Ari's mom looked down at the tray of platinum rings that were filled with different shapes and sizes. Her hands played over them as she hummed a faint tune to herself.
"I wonder which one…" She muttered.
I actually looked at the tray and found one which I really liked, but I didn't say anything because If I did then that ring wouldn't be for me but for Bai He.
"Is this nice?" She suddenly asked, interrupting my train of thoughts.
"Uh," I looked down at the ring and nodded reluctantly. "Yeah."
"Try it."
"No aunty--"
She grabbed my hand, took my finger, and pushed the ring down my ring finger. I slightly gasped because believe it or not, it fit perfectly. I stared at the ring and for a second thought of running away with it because I didn't want to remove it. I wanted to keep it because I'm the true Kai. The one who loves Ari. The one who is supposed to marry Ari.
"Perfect." She beamed up at me. "Do you like the design?"
"Um..." I acted as if I scrutinized at the ring and shook my head because I certainly didn't like it. I wanted the ring I found captivating. The one I liked was plain, a little wide but shone the brightest.
"Hm," She gestured me to hand me back the ring and examined the tray of rings gingerly.
I waited patiently for her to choose but as time passed and as impatience got the best of me, I eventually pointed the one I liked.
"Eh?" She shifted her eyes to the chosen ring and picked it up. "This one?" She asked me and surprisingly, the way her mom looked up at me, reminded me of Ari. She looks just like her mother...
"Yeah," I answered quickly.
She nodded thoughtfully and handed me the ring. "Wear it."
"A-again?"
"Isn't that why I brought you with me?"
"R-right..." I sighed and slowly wore the ring.
Yet again, it fits perfectly. And I know I shouldn't brag, but it looked really good on my finger. The pair of this would indisputably look good on Ari's long and pretty finger...
"It looks beautiful. Should we go for this?" She asked me.
"Yeah," I smiled. "We should." I pulled out the ring and handed it back to her. She turned to the employee and began to discuss the price and stuff. I couldn't stay inside the shop any longer. I was feeling unhappy and vexed and I actually wanted to punch a wall to let out my rage. But I couldn't do that, so I got out to inhale some fresh air and waited for Ari's mom to come out.
Ari's mom and I had some dessert on our way back to her house. She said I looked a little pale so she couldn't help but buy me ice cream. I thanked her because I seriously needed some sugar in my body after I unwillingly contained my emotions inside me. Ari's mom unlocked the door and we walked in the living room. However, to my surprise, I saw Ari's sister sitting on the couch. She looked up at us impassively and let out a sigh. "Hey, mom."
"Hey, did you eat lunch?"
"No." She looked at me and I couldn't make out if she was happy or angry to see me. I tried to smile at her but before I could, she looked away from me.
"Aren't Kai and Ari back?"
"No." She said again but this time, when she looked at me, I saw pity in her eyes. Oddly, that made me feel a bit alright. At least someone understands the situation...
Wait, maybe she can help! She knows that I am the real Kai! She can talk to her mom and settle everything, right?
"Should I call them or should I let them be?" Ari's mom mumbled and vanished into the kitchen.
I and Ari's sister stared at each other wordlessly for a long time when finally, she spoke softly. "I'm sorry about everything."
"Eh?" I blurted.
"I didn't know mom would create such a terrible misunderstanding..." She sighed. "I wasn't here and I found out all about it later or else I would've set everything right."
Her words lifted my spirits and a new hope bloomed inside of me. "Is there any way you can help me?" I asked, desperation evident in my voice.
"I can and I will." She affirmed.
"But how? I and Ari tried but Bai He ruined it all."
She crossed her arms. "Not this time. Enough is enough."
"Yes! Enough is enough." I nodded vigorously.
"Let them come, we'll settle this matter today and I'll make sure mom understands who is who."
Tears were welling around my eyes and I wanted to thank her a million times. Maybe even hug her tightly because I believed that she could do it. That with her help, she can end this chaos and unite me and Ari together once again. Over the past days, Ari and I have been so far from each other. It's not how I planned my L.A trip to go. I had so many things in mind but everything crumbled because of Bai He's silly little lie...
Which is not a lie anymore....
Just then, the doorbell rang and Ari's sister was about to go and get it.
"Wait, I'll get it," I said and rushed to the door before she could stop me.
I opened the door and unexpectedly, saw Ari standing in front of me.
"Ari." Inevitably, I smiled but then gradually, my focus shifted behind her and I saw Bai He, looking at me with wide, confused eyes. I wanted to keep on smiling, but the longer I looked at him, the more upset I got.
"Kai, what are you--?" She asked but got interrupted by a voice that came from behind me.
"Oh, you both are finally here."
I looked back and saw Ari's sister behind me with a can of Fanta in her hand.
"You three, in the living room, right now." She said, marching to the living room like an offended soldier.