here? Oh..ya..." Carrying his haversack, he exited from the car.

They climbed up 2 flights of steps up the old apartment block. It was small and desperately needed a repaint, like all houses in this neighborhood, one of the few poorer areas embedded among the richer ones, rather than on the other side of Little Port. Only two stories high, the apartment block was actually converted from a large house. Now it has 5 studio apartments in total. The landlord was waiting for them next to Joe's rented space. He was a kindly old man. Hope had known him since she was young. Uncle Noel. They had all lived in this neighborhood and watched Little Port grew from a small little harbor town to a bustling one but still nothing in comparison to Barnett Bay just next to it with its rich residents and the America headquarters of Macmillan Enterprise which was rumored to soon move over to Silicon Valley but was hindered from doing so for heritage reason.

"Here's your keys. There's not much rules here, in fact, none at all." Noel chuckled. "I'll think of some when you start doing things that piss me off."

Joe smiled wanely. He was rather impatient to get into his apartment and packed. He reached into his haversack and took out an envelope. It was money that he had carefully saved from his allowance, barely enough to meet the first month's rent and one more as deposit.

"There. Thanks a lot. We'll be going in now. You need to count?"

"Nay, you're Hope's boyfriend. I trust Hope and I trust her taste. If you want to cheat an old man of a few tens, then I'll say Hope better find herself someone else. Go on in, don't let me hinder you."

"Thanks Uncle Noel." Hope gave Noel a hug and he kissed her like she's his daughter on the cheeks. Hope and Caramel then followed Joe in.

The room was sparse but neat. It was cleaned before Joe moved in. The sheets on the bed too was clean. It had a private toilet that was purely functional, a shower stall, a toilet and a small sink. There was a small kitchen too, too small to be whipping up meals for parties, but adequate enough for basic use. Besides the doublebed at one corner of the room, there was also an old two-seater sofa, a wooden table and 2 folded dining chairs. A small, well-maintained wardrobe was placed as a divider between the dining area and the sleeping area.

"Ah, just what I need. Time to pack."

They spent the whole afternoon packing and making the place up such that it looked homely. Joe, used to the bare minimum by now was fine with anything but Hope insisted on putting a small little cactus plant on the table. She even went into her house, got new orange sheets, a soft brown teddy bear and two framed pictures, one of herself and another a real painting, done by Caramel. It was a painting of a rabbit which looked more like a distorted puppy but it was so cute and because Caramel insist that it be put inside Joe's room that Hope brought it over to Joe, hoping Joe would not burst out laughing.

"Where's Caramel?" Joe was mopping the floor which was extremely dusty when they arrived. Hope tried her best not step on the damp areas, threw all the stuff she bought on the sofa and started taking the sheets so she could change it. The sheets on the bed, though clean, was still used and it was white. Hope decided that Joe's apartment needed a little colour and thus she being changing the sheets first.

"Hmm...cute...puppy?" Joe picked up the picture Caramel drew, looking at it from all angles.

"It's a bunny! Don't ask. I don't think my daughter can be an artist. Anyway, she wants you to have it."

Joe then picked up her photo. She rushed to his side, wondering what he would say.

She had taken the photo two years ago, before her husband passed away. It was the nicest framed photo she could find. The scenery was breathtaking, set against the backdrop of Mount Fuji. It was a trip she and her dead husband, Carl, had saved for a long time for. It was cold and she had her parka on but the hood was down. Her soft auburn hair blew in the wind and her smile was just one of pure happiness.

"Its...its beautiful....almost as beautiful as life..." Joe admired the photo for a while before he hurried over to put it by his bedside, on a makeshift cardboard bed counter which Hope had draped over with a peach cloth. It looked presentable but Joe could not put anything heavy on it.

"Now I can see you first thing in the morning and last thing at night." Joe turned towards her, grinning like a little boy. Hope saw the childlike innocence in those eyes, and had to smile too. But unless Joe was really happy, his eyes would never shine with such brilliance. But up to now, she never knew what made Joe really happy. It only happened twice before, set off by the littlest and sweetest thing. He was that happy for her when she had a small pay increase because she was that happy too. And the second time was almost incomprehensible. All Joe did was ate a chocolate ice-cream. But Hope had loved to see him so happy that she told him she would buy him a lifetime supply of chocolate ice-cream when suddenly, his eyes just glazed over and he let her finish it up.

Joe had stretched his arms out to want to embrace her. Embrace her, kisses on the cheeks. Snuggling up to each other. That was all the physical intimacy they had with each other. And though Hope was not a loose woman, it was frustrating her.

She returned the embrace and Joe hugged her the way he did. Always gentle, slightly awkward but after a while, drawing her as close to him as possible, like he was afraid to let her go.

"Now all this place lacks is a piano."

"A piano?"

Joe smiled to himself, shaking his head, "Nevermind."

"What's this about piano? You play the piano? Joe, you never told me."

"It's nothing, really, just banging on the keys, that's all." Falling out of the embrace, Joe guided her to the door. "You should go home and change."

"Huh? Joe, you're acting weird."

"I'm bringing you somewhere nice for dinner. Leroy told me about this place. We should go there tonight."

"Where?"

Joe looked up to the ceiling, "It's a surprise. You'll see when we get there."

They met an hour later in front of Hope's house. They had not noticed the beat up car parked two houses away. It was there shortly after they arrived until then. And it had followed them as they drove off, this time, with Joe in the driver's seat.

"Anything unusual?" Grey Man spoke. He was in his grey car with another guy. A tall guy with brown hair o

f about 30 years old.

"He's not at the soup kitchen anymore. He moved to Hill Street, near the causeway to Barnett Bay." Michel took a long drag from his cigarette. He really liked the kid, he only hoped that he did not have to befriend Joe under such circumstances.

"So, what do you think?" The older secret agent enquired. He was concern about Joe, as Joe had been one of his "students" and a promising one. At the same time, it was procedure to follow up on any criminal with even the slightest hint of link to the Assassins and Joe knew one in prison, Alexander Kleptous, though it was never clear if he knew Kleptous to be an Assassin or not.

"I think he's clean. Just a tortured kid who did not know how to get close to people that's all. We can close the follow up." Suggested Michel. Joe deserved freedom to start a new life.

Grey Man nodded. "If anything happens, we always have his address."

"Yah. Let's go. Fix me up with some employment papers for a job somewhere will you? Time for me get out of that soup kitchen."

"Still looking for your daughter?" Grey Man asked his friend who had been a Network Agent for the past 8 years, sacrificing family life.

"I gave up hope. She could be in Switzerland, Germany...I don't know. Maybe even in a nice little country like Luxembourg, far away from me. You know Lilia. She won't let me find Corrine easily." Michel spoke like a man resigned to his fate.

Grey Man gave him friend a sympathetic smile and drove away from the secret place they met at, in an alleyway off an unnamed small street in Little Port. After dropping Michel at Bay Avenue to walk back to the soup kitchen, he went back to the Network Branch Office in Barnett Bay.

"Why bring me here? We could have gone to cheaper place to eat. You don't earn much." Hope chided Joe. But Joe simply smiled goofily. He had whisked her off to this nice little restaurant that Lo had recommended and now he could not wait to tell her the surprise.

Joe totaled up the bill again, it was a little expensive but it was worth every cent. Hope had really enjoyed the dinner. The music too was fantastic. Jazz always set a romantic mood no matter what was the occasion.

Throwing the bill away (he had refused to let Hope see it), he put his hand around her and drew her closer. "It's nothing. You're a lady, gotta treat you like one."

Hope gave him a nudge, but she pressed herself closer against him, a contented, happy woman look on her face.

"But you're right, we can't do this too often....though..you might want to give a treat later....."

"Silly me! I know there's a catch."

Joe led her to the docks and sat her on a bench, overlooking the sea. It was very quiet there. "How do you find me?"

"Huh? Are you looking for compliments? I don't dish those out just because you treated to me an expensive meal."

"Hope," Joe pressed on, like an anxious child.

Hope pretended to think hard for a moment, pretended that she could not think of any good points to say, making Joe more and more worried by the second.

"Hope!!!" He was somehow screaming but screaming softly. Hope giggled at his unusual impatience.

"You....you are sweet...beautiful...and very kind to my daughter..." Hope snuggled close to Joe. "And you let me hold you for as long as I want, even when we're out in public."

Joe had a sweet serene smile on his face which often looked troubled. Hope liked that look. She wished she had a camera. A camera, Joe had brought along a small paper bag and he had reached into it, taking out a disposable camera.

"You read my thoughts!"

"Hope, we haven't had a picture together."

Hope happily set off to find the most picturesque angle of the dock while Joe looked for a passerby. Finally, she found a spot and he found a young lady, willing to take a picture for them.

