"Well, clearly I was stunned and shocked with his, uhm, confession. I didn't…I wanted to say something. I really did. But words wouldn't come out of my mouth. I just sat there, Ellie."
"Oh my. So that's why he told you to forget what he said?" she clarified.
I nodded in response.
"I see. Clearly, he is giving you space to process everything. Look now, Kira. Aki really loves you and he'd be willing to be who you want him to be just so he can keep staying by your side. He realized he made you feel cornered. That is why he said to forget what he said. He does not want you to avoid him. He suddenly realized that with your personality, you'd find ways to avoid him after his confession." Ellie sighed.
"I…I am not avoiding him. It's just that, I really do not know how to talk to him right now?" I honestly said.
"Are you really not avoiding him, hmmm? Will the trip still push through?"
"I'm not sure."
"How about this? Why don't I propose to Aki that Loi and I will join you and invite Michael and the twins as well so that it will not make you two feel awkward. I mean, you really need to go on that vacation, Kira. And so does Aki. Besides, I think I also need a vacation!" Ellie giggled.
"Yuma has been so busy travelling these days and Loi would truly love to spend more time with you and the twins. What do you think? Are you willing to seriously talk to him during those five days? Having us there will make you feel less cornered, right?"
"Uhm…" This really sounds like a good plan. I mean, with them there with us, it will help with the awkwardness that started so quickly. How can we become so awkward in just a short time? Is it because I am more aware of him now? Sigh.
"I guess it would not hurt?"
"Great! That's settled then. Now come. Enough with this atmosphere! Let's go out and buy the things we need for the vacation! Since Loi is in daycare and will be spending the rest of the afternoon at the family home, we have until dinner! Chop, chop!" Ellie's enthusiasm was so contagious. I couldn't help but smile and feel the excitement course through my body as well.
With no time to waste, we headed out.
As Ellie and I were looking at the clothes on display inside one of the boutiques Ellie frequents…
"Ellie? Oh my. It is you! It's been years since I last saw you!" A lady wearing a fitted red dress that was displaying all of her curves blurted out excitedly as she made her way toward where Ellie and I were standing.
"Andrea. How have you been? When did you return?" Ellie responded in a rather business-like manner.
"Just yesterday." Andrea responded, quite taken aback by the rather cold countenance Ellie was showing her. She tried to regain her bearings as clearly she noticed the warmth she exuded was not reciprocated.
"I have not even told Aki yet. How is he by the way? Did he change his number? I'd really love to see him and talk to him to catch up." She said in a coy manner.
"He's busy as always. This is Kira and we're quite pinched for time as we need to prepare for a trip. So, if you excuse us." Ellie said, clearly indicating she is not pleased to have bumped into Andrea in this boutique. I looked at Ellie questioningly, before looking at Andrea.
"Oh. Hi, Kira, nice to meet you. I am Andrea." She reached her hand out for a handshake.
"Nice to meet you Andrea." I accepted her hand and let it go quickly as Ellie grabbed me by the elbow, leading me to the door.
"What was that all about, Ellie?" I whispered to her as I tried to keep up with her pace.
"Urgh. I really just do not like that woman." She seethed.
This was quite shocking to me. I mean, Ellie has always been sweet and nice toward me so I never really had the chance to see this side of her. Although it is a well known fact how ruthless and cold she can be, truly fitting for a Lee. If Aki is Shooting Daggers, Ellie was known as the Ice Queen. I couldn't help but giggle.
"What?!" She looked at me, annoyance clearly showing on her face as we reached one of the cafes we both love.
"Nothing. I keep on forgetting that you are the Ice Queen after all." I shook my head and continued giggling.
"Oh stop it! I just don't like the woman, okay? And I couldn't even fathom the fact that Aki once dated her. Hmph. That stupid brother of mine. Of all people…Well, it truly is a blessing he met you and ended it with her. Ah! Let's forget about her. I'm craving dark chocolate coffee layered cheesecake and a cup of americano. You?"
"Hahaha. You really amaze me, Ellie. And thank you for always treating me so well. I guess it runs in the family? How you and the rest of your family treat me as if I am one of you." I blushed.
"Oh my, oh my. No wonder our Aki fell head over heels in love with you! Who would have thought a simple statement like that can make such a grown, independent, and might I add, stubborn woman turn different shades of red!" She giggled as she led me to our favorite spot.
As we sat down, she continued: "You are one of us, Kira. Always remember that. No matter what happens in the future, you are already a Lee and that fact will always remain true! Of course, I'm rooting to have you as my sister-in-law and my brother's wife! Now, what will you be having?" She gestured for the server to come to us to take our orders.
"One slice of dark chocolate coffee layered cheesecake, a cup of double-shot americano and…" She looked at me, gesturing to order.
"I'll have the vegan lemon oreo cheesecake and the same drink as hers." I relayed to the server.
"So, since we're almost done with the shopping, let's just quickly head on to the toy shop as I want to buy something for Loi and the twins. Is there any place else you would like to visit after?"
"No. Not really. I mean, we already bought a bunch of stuff. I don't really need more. I don't even know what to do with all of the stuff you made me buy. I mean, you know I really find it wasteful to have a lot of items of clothing…" I mumbled.
"Hahaha. Oh Kira. This is also one of the reasons I adore you. I just want to dress you up and flaunt you! You're so cute!" Ellie mused and I can't help but glare at her.
"Hey! I am not a doll you can dress up! You have Loi!"
"Hahaha. Okay, okay. I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way. I just want Aki to become speechless during the trip with the new wardrobe you have! I'm looking forward to see him blush like a school boy and make a fool out of himself!" She giggled.
"Are you really his sister?!" I laughed. "Fine. I can always auction the clothes during the fundraising for the orphanage. Which reminds me, are you still interested in helping out?"
"Of course! Oh my goodness. You know I would not miss it. Yuma also already said that he will be donating five scholarships for the teens there who would like to pursue a three-year vocational course at the academy!" She mused.
"Really?! Oh my goodness! This news will really make the sisters and the kids happy! Thank you, Ellie. And please extend my gratitude to Yuma. By the way, when is he coming back?"
"Well, he'll be back in two weeks time. By then, we might ask you and Aki or the elders to watch over Loi." She giggled like a school-girl.
"Oooooh. Another honeymoon, ei?" I teased.
"Oh, you know Yuma. He might be gone most of the time but whenever he is with us, he makes sure to pamper both Loi and I as if we are the only two people in his world!" She stated blushingly.
"I am sure he knows your value! He truly is a gentleman. And one who is clearly smitten by the two most important people in his life!" I can't help but be happy for Ellie and her family. Their family of three is what can be considered as an ideal. Wealth, Love, Harmony and Joy. They have all these. Hmmm, will Aki and I have this kind of family too? Wait, what? What the fuck am I thinking about. I couldn't help but blush at my own foolish thoughts.
"And you will get to experience that too once you let go of your fears and embrace your feelings for Aki!" She teased, making me blush all the more.
After enjoying our break, we then went to buy some toys for Loi and the twins before heading back.