Author's Note: It took me all day to finish Chapter 3. All day! I had to make a lot of alterations to it. And because my writing has improved over the years, I really saw a lot of grammatical mistakes and errors. So hopefully I won't have to go back on this anytime soon. Please review!

Chapter 3: To Meet In An Unlikely Predicament

A few days later, Meiling decided to have lunch with Sakura and Tomoyo on her lunch break. Since then, Meiling has never said a word. She stared at her lunch, moving it around with her fork. Usually, she'll always have something to say about her office, the clients, or something she did, or what someone did. Not today though. She was quiet and seemed pensive. Sakura and Tomoyo looked at each other.

"Meiling, is everything okay?" Sakura asked, looking back at Meiling. "You're quiet today."

Meiling looked up at Sakura. She glanced back at her lunch, and realized that her plate is still full. "Oh…yeah. I'm fine."

"You don't sound like it." Tomoyo said. "What's bugging you?"

Meiling sighed. Small rosy tints appeared across her cheeks. "It's not really a 'what', but more of a 'who'."

Tomoyo and Sakura exchanged glances. "Let me guess. Lin?" They chorused.

It didn't surprise Meiling when the girls automatically knew who she was referring to. After all, the few days she's been absent from seeing the handsome store-clerk, all she could do is talk about him. Well actually, her friends have been pressuring her about him. She leaned against the chair exhaling another sigh.

Meiling nodded. "Yeah. The guy's such a dweeb, but he's so cute. I just saw him a few days ago and-"

Tomoyo squealed. "You saw him again! Why didn't you call us?"

Meiling lifted an eyebrow. Tomoyo was so strange sometimes. "I didn't think it was that serious. All he did was save Mimi from being road-kill. Afterwards, we walked, talked, and flirted a little bit. Nothing special really happened."

"You flirted again with the same person? That's a new leaf. Usually, you'd rant how much you wouldn't have time to do that." Sakura added.

"Well, it's different. Honestly girls, I'm attracted to him. I never felt such a strong connection. I mean, he's so charming I'd think he was a player."

Amethyst and emerald eyes widened. "A player? Why'd you assume that?" Tomoyo asked.

"Well, I really couldn't tell you honestly. It's probably the way he flirts with me I guess." Meiling answered.

"If you feel like he is then you might want to be careful." Sakura said.

"Still," Meiling replied. "I mean, I really don't know if he is 'cause I haven't seen him flirt with other women. So far, he's been giving those sweet sap words to me. But I did find some interesting information about him."

"And that is…" Tomoyo pressed on.

"He's a Navy brat. His father is a Master Chief Petty Officer, and mom is a nurse. Also, he's from the U.S. I find that pretty interesting."

"Oh…" Meiling's friends chorused. "So cute!"

"So when can we meet this blue-eyed fellow?" Tomoyo asked.

Meiling shrugged. "I couldn't tell ya. It's been a while since I last seen him." She giggled. "But soon, you girls are gonna love him."

"Oh really? I hope Syao-kun doesn't get jealous then." Sakura said, giggling.

"Let's hope he doesn't. He's really cool." Meiling said. Now I can't wait see him again.

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Later on in the evening, Meiling was outside at the park, dressed in a white sports bra and red jogging pants. Every spring and summer, she always takes a jog in the park with Mimi. Tonight was different of course since Mimi felt like causing havoc to her master. Before Meiling could even try to get the leash on the miniature terrier, Mimi ran off.

"Mimi come back!" Meiling demanded. She growled. There she goes again!

Meiling ran after her dog, but Mimi proved to be faster. She followed Mimi towards an industrial site, few blocks away from the park. Although Meiling could say she had a good run-out with her hyperactive dog, she still hated when Mimi does that.

"Mimi!" Meiling shouted. "Come here, Mimi!"

The small dog stood on the train-tracks waiting for her master.

Meiling sighed. "Finally, I can rest."

As soon as Meiling began walking on the train-tracks, she couldn't move. She tugged forward but couldn't move. She looked down and realized that a shoelace is caught inside. Somehow her shoelaces became untied. Mimi happily ran back towards her master when Meiling bent down trying to get the shoe-string out.

She heard a familiar distance noise, and it wasn't the sound she wanted to hear. Mimi continually barked, trying to get her master's attention. Apparently, the dog is warning that something is coming her way.

"Oh no…" Meiling hissed. The sound of a train is coming near. "Come on!" She pulled at the string, but it wouldn't budge. Yellow lights emerged from the darkness. Meiling's heart is pounding. And Mimi isn't going to be safe either.

"Oh no! Get out! Get out!" Meiling shrieked. The train is coming faster.

Angels must have been watching her when Meiling felt someone yanking the shoelace out of the track. She and her dog were carried upon as the train sped through the tracks. Meiling breathed heavily. For a moment, she saw her and her dog's life flashed before her eyes.

"Are you okay?" The voice asked.

Meiling looked up and realized who it was. "Lin! It's you! What're you doing out here so late?"

"I'd ask you the exact same question." His eyes roamed her partially exposed body. "Why are you dressed like that so late at night? Are you trying to get yourself kidnapped, 'cause I sure as hell would!" Lin chuckled.

"Oh please!" Meiling childishly crossed her arms. "It's warm out here! Besides, who'd kidnap me? If they tried, they'll be in for a serious ass-kicking."

"I wouldn't doubt that either." He said. "But what if it was more than one kidnapper? And very large ones at that?"

"I studied martial arts. But then again, I have you. You have a muscular body, and seem like the type that'll save a damsel-in-distress."

