Imperfect Desires

Since Xiu had been standing at the door for quite a while, Clara came out to see what was taking her so long and when she got near, she managed to hear Darren's conversation with Xiu from the moment he said, 'Take care of my flower.'

Unknowingly, it made the corners of her lips to curl up slightly. That sweet smell of romance in the air was quite evident to her. And it really made her feel happy for Xiu. But just as Darren said that Xiu was trying to push him away, it made her think whether Xiu was really trying to hide her boyfriend from her. The thought wasn't pleasant at all. As the only family of Xiu, she really didn't expect this.

That's why she put on a fierce persona when she made her presence known to both of them. Xiu was still trying staring wide-eyed at her when Clara asked, "Who is he?"

Xiu bit her lip and said uncertainly, "Neighbor?" Darren gave her a look of disbelief and hurt while Clara looked at her with her intimidating expression. Xiu lowered her eyes and told truthfully, "He's my boyfriend."

However, Darren wasn't very happy when she accepted that fact. It sounded like someone forced her into acknowledging it. He didn't know why but it really hurt him. 

On the side, Clara crossed her arms over her chest and looked at Darren up and down before saying, "So, he's the boyfriend I've been hearing about."

"You heard about him? How? When? From whom?" Xiu asked the questions one after another. She didn't think she mentioned anything about Darren and Nora would never say anything. But then again, Nora could spill the beans if the person asking was actually her mother, Clara.

Clara's eyes were trying to evaluate Darren with her discerning eyes as she answered to Xiu, "Your brother loves to talk. You should know that by now." Xiu finally learned who the traitor was while Clara took a brief pause before adding, "He was really excited when he first met your boyfriend and kept talking nonstop about how cool and awesome he is. That's how I managed to learn about him." She extended her towards Darren who had been silent till now and introduced herself, "Hi, you must be Darren and I'm Clara. Clara Cartwright. Nora's mother. Well, I'm also Xiu's guardian. According to my son, you're the best. So, I've been wondering who actually impressed him so much."

Darren stared at Xiu before pleasantly shaking his hand with Clara and saying, "It's a pleasure meeting you. Although I wasn't expecting our first meeting to be in a hallway, it's still better than not meeting at all."

"Oh, that does seem weird. Why don't you come inside?" Clara invited him inside but before Darren could agree, Xiu got between them saying, "Clara Mom, Darren has to go somewhere."

"I do?" Darren looked at Xiu who tried giving him a signal with her eyes which he pretended like he didn't understand at all. Since she was so eager to get rid of him, he wasn't going anywhere!

Xiu pinched his arm and said, "Yes, you do." 

Darren was really peeved but seeing her pleading eyes... Argh! He gave up and sighed out in defeat as he agreed, "I have to visit my godmother. If I knew I'd be seeing you here I'd have canceled my plans."

Clara had seen the interaction between Xiu and Darren. Honestly, she wanted to laugh at how much Xiu was trying to protect her boyfriend from her. But she could understand her as well. That's why she said, "Oh, that can't be ignored then. How about you come for dinner sometime to our house? My husband and I would love to have a meal with you."

"That I can promise," said Darren without any hesitation at all.

"Alright then, see you soon." Clara took the flower pot from Xiu's hand and said, "And you come back inside after saying your goodbye."

Xiu nodded her head and watched her enter the apartment. By the time, she looked back Darren was looking rather displeased as he asked, "Are you embarrassed by me?"

"What? No. Not at all," answered Xiu without even taking time to think about it. "If anything I actually want to stick to you and show you off."

"Then why didn't you want me to meet her? She's like a mother figure in your life. Or do you think it's too soon?"

Xiu held his hand and said, "As much as I love her, that can't change the fact that her temper is no joke. She's a criminal lawyer and if I let you talk to her alone, it'd turn into an investigation instead. I'd rather be at ease if your first meeting with her is in the presence of Uncle Ge." 

Darren knew that her explanation made sense but he wasn't completely convinced. Xiu shook his hand saying, "Come on. You can't be upset over this. Besides, you wouldn't want me to meet your mother in your absence, right?"

Darren furrowed his brows at her question and asked, "Why wouldn't I?"

"How will your mother like me without you trying to show her my good points?" Darren stared at Xiu weirdly as she went on, "Because, in your absence, she won't find anything good about me and end up rejecting me."

Darren flicked her forehead and said, "Silly! My mother would love you anyway." Xiu forgot about her sore forehead as she heard his remark and looked into his eyes as he touched her head and said, "I don't know why you're insecure but my mother would definitely love you even more than I do."

Saying that he kissed the top of her head and waved his goodbye. "I should turn my lie into reality and should actually pay a visit to my godmother now."

"You have a godmother?" asked Xiu in a daze.

Darren nodded and said, "Didi's mother is my godmother. Oh, and don't make plans for tomorrow. We're going somewhere very special."

As he turned to leave, Xiu stood there watching him with a complicated feeling mixed with happiness. His comment about his mother loving her really had struck a chord she didn't know existed. It felt special and it actually gave her a feeling of belonging. Oh, this man was definitely out to get her heart. Oh, wait! He already had it. What else was he after now?!