by Liwen Y. Ho
Lucy pouted, her lips yearning for more. Why did Micah stop? Wait, who was that yelling—
“Lucy? Micah? Get out of the car with your hands up!”
“It’s your dad!” Micah shouted, scrambling for the car handle. “He saw us kissing! I am so dead.”
She turned and came face-to-face with a police officer glaring into her window. Oh man, Micah was right. They were in so much trouble.
* * *
Present Day (May)
“Having fun yet?”
Lucy glanced at the other side of the gymnasium door where Micah stood. The two of them had volunteered to chaperone the last dance of the school year together. He had traded in his blue dress shirt for a short-sleeved one with a tropical leaf print. “So much fun. I’ve always wanted to stand outside a smelly gym on a Friday night and be a bouncer.”
He chuckled. “I can’t see you, but I bet you’re rolling your eyes right now.”
She held up the flashlight she was using to check student ID’s and placed it under her chin. When the beam of light hit her face, she raised her eyes to the night sky. “You guessed right.”
“It could be a lot worse. Last year I had to stay inside most of the evening. That was uncomfortable. You wouldn’t believe some of the movements the kids call dancing these days. Makes me glad I’m no longer in high school.”
“That’s the irony of it all. We graduated and yet we decided to come back.” She switched off the flashlight with a sigh. Well, at least one of them had made the choice. If she had her way, she’d still be living in Los Angeles and looking for an acting job or a modeling gig. Although now that she’d been teaching for a year, she couldn’t imagine giving it up. Micah had been right; God did have a hand in working things together for good. He had given her a job of doing something she was passionate about. “I am grateful though for this job. It pays the bills and it’s fun. Thank you again for helping me get it.”
“I didn’t do much really. Your resume spoke for itself. Not every drama teacher can say they had a role in a blockbuster movie.”
“A minor role in a blockbuster movie,” she laughed. “Although I did get to meet Chris Pratt. That was cool. He’s as funny in person as he is on screen.”
“Do you miss it? The acting?”
A cool breeze blew, causing goosebumps to rise along her bare skin. She ran her hands up and down her arms to warm herself. Her sarong dress with its orange, red, and white hibiscus flowers was more cute than practical, but she’d wanted to fit in with the dance’s Hawaiian theme. The dress also held so many memories of her favorite vacation destination, some of which Micah had been a part of. She sensed his eyes on her as he waited for an answer. “Yes and no. I miss the action and excitement of being on set, but I don’t miss the long days. And I most certainly don’t miss the rejections.”
“I’m sure those weren’t easy.” He paused. “You never talked much about your time there after you came home. Your Instagram made it look so glamorous. It wasn’t always like that, was it?”
“You followed me on Instagram? You never told me that.”
“That’s what the little people do when their friends go off to become big movie stars.”
“Ha ha, you’re funny,” she smirked. Knowing Micah had kept track of her while she was gone sent a warm feeling through her chest. When she’d moved to Hollywood, they’d parted on bad terms, mostly because she had gone against his—and everyone else’s—advice. Pursuing acting hadn’t been the wisest choice, but she didn’t regret the opportunities she’d received, nor the lessons they came with. Being on her own away from her family and friends had forced her to rely on God. It also made her appreciate her loved ones more, even her dad and Micah who could be a tad overprotective. She released a long breath before confiding in him. “It was actually a pretty lonely time for me. I guess I don’t talk about it much because you and everyone else were right. It’s hard making it as an actor. It’s even harder when you don’t look like most of the actors in Hollywood. I was never white enough or Asian enough.”
“Is that why you dyed your hair?”
“My agent thought it would help. That’s how I landed that movie role. The part was for an all-American girl. They did let me keep my real eye color. I tried not to take it personally. It’s just something I had to do to fit in, like a job requirement.”
“But you’re not in that line of work anymore. Why do you still keep it blonde?”
She shrugged. “At first it was because I didn’t want to damage my hair by coloring it again. And then it was because I met John.”
