Fiance For Hire - Mark Tuan vs. Jackson

16

"It wouldn't be the same without you though." 

Mark's words wouldn't leave Su's thoughts as she lays her head on the backrest of the chair on the plane. She's fan-girling on her own. 

"If I heard him right, does that mean he likes me?" She wants to think so, but her common sense tells her it's impossible. "He's just being nice, I guess."

"What are you smiling about?"

She opens her eyes and sees Jackson eyeing her, puzzled. "None of your biz." She scoffs. Hating him more that he rudely interrupted her day dreaming. 

"Psshhh... You're so boring, you know that?" He rolls his eyes and crosses his arms in front of him as he leans back on the chair. 

"I know!" She simply answers. "But, Mark thinks otherwise." That thought just makes her smile again. 

"Weird."

"Annoying." She comments back. "What happened to the sweet Jackson last night?"

____

A car is already waiting for them when they land. They're still not talking to each other when they get in. 

They drop off Su at the hospital as per her request. She couldn't wait to check on her brother, Jerry. 

Dr. Tuan is in the room when she enters. "You're here." She seems surprised to see her though. "Aren't you supposed to be with Mark and his friends?"

"Oh." She smiles at her, "I left them there. Nobody's gonna watch over Jer."

"You didn't have to worry. Mark specifically instructed some of the nurses here to watch him."

"Mark did that?"  "Uhm. Thanks. But, it's my responsibility." She answers instead. 

"Mark told me you've been pretty stressed lately. He's actually concerned about you, you know."

Su wants to believe that Mark thinks about her as more than friends, but she just laughs at herself. "Yeah right!!!" She smiles shyly. "How is he?" She asks, walking towards her brother who's still unconscious on the bed. 

"He's doing fine. Still stable." The doctor takes her hand and smiles reassuringly. "Your brother is hanging in there, Susan. He's stronger than what you expect him to be. You should stay strong, too."

"Thanks." Is all she is able to say because her phone goes off. "Ugh. Not even an hour and he's calling again." She complains when she sees Jackson's name on the screen. "What?" She answers. 

"I need you here now." He sounds like he's panicking. 

"I can't." She covers the mouth piece and excuses herself from the room. "Jackson. I just got here. Can't you give me time with my brother?"

"I'm sorry to break your reunion, babe. But, I need you more here. NOW!" His commanding voice goes. "She's here in my house."

"Deal with her, will ya?" She says, rather annoyed. He sounds like a spoiled little brat who can't find his favorite toy. "Seriously, Jackson."

"HEY!" Even though he's trying to lower his voice, Su can imagine him shouting the word. "Deal's a deal, Susan."

"Fine." She shouts. She's grumbling when she gets back in the room. 

"Is everything ok?" Dr. Tuan asks her, noticing her expression. 

"Uh...yeah." She tries to smile, hiding her rage inside. "Just...work." She then goes near her brother, kisses him on the forehead and whispers. "Sorry, Jer. Jerk calls. I'll be back before you know it. I promise."