"Ok..position yourself.." The lady chirped. Joe held Hope close to him. "Say Cheese!"

They did not say cheese, just smiled into the camera. At least Hope smiled, she hoped Joe smiled too.

"Thanks!" Hope took the camera back from the girl. She turned towards Joe by her side.

"It's your turn now for some solos."

They took a lot of photos, but Hope did not capture the look on Joe that she wanted. She purposely saved the last shot, just in case somehow, the look came back again.

"So what's the occasion Joe, why are you so romantic tonight? Tell me...have you cheated on me?" Hope playfully accused her boyfriend.

Joe shook his head and smiled. Reaching out into his bag again, he took out what looked like a jewelry box.

He opened the box and there was a necklace with a small heart shape pendant with a diamond embedded in the center. Though the diamond was hardly noticeable, it was still the most precious, most beautiful thing Hope ever came across, except for her wedding ring.

"For you." His voice was soft, sweet and achingly genuine. Hope was stunned for a while.

She had covered her mouth with her hands in shock. What had she done to deserve this special treatment? She knew money was hard to come by for Joe and she was extremely touched.

"Happy Anniversary."

Hope eyes watered, no one she ever dated remembered the first month-anniversary and there was Joe, her sweet gentle shy Joe who had gone out of his way to make this occasion special for her.

She still could not move, could not get over the surprise. Joe took the necklace out and put it on for her. It reached her collar bone, just the right length. And there he was, looking at her, admiring her.

"You're so beautiful. You could have anyone...I'm so blessed that you'll have me." Joe voice was soft and dreamy and he spoke right to her heart. She cried. Joe held her close. She cried into the bony chest that seemed so strong at that moment, so safe.

"I'm sorry..I did not..I did not know..." Hope managed to blubbered, her mascara running down her cheeks. "I'm such a lousy girlfriend." Joe simply lifted her face up by her chin as he bent down to kiss her lips.

And yet at that moment before touching, he froze for a second and kissed her cheeks instead. But Hope did not complain. She would let the guy take his time.

"I'm sorry...I..."

Hope placed her forefinger on his lips. "It's ok honey. It's ok."

Hope went to the public washroom near the docks to wash up. Her face was a mess. The smeared mascara had totally ruined her make-up. Trying her best to clean her face with the cool, fresh water, she finally decided, after 15 minutes, that she was presentable enough.

When she returned, there was Joe, her Joe, standing near the edge of the dock looking over the horizon. He was smiling, probably thinking of sweet thoughts. It was that look, that look she wanted to immortalized. The sweet, serene look he rarely had on his face.

Immediately she reached out for the camera. Finding the best angle, she snapped a quick shot. Joe had looked so ethereal then that it almost broke her heart.

He turned, the flash had startled him.

"Hey! Candid shot! Not fair!"

"Don't worry. You look great. Shall we go?"

Joe nodded and held her hand tightly as they walked towards the car park. Hope immediately went for the driver's door, remembering the fright she had when they came.

"Hey! I'm the guy... let me drive."

"No way! You should have seen yourself just now, trying to beat the red lights, weaving in and out of traffic. It runs so contrary to how you are!"

Joe simply shrugged and mumbled, "Old habits die hard." In a slightly smug tone, "You must admit I'm pretty skillful."

They were on the road when Hope finally admitted, "Ya...you are skillful. But I hate fast car...just...Carl died in a car accident."

Joe reached out a hand to gently stroke her hair. He understood, she would not need to fear reminiscing about her dead husband in front of him.

"It's just...I do love you...but...sometimes, I do miss him. He will always have a place here... . Somehow a speeding car rammed into his. The driver got off with a few scratches but Carl's car skidded, hit a tree and he got as smashed as his car was. Gruesome huh?" Tears came unbidden to Hope's eyes. Hope did not want to ruin the night for Joe; he had been so attentive to her. But he just continued stroking her hair.

Hope could not take it anymore. She parked on the side of the small road. They were meters away from their neighborhood.

She unbuckled her seat belt and allowed herself to sink into Joe's chest again. Memories flooded back, how her neighbor had rushed to her house to inform her about a crash that occurred just outside their neighborhood. She hurried to the site and saw the dangling license plate which was belonged to their car. The driver who had crashed into Carl was being tested on the breath analyzer and finally, after a long time, they had extricated Carl who was so bloodied, so smashed and after performing useless CPR on him, they pronounced him dead on the spot.

She had been a wreck for about 5 months before she picked herself up to be a good mother to Caramel who was so young then at only 2 years old. She had not dated since then, until she was so attracted to Joe working at the soup kitchen and so touched by his simple concern for her that she just had to know him. Little did she know they would end up so close.

"I'm sorry... I just keep crying. But these are memories...Don't be angry...I love you. But I can't stop loving him as well somewhere in my heart."

Joe gave her a reassuring smile. He did not say anything. He just held her. He probably understood or he loved her too much that he did not mind.

Finally they reached her place. He would simply cross the road later to his flat. The babysitter, Jenna had already fallen asleep on the couch and Hope left her alone. The coming day was Sunday, not a school day plus it was very late. Jenna was safer not to leave for home. Hope called Jenna's parents, apologized for waking them and assuring them that Jenna was safe in her house and she would be back tomorrow morning.

"Goodnight honey." She whispered softly into her ears. They were standing very close to each other and he was holding her hands gently but firmly.

"Goodnight love."

They embraced for the final time that night and Joe went back. He had work the next day, his first day of work delivering furniture. The pay was not great but they did not ask many questions, just checked his citizenship and hired him on the spot. Hope had recommended the job to him.

Hope shut the door, staring at the silhouette of Joe, thin and yet stoic, determined and yet fragile. She had so wanted to make it up to him but she knew once the day was over, the magic of the anniversary would passed and anything else would be done out of guilt, not love.

So she made a mental note not to forget next month's date. And the month after the next and so on. She was putting her faith into this relationship, a relationship that she would not give up without a good fight.

"I told Nancy I'll try. I do need her around. Can't imagine life without her." Frank smiled wanly at his therapist, Trisha or Trish for short. He had promised Nancy and honored his appointment with the perky woman, exposing to her all his deep dark secrets...or so she would hope.

"You love her?" Trish asked, peering at Frank from beneath her glasses. She was a little on the short side but she was fit and attractive. Happily married for 3 years, she had been fending off proposals from some of her male patients who had taken an interest in her. Her dark ebony skin had a healthy glow to it. She exuded the confidence, happiness and contentment that her patients were all trying to achieve. Besides, she was friendly as well.

"Trish...what's love? I need her around."

"You're one selfish guy, Frank Hardy."

"I don't want to talk about this." Frank was a little defensive. He had come here to get help, not to get ticked off.

"I tell it like it is. You want someone you love, not need. When you don't need her anymore, will you still want her around?"

Frank bit his lips, a childish habit of his that he was trying to break. He shook his head finally. "I don't know. I just know I'll be lost without her."

"Then I got one advice for you." Trish leaned forward from her seat and stared at Frank in the eyes. "Sort out your feelings for her and maybe tell me about it and then really decide on the future. If you really want to try, hell...try harder than what you've been doing!"

"I am trying! And you're supposed to help me sort out my feelings; I paid you to feel for me!" Frank buried his head in his hands. He had not want to be so agitated, he could not help it, there was a lot of bottled up stress in him, a person could only be that calm and collected.

"I tried to Frank. I can't feel for you, I can help you sort out your feelings but you won't let me. Ask you about your business, you said, fine. Your family, fine. Nancy, fine. Ask you about Joe, you clammed! What am I suppose to do if you don't let me help you?" Trish was almost at the end of her patience with one of her most difficult patients. 2 years she had been following Frank's case. 2 years she had been seeing him degenerate into a business robot. The only time he wanted to talk was about Marjory's progress, whom she was also seeing. And she had referred Frank to a therapist more senior than her but he referred him back to her a month later.

"You're right Trish. I'm sorry. I...I don't think I can continue today. Can we fix another time?" Frank got up, starting to leave. Trish shook her head and looked at the notes she had jotted down. Then she spoke as serious as she could to Frank.

"You are stressed. You are clinging on to something that you should let go. Hatred, anger, betrayal, sadness and depression. The one thing that's really bothering you is your brother. If you don't want to talk about it or do something about it, I cannot help you chase your demons away."

Frank stood still for a moment. "Will next Monday be fine?"

"It will be if you are ready. You're wasting your money and I don't really like receiving money for nothing."

He smiled quietly. "It's ok. I got plenty to burn anyway. See you around."

He left Trish office to make an appointment for next Monday, which he would not show and Trish would still charge. He thought about what Trish said and closed his eyes. He felt the same pain as he felt on the night he arrested Joe with permission from the police and the Network. The same familiar pain that grew with intensity each time he remembered Joe.