“And you wanted to match with him?”
She cringed. The idea hadn’t sounded so ridiculous in her head, but now that Micah was saying it out loud, it was a bit crazy. But she’d never admit that to him. “Of course not. I’m not one of those crazy women who makes her boyfriend wear matching outfits. I just figured that was the me he fell for. And the blonde Lucy seems to have a lot more luck with guys than the black-haired one, wouldn’t you agree?”
“What about the brown-haired Lucy? The real you?”
“What about her? Honestly, it’s been so long since I was a brunette, I don’t even remember what it was like. I was twelve when I first colored it.”
“Thirteen, actually.” He paused. “I remember that girl. I kind of miss her.”
Where was this coming from? Before Lucy could ask, a group of teenagers approached them.
“Hi guys.” Micah greeted each student by name, checked their ID’s, and waved them inside. “Have fun and behave yourselves.”
A couple of the boys—football players by the looks of their muscular builds—gave Lucy an appreciative once-over as they lined up to walk through the doors. One of them called out, “Cool dress, Ms. Choi.”
“Thank you, Donny,” she smiled. “Great job again on today’s improv scene. You really improved on your use of ‘Yes, And’.”
“Uh, thanks.”
Even in the near darkness, Lucy knew she’d embarrassed her student by the way he muttered his response. His friends didn’t help the matter as they slapped him on the back and poked fun at his acting skills. “Hey,” she admonished, “you guys better be nice to him so he’ll remember you when he makes it big one day. He’s got talent. Don’t let them tell you otherwise, Donny.”
“I appreciate it, Ms. Choi,” Donny replied in a louder voice. He gave her a quick nod before he followed his friends into the gym.
Micah walked over to her with respect on his face. “You’re really good at what you do. Donny’s changed since he started taking your class. He was in my office a lot last year and I’ve seen what a difference drama has made in his life.”
“Thanks. I understand now why you’re so passionate about your job. These kids are really something. They can be tougher and more honest than any movie critic, but they’re so endearing. I’m glad I came back home.”
“This job may not be as glamorous as acting or modeling, but it’s definitely worthwhile. Being able to impact someone like that is far better than any Academy award you could win.”
“I know.” She ducked her head. He’d been right all along. “It’s funny how the things I thought were important before don’t matter much now. I should’ve listened to you, Micah. It was a waste of time trying to make it big. Go ahead and say it, I told you so.”
“Lucy, I’m not here to condemn you. I’m sorry I made you feel that way before. We’ve all done things we wished we hadn’t. It’s hard enough living life without having someone come down on you for your mistakes. God doesn’t condemn us anymore either. We’ve been set free because of the cross. It’s time we both lived that truth.”
Hm? This was a different Micah than the one she’d grown up with. His tone was so gentle and gracious, it cut through her fear and shame. She met his gaze and smiled. He really was a good guy. Under different circumstances, he’d be someone she could fall for. She had fallen for him time and time again over the years, but those instances were nothing
compared to now. They were both older and wiser and a relationship finally seemed within reach ... but she was with John now. Funny how life worked out like that. She wrapped her arms around herself, wishing she could protect her heart the same way. Attempting to lighten the mood, she joked, “Listen to yourself. You really are wise beyond your years, Mikey.”
“I guess God’s been teaching me some things recently. Hey, you’re shivering.” He took her flashlight and put it, along with his, in his pants pocket. Then he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “Come on, let’s go in. Most of the students have arrived. We can hang out inside at the entrance.”
“Okay,” she agreed even though she wished they could stay outside—just the two of them—a little longer. There was so much weighing on her heart and mind, so much she wanted to say. But he was already ushering her through the gym doors and into the warm, stuffy air inside.
