Tuesday, September 29, 2009

The Eric Factor: The one about Ashley hitting on Gilbert

Eric was lost and confused by now. Should he call Rachel or should he find out about what she wanted to say later? Or should he let things be natural? He hangs on the phone and dials her number and then pauses and cleared the screen. Having second thoughts again, he dials the number with excellence. But it's that moment, that he cannot face, the very moment to press the call button, he hesitates and stops the call again. What is going on in his mind? What's he doing?

Eric walks past the coffee machine and was invited by Raymond to join him at lunch at the cafeteria while he brags about his new TV. I asked him... have you no sense of humanity? have you forgotten about Monique and how upset she is that you've not spend time with her? He gave it a thought and replies... "She can have the recipe cooking shows". Sigh~ He doesn't get it and I gave up. At the cafeteria, Carol was reading one of her files while Gil was queueing up to get some sandwiches. He helped bought some and brought it over to Eric. A call came through and Eric's cousin would be in town. So, Eric went off to picks her up from the local station. Wow! How pretty has Ashley grown up to be. At the station, Rachel was there as well and she was coming out of the Italian Restaurant. Ashley asked who I was staring at and I didn't had a good look at who she was with. Anyway, driving Ashley back to my apartment, left me kept thinking and being curious, distracts my poor driving. Oh my... what am I doing? Eric, are you nuts? Are you insane over Rachel? I might have... Eric then picks up the call but at this instant, Monique calls and so, she asked Eric out to meet her in the bar.

After dropping Ashley back, Eric heads over to The Flow and listens to Monique telling him about what's being going on with Ray and her. Poor girl, so neglected. Oh, meanwhile, Eric tried to find out more about who Rachel was with earlier on. Apparently, this editor for a local popular magazine is very interested in Rachel and is deemed Eric's competitor. Eric was paged and called back to the hospital then. Just before Eric left, Zeta came over and agreed to accompany Monique bowling while comforting her.

Back at the hospital, Carol shows a case to Eric and discuss about the cause of a very erossive skin patient. It was not possible to understand yet, what had triggered the skin disease but it certainly isn't the first case within the week. Gilbert came in and shows another record of certain lab tests and immediately jumps into a conclusion to say what is in common is they had in contact, which is a particular shower foam brand. Carol argued back and said that it's already tested and insist that it's not. As we know that Carol is a particular debater, she can debate on with Gil for hours, therefore, Eric left the discussion room first and decides to come back later when they are done. Knowing Carol, she's the type that needs to be pampered and constantly seeks attention from Gilbert, else she will throw a tantrum. It had to be due to her past experience that caused her to be fuzzy over her relationship and she often losses confidence easily, if Gilbert doesn't gives in. Gil is the tolerating type, and therefore, he tries hard to maintain this relationship.

Eric came back to the room after having a nice bottle of juice and surprisingly, after 30mins, they're not done yet. Ok, I think I would have gone for a smoke if I actually do. "What is the problem with you? I'm just sick & tired of you, I'm fed up of you judging my ability to work!"... Carol threw those words hard at Gil and left. Gil is a little hard headed once in awhile. I took Gil down and asked Ray to join us too. Ray would be late as he had to rush off some "unfinished" paperwork (yeah, we all know why, it has got to be because of the Man U matches).. Zeta came by and talked to Gil as well. The both of us would have told Gil not to be so hard on Carol as he really did go too far earlier on. "Eventhough you know that you both are inseperatable, but it doesn't mean that you don't have to say sorry to her. You both almost broke up earlier on." I shredded some advise to Gil. Zeta added and shared some girl experiences to him.