"Mr. Hardy, it's all done. You can go now." The receptionist, Paula, smiled a tad too sweet at Frank. All the girls who knew Frank were all smiling a tad too sweet at him, wanting to somehow, attract him.

"Thanks Paula." He replied simply, smiling on the surface. Any more remarks would set her heart fluttering and her overworked imagination into thinking she stood a chance.

When he was on the road, back to the office, he thought about what Trish had said in the end, difficult as it was to hear, she was right. But what could he do? He could not betray those close to him now. The migraine was coming back to him. Popping a couple of painkillers down his throat, he tried to keep his focus on the road.

It will never be the same. I look at him and I will remember. It will never work.

Suddenly, he just felt the migraine too much to bear. Stopping his Porsche by the side of road, he stepped out of the car and walked around a little to take a breather and hope the pain would just disappear when suddenly, out of nowhere, someone bumped into him from behind.

He fell, having tripped over her heels and leaned forward immediately to break his fall, which caused him to scrap his right palm on the rough concrete floor. Not one to cry out in pain, he grimaced and shook his right hand, now he had a pain in his hand to match the one pounding in his head. He was almost sure the person who hit him would just mumble something that sounded like sorry and move on but pleasantly surprise to feel an arm trying to help him out and a sweet apologetic voice apologizing profusely.

"Oh my...I'm so sorry... I wasn't looking...are you...oh dear...you're hurt..."

"It's alright, I'll be fine. Really." Frank assured the lady who had bumped into him

She had thrown the file she was carrying onto the floor and helped Frank up. Frank stood up, holding on to his injured hand with the good one. For the first time, he was able to look into her face. Dark hair, wide green eyes, she was beautiful, like a Greek mythology goddess, or how Frank had always imagined a Greek mythology goddess would look like. For once in so many years since he acquired his wealth, he was lost for words in front of this woman and not the other way round.

Goddess.

"I...I just need a band-aid" he mentioned good-naturally, trying to smile a little wider to ease the worried look on her face. Then he gave her a once over. "Are you hurt yourself?"

"You look like you need a doctor more than a band aid, the wound will inflame if you're not careful..." She was still worried, not hearing Frank's question.

"I'm ok..." Then he saw Hope's concerned and very determined look, "I'll drive over to the doctor then. Good day to you. See you around." He tried to be as casual as he could though he was reluctant to just leave without even knowing her name.

"How are you going to drive in this state? It's dangerous to drive with only one hand. Let me take you. It's the least I can do."

Frank thought a moment and felt that a little company from an attractive stranger would probably help ease his migraine as well. He relented. He had not been keen to see a doctor. "Alright, but please...take my car. I don't feel safe leaving my baby here all along."

She smiled and nodded. Frank passed her the keys and walked her to his car. She did not flinch even a bit when she saw the red Porsche. Most girls would have at least gasped or gushed. Frank was pleased that she had not been impressed with the car, for some unknown reason.

"Hmm, I hope I don't scratch your car. I can't pay for it."

"Don't worry, the clinic's not too far from here. Besides, I'm rich." He joked and she smiled and shook her head.

"You must be overtly rich to own something like that. One day, I promise you, the wealth will trickle down to the masses more evenly." She commented. Frank found her an amusing socialist chick and chuckled.

She drove steadily, but a little too conservatively, making sure she checked not once but twice, stopping when the yellow lights were up just to wait for the red light when Frank would had simply dashed through. In any sense, a usual 10 minutes drive became 20 minutes. However, they had quite a pleasant conversation in the car.

"I'm Frank, what's your name?"

"Hope, Hope Hings."

"Ah...very...inspirational name."

Hope had glanced at him with a weird look, the first time she took her eyes off the road.

"Inspirational?" She giggled. "Are you trying to pick me up?"

Frank shrugged. Harmless flirting would not hurt anyone. However, Hope had kept her eyes off the road for a second too long was threatening to mount the curb.

"Watch out!" Frank reached over with his right hand which he had scrapped and swerved the steering wheel to avoid the curb. But in doing so, he aggravated the pain and yowled instinctively.

Hope had a very cute guilty look on her face. For the rest of the journey, she kept her eyes fixed on the road.

Frank came out of the doctor's room, his right hand all dressed with gauze and antiseptic as well as a prescription for migraine which he did not intend to take up, since he had too many kinds of medicine for migraines and they did not work. Hope offered to pay for the bill but Frank declined. They went out of the clinic and back to the car park when Hope gave him a thorough look over, her eyes contemplating.

"Why? Am I irresistible?" He jested, finding it easy to chat her up.

Hope chuckled. Frank was laying it on too thick.

"No, you...you just seemed familiar...I wonder...hey, what's your last name?'

"Hardy." Frank answered without missing a beat, waiting to see that response.

"Frank Hardy....Frank...HARDY?" Hope shrieked. Some passersby turned and stared but seeing nothing out of the ordinary besides the Porsche, they walked away.

"Maximillian's Frank Hardy? Oh my goodness...I should have guessed...no one in Little Port would drive a Porsche..."

Frank smiled. He was used to such shock and exclamations. But Hope's intense dark eyes just made the expression a whole lot cuter.

"Yes...that would be me. You want to drive?"

"No...it's ok...I almost ruined your car."

Hope's outdated mobile suddenly rang in a shrilling tone, and she fished into her bag for it. The moment she received the call, Frank could hear feedback screams from the phone.

Her own expression changed to one of anxiousness as she tried to appease the caller who did not seemed to let up at all.

"I knocked a man down...no...not with my...but he's hurt...so I sent him to the clinic, I'll be back soon." Her tone was that of soothing an angry child.

"I know...the contract...yes...I have it right...oh my goodness! I think I...I left it on the pavement near the entrance to our office...I was in too much hurry...maybe you can send someone out to take a look..." Hope held the phone with her cheek and chin while rummaging in her bag for that contract she was talking about.

More screams can be heard.

"Wait! You don't understand, I'll come back immediately...Hey! Come back you bitch! Hey!"

She snapped her old model mobile shut. Looking at Frank incredulously, she simply stated "I just got fired."

Frank stood dumbly for a moment, unsure of what to do. Finally he guiltily apologized.

"I'm sorry...it's because of me. I..."

But Hope was not listening to him; she was working herself up in hysterics. "I got fired, I can't believe it! I can't...oh..." she started punching in numbers on her mobile, "I got to get my job back..." Frank touched Hope's shoulder to calm her down. But he had to use the wrong hand again and the movement hurt it. He flinched. Hope felt the flinch, stopped her phone call to tend to Frank.

"Are you alright?"

"Yah...just abrasion, won't kill. But its damn... irritating!." Frank growled. Hope took his injured hand into hers and tried to soothe it before she suddenly burst out laughing.

"It must be my day. First I knock into one of the richest man in the world, helped him to the clinic, got fired and I'm hoping by soothing his hand I can ease his pain."

And then she burst out crying. "I got fired! It's so stupid of me...what will I tell Caramel? What will I tell Joe?" She hid her face in her hands.

When she mentioned the name Joe, Frank felt his migraine intensifying. Ignoring it and slightly amazed that she would mention the name that plagued him for years, he passed her his name card.

"Hey, it's alright. It's your lucky day. You met me remember? I can help you. Please, come for an interview tomorrow at noon."

Hope took the card gratefully. "Thanks. It's awfully nice of you but..."

"I'll guarantee you a job. I feel very bad about it. I can always write a letter to your boss, he or she must know me and will probably be accommodating but...I don't think your boss sounded very nice. How about it? Let me make it up to you. I'm a good boss. I don't scream." Frank tried to cajole a smile out from her.

Hope dried her tears with a tissue and nodded, blowing her nose at the same time. Frank had been so used to high society girls these past few years who cared too much about posture, finesses and ladylikeness that Hope's simple, normal behavior was a major refreshing change.

"C'mom. I'll send you back...you have a car parked somewhere?"

Again she nodded and he led her to his car, taking the driver seat this time, following her directions until they reached her blue old Honda.

"Joe! You wouldn't believe what happened to me!" Hope shrieked happily, kicking her shoes off as she ran into Joe's apartment. He was cooking a simple meal for the both of them, having taken half a day off. He had been working continuously for two weeks without any break and the exercise from delivery was probably doing him good. He did not fill up much as he ate very little but his cheeks had a slightly rosy glow and he was looking better.

He was tossing some sauce in a saucepan. Hope thought he looked really sexy slaving over a hot stove. "Yes babe, I can believe anything."

