NOT NOW

Mei was already tired with everything that happened. She really wanted to take a nap. She knocked at the door as Hui stood by her side keeping a distance. It didn't take a while for the door to flung open.

"OMG! What happened? Did the sun rise in the west? Why are you coming throug-"

Mei immediately held her hand over Xue's mouth not letting her complete the sentence. Then she whispered near her ear, "Keep it in we got company."

Xue immediately looked around to find someone standing a few meters away from her. Standing a bit taller than the average he had an athletic build. His tanned skin gave of a warm and friendly backdrop.

She traced her sight back to Mei with wide eyes, "Where did you pick him up from?"

"Not me, it was the other way around." Saying so she pushed her aside and walked into the apartment.

"What do you mean? He picked you up?" she followed behind her resuming the convo.

Hui tried to pick up whatever was happening and followed behind Xue.

"Hmmm."

"Wait! So, he picked you up?"

"Hmmm." She sat down in the sofa as she hummed in agreement to everything that Xue was asking.

"For real"

"Hmmm."

"So, why did you bring him in? That is so not like you."

"Hmm? Coffee. Right?" She turned around with a questioning look at Hui.

"Y..es, yes. Is it possible to get a cup of coffee?"

Xue looked at him and came to a realization as to what was happening, "Oh, I am sorry. You know she makes me worry a lot."

"No that's fine" replied Hui.

"Was it a coffee again?"

"Yes"

"Sure, that shouldn't take a while. The kitchen is right there. You can go ahead and make one for yourself. You can find the instant coffee packs at the top of the shelf."

"What?"

Xue pointed to the direction of the kitchen and repeated what she said, "The kitchen is there. You may go make one for yourself."

"Ah.. I see."

Hui headed to the kitchen thinking, 'What the hell am I doing here? Why did I follow her up?'

Xue sat down beside her and continued with her interrogation, "What the hell happened? And how serious are these bandages you have on."

"It's not that bad."

"Then.."

"Then… it was Su Lin"

"What do you mean?"

Mei briefed Xue what had happened. She calmly listened to the entire story.

"Mei, I agree what he did cannot be justified but why don't you listen to him once. He has been trying really hard to just talk to you."

"Not now. Not now. It's not yet time."

"What do you mean?"

"Just give me some more time. Ok?"

"Okay. But you know that we need to talk about it right."

"Yes, that also lets do it later ok. I just want to grab something to eat and just want to lay down."

"Fine. Go ahead."

*****

It didn't take a while for him to make a coffee. He took a sip and frowned, 'No, this one is not good.' He checked the coffee brand and made a mental note.

Suddenly his phone rang. He picked up the call to hear a cute voice from the other end.

"Hello Uncle Hui!"

"Liling! What are you up to early morning?"

"Nothing. It is just that I missed you."

"Really?"

"...… Just pastries for today?"

"So, you want me to take you out for pastries today?"

"Yes!"

"No. You are not going anywhere for a month."

"Why?"

"You are asking me why? Liling, after what happened I am not taking you anywhere for a month."

"That's mean."

"I am fine with that."

"I hate you." Saying so Liling cut the call.

Hui looked at the phone and shook his head

"Who was that?" questioned Mei as she stood near the entrance of the kitchen.

He was startled for a second.

"It was my niece." he replied.

"What is her name?" she asked as she moved in to grab stuff to make a sandwich.

"What is with the tone and questions. Are you interrogating me?"

"It's nothing, I just find it rude that you didn't take her out. You know kids like stuff like that."

"Ahh… She is mischievous so I am just disciplining her."

"So, what was her name again?"

"Liling. She is quite the talkative type. You know."