IDV Collection # 1: 1940 Days

DAY 1

In which part of the world does the sun shine brighter than this? No other place have it this warm and glorious than here. As the summer begins to unfold right before Mary's eyes, her heart sinks under her bed. How can she not? Unlike the other kids in this town, she wouldn't spend it vacationing in Paris nor London. Do you know where she has to be all throughout the summer? At the manor! Where else? She would be stuck there studying! How cruel is that? Imagine the horror on her face when she learned about it! Alright! She has to admit though, it was her fault anyway. If only she studied well, she wouldn't be in this pitiful situation! Her classmates would be cruising or spending the summer in exotic places while she, she would be in miserable!

Last night, her friend Ann called her. She asks her to have a picnic with her and Antonio before she leaves for the states. What a lucky girl! She get to go somewhere other than this town! She's not even allowed to go out of the manor! Can you imagine? This manor is her prison. Can you just wake her up when summer is over?

A blue smocked dress lays on top of her bed, it must've been prepared by her maidservant while she was taking her bath. Her maidservant, Emily, walks in her bedroom after she acknowledges her knock. "Your mother chose that for you to wear."

No. Not this dress. She shakes her head. She opens her wardrobe, scans her clothes then flips it all. What must she choose? Pink? No, it's too girly. Yellow? It's too bright. She finds a white grosgrain-trimmed guipure lace midi dress. This! She removes the dress from the hanger. Come to think of it, she hasn't worn this ever! She will look gorgeous in it.

"It's a bit laced and it will show some skin. Your mother wouldn't approve."

Emily is right, but her mother isn't at the manor. Is she? She wouldn't know.

Mary looks at herself in the mirror, she is now wearing the dress she chose. She strikes a pose, satisfied with her reflection.

Mary has long grayish blonde hair, she got it from her mother. Her face is heart shaped and her lips are naturally red. Thanks to the milk and rose petal baths everyday, her skin always looked so soft, smooth and fair. She resembles her brother, except for the eyes, her eyes are hazel brown while her brother's eyes has the color of the ocean. He got it from their father. Where is that brother of hers anyway?! Oh, wait. He got married and just forgot about her. Not a even a phone call now.

"You're truly beautiful, young miss."

"Emily, Emily, come on. If it's just the two of us, like I said before, you can just call me Mary. No need for formalities-"

"But-" Emily picks the brush, she starts combing Mary's hair when she sits in front of the dresser. "Would you like me to braid your hair or tie it? How about a bun or-"

Mary pouts her lips. "Maybe just tie it?" Emily follows her request, after seeing the end result she changes her mind. "You know what, maybe a bun will do? No, just-" She carefully looks at her face again. "I'll just let it down?"

"As you wish, young mis-I mean, Mary."

AT THE LIBRARY...

The door is wide open, Mary notices. The library has some additions for sure, there's this new long table with two chairs near the window. And then there's this desk with one chair beside the grand piano.

A tall figure is standing near the window. Is he looking at the tree? No. He is looking farther than that. The gardens? The grassfield after? Or maybe he's looking outside but his thoughts are somewhere else. What is he contemplating about? Maybe if she sits down quietly he wouldn't notice that she is late. This is the first time she has seen this man, this must be her tutor. According to her mother's description, he is tall, slim, pale and has long hair. It has to be him. It fits perfectly. Who else could it be right?

"You're late, Miss Desaulnier."

Did she hear him walk in? She tried not to make a sound! And he was even facing outside, how can he know?

Mary sighs. "Yeah for just three minutes." She sits down on the sofa across the fireplace, turning her head to her maidservant. "You can leave, Emily. Close the door when you leave. Thank you for your help-"

"No-" The guy faces her abruptly. "She has to stay. As your mother requested. She will watch over your lessons. And keep the door open."

Watch over her lessons? But why? Is her mother worried that she will skip her lessons? Not that it hasn't crossed her mind, yes. But still! How can her own mother not trust her?! She already agreed to this class, to coming out next season and all! What else does she want from her?!

"Tardiness is unacceptable. I wouldn't tolerate it."

"Ugh come on! You know how girls are-"

He places his palm in front of her face, stopping her from speaking. "Stand up."

What? Why would she stand up? She rolls her eyes, puts down her bag beside her. Who does he think he is? Does he think that he can order her around?

"Didn't you hear what I said?"

"I heard you um Wushu? Nah, Wuchu? Is that your name?" She recalls how her mother pronounced his name. "Is it Wushan?"

"It's Wu Chang."

"Yeah that's what I said. So, Wu Chang?" She crosses her arms in front of her. "Let's begin the lesson so that I could get of this house and just breathe some fresh air-"

"Mr. Wu. That's how you will address me. And please, stand up and go back to the door right after you change that dress-"

Her what? Change her dress? What's wrong with her dress? Who is this guy? Telling her what to do! And now telling her what not to wear?

"Why would I do that? I' m already here-" Her maidservant sits beside the door, a bit entertained, she realizes. How can Emily think that this is funny? There's nothing funny about this!

"We can do this all day. I'm getting paid anyway."

Of course he is! He is getting paid big time! For sure! "I just don't understand-"

"We won't begin unless you follow my orders."

She glances at her maidservant. It seemed she cannot find an ally in Emily. "Fine. Whatever."

"And please, I don't want to hear you say yeah whatever, nah. Unacceptable. A proper lady answers the right way. Walks the right way. And always on time. Don't tell me you don't have a watch? Or maybe you just don't care about wasting someone else's time?"

"I am a proper lady."

"I bet you are. I saw your file. Your grades? Your spendings? Your activities in school? Impressive." He is being sarcastic with her. How can he be like this to her? Doesn't he know who she is? She's the most beautiful lady in this town. All the guys in her school are attracted to her. Even the ladies admire her. And yet this, this skinny chinky-eyed guy looks down on her?! How could he?! If this guy continues with that serious face all day he would get old fast! She glares at him before standing up. This is just plain rudeness on the lady of this manor! Also, unacceptable!

She gets out of the library, stomping her feet. Does she even have a choice? After changing into the blue dress her mother picked for her she walks back to class stopping at the door, half-heartedly.

"Greetings?" He reminds her.

"Good morning, Mr. Wu!" He swiftly walks to her. He was beside the piano when she greets him but in a second he is already standing in front of her, scanning her posture. How did he do that? Did he teleport or something? Is because of his long legs that he walked that distance in few steps? When did I even notice his legs? Wait, what is she saying?

"Stand up straight. And when you greet you someone, you have to look at them." Their eyes meet closer for the first time. That's the first time she has seen his face up close. He doesn't look so bad. Liar. He is handsome, actually. His skin is fair, his eyes are the darkest and small, so is his nose and his lips. Yes, Mary what about it? He is not wearing any tint right? But why does his lips look like he had just eaten a cherry? Did he eat something red? Oh, goodness gracious! Why is he this tall? He is towering her over, she feels so small. His height got her a little curious. Is he six feet tall or more? He would make tall babies. Wait. What?! What is with these thoughts?

