Strings Attached (Sequel)

Late Night Talks

February 28th

Faye Calinao

"Ximen..." I spoke shakily into the phone. I knew he wouldn't answer his phone for me anymore. He sent me straight to voicemail. I was thankful he never blocked me. It was three in the morning and I sat on a stool in the kitchen feeling very emotional of my vivid memory I wish I could relive.

"I-I know you don't listen to these voicemails," I trembled. I sighed tiredly knowing I had to be quiet so I wouldn't wake anyone. "Umm... I wanted to call, because this is the only thing I have left between us. I really miss having you around. I know you're cold and angry with me. It's okay you've humiliated me in front of the school."

I closed my eyes for a moment and my lips pressed to a thin line.

"Well not exactly okay, but I understand why you did that. I'm sorry for hurting you... I know you said you were happy with Lei and I... I'm sorry for being a terrible friend to you by leaving and for... what I've done since I've come back," I said lightly.

I felt lost after arguing with Lei and things did not settle by putting me at ease. Falling asleep on his shoulder I only dream of a memory that made me... happy. Currently Lei made me feel unsure of myself and he didn't quite understand why I am being the way I am.

"You've always been a supporting and caring friend I could ever ask for with the many years of our friendship. I-I hope in time, maybe someday you will forgive me. I'm not mad at you for breaking a promise we made. I've made many mistakes in our friendship and-" I was cut off from the voicemail being too long. I sighed as I ended the call and placed my phone on the counter.

My hand reached for my stomach and I looked down towards my little one. I gently rubbed my stomach and apologized to him or her for my stressful and sad mood swings.

"Faye." I jumped started in my seat and looked towards the doorway to see Doaming Si slowly entering the kitchen. "Sorry," he apologized once he realized I was trying to calm myself from the disrupted silence. He took a seat across the island from me and folded his hands looking unsure. "I would ask if you're alright..." he started. "But I heard you yelling at Lei earlier and you're down here leaving a message to Ximen."

"It's the closest thing I have to interacting with him," I said lightly.

"And Lei?"

"He doesn't understand."

"Maybe... I can try and talk to Ximen for you." I shook my head immediately thinking that was a bad idea.

"I've caused a lot of damage. I don't want to be more disappointed than I already am," I sighed.

"Do you want me to call him? Would it help ease you a little to listen to our conversation? You'll be able to hear him."

"I don't want to intrude in a conversation."

"I'm here to help Faye," Daoming Si said, taking his phone out. "I know this isn't easy for you. Let me ease your mind."

"Thank you." Doaming Si dialed Ximen's number and put the phone on speaker before placing it between us. After a few rings, it stopped and music began playing in the background.

"Ah Si," Ximen spoke on the other end. His tone towards his was neutral and it seemed he was currently out.

"Ximen," Doaming Si said looking towards me then back at the phone. "Are you out right now?"

"Yes. Meizuo and I. "

"Where are you?" It's like yesterday never happened.

"We're at Roxy's club. Want to join us?"

"You know I don't care for clubs. I was going to ask, What are we doing for your birthday next weekend?"

"We're going to have a small get together. It's you, Shancai, Meizuo, Xiaoyou, Geng, and my mother who may join us for the beginning of the night."

"Ah." Doaming glanced towards me again. "Can I bring a guest?"

"Sure. As long as it's not Lei."

"Alright. Not Lei. Send me the details. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Alright." They said their goodbyes before the kitchen became silent.

"Thank you," I said lightly. Doaming Si hummed and put his phone into his sweatpants. It eased me knowing Ximen was doing alright with Meizuo and Doaming Si. It was nice to know they could stilll have a civil conversation after Doaming Si punched Ximen in the face yesterday.

"Faye?" Doaming Si asked. I hummed looking towards him. "Do you want to go to Ximen's birthday?" My eyes widened, surprised he would ask that of me.

"I thought you said... someone." Daoming Si chuckled and shook his head slightly.

"That someone is you."

"Me?" I questioned again. "Ximen would be furious if I showed up."

"Not if he promises he won't react or make a scene for the evening. He wouldn't go behind my request if I ever ask. Plus... he never said your name."

"This is too much and... Geng will be there."

"Ignore her."

"That's easy for you to say. It's fine. I'll celebrate his birthday from afar. I don't want to cause anymore trouble than I already have."

"How about... I get Ximen to spend the morning of his birthday with you," he said, getting an idea.

"That's impossible. Ximen doesn't want me in his sight. Let alone be alone with him."

"He will if I ask him a favor." Doaming Si smiled. "He owes me and I think this is the perfect time. He will have to hold his tongue and his cold comments and spend it with you. What do you think?"

"If... it's okay. I'm concerned about what could happen though."

"I'll make sure nothing bad happens. It will be as if nothing happened between you two."

"Y-you can do that?"

"I'll make it happen Faye. Meizuo and I will make sure nothing can ruin your moment with him. I know it has been very difficult for you."

"This means a lot to me Doaming Si... umm... thank you."

"Thank you for giving me a chance. I... know I'm the last person you'd want around you. I will talk with Ximen the day before after our Bridge competition." I nod thanking him once more. My stomach grumbled slightly and I looked down rubbing my stomach. Doaming Si looked down slightly.

"I think you're having a boy," Doaming Si nods to himself. It still amazed me how it seemed like a switch was flipped for him. "Do you want me to warm something up to eat then? I can warm up the chicken adobo and we can have rice."

"That sounds good," I nod. Doaming Si stood from the stool and went to the refrigerator to take out the pot of chicken adobo. He took out a bowl and a scooper to transfer the food to the bowl.

"Is this enough?" He asked. He walked over to me and showed me the bowl. I hummed before walking back over to the pot and putting his portion in. He placed the bowl in the microwave before going over to the stove to return the put into the fridge. He found the plates and put rice onto each of them before placing once in front of me and the other plate beside me.

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Next Update: March 3rd, 2022