"I got fired!" Hope announced, her green eyes gleaming. He saw her weird expression which was extremely out of place with the bad news and put down the sauce pan, walking over to her. He knew his girlfriend well, she could not keep emotions inside of her and sometimes, she may seem too happy only to burst out crying for hours. He squeezed her shoulders reassuringly.

"It's ok sweetie, I understand. We'll go look for another job first thing in the morning tomorrow. I'll take leave, we'll get by with what I earn for a while..."He tried to comfort her, thinking that she had gone quite mad. She got fired. Why was she so happy?

"Don't you get it Joe? No...of course you don't coz I'm not going to tell you so soon! What I mean is...it's my lucky lucky day!" Hope was positively jumping up and down and she flung herself at Joe, kissing him on the cheeks, confusing him immensely.

"We're going to celebrate tonight! Where's that red wine we bought on impulse?"

Hope looked at Frank nervously as he paced up and down the huge room, checking out her C.V. The lady in the lobby at looked at her dubiously when she asked to see Frank Hardy. But a call to the billionaire set everything right. Hope too had been afraid it was a prank, but now, she felt more like it was a dream.

Yet the Frank Hardy in the office was different from the Frank Hardy she met outside. He was professional, cool and did not for one second, tried to flirt with her.

"Hmm, not bad. Why didn't you go to college?"

"I did..." Hope begun. "I ah....quit halfway to get married."

Frank raised an eyebrow at her and smiled. He sat down and put her resume aside. For the first time, Hope noticed how handsome he was, how suave he looked in his trendy branded suit with the first two buttons of his shirt unbuttoned. He was muscular in a lean built manner. When he smiled, it went right to his eyes and for a moment, Hope blushed because it seemed as if he was smiling to gain her attention.

Be still my heart...but he does look like that Superman.

"The job's simple, just help me sort out my appointments, set them for me and meet clients with me sometimes, taking down minutes." He then leaned forward and said in a lower voice. "Some things you hear are rather...sensitive and if any company secrets leak out... you will be the first we suspect."

Hope swallowed, not knowing if he was joking or not. He seemed to be hinting that she was to be his secretary or personal assistant.

"And make good coffee and tea. I'm sure you can do that. Of course you will know more about your responsibilities as you go along. I don't really have the time to spell everything out but I will not be asking you to write or think up of ways to save the company that's for sure."

Hope gave a nervous laugh. That was too good to be true.

"The salary will be 3k a month, excluding other allowances or benefits that come with it. And to start off, I'll throw in a clothing allowance for you. Get some snappier working clothes, preferably rather branded as you will be seeing clients and you have to portray the image of the company. We are not to be trifled with. That's what you have to convey in your dress sense."

"3K? I..."

"It's not enough?"

"No..it's more than enough..."

"I'm actually underpaying you as you will see, your job could get rather demanding when we are very busy. However, as we get along better, I may just increase your salary any time."

Hope was thinking of the new appliances she could finally buy, replace the sofa, and get a new television that did not break down every two days. She wanted to laugh out loud, wanted to celebrate it that very moment with Joe.

And I may have enough to support him, and he'll have to marry me.

"Ok, you're hired. Just make your down to HR on the 44th floor and sign the appointment letter and contract. I'll ask them to get it ready. Then meet me downstairs."

"Hmm..what for?"

Frank gave her a half smile. "Shopping dearie. We're going shopping."

After Hope left for Human Resource, Frank gave Nancy a call on her mobile.

"Hey baby..." She answered immediately.

"Nan..., I need your help. I just hired someone."

"As your PA?"

"Yes, finally there's someone to help me sort out my appointments. I need you to help me go downtown with her to shop for clothes. I need her to change the way she looked."

Nancy's laughter could be heard on the other line. "Too frumpy huh?"

Frank recalled back Hope's intense eyes and long flowing hair. "No..actually..quite the opposite...you'll see. So...will you come?"

"Will you make it worth my while?"

"Candlelight dinner and a movie. My place. I'll cook." He spoke in the gentle manner he knew Nancy loved so well, "we hadn't had quality time together for quite a while."

And he heard Nancy's voice break. "Ok...see you in..an hour?"

"Half an hour.."

"Frank...I.."

"Shh....I can't wait to see you."

"Ok...half an hour.."

As an afterthought, Frank whispered, "I love you."

Do I still?

Silence and then "Love ya too."

She really does.

Putting down the handset, Frank reclined back onto his chair. He did miss Nancy and it would be a good time for them to get together for a while. Those clear hazel eyes; that strawberry blond hair; and that intelligence that twinkled in her eyes and made men quiver just like how he quivered in his late teens.

Those raven hair that gave off a fragrance of strawberries and cream.

Shaking his head, Frank went down to pick Hope up.

Intense dark eyes, smoldering....

They were in the up market section of Barnett Bay where boutiques of famous brand cluster together in a tasteful row of shop houses, built with the concept of a modern appeal. Clean lines, broad sidewalks, al fresco dining and the occasional basker. The section was called The Harbor Square.

While Frank prefers the clean lines of Gucci, Nancy thought that Hope would suit the more modern appeal of Guess. However, after some debate between the couple, they finally settled on a combination of the professional and trendy.

"How about this?" Hope emerged from the fitting room of La-Belle, a small time brand which makes beautiful, feminine suits and office wear. They had just gotten a pin-striped single breasted jacket with skirt from Gucci which clean, sharp lines exudes the professional nature which Frank liked so much and gotten some trendy tops from Guess to throw in some variation to the stern black jacket suit culture in Frank's company. Next, they went over to a well-known tailor in Barnett Bay to get her fitted for a fitting, black tube gown. They could have just bought ready-made ones but Nancy said that it was better to pay a couple of hundreds more for a gown that was tailored made to her specifications so it fit exactly and would flaunt her figure to the fullest. Besides the suits, Nancy and Hope also picked up a few pair of sensible yet modern shoes to match every shade of color they could think of, three handbags, and some accessories.

Frank did not know so much about women clothing's. He simply nodded when he thought Hope looked really good which was very easy to accomplish. He wondered if it was the suits, the tops, the skirts or the accessories that she had tried that complimented her such that she seemed to look ravishing each time she stepped out of the dressing room, or it was the fact that she was indeed beautiful on her own that she made all she wore extraordinary too. Whatever it was, he simply just swiped his card, the one meant for office expenditure.

She came out wearing a white beige kerbaya inspired jacket with matching pants and a beige camisole with lace trimmings just ending above her naval. The salesgirl had helped clipped her hair up in such a way that strategic loose strands fell over her face, making her look at once soft, yet business-like. She was sexy and sweet in this get up and Frank simply had to admire her. Nancy nodded in approval and in her hands was a sheer chiffon scarf which she helped Hope tie to her neck. The end result was extremely breathtaking in a very simple, ordinary professional way. Frank turned to the salesgirl next to him. "Charge it all."

As Hope was getting changed, Nancy stood besides Frank, firmly holding his hands.

"She's very pretty." There was a slight hint of jealousy in her voice.

Frank knew how to appease her. He turned her around and grabbed her in a possessive embrace before kissing her in front of everyone in the shop. The salesgirls look on with both amusement and envy; everyone there knew how eligible Frank Hardy was.

"There, now everyone knows you're mine and I'm yours. I can't run."

Nancy gave a reluctant smile but her cheeks were glowing. They would have to finish up that kiss sometime soon. Hope emerged and Frank very automatically put an arm around Nancy, assuring Nancy and setting a line for Nancy to see between him and Hope. She had changed back to her old suit. It was ordinary, plain but it did not caused her to look the slightest bit of lackluster for even one moment. Frank took the package from the counter as Hope and Nancy went ahead of him, chatting about the latest fashion. Nancy's knowledge of fashion was extensive and Hope seemed to be genuinely taking down some tips.

Frank threw the package in with the rest already in the car. They had decided that there were too many things to hold and thus every three boutiques they stepped into they would make a trip to the car to dump the things inside. Frank had grumbled mid-way that he should had hired a porter.

"Is there anything else?" Frank enquired. Money was not a problem. He calculated that he had spend no more than $5000 today as they did not really buy everything from those exploitative international brands. Hope shook her head.

"I think it's enough, it's more than getting me started. I'll get the rest that I need on my own...thanks."

Frank smiled at her. It was the first time he came out with a clothing expenditure but he doubted her wardrobe would cut it for the company's image and he believed that she would not have the money to dress the way he wanted her to.

When they reached the office for Hope and Nancy to get their respective cars, Frank was hit with an afterthought. He asked Hope about the traveling time from her place in Little Port to Maximillian Enterprise in Barnett Bay. Though these two cities were just next to each other, it was still a relatively long journey. Hope pursed her lips, thinking of the time she spent to get there in the morning.

"Around....an hour or so...my place's on the edge of Little Port and Barnett Bay. Should be no problem."

