The appearance of P' Kitt sends a shiver down my spine, and I brace myself to fight back at any moment if he shows any sign of being a threat. Meanwhile, Yu remains determined, not afraid that our secret will be exposed, but simply displeased with the presence of this handsome guy.
However, he acts as if he's meeting me for the first time, not revealing to the older person in front of us that we know each other. Although relieved, I'm still uneasy about what his intentions might be.
"This is my second opinion,"
Yu's dad gestures toward the soup pot for P' Kitt to see.
"Mr. Kitt, taste it and tell me what you think."
"In that case, I won't hold back."
P' Kitt picks up a ladle and pours the soup into a small bowl, then uses a new spoon to taste it, blowing on it to cool it down. After about three seconds, the handsome man looks at Yu's dad and smiles.
"It's delicious."
"Really...?"
Yu's dad responds briefly, glancing at me before tasting the soup himself and nodding.
"I see."
That's all he says, while everyone else seems indifferent. Only I feel something about the words 'I see', but I let it go as he changes the subject abruptly.
"Kids, go sit and get to know each other. I'll tidy up the kitchen first. Mr. Kitt, stay for dinner with us."
"Thank you."
.
.
This might be the first time, except for the trip to Pattaya, that the three of us are alone together. Yu hooks her arm around mine and hisses like a protective cobra while I brace myself for a confrontation. Only P' Kitt sighs and puts his hands in his pockets, refusing to speak. I can't stand it and have to ask because his actions make me feel like a small child.
"Why are you sighing? Can you please tell me, P' Kitt?"
"Why are you being so polite to someone like him?"
Yu snaps, seeing me speak respectfully to P' Kitt, and bares her teeth at him.
"He doesn't deserve any respect from you after making you get kicked out, disowned by your mother, and turning you into a wandering homeless."
"I don't look like an actual homeless, and I'm still living with you."
"But you're still technically homeless. Don't talk to him. Keep your mouth shut."
Yu covers my mouth, making P' Kitt raise his hand as if to make peace.
"I'm here with good intentions today."
"You probably said that when you went to Ms. Frung's house, too, asking her to get engaged without caring that she already had a girlfriend! What you did was revenge. She's admired you since she was young and gave you her first kiss, but you still did this. You trash."
Yu stomps her foot, getting more worked up, and I gently pat her shoulder to calm her down.
"P' Kitt hasn't done anything yet, Pixie. Calm down."
"Are you defending the person who made you homeless? I'm standing up for you, you know?"
"I know."
I squeeze her small shoulder and smile apologetically.
"But I think P' Kitt has a lot to say to me. If we keep doing this, we won't get anywhere. How about letting me talk to P' Kitt alone for a bit?"
"You're pushing me away."
