Make Me Yours

It was why she had complained about everything and scolded them at the slightest opportunity. They were not perfect – no human was. And in failing to realize that, his mother lived in a cloud, oblivious to her own endless flaws.

Nevertheless, she was his mother and as he grew older, he had learned to understand her and tolerate her. These days, her nagging did not get to him anymore. Especially since he now knew how best to pacify her.

Walking up to her, he came to a stop behind her and began to knead her neck softly.

“You are tired from the flight, I understand. It was a very long one. The bath is ready for you, whenever you are. And just look at that view.”

They were standing by the large glass walls, which opened to a terrace.

“Colorado is a very beautiful city, mother. Its charm is in its small size and the people. It feels really cozy, not to mention, taking a ride in the mountains can get addictive. Once you’ve gotten enough rest, I shall take you and Yuri around and show you just what I mean. You will come to love it, you’ll see. And about getting a house, you are right. In fact, I have been actively looking into one.”

He had felt her tense muscles ease out as he kneaded. Her body language had been encouraging too. When she turned around, he withdrew his hands and took a step backwards. He could see on her face that she felt better relaxed.

Her eyes gleamed as she asked in a sing song, “You have?”

He nodded.

“Oh my! But that’s wonderful. I can only stay here a few weeks, you know this. However, returning to your home whenever I visit Colorado again is such a pleasant thought to look forward to. Oh, Xingan,”

She cupped his cheeks in her hands as she often did so affectionately.
“Zhufu ni,” she said.

“Mama, ni yeshi.” he replied just as fondly.

She patted his cheeks then. “I think I shall go have that bath now.” With that, she disappeared into her room, humming a familiar Chinese tune.

“She never changes, does she?” he asked Yuri, who simply shook her head.

“You grow used to it, at some point. Although, it can become quite unbearable.”

“You are telling me.” He heaved a deep sigh as he dropped into a sofa and rested his back. He could not remember the last time he had decent rest or sleep for that matter.

“I cannot wait until I am eighteen and I can finally come to the States for college.”

“I thought she said she wasn’t going to send you, considering what happened with your mama.”

“Well, Aunt Lu spoke to her. Told her it’d help with my English and if your plans of expansion work, then I may need to head one of the branches here.”

“Ahh… you’ve got to give it to Aunt Lu. She does have her way around Mother.”

“Thankfully.”

There was a small pause as Yuri walked to the mirror.

Xen watched her. Aside from her obvious American blood, Yuri was quite the spitting image of her mother. At now fifteen years old, it was easy to see. She was so beautiful, and so full of life and love. She had only been four when Chuang had died and Xen had feared that having no parent to look up to and care for her would affect her. Nevertheless, he had tried his best, and his mother had been surprisingly doting and patient with the child until she hit teenagerhood.

Still, she had turned out alright. He knew she still missed her mother, felt the absence of a father… but she was a strong child and she’d do just fine. After all, she had him. He was going to try to be there for her even more now that she was quickly becoming a woman.

“I think Colorado is beautiful. There’s more mountains and trees than there are in Singapore… or China, for that matter.”

“Yes. And the air, it smells different.”

“Crisp, healthy. Like sea and trees.”

“Precisely. You know what? Catch some rest and I’ll take you to see the Springs tomorrow evening. You’d love it.”

“There are springs?” she asked excitedly as she turned around.

Xen found himself chuckling as he rose to his feet.

“Why do you think it’s called Colorado Springs?” He drew her in a hug when he reached her and remained that way.

“I’m so happy to have you here with me, Yuri.”

Her small hands snaked around his waist as her sigh filled the air.

“Me too, Uncle.”

The moment lasted for a while and when it was over, Xen bade her farewell and with a promise to return soon, took his leave.

He went straight to Zoey’s home, happy that it was a Saturday and he didn’t have to meet her at work. He wasn’t sure that he would have been able to stay away. He had missed her so much.

They had been away for the past two weeks, having to return to Singapore after receiving an urgent call that told him his attention was needed. Yes, he had let Zoey know and he had kept in touch every day, yet… it was nothing compared to seeing her physically, holding her, just knowing that he could simply reach out to touch her whenever he wanted.

He hadn’t known that he would miss her so much.

His mother had decided to return with him, just to see how well along they were coming with the projects. It had been three months now, since his arrival in Colorado. Almost two months since this romance between with Zoey started. He could very confidently say that it was blossoming well, and he was falling in love with her.

He had finally told her the truth about his marriage. That his wife had been cheating on him in their home, and when he had found out, she had blamed him for neglecting her after his father and sisters’ death.

He who had always thought there was some truth in her words had found relief that day. Zoey had vehemently argued that none of it was his fault, and Lin had simply been selfish and insensitive.

Before he had left, they had spent even more time together; hiking, had several more lunch dates and game nights. Whenever they had been able to get some time off, they had spent it together.