Tea Leaves and Opal Necklaces

Struggle, Trying, and Fire

Match Nineteen: Struggle, Trying, and Fire:

-Ju-

There were no results. I know it takes time, but I'm starting to get antsy. Part of me just wants to get this over with. The clan mothers have backed off a bit, but I can tell that they are still cheering me to get pregnant already. But, I'm having another problem on my hands. No, not my uncle and Junjie. There is another problem.

Yao's been acting more withdrawal lately. I tried to ask him what was wrong, but he won't tell him. I don't think he doesn't want to, but more like he doesn't know how to.

"If you need an ear, I'm right here for you," I said. Yao just pulled me into his arms and nodded. I don't really know what's going in his mind right now. There's been too much going on for me to process.

I hope he can focus tonight.

"Will you be okay tonight?" I asked him as I was heading home.

"Yes," Yao insisted over the phone. His tone didn't sound so convincing to me.

"Did you have the juice that Fei suggested?" I asked.

"Of course I did," he said.

"Good, good," I said.

"Did you eat all of the foods that Bik instructed you to?"

"Yes, yes."

"Good."

"I'll be home soon."

"Okay, I love you."

"Love you too." I hung up just as the bus pulled up. Instinct told me to keep an eye on Yao's well-being.

-8:00 p.m.-

What did I want to entice him with tonight? Naughty schoolgirl? Dirty little maid? I opened a drawer on my side of the chest. A flash of pink lace caught my eye. Hm? I picked up the object in question. The top was white silk with thin pink spaghetti straps. I stared at the bow at the chest. I looked at the odd, blended pattern on all sides of it. How long have I had this? When did I get this? Who gave this to me? I turned to over again. It looks really cute. Can I still where this? I wondered if pants came with it.

I took a look through the drawer. I never realized I had this many clothes in this drawer alone. I think I could open a small clothing store with them. I pushed that thought aside and dug deeper. Come on, there had to be pants to this somewhere. Maybe they are in another drawer. I took a minute and dove back in. I paused when I saw pink lace. Ah-ha! Here they are! The cuffs flare out at the bottom and the top was draw string. I took a moment to admire the pattern. Looks like I have winner tonight. I had to go and try it on. Private fashion show time!

After changing clothes, I modeled around in the mirror on out closet door. I look good! Yao's definitely going to love this! Suddenly, the doorbell rang.

"Coming!" I shouted. I dashed down the stairs to the front door.

"Who is it?" I asked.

"Yao," my husband said. My heart little flips in my chest. I straightened myself up before I opened the door. I licked my lips when I saw him standing outside and broke into a little cat-like smile.

"Good evening, dear," I greeted him. "Can I interest you in a night cap?" Yao whistled as he looked her up and down.

"When did you get those?" he asked. I giggled.

"Oh, I just found these in my side of the chest," I said. "You like?"

"Yes," he was quick to say. I walked up to him and put my arms around his neck.