Gil and Carol were not on talking terms for almost a week and Zeta and I decided to do something to pull them both back together again. So Zeta suggested that we all have a pot luck party. The day came and I was preparing all the condiments. In came Rachel suddenly and we smiled. Then came Steve, the editor guy! Ok, so she invited him... I'm fine with it! Ray had to help out after that cause he was BANNED from TV! Yup, Monique took Zeta's advise and I'm practically giggling over it. Outside at the living room, Jack (my naughty neighbour, a divorced inspector & womanizer) was hitting on Eric's cousin, Ashley. *Ahem*... so they broke the commotion and helped out with the table... Carol walked in with her specialty... fruit salad. Zeta just got off my phone only to hear that Gil's gonna be late as he's still expecting a delivery from a soon-to-be mother. Ok, so we started without him. Ashley went over to Jack's apartment to pick out some books and cds during dessert. Rachel took this time to show Steve out the door as well, as he had to leave for New York early the next morning. Half way through the party, Gilbert managed to arrive. We told Gil to try and patch things up. While he was trying to do so, Ashley came back with Jack. Ashley saw Gil and walks up to him then hugs him from behind. Then, suddenly, everything was on a stand still. Carol was in a big surprise with her eyes about to pop out. Gilbert turned around and saw Ashley. "Holy Shit!"... cried Gilbert. Ashley then replied.. "You looked like you've seen a ghost, darling... Just because we broke up years ago doesn't mean that I'm dead and all out of your feelings, right?" Carol gave Gilbert the tightest slap she could ever imagined then stormed out the front door. Gil tried to get to Carol but Ashley keeps bugging attached to Gil. Eric managed to unbarred Ashley off Gilbert and let him went on his hunt for Carol. Zeta and Rachel retained Ashley while Gilbert dashed off. He managed to intercept Carol at the gate. He then pulls Carol back and stood by Eric to demand an explanation. Eric told Carol that she shouldn't be jealous as they used to be couples only. Ashley is only being playful and did not know that Gil's attached currently.

Gil then started to shout out to everyone that there has been a misunderstanding lately and he doesn't want this to continue on anymore. He expressed his love to Carol with his knees on the ground and apologizes. He continued with his pardon for forgiveness. Carol started to have tears rolling down her cheeks as she hears that and hugs Gilbert. Gil raised his hand up high and swears that he's willing to do anything for her as long as she doesn't leave him ever again. He just wants her to take him back. Rachel also had a tear in her eyes as she saw such a romantic scene. She's the soft and sentimental type. Very passionate and romantic. Eric took that chance and offered her a tissue while placing his arm across her shoulder. It's a nice gesture but the feeling was intensely awesome when he felt her head resting on his shoulder.

The Eric Factor: The one about Rachel's little accident

Monique was coming out of the gym just to head down the subway. She saw a little boy looking lost and helpless, she took the courtesy and directed the kid to where he was heading. Needless to say, it made Monique felt better. She then heads on over to the cafe where Raymond will be having lunch with her. At the luncheon, a couple sitting beside them was talking out loud about tonight's big match. Raymond couldn't bear to eavesdrop and lost attention of what Monique has to say. Obviously Monique was upset and left while her dessert is half done.

She calls out Rachel and they went to the mall to pick up some clothes for Rachel's photo shoot. Rachel bumps onto her photographer who then offers the girls a ride home. Rachel walks into the bathroom and accidentally knocked her head on the toilet sink as she was trying to squart and pick up something she dropped. With a slight bruise, she wasn't concern about what would happen but Monique insisted she goes over to the hospital. Eric took a good look at her and prescribed some pills along with proper cream and bandaging to stop the swelling.

Eric looked into Rachel's eyes while he applies the cream. It was as sparkling and as beautiful as the grape juice you would normally see on the tall glass. She smiled at him and for a moment there, Eric dreamt that he was kissing her lips... "Eric? R U OK?" says Rachel. He reclaim conciousness and saw Rachel & Monique staring at him in questionable look. Eric is definitely dying to tell her his feelings. Gilbert came in with Carol and then came Raymond. Great friends will rush to one another's aid when they hear of such a thing. "It's only a small matter, guys..." Rachel always tries to avoid a hassle. Rachel begins to feel drowsy and weak after taking a few steps out of the place. Being concern, Eric offers to send her back. It might be the side effect of the hard knocks along with the injection and medication.

Eric sent Rachel and Monique home while Raymond got back to his appartment without doing something that he should have done. Monique, still being upset at him, went up after seeing that Rachel has taken her nap, to confront him. Just as they were switching channels in their arguement, the TV fused and smoke came out of the set without a display... Raymond was in shock and fled over to another place to watch the ever so great Manchester United's match. Monique slammed the door at Raymond right before she left.

