chapter six

I opened my eyes and I could see Ken sleeping on a chair not far from me. What happened? Where am I?

I was wearing a green uniform which looked disgusting and I was still thinking what was I doing in a shabby room and in a green uniform. Something was not right. I searched frantically for clues in the room and found tissues with something written on it. I grabbed the tissues on the table and read the prints on them.

“St. Michelle’s…Hospital.” I read quietly.

Wait! Did I just say hospital? As in the building which has dying people in it? I unfolded the tissues and read the prints again. This time, I spelled them, alphabet by alphabet.

“H-O-S-P-I-T-A-L. Hospital.” Oh my god, I am in a hospital.

“Ken, wake up. Am I diagnosed with a breast cancer stage 4?  I knew it. There were lumps on my boobs 2 days ago and my left breast was bigger at that time and I put some tissues to cover it and you knew it was bigger. I swear to you I have never done a boob job and I wear the breast firming lotion every morning though the cream is ginger-scented. Maybe, it was the cream which caused my breast to form cancer cells because it had ginger in it. I hate gingers!” I wailed hysterically. Tears were gushing out of my eyes.

I sobbed like a girl who lost her Barbie and I was waiting for Ken to respond.

No response. Silence.

I looked at Ken. Shit. He was snoring. I was talking alone. I was ready to wail even more to create more dramatic effects and I wanted to know so badly. So, I was at the highest pitch.

“Ken, wake up. Am I diagnosed with a breast cancer stage 4?  I knew it. There were lumps on my boobs 2 days ago and my left breast was bigger at that time and I put some tissues to cover it and you knew it was bigger. I swear to you I have never done a boob job and I wear the breast firming lotion every morning though the cream is ginger-scented. Maybe, it was the cream which caused my breast to form cancer cells because it had ginger in it. I hate gingers!” I repeated everything again and I felt it was exactly the same with the previous wailing. I swear there was no prompter.

“Darling, thank God you woke up. Ah, don’t cry honey. It is all going to be fine.” Ken stood up and started to comfort me.

His face looked terrible, maybe because he did not have enough rest. He walked and stood beside me and he wiped my tears.

“Ken, am I diagnosed with cancer stage 4? I knew it. There were lumps…” I swear again there was no prompter. Ken stopped me.

“Honey, no, you are not diagnosed with cancer. You fainted in the acupuncture centre. Remember?” he explained with his hands stroking my hair.

I fainted? Oh, now I remember Nicole Richie tried to kill me. I mean, tried to locate a needle on my forehead. I was trying to recall what happened but I could not.

“Mallory, it is okay. Do not force yourself if you could not recall.” He said. How did he know I had difficulties remembering the incident? Is Ken a psychic? Or maybe, the difficulties were translated at my face.

“Anyway, I have called your mom and Sandra. I told them you are in the hospital.” He continued.

“No, you didn’t. You are just joking. You did not call my mom. How do you know her number? Where is she now? If she is coming, can you book me a flight to Afghanistan today?” That was the last news I want to hear before I die. I did not mind Sandy but my mom?

My mom lives in Utah. Yes, I know. UTAH. She is professional at nagging and she had a bad taste in fashion. The problem with my mom is she would tell everything about me to my friends. And that includes I was a lesbian when I was in high school, I peed on my skirt on stage while performing a theatre and my mom caught me bringing cucumbers to my room (you know, for personal use). She knew everything about me and I was not ready to see my mom bonding with Ken. It was too early for him to meet my mom and for him to know all my dirty secrets.  Do not get me wrong, I love my mom but she should be barred from seeing my friends.

“Mallory, you fainted and of course your mom needs to know about this. She should be the first to be buzzed.”

“Ken, where did you get her number? And I am telling you, I am not ready to face my mom.” I sighed.

“Honey, I scrolled through your phone and there is nothing much you can do. She said she was in Las Vegas and she would move right away with Brendon.” He added.

“What the hell is my mother doing in Las Vegas? And who the fuck is Brendon?” I was pissed. I hoped my mom was not there as a stripper or an escort. And I would kill this Brendon by bashing him with my red clutch if he is behind this. I mean, my mom was supposed to be knitting sweaters in Utah, and suddenly she was in Las Vegas? I was not even informed about this. Now, I felt the urge to see her.

“Mallory, I thought Brendon is your father. She put it in a way that they are together. I thought your sister lives there?” He looked like a confused kid.

“Ken, my father had passed away 10 years ago. Yes, my sister lives there with her husband.” Clearly, Ken did not know much about me and I could not blame him.

“I am sorry honey. I did not know. Maybe she was just visiting your sister with her friend. Or possibly a boyfriend.” He added.

