Chapter 3

After filling my statement at the police station about what I happened yesterday I rode the bus home. I don't know what will happen to that guy and I don't care much either. I just want to put it all behind me. At least I don't have to attend class today. I'm just gonna get in bed again. I stood still reaching my front gate. Dark indigo eyes met mine and I took a couple steps back. Should I run away? Where would I go though? This is my house. "I'm sorry for visiting unexpectedly, I just have some things to say" he had his hands tucked tightly in his jacket and his face was red. It's literally 30 degrees right now couldn't he have waited in his car or something?! Begrudgingly I walked past him and unlocked the door. "I'll listen to what you have to say but please leave afterwards...I said I don't want to see you again" mumbling the last part.

I gave him my spare white slippers to change into and walked him towards the living room where I had the kotatsu set. It was super embarrassing he probably thought the place was small and shabby. I had a tiny cable tv in the corner and just a single book shelf in the other with an assortment of books, picture frames, and other knickknacks I like. "I'll bring some tea, it'll warm you up" I left to brew water in the kettle and mixed an assortment of leaves I had. I knew his favorite was Earl Grey but I'm not his errand girl assistant anymore. I don't have any reason to act like it either. I filled the pot and poured two cups. I set the tray down on the kotatsu and sat across to face each other. Oliver reached over and gently sipped his cup, "delicious"

It caught me off guard and followed an uncomfortable silence. "What was it that you had to say to me?" I wanted to get this over with and crawl into bed. "I'm opening Shibuya Psychic Research again, and I'm recruiting our old workers. So far I've had cooperation from everyone"

"I wont be your assistant anymore" I don't know what he expects after leaving for 5 years, and on such bad terms. What reason could I possibly have for going back to that place, to work for him.

"I want you to consider my offer first, with proper funding from England, I will be paying you this time around. More than your minimum wage at the cafe"

"I don't understand why you need me at all. There a hundreds of girls out here that can make you a cup of tea, just put up a job posting"

"I don't want to get involved in your business. I have school, and I already have a job" I felt I needed to add more so he'd get the hint and leave already.

"Mai, don't you miss your chosen family?"

I scoffed. "I haven't seen any of them in 5 years. They're practically strangers to me. I have no wish to get to know any of them. I have no wish to work for you" I started feeling my blood boil.

"As a matter of fact you have a lot of nerve showing your face in front of me after…" My hair started to gather energy and float; racking the cup that was on the tray. I grumbled. I only had 2 tea cups. "When did you develop psychic energy like that?"

"It's none of your business. I heard what you had to say, now I'd like you to leave" I frowned.

"Mai, I understand you are angry, you have every right to be. I know I said callous things to you. But does it really warrant all this hatred for me?" Oliver locked eyes on me.

"You pushed these feelings onto me when we uncovered Gene. The last thing on my mind was a relationship. Perhaps we shared bonding moments, it wasn't like I hated you. What I said might have been uncalled for but I simply don't want to be in a relationship with anyone" he spoke calmly.

I stayed silent. He was still rejecting me, and I didn't even ask him out this time. "Maybe you're right Oliver. It was my fault for being delusional enough to confess to you. But when you left, you took everything I loved with you. SPR and the people I cherished vanished. For a genius you aren't very self aware, I had no friends, no parents and everyone from SPR resumed their own lives. But I guess that's my fault too for thinking they were anything more than colleagues. You don't know what I've been through these past years and I don't need any more useless attachments" I started feeling tears whelm up inside. I didn't need this, especially not from him. What does he get from invalidating my feelings. I'm allowed to feel however I want. Where does he get off on policing that.

He can't even apologize to me. "You're such a jerk" I murmur. Droplets fell from my face. I could feel my face flush and I knew they wouldn't stop pouring. 'You took everything from me' I mouthed unable to get my words out. He can't even begin to understand all the times I dreamed about him coming back and apologizing to me. About reuniting with everyone again and sharing tea and sweets. Sharing holidays and being with each other. I desperately wanted that.

It was just tears spilling from her face, no noise. I pulled out my handkerchief and softly dabbed her face. She immediately pulled away from my touch and wiped her face with her hands. I think I said the wrong thing again. I didn't want to make her cry. "I know I left suddenly with no warning, it must have been a shock. It must have been hard to adjust. And you're right, I don't know what you've been through. I'm sorry. But I would like to, if maybe you'd change your mind" I slid my business card towards her.

"I didn't want to make you so upset, I'll leave now" I stood up and walked myself out. I know she hates me. But is it so wrong to want to see her again?