MyStandIN: Back to Joe (alternate ending)

6- Our affairs

Tong and I had been lovers for a few months already.

I thought I'd get money out of him, then disappear. As all the people gravitating around him, I was caught in his trap. There was something about him... That lingering feeling of looking into a mirror, seeing a gleaming reflection of myself, which charmed everyone. That thing happening when our clothes were lying on the floor, as my skin was against his... that held me prisoner. Simply intoxicating.

Mom and I moved out of our old apartment into Tong's. Spacious, bright and modern. Quiet neighborhood. From then on, I no longer had to worry about finding new projects. Tong recuited me as a stand-in for his modelling jobs too. Since we looked the same, I would do the pre shooting fittings, attend rehearsals when he didn't have time to. When brands or promotional jobs didn't appeal to him, he'd send me in last minute. I began to make a name for myself. Yet Tong would present himself as my mentor, sometimes my sponsor, making himself look good. People began to gossip, before thinking his withdrawal was due to his oh-so famous laziness or aloofness. Tong was doing even less than before... did more of the nothingness he used people to... boasting about personal projects he kept well under wraps. Working together, Tong was still making the same unpleasant remarks in public. However he would later make up for it in bed. I couldn't complain, I was receiving more paycheck, so much so that I could slowly reimburse Mum's debts. On the other hand, although self centred, Tong was a really selfless lover.

A lovely woman... I felt bad for her as we crossed paths several times. I couldn't believe Ming's sister didn't suspect anything. She must have thought « the other one » was a woman. Not finding lipstick or make-up stains, nor long dark hair on his clothes, she must have felt safe, convinced herself it was all in her head. Under Tong's wing, I'd managed to keep her brother at distance. No contracts between us. That psychopath could no longer have me at his mercy. Still I could feel Ming spying on my every move. In public places, I had the impression I was followed. I could never let my guard down.

Tong and I avoided each other in public. A few words exchanged. His assistant kept in touch with me when needed. We would meet in hotels outside the city, not to arouse any suspicion. He'd come first. I'd meet him a few hours later. We'd make feverish love trying new positions, talk about work, smoke some weed, make love again being high, slowly came down from our cloud, have a meal together before going on our separate ways. I'd leave first. He'd make sure we hadn't left any traces. From the start, it was clear for the both of us, that our relationship had an expiration date. Nonetheless, some raging fire burned us both while we thought we were merely playing with flames.

In spring, we decided to head out of town, after the shooting of another intense action scene. Tong wanted to enjoy a few days' well-deserved rest. He arrived at our favorite hotel on Friday evening. I joined him around midnight for a steamy all-nighter. The following day we woud take his car to continue our road trip together... Something I always wanted to do but never had the time. To avoid arousing suspicions, we left the room at around 5am.

Arriving at the parking lot, I spotted a black Toyota with dark windows parked next to Tong's car. Something was off. I rushed towards our Honda when the black door opened. A staggering Ming stepped out, holding a soju bottle. Behind him, the passenger seat was full of empty beer cans.

- You... You both spent the night at this hotel...

- Ming, are you drunk?, noticed Tong.

- Not at all!, answered Ming, before losing his balance, falling to the ground.

Tong rushed to help him up. Ming rejected his help.

- Still pretending you're a saint... but you're cheating on my sister... With Joe... My Joe!

Ming's voice grew hoarse.

- I waited 2 years for you... You abandoned me like a rabid dog... For what ? Money? How much is he paying you?

Tong stood between me and Ming, preventing me from punching him.

- What's your price, huh? I'll double it.

- Ming, stop! You're indecent!, Tong countered.

- You cheat on my sister with your standin gigolo... and you talk about decency!

Ming angrily smashed the soju bottle on the floor, slowly took a knife out of his pocket, threatening us. The sound of breaking glass echoed in the empty parking lot. Suddenly, the rapt memories came back, little by little. I was tetanized by fear.

- Without my family, our money, our connections, you'd never have gotten where you are today!, his voice was echoing around us, the knife still in his hands.

- I will talk to you when you sober up Ming! Not before !

Tong turned his back, headed to our car. Ming threw thw knife at Tong, fortunately missing him.

- Get in the car! Let's not stay here, Joe.

Ming stumbled, trying to go after us.

- You two won't get away from me. Damn you!

Tong put the car into gear, started it up, while Ming was still shouting in the parking lot. By the time we left the hotel, we thought we were safe.

In the early hours of the morning, we drove along the road leading to the harbor. All of a sudden, Ming's Toyota appeared in the rear-view mirror, speeding towards us.

- Tong, he's right behind us!, I warned him.

As we approached the first exit, Ming rolled down the window.

- Get out of the car!, he screeched.

- Ming! Stop, you're drunk!

- You'll see if I'm drunk!

Ming charged at us, almost running us off the road at the second exit, denting the car.

- You're insane!, screamed Tong.

- Wild with rage, yes! For my sister and me!

Ming charged at us again at the third exit.

- The last time I saw him like that, was when old Joe died. He lost his mind.

Seeing us talking, Ming crashed in our car again. Tong, beside himself, stared at me decisively.

- Hang on, Joe!

Ming was preparing to slam the car again, when Tong stopped the vehicle dead in his tracks. My body was thrown forward, the airbags inflated. Within seconds, I saw Ming's car leave the road, crash into a tree. I blacked out.