3 An Ning is pregnan (1/2)
About six months after Richard's divorce, Valerie celebrated his 25th birthday with a party. Among the invited guests was Richard's younger brother, Han, who came alone. There was not much of Richard's old crowd in the guest list except for the usual hangers on in his high school club. Valerie's friends were amply represented though, including her stylist and PR representative.
As an up and coming young actress, Valerie hadn't yet attained the status of celebrity godhood. Her fame mainly rested on a popular ongoing TV drama where she played a martyred wife ignored and abused by her louse of a husband.
She played the role of the put-upon wife so brilliantly and so sorrowfully that the fans started calling her ”Pieta”, which somewhat circles the truth since she was both angel and martyr when it comes to Richard. Because of her status as an up and coming actress, their relationship has so far stayed out of the radar of tabloid gossip.She's an up and coming. Not yet at the peak but still at the bottom of the vulgar heap.
Han lifted his beer in a toast when his brother introduced them. Valerie blinked in surprise when she saw him. The two brothers were of the same height and looked so much alike that they could be mistaken for twins. There was something of a hardened warrior in Han though. He stood tall and straight, like a monolithic sea captain standing quiet and grave aboard a ship about to crash and burn on an enemy frigate. Valerie was a little intimidated but relaxed when he smiled gently at her.
”So, you're Valerie,” Han said, his voice deep and warm.
”I am.”
”I should have known you'll be beautiful. My brother chose well.”
”Cut the crap, little Han,” Richard said scornfully beside him. ”What the hell are you doing here?”
Han exhaled loudly. ”Do I need an invitation to wish my big brother happy birthday?”
Richard flushed guiltily.
”What I mean is, what are you doing here in city M? I thought you'll be back in the army by now.”
”Can't wait to see me go, huh,” Han laughed easily. ”My CO said to take my time so I'm taking my time.”
”They didn't ditch you, did they?” Valerie asked.
”Me? Nah. I needed some time off anyway. The army owes me so here I am.”
Han looked at the crowd. ”I'm surprised little Danny isn't here. He's usually the first one to spring this kind of surprise.”
There was an awkward silence. Richard refused to meet his brother's eyes.
”I see,” Han said quietly.
The party wound into the early hours. Han and Richard stood silently watching the red glow of the rising sun on the roof top. Richard couldn't describe what he felt watching his brother. Han was a year younger but he somehow looked more solid, his features more carved with strength and a firmness it hadn't been in his youth.
He felt somewhat guilty. In fact he felt so many things he couldn't articulate each one without tripping up but he knew he had to say something, anything just to ease the pain in his own heart.
”I'm sorry,” he said, turning to Han. 'I didn't ask why your CO needed to give you a vacation.”
Han was silent. ”Privileged info. Sorry, man.”
”I understand.”
”An Ning said to wish you happy birthday.”
”How is she?”
”She's doing fine. She's strong, man. It would take more than a divorce to destroy her.”
Richard nodded after a while. ”She is that. I didn't realize before but I'm glad.”
Han lighted a smoke.
”It's not easy to forget a childhood love, you know. But she's a tough old gal and she's not bitter. She said she must have put you through hell following you around like she used to. It wasn't normal the things she did in the name of love,” he laughed quietly.
”She realized she put you in a position where you were forced to own to a feeling you didn't feel just because you felt she was owed. I tell you, that girl is one clever chick. She'll be okay. Give her time to get over her disappointment and she'll be the same old An Ning again.”
”Do you like her?”