The stench of wet socks assaulted her senses. Despite the familiar smell, the gym looked and felt different tonight. Colorful flashing lights bounced off the dark walls and the bass of a popular hip hop song blasted through the large speakers on either side of the DJ booth. The kids had done an excellent job of turning the gym into a tropical paradise, complete with a palm tree silhouette backdrop for photos. Most of the attendees on the dance floor, as well as those sitting on the bleachers, wore floral shirts and plastic leis.
Micah spoke into her ear over the pounding music. “Brings back a lot of memories, doesn’t it?”
Lucy was surprised to find Micah’s arm still around her, but she wasn’t complaining. “Of the trip our families took together to Kauai?”
“I was actually thinking about your junior prom.”
“My prom—didn’t we vow never to speak of that? Some things, like my dad’s face pressed up against your car window, are best left in the past.” She pretended to shudder. That was one of the worst decisions she’d ever made, and unfortunately, she’d dragged Micah into it. “If it weren’t for my mom, I’m sure you would’ve gotten locked up that night. You’d have a criminal record and would never have been able to become a counselor.”
“It was a kiss, Luce.”
“But you were an adult and I was a minor.”
“Okay, so the circumstances were a bit shady”—he shot her a grin—“but it was just a kiss.”
Just a kiss? Even without the aggravating circumstances—her dad’s words, not hers—that kiss was high on her list of most memorable experiences. “It was the first time I ever kissed a guy. It was a big deal to me.”
He cocked his head and studied her, his expression serious. “I wasn’t implying it didn’t mean anything. I meant there was nothing your dad could’ve charged me with. All he could do was lecture me and make me promise never to pursue you.”
“He did what? Is that what you guys talked about after I got sent to my room?”
Nodding, he gave her a tight-lipped smile. “He also swore me to secrecy to never tell you about our pact, but it’s been nine years and we’re both adults now. A lot’s changed since then.”
A lot had changed. Her stomach fluttered under his gaze. She swallowed hard, her heart pounding along with the dance song’s fast rhythm. She hadn’t had a reaction like this since—she couldn’t recall when, but it wasn’t recently. John never made her feel this way, she realized sadly. Only Micah did. The boy she’d been in love with ever since she moved next door. But could she tell him? “Micah—”
Their attention shifted as the music suddenly changed tempo. The DJ took to the mic and announced, “We’re taking it back in time and slowing things down now with The Beach Boys.” The cheerful guitar intro to “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” played over the speakers, followed by one single drum hit.
Micah had dropped his arm from her shoulder and turned to face her. He leaned down and asked with a hopeful expression, “Yes? What is it?”
“I—I need to tell you something.”
The DJ continued, cutting her off. “This song goes out to a special teacher and woman here tonight. A Lucy—”
Lucy’s ears perked up and her eyes zeroed in on the stage where the DJ was talking to a tall man in a blue Hawaiian print shirt and khakis. Oh my goodness—John?! What was he doing here? Wasn’t he supposed to be at the hospital?
“Lucy Choi! Where are you, Lucy?” The DJ gazed out into the crowd of teenagers who were now cheering wildly. “John has something he wants to ask you.”
“What—no, this can’t be happening,” Lucy managed to squeeze out through her dry mouth. John couldn’t possibly be—oh, but he was. With the help of the students nearby who were pointing her out, he was making his way over. He sank to one knee before her and presented her with a diamond ring.
All she could think about was how he’d asked to see her left hand the other week. Why hadn’t she caught on to his plan? What was she supposed to do now? And Micah, where was he? She glanced around the sea of faces until her gaze landed on those familiar dark brown eyes. He’d been edged out by some female students who were shrieking in excitement at the pending proposal. John’s proposal to her. What was she to do? If she ever needed the Lord’s guidance, now was it. She said a quick prayer and hoped once again that God would work everything out.
Objection
July, 6 years ago
Micah
“Mikey, isn’t it amazing here?”
