Tutoring 1

"Life is short, and only a couple of our years are filled with youth. Experiencing love and rejection is what will one day make us adults so we should enjoy it while we can. Don't dwell on the things that you can't have and look forward to the future with me."

Reaching forward Julian grabbed Sebi's hand and made a promise.

"I don't know if you will ever be able to find someone that will make you happy for the rest of your life and that everything will be okay. However, I do know that no matter how old we get, or what life throws at us, I will still be your best friend."

As Sebastian's looked at Julian's determined expression, his eyes started to fog up. The darkness surrounding him started to recede and auntie Cao arrived just in time with two large bowls of beef noodles.

Looking down at the two boys seated across from one another holding hands, auntie Cao silently lamented.

'It is too bad that they are unquestionably straight. With their features and demeanor being so compatible they would make a wonderful surely make a harmonious couple.'

Outwardly though she did not say anything. Instead, she warmly set the two bowls in front of them with a set of chopsticks and went back to the kitchen to bring the rest of the side dishes.

"Thank so much auntie Cao."

After all the dishes where served the both quickly thanked the chef, and buried themselves in their food. Smiling at the sight of both of them eating together, auntie Cao retreated back to wait near the front of the room.

Inhaling the sweet and spicy scent that drifted into their noses they both lowered their heads down and slowly slurped up their rice noodles. White steam climbed slowly up from their bowls and gently licked their faces as they enjoyed their meal.

As the sun slowly crossed the sky, both Julian and Sebastian stayed in the restaurant and talked about old times and future aspirations.

Sometimes when it wasn't so busy, auntie Cao would come over to talk with them. Even though they were in a restaurant with people coming in every once and a while, it felt like home.

They each had their own families but staying there together, just the three of them in their own little world, they seemed like three siblings who got on together exceptionally well.

****

Wednesday morning, Beijing.

"Hmmm" A relaxed yawn sounded from underneath a comforter as Zhi Rou stretched her stiff body.

Warm sunlight drifted in from the outside window as she lightly rolled over. Disturbed by her movement, some dust from the roof came down gently and tickled her noes. Irritated by the sudden intrusion, her nose scrunched up as her eyelids flickered. After a couple of twitches, a big sneeze sounded from the bed.

"Zhi Rou, are you up?"

Called a busy voice from the kitchen.

"If you want to eat before going to the studio get your butt in here, I made you breakfast and let you sleep in but it is getting way too late."

It was just past eight and he mother had already left to work when Zhi Rou slipped off the bed and onto the floor.

Like a butterfly leaving its cocoon, Zhi Rou removed herself gently from the rest of the blankets. Fully awake now, Zhi Rou blinked her eyes gently as she looked at the carpet in front of her while wondering how did she get here?

As she was stuck in her slight emotional, early morning dilemma, a soft ball of fur waltzed into the room. Walking straight of to Zhi Rou like it owned the place, the cat jumped on her head and fell straight to sleep.

"Good morning choco, did you keep the house safe for me while I was gone?"

Smiling at the small animal that had climbed onto her head, Zhi Rou, much to her pets irritation, finally got up and grabbed her clothes and towel to get in the shower.

By the time that she got out of the shower, the small cat had already gone off somewhere to play and her breakfast was cold.

Glancing at the time, Zhi Rou gobbled up her breakfast with the dignity and grace of someone that knows that no one is watching. While cold eggs are not that great, they do get you through the day. With that in mind, Zhi Rou finished the last bite on her table.

Bringing her plate and cutlery to the sink she hastily washed her dishes, grabbed the small note on the table, and made her way out the door.