"Miss Desaulnier?"

"Y-yes?"

"I said you can sit, then we'll begin." He points at the long table with two chairs facing each other near the window where the cherry blossoms bloom.

"This is our schedule." He hands a folder to her. "Your readings, lessons, everything. You can study in advance, if you want."

Who would want to study in advance? Like she would spend her breaks studying! She scans the folder. All her subjects are there. It doesn't seem like she will have her summer break at all. Weekday classes? Weekdays with this boring guy? Piano? She turns to the next page. Etiquette? "What is this? This is crazy!" He made all this?! How does he live his life?

"Well, if you just studied hard-"

She knows that aready! How many times did hee parents tell her that. Does he think she never regretted that? "You think this is just about my studies?"

"Your parents just wanted what's best for you."

"Best for me? Or what's best for them?"

"You have to understand. You're a Desaulnier-"

"Yes, I hate that surname. I hate that I have to live up to its name. To live up to everyone's expectations of me. To marry well like my brother."

"Miss Desaulnier, I'm sorry that it has to be this way-"

"What if I wanted to fall in love? Doesn't it matter? Doesn't it matter who I gave my heart to?"

"It's not like they would choose a specific person for you. That's why you have your coming out season. So that you can meet these eligible men, and that they can meet you too. Then you'll decide whether you like anyone from them. Or if you connect with someone. You will be courted for sure, and in the end, the decision would still be up to you. In order to meet the right man, you have to be the right woman too. A proper lady. That's what I'm here for, to turn you into proper lady."

"Yeah you're just here to turn me into someone I'm not so that you can marry me off to some eligible man, to get rid of me-"

"Miss-"

"It doesn't really matter what I feel, what I think, what I want. What my heart desires! I don't matter at all, do I?"

Mr. Wu sighs. Not even an hour in the manor but why does it feel like he has been there for a month? What drama is he into? He didn't sign up for this.

DAY 3

"Excuse me." He speaks to Mary's maidservant. "Emily, right? Where is your young miss? She's supposed to be back at one in the afternoon for class-"

"I-I she said, young miss said she will just visit Miss Ann but she will come back right away, I pleaded her not to go but-"

"You let her leave? You're supposed to be watching-"

"I apologize Mr. Wu, but young miss can sometimes be really stubborn-"

"You should've told me earlier, not too late like this-"

"Should I send a carriage to pick her up?"

"There's no need, I'll pick her up. Just tell me where she went."

"She said something like a picnic by the lake with Miss Ann and Master Antonio-"

This lady Mary! Is she taking his lessons as a joke? Doesn't she know how valuable his time is? He has enough of it! This kid has to learn! She could waste her time all she wants but not this summer!

AT THE LAKE...

"How I miss the outside world-" Mary dives then swims further away. "Two days seemed like eternity, you know." Ann joins her. "Where is Antonio? I thought he would be here?"

"Ugh! He said he has to be somewhere first. Anyway, how is your tutor?"

"He's getting on my nerves!"

"Which nerve?"

What? Mary rolls her eyes. "He's so strict and he looks as if he carry the world's problems."

"How does he look like? I mean physically?"

"What do you expect from a tutor?"

"I don't know. Is he hot?"

"No way! I don't consider him hot at all. Like yes, he's tall. That's the only thing good about him. And what's with his braided hair anyway? I mean who does that? His long black hair with white streaks? Is that the new fashion? Ugh. Imagine? His hair is longer than mine! Is he a girl? Maybe he likes men!"

"Antonio's hair is long too-"

"Your point?"

Ann laughs. "Antonio's not gay-"

"And he's so skinny, is he even eating? He must be so poor. He's always blank. So so so serious. He doesn't even smile. What's up with him right? I just-ugh-"

"You hate him that much? Any good points? I'm so curious about him. I have this feeling that you're just covering what you truly think about him with hate."

Mary pauses for a minute. Is she just concealing her true feelings? What? No way! She doesn't even know much about this guy. It's only been two days! Gosh! "But he's really good at teaching, he's good in all subjects, I must say. And the piano. He's amazing at that. The way he plays the piano, those long slender fingers when he play? I mean, he's skilled-"

"I wonder if he's skilled at other things too, he's a grown man afterall-"

"What other things?" She asks.

"You know, like kissing-"

Mary pinches her friend's waist. Her cheeks burns pinkish to red. "What? How could you think about that?"

"Come on, with us girls, I know you wondered about that-" Does she? Now that Ann said it, she might start to wonder. "Do you know how old he is?"

"Maybe twenty-one? I'm not sure-"

"Really? He must really be an experienced guy-"

"You're so so-" Why does she feel so hot suddenly? As if someone's just lit up a fire within her. She dips herself into the water then emerges.

"So what?"

So? What is the right word for that? She can't think of a word to describe it. "We shouldn't think about that-"

"You'll be out next season, you don't really know who will court you and maybe your family will just pick the most qualified. Then you'll get married and have kids with whoever that guy is."

Where is she going with this?

"This is your moment, have your first kiss. Ask your tutor to teach you-"

"Inappropriate!" Yes! She finally found the right word. "You're so inappropriate!" She splashes water on her friend's face.

"How to kiss right or even more-"

"Stop-"

"You know, I have this book. I snatched it in my mother's stack of books. It's old with some dust and all, but still readable, The Art of Seduction. I learned so many things-"

"Ann, could you please-"

"Did you know that when people kiss-"

She hates that her friend opens this topic on her. Now how can she look at her tutor the same way? You know, without these unpleasant thoughts?

Ann stops. "Is that?" She follows where she's looking. "Your tutor?" Long black braided hair with white streaks. It must be him! He gets off the horse, like a knight ready for battle. Those long legs, what a sight! He can be a bit skinny but Mary didn't say how gorgeous this guy is! "Holy gracious! Where do I sign up? I want to be tutored too! And punished!"

Mary elbowed her friend. What is he doing here? Oh wait. Her class! It must be past one now, she forgot! How did he find this place?

"Good day Miss Ann, I came here to fetch Miss Desaulnier-"

"Sure, yes yes-" Mary looks at Ann, her friend is obviously captivated. "Yes take me, I mean, take her-"

Really? Her friend can really be irritating sometimes! Wait, why is she irritated by her?

"Miss Desaulnier, shall we?"

Mary can sense the anger in his tone. She hesitates to get out of the water. Why is she suddenly shy? She's wearing a swimsuit! Not that she hasn't worn swimsuit before, but it's just that she's not comfortable to be seen by her tutor.

"Do you want me to drag you out of the water?"

Drag her out? A picture of him carrying her in his arms flashes before her. She shakes her head. Oh no. This can't be! Ann tries to hide her smile. She's enjoying this! That girl! "There's no need! I'm getting out-" She quickly steps out of the water, dried herself then puts on her dress on top of the swimsuit.

"I'll see you Ann-"

Ann waves at them. "See you Mr. Wu! Enjoy the ride!"

