My illness seems to have vanished by itself now and I feel completely healthy and fine. I can even eat properly without losing my appetite. Hans seems to have cheered up now that I am better.
"Let's go Tina." Hans says happily, pushing me out of the front door.
I stare at him in confusion, "Where are we going?"
He smirks, "You'll find out when we get there."
I scowl at him as I sit in his car, "Just tell me."
"Nope." He bops my nose before switching the engine on, "Patience grasshopper."
I roll my eyes and relax into the seat. I'll find out when we get there anyway.
As we drive further, the familiar streets and roads reveal where he is taking me.
"You're taking me home?" I ask in shock. I don't know if I am ready.
"Don't look so scared Tina." He pats my thigh. "It's been two months since you came to me. Your dad and Mint are probably worried."
"But I've spoken with them over the phone." I mutter.
Hans parks outside my house and takes off his seatbelt as he turns to me. "I know you are scared and nervous about whatever happened before but you only have your dad and Mint as your family now Tina. If you can't be there for each other, who can? I know you've been in contact over the phone but it's time to show your face Tina. They probably miss you." He pauses and holds my hand as his green eyes stare into me, "Don't you miss them too?"
Without warning, the dam is broken and I burst into ugly tears. Hans hugs me in comfort as I cry, patting my back gently. Hans is the only one with whom I can act like a crybaby with.
Despite my anxiety of seeing them after so long, Dad and Mint's comforting smiles and cheerful laughter rid my anxiousness. It feels good to be with my family again. I am glad Hans brought me here today.
"Ah, I just remembered. A few days ago a woman came to talk to you." Mint says suddenly as we sit around the dining table.
I glance at him curiously. "Who?"
"Um, her name was Li...Liana I think." He smiles, "She was a real beauty with blonde hair and really pretty blue eyes."
"Liana?!" I shout loudly in shock, causing all of them to look at me.
"I told her you haven't been here for a while and she looked really upset." Mint frowns, "I was meaning to ask, but does she actually think you are a man? She kept calling you Tin and using male pronouns. At first, I thought she got the wrong person."
"It's just something." I shrug nonchalantly. If Liana still thinks I am a man, does that mean Panda hasn't exposed me to anyone else yet?
"Are you into girls Tina?" Mint asks, staring at me seriously.
"Not really. I think my preference is men at the moment." I say quickly. More specifically, my preference seems to start and end at someone with the initials P.K.
"Let's eat. We don't need to talk about other things. Let's celebrate Tina's return." Dad says happily, holding up his glass of water.
I smile, "Thank you Dad. I'm sorry I didn't come sooner."
"You're finally home. That's all that matters." Dad smiles. "The food is getting cold, let's eat."
The four of us help ourselves to the special dinner of lobster, roast chicken and potato stew. They all look delicious. Dad really went all out for tonight.
As I take a chicken leg, the smell hits me and I gag, covering my mouth with my hand. I thought I had recovered already. Why is it happening again?
I run to the bathroom and vomit. I was planning to enjoy myself tonight. Can't I even have a day of happiness?
Feeling weak, I clean myself up and head back down. Dad, Mint and Hans fuss over me in worry, having stopped eating.
I smile weakly, "I'm fine. Just a bug. You can all eat. I'll just rest here."
"You need some food in you Tina." Dad says in concern.
I shake my head, "I won't be able to eat. I've lost my appetite now."
"Hans, take her to the hospital tomorrow." Dad says to Hans who looks like he desperately wants to say something but I subtly shake my head at him. I don't want to worry and burden Dad with my problems.
As they eat, I can still see the worry in them. At least I am blessed with people who sincerely care about me. Leaning back on the sofa, I close my eyes.
"Tina, wake up." Hans shakes me awake and I blink up at him.
"Oh hi." I say sleepily, staring around. We're still at home.
"Tina, I've packed some food for you to take." Dad stares at me with concern, "Will you continue staying with Hans or come home?"
"Dad, I still have a few things to sort out. Once I have finished, I'll head straight back here." I say hugging him.
He chuckles and pats my back, "Come home quickly kiddo. And make sure you come to visit us every few days or I will tell Hans to punish you." He jokes.
I grin, "What's Hans going to do? I am stronger than him." I flex my arms, making them all laugh.
"Sis, you better come and see us. I haven't eaten your food in so long, I'm getting withdrawal symptoms." Mint whines as he hugs me.
I laugh and reach up to pat his head. He has grown taller again. Mint is three years younger than me but he is now taller.
"I'll cook for you next time I come." I promise.
He smiles and Hans says his goodbyes before we leave.
"See, it wasn't so bad right?" Hans smiles as we sit inside the car.
"I knew you wanted to say you told me so." I laugh. "I knew it wouldn't be bad." I pout.
He chuckles, "Who was the one who was so scared and nervous?"
"That was just an act." I lie.
"Yeah, yeah." He laughs as we set off.
"Thank you." I smile as he drives. "For bringing me to see Dad and Mint."
"It's nothing. I'm just doing what I promised." He says with a small smile.
As we drive down, rain suddenly begins to pour. Hans switches the windscreen wipers on and puts his fog lights on as the sky darkens and we continue through the downpour.
"Damn it. Did it really have to rain?" Hans mutters as he screeches to a halt in front of the red traffic light.
"It might clear soon." I say, craning my neck to stare up at the dark sky.
"You're so optimistic in random situations Tina." He grins as he drives on.
"Is that a compliment? Or are you calling me foolish?" I jokingly sulk.
"Up to you." He shrugs in amusement.
As he glances at me out of the corner of his eyes, I scream at him to watch the road but it is too late. My body freezes as a white van crashes into us from the front.
Horrified and terrified, I shakily stare besides me at Hans. He is bleeding from his head. In a panic, I pick up my phone with trembling hands and dial the emergency number. I manage to ask for an ambulance before my eyes close.