The heart-to-heart with her parents last night, helped Jinjing come clear with her emotions. She was in love with Liang and she was going to express it every opportunity she got.
'I will not hold back anymore.' She decided firmly.
Today was Sunday, her last day in city B. She called Liang in the morning but could only reach the voicemail. Thinking that he might be busy, she thought of calling him later. Today she could not go to the Sheng mansion as she was busy packing her stuff. Her flight was later in the evening.
At around eleven in the morning she was done with her packing. Feeling a little tired, she went to the kitchen to grab something cool to drink.
In the fridge she found some fresh lemonade. Just as she was about to pour a glass for herself, Mama Lee advised her, "just take little, Lunch is almost ready, all your favorite dishes are there. So save some space."
Jinjing nodded her head and took her glass and sat on the hanging chair in the lounge, going through her mails. She called Liang once again and this time, he answered after a few rings.
"hey! How are you? I tried calling you before but was directed to the voicemail. What are you doing?" Jinjing said in an apprehensive tone. She was scared that he would be upset with how she was behaving these past few days.
"I am good. Was busy with office work. What about you? ready to leave?" Liang sounded just normal. But she did not fail to notice the absence of warmth and love from his tone. At that moment she knew, that she ruined it all.
'Now I have to make it up to him. It is my fault for not reciprocating his feelings.' She determined.
"Yeah I am ready. The flight is at 5 in the evening. I will drop in on the way to the airport." She said waiting to hear the excitement of meeting in his voice. But once again she was left disappointed.
"ohh!!! I won't be home at that time. I am going to the hospital for a follow-up." A passive Liang answered. He was not rude or harsh. His voice was soft but the usual sound of joy was missing. He did not even give monosyllabic answers. But the guilt within Jinjing made it feel even more grave.
"Wasn't the appointment supposed to be tomorrow?" Jinjing interrogated.
"Yeah! But the doctor will be on leave from tomorrow so they rescheduled." He plainly informed.
"You don't worry about anything back here. Have a safe flight and we can always talk over the phone. Mom is calling for lunch I will go first. Take care. Love you." he said and hung up not waiting for Jinjing to reply, making his sorrow known.
Jinjing remained seated on the hanging chair, swinging while looking out at the colorful potted plants in the lawn. The weather was changing. It was getting hotter.
Soon Mama Lee served Lunch and the family of three sat around together. Her conversation with Liang, did not let her enjoy the food made by her mother. She did not have any appetite left. She kept poking at the food in her bowl, which her parents noticed.
Papa Lee said, "Don't worry Jinjing, time heals all. Focus on your work. Try your best, don't miss any chance to express yourself. Everything will get better." He patted her shoulder and looked at his wife, gesturing her to take over. Like the well-oiled machine they were, the couple worked in sync.
Mama Lee consoled Jinjing, "hun! Distance makes the heart grow fonder. This is a very good chance for you to evaluate your feelings once again. Don't worry, Liang loves you a lot. He has patiently waited for you for five years, I am sure he will wait for another month."
Jinjing nodded her head and tried to eat or rather gulp the food. The lump in her throat made it difficult to swallow.