Fic- Moment We Share Together - Chapter 1

I wrote this fiction for quite sometime for my friend.. is call moment we share together.

Chapter 1
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Alice Tan faced her late Uncle Steven's lawyer the wide expanse of his desk. She had called on Samual Jackson with a purpose, yet at this point she hesitated, and her hesitation invoked a feeling of sympathy in the sterm-liking man who sat drumming absently on his desk better with the tips of his blunt fingers, the hum of the air-conditioner the only other sound of disturb the uncomfortable silence.
"You came to see me about the will and testament of your late uncle, Mr Steven Tan ?" he promped gently, and Alice's long, dark lashes flew upwards to unveil clear green eyes that registered surprise and a certain amount of anxienty as they met the lawyer's.
'Mr Jackson, perhaps I should explain. 'Her well-modulated voice possessed a guality of warmth that never failed to attract attention, and to soothe those listening to her. Mr Jackson was no exception, for his tired eyes registered
surprised pleasure as he leaned back in his leather chair and prepared himself to listen. 'My brother and I were left more or less destitute when my parents died in a car accident five years ago. I had only just started my training nurse, and Bruce- my brother- still had to complete three years at college. Uncle Steven took pity on us and paid for Bruce's education. Then, knowing how desperately Bruce wanted to become an engineer like himself, Uncle Steven offered to pay whatever expenses Bruce would have in order to attend university. Bruce and I considered this a loan, and me accepted it on the understanding that we repaid if once Bruce was qualified. That was two years ago,' Alice ended lamely, and my brother still has several years to go before we can start earning a living.'
'And now you want to know if your aunt will continue with the loan. Am I correct ?' Alice nodded, nervously fingering the strap of her handbag. 'Nothing was written down to this effect, and I wondered if my uncle perhaps mentioned something about it in his will.' Samual Jackson's fingers resumed their drumming on the blotter, and Alice began to feel like a watch that was being wound too tightly. He cleared his throat unnecessarily, and she experienced a sense of foreboding. 'If you had not made this appointment to call me this afternoon, you would have received a letter shortly, instructing you to pay me a visit. I'm afraid. Ms Tan, that I have some unpleasant news for you.' Are you trying to tell me that the loan was never mentioned in my uncle's will ?' Alice asked, steeling herself against the inevitable. 'I'm afraid so, Ms Tan,' Samual Jackson confirmed her suspicions. 'And your uncle's wife, Mrs Irene Tan, has instructed me to inform you that she has no intentions of continuing with the loan.' It was to be expected, Alice thought unhappily. Irene, with no children of her own, had never made a secret of the fact that she disliked the idea of her husband giving financial help to his late brother's children. "Do you realise what this mean, Mr Jackson?' she asked controlling the tremor in her voice with difficulty. 'It means that my brother will have to discontinue his studies if I'm unable to find the money somewhere with which to help him. Samual Jackson's sympathetice glance rested momentarily on her pale cheeks before asking "perhaps if you discussed this with your aunt…' "No! Never !' she said adamantly. "Bruce and I never asked Uncle Steven for any financial help. What he did for us, he did of his own free will and we appreciated it., but I have no intention of going on my knees to Irene Tan. Samual Jackson looked taken aback. "Is there no one else you could approach for a loan ?"
Alice swallowed with difficulty. "We have no one else, Mr Jackson, and no bank would give me a loan without someone standing security without any question Alice rose to her feet, tall and slim in her pale green suit. "It was kind of you to see me, Mr Jackson, and I'm sorry to have taken up so much of your time." "It was my pleasure, Ms Tan, 'he said instantly, taking her hand she extended towards him and holding it a moment longer than necessary. When she reached home Bruce was at home watching TV. He looked up when her sister entered the room and Alice's heart twisted with agony. "What's the verdict ? ' he asked when she joined him at the corner table, but her expression mush have given him a clue. "It wasn't good, was it ?' "I 'm afraid it was worse than I expected. "Bruce faced her in silence and there was no way she could soften the blow. "Uncle Steven made no provision in his will for the loan and Aunt Irene has stated she doesn't want to continue with it. Bruce looked crestfallen, but his determination matched Alice's.
Then there's only one thing I can do. I'll have to give up this temporary job I've taken for the holidays, find myself a permanent job, and study part-time."