"You know, there are a few spare company apartments lying around near the workplace. You may want to approach me about them if the traveling time is too much."

Hope smiled, grateful for the offer but she knew she would not take it up.

Pepper, salt..., why can't I just promise her a nice candlelight dinner at some fancy restaurant?

Frank was slaving over a hot stove. He was a good cook, after moving out of his family mansion 2 years ago, he had to learn how to do everything by himself. The penthouse afforded him privacy and a breathing space. When's he was staying with the rest of the family, with only Aunt Gertrude, Uncle Bob, Marjory, Ben and Fenton who was never around, and the servants, the mansion seemed so empty and at the same time, when he really wanted to get away from it all, someone would always be around.

He glanced at the clock, it was close to seven, and Nancy would be there soon. He tasted the pumpkin soup which he made from scratch and decided that it was tasty enough. He switched off the electric stove and went to take a quick shower.

The doorbell rang. Rushing out the bathroom in his bathrobe, Frank was a quite a sight. His straight brown hair was wet and combed back, giving him a very sexy after-swim look. The robe also provided a peek-a-boo onto his well-toned and tanned chest. However, his intention was not to seduce. His intention was to romance.

Nancy waited outside. She had the key to his suite and the card to his private elevator. However, for dates, she would never just swing open the door that led into the main living area. She would simply ring the doorbell and wait on the balcony, which the elevator's doors opened to. And she was demanding as well, wanting Frank to be punctual in receiving her.

He hoped he was. Even though he was attracted Hope but in his heart, for now, there was only room for Nancy. He had not forgotten how much they had been through. Callie had left him when he was unable to cope with his depression and ended up as an alcoholic. Nancy, having heard about his problem immediately took a plane and a taxi to Harvard where she stayed with him round the clock for one whole semester, bringing him to AA meetings, making sure he visited his therapist and generally, always being there for him. Such was their friendship bond that Ned could not bear with it and broke up with her over email. But it was one waiting to happen. She had already fallen for someone else. Frank.

With her around, he was able to graduate with top honors and persuaded her to move to Barnett Bay with him. He was unsure of his new place in the house, having going to be actually physically in the house and his new responsibility at the helm of Maximillian Enterprise heaped onto him extra stress that he thought, though he was always cool and calculated on the outside, he would just lose it. And once again it was Nancy who responded to his cry for help and settled him down, helped him cope. Their love was strong though Nancy's cousin, Bess Marvin, were not entirely supportive. Bess was not supportive because of the fact that Frank arrested Joe, whom was a close friend to her. She had been his character witness but after Joe was convicted, she visited him only a few times as her new career as a model took her all over the world, now, she was among some of the new supermodels to emerge. Voluptuous, baby-faced with a cheeky look, Bess seemed like the anti-thesis of the modeling world who, besides Sophie Dahl were all gaunt, under-nourish and extremely bony. Frank had on occasions engaged her to model for his top-selling subsidiary brands dealing technological gadgets like Palm Pilots, mobiles, digital cameras etc. but relationship between them were strained though she had now accepted the fact that Joe committed those heinous crimes but she could not understand how Frank, his brother, could have been the one to put the handcuffs on Joe.

"I had thought you might be a little more feelings. But of course. You're always the cool one. Feelings don't really touch you here." She pointed to her heart.

"Bess", Frank begin sweetly. He was sick of this conversation. "It's really none of your fucking business."

Yup, definitely not a good relationship. He had no idea which country she was at now and he did not care.

"Sorry beautiful, I was trying to make myself ready for you." Frank took Nancy's hand and drew her in. She was looking gorgeous, wearing a soft pastel pink tube dress.

Just like a princess, my princess.

Frank had really wanted to make it up to her, for being an asshole lately and for showing Hope too much attention. Not only that, he really wanted them to find that special ground, that closeness and intimacy which they had lost. When before they could not see each other for less than once a week without missing each other terribly, work had kept them so busy lately that he hardly properly dated Nancy for close to month, discounting the lunches and breakfasts which did not count as a date as they were always rushed or like recently, full of anger, leading to indigestion.

"Wow, don't think just by showing up half-naked means I'm going to jump into bed with you."

Nancy placed a palm on Frank's strong chest and planted a kiss on his lips. The evening was starting out good. Her lips were extremely soft.

"Nay, what do you take me for Nan? Why not you wait here princess while I go get dress?" Frank nuzzled Nancy's ears, knowing how it made her ticklish and yet, how close his nose could be to her hair, smelling the light, sweet fragrance of an expensive designer shampoo.

So different from Hope's strawberry and cream, bought from a supermarket

Frank chided himself for straying thoughts. He liked to be in control of himself and he knew he could control his attraction towards Hope. He wore his red sweater against black pants which he knew Nancy loved, though he might particularly liked the look himself. But it did not matter; he only wanted Nancy to know she was much cherished. Dabbing a few drops of Eternity on himself, he felt he was ready to begin romancing Nancy.

Nancy was sitting on his plush deep velvet sofa, waiting impatiently for him. Everything in his penthouse was a combination of rich colors and luxurious materials to bring out a posh, yet comfortable bachelor pad that could be easily transformed into a cozy, extravagant house with just a few added feminine touches like flowing, sheer white curtains or even just a plant somewhere. Nancy had picked out quite a few stuff for him, with an eye for the future when she would move in with him as his wife.

"Hmm, I did not know you can take so long. I'm famished."

"For me or the food?"

"The food first, and..." she traced a finger along his shoulders, "we'll decide if I'm famished for you later."

Frank led her to the dining area; Nancy could be quite a tease if she wanted. She marveled at the spread, Steak in red wine sauce, pumpkin soup, an expensive bottle of red wine, Caesar salad and mashed potatoes, lightened up by candles. There were only two of them but Frank had really gone through the trouble of making sure there was no lack of anything.

Over dinner, they talked about anything but work, which would leave a very unpleasant taste in both their mouths. However, there was not much to talk about and they ate in silence most of the time. But the silence was a good sort. It would take plenty of love to be able to enjoy a quiet moment together without being harassed by the need to talk.

Who am I kidding? I really got nothing to say. Have we degenerated into meals and sex?

When dinner was over, Frank cleared up the dishes, dumping them all into the dishwasher. When he returned, he left the lights dimmed, played a jazz cd. They lazed around on the sofa for the longest time, just getting giggly on red wine, gossiping about people they knew.

"I got you under my skin..."

This was their song. The song that made Frank, a non-dancer, actually felt like slow-dancing. The song that set the mood just right. He got Nancy to dance with him. She was thrilled. It had been a long time since they had danced.

It was extremely funny how girls talk so much over slow dance.

"You know, I was so afraid that...that you're doing this out of guilt..."

Frank nuzzled her hair, "What do I have to be guilty of?"

"I don't know, Hope, our little quarrels..."

"You have nothing to worry about Nancy Drew, my heart belongs to you."

Nancy snuggled closer. Frank could feel her softness, smell her light floral perfume. She had taken so much effort to look good for him and he appreciated it.

Stopping them in mid - dance, Frank kissed Nancy. A soft kiss on the lips first as if he was shy and then a more intense one, becoming more and more fiery. As he caressed her waist, he moved down to kiss her neck, giving her tender little bites. Nancy stroked his back and stoked his fire.

The night was silent. Frank looked at Nancy lying beside him, sleeping soundly. He was going to just peck her gently on the cheeks when images of Hope flitted across his mind.

What's happening to me? I only barely knew her.

His eyes and frown betrayed his troubled heart. He tried to reason with himself. Nancy and he shared 3 years of their life together. Hope was just a pretty face, one that had captured his attention. So it would all be over soon because he would let go of this obsession.

Frank clenched his fist, grateful that Nancy was sleeping, unable to witness this inner, shameful turmoil.

"Tada! Surprise!" Hope had covered Joe's eyes before she opened the door to his flat. Joe was excited at the surprise. Ever since he was a kid, he loved surprises, surprise parties, surprise holidays, surprise presents.

Except for surprise tests.

The old childish innocence flood through his soul, making him forget about the tiredness at the end of the day after work. Delivering furniture was not easy. Joe had visited 15 households on that day itself and had been tired out, carrying those tables, chairs, beds etc up endless flights of stairs when the elevator could not accommodate them. He did not speak much to his partners. They had gave him the once over and decided he was too frail to last but he shocked them with his stamina and will.

But it was honest work, one that exhausted him thoroughly and he did not have to think of any additional rubbish. Paranoid fears still attacked him, thoughts about the past, perverted by his experiences haunted him but he would not show them to Hope. He would only allow himself to face those demons alone. When he was with Hope, he just wanted her to be happy. Sharing those thoughts, sharing his fears and especially his past with her would, he convinced himself, chase her away.