At The Flow, Carol and Zeta comforted Monique. Carol had to leave soon as Gilbert was gonna pick her up. Monique had a few drinks and left for home after that. Back at Rachel's place, Eric was laying by the side of the bed. Making sure that Rachel sleeps soundly and properly. He even placed the blanket proper for her. Monique came home and drags Eric out. "What are you still doing here? She's only got a headache, not a fever or anything serious." Eric then sat down to pour out his feelings. Monique knew before hand that Eric has been fond of her. She just couldn't do anything to intervene and advised Eric to just hold on as Rachel is seeing someone at the moment. His heart sank as fast as Titanic went into the waters. He took up his pride and courage and walked off after that.

The next morning, Rachel woke up and was startled to see that she was properly tucked into bed. Monique told her that she had someone to sit her the entire night. Carol and Gilbert were taking their lunch break outside at one of the nearby malls with Raymond and he was rather obsessed with getting another TV. So he did! This time, even much more better than the previous one and comes along with a great set of speakers/hi-fi. Monique came up to clean Ray's apartment. She arrived to see the movers taking it all in and assembling them. Well, she just went speechless and was about to walk off before Ray came in just to tell her that he's sorry. After the installers left, he turn on the TV to show some nice memories of them on their previous trips. The ones video recorded. Well, she gave in and just before anything, he switched over an saw the replay of last night's match. And there it is! MEN and their BIG TOYS... Never learn do they? Monique walked out the door again and just before she does, she pulls the plug and smiles at Raymond then slams the door again.

Rachel went over to see Eric but Eric was doing his rounds at the wards. She doesn't mind to wait and thus sat there looking around his room. She realized some fragments of photos and took them out of his table organizer. She saw all her photos and some other ones with him in them. She then look across the table to find the handkerchief he had used to wipe for her last night while she was drousy and asleep. She only had a vain image of someone nursing her but had no idea who it was. Eric came in and saw Rachel holding on the handkerchief. "I could explain..." then paused by Rachel; "Explain no more... thanks for everything..." Rachel walked over and place her hand on his shoulder to give him a gentle pat. "But..." interupted by Rachel's phone... then she pardon herself and went off as she was called off.

The Eric Factor: Train to Ericland - Season 1 synopsis

Eric came into the bar (The Flow) and saw Carol on the phone. So Eric sat down and waited. Zeta came over to take the order and asked if he'd like the usual or something new tonight. It was a long day at work, so Eric chose a mocktail and lay it easy. Fine, Zeta goes off to prepares the drink. Flo was no where insight, so guess it's Zeta alone tonight.

Carol got off the phone and said Gilbert is on his way. Wow, Carol has been seeing Gilbert for over a few months already and they're both always on the phone. How lovely. It only reminded of how Zeta used to do that with Eric. Oh well, they're now friends only. Few minutes later, Gilbert came in with Raymond. Gil had an urge to drink something cold and have a game of Pool. So Gil went to pick up a few bottles of beer while i setup the table for the break. Just as I was about to hit the white ball, across the table was this beautiful, sweet smiling, charming and decent girl... She was talking to Raymond and it caught my eyes. Alright, I continued on my game. Not long later, Monique came in with Rachel from their yoga session. I could see the sweat and tireness from Rachel's eyes and she seems to be ok. Rachel had never looked any better than that moment. The same smile came from her just like the day she left me 6 months ago. "Hey, Eric... it's your shot... Come on!". Wow, I was so steamy that night and distracted by the sweet decent girl. I had to know her. So Eric walked up to Raymond and just as I arrived by the bar stool, Raymond introduced me to Alysher. Eric's heart pounded hard and fast. Gee, it's natural to be nervous right? Zeta was abit jealous, I guess, at that moment. Cause she served the drink in a very teasy manner. Rachel, on the other hand, looked at me and put her thumbs up.

Alysher's really a nice girl. She has that attraction from her beauty. later, Carol said she had to rush back and left us. Life as a medical investigator, sigh! It's tough for her, forever on standby. So, Carol went off with Gilbert. Gil said, we'll talk at work tomorrow, back at the hospital. We're both the handful best doctors around. Raymond left us both alone and entertained Monique while Rachel chit chats with Zeta. Rachel then shows some photos of her modeling to takes to us. She's currently taking 3-4 jobs in a day. Poor her, a nurse by day. A cover girl cum insurance agent cum performer by night/out of shifts.

