Something about my work

I love to write stories, but I am not good enough. This is my second challenge to revise and continue the story of Lina, MY LOVE. Hopefully I can finish it sucessfully.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

She was completely stunned by his present at the old lady’s door. She saw him waiting for Om-Rie to open the door. She thought she would pretend she did not see him by trying not to make any sound, still she was well-remembered. He suddenly addressed her.

“Hello, Lina. What a coincidence!” he happened to smile at her, “do you live here?”

"Oh Hello. What brought you here?” she almost smiled.

“I’m delivering a letter for Om-Rie. It seems no one home,” he said with the letter dangling.

“She’s always home. Let me try,” said so, Lina looked at the door and started knocking it. She told her it was Lina waiting outside. Then not too long, footsteps were heard and the sound of door opened. The old woman came out to see Vichear waiting outside with the letter in his hand. She invited them in. Lina wanted to refuse, but it was too late. Om-Rie had already walked back into the house. Vichear gave her a sign as if to say “after you”. She went in quietly. They were showed to the chairs and told to be seated. Lina noticed that the old woman looked quiet and pitiful. Normally she was more vigorous, energetic, and annoying, not today though. Vichear handed her the letter whose sender was from England. Om-Rie did not even look at the letter. She remained silence for a while and finally asked Vichear to read for her. He wrote that he apologized for not being with her and went to Europe instead. He said he was fine and would graduate a year earlier than his plan. His grade was excellent and would graduate with honor a month later. It was unexpected and he was told right after his coming back from Europe. He sent his kind love to his mother. The letter ended. Suddenly a broad smile flared up on Om-Rie’s face; the room seemed brighter and more joyful for the owner.

“This is unexpected,” blurted Om-Rie with joys.

“Unexpected joy. Congratulations, Om-Rie. Your son is coming home with honor,” said Vichear.

“I can’t wait,” said Om-Rie.

“Finally he’s back to you. I’m glad for you,” said Lina while patting her shoulders.

Om-Rie quietly proceeded to the balcony, looking down to the crowded street of busy people. The house seemed so spacious and quiet. Vichear looked at Lina as Lina glanced at him. Their eyes met. She immediately averted her gaze by looking to different direction while feeling as if the sight was still fixing on her. She bit her tongue. She felt she could hardly to breathe. She wanted to stand up and walked to the balcony, but it was so strange she could not even get to her feet. What is happening to her? She was confused. Her behavior could not hide from Vichear. He thought he saw her blush.

“Where is your house, Lina?” he finally broke the ice.

She felt weak but tried so hard to muster the strength to answer him. “It’s on 4th floor,” she said this without looking at him, “I guess it’s about time.” She got out of the chair as she finished saying it. She went to Om-Rie, saying goodbye, and walked to the 4th floor. Vichear, whom she did not notice, followed her steps. She unlocked the key and was about to get into the house when a voice was uttered: “Don’t you invite me in?” It was Vichear smiling with human flesh. She would wish a million times for no moment like this; this situation was not what she had urged for.

“I’m afraid not. I don’t think you want to step into a house of the only one member, woman. It’s rude and easily rumored,” said Lina as turning round.

“I don’t have to feel guilty if nothing wrong,” he answered with utmost smile. Still keeping his walk up to Lina.

“I’m afraid, sir, that I can’t. Have a good day!” Lina tried to pull the shutters to be put up. She could not. The shutters got stuck and did not move. Vichear laid his hands on hers, looking at her eyes. She struggled to free her hands off his, but it did not work. He kept it a few minutes like this, and then he helped to put up the shutters. He smiled.

“You will let me in one day, I promise,” his smile was broader, “don’t forget to dream about me tonight.”

“I’m sorry, sir, but there won’t be such a day, nor will such a dream,” she was furious. How rude he is! We only met twice and this? It was beyond her tolerance. She walked into the house with her head shaking, throwing her bag on the desk. Never a thing like this had ever happened to her. Ever. It was the first time and there was no denying that it would not fade out from her head for a long time.

 

Lina staggered into the apartment, throwing her-light-self into the snug bed. Her heart was still pounding; she pressed upon her chest as though making sure if it really pounded hard. Was it because of him, or was it from the surprising thrill? She inhaled deeply. Overwhelmingly bewildered. The thrill made it, she decided. But she just could not figure out Vichea’s weird behavior. He gave her the impression of being reserved, quiet and calm—the way he politely offered her friend, Vanna, and herself at the dinner at LOMORNG restaurant, the way he kept his quiet distance at the mean time. She had convinced herself that she was not attracted to him. And now this? The picture he touching her hands came into her view again, “No,” she almost shouted to herself. It was the first time she remembered a man really grasping her hands firmly like that. She shut her eyes and let time fly away into the night. Relentlessly. 

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