Micah opened his eyes and turned to his right. The sun seemed to shine stronger in Hawaii than in California, causing him to squint even with his sunglasses on. His and Lucy’s family had arrived on the island of Kauai early that morning. As soon as they had checked into their hotel, the kids had rushed to the pool. Their parents on the other hand were resting in their rooms. He’d planned on relaxing while Lexi and Hope—both now thirteen and capable swimmers—entertained themselves for a while. Lucy sat beside him with a bottle of sunscreen in her hands. The sparkle in her hazel eyes reflected the enthusiasm in her voice. So much for catching up on sleep. She was too excited to keep quiet, but he didn’t blame her. “It is amazing. The sky is bluer, the air is cleaner, and the ocean water’s warm. I thought the beaches back home were nice, but you can’t beat the weather here.”
“Or the view,” Lucy added with a giddy tone. She sighed with pleasure as she scanned the pool area. She kicked off her flip-flops and lifted her legs onto the reclining chair. “There are so many good-looking guys. I know where I’m going to hang out all week.”
Micah sat up on his recliner and lowered his shades. What the— “Lucy Samantha Choi. What do you think you’re doing?”
“I’m putting sunscreen on. You know how easily I burn.”
He raised a brow. Sure, her paler complexion did require more sun protection than most Asians, but she was going overboard on the application. More specifically, the manner of application. She’d raised the hem of her cotton cover-up to her hips, revealing a lot of skin in the process. Sure, it was appropriate swimwear, but when had she started acting so … sexy? Lucy was only eighteen, but something had changed since she graduated high school. Maybe it was the fact that she’d been discovered by a modeling agency a few months ago. The coy smile on her face resembled the one from her first print ad. “You’re not doing an ad for sunscreen. Tone it down. You’re attracting attention.”
She shot him a wide-eyed glare. “That’s what I’m trying to do,” she murmured in exasperation. “Ooh, I think the guy in the orange swim trunks is looking over here. Quick, Mikey, help me.”
Groaning, he took the bottle she handed him. “I don’t want any part of this. What if your dad comes down and sees you flirting with a strange guy?”
“He’s going shopping with my mom later, so they won’t be back for a while. And this guy’s not strange. He looks perfectly normal … and perfectly adorable.” She undid the belt of her cotton cover-up and let it fall to the chair. Brushing her long black hair to one side, she turned so her back faced Micah. “Can you put some sunscreen on my shoulders and back?”
He swallowed hard. What happened to the innocent black one-piece she used to wear? Today’s bright pink bikini left little to the imagination and was making heads turn. Several young men in the area had noticed Lucy. Their wandering eyes reminded him of the guys he’d met in college who only had one thing on their minds—and it wasn’t an education. Lucy had no idea what she was asking for. He reached over and yanked her cover-up around her shoulders. “This isn’t a good idea.”
“Micah, you’re not my dad! Stop acting like one,” she demanded as she shook off his hands.
“But I am your big brother and I’m here to protect you.”
“I don’t need your protection,” she huffed. “I can’t wait to go to college. I’ll be far away at UCLA where no one can tell me what to do.”
He was afraid of that. “There’s still time to switch schools. You don’t have to go three hundred miles away.”
She turned to face him. “I don’t want to go anywhere else. I want to live near Hollywood so I can start acting. I have places to go, Micah, things to do, people to meet. I want to make it big. I’m going to make it big.”
“Wanting something and actually achieving it are two very different things. It’s not easy to become a movie star. If it were, everyone would be doing it.”
Her jaw dropped. “Have you been talking to my dad? Why do you both think I won’t make it? I thought you of all people would be on my side.”
“I am on your side, Luce. I’ll always be on your side,” he insisted. “Why can’t you be happy with what you have? You’ve got a great family, you have friends back at home. You could just as easily do some acting at the community theater or more modeling in San Francisco. Why do you want to go so far away?”
“I’m not like you, Mikey. I want to explore what’s out there. It’s something I need to do.”
“That’s the thing I don’t get. If you stay close to home, you’ll be near all the people you love and who love you. That’s what matters the most. How can you not see that?”