“ Whatever. What about Sandra?” I needed Sandra more than anything for time being.

“She is in Canada now. She said she could not be here since she is staying there for a few months.” He clarified.

“What? What is she doing in Canada? And I am not informed? Oh my God, you are killing me so softly.” I was in an endless maze, trying to figure out what actually happened.

“Honestly, I have no idea. She said she was in a hurry and she asked you to call her once you are okay.” He said. He pat my shoulders a few times.

I was speechless. Instead of Sandra visiting me, I will have my mom. Wow. I felt raped by dozens of men. My hands reached for his as I was sad. He hugged me ever so tightly, planted a kiss on my cheek and comforted me, telling me that everything would be just fine. I could not thank him more.

“Dolce, why don’t you go home and clean up? Have some rest. You look terrible.” I suggested.

“No, it is okay. I wanna be here with my Gabbana.” He affirmed, hugging me again.

“Ken, I am going to be okay. Trust me. Just go home, rest and come visit me tonight.”I smiled. I wanted him to rest

“I don’t think I want to. My apartment is far from here. I’d rather stay here and rest here. Don’t you worry about me sweetheart.” He said.

“Ken, I insist. Take my apartment keys. Take a cab, go to my apartment and rest. You cannot sleep on a freaking chair honey. It hurts. And you better sleep because you look like frozen pies right now.”

“Okay, but I will be back at 6. I promise. If you need anything, just ring me okay? So, do you need anything from your house for me to bring later? Your Ipod or your books?” he asked me.

“My five inch Nine West. That’s all.”

chapter five

I was lying on the uncomfortable bed with that satin robe on. Wished the robe was pink with some embroidery. Ken was lying on the bed beside me.

I was still figuring out what does a ‘full package’ mean. The term sounded spooky and creepy.

“Darl, I just want to tell you if anything happens to me, please give all my high heels to my sister. Her name is Claire and she lives in Las Vegas, near Venetian. Please water my cactus at the balcony.” I said to Ken.

“What are you talking about honey? Are you okay? What is in your head?” He was curious.

“Nothing. I was kidding. What are we waiting for Ken?” I laughed. I did not want to tell him I was going to die. If it was to happen, he had an idea what to do.

“Mr. Chung. He is still with one of the customers.” He said firmly.

He must be a good practitioner, I thought. I would be in good hands. This is just an experience and I am sure I can do this, you can do this Mallory.

Wait, no I can’t! Suddenly, a man came in. I was so nervous and it was even more nerve-wrecking than waiting for the door of the store (during sales) to open.

“Mallory, meet Mr. Chung.” Ken said.

I sat on the bed nervously and my heart just stopped beating. A man was sitting on a wheelchair, his hands were holding different sizes of needles, his hands were trembling like a leaf, he was as skinny as Nicole Richie and he was wearing big sunglasses in the dark room just like Nicole. I had a quick glance in the room. There was only one person other than Ken and I. Oh My God, that man was Mr. Chung. My jaw dropped as if I have a dumbbell in my mouth. 

“Hi Mr. Chung.” I smiled, I offered my hands to shake. Truly professional.

“Honey, he is blind.” Ken whispered.

“What the…” I stopped. Now, I looked like the cast in Ju-On.

 I was not sure to let an old man who was older than my grandmother, his hands trembled like a Parkinson patient to stick a stack of needles on my body. What if he made a mistake and stuck them up in my fucking vagina? I would never conceive after the incident.

Is Ken making a practical joke here or is this really happening? My feet were shaking and I prayed to God I would not embarrass myself. I lied on the bed, my face to the ceiling, my hands clenched in fear.

“I am going to rub some oil on your face to lubricate your skin and open up your pores.” An Asian girl said.

I nodded hesitantly. She rubbed the oil which smelled like rotten eggs. A minute after she massaged my face, fingers perched on my face. I was positive it was Mr. Chung. I could feel the wrinkles against my flawless face and the fingers were shaking. I promised to myself I would not shout no matter how painful it would be.

“Lady, I am going to start with your forehead. Please relax a bit and no frowning. It will be difficult for me.” The blind man said.

I did not say a word. I was terrified. I was thinking I could compromise donating my Louis scarf and a Miu Miu clutch to homeless than doing this treatment.

I could feel there was a needle on my forehead. Mr. Chung was locating the right spot. My brain was going to ooze out just like the Niagara. He found the spot and carefully located the needle. I could feel it penetrated my pore. I panicked. I ran out of breath.