"Goodbye Miss Ann! Have a great day!" He turns to Mary with cold eyes, he climbs up to the horse then extends his hand on her.

Marry suggests to ride a carriage instead of riding the horse with him.

"There's no time and this is faster-"

"I'm in a dress-" Is he blind? Does he expect her to sit on top of a horse on this dress?

"You'll sit sideways-"

"Please Miss Desaulnier, we have to finish lessons-"

"Okay okay-" She accepts his strong hand, he pulls her up in a sweep. He must be skinny but where does he get that strength?

"Secure yourself and hold onto me-"

Hold onto me? Why does that echo in her ears. Her heart beats fast, is she nervous? Why? Because he's super close to her? Slowly, she places her hands on top of his shoulders. Maybe this would be safe for her. They pass by some rocky road, is she going to fall? For him? No! What are you thinking Mary? Fall on the road! You silly! The road becomes even bumpier and their speed is even faster. "Hold on tight-" She wraps her arms around his waist, she can smell his ocean scent. Smelling his scent with the wind. How can that be so refreshing!? And his warmth felt really good. She wanted to stay like that for awhile. Is this how it felt to be close to a man? She rests her head on his back. This is so relaxing!

"Miss Desaulnier don't sleep, or you'll fall-"

"Catch me then."

"What?"

Did he hear what she said? She thought she said it to herself. What is happening to her? She has to be careful voicing out her thoughts from now on!

"Wake up, sleeping beauty. We have arrived. I will see you in class."

Sleeping beauty? She blushes at that simple remark.

AT THE LIBRARY...

"Mr. Wu, I apologize for my-" The moment she walks in, he asks him to sit.

"This is your last straw, Miss Desaulnier! You are stubborn! You just care about yourself! Don't you ever think of the people you put on the line? You risked our jobs! Emily, for one. Do you know that she could get fired for what you did? Do you know how difficult we live to get this job? Do you know what you put us in?!" He is really furious at her. His chest goes up and down, and he is breathing hoarsely.

"I didn't know-" It's too late to regret anything. Why does her heart feels like it is being squeezed at the sight of Mr. Wu being angry at her? She doesn't want him to be mad. Not to her.

"You know nothing. Will you ever learn?" He felt like giving up. Is she just a lost cause?

"I'm-"

"What if something bad happens to you there? You're putting us all in danger. You don't think of the consequences!"

"It won't happen again, I promise."

DAY 15

"Do I really have to study maths? Where would I use it?"

"You don't have to be the best in it, but at least know what you can." He checks her paper. "You got the solution wrong, but the answer is correct. How did you do that?"

She laughs. "I don't know. I'm lucky? I guess?"

"Do the next activity on page 15. After you finish, we'll have our lunch break early."

"Thank you, Mr. Wu!"

"I have to see your Piano performance after though. I hope you practiced last weekend?"

"I did! You'll see."

Mr. Wu smiles at her. For the first time! And he has the brightest and perfect set of teeth! How come she didn't notice that? Oh, it's because he never smiled then, until now. It's good to know that he can actually smile.

After lunch, she showed him her piano performance. "Is this what you planned on performing on your birthday? On your coming out season?"

"Yes, what do you think Mr. Wu?"

"I hate to say this but-"

But what? Didn't he like it? Why does his opinion mattered that much to her? Is she really beginning to like him?

"It's a little lifeless."

"When you play the piano, you have to put your heart into it. Your mind, your body, your heart. In order to touch your audience's soul. Think as if you are playing for someone special."

"Someone special?"

"Yes. It could be your parents-"

Someone special. She breathes in before starting her piece again. Who is someone special to her? As she plays, she closes her eyes only to find his face there. Mr. Wu! Her heart beats fast, then faster. When she opens her eyes, Mr. Wu is looking outside the window.

"Perfect!" He even claps his hands when she finished. "That was amazing. Did you think of someone?"

Her cheeks flushed. "Yes, it worked."

Is she really starting to fall for her tutor? Mr. Wu?!

DAY 18

"What is this? Again?"

"I thought you must miss your hometown. So I cooked a Chinese meal?"

"Well, you didn't have to-"

"It's to thank you for teaching me."

"Thank you, Miss Desaulnier."

"See you tomorrow Mr. Wu!" She walks out of the library.

AT MR. WU'S LODGE...

"What is that?" His housemate looks at his food. "Where did you get that?"

"My student gave me this." He innocently starts to eat the food.

"Miss Desaulnier? Did she cook that herself?"

"Yes, why?"

"You're a dead man, Wu!"

"What? Why? What do you mean?"

"Miss Desaulnier likes you."

"What? That can't be."

"Let me guess, the cupcakes from last week. Did she make those for you too? The ones with the hearts?"

"Y-yes?" Now Wu Chang is confused. "She's just a caring little lady. It's not like that."

"Be careful man. She likes you, but don't like her back. The likes of us? We don't stand a chance. Don't lead her on."

"You're crazy! I'm not leading her on. Stop thinking such nonsense things like that." It's impossible! She will never like someone like him! He's just Wu Chang. A stranger to this foreign land. A guy with nothing to offer.

DAY 19

Mary calls her maidservant. "I think I dropped my bracelet when I looked out the window. Mother would get mad if I didn't find it, could you help me search it downstairs? I think it fell somewhere in the bushes-"

"But young miss, Mary, your mother asked me to stay until your class is over-"

"By that time, she must be here then." She's lying. Her parents wouldn't even come back until the summer is over. "She will be mad at both of us, besides class is almost over. Please, I'm begging you. Please find my bracelet? Please, Emily?"

"Miss Mary, I-uh okay I-I will." After a little more push, Emily softened up to Mary's request.

Alone at last. She said to herself. This is the best time to confess!

"Mr. Wu?"

"Do you need any help with anything?"

She looks down on her feet, both her hands behind her back, holding a letter.

"What did I say when you talk to someone?"

She didn't move her head.

"Look at me."

"There's something I wanted to tell you-" Her cheeks started to feel hot. It must be red now.

When she looks up, she met his blank gaze. There were no emotions on his face. Is it a bad time?

"I've been feeling this lately, I-" she gulps then bit down her lower lip.

"Are you feeling sick?" What is this about? She must be ill!

"No, I'm fine. It's just that I, I, I like you Mr. Wu."

"What?" She likes him? He forces a laugh.

"I like you, I don't know when but I just do." She hands her love letter to him. "Please accept my letter! I don't know your customs but I learned from someone that you like letters?"

She can't be serious! But there it is, the letter. A proof of her feelings. What must he do? "I can't." He gathers his things then stands up. "I'm sorry Miss Desaulnier, you mistaken my kindness for something else. I don't see any reason why you would like me-"

"But-"

"Class dismissed. Goodbye, Miss Desaulnier."

"W-wait-am I not a proper lady yet?" She reaches for his hand to stop him from leaving.

"What? No. You are more than a proper lady in fact."

"Then why?"