And besides, when he was with Hope, it was always like a dark cloud had been lifted away from him and he could taste laughter, smell joy and enjoy some peaceful moments. But she could not be with him 24/7. And even so, sometimes, even when she was around, he still felt alone and...

Abandoned. For no rhyme or reason.

And she would always probe; ask him why he suddenly retreated into himself. And he knew, but he dared not say, dared not hint, for fear of losing her.

She's not ready to hear. I'm not ready to tell.

And so he allowed things to remain the way it was. Though sometimes she would get frustrated about his lack of "sharing", he felt it was better than to shock her, stun her with his disgraceful past, risked getting the one thing he could not bear from her, rejection.

"Do you like what you see?"

Joe's eyes were uncovered. The room looked no different than he left it, except that it just seemed more complete.

There was a piano. Second-hand of a relatively common make. But it was still a piano.

"Hope..."

"Play a song for me?"

Joe was surprised. Pleasantly so, it had been so long since he had the chance to tickle those ivories. It was something not many people knew because of his jock status when he was a teen. But there were few things before which he really went for with a passion. And this was one of them.

And I would play duets with mom, or mom would play on her cello and we would form our two person orchestra. Few would hear the music I made with mom. And I cannot...

Coz I killed her. Did I? They said I did. I did. ..

His changed of expression must had shocked Hope for she inquired, "Why? You don't like this model? This piano?"

Her voice shook Joe. He shook his head violently to clear his thoughts. He would not disappoint her.

"No, I...I was just too happy that...never mind. I love it. Thanks." Embraced her, hoping she would not pressed him for a song.

"Ok..."she replied testily. "Now...how about a song to show your appreciation?"

She practically pushed Joe to the stool. Joe frantically thought of some excuse. His mind was in shambles, he could not think. He was afraid that he would lose control.

"Old pianos are normally not tuned. I'll get.."

"I had it tuned."

Ok. I'll do it. I can do it. Just one song. Maybe I'll stop halfway, claim I forgotten.

"What kind of songs?"

"Any...I just want to hear you play."

Joe thought of playing "chopsticks" to get away with it fast. Memories of his mom were flooding back in full force. Suddenly, he thought he saw his mom at one corner, urging him on, waiting to see her youngest son fingers dance across the piano with the grace that no one would expect from a football player. The beautiful music they could produce together. He was close to his mom, closer than anyone would have guessed. They shared a special bond with each other and with music. Him on the piano, she on the cello.

And as if in a trance, he found himself positioning his fingers on the keyboard. He knew what song he wanted play. He had heard it from Malcolm's cd collection and he had played over and over in his head. The song touched his heart and he remembered the song simply because it spoke to him.

His fingers rest themselves on the keys. The one song he could play now, maybe a little too late. His fingers danced. He sang.

"Take, take till there's nothing, nothing to turn to. Nothing when you get through. Won't you break, scatter pieces of all I've been. Bowing to all I've been running to."

His chords started out simple. He had not played for a very time. But as he progressed on, his prowess for the piano surfaced. A simple tune became powerful; he sang the melody while the chords, the powerful chords, complemented his soft vocals.

"I, I got a question, I got a question - Where are you?"

And as the tune soared, so did his fingers, soaring over the keys. They could fly, they could dance. They could seek release.

"Did you leave me unbreakable? Leave me frozen? I've never felt so cold. I thought you were silent. I thought you left me for the wreckage and the waste. On an empty beach of faith. Was it true? Scream, deeper I wanna scream. I want you to hear me. I want you to find me. I want to believe but all I pray is wrong and all I claim is gone.

I, I got a question. I got a question- Where are you? Where are you?"

His voice cracked. Memories, more powerful than ever before surged through him. The fingers stop. The soul would not know release.

Mom. I miss you so much, so much. I'm so sorry. I'm worse than a demon.

He was not crying, only staring at the piano but not looking at it at all. But he felt the warmth of someone holding him, loving him, bringing him back to a safe place.

"I miss you..."

They had spent an hour in silence. Hope had wanted Joe to open up to her, wanted to know what he was thinking then, how important those thoughts were to have affected him. She would not leave him alone to his demons to night. Gently, she held him and smoothed the baby soft hair that had made her jealous on many occasions.

"It's alright. You can tell me...everything will be alright. I am here...I'm listening..." She whispered in his ears.

He replied listlessly, not crying, not anything. Just listlessly. "My mom Hope. She's not coming back. She's gone."

"Shh...she's not. She's in heaven. You believe in heaven? A good place? She's in heaven, watching you."

He did not answer but held her tighter. Finally, he released her and smiled into her eyes. "I'm ok. I have been dealing with it for years...just...she was the one who taught me how to play. Never took any exams, never had classes...she taught me how to play until...it's like in me, in my blood...you know...and she'll always be around, but most probably, she's not with me...that much I believe. But heaven? God? I used to... I still do...but if He's here, He's pretty quiet."

You're not ok. I've seen you. You're not ok.

"Joe, talk to me ok? When you need me?"

"Ok." Joe promised but Hope knew he would not keep it. Joe seemed to be unable to talk to people on a deep level. He was a mystery that she felt too helpless to solve.

He clapped his hands once, as if a signal to her that the "counseling session" was over. Drawing her close to him, he asked, "So what's the good thing that we were celebrating yesterday for? You were fired and you were hysterically happy. Why?"

Hope could not help but grin. "I got a new job! A prestigious one all because I knocked down Frank Hardy!"

Joe's face immediately turned ashen. Hope mistook it as shock. It was shock, but of a different kind.

"Who?"

"Frank Hardy! The technology mogul? Well...I walked into him and he kinda fell and I brought him to the doctor to get his wound dressed up and I got fired because I was late and he was guilty..." She paused for a moment when Joe signaled her to breathe. She was bulldozing her words through in one single breath. "And he told me to go for an interview and now...I'm his PA! Personal Assistant...isn't that something?"

Joe was listening all the time with his mouth wide opened. She expected him to break into a happy grin any moment but he did not. He blinked his eyes a few times in disbelief and then shut his eyes, almost painfully.

"Joe, Joe, are you alright? Aren't you going to be happy for me?"

"I...Hope are you sure?" Joe's soft voice was in disbelief, not in the excited, elated manner but more in a "I hope you're joking way."

"Yah...it was Frank Hardy..."

"Don't Hope...if you love me, don't work for him."

"Joe, you are ridiculous! It's...it's a dream come true. The pay would pay off a lot of debts that I have. I'm so behind in my mortgage payments and Caramel can finally go to a proper pre-school...Joe...it's...it's a wonderful thing and I want it."

"I...I don't...Hope...he's..." Joe began then he paused, breathing deeply as if to collect his thoughts. "He's cute and rich." His shoulders slumped in defeat.

"So you do know who he is." Hope smiled.

So, this is what's been bothering him...jealousy sure shows up weirdly on him.

"Who doesn't?" He muttered miserably. "You really want this job?"

"Yes Joe, it's a break for me. Please...be happy for me. I love you. I will always love you."

"Don't say always..." Joe put a finger on her lips. "Don't bring my hopes up."

Hope drew Joe's finger away from her lips and took his hands in hers. "I'm not. I'm giving you a promise."

He looked at her strangely and very suddenly, embraced her, not too tightly. He still was not comfortable with physical intimacy but she knew he yearned for it. She often wondered why Joe would be afraid of touch but it was one of his mysteries that she would have to slowly unravel. And she had a lifetime to do it.

"I'll be happy for you, if that's what you want."

She kissed his cheeks, happy for his blessings.

As she left his flat, she would remember the music. The simple song that Joe managed to make so powerful with his skills, with his heart. She would remember what she thought was a display of jealousy and was amused. She did not know he had it in him. Did not know.

And she'll remember the sweet, sad vocals, singing, begging. Wanting to love himself, but not knowing how.

In the wee hours of the night, music could be heard from the old apartment block, powerful music evoking emotions. Romantic Chopin, strong Beethoven, the ethereal music of the Canon March ending with the innocence of Nutcracker Suite.

And as abruptly as it had begun, it stopped, ending with a clash, as if the pianist had exhausted himself physically. But the pianist himself knew. He had the physical strength but no more the spiritual strength. He could not go on, could not bear to play it when she was not there to hear it.

"Mom, was that good? I tried! I really tried my best."

"Yes it was baby. I'm so proud of you."

"Mom, one day, I'll perform in some orchestra and you'll hear me play."

"I thought you wanted to go into football?"

The boy's face scrounged as if trying extremely hard to think of a way to have his cake and eat it... He was a precious child, a strange one, sporty and outgoing on one hand, and yet, loving music, loving the piano with a passion that seemed so contradictory.