Pitch black.

chapter four

It was the night of hell. I was walking to the acupuncture centre with Ken in my black jacket, a pair of DKNY jeans and black boots. The jacket did not help me at all. I was still cold. Maybe, I was scared to death with this whole thing.

“Mallory, I am so excited. It has been a while I haven’t been coming here. Busy schedule.” Ken said with a smile.

Did he say the word ‘excited’? God, help me.

“Yeah. Me too. Had a rough day in the office and nothing is better than some needles.” What a lie.

“It is the best treatment in the world when you are stressed, don’t you think?” He asked.

“Exactly Ken. We are so on the same page. I would rather go for acupuncture than manicure in Saks. Plus, you can really forget your problems.” Rule number three: Exaggerate the excitement especially if it involves activities he love.

“Are you sure, Mallory? I thought you are the type who loves manicure and shopping and all those girly stuff?” he frowned.

“Well, of course I love shopping. But manicure? Come on baby.” I replied. Another lie. I would do manicure once a fortnight. Having fire red nails is a must and it makes me feel sexy.

“Okay then. I was just curious because your nails are red.” He said. He could not make me flip just like the other day.

“I would do it once in a while. Not as often as going to acupuncture centres. Do you like my nails, Dolce?” I asked, winking my left eye at him.

“Dolce? Suddenly my name is Dolce? Why Dolce?” he smiled. Stop smiling or we would have sex at the street.

“Dolce is a cute name. Since you are special to me, so you deserve a cute name.” I explained.

“I am special to you Mallory?” he blushed. Okay, wait, I was blushing too. I was walking with my heads facing the pavement, hiding my smile.

“Em, I guess so. And it sounds like I am not special to you Ken.” My face was still facing the ground, nervous.

“Of course you are special, Gabanna.” We were both blushing under the dim light. I would prefer Gucci than Gabbana. But that was cute and it made sense to call me Gabanna. Dolce & Gabanna is a perfect brand for us, and the name is inseparable. It could not be Dolce & Gucci right? He held my hands and I gripped his big hands. I was happy.

“Here we are, Gabanna. Our second home.” He continued. Shit. The acupuncture centre. Okay, my red flush has vanished and my face turned as white as sheet. We climbed the stairs and though I was not in my heels, my feet felt heavy and it felt so difficult to walk. 

He pulled the door for me and we were at the waiting area. Ken was talking to an Asian girl at the counter. The place was full with frames with Chinese writings on it. There was a frame right in front of where I was, with a diagram of a naked man with needles penetrating him. And I am telling you, there were hundreds of needles on him. Okay, I was freaking out. Hopefully, we would do the treatment in different rooms. Then, I could sneak out.

My eyes bulged when I saw hundreds of needles in a transparent box on the coffee table. This place is psychotic, I thought. Are all of those needles are going to penetrate my skin? Wouldn’t I bleed? Wouldn’t it hurt? I could feel I would shout like a mad man. But, I had to compose myself. I could not let Ken laugh at me and knew I was lying. Ken walked from the counter and sat beside me on the couch.

“So Ken, what is the treatment today? A 30-minute treatment?” I asked.

“We are going to have the full package Mallory.” He answered.

I did not understand. What did he mean by a full package? Does it mean that the needles are going to penetrate my brain, my armpits, my vagina and my butt? I needed a fucking dictionary at that time to check the word ‘full’ and ‘package’. We were waiting to be called and while waiting, he held my hands.

“Mallory, is it just me or are you sweating madly? Look at your forehead honey. And your hands are so cold.

 Are you okay?” He asked in a concerned expression. Hell yeah, I was sweating profusely.

“Yes, I am sweating honey. This place is so hot. Can’t you feel? It is so stuffy here.” I pulled some tissues from my bag.

“Oh good. I thought you are nervous. We can always do this later Mallory.” He suggested. I felt like shouting ‘Yes!’ and do a pole dance there and then. But, I would not do that. I had to do this and it was not the time to drop the ball. It was too early.

”No biggie, Ken. I am totally fine.” I said convincingly.

“Glad to hear that. Don’t you worry. You will have the best treatment. I have requested Mr. Chung to do the treatment for you. He is the best practitioner here.” His hands perched on my elbows.

I had no idea who was Mr. Chung. He better be handsome or at least wear a nicely tailored Versace suit. Only then, I would consider doing this freaking treatment.

“Ken Albert.” A woman stood in front of a door.

Oh my God. It was too late to run. I had to do this. I gripped Ken’s hands so tight and walked with him into the room. Shit. He was going to be in the room with me. How was I going to sneak out? There was no Plan B. I had no option but to do this treatment.

I was going to die. In an acupuncture centre?

Maybe.