"I guess." Lin said. "You're lucky though. Honestly, from far away, you looked like a rock." Gently, he placed Meiling and the dog down. He sat beside her. "Man, I have a feeling if I didn't put you down any sooner, I'd get hurt really badly. You look like a fighter the way your body is toned and all."

Meiling giggled. "I'm not the type that'll just start a fight with anybody." She then looked up at the star encrusted sky. "What're you doing out here this late anyway?"

"I don't live that far from the park. And two, I suddenly had this urge to go for a walk anyway, but I didn't think to see you again. Not in this predicament anyway."

"Yeah, how strange." Meiling nodded. A soft hue of redness appeared on her cheeks.

"I haven't seen you around lately. Has work been a hassle to you?" Lin asked.

"Oh yeah, it has." Meiling answered, sighing. Then she smiled. "I'm glad that I got to see you again. I was really missing your company."

It was Lin's turn to blush. "Now who's the flirt?"

Meiling placed Mimi on her lap. "I was just complementing you." She sighed. "So besides playing sport and guitar, what are your other hobbies?"

Lin slightly leaned back with his elbows supporting him. His left leg was propped up. He stared lazily at the dark sky. "There's not a lot for me to do since I'm busy with school. Whenever I have free-time I'll write a song or something like that. I love anything related to music." He sighed. "But with college, I barely have time to do that. Working at the store is just a paid hobby to get around for now."

"What do you go to college for?"

"I'm doing a double in International Studies and Engineering. It's a little boring though."

Meiling chuckled. "I'm quite it isn't that boring."

"Oh believe it is with all that technical mumbo jumbo stuff." He looked over at her steadily. "What do you do besides working?"

"Well, I usually hang out with my friends. Sometimes I shop or take a jog with Mimi." Meiling smiled.

"That's cool." Lin complimented. "At least you're having fun."

"I guess, but it's not always fun when you're the only single person."

"That's why you have me." Lin flirtatiously smiled. "Perhaps you wouldn't be so lonely after all."

"Maybe…if I like you enough." She giggled.

Lin chuckled along with Meiling. He then observed her attire. "By the way," He began. "you look hot in that outfit. Shows off some nice curves." He gave a small wink.

"Thank you." Meiling replied. "Cheese-ball."

"Hey. At least I'm being honest." He smiled at her obvious hard-to-get tactics. "So, don't I get a reward for saving the day?"

Meiling pondered for a moment. A smile found its way on her lips. "Hmmm, a date would be nice."

"Really?" He asked. "I wonder what would be a good first date. My place or yours?"

Meiling shrugged. "You're the male. You should know where we can go."

"How about I pick you up? Let's say Saturday evening at eight? Where we'll go is a surprise."

"I'd like that very much." Meiling said. Then she stood up with Mimi in her arms. "And Lin?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for saving me. I really appreciate it." Meiling smiled sincerely.

He gave her a wink and his biggest grin. "I'm glad I did—I get to go out with a super pretty lady for it."

Meiling laughed. "You're so silly. Well, I have to go home. I'll see you Saturday."

Lin stood up. "You don't want me to walk you home?" He asked. "It's very dark out here, ya know?"

"I'm alright. I don't live that far from here." She said smiling. "I can take care of myself. I'm a big girl."

"Lin chuckled. "Just making sure that's all. I'll catch you later though. And oh…" He looked at her with a seductive smile. "Remember that question now. I'll be waiting for an answer."

Meiling rolled her eyes. "We'll see about that." She said challengingly.

Admittedly, Meiling didn't want to leave. She was having too much just talking to Lin. His charms and warm laughter are most appealing. The way he looks makes her blush. Meiling knew she couldn't want for next week. She was having fun with this Lin-Xiu. She wants to know more.

We exchanged numbers after that. I have to say; Lin's utterly charming and is the only person that can make me laugh. We called each other the next night and talked for hours.

I told Tomoyo and Sakura about it, and of course, they were truly ecstatic. They ranted on and on about how happy they were for me. For a long time, I always focused on my friend's happiness and not mine. For once, they put all their attention on me. And you know what? It was weird. For a moment, Diary, I thought we switched roles.

Saturday finally came, and I was dressed to impress. Diary, my heart was beating like a drum. I thought I was gonna loose my mind 'cause I was so anxious.

I hoped and prayed that I'd have the time of my life.

Meiling stared nervously at the mirror. It was getting close to eight. The sun will be out tomorrow morning. She was dressed in a yellow sundress with a white blouse over it. It coordinated with white high heels, and for the first time since junior high school, Meiling let her ebony tresses naturally hang. Her lips were the hues of roses glistening with a touch of gloss. The mascara and eyeliner accentuated her ruby-brown orbs.

It's the first time she ever dressed herself like that since most of her dresses are mainly business suits. She was thankful that a few other dresses Tomoyo designed for her were still in the closet. Mimi wasn't at home tonight. Sakura is babysitting her.

The doorbell then rang. She ran down the steps and opened the door. She made last minute touches to herself before opening the door.

The moment she opened the door, she was breathless. Lin was dressed in something completely different. He wore faded Levi Jeans and a tight black shirt. It accentuated well with his lean and cut tone. He wore a brown blazer closed over it. His sandalwood brown hair was still spiky and his blue eyes still contained that charming glow. He had a bouquet of flowers in his hands.

Meiling felt red all over. Damn, Lin is hot.

Author's Note: Meiling is blushing!! Isn't it so cute! What do you guys think of her now? She's not so bad, right? Please guys, review for me!