Suddenly Zeta breaks the news to us that she'll be partnering with Florence to re-vamp Flo's The Flow pub and bar into Zeta Bar. The new look and operations will be done by Zeta who is also the co-owner. So, we congratulated her and a round of drinks was then on the house.

She then looks at me and smiled as I smiled back. Eric and Zeta's passion flame had never died off, but without any idea why, Zeta just had to dump Eric. She'll never take him back but in her heart, she just is doing it for the sake of Eric. On the other hand, the love birds had been admiring each other since day 1 they met. Which love birds? That's Rachel and Eric, of course. They didn't know about it. Till the time Eric had to attend a conference in Singapore and was caught down by SARS. The determination came when Rachel was scared to lose him and flew there in search of Eric. She rushed to the hospital only to see the corpse covered up. Oh no! Could it be the end of the episode? Rachel fell to her knees and cried... exposing her true love to Eric was held back as she didn't want to steal her best friend's boyfriend and she regreted not telling and treasuring him while he was around. If you're the drama director, you would place this stupid scene in as well. Guess what? Rachel was typically crying at the wrong bed, lah! Standing behind was Eric with his tears rolling down. What happens next? Every romance story would never cut this scene. It's the same old scene we always use but it's never tiring. The turn around and hug and cherishing happens. No, Eric never died. He survived the SARS unlike many that didn't when the incident occured. They left back to Hong Kong and had a great life together for a couple of months more; only to realize that Rachel still feels ashame and guilty to date Eric. Why? Even though Zeta knew and never objected (which she doesn't have any right or should interfere as well), Rachel still feels bad and ackward to live on with Eric by her side. As much as they love each other, she just can't accept it. Rachel loves Eric alot but in the end, broke up hoping to remain neutral and able to balance the friendship between Eric, Rachel and Zeta. Zeta assured Rachel that she's fine with the relationship and admits once in awhile being envy of her etc. But she's letting the past go. So did Eric, moving on from Zeta. At times, Zeta and Rachel would have had their differences, as they were pushing me to each other.

Rachel just can't take the pressure and couldn't pass this stage of facing herself, therefore, she tried to date other guys just to cover up. Monique knows and couldn't do a thing but supports her. Much to the incident, Monique, Caroline and Alysher comforts Eric. Eric's the loyal lover type. Very romantic and sentimental. So, Eric went on a drive around with Monique once in awhile to get his mind off Rachel leaving him. Rachel feels bad but she just wants to do it for Eric's good. For everything done, Alysher was alawys by his side to give him support and take care of him throughly. This happens for another few sets of months. One day, Alysher's sister, Wendy, was in town. She dropped by the bar and took some things to Alysher. Wendy knocked down Alysher by accident and dangerously got her into the dart board area. As I was releasing the grip of the dart, it was in that split second that I realize Alysher falling towards the direction and is on collision course with the dart. Many people questioned the script writer and frankly so did I. Why would she be in harm's way in the first place? Well, apparently, there were so much things brought in that Wendy had to place it at one corner and that's the only empty space corner. She didn't know that's where we play darts. That very moment, I was also having my head turned for a sip of my tequila on rocks. As I resumed, my sight was clear and Alysher was just stopping Wendy from being anyway near there. They weren't actually that near, but when Wendy (which was still bending down), stood back straight up to push and knocked Alysher over where she tripped on the raised step of the dart area. The rest, watch the episode to see how she fell and I speared her.

YES! I DID! I speared her by mistake, it was an accident. I was so guilty... That's Eric's life having a spin off. Alysher fell down gripping the dart hard and wasn't able to pull it out. If she did, all the blood would have squirted out like a squirt gun and losing alot of blood is something I won't risk to do. That was the moment I actually showed my acting skills... I've to cry and be very painful. Crying my heart out and lifting her up and rushing her to the hospital is like a moment of death for me. Obviously, it's a life and death situation, what would I expect?