"I just-" be strong Wu Chang. Don't give her hope. It's better to break her heart now than lead her on. She is too young. She is bound to be betrothed to the perfect man. Which isn't you. Will never be you. It's not like you have some feelings for her, do you? He removes her hold. "Miss Desaulnier, I feel flattered that you like me but I don't feel the same way. I am here for my job, for money, nothing else. I hope you understand?"

Is he really rejecting her? She places the letter on top of the table with force. "At least accept my letter!" She runs out of the library, with tears streaming down her flushed cheeks.

Her first confession. Her first rejection. Why did it end so bad? This is not how she imagined it to be. Those fairytales aren't true! How can they feed us with hope and true love when clearly, in real life, it's not all happy endings? Is she giving up so soon?

DAY 22

"Good morning, Mr. Wu!" She sits beside him as if last Friday didn't happen. Over the weekend, she decided not to give up on him! This the first time she felt this way towards a guy, she will fight for it!

"Could you sit there?" He points across the table.

"What? But this is where I always sit and I will show you-"

He stands up. If she doesn't want to move, he will. "Let's begin. Today's lesson-"

"Last night, I was looking at the sky and I saw the one that you were telling me about the other day? The North Star-"

"Miss Desaulnier, we have to finish today's lesson early-"

"But we always talk about the-"

"Not today, understand?"

"Yes, Mr. Wu." Why is he like that today? Shouldn't she be the one to feel worse? She's the one who got rejected, not him! He seemed to be in a bad mood!

When they finished the lessons, he walks out of the library without even saying goodbye.

"Mr. Wu! Wait-" She runs on the staircase. "This weekend, you remember you promised you'll go with me and the maids to see the lanterns, right?"

Lanterns? Right! He forgot about that. "I'm afraid I can't go with you. I have some matters to attend to." What matters? Liar!

"It's like summer lantern festival in your country, do you really want to miss that? I suggested that event in this town for you." She uttered the last sentence in whisper.

"I'm sorry, Miss Desaulnier. I'll take my leave then."

"But you promised-"

"I think you're forgetting that I am just your tutor, I don't have any responsibility on you after class. We're not friends or anything, let's draw a line right here. You're just my student Miss Desaulnier."

"It's just that my parents wouldn't be there, I, I get it Mr. Wu. Thanks anyway." Tears swell in the corners of her eyes. She tries to hold them back.

He can see the tears forming in her eyes. But what can he do? He must not lead her on.

DAY 27

THE NIGHT OF THE FESTIVAL...

"Young miss..." Her maidservant gives her the lantern. "Make a wish."

She closes her eyes. What must she wish for? Love. A reciprocated love. When she opens her eyes, she found a familiar face near the townhall's porch. It's Mr. Wu, with a beautiful lady beside him. She is looking at the lanterns, while he looks her face stunned. Is that her girlfriend? Then their eyes met. Mary looked away. Liar! He said he has some matters to attend to! How can he be here then?

"Mary!" It's Ann. "It's been awhile. You look great! Is it because of your classes?"

"Mary, my lady, lovely as always!" Antonio takes her hand then kisses it.

"What are you doing?" She takes her hand back from Antonio.

"Hold yourself back Antonio! She's not out yet, the courtship will begin on her coming out season."

"Mary, you don't have to go out this season. I told you before, I'm perfect for you."

"Stop it, will you?" She laughs while covering her mouth. "How's the states Ann? How was your trip?"

"Well, I gotta say. I met someone-"

Mary, Antonio and Ann are childhood friends. It's not a secret that Antonio likes Mary since they were young, but Mary just sees him as her friend. Nothing more, nothing less.

"But really-" Antonio pinches Mary's cheek. "You don't have to come out, let's stop all those traditions and move right into our engagement!"

"Actually, he's right. To relieve you from all that hassle, just pick Antonio. We've known him, he's capable, he's rich, he's handsome, skilled-"

"Oh, Ann-" Mary laughs even more.

"Aren't you the perfect wingman?" Antonio thanks his friend Ann.

"I'm just saying, who knows you more than us?"

Mary's gaze moves pass her friends.

"Forget about him, it'll never work Mary." Ann reminds her. She already told her about her confession over the phone.

"Forget about who?"

"Antonio? This is girls only talk now, okay?"

"Wait, are you inlove with someone? Do I know him? How does he look like? I look better right?" He needs some assurance. Why aren't they answering? Does that mean he looks better than him?

Antonio follows her gaze. "Wait a minute, are you telling me that you are inlove with that guy? Your tutor?"

Mary hushes her friend. "Please keep it down. So, what if I am?"

"Do you really really like him? Like seriously or just admiration or what?"

"Why are you asking her that?" Ann shakes her head. "The heart wants what it wants, so shut up Antonio!"

"Because I want to know if he feels the same way for you, you see, I'm a man. If you think that he doesn't like you back, or if he said that to you, that's a lie. That guy likes you, I'm sure. No one can resist you Mary. You know I can't."

"He doesn't like me, besides I think that's her girlfriend. And you know how things are, even if he likes me back-"

"Excuses, excuses. What happened to the Mary I know? The one who doesn't care about anything? Who just cares about herself?"

"She became a proper lady." Mary curtsies.

"He likes you." Antonio grins.

"How can you be so sure?" Ann asks. "You're creepy like that."

"Like I said, I'm a man. I have a proposition though, Mary."

"I'm listening."

"I'll help you reveal his true feelings for you, he likes you, this will just be up to him. So, let's say he likes or loves you back but he's a coward and doesn't want to have a relationship with you, then you'll choose me."

"What?"

"What do you say?"

How does that even help her? All she heard was choose me, choose me.

"I said I'll help you find out his real feelings for you."

"How?"

"You'll see. That guy just needed a little push."

Is he really serious? No. There's nothing serious about Antonio! He's always the prankster. So, this must be one of his crazy jokes too.

DAY 29

"Good day Mr. Wu, may I excuse Miss Desaulnier? My young master is here to see her?"

"We are in the middle of our class, I'm afraid I can't-"

"If I may speak, Mr. Wu-" She looks at her tutor then at her friend's butler. "I'm busy Aesop, tell Antonio I'm in class."

Antonio walks in. "My lady-" he has a bouquet of flowers in his hands.

What is he doing? She glares at him.

"I just can't stop thinking about you since last night when I saw you again, it brings back our memories from when we were younger-"

What memory is he talking about? The time she pushed him at the lake? Or many times Ann and Mary would bully him? She stands up and quickly walks to her friend. "What are you doing?"

He hands her the bouquet. "I'm courting you officially-"

What? Mr. Wu's mouth falls open. Is he amazed? Is he shocked? What does he feel? No one can tell.

"As Miss Desaulnier's tutor and guardian while her parents are away, I believe you have to speak with her parents first." He finally found his voice which got lost for a moment, for the first time!

"Her parents know me, they love me and you see Mr?" What a guy! He's being cocky, Wu Chang thought to himself.

