Fiance For Hire - Mark Tuan vs. Jackson

6

"Are you coming to work today, Su?" Marj calls Susan on Friday morning since Jackson wouldn't stop bugging her about it. 

"Yes, ma'am."

"Great. Jackson wants you to sign this contract. It's just for formalities, don't worry. See you later then."

"Thanks."

"So, is she going?" Jackson asks after he sees his friend hang up. 

"Yes, Jackson. Now go and practice your routine. Mark's almost done. You're up next." She pushes Jackson up to go and practice in front of the mirror. 

"How did you get her to agree?" JB whispers at Marj. "I thought you said she hates him."

"Well, actually, I didn't do anything. Her brother is in the hospital and I guess she needs the money now more than ever." She sighs, feeling sorry for Su. 

"Anyway, have you seen Mark? He's like...he's been smiling the whole morning." JB says, noticing how good Mark's mood was when he entered class. "He's usually giddy when exam day comes."

"I know right?" Marj noticed it, too. "You think he's got a girlfriend?"

"He's always been secretive about the girls he goes out with. But...maybe." JB looks at Marj with eyes saying 'Are you thinking what I'm thinking?'.

Marj answers him with the same look. "Shall we?" She giggles. "Oh...but we can't do it today. Jackson would be meeting Su. Maybe we'll just follow him tomorrow," she says excitedly.

JB wriggles his brows. "Deal!"

"Wish me luck guys," Jackson heaves a sigh as he sees Mark enter the room. "Mark, how'd you do?"

"Ok...I guess," he shrugs. He immediately takes out his phone and starts texting. 

"See," JB whispers again, "who do you think he's texting? Could it be a girl?"

"Hey, Mark!" Marj calls, "You still up for the party this weekend?" 

"Sure!" He answers without even looking up, "Oh...wait...I'm not sure. I'll just call you guys if ever."

The couple exchange a knowing look. 

"Are you coming with us to the cafe later? Jackson's meeting up with his 'fiance'." Marj tests him again. 

"I can't. I need to ...uhm...my dad asked me to go with him tonight." 

"It's certainly a girl," Marj tells JB. "He never missed an after exam party."

"I wonder who the girl is."

____

'How's Jerry? I'm done with my test. We just need to wait for our grades. What are you doing?' Su reads Mark's text on her way to the grocery store. She just finished working at the market for the morning and she's headed to her second job for the day. It's a Friday and she has to finish all her work before the day ends. Because this weekend, she would be staying at the hospital. 

She has a different work routine in the weekends. She only works in the market, the grocery store and the cafe from Mondays to Fridays. She babysits a two-year old kid on Saturdays. And on Sundays, she doesn't have work to do. During this day, she would usually clean the house and do their laundry. 

'I'm on my way to the store. Jer's still the same. Thanks for asking. So how'd your dance go?' She replies. 

'Just ok. I think. I'll drop by the hospital later.' Mark.

'You don't have to, Mark. You've already done plenty.' Su.

'I want to. :)' Mark.

'Thanks. :)' Su.