Chapter 9 - A Midnight Surprise

Mei wakes up to a car horn, wondering if she is dreaming. She whispers, "Erika, did Aunt leave for one her yoga classes?" Receiving no response, she switches on the light, only to find Erika missing from the room. Mei searches for her cousin, checking Erika's room before heading down stairs. The house is dark and quiet, except for muffled cries that sounds like Erika. Mei follows the sound to the living room, where she sees her cousin Erika in the arms of a mysterious young man. A male voice comforts Erika "please don't cry at least you are safe now. You are at home" Mei pinches herself, confirming this isn't a dream. She watches as Erika explains "no he tried to take advantage of me." The guy replies "But I saved you, and you are at home that's all that matter" she thanks him before pulling him closer. Their lips meet in a tender kiss. Mei gasps, as the scene unfolds feeling like an intruder witnessing a private moment. She tries to lean against the wall for support, but there isn't one causing her to fall to the ground. Erika notices Mei and quickly composes herself, their gaze meet each other "Mei you are awake, and what are you doing here?" her voice laced with embarrassment Mei rushes to apologize for interrupting "sorry" the guy decides "i will take my leave" Erika bids him farewell with a goodbye hug he replies "take care will you?" After he leaves, Mei looks at Erika out of curiosity seeking for answers "Erika what just happened?" Erika bursts into tears. Mei sits beside her, "what's wrong? Is everything alright?" Erika explains between sobs "Nothing is right, Mei… I don't know how to feel. I should have listened to Mom. At work we all planned to throw a surprise party for our boss's birthday. I told mom about it she was cool with it. Since we heard you were coming, we had to change plans Mom said I shouldn't go and I should stay with you, but I disobeyed her. Our boss's son tried to molest me if not for Xiao, who came to my rescue I don't know what that beast would have done" Mei advises "You should tell aunt about it" Erika objects "sorry, but I can't tell mom she will be angry with me for disobeying her. Do you even know the consequences?" Mei advises "she is your mom her anger will be justified. Just tell her before things get worse." Erika retorts "you are saying this because you have never gone through what I have been through today." Mei corrects her "who gave you the idea that I haven't been through this? Have you easily forgotten the past Erika? Why do you think my arm is like this? Why do you think I am messed up and trying to fix myself? Why do you think am buried in sorrow?" Erika regrets "I am so sorry I didn't mean to hurt you or bring back bad memories." Mei reassures "Don't worry I also think I let my emotions get the best of me. Do you need anything?" Erika declines "No, I don't need anything." Mei lightens the mood, "Who is the new guy?" Mei teases Erika trying to diffuse the tension she winks at her Erika. Erika eyes sparkle with amusement and she replies her voice barely above a whisper "He is just a colleague of mine nothing else." Mei presses "A colleague you kissed?" Erika explains "That was a gratitude kiss." Mei feigns understanding "i totally understand" Erika throws a pillow at her "you have become very mischievous lately" Mei laughs "Xiao, right" Erika threatens playfully "Wait there I will teach you a lesson" Mei shouts as chases her "You know that colleague of yours isn't going to forget that kiss neither are you " Erika catches Mei "Like I said gratitude kiss." As the night wears on, Erika composure returns, and their conversation flows effortlessly. They both start to discuss everything from their love of fashion to their future dreams. Hours pass and before they know it, dawn creeps into the room.