"They call me Mr. Wu-"

"Right! Mr. Wu, you see, I am here for Mary, not her parents, so I will ask her if she will be so kind to allow me to court her?"

"Mary, may I court you? I don't expect anything in return. I just want my feelings to be known, and maybe you could find it in your heart someday to like me back?"

Gosh! Where did he get those lines? Is he reading some novels?

DAY 30

"Young miss? A letter and flowers for you-"

Not again? It's from Antonio. Who else would it be from?

"Shall we get back to class?" Mr. Wu snaps her out of her thinking. "Are you going to write him back?"

"Well, I think it's a courtesy to do so if someone writes to you, you should write back, right-" She covers her mouth. "I mean, no I don't mean that you too should write back to me I-"

Mr. Wu puts both of his hands up. "I get it Miss Desaulnier." She stares at his dark eyes, hoping that he would stop her from writing back. "You should write back."

She calls her maidservant. "Could you make me us some tea with honey mint and lemon? And some french toast please? Please Emily?"

"But I can't leave-"

"Don't you trust me?" She whispers to her.

"Young miss-"

"Please? Thank you so much!"

When her maidservant left, she walks to his desk. "So, you're really not going to stop me?"

"Did you finish your activity?"

She places the book on top of his desk. "Done."

"Aren't you going to stop me from writing back to him?"

"Why would I?" He scans the workbook, trying to ignore her presence. To be honest, she has this weird effect on him. Is it suddenly warm in this library?

In a few minutes the maidservant will be back, she has to make a move. She quietly walks to the door, closes it and locks it behind her. Mr. Wu didn't notice because he is busy with her workbook. Wait. What did Ann and Antonio tell her? How should she do that? The art of seduction, that's how they call it. From the book! God please give her the courage! It's now or never!

"Don't you even feel a tiniest bit of like for me?" She brushes her hair with her hand.

"What?" Still, he didn't look at her. What is she saying? Who wouldn't like her?

"Don't you think I'm pretty?" Slowly, she makes her way to him. Stopping where he is. Trying to appear busy now, aren't we?

He gulps, he senses her close presence. Her intoxicating perfume. When did she start using it? "You're beautiful, Miss Desaulnier-" The shock in his eyes becomes apparent when she sits by the desk, facing him. What is she planning to do?

She pulls him close to her for a kiss. Her hands cup his face. Having him near like this, is pure heaven.

His widened eyes narrows. If she doesn't stop, he might lose it! Push her away! His mind is telling him. Stop it at this once!

His left hand holds her right wrist, maybe trying to break from her kiss? Don't hold back. Please don't hold back, she begs.

Stopping her only made it worse because now she gets off balance and landed straight on his lap! No! Not in this position! For the love of God! Not like this! He is only a man! Don't test him like this! This is a feast he couldn't refuse, but no. He is better than this! Or is he?

She hears a soft moan from him as he finally parts his lips. Is that it? Is he loosening up? Did she do it right? The advice Ann gave her? Maybe it worked? She doesn't really know to kiss, she's just going with the flow. She moves away from his lips down to his neck and now bare chest. Woah! That was fast! When did she undo his buttons? Maybe when she was exploring his mouth?

"I'm falling for you Mr. Wu, don't you like me too?" She guides both of his hands near her heart. "Don't you feel it? The beating of my heart?" She stares into his dark eyes, she can tell that he's torn between two things. Why can't he just let go? "I'm all yours." She starts to unzip her dress from the back, revealing her porcelain skin and sexy body of course.

One's weakness can also be one's strength. Wu Chang! Have some restraint! Do you want to die? Don't put everything on the line in exchange of one time humanly desires. Become the better man! "Stop, please, Miss Desaulnier-" his pleading voice snaps her back to reality. "I need this job to further my studies, I can't get fired and I don't really feel the same-" What a lie! Does not feel the same? When he's almost there?

Don't feel the same? A knife just stabbed her heart. What is she doing? Why did she put herself in this position? Only to be rejected? She felt embarrassed and unlovely. So, he doesn't really like her then? "I'm sorry, I-" She buttons his top, combs her hair then slowly gets off from his lap. Her dress falls on the floor, she picks it up. How can this be so demeaning?

"You're very beautiful, Miss Desaulnier. It's just that I can't reciprocate whatever you feel for me-"

"You don't have to keep on rejecting me! I heard it the first time!"

DAY 31

"Young miss-"

"I said I don't want to study today!"

She just got rejected again! She looked so low. Like the lowest person in the world. Presenting herself like that, then got rejected? How can she face him? When she kissed her back, doesn't it mean anything?

DAY 32

"Who are you?" She walks in the library, hoping to see Mr. Wu.

"I'm Jack, your new tutor."

"Where is Mr. Wu?"

"He's in London, arranging his transfers? He will further his studies there. Didn't he tell you?"

No, he didn't. Tears fall down her pale cheeks, she turns her back on her new tutor so that he wouldn't see her crying. He left without telling her? She watches as the cherry blossoms tree wither.

"So, where did you stop?"

She recalls their last meeting, the kiss. Her first kiss.

"Which subject?"

DAY 52

Jack couldn't believe it when she told him the possible reason why Mr. Wu left. "If I kiss you, are you going to leave too?"

"Oh, Mary don't tease me."

"But don't you just wonder how to kiss a woman? I mean, I know you like men, don't you want to know at least once?"

"Well, actually I kind of wondered."

"Close your eyes. Come on, my maid will come back soon!"

"Fine you silly!"

He closes his eyes.

Jack is a fun tutor. He is more like a friend to her. They like the same things. Well, mostly girl things! They talk about anything, anything about boys. She learned so many things from him. And how he struggles in the society because he's inlove with a man. Mary admires him a lot. Because Jack? He fought to be with the one he loves.

Just for fun, she grabs the back of his neck then pulls his face closer to him. She has to tiptoe because he is tall. She giggles then closes her eyes. When she opens her eyes, she thought she saw Mr. Wu. How she misses him. The kiss deepens, then somebody coughs. The two drifts apart from the kiss.

"Mr. Wu?" Mary's eyes widens. What is he doing here? He is holding an envelope on his hand, he hides it in his pocket.

"Wu Chang? I thought you're still in London?"

"It's not what you think-" Why is she even explaining? "This was my idea, don't be mad at Jack-"

"Is that how you call your tutor? By his name?" There's a hint of bitterness in his voice.

"I'm not that formal Wu Chang-"

Mr. Wu is aware of that. Isn't that obvious?

"Wu Chang it's not what you think-"

"Just leave Jack! I trusted you, leave before I can punch you-"

Jack hesitates but Mary asks him to leave so ge did.

"Explain." Mr. Wu slams the long table, making her jump.

"Like I-"

"Are you two together?"

"We're n-"

"It's just impossible, you two don't stand a chance!"

"Maybe you're right. We don't have a chance, but unlike you he stayed with me!"

"Do you know the gravity of this if someone finds out about you and Jack? I am the one who recommended him. Your parents trusted their daughter to me. And I just made her a prey."

