Chapter 8: Lost and Found
"You should be thankful! What do you mean you refuse? The BEST HUSBAND possible!! You don't get another option. You ungrateful brat! Where are you going?!" San Chai had flown up the winding staircase as her parents' shouts carried on behind her. In record time she was ready to go...but where? She threw most of her possessions over the balcony, locked the door, and unrolled the chain ladder she hid in her room. "Glad I kept this thing. It's been a while since I snuck out."

"Coming!! San Chai? What's up? Everything okay?" Xiao Yo's gaze drifted to the multitude of bags assembled near San Chai's feet. San Chai had no choice but to seek refuge with a friend her parents knew nothing about--a commoner. Xiao Yo was San Chai's dearest girlfriend. Her sweet nature, unwavering loyalty, and nuturing sense made her the only one who could help San Chai through this ordeal. After narrating the events of the past week San Chai collapsed on the makeshift bed Xiao Yo arranged for her.
"Stay as long as you like okay? I'm really sorry I can't offer you any good advice. Who knew the life of the rich was a life of the restricted." Xiao Yo handed San Chai a pillow from her own bed before continuing, "You should get some of your influential friends to help you out. What is his name...Lei!"

San Chai sat up. Not this time. She unzipped her pink backpack and pulled out a soft bundle of handkerchiefs. Glancing at his name monogramed in every one she smiled weakly. She hugged them close to her chest and lay down.

"What do you mean she's missing? She's not exactly a four-year old. She didn't get lost. So elaborate." Mei Zuo demanded. Lei shrugged while his thoughts ran wild and with a solemn face told the F3, "Her mom called me asking if I knew her whereabouts. I haven't been able to get in touch with her for over a week now. I've been waiting for her to call me, but I think it's serious this time. She had a real bad fight with her mom. She's set to start dating someone her parents picked out." Lei's eyes searched the peculiar expression on Ah-Si's face. When their eyes met, Ah-Si spoke up "It was me. I'm that guy."

"Ximen where is this cafe? Are you lost?" Lei asked turning in his seat. "I am not lost." Ximen grumbled though desperately searching for the right street. "Stop the car." Lei declared suddenly. "Stop the car!" Ximen brought his Benz to an abrupt halt and watched Lei rush into a small bakery. He glanced up at the Grand Opening sign, still in shock over how unbeliveably fast Lei had tumbled out of the car. Ximen parked and casually strolled into the small cafe, taking in the fragrance of treats baking. "Lei, what the hell was that about? You don't like sweets...this is a pastry shop." he said sarcastically. "I saw her in the window." was Lei's only reply, more to himself than Ximen. The boys rang the brass bell near the counter and a petite girl hurried out. "Welcome to Divine Desserts! How can I help you today?"

"She's cute...not my type but cute," Ximen thought. He flashed a trademark smile at her and watched the hints of pink emerge on her cheeks. "Xiao Yo? Do you need some hel...." San Chai was leaning through the doorway. Lei swiftly made his way toward her, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her outside the store. "It's been two months. TWO MONTHS! You didn't call! Where was I supposed to find you? I'm glad you had the decency to pass word to me that you were okay but was that supposed to suffice? I was...worried." Lei calmed himself. He half-wanted to scold her and half-wanted to just hold her. Lei was not a man of words, and his overflow of concern shook Ximen and San Chai a bit. Biting her lip she replied, "I'm sorry! I just couldn't tell you this time. My parents would surely hound you for information, and I don't want you to have to lie for me. This isn't your fight." The intensity melted from Lei's expression, but he continued to stare at her. "It's good to see you. Thank goodness you're okay, but Lei's right. You could've come to us, at least let us try to help." Ximen had wrapped the girl he loved like a little sister in his arms and squeezed her tightly. For once, she didn't object to this physical closeness and hugged him back.

She prepared Lei's coffee with plenty of milk and Ximen's black. It's hard to forget the minor details about your loved ones. They chatted casually for a bit, skirting the issue at hand. Never one for small talk, Lei interjected the banter "Tell me what you want to do, I'll do it for you."
"Oy I've missed him even when he's blunt. Everything's so complicated. I'm so close to losing all composure every time he looks intently at me with those piercing eyes," San Chai thought. Getting back her nerve, she bluntly stated "No. I can't. I need my space. I need to make my own decisions. I'm not going home."
"Ah-Si is really a decent guy, no a great guy. Give it a shot. You have to try everything once right? I tried the food at that dingy shop with you, so it's only fair right?" Ximen argued. "My future is hardly comparable to a bowl of noodles. That was a meal; this is a marriage." She should've realized Ah-Si would tell the gang, and she felt relieved that enough time had passed to make the news seem less shocking. Ximen had a point, but that meant giving in to her insane parents. San Chai's face wrinkled in her distress. Lei focused his stare on her face, studying each feature. His San Chai had changed. She was certainly messier: her hair in a loose ponytail, her face no longer glowing from the pampering of facials and cosmetics, but something else had surfaced on her porcelain face. She seemed to ooze cheerfulness, a sincere happiness.

Lei slept soundly for the first time in weeks that night. He didn't have to clutch his cell phone all night, and as he fell into tranquil slumber his angelic face revealed a lingering smile.