Book 20: Chapter 11


    Its always better to personally buy your own clothes in person, rtively speaking. After all, the measurements taken may end up inurate. Unfortunately, taking Mommy Elizabeth and Mommy Vyvyan out with me wouldve attracted excessive attention. As a matter of fact, we might end up on the inte, and I could kiss my peaceful life goodbye. It wasnt the right time and ce to be inte celebrities. We werent even from the same world  not to mention Mommy Vyvyan was an elf. Hence, I had to go shopping with Sister Ning.


    After we left, Sister Ning calmed down. I still felt awkward due to the debacle prior to leaving; nevertheless, she acted as though nothing ever happened. She remained as gentle and generous as before. In short, she was no different to my elder sister. I gradually stopped worrying and treated her as I did in the past. The two of us were adamant on not mentioning what just happened. Although it was awkward between us due to guests Sister Ning deemed as uninvited living with us, we were outside and away from them. We were in a ce we were familiar with. It was our world and our daily life all over again. Therefore, we went out with smiles on our face as we usually did, enjoying the life that belonged to us bathed in sunlight.


    I waspletely uneducated on the topic of shopping for womens clothing. Sister Ning could try on clothes for Lucia. As for the others, we had no choice but to hand the measurements to the clerk. The clerk was startled when she saw the measurements. In fact, she thought I was japing her for my own pleasure. What could I do about it? Fortunately, Sister Ning showed her the photos of Mommy Vyvyan and Mommy Elizabeth that she took Dont ask me when she took them; just know that she did have photos. I was fairly convinced shed try and use the photos to report them to the police since she believed they were scammers or troublemakers upon first contact. Nier and Elizabeth did attack her when they first met, after all.


    Icked a concept of aesthetics; therefore, I entrusted all the decisions to Sister Ning, though she also felt challenged. It was the first time I felt shopping for clothes was so troublesome I required a lot of help from the clerk, Sister Ning and even my imagination to finally select a few sets of clothing. Needless to say, I chose very conservative clothing to satisfy my own jealousy. I didnt want others to ogle Mommy Vyvyan and Mommy Elizabeth, let alone touch. No, you may not even look at them!


    When we picked up the clothes and prepared to go home, Sister Ning suddenly received a phone call. Her face turned pale when she looked at the screen. Baffled, I looked over. I, too, went pale in the face and nearly dropped the clothes. It was the equivalent of receiving a warning of an iing bomb Seeing the contact name was no different to seeing a menace


    The name of the caller was Auntie No, not as in the cleaner usage in Chinese, but my mom Yes, my biological Mom, or otherwise, Zhu Liangzhes biological mom I always considered my mom to be a nightmare. I never felt she held any affection for me as a mother; my mother was even stricter than my father. I, in fact, never saw her smile until my university graduation. Even then, she gave me a stern stare. Ever since I was a kid, she was always forbidding this, forbidding that, do this, do that.


    Sister Ning did you call my mom?!


    I did think I heard Sister Ning speak to Mom. Nevertheless I was d Normally, nobody would believe their son brought four women home; four foreigners who behaved as intimately as husband and wife. I didnt think my mom would believe it I was worried, but she wouldnt reallye I presumed.


    Calm down!!! Calm down! Let me take the call first. Let me take the call first.


    Sister Ning shook so intensely that it took her multiple attempts to tap the answer button. My mom wasnt strict with me exclusively. Sister Ning, who grew up alongside me, was also subjected to moms terror that left her quavering. Thus, we both feared her. We still quaked in our boots as primary school kids did when we were in her presence The entire matter had nothing to do with Sister Ning. It was my problem, but I was sure Mom would drag Sister Ning, who cohabitated with me, into it and punish her, as well. Psychological damage suffered during childhood can never bepletely healed, I tell you.


    Hello Auntie


    Sister Ning forced out a stiff smile. It was just a phone call, where she couldnt see moms expression, yet she was so nervous that she adjusted her expression. I couldnt hear what Mom said. I didnt dare to listen in, yet I was burning to know what she said The conflicting emotions put me in a dilemma. It wasnt even a minute, yet I felt as though I was subjected to a year of horror And it was my biological mom on the other end of the call, as I thought.


    My moms calls were always short. It was her habit as a soldier. Moreover, she never asked for my opinion. She never asked where we should go or what we should do. When she called me, it was to notify me and not ask for my opinion. Once she was done, shed hang up; she wouldnt waste a moment or words


    Sister Ning was scared to begin with. Consequently, when she hung up, she looked at me with an even more terrified look. She grabbed my shoulder with one hand. While sobbing, she eximed, What do we do?!! What do we do?! Aunt has arrived! Shes at home right now What do do? What do we do?! Can can we still go home?! We we cant go home


    I panicked as I racked my brains: And where could we go if not home? But but could could my mom have already met Mommy Vyvyan and Mommy Elizabeth?! I My my legs are feeling weak How do I exin it? Mom, let me introduce you, these are my two adopted moms? I Im panicking I cant exin it


    We dont have anywhere to go if not home right?


    ========


    Current time at home.


    Vyvyan sat on the sofa with a cup of tea in hand. She gave the woman opposite her a smile. Elizabeth vigntly stood by the window and leaned on it. She kept her head down and avoided eye contact.


    The woman, who was dressed in casual clothing, yet appeared imposing, looked straight back at Vyvyan. The three didnt speak. Nevertheless, all the air in the living room was frozen. There was no way to breathe. Even Lucia and Nier stayed in one of the rooms and trembled. They didnt dare to move


    <strong>Glossary</strong>


    *Cleaner auntie  Usually, in Chinese, we add uncle or auntie to upations when referring to specific individuals. As another example, wed say candy uncle  van is optional.