Midnight Sun 1.3

I went to the market place to check on my boat. I was weary of a boat repair shop no where near water, but he was willing to do it for free on the side.  And beggars can't be choosers. After finding out my boat was almost finished, I decided to check out the cafe one more time.  The food so far had been pretty good  even if the people weren't.

I found a fortune cookie machine.  "You can't subtract in September."  Very helpful.  I decided to try  another maybe it  would prove more insightful.   "No matter how much smarter you are than me, you're still just two steps away from wetting yourself."  Not the least bit comforting. I was about to take a third cookie when a voice interrupted me, "Hey stranger."  I spun around quickly to see Sun Li standing behind me.

Of course, words would fail me again.  I stood there starring awkwardly.  My brain couldn't quite control my tongue.  Maybe if I just move my hands, she'll know I want to speak. "Well, I'm about to get off work," she hinted with a shy glance.  Jace 2.0 glared at me.  The ball was in my court.  I could do this.  I wasn't twelve.  This wasn't the first conversation I had had with a girl.  Finally, words escaped me; even if they weren't the most flattering thing I've ever said, "Wanttogooutwithme?" Sun Li stood there trying to decipher my words.  I took a slow breath and tried again.  "I plan on leaving tomorrow.  Think you could show me around town?"  Sun Li smiled. Jace 2.0 grinned. And I was back in the game.

Since we were already in the Plaza, our date began with local food from the market.  I couldn't get used to this food.  I love it.

It was late, so we followed dinner with a swim.   It may have been a bit inappropriate.  At least it was late.

I was ready to get out of the plaza and enjoy the nature that China had to offer.  I figured it would be gentlemen like to let Sun Li choose.  Sun Li chose a spot over looking the market place.  I found it slightly intimidating below The Dragon's Maw, but the heat from the dragon's mouth warmed up the cool night. 

It was kind of beautiful up here.  Even if I hated the locals, it was a beautiful place.  Sun Li was the first to break the silence, "So what brings you here?"  I contemplated the truth or a lie.  I figured the truth was best, "I was on vacation and the ocean liner wrecked."  Sun Li's eyes widened, "I heard of that.  Figured it was local gossip."
"Not gossip," I shrugged, "I drifted to this beautiful island off the coast.  I think I'm going to stay there.  I don't have too much back home."  It was true.  It stung a little. What was there to go back too?  A dead end job?  A couple fake friends?  A few ex's that would rather spit in my face.  Yeah, my island was looking pretty good.
"No family?"
"Not really.  We really don't talk. I doubt they've noticed I'm gone.  What about you?"
"I moved out here for a better future.  I guess it's brighter here than back home.  But sometimes I wonder."
I was beginning to relate.  Right now I was hoping I could have a brighter future on my island. Would I one day sit back and question my decisions.  Much like Sun Li?

"Free time?" She giggled, knocking me with her shoulder.  It was hard to think of things I liked.  Maybe the ship wreck had caused amnesia. "Gardening. Writing. You?"
"I don't usually have a lot of free time. But probably martial arts.  Painting."
"Why don't you have much free time?" She worked as a cashier; that couldn't consume that much time.  Sun Li looked off into the distance, a clear indication that she wasn't interested in answering my question, "It's not something I care to share just yet."  I guess I would just have to accept that as an answer.  Even if it was a BS answer.

"See that? When the stars line up in that pattern, my people believe, it means good fortune." Sun Li said point to a small cluster of sparkling lights.
"And you believe it?"
"Eh, it's folklore.  But it gives me something to look forward too.  There's not too much anymore."  Sun Li looked a bit older.  A bit more concerned about what tomorrow would bring.  Maybe there was more to her life than martial arts and being a cashier.

"I got an idea.  I think you will like it," Sun Li stated, jumping to her feet and pulling me with her. It was like a flip of a switch.  Gloomy Sun Li.  Happy Sun Li. "Let's check out the Scholars Garden."

The Scholar's Garden was as beautiful as it was calming.  Ponds trickled and the air was scented with cherry blooms. "This is my favorite place,"  Sun Li whispered, "I could paint it all day It reminds me of home." I hated how vulnerable she sounded, but I was overjoyed that she would show me this place.  Especially if it was so close to her.  I had the overwhelming urge to hold her.

Without thinking I closed the space between us, pulling her close. She didn't try to resist which I took as a good sign.  "How long have you  been here?"
"A few years."
"No trips home?"
"No.  I really can't." Before I could question why she pulled me close, and her lips met mine.

 "Don't ask questions I'm not going to answer," she whispered pulling away.  The most I could was grin and shake my head.

Sun Li pulled away from me long before I wanted her to.  If it was up to me, I would have stood there all night holding her or asking her questions.  I could have slept there on the ground if it meant I didn't have to let her go. "I should probably make it back home.  Zhan gets upset if I stay out too late."
Woah wait.. back up? "Huh?"  Yeah, I was a master of words.

I quickly flashed through the night and the memories I had.  Yeah, no mention of a boyfriend. Yeah she wanted me to go out with her.  Well mostly.    Yeah, kiss initiated by her.  So, my hands were technically clean. Well, clean-ish.  Sun Li's tone turned from calm and carefree to worried and panicked,  "He's this guy I live with."  Guy she lives with?  Boyfriend. Shit. She was on her own going home.  After seeing the confused look across my face, Sun Li quickly tried to clear it up,  "Look don't worry about it.  I had a nice night."  And with a quick kiss on the cheek, she left me for a second time.

I stood there fuming. I wanted to hit something.  To practice that skill Sun Li taught me.  However, the closest thing was a rock. And I'm pretty sure the rock would win.  This is why in the past I never had true girlfriends.  Just girls I could call when needs needed to be met. Because I would find girls I liked, and they either had extreme baggage or boyfriends they neglected to tell me about until AFTER I've completely fallen for them.  One more reason to hate this place?  I think so.  At least I would be home tomorrow, and Sun Li and her drama would be behind me. 

I was done with China. End of story.