Imperfect Desires

"Why are you following me around, Jackie?" asked Xiu when she noticed how Jackie had been hovering around her. 

"Why can't I do that?" retorted Jackie. "The others also follow you all the time. You never complain about them."

"They do that because want treats from me. What about you?" Xiu looked at him playfully.

"I also..." Jackie couldn't bring himself to continue. Although he was only 11 years old now, he still couldn't bring himself to act like others of his age. No matter how hard he tried to do so. He couldn't act cute like the others at home either.

Xiu laughed out at his reaction, "Even if you say you're looking for treats, no one will believe you."

"I'm so not cute, right?"

Xiu frowned at him, "And who said that?"

"No one has to say it," said Jackie who looked frustrated over something. "I just know it myself. I can't bring myself to act cute."

"That's strange. My little brother has always been cute to me," said Xiu as she pinched his face lovingly. He was growing so fast that Xiu was scared within a couple of years, he might even grow taller than her. That'd be a blow to her.

No matter which age was it, height was always the issue!

"When I pinch your cheeks, don't you like to say, 'Mom, I'm so old now. Stop treating me like a kid.' What happened now?" 

Xiu looked at Clara and smiled, "Xiu has Xiu privilege, Clara mom!"

Clara could only nod, "That's so true. Xiu does have Xiu privilege. How can I compete with that."

"Clara mom, what are you doing here? Do you need anything?"

"No, I came to see if you need any help here," said Clara as she looked around the kitchen.

"There is no need for that," said Xiu. "This year it's my turn to host the New Year's dinner. I can manage. Besides, I didn't do much today. The kitchen staff cooked the dinner. I am only gonna make dumplings."

"Oh, then I can help you with that," offered Clara.

"Not happening," Xiu turned her around and pushed her out of the kitchen. "Last year, you didn't let me help you as well. All of us went over for New Year's dinner at your place but you didn't even let me enter the kitchen to help you. This time, I'm also not letting you in."

Clara felt helpless before her, "Can't you forget that?"

"No way," said Xiu. 

"Fine. Then I won't disturb you. But if you need help, let me know," Clara said once again.

Since none of them had big families, Spring Festival had always been unlively for them. But then Xiu suggested that they should take turns to host New Year's dinner. That way, they would be able to enjoy the New Year with a big family. How could anyone resist that idea?

So, now they all gathered at one house to celebrate the New Year every year. Last year, it was Jing House. This time, it's Xiu's place. And next year, it'll definitely be Qiu Family's turn. 

Xiu looked around and asked Jackie, "Have you seen Bo Jiu?"

"She went to say thank you to your elder brother," said Jackie. "But she hasn't come back yet."

Xiu nodded her head and thinking of something, she said to him, "How come you always call Li bro 'your elder brother'? Can't find the right title?"

"I'll eventually find one," said Jackie certainly.

Xiu was amused by his confidence. "Then I wish you the best of luck."

"Thank you."

"Momma, what are you doing?" came Rowan's voice.

"I'm gonna make dumplings," answered Xiu.

"I also want to help," said Rowan.

"Oh?" Xiu looked at this tiny man. She was wondering how was he gonna help? But she'd never dampened his spirit. If he wanted to do it, she'd at least allow him to give it a try. If he did good, then okay. But even if he didn't do good, at least he tried, right?

"Let me prepare the fillings and roll the dumpling sheets. Then my little tiger can fill the dumplings," suggested Xiu. "Is that okay?"

"Okay!" Rowan looked ready to face this battle. A dumpling might not even fit into his tiny hands but he still had to try. 

"Xiu, we also want to try." How was it possible that Rowan wanted to do something and his elder sisters wouldn't give him a hand? That was really not possible!

"Then we can all make dumplings together," agreed Xiu without any hesitation. "With my capable helpers here, my work will be done sooner."

The girls blushed at being called the capable helpers.

"We'll try our best."

"I know you will!" said Xiu. "I have all my faith in you. Now, I'm counting on you all. We have to feed everyone. So, let's do our best."

"Yes!"

Jackie shook his head at Xiu and whispered, "I'll also help you."

"Really?" asked Xiu.

"Yes, why? Can't I?"

"Of course, you can," said Xiu. "All of you go and sit down at the dining table. When I roll the sheets, I'll teach you how to roll the dumplings."

"Okay," three of them went to obediently wait at the side but one of them stood right beside Xiu.

"Jackie, why are you still here?"

"I'm gonna learn how to make dumplings from scratch," informed Jackie seriously.

"And why would you want to do that?"

"Do I need a reason?" asked Jackie as his eyes moved over where the other three were sitting.

Xiu caught his gaze and smiled to herself, "Learning to cook already? Are you that eager to take a wife home?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," he refused to admit it.

Xiu was amused by his reaction. It had been years but he was still the same. And his interest in her family's Asteria was also the same. It was actually surprising. At this age, no matter how smart he was he couldn't possibly understand the meaning of love. But that didn't mean he forgot his intentions.