"No !" Alice lowered her voice instantly as heads turned in their direction. I won't let u do that. No yet, anyway!. "Alice, there's nothing much else I can do,' he persisted doggedly. "You don't have the money, do u ?" "I have something saved but not enough." She was forced to admit sadly. "Then the matter is settled." "Bruce, you'll never make it that way, 'she pleaded. "Give me a little time, and I might just come up with something." His features broke into a reluctant smile. 'Knowing you, Alice, you'll move heaven and earth 2 help me, but don't do anything foolish. Not on my account please !" Alice smiled before the first time, a warmth and a tenderness in her glance as it rested on the young man seated opposite her. "We have a month before the university reopens, and that should give us enough time to think of an alternative. A week later, Alice was no nearer to solving her problem and it was beginning to have a serious effect on her work. Next day, Sister Webster told her that a handsome young man was admitted and asking for you. She wonder who could that be? When she saw Shane Filan member of Westlife admitted again. "Hi Shane….Hi Alice. how are you ? Fine thank and walk over to him . What wrong with you this time and checking Shane's chart. Stomach disorder. I raised my eyes brow. Shane nodded and smiled. How the lads? They fine and they supposed to be here by now. Oh… you discharge today? Yeap. Alice notice Shane was looking at her. Alice…what is it ? Shane searched Alice's face for an answer. Alice looked away. It's nothing really. Shane knew something was wrong. See you around Shane. Bye ! and send my love to the lads for me with you. Sure… and she walk out from the room. When she finally went off duty shortly after six that evening she was weary to the longed only for a hot, relaxing bath before seeking her bed, but as she approached the bus stop, a large, powerful-looking car drew up beside her. Alice stepped back automatically, but the door was flung open and Shane voice said, Alice , can we talk ! "Shane, I'm sorry about…. "Later, he snapped and Alice shrank meckly into her corner, dreading this private confrontation with him. I thought the lads come to pick you up? They having rehearsal without me. He taken me to the nearest restaurant. "Right, let's have it,' he said without preamble the moment their coffee was served. "What's been eating you up inside this few day?" It was not a question, but an order and so very typical of him. "Why should there be something troubling me ?" A nervous smile plucked at her lips, but she obeyed instantly telling him everything as she had told Samual Jackson, and ending with the bombshell that the loan was to be discontinued. "Have you discussed the matter with your aunt ?" Shane asked when she lapsed into silence. "No, I haven't and I don't intend to. "Perhaps, I should go and speak to the lady in an effort to make her change her mind." "It won't do any good, "Alice said tersely, and I have no intention of begging. "Then I shall go and see her for you- after I sending you home. Give me your aunt's address, "he asked. Alice's hand tightened on the door handle. "You're not serious about seeing her on my behalf, are you, Shane? His expression harden. "Alice, I never make statement's I don't intend to fulfil, now give me that add and don't argue. Alice give him the address, "Will you give me a ring and let me know what she said ? "I'll do better than that, "he announced briefly and left. Less than an hour she opened the door to Shane, the colour coming and going from her face as he stepped inside and settled himself in the most comfortable chair, and stretched out his legs. "What's the verdict ?" Alice asked, finding her voice at last. " I refuse to talk on an empty stomach, "he said abruptly, and signifying that he was awaiting the sandwiches he has ordered. Alice went through to the kitchen and poured the coffee, placing it on a tray with the sandwiches before taking it through to the lounge. He opened his eyes as she placed the tray on a small table in front of him and smiling briefly. "Aren't you going to eat?" he asked in surprise as she sat sipping at her coffee. "I'm not hungry." "Nonsense! You're far too thin and you need to keep up your strenght. An involuntary smile plucked at her lips. "Do I need strenght to hear the result of the interview you had with my aunt?" Reluctantly, Alice helped herself to a sandwich, but after the first bite she realised how hungry she actually was. She placed her cup beside him on the tray and leaned back in her chair. "You have beautiful hair, Alice." Her lashes flew up to reveal started eyes that became shaded with embarrassment. "I -thank you, Shane." "What did my aunt have to say when you approached her on my behalf, Shane ?"
she counter-questioned, direction the conversation. I’m afraid that she was adamant about not continuing with the loan, 'he said abrupty, his expression hardening. Alice held her breath, afraid to ask for details and ashamed that Shane had to go through the experience with Irene Tan. "I'm sorry." "Sorry that I told her what I thought of her ?" "No', she lowered her glance. I'm sorry you had to suffer such an unpleasant experience on my behalf." The silence weighted heavily between them, I have a proposition to make, one which I think will not only solve your problem, but mine as well." "I don't think I understand, Shane, 'Alice said hesitantly, finding it difficult to think of a man in his position having problems that could equal the seriousness of her own. Shane glance flickered over her, finally on the nervous little pulse that fluttered at the base of her slender, graceful throat. "I shall pay your brother's university fees." Alice sucked her breath in sharply. "I’m not aware that I've asked you for a loan Shane." I wasn't offering you a loan, Alice, "he contradicted harshly. "I 'm offering to pay for your brother's expense. A warming flashed through her mind, but she ignored it for the moment. "In what way could I help you, Shane?" "You could marry me."