7 Xi Lin (1)

I stared blankly at the mirror as the maid continued adjusting my suit. A stoic and slightly sullen looking boy stared back at me as she tilted my bowtie left and right until she was satisfied. In the reflection I could also see that the sun was blazing like it was announcing that noon was approaching. It was almost time for guests to start arriving at the party. Most children would be excited to have such a huge celebration for their birthdays, but I wished time would move slower so that it would never come. I didn't want to see the moment Father and Aunty Chu announced their wedding.

As the maid finished the final touches of my outfit, she smiled and told me to wait in the room until Father came. I nodded in acknowledgement and went to sit by the window as she walked out and closed the door.

There were two birds playing happily in a tree as they chirped and fluttered their wings from time to time. I could also see a nest nestled in the corner of two sturdy branches. I felt my chest squeeze uncomfortably as it reminded me of the wedding announcement. I didn't want it. I didn't want that woman to win. I didn't want that woman to marry Father. That woman would never be my mother.

But no matter what I thought, the reality wouldn't change. Grandmother and Grandfather treated her like she was their treasured daughter-in-law already. But they didn't know her true colours. Father also didn't know nor did he seem to care. He actually thought she treated me well. Could they not see that look of distain in her eyes whenever she looked at me?

Just recalling her smiling face and sweet words of concern made me feel goosebumps all over me. It was all so fake. Her vicious stare when Father didn't go to her birthday dinner because I hurt my leg. The way her eyes narrowed with a scary glint when Father disregarded their lunch date because I wanted to spend the day with him. The way her fists clenched when Father was happy about something and forgot about their outing to pick out a wedding dress.

It was clear that she hated me. I was in the way of her and Father. I was just extra baggage that would get discarded the moment she officially became a "Xi". I already told Father that I didn't like her; that she was only nice to me because I was his son; that I was just a tool to her to get to him. Even a child like me could see it.

But nothing changed. No one cares about what I think. No one cares about what I say. And it's too late now. I felt my vision gradually get cloudier as tears threatened to fall.

I hate it.

If birthday wishes are real, I wish for someone to stop this.