"Avoidance is not a resolution" this is one of the rules my grandfather thought me. Facing things head on is a sign of mental strength.
On this very sunny weekend, I made up my mind to go out to see the green Atlantic and unwind. Ever since a few days ago with Mrs.Alfred, my grandfather's anecdotes kept me on the edge.
As I walked slowly along the coasts, the culprits of my restless heart bumped into me. Rather I bumped into them. They had been there before me and were about to leave when I walked upon them.
"Xiao Hong..." Those eyes; I used to like them.
I turned around ready to go but she held firmly unto me. Shaking her off, I turned around to face her.
"An Qiao, pretending to be a friend of mine is turning my insides. I can't take it."
By then, Desmond Mo had come nearer.
"Li Chaihong don't bully Xiao Qiao"
"True blindness is of the heart. I don't blame the ignorant"
"Don't talk to me like that!"
"What's the yelling for. With what right can a mere nobody yell at me"
An Qiao came in between us. Acting like another hen.
"Don't argue now." Turning towards Desmond Mo, "babe, let's give in to Xiao Hong. She's been lonely since young. She is my best friend too. Please"
"With this attitude the one on the receiving end.."
"Is me" I had to interject. The hypocrisy in this kind of display of affection is usually annoying.
"Xiao Qiao is the one on the receiving end. She's been giving in since young but our dear Miss Hong is the princess and heir to the Li Corporation so she must give in. She never complains and always shows love. That time it was her who told me to give in and accept the relationship. If that thing hadn't happened that made us realise our love for each other. I might have been stuck in unhappiness all my life. Li Chaihong is the epitome of boredom. All that she thinks about is money, wealth, grandfather and more businesses! Who will love such!"
I landed a slap. Outrage, loneliness and regret overwhelmed me all at once. I might not have loved Desmond as much as I had displayed but I did consider him...
"Never should any man judge a woman like that. It might not have been lovely but I dedicated my infatuation, sincerity and time into the years we were together. And An Qiao, why let my grandfather take all the blame? All he did was try to protect my friendship. Never should that be taken for granted. I love that man so much more than I let on. I might have complained overly about him but he is my only family."
"Is gaining sympathy all that matters, An Qiao. Giving in? Outrageous! I was the one giving in all the while. When I found out that my uncle had an illegal daughter, I decided to find her. Now that I think about it, planting yourself beside me was all a scheme.
The knowleyin your hands about the Li family must be enough for all the plans to kick start. The mining issue was your doing too but fortunately for me and quite coincidental too, grandfather called.
Oh, grandfather what other things has he had to endure for his family"
My heart was breaking yet I had toaintain my pride Infront of this two. I stared straight into a shocked Desmond Mo's eyes. He didn't know...
"An Qiao is it true? An illegitimate daughter? My parents... Shit"
"Well deserving" it was my turn to mock them.
"It's not true. She.. we, we are not related. I'm not the girl she thinks I am. That girl is dead. My mother adopted me and I was named after her."
"Oh so it's your mother's plot and the victim is the little adopted girl? Looks like a plot from dramas. I'm sure he is buying it. It's quite convincing isn't it?"
"Does this look like a joke. She hurt!"
"So"
"As expected. Totally heartless!" He held An Qiao in his hands.
Since middle school, many people had tagged me heartless and wicked even though I hadn't done anything wrong. I was always the bully because of my background or so they say.
"An Qiao quit the pretence. I don't want to be spoon feed rubbish by anyone anymore... Especially an illegitimate child." I walked on but remembered something so I turned back.
"By the way, don't come near me or my people henceforth."
"Xiao Hong " she made to hold on to me but I side stepped. I continued forward, afraid they might cling to me.
"Xiao Qiao! Somebody help!"
Help? I couldn't not be concerned about an old friend. I turned around. People were already gathered around them and I could hardly see them. I hesitated. Wasn't this the usual plot in those kinds of dramas. The popular white lotus characters that always got one into trouble.
At last, I convinced myself that it would be better to see how it goes than hear a twisted tale thereafter.
As I approached, Desmond was holding An Qiao in his arms. She looked pale and exhausted. The people made way as if I was a carrier; as expected. I shrugged. I'll just face it.
Al around me, I could hear those usual dialogue like in school days.
"To think that every race has those black hearted rich people."
"How could she push a pregnant woman like that?"
"Look at her. No feeling of remorse"
Spitting, snickers, curses in native dialect, glares and disgusted looks escorted me to where the two were.
Then, I faced another cold outrageous glare from Desmond Mo.
"Is she really pregnant" I was really just slightly curious but it came out as mockery. Maybe it's just his impression of me. I had wanted to ask why he always came to my office after the divorce pretending to be sober. Seems I've missed my chance.
"Li Chaihong! I don't have love in me for any other than An Qiao"
"What's that got to do with me?"
"She's lying. She has been threatening Xiao Qiao lately but whenever she sees me she acts like she does give a damn."
"I threatened her?" This two just have a way of provoking my temper!
"If not then could it be Xiao Qiao threatening you?"