Secret Love Nest

Holiday Plans

Me: Should we put a Christmas tree here?

Qing: Do you want a Christmas tree?

I look sideways at my lover who is busy writing something at his notepad. We are at the kitchen, sitting on the dining table while waiting for Qing's coffee to brew properly.

Coffee even at night. Qing is an addict. Or maybe because it's getting seriously cold now. Whatever.

I frowned, wondering what is keeping Qing busy that he couldn't pay attention to me and to what I am saying.

Me: Last year, when we celebrated our first Christmas together, we didn't have a tree here in the condo.

Qing: It's because we celebrated Christmas day in Heilongjiang with your family. And then we get back down here in Beijing again to go and celebrate New Year with my family.

Me: Will we do that again?

Qing: What?

I want to snatch that notepad and smack it on his head.

Me: (holding on to my patience) Celebrate Christmas day and New Year with our families? Shall we mixed it up now and celebrate Christmas with your family and New Year with mine?

Qing: (attention still on his notepad) Will that make you happy?

Me: Are you asking what will make me happy?

Qing: Yes. What will make you happy?

Me: To have a boyfriend who will pay attention to me and to what I am saying...

Qing stopped. Looked at me. Winced and then put his notepad aside.

Me: (nodding now that I got his full attention) Good. Now, what shall we do? Tree or no tree?

Qing: Do you want a tree?

Me: Yes. I think I want a tree. And I think I want to celebrate Christmas and New Year with just us. The two of us. Just us.

Qing: Just us? Do you want to travel this Christmas?

Me: No. It's too cold. I want to stay here in our condo and just be with you.

Qing: (smiling) Aren't you being too romantic?

Me: (shaking my head) Prior to Christmas day we will be busy attending different events and parties. You and your family had that big gala thing. I am invited to a Christmas party with this company a product I am endorsing. You have that too. We will be busy before Christmas...

Qing: So you want that actual Christmas day to be just us.

Me: (nodding) And New Year too.

Qing: What about your parents? What about my parents?

My shoulders slumped. That is my dilemma. How will I tell our parents that I want Qing for myself this Cristmas and New Year season?

Me: (whining) I don't know...

Qing: (going back to his notebook) You better talk to them about this...

Me: (stunned) Why just me? Why do I have to speak to them alone?

Where is the solidarity? Truly?! Aren't we in this together?

Qing: (shrugging) Because I am content to spend Christmas and New Year with our families. You are the selfish one who wants to monopolize me.