Imperfect Desires

If Xiu and Dylan didn't argue, would they really be Dylan and Xiu? Not really! It was just their unique way of bonding and no matter how many years pass, it seemed this tradition was going nowhere. Even the kids in the family had learned already what kind of a relationship Dylan and Xiu had. After Dylan and Xiu were done with their tradition of bickering like kids, everyone finally hit the road. 

All of the cars arrived at the camping site almost around the same time. Even though Xiao Li had started earlier than the others since he had kids with him, he was being a very responsible driver, unlike these kids' parents who finally got the chance to be a bit reckless on the road.

It took them over two hours to reach the camping site. 

Xiu jumped down the car and stretched as she was feeling tired after sitting for so long. It seemed she was not just an old soul now. Now, she was just OLD!

She was in her thirties! Why did every single bone of her body ache like she was in her fifties or something? Maybe she needed to stop being so careless about exercising daily.

As she stretched, her eyes wandered around to see the campground. And suddenly, her eyes fell on a sports car parked on the other parking lane. Her eyes narrowed a little before she smirked knowingly. 

Jogging up to the side of the sports car, she bent her waist and knocked on the window. As the windowpane was lowered, she got to see that familiar handsome face of her little brother.

"How long have you been here for?" asked Xiu trying not to laugh out loud.

Jackie put on his shades acting carelessly as he answered, "I just got here."

"Hahaha!" Xiu laughed out at his reply. "As if I would believe that." She shook her head and ruffled his hair that he seemed to have spent quite some time on. But it didn't even take her a minute to ruin it and she thoroughly enjoyed it as well. Jackie would definitely not complain about that to Xiu. If it had been Nora, then that would have been another story. "How old are you to drive out this car?"

"I'm in high school," he answered. "Also, if I wasn't allowed to drive it, why did dad even buy it for me on my birthday?"

"Maybe because he was confused about what to buy for you," Xiu told him, her very honest thoughts. She opened the door and pulled him out, "Since you're here then don't just sit there. Help me with my tent."

"Why are you being so lazy?" asked Jackie. "Shouldn't you be a good example and teach your son how to set up a tent?"

"Why should I?" retorted Xiu. "Why do I keep his father with me if I have to do that as well?"

Jackie chuckled at her, "Sister Xiu, does brother-in-law know that you keep him around for this thing?"

"He knows," said Xiu certainly. "He knows everything." She looked at Jackie and showed off, "There is no part of Xiu that her Baobei can't read."

Jackie grimaced as if he bit down on a sour lemon. "It's a talent to become more shameless with time."

"And only I have that talent, right?" Xiu finished his words for him and he nodded. Xiu shrugged at him, "At least, I can accept my feelings. You, my dear brother, are not even in my league yet. First, learn what to call what you're doing these days and then come and point at me."

"Ouch!" said Jackie showing her a baffled look.

"Don't look at me like that," warned Xiu. "You and both know that I'm right here."

Jackie nodded his head, "How can my sister Xiu ever be wrong?"

"Exactly!"

"Jackie, what are you doing here?" questioned Nora when she saw her brother walking over with Xiu. "Didn't you have some boring convention or something today?"

"Why? I can't come here?" asked Jackie in return.

"You're almost an adult now, of course, you can do what you want," said Nora. "I was just asking."

"But I won't be answering questions that you already have answers for," said Jackie to her with a knowing look.

Nora pursed her lips to stifle her laughter and nodded her head, "Got it! Pfft!"

Xiu hit her arm saying, "Get over it already."

Even Darren looked at Jackie for a moment before looking over at his wife. He realized that he still didn't have as much understanding of Jackie as Xiu did. But then again, Jackie had spent most of his life around Xiu since the time he was born. It'd be a surprise if she didn't know him well. Both his sisters could read him like an open book. 

It was kind of unfortunate that he had no way to keep secrets from his sisters. But it was also his blessing to have sisters who were willing to protect him even though he didn't need their protection at all.

"JJ!" Ava was the first one to rush up to Jackie's side and hugged his waist saying, "I was missing you and you're already here. Our hearts definitely have a connection."

Jackie smiled softly at his niece's foolishness but he was the one who was unknowingly indulging her foolishness for years now. He just had to go along with it now. He placed his hand on her head saying, "I just knew you'd be missing me."

"Uncle J! Uncle J! Uncle J!" Rowan also excitedly jumped around him. "Let's play football."

Jackie pinched Rowan's nose, "No. We are gonna help build the tents or else, we'll have to sleep under the sky."

"Oh," Rowan's lips made an 'O' letter cutely as he nodded his head. "Let's build our home for tonight then."

"Okay," agreed Jackie. "First, let's help get the things out of the cars."

Rowan ran over to his father saying, "Baba, give my bag to me. I'll carry it."

"But it's heavy," stated Darren worriedly.

Rowan patted his chest to assure him, "Leave it to me."