"Is that what you just cared about? So what if we have a relationship?" For a second, she thought he would be jealous. "I was lonely, rejected, what do you expect? Of course, I fell for Jack. He fills the void you left." She carefully looks at her fingernails one by one, as if trying to find a dirt. "Yes, we love each other. We did so many things together, it should've been you. Do you regret it?"

"What happened to you?"

"We did it here too, at this chair-" She sits on top of the desk, staring at the chair. "Does it remind you of anything? Nothing? As usual."

"What do you want from me?"

"I should be the one asking you that. You came here at my house. What do you want from me?!"

"Do you know what would happen to you if people finds out about this?"

"What? They won't accept me? You won't accept me, but I know someone who will. Tell me, really. What brings you here Mr. Wu? Do you want to break my heart again? Are you here to tell me that you will never reciprocate my feelings?!"

"Do you love him?"

"Why do you care?

"Stop answering me with questions!"

DAY 71

AT THE BALL, MARY'S COMING OUT SEASON...

"You're the most stunning lady, my Mary. May I have this dance?" Antonio asks for her hand. "You remember our deal?"

"You're my last choice, okay?"

"Ouch, Mary. You love to hurt me. Is that your tutor?"

He spins her around. "Who? Jack?"

"Yes, Jack's here but so is Mr. Wu!"

It can't be. Why would he be here? Maybe her parents invited him?

Jack taps Antonio's shoulder. "May I have the pleasure?" The music shifts to a slow dance. "What did you tell Wu Chang?" What? "He talked to me, he's saying things."

"Like what?"

"That we are in love and that I should follow my heart? And take care of you and that he will help me if I really love you?"

"Why would he say that?"

"I think he's inlove with you-"

"That can't be-"

"I was at his lodge where I found this in one of his ledgers, I didn't mean to, I just I-I was looking for something then it fell. You should read it." They pause for a minute, looking at each other. "Like now! Read it now. Then find him!"

She walks swiftly away from the crowd, then to the porch. Her heart hammers out of her chest, filled with anticipation.

Mary,

I remember the day we first met. You don't really appear like a child on the outside, but acted like one. It was annoying having to put up with your antics. For a week I thought about giving up, but then seeing you try to study and smile often, I just can't leave you like that. Not when your parents trusted you on me, not when you were being kind to me. I can't remember the last time someone cared for me like you did. You were like the little sister I never had. Someone that I want to care for. I appreciate your efforts in everyday's lessons. I love how your eyes would spark when you talk about the stars and writing poetry. But knowing you breaks my heart, because I know that we are two different people. Our race, our rank in this society, your wealth, and these invisible walls that someday you will be able to see. I am not your kind. Our kind will never be a match to yours. And I will never be able to give you everything that you will ever need nor everything that you will ever want. It's frustrating for me. I know that you could always find someone better than I am. It's unfair for I will never find someone like you. You are one-of-a-kind. You fascinate me. I hope you know your worth. I am certain that your feelings for me will change eventually. A time will come, you will realize that what you felt for me was just an admiration. It will pass. Then I will just be someone you liked. It's not love. You thought it was love, but it wasn't. Someday you will just laugh at the thought of liking me. That would be painful for me, but I have to think of all the worst possible scenarios. I will always adore you. I remember our first conversation, you said, you have to live up to everyone's expectations. You also asked what if you wanted to fall in love? Maybe you don't have to live to other's expectations. This is your life afterall. What matters is how you see yourself. What are your expectations? You have to put yourself above all else. It's your life. No one should decide for you. With or without a man, you're still a Desaulnier. You're still a lady. Don't let society dictates you what you have to do. You have to follow what your heart is telling you. Just because everyone is getting engaged, getting married and having a family doesn't mean you have to as well. Find your purpose. Maybe fall inlove? Like you said? Our time have this arranged marriage, lined up suitors to choose from, maybe you don't have to choose from them. Maybe you should just choose yourself. And by choosing yourself, you'll find love. We never really know. I just want you to be happy. Please be happy.

Always,
Mr. Wu

P.S. It is possible to write your own story. You'll have your beautiful ending. I know it. Maybe just not with me.

What is this? What does this letter mean? Where can she find him?

She looks for her parents, she finds them by the grand hall. "Mother, where is Mr. Wu?"

"I just handed him his paycheck, he's leaving for London."

"When is he leaving?"

"Right about in an hour, I guess?"

At this hour? Only one trip goes out to London at this hour! If she leaves now, she might be able to catch him!

"I have to go somewhere-"

"Mary! What is going on?"

She asks Emily to go with her. "To the port, please Aesop? I need your master's carriage please?"

"Anything for you, young miss. I will even take you there!"

AT THE PORT...

"Young miss look, he's already boarding!" Emily calls Mr. Wu.

He looks at the carriage, a bit surprised. What are they doing here? He moves away from the gate.

Mary descends the carriage. "Mr. Wu?"

"Miss Desaulnier? What are you doing here? You were at your-"

She shows him his letter. "What does this mean?"

"How did you get-"

"At least tell me what you mean on this letter. Are you saying goodbye? What do you really feel about me? Please don't lie, at least not to me." Tears fall down her beautiful face.

"I have to go."

"So, you're just going to leave me? Wondering whether you feel the same way or not? Why would you write this if you don't feel the same way? You said you wanted me to be happy. What if I'll be happy with you?"

"Miss Desaulnier, Mary?" He puts down his luggage then cups her face. "Please don't cry. Who wouldn't like you, Mary? You're beautiful. It's not hard to love you-"

"Then why can't you?"

Aesop and Emily covers their mouths. Are they watching a movie?

"I could possiby love you, but it's too early to say that now. I have to go."

"Will I ever see you again? Will you ever come back?"

"I don't know, Mary. If someday we meet again, if fate brings us together and you still feel the same way for me, maybe then I could love you back. Right now, I am not worthy of you. Goodbye, Miss Mary Desaulnier. You'll forget about me."

"I will wait for you! I promise!"

DAY 1013

"Mary!"

"He wrote a letter to to the town mayor!"

"Who?"

"You know who!"

"Mr. Wu?" Ann nods her head. "But how did you-"

"Does it matter? I got his address!"

"I should write to him! Thank you Ann!" Mary embraces her friend.

"What do you mean write? You should go to him!"

"Aren't you going to study in London too? You should go find him!"

IN LONDON...

She reads the address one more time. This has to be the apartment. She is about to knock when the door opens.

"Hi!"

The lady smiles at her. "Hi? How may I help you?" A tall with green eyes and brunette hair asks.

"I'm looking for Mr. Wu?"

"Are you one of his students or classmates?"

"Former student actually-"

"I'm sorry, my husband is not here. What do you need from him? Should I tell him you dropped by? Is this regarding some projects?

Husband? He got married!? She hides the letter she plans on giving Mr. Wu. "Yes, it's about the project he gave. I was hoping he'll give us an extension?Anyway, I-"

"What's your name sweety?"

