JASMINE CHEN & CHRISTINE KIM - SECRET

Jasmine Chen is a classical pianist that practices Shaolin Kungfu and Tai Chi. She is addicted to Pokemon Go, but only because she was deprived of Pokemon games when she was young. She likes taking pictures of cloud formations, but only after it rains.


Christine Kim envies people with face dimples, because unfortunately she only has dimples on her back. She hates vinegar. Christine finds views from the top soothing, even though she is afraid of heights.

                                          Secret


​            “Ellie! Please, talk to me.”
            “No, just leave me alone.”
            “Please, you’re acting so different lately. Why do you keep avoiding me? I really don’t understand.”
            Ellie sighed. “Jay, I’m sick and tired of seeing you keep choosing your work over me. And you know what? I don’t want to deal with it anymore. If you keep prioritizing other things than me, I don’t think we should be together.  Do you even care about our relationship?”
            “How can you say that? Of course I care Ellie. You are my girlfriend.”
            “If I am, then you have a weird way of showing it!” She dashed across the campus to her dorm. As she entered her room, tears started running down her face. “He better not end our relationship like this,” Ellie sniffled.
            A few hours past, Ellie, feeling hungry, decided to grab a quick meal at the cafeteria. However, just as she put her hand on the doorknob, she hesitated.  I have to pass by Jay’s room to get there. What if we meet? She wondered, Jay is probably not even there, maybe off doing his crazy job and whatnot. And who cares if I see him? He should be the one worrying.  As Ellie walked along the dorm hall, she heard a voice in Jay’s room. She leaned closer to listen with curiosity.
            “No, what I’m saying is that… Well, yes, the infiltration has… some of the targets… the smugglers may have… I’ll give the Controller the eyes only via… I’ve done the routine dry cleaning. Thank you, agent.”
            Ellie furrowed her eyebrows. What on earth was he talking about? Before she could conclude, she heard Jay’s voice again.
“Yes. What do you want…. No, you can’t do that. Listen you’re a spy and I’m a spy. We have to work together...” Ellie couldn’t believe what she just heard. Jay is a spy! Suddenly, she heard footsteps coming towards the door. Heart racing, she dashed back to her dorm. When she got back, her cellphone rang. It was Jay.
“Uh, hello?” She answered.
“Hey Ellie. Do you think you could meet me at my dorm right now? It’s urgent.”
            Ellie hesitated, “Uh, sure. I’ll be there in 5 minutes.” She hung up the phone and headed to his place.
The door was open and the room was dark when she got there. “Hello?” She called out. She took a few steps in. Then, out of nowhere, she felt someone blindfold her and tie her down to a chair.
            Just when she was about to cry out for help, Ellie felt someone take off the blindfold. Ellie saw Jay standing in front of her, his hands behind his back. “Jay?” She tried to move but saw that she was clearly tied up well. “Jay,” she said, panic rising in her voice, “what’s going on? Why am I all tied up?”
            “Ellie, I’m sorry, I really am. But I can’t have someone blow my cover.”
            “What are you talking… Oh, my god. You really are a spy!” Ellie struggled against her bonds. “Why didn’t you tell me! I’m your girlfriend! How could you - ”
            Ellie trailed off as Jay raised his right hand, exposing a black handgun. With a visibly pained expression, Jay cocked the gun. “I’m sorry Ellie. I have to, there’s no other way.”
“No! Please don’t shoot. Jay please. I promise I’ll do anything to keep it a secret!” Ellie sobbed.
“I hate to do this to you too, but just letting you go is going against my contract. I’m sorry Ellie. I’m truly sorry.” He squeezed the trigger. Ellie screamed.
            A cold jet of water splashed onto her face, leaving her sputtering and utterly shocked. For a minute, Ellie stared dumbfoundedly at Jay, the water dripping down her face. Then, Jay broke into a smile and doubled over laughing.
            Ellie exploded, “Jay! For God’s sake, why the heck did you do that to me! You scared me half to death!”
            Jay explained. “Oh Ellie, I never intended to hurt you! Ha ha ha! It’s just a joke! A joke to make you think I was a spy!”
            Ellie glared at him until he finally regained control of his composure.
            “Geez Jay. That’s not funny.”
            “I know. I know. Look, I was thinking all day to gain back your trust and our relationship. I just thought it would be nice if we reenacted our spy play we did for first grade play night. Because that’s the day we first made a conversation. I wanted to bring back ourselves to day one and try to start fresh and new.”
            Ellie softened her face. “Aww, you still remember that time?”
“Of course I do. How can I possibly forget? That’s the day that got us to where we are now. And there’s one more thing. I’m really sorry for my attitude lately. I don’t want to make any excuses for it. You’ll always be my number one whenever and whatever I do.”
“Fine, I’ll gladly accept your apology.” She smiled as she rolled her eyes.
“Thank you Ellie. I know that I haven’t been great lately because, you know, balancing my hectic job and social life was tough. But I’ll try my best to make it up to you. I really will.”
            “Okay. Reminiscing old memory is good but can you please let me go now?!”
            “Oh, oops I forgot.” Jay chuckled as he went to untie her.
            “Thanks.” She got up from her chair. “I guess I’ll see you around tomorrow then?”
            “Sure. Later.” They shared a kiss.
When they parted, Ellie smiled and opened the door to leave. When she was out the door, she heard Jay mumble, “She will never know.” And the door clicked into place.