"Then I'll be both mom! I can play football Mon, Wed, Fri and piano on Tues and Thurs! Then I'll go out and play with Frank on Sat!"

His mother laughed. Her little baby was inseparable with his elder brother. They were that close.

"And on Sunday?"

"I'll play the piano for God in church and for mommy at home!"

She rushed over to hug him, her little boy. And even up till now, he could still smell her perfume. It was a mature fragrance with a touch of floral. And he had loved it. It kept him safe.

Now, it made him cry with a strange sense of remorse.

Joe was tired after the deliveries were all made. Hope had been working as Frank's PA for over two weeks now and she had nothing but kind words about Frank Hardy. Joe had kept very silent, even moody when she was feeling elated, on cloud nine for having such a wonderful job and such a wonderful boss. He knew Frank had bought her several new outfits and was feeling very inadequate because he could not even afford to buy the scarf Frank had thrown in even if he worked non-stop for a month and skip every meal and probably just sleep in the streets. But Hope assured him that Frank was only her boss and being well-dressed was part of her job. He let her believe that he was simply feeling insecure which he was, to some extent. It made the explanations for his sudden tempers and impatience whenever she recounted her day much more easier.

But jealousy's not the reason right Joey? You know it as I know it.

In actual fact, Joe was frightened. He was so scared because Frank was so close to him, separated only by Hope. Had it been any other employer, Joe would love to fetch Hope home from work or catch a ride from her when he had to do deliveries in Barnett Bay. But he was afraid to see Frank and he had been avoiding Barnett Bay's downtown because he did not want to pass by Maximillian Enterprise. Hope had wanted to introduce Joe Bratly to Frank for a few times and Frank did invite her boyfriend for a company's outing just last weekend. Hope had been disappointed that Joe did not want to go but what was Joe to do? How awkward it would be to see Frank now.

But the reunion is all you ever thought about, dreamt about. It was all you ever wanted, isn't it?

No! I thought it over. I have a new life now...maybe...I'll earn enough and we can move elsewhere...somewhere peaceful, far away from here.

You think so? Then why do your thoughts always return back to the (sarcastically) 'happy days with my older brother Frank?'

It doesn't ok? Not anymore. Besides, I'm ok now. I moved on.

Boy, you're ok, and you're arguing with yourself.

He passed by a pub just off the docks of Little Port. It was a lonely place though it had a decent patronage but it seemed like everyone there was drinking to forget their sorrows. Joe felt extremely tempted; he would deal with Hope being so close to his brother later. As long as Hope did not introduce Joe to Frank, everything would be alright.

What about pictures? She can show Frank pictures.

Shut up! You're making me all worked up again.

Unable to resist, he stepped inside, sat by the counter and ordered whiskey. He downed it like it was water and went for a few rounds of beer, a few tequila shots and alike. In short, he was drinking himself silly.

Yet he was surprised to find himself still sober enough to walk home. It was very late at night, more like, early morning. With a small bottle of Jack Daniel's whiskey in his hands, he drank as he staggered back to his apartment. In all his stupor, he did not notice a white Toyota following him slowly behind, even though the headlights were on high beam and went into his eyes a couple of times. All he remembered was fumbling for his keys and then, waking up with a major hangover the next morning.

The doorbell rang as Joe was lazily brushing his teeth, having to deal with a thousand hammers pounding on his skull. Rinsing off the foamy toothpaste, he wiped his face dry and opened the door, thinking that it was probably Hope. He had no mobile phone and was in no doubt that Hope must had been worried sick about him the night before when he did not report back to her.

She got a high-flying career now. Will she still care about her boyfriend's safety?

A very familiar figure greeted him. A huge, burly man with a wicked glint in his eyes. To Joe, he was the monster that hid under his bed. His presence loomed over even Joe's 6 ft. height. Fear constricted in Joe's throat, his heart suddenly pounded very very fast.

"Hey sweetie. Remember me?"

"Help me! Please! They're going to hurt me again! Do you care?! Stop...Stop them!!!"

"Here sweetie, no use shouting to the wardens. They don't care. I care."

"Who..who are you?"

"Kleptous. If you want, I can protect you..."

"Get your hands off! I don't need your protection. I'll rather die."

"Fine. Then die by their hands."

Joe immediately tried to slam the door shut while cursing him for not checking through the peephole.

Idiot! One pathetic moron!

But he was not strong enough, given his current physique and the fact that the man pushing against the door was built like a bear. He heard the hated, gruffly voice ordering him around again.

"Open it."

"And let you in Kleptous? I don't think so." Joe pushed hard with his whole body, trying to shut the door. Though he was afraid, he was not in prison anymore. Not anymore.

"Joey, Joey, Joey..." Kleptous simply used pushed and flung the door opened with seeming ease, causing Joe to fall backwards onto the hard cold floor. Before Joe could stand up, Kleptous maneuvered a stranglehold onto Joe's neck with one large arm and with the other, he stroked his hair.

Joe struggled to breathe. He hated to be in this position. He was defenseless, unable to do anything but struggle to pull the arm away while suffering the disgust of the person he hated most in the world, stroking his hair. Kleptous, still maintaining hold, dragged Joe up to his feet and Joe saw his chance. He raised a leg up, intending to storm it on Kleptous' foot.

But Kleptous' saw it coming. He was not a well-trained assassin for nothing. With lightning quick reflexes, he took a step back while maintaining a tight hold on Joe but breaking Joe's momentum. He pulled hard on the soft blond hair.

"Try anything funny and your pretty girlfriend gets it."

"I don't have a girlfriend."

Kleptous laughed a maniac's laughter. "Do you take me for an idiot Joe?" he replied incredulously. "You're dealing with me. You have plenty of dealings with me before sweetie, you know how evil I can get."

The hand clutching Joe's hair let go and roamed over his body. Joe cringed at the manhandling. Terrible memories flood into his head.

"Listen. I promise you if you try anything funny, I'll kill your Hope and her Caramel. They live...just opposite...right?" The burly man whispered in Joe's ear. Joe could smell the stink of cigarettes and beer and the usual rotten breathe he had to deal with before.

"Leave them alone you freaking bastard!" Joe pushed against the body behind him and Kleptous suddenly just let him go, making him fall again.

Then Kleptous gave Joe a kick in the stomach, knocking the wind out of Joe. The kid was a thin as before. Of course he was not always thin to begin with. They had to starve him for a few months to get him to this stage. Kleptous smiled at the sadistic memory. It was very enjoyable in his sick head. He then gave Joe a tight slap.

He let Joe lay in one corner, pain overtaking him, for a while. He enjoyed toying with his victim's mind. Then he dragged Joe up to his fit and sat him hard on the chair. Joe was still clutching him stomach and his lips were split. He was eyeing Kleptous with killer looks, which Kleptous just ignored. Taking the other chair, Kleptous sat opposite Joe. He lifted up Joe's head and gripped Joe's chin hard so Joe would look him in the eye.

"You want to work for me boy? Join me? You're just like me, ain't you? Rape, grievous hurt. You fit all the criteria. How about that?"

"You came to tell me this you sick fuck?!" Joe screamed, still defiant though he was in a vulnerable position. "I'll never work for you! Never!" And he spat into Kleptous face.

Wiping away the spit gently away, Kleptous gave Joe a fake, saccharin sick smile. Then before Joe knew it, another kick to the stomach knocked Joe's chair backwards, sending Joe clashing to the floor. Then a kick to Joe's left leg. And one more to his ribs.

Hard enough to hurt. Not too hard to hurt him for a long time. The Assassins wanted this boy now.

"You don't act defiant in front of a seasoned Assassin. I have been in the terrorist line for a long time now, all my comrades are dead and I'm still here. I can easily find ways to terrorize you, beautiful." And he threw his head back in a maniacal laughter, enjoying Joe's shock expression immensely. This boy knew about the Assassins and their cruel ways, he would just have to state what he would do if Joe did not co-operate.

"I won't warn you another time. You have no choice. Hope's a very pretty woman. I can, of course, have some fun with her first before I finish her off. I heard there's a market out there for kids without limbs, just so they could go out and beg. You want it to happen Joe? Huh?"

"You leave her alone damn you! Your fight's with me! Leave her alone or I'll kill you!"

"With what Joey? Your fingernails?" Kleptous gave a shrill laughter. He stroked the photo of Hope, giving Joe an evil smile.

Joe knew he was defeated. Had Kleptous just threatened his life, it would not matter. He would defy, defy to the very end. But not Hope's and not Caramel's. He could no condemn them.

"What do you want?"

Kleptous grinned. "Now, we are talking business..." In a serious, hard tone. "This is what I want you to do. I want you to steal something for me."