Eric's profession as a doctor seems to be useless there. Cause he panicks and is crying while shouting out loud for help. His mind goes blank and blurred as the one he cares for the most actually is Alysher. Yes, he found out that very moment. She was in a critical state that instance and Eric was in no state of mind to operate and rescue her. The cardiologist was rushing in as well and the resident doctor isn't much of a help. The specialist did all he could and decided that it's time to do the damage repair on her heart. But Alysher was losing too much blood and pressure seems to drop. Time was running short, so Eric did the unthinkable by transfusing blood into her. Obviously the blood type must have matched, else Eric can't be the donor. He stabbed himself, without thinking of antiseptically cleaning the pen into his thorax and chucked the tube in to complete the flow. Eyes were all shocked and of cos, scoldings came after that. It's an improfessional act and very unethical. Soon, Eric fell flat as well, as his blood sugar dropped evenly as well. Alysher managed to survive but was comatosed for days. However, Eric never gave up waiting by her side and cleaned her and took care of her all the while. Was it out of guilt and apology or was it out of desperation? No, he finally realized that it wasn't out of those. It's definitely not out of guilt but for love.

All of the sudden, Eric collapsed. The doctors rushed him in to the ward and found infection on his wounds where he stabbed himself. The next time Eric knew, he was hearing mournings and cries.He opened his eyes to see that everyone was right beside him. There was Zeta wiping her tears, Rachel hugging me suddenly and thanking god, Raymond smiling and taking my pulse... Gilbert was holding Carol's hands while presenting me flowers. Monique was peeling an orange for me. But wait.. where was she? I tried to sit up. They all helped me.. and then... in came Alysher through the door. I was so happy to see her and she came forth to hug me and we kissed. Everybody cheered and i spoke the words 'I Love You, I'm so sorry for what has happened and I don't want to lose you ever..." Alysher smiled with tears in her eyes and replied; "I Love You too... Don't ever do that silly move again and promise me you'll never leave me." Rachel had that look in her eyes that she wished it was me and her.

It all came to that happy ending with Alysher being the true love with Eric. Alysher later got promoted and became the Principal Magistrate (Choi Phoon Kun). My life as a doctor didn't change much and I was rather happy dating Alysher. Rachel became a hot cover girl for many magazines and was offered a proper contract but she turned down to continue helping out in the hospital as nurse. Monique on the other hand, continued her studies while teaching yoga. Carol took up part-time lecturing for Forensics at a local Uni and still investigates for the hospital. Gilbert took his exams and later became a surgical practitioner. Zeta? Same thing, she's as colorful and entertaining to her bar patrons. She sometimes still regrets she ever left me, but its only in her heart. Didn't really show it much. As for Eric, it's only a matter of time.

What's The Eric Factor?

For the benefit of those who did not watch the drama series like Emily Kiu (an old friend, long time fan and supporter)...

The first few synopsis and story write-up will be included in this blog so that you guys would know what's it all about... Don't ask me where to get the drama cos its very hard and I don't own rights to it. But all I can say is, it's a story about a few people in real life put together and based on & inspired by their real character and personality.

Lyrics to Don't Think Twice & continuation of the Eric Factor

A conversation struck today and on the topic of 'Love Story', it sparked an interest and inspiration to pen down and include this here...

It's gonna be perfect for the upcoming scene of Rachel running from Zeta's bar, over to Eric's house after she realized it was him who had been there for her... Rachel had just found out that Eric was her Guardian Angel... the umbrella on her doorstep when it rained... the taxi that picked her up which she couldn't catch... the cough syrup and her favorite sour plum when she's sick... the mashi maru towel she left behind in the gym... the endless supply of tit bits and biscuits in her drawer.. the limited edition plush toy which she fought hard for and lost to.. and most importantly.. The eyes she has lost in the accident and suddenly out comes a generous donor? It was Eric who had done all that for her all this time...

Will Rachel be there in time to stop him from packing and leaving? Will she regret that she had neglected him when she failed so many times?... Here's Rachel's flashback of memories and scenes...

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Background song: Don't think twice Listen to it here

You caught me by surprise
Like falling of leaves when summer is over
The sight or twin-set rainbows made it seem to last forever

You and I have something divine
The heights we scaled I sometimes never realized
The time is right, seize the moment and don’t think twice ‘cause…

I don’t have to find a reason why
I should try to hide what I’ve found to be true
In my heart your gift of time will never die
‘Cause this life has a part of you

The paths we wander by aren’t always the same, and neither the weather
But still the road less travelled leads us on to sweet surrender
Didn’t cry when we said goodbye
Even rivers from the mountains run dry
What you and I shared were moments they find in dreams so…