Peppermint Omega

28

Leather Bound and Perked Up was still standing and had been all these years, but it had changed hands. They had expanded into two more spaces, pretty much obtaining the entire corner of buildings. It was still the café on the first floor with added seating space, and they expanded the books. Used had its own entire store, while the third building was considered warehouse. It was just amazing to me. I could be lost for hours. And they didn't just have books - here I am sounding like a poorly constructed commercial.

'Mama?'

'Hmm?'

'Can I have your phone?'

Without a second thought, I slipped it to her. We were sitting at a small circular table, in a triangle formation, but Lucian took the space where his back was facing the wall. I wanted that because I was ever paranoid and could keep an eye out. I had removed my coat and draped it across my lap as I watched her drink her cloud cream hot cocoa. The child never knew, even at home, the best approach to tackle the mound of cream. She was messy all around her mouth but had wiped it away, mostly, before she had taken my phone.

'Yeye!'

I rolled my eyes. I could hear Fa saying sweet things to her.

'Can I spend the night again?' -Do you, gah, want to stay me or Xing'er?-

'Yeye, you know I love you..' -HAHA! Sure you do.-

'But you snore.. bad. Like a big old bear.'

I snorted at this, looking across the table at Lucian. He looked a little saddened by her request, but we don't normally get to see them that often. Maybe few times a year. She practically lived with Uncle Fa during the summer.

-I think you like over there better because little cousin, ey? Also, your mama, how's he? Tell me all. If it is good, I will let you come immediately!-

She covered up her mouth. I knew this was something that she tried to do when she was telling her grandpa gossip. I rolled my eyes again. Her green eyes sparkling when she whispered in the phone.

'She really loves them, huh?' Lucian asked, pulling my attention from her whispering to him. When did he get closer?

I chuckled. 'Yeah, they took me in like a stray dog.' I said a little louder, 'They still treat me like the stray!'

-Pew! Tell your mama to stop with the dramatics.- 'Stop being dramatic, Mama.' It was Moonie's turn to roll her eyes.

My mouth fell open, and I looked at Lucian, who chuckled. 'He's going to catch flies, yeye. Fuyo.'

My mouth fell open further then snapped closed. 'Yeye is a bad influence on you, Moonie. I don't think you should be around that sneaky, old omega anymore.'

I could hear Fa's laughter from here. -You bring her, ya? I miss my gah already.-

I grumbled that I would and got up to return my own hot cocoa cup the dirty counter. 'Mama?'

'Yes, ma'am, your majesty?'

She giggled. 'Yeye, says to bring some chilis when you drop me off. You know what kind.'

'God, that man,' I groaned. 'That means a trip across town. By the fish place.'

Moonie wrinkled her nose. 'Eww, that place stinks bad.'

'You mean, the Open Air Market?' Lucian confirmed. I nodded. 'I don't mind tagging along.'

I lifted my eyes to his and gave him, "I already knew you would" look while he countered with "And you thought you could get rid of me" smirk. I turned away, not able to take his gaze any longer and stood up from the table, again.