"Hmm.." Why is it difficult for her to think? "I-I have to go-"

DAY 1835

"I can't believe that my daughter co-owns a school. I'm proud of you!"

"Thank you for believing in me, mother!"

"You were right, Mary. Women can be anything, they're not just some decorations."

"Good morning Mrs. Desaulnier!"

"Hi Jack!"

"Oh, I'm glad you're back!" Mary embraces her friend, well former tutor Jack. "I missed you girl! How is married life?"

Ann joins the conversation, bringing some drinks, fresh juice drinks. "More importantly, how was your honeymoon with Naib?"

"Oh, I'm not ready for this. I better leave, see you at the manor Mary!"

"Goodbye mother!" The three waves their hands to Mrs. Desaulnier.

"Really Ann? You have to ask about the wedding night?" Mary rolls her eyes.

"Well, do you girls want me to demonstrate?"

"Oh, Jack please stop. We're in school! The very school we established-" Mary reminds them.

"Yes and classes are over, nobody's in school."

"Well, then we should close-"

Someone knocks on the door. They all look at the door. "Are you expecting anyone?"

Mary? No? Ann? Also no. Jack?

"Not that I know of-" He opens the door.

Who is it? The person on the door speaks. "May I talk to Miss Desaulnier?"

That voice! Mary and Ann looks at each other. Is it really Mr. Wu?!

Ann blinks her eyes, looking at her friend's face. It's as if the blood on Mary's system just got drained. Is she okay? She asks her in whispers. "Do you want to talk to him? Do you want us to send him out? Kill him? Are you-"

Mary takes a sip from her glass. She's fine! Meeting Mr. Wu again would one day happen, she has to be ready. She's never ready but she can pretend that she is. Right? She gathers her strength then walks to the opened door.

And there he is, Mr. Wu! Standing so tall as ever! Even more handsome! How can he look better? She was hoping that he would look terrible, but gosh. Did he become a model? "Hi, Mr. Wu!"

"Mary-"

"Why are you here?"

"I just came back from London-"

"So?" She tries to keep a blank face.

"I was hoping if I could enroll to your school and also apply?"

"You? Are you kidding me? What do you want to learn?"

"Actually, not me-" A girl comes out from behind him. She didn't notice her because Wu Chang is so tall, and lean now. Is he working out? He's in good shape. What is she thinking? She coughs. "My daughter. And I saw your job post-"

Yes, they have a job post for a position in the school.

"Office hours have pass-"

Jack interrupts her. "You know, Wu Chang, why don't you two get inside?"

"Thank you!"

His daughter look so shy, she just follows her father wherever he goes. She doesn't look anything like you, Mary wanted to say. Why is she even being this bad? Is she jealous of the child? Is she mad at this little girl for no reason?

This is too much for her! How she hates Mr. Wu for coming back to this town! Didn't she suffer enough? Now he wants to show off his family to her? His happily-ever-after?

"I just remember I have to go somewhere-"

Jack holds her hand. "Where are you going?"

If she doesn't leave she would just start crying and she doesn't want Mr. Wu to see her crying!

She leaves without looking back at her friends nor Mr. Wu and his daughter! The nerve of him to show his gorgeous face to her! How she hates how perfect he is!

MEANWHILE BACK IN SCHOOL...

"How have you been Wu Chang?"

"I'm fine, so are you and Ma-"

"What the hell are you doing here Mr. Wu!?" Ann's patience breaks.

"Ann, language please?" Jack reminds her that there is a little girl in the room.

"You and me, outside." Ann asks Mr. Wu to follow her.

"Let's get straight to the point, why are you here?"

"I-"

"What do you want from my friend!?"

"I just-"

"Tell me!"

"How can I tell you? You wouldn't let me finish. Goodness, I'm glad you weren't my student." Ann forces not to smile. Oh yes, he was lucky she wasn't his student! Imagine if she was! He'll go crazy for sure! "I think I'm inlove with Mary-"

"You think?" She is not satisfied with his answer and he can tell. "You're not even sure?! And gosh, your daughter is inside! Aren't you married? I'm not letting my friend be a mistress!" Mary is a bit weak when it comes to Mr. Wu. Eventually, she will do anything to be with him, even if it means becoming the other woman! Oh no! This has to stop before it even begins!

"You're thinking too much! Way too much!" Is she? "I was married, yes. And that's my step daughter-" Ann narrows her eyes. So that explains why the little girl doesn't look anything like Mr. Wu! She noticed that the moment she first saw the little girl, she just kept quiet. "My relationship with her mother was purely out of necessity, we needed each other."

"Just stop, I get it. Are you saying that you needed Mary in your life? That you could possibly love her now?"

"Yes, will you help me? To win her heart back?"

Oh, that is sweet. Ann thought to herself. Wait, she wouldn't let this be easy for Mr. Wu. If he thinks he could just bust in the door and claim her friend, well, he has to think again. He must go through some hell, let's say some things Ann has in mind. "Absolutely!" Her friends will definitely help her. They have to! But Mary shouldn't know! "But you see, she's inlove with Jack. It's a one-sided love. Maybe you could try to make her forget about him?" Huh! Yes, let's see you get hurt for a moment you stupid Mr. Wu! Ann feeds him some lies. Welcome to the dark side.

"She's inlove with Jack?"

"Yes, for so long, I know. When you left, he was there for her but it's just all physical for Jack, you know what I mean."

"If she's inlove with him, maybe I should just stay out of it-"

"What? No! This is where you come in, you just have to remind her of how much she is inlove with you!"

"Maybe me being here was a bad idea-"

"Don't just give up you dumbass! My friend came to London looking for you and here you are just quitting already without even trying?! Don't you have the balls to try?!" That makes her mad. Ann is losing it! How can this guy be so, so, stupid!?

"She came to London?"

That came out wrong! Will she still carry ouy her plan!? He already knows she looked for him in London. Which was my idea, by the way. "She studied there and looked for you. She met your wife. She waited for you, Mr. Wu. Now it's your turn to do something for her! Be a man Mr. Wu!"

DAY 1836

Mary is playing the piano when someone interrupts her. "You have to move your fingers like this-" He sits beside her, moving his long slender fingers on the piano. She inhales the ocean scent emanating from him. How she wanted to touch his beautiful hands, wrap her own around his. She stands up before she could even lose herself, moving far away from him. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to win your heart back."

What? Without any hesitation? He just went right there!

"Mr. Wu, you're married! How could you!"

"I was." She keeps her silence. "I am here because I can love you now freely, I think I am worthy now."

"You were always worthy to me, I never thought you to be anything else. You were the one who kept on running away from me. I didn't care about anything then, I just care about you. Only you."

"Do you know how much I resisted from you? You were so young, I couldn't take advantage of your youth, your innocence then-"

"Maybe I wanted you to take advantage of me, anyway, you're too late. I'm inlove with someone else. I gave my heart, my body to someone else. Since you wouldn't feel the same for me. I looked for someone who would. You were right, I'll forget about you."

