Chapter 3

Lucy Xiao

I wake up early today as I'm going to run an errand for my mom. I turn on the Bluetooth turntable, stream to my favorite songs to add up the mood. I open the closet and stand in front of it while folding my hands - it's always hard for me to choose which clothes to wear. When I've chosen what to wear, I go straight to my make up table and have a little touch up.

"Ma, I'm ready," I say to my mom while taking a small step downstairs.

I start the car engine and I'm surprised to see my dad dress smartly unlike usual. I look at him, frown as he never wants to follow me and my mom going out for a grocery shopping. I get out of car, close the driver's door, and look at him curiously. By the way he dresses, I know something will happen, or maybe he has a secret plan that he did not want to tell me.

"What?" he asks, turning around 365 degrees. He added, "can't I go out with you and mom?"

I shake my head and ask him to drive.

On our way to town, I feel drowsy, so I take a short nap at the back seat. But then, I realized that our journey to town feels like forever as I am just chicken sleeping at the back. Unlike usual, it only takes around half an hour from home to town. I immediately open my eyes and realized that we are not at the town, but we are going far away from home - to the beach.

"Hey daddy, I hope you didn't forget the way to the town, right? Because this isn't the town, this is the way to the beach."

He smirks.

"Of course, I didn't. We are not going to go for a grocery shopping today, my dear. We are going to have fun at the beach!" He says, excitingly.

I'm confused, but I thought it may be a good idea for we haven't got a chance to have time for each other. I folded my legs, open the window and enjoying the breezy air touch my face.

We've found a spot to park the car. Perfect as the day. Dad goes to pay the entrance while my mom and I are walking to the beachside. The sounds of the relaxing waves penetrated my ears, and the cool refreshing beach breeze chill my skin. Mom and I take our time to enjoy this moment until dad calls us.

Before we play at the beach, dad treats us to a wonderful meal with every kind of seafood. Then, suddenly he stops eating, his eyes are full of excitement when he wants to tell me something.

"We actually have something to tell you." He says while looking at my mom. I put down my fork and spoon, giving my full attention to them.

"We've found some guys whom we think are suitable for you."

"What?! But how? Wh---who?" I almost chock myself when I chew the foods. I am still in disbelieve with what I heard. I take a fast sip of the orange juice.

Damn… that fast.

Mom take my hand, hold it sweetly and say, "we've met few of our friends accidently and had some drinks with them. We told them about you, and we can see how interested they are about you."

"So, some guys mean a lot."

"f-fi guys," says daddy, unfinished because my mom suddenly slaps his hand.

"Four adorable and successful guys. Just like how you want." mom says. But she looks suspicious when she suddenly slaps dad hand. I look at them, unspoken and suspiciously. Then, mom take out her phone from her handbag and show me the photos of the guys that was sent by her friends. She swipes it from right to left, left to right while explaining about their backgrounds.

They look good, I thought. But why on earth did I not have any attraction to them?

I look at them, smiling as if I'm interested too in them. They look euphoric and at ease, so I wouldn't dare to make them feel poignant if I say, 'I don't want to date them'. We continue eating after that.

So, this is why they bring me to the beach today – to tell me about this news. I begin to feel nervous of what will come and what will happen to me. I sigh, how I wish someone suddenly come to me and declare himself as my boyfriend. But who will be the unlucky boyfriend, though? I smirk.