New Life : A Second Chance

Ramona led them to the living room and told them to have a seat while she went to the kitchen.

Kay followed her in and hesitated for a while as she watched Ramona go to the kitchen. She indicated to Agent Milk to stay in the living room, while she followed Ramona.

Inside, she saw Ramona filling a kettle with water. Ramona did not realise Kay had entered, and Kay observed as her trembling hands struggled to lift the heavy kettle. Kay reached over, taking it from her hands.

Ramona jumped, completely taken by surprise at Kay's gesture.

"It's okay," Kay said gently, putting the kettle on.

There were a small dining table and chairs in the kitchen, and the two of them sat down while waiting for the kettle to boil.

Kay handed her the phone and played the video without saying anything.

Ramona watched, tears streaking down her face as she saw her son, smiling and waving happily at her, "Hello Mama!! Mama, don't cry and don't worry. I am fine. I am here with Big Brother Kyle and Big Brother Xing Han and they are taking very good care of me."

The camera then turned and showed Xing Han, who smiled and waved, saying "Hello Auntie."

The camera went back to Little Kyle, "They saved me."

Then, Little Kyle became all serious as he said, "Mama, Dad wanted to give me to Uncle Xian."

Ramona, upon hearing this, almost dropped the phone.

"Mama, I'll be home soon. I miss you! Love you soooooooo much!!" Little Kyle finished, blowing kisses to the phone.

Kay watched silently, not saying a word as she waited for Ramona to calm down and gather her wits. Ramona gave the phone back to Kay and went back to the kitchen sink, washing her face. Her back was slumped over, and she started crying again.

Kay came and simply held her while she sobbed.

Finally, she wiped her face and looked at Kay ruefully, "I'm sorry. I'm such a mess. I ruined your clothes."

Kay smiled, saying, "This is nothing. It's just clothes. Are you feeling any better?"

Ramona nodded.

"Thank you," she whispered, "Thank you for saving my son."

"I am sure you know that the danger isn't over yet," Kay said gently, looking at her seriously, "We need to know everything there is to know about Sheng Xian and why he wants your son so badly."

Ramona shook her head, "No. You've done more than enough. I can handle this by myself."

Kay shook her head as well, "No, I'm sorry but we can't let you do that."

Ramona looked at her fiercely and said firmly, "I am grateful for all that you've done but believe me, this is not something you should get involved in."

Kay merely smiled, and led her to the seat, "We are already involved."

Ramona sat down while Kay went to the cupboard, finding cups, saucers and a teabag. She quickly made tea while Ramona was sitting dazedly on the chair. When Kay placed a cup of tea in front of her, she jolted out of her thoughts and looked horrified.

"Oh gosh! I made a guest .." Ramona began, stumbling over her words when Kay sat down, with her own cup of tea.

"Do not worry about it," Kay said, sipping the tea, "It is a small matter. Why don't you just tell me your story?"

Ramona shook her head again, saying gently, holding onto Kay's hand, "Listen to me, my child. You're still so young and you should be out there, having fun. Please do not worry. Kyle and I will be fine. I have done this before, and I can do it again."

"You mean, hiding away? If they could find him this time, they can find him again," Kay said, making Ramona's eyes fill up with fear. She knew that, but she still didn't want to involve anyone else. It was just too dangerous.

"How long do you plan to run away? Or perhaps, marry again just like you did with Cornelius, just so that you can give Kyle, or should I say, Sheng Wenyu, a new name officially?" Kay asked with a tilt of her head.

"How did you know?" she asked, feeling shocked that Kay figured out her true motive for marrying Cornelius. At that time, he had been a very nice man and although she didn't love him, life with him was not bad. He treated her decently and in return, she took care of him.

Despite the fact that she didn't love him, it did not mean she would tolerate his cheating on her. She could never forgive anyone who did such a thing.

"I am like you," Kay began, "In the sense that what you see, is not what is true."

Ramona studied Kay, who looked back at her with her clear, blue eyes. There was confidence in them, and a strength that she sometimes felt she lacked. Why did it seem like the girl was far more capable than what is portrayed? Is that what she meant by 'what you see is not what is true'?

"So you're not a teenager?" she asked.

Kay laughed a bit at that, "Yes, I am but that is not all that I am. Let's just say that my brother and I have the capabilities to save you, and your son - but only if you let us."

Ramons smiled ruefully, "If only that was true. Since you know Kyle's real name, I am sure you know who is behind all of this. The Shengs are not one that you can mess with."

"Why don't you tell me the story, and let me be the judge of that?" Kay replied, "They found Kyle once, and they can do it again. The only way to stop it is to pull it out of the roots."

Ramona laughed at that. Not a laugh to ridicule her, but a laugh that was borne out of desperation and fear. Again, Kay didn't say anything but let Ramona laugh to her heart's content. She had so many things bottled up and pent up that it was a miracle she wasn't more stressed out.

"At the very least, you've been holding onto the story for so long. Talking it out would help ease the burden a bit," Kay persuaded.

Ramona sighed, nodding her head.

"Perhaps I should," Ramona said, looking into the distance as she held the warm cup of tea in her hands. As if she was gathering courage from the heat, to fill up the coldness in her heart.