Does she mean Jack? Ann said he's not even inlove with her. That evil Jack! How could he take advantage of the young Miss Mary back then? Well, do you wish it was you? Do you regret it? "Are you saying that you don't love me anymore? Not even a tiniest bit left? You said you'll wait for me-" He couldn't believe it. Does she really not love him anymore?

"I was just your student, you were my tutor. Do you honestly think that a young Mary would fall inlove with you? Wait for you?"

"Then why did you go to London? Why were you looking for me?"

Who told him that? How can she lie now? "Because I-I just want some closure, I I wanted to say it to your face that I am not inlove with you anymore, that's all."

"Please, don't lie to me-" He reaches for her hand, bringing him closer to him. "Do you really not love me anymore?" His right hand moves on top of her chest, just above her heart. "Then why does your heartbeat like this, like it used to before?"

Mary's eyes widens in surrender. She removes his hand, looking away. She couldn't look at him eye to eye. She feels so weak! His hands cup her face, bringing her up for a kiss. She should push him away, but why can't she? How long has she been waiting for this? How many times did she dream about this? Meeting him again? What's the point of struggling away from the one you love? She kisses him back, immitating how he kisses her. He is so sweet. More manly! How can she ever forget this? What must she do when her body is betraying her? This is wrong! Is she just going to give herself like this? With all of her might, she pushes him away. She runs out of the library, not really caring about how she looked like. Her dress is wrinkled, the sleeve a bit falling on her arm. Gosh! Why is he so fast? A second more and who knows? Maybe they would be both naked! The thought scares her, she falls on her knees. No one should see her like this.

DAY 1840

When she descends the staircase, she finds Mr. Wu at the end of it. Why is he here again?

"Miss Mary Desaulnier, may I court you?" He gives her a bouquet of flowers. What is this? "I can do this forever."

"You don't have to, honestly Mr. Wu-"

"Wu Chang, please call me Wu Chang. I will do whatever it takes, so that you can love me again. I will not stop until you become mine."

Mary wants to cry at that moment, but she controls herself. She finds Ann, Antonio and Jack by the porch, why are they here anyway? They give her a thumbs up sign. What are those three planning?

DAY 1850

"What are you doing?" Her eyes are covered. "Are you going to ravish me somewhere?" She knows where they are, not exactly though, but she has an idea. She can smell the sea, hear the waves crashing.

"Not yet-"

"Oh, aren't you the patient one?"

When he removes the cover on her eyes, she can't believe her eyes! There are lanterns floating in the air! He passes a lantern on her. "Make a wish."

"There's no need, you're already here." They smile to each other.

Wu Chang went down on knee, takes out a box from his pocket. "Miss Mary Desaulnier, I've known you for one thousand and one hundred twenty days, will you spend the rest of your remaining days with me? If so, then marry me. I love you!"

"Yes, I will spend all my days, all my nights with you. I will marry you!" He stands up. "You know I love you more than anything-" She jumps ups, tangles her arms around his neck as she wraps her legs around him. He laughs carrying her like that.

DAY 1940

Mary's First Letter to Wu Chang:

My dearest Mr. Wu,

I wish I could call you by your name, but I guess that's impossible. I don't really have a direction, you know? I don't really know what I want. Everything comes easy to me. Maybe that's why I don't really care. I didn't give sometime to think about my future. I mean, I thought it's alreadyaid out for me. I don't have to work that much because of my family's standing in this society. I don't really study that much because I know that my parents will support me all the time. I mean, their money can support us all my life. Then I met you, I think you work so much. You work hard more than the others. I heard you supported yourself your whole life. I cannot imagine how difficult you must've lived. To be far away from your family? I don't know how I will be if I were in your shoes. And yet, you were so accomplished despite your struggles. And I know that you will accomplish more in the future. I will always admire you Mr. Wu. I mean, I really really like you. Well, not from the first time I saw you. I didn't like you then. But as I came to be with you each day? Each class? All the time that we're together, I just can't help myself to be happy. You make me happy. Seeing you makes me happy. I love being with you. I don't know how else to put how I feel for you. All I know is that, I think I am falling for you. I hope that you will allow me to feel this way. I have never felt this way to anyone. I have never been so excited,or looking forward to each day! I have never imagined a future that I myself created with you. I mean. Maybe it's possible to write our own stories. Don't you think?

Yours,
Mary

"What are you-" Mary recognizes her letter. "You're still keeping this?

"Of course, I am!" He places the letter in the drawer.

"Oh, but you insisted on returning it when I gave it to you then-" He sweeps her off her feet, throwing her on the bed. "Why are you re-reading it?"

"I just want to recall our memories. Of how much I controlled from the moment you kissed me to until now-"

"What?"

"Do you know how many days passed from our first kiss?" He crawls on top of her.

"No?"

"It has been one thousand nine hundred and ten days. "

"That long?" She brushes his long hair with her hand.

"You see, I've been controlling myself from then. I've been holding myself back. You don't know how much I wanted to just kiss you, take you right there and then that day. I mean, as a man, you see-"

"Well, you should know that I actually waited for you."

"What do you mean?"

"You'll see!" She winks at him. "It's our wedding night afterall. Our very first night together." God knows how much she waited for this.

AFTER THEIR FIRST NIGHT TOGETHER AS HUSBAND AND WIFE...

"What the **** Mary! How could you! I was going crazy about that! Do you know how much I've been controlling myself not to kill Jack?"

"There was nothing between us, actually he's married, he's gay Wu Chang!"

"How were you all able to hide that from me?"

"My friends are quite reliable you see-" Wu Chang's eyes swells with tears. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to-"

"I'm just happy. All this time, I thought you and Jack-" She wipes his tears. "I thought you two were intimate and that killed me inside. I have that regret, haunting me. I keep going back to that moment when I could have had you, but I didn't. Do you have any idea how-"

"And now you have me from this moment until the moment our earthly body dies. You will always be my first and last. The only man I will make love to! I love you, my Mr. Wu! Stop crying, I will cry too!"

"Come here you little liar-" They both cry and laugh. "Let me punish you-"

"It's not really a punishment if I like it though-"

Mary's Second Letter to Mr. Wu:

My dearest Mr. Wu,

By the time you read this, I might be standing in front you. Either I pleaded you to keep this because I got rejected again or you finally accepted my love and we'll live happily-ever-after. It's childish of me to think this way. That life is that easy. It's never easy. A lot of things happened when you left. I'm trying to pave my own path. I'm trying to better. I cancelled my season. I never chose anyone. I chose myself. One day, I will have my own name. I will be known because of me, not because of my parents. I hope. I may not get marry. I don't know. All I know is that I still love you. And will wait for you. You said fate might bring us back together, but you see we can't just leave it to fate. Fate is negotiable. Yes, there is an ending to each decision we make. And each time we choose, it gives us a different ending. What I'm trying to say is. Fate is not permanent. It can be changed. We can change it. I don't know if I am making any sense. I just love you.

Yours,
Mary