Joe stared in disbelief at Kleptous. Thievery was a simple job for the Assassins, why would Kleptous want him to do it? "What do you think I am? Catwoman? Spiderman who can scale the walls? Hey, maybe I took lessons from Charlie Angels! You got the wrong guy. I'll screw it up. So I guess we can say goodbye."

"Don't get smartass with me young man! You either steal or I kill. Simple as that."

"No...you can't make me. I don't know how to get anything from there...I'll blow the job up. You got the wrong guy!"

"Stop whining like a coward! Where's the defiance? An Assassin is a brave man, fighting for all he believes in, letting nothing stand in his way, for the greater good!"

Joe gave Kleptous a weird eye. "You really believe in that crap you are saying? Are millions of innocent people standing in your way? "

Kleptous went to the broken body, held it a tight embrace, no, more like a stranglehold. Joe coughed, struggling to extricate himself. It would never happen again, never.

"You have no choice. Hope will die if you say no."

Absolutely defeated, Joe simply nodded his head. Hope, Hope was all that he had. He would find a way to save those millions, but now, Hope was of utmost importance.

The madman smiled and whispered into Joe's ears words that sent shivers down Joe's soul,

"How about one, for old time's sake? Before I give you the details?"

The water was extremely hot, pelting on his skin. He would have made it hotter, boiling even, but the temperature from the heater was stuck at that level. He was in there for there for the longest time, scrubbing harder and harder, washing the evil out, the unwanted, dirty memories.

The filth.

No. Never. Never again!

But it did, didn't it.

His hands were tired, his mind was numb. As reality sunk in, it was like an avalanche had fallen on him, crushing him. It was like a million bullets assaulting his heart, mind and soul, splitting them asunder. Tears would not come. He would not even know that release. Falling to the floor on his knees, only vacant, lifeless eyes stared into nothingness.

But there was one person he never stopped worrying about. The threat was too real, the thought of it ever coming true too horrific.

The one person he wanted cry to now, but could never let her know. He then turned the water to the coldest point, freezing his mind, freezing his fear.

Hope...where are you? Where are you?

The first thing Hope saw when she arrived home was Joe, sitting on her steps. He had brought his knees up and wrapped his hands around it. His head drooped down downwards, he had dozed off.

"Baby?" Hope shook Joe's shoulders gently to stir him awake. He woke up with a start and immediately grabbed her hands. She noticed his hands were cold and shaking, in fact, his whole body was shivering in the hot summer night. He got up with a little pull from her and squeezed her hands hard.

"I was so worried Hope, where did you go?" He asked, his voice tinged with concern and desperation. Hope gently led him into her house and like mother to a child, tried to calm him down. Hope thought she smelled alcohol on his breath.

"I told you I went for a drink with some colleagues, remember? It was a socializing thing, I work on the top floor all the time and it's very rare I get to meet people from other floors and departments as well."

He sat down and his eyes seemed to stare into another dimension. "Oh...I remember now. I just can't recall just now..." And suddenly, he turned to look up at her with a frown. "You didn't lock your door."

Hope cocked her head sideways and checked her lock. True enough, she had forgotten to keep it shut. "Silly me...I'll lock it now, just that...this is a safe neighborhood, I know everyone here so sometimes I may just leave the door open, especially when Caramel goes out and play with the neighbor's kids. You know Joe, you'are..."

"WHY THE HELL DIDN'T YOU LOCK THE DAMN DOOR?"

She jumped, in shock. He had crept out behind her and screamed in her ears. She turned around and saw him with clenched fists and angry, flashing eyes. However, her initial reaction was puzzlement and then slowly, the puzzlement gave way to fear, not so much of fear of his shouting but fear at seeing this almost psychotic side of him.

"It's just a door, you noticed it...I was careless...tired...I'm sorry...ok?" She hoped it would blow over quickly. Whenever they were on the verge of arguing, Joe had always been the one to back down and she did not know what to do, then she realized she probably sounded a little insincere.

"You should have check! It's not that safe! Suppose a man comes in and...and rob you or even kill you! Suppose you leave Caramel inside without locking the door and someone comes in and WHAM! Kidnap her! Have you thought of that huh? HAVE YOU THOUGHT OF THAT?" He gripped her shoulders hard, shaking her at the same time.

"Joe, what's wrong with you? Just drop it ok? I'll check next time...and it's safe..."

"NO IT IS NOT! YOU CHECK YOU LOCK YOUR DOORS AND..." He let go of her and rushed to her kitchen. She heard him latched the back door strongly and she was sure the back door was already locked. Next, he went to her window grilles and shook them hard, probably to see if the locks fall off. Then he ran upstairs and she heard a series of banging before he rushed down to her again. She just stood there, unable to move because she did not know what he wanted to do or what he was going to do next.

And I'm frighten, I am. Thank goodness Caramel's a very sound sleeper.

Gripping her shoulders again, his blue eyes fixed on her; he ordered in the soft voice she knew so well and yet sounded so strange to her at the same time then. It was threatening as well. "And you never unlock any grilles or the backdoor, you'll forget to shut it. And the windows, close them when you sleep."

"And I'll suffocate!"

"Ok...leave only the ones upstairs opened and even then, leave only a tiny bit opened."

"When I'm not?"

"Do the same thing. And never go gallivanting outside office hours, come straight home...no..." His eyes took on the same wild look again. "Go pack now! We're going somewhere to stay for the rest of our lives and never coming back here!"

"You're crazy! I don't want to talk to you tonight. Just go will you?"

He heard her and it seemed that her words got into him. He looked like the Joe she knew again, soft, sweet but anxious now. He pulled her into an embrace, a proper one for the first time, no awkwardness, no gangly hands, and stroke her hair. "We'll go somewhere...I don't know where...you'll be safe...you get it? I just want you to be safe."

She pushed him away, still angry at him for his crazy display and paranoia that came out from no where. "And who am I suppose to be afraid of."

He looked down and pressed his lips together. "I can't say...you...you cannot know...but I'll protect you...I promise...Hope...trust me."

"You're being stupid. Just get out of my house. You're drunk and making up nonsense." She unlocked the door she had locked and flung it opened, motioning for him to get out.

"Hope...don't chase me away...and...to keep you safe...you cannot work for Frank Hardy anymore...you can't. Can't put you in danger...you never know." He was pleading now, tugging her hand like a little boy pleading with his mommy.

"Joe! Your stupid ramblings and your jealousy had gone too far! Stop it and get out!" Hope herself had a long day and was tired. And she was sure Joe was drunk and she hated drunkards. And once again, his expression changed to that of anger.

He can be a great actor, expressions ready on demand.

"You don't believe me?" His voice was lethal. "After all I done for you and you don't believe me? I only ask for you to believe me is that damn difficult!" He picked up a folding chair and threw it across the living room. It landed with a loud crash. Hope's patience wore thin.

"Get out."

"FINE! I will. AND LOCK YOUR DAMN DOOR!" He stormed out but stopped at the doorstep. Turning to face her, she took the opportunity to shut the door in his face.

"LOCK IT DAMN YOU!" She could still hear him raving on the streets. She locked at her door and saw him peer into the house through her windows and drew the blinds close.

"YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO ME! JUST TRUST ME! I'M SORRY OK...HOPE? HOPE!!!" The banging on her window panes went on and on and on.

He could just stand there and shout the whole night. She did not care anymore. It was late, she was tired and Joe had thoroughly exhausted her mentally. She climbed out the stairs to see Caramel at the top, hugging her little kid's bolster tight.

"Mommy...why is there so much noise?"

Hope hugged her daughter, the only person she lived for in her life. "I just chased the bogeyman away."

"There's a bogeyman? Where mommy? I wanna see!" Her daughter suddenly became excited and happy.

"He's gone now...you're not afraid?"

"I wanna see!"

"Don't wish for things you don't know about Caramel..." She kissed the child's forehead. "Go back to sleep. Is Jenna in your room?"

"Yup, like a log...she was snoring when I woke up."

Hope smiled at her daughter and gently, led her into her room. "Go and sleep sweetie, mommy's tired too."

"But mommy..." Caramel hugged Hope tight, unwillingly to let go. She could get very attention-seeking at times. "I want you to tuck me in bed..."

Hope gave a sigh of resignation. She could not sleep until her daughter slept. "Ok. Mommy will tuck you in but you must promise to sleep immediately."

"Yes mommy!" The child grinned happily and dragged Hope into her little room.

After her motherly duties were done, after she had taken a shower, Hope finally retired for bed. However, she could not sleep. When she closed her eyes, she would always see Joe's angry stare and his personality transformation would haunt her, giving her heart no rest. Then dismissing his weird behavior as perhaps a moment of weakness to liquor, she finally gain some shut eyes but it was not restful, leaving her more tired the next morning.