402 Hatred (1/2)

”For an aperitif, I think French 75 will be good. For the entree, French onion soup.”

”Madame, tonight's plat du jour - chicken paillard and Blanquette de Veau (Veal in Cream Sauce). Would you like to try?”

”Okay. And for dessert, Chestnut Pear Tatin. Hmm...” Francesca's eyes skimmed over the menu once again before she closed it and said, ”I think I'm done. Xiu, do you want anything else?”

”I'll take winter salad with buttermilk cream. Thank you!” Saying that Xiu passed the menu back and smiled politely.

The server took the order and walked away leaving Xiu to admire the soft but soulful French music playing in the background. Xiu had never been to this restaurant but the classic and simple style reminded her of a beautiful French dinner party. The light grey linen tablecloths adorned with glowing candles along with white plates and mismatched silver flatware. It was indeed a very comfortable place for dining.

”You seem to know a lot about French cuisine,” Xiu began softly, and seeing how Francesca looked at her, she added, ”Mom.”

”That's better. Try saying that more often. You'll get used to it.” Xiu smiled slightly in response. ”And of course, I know a lot about French cuisine. It reminds me of home.” Xiu's brows quirked up as she continued, ”My mother was from France and the irony is, she named me Francesca.”

Xu giggled softly at the way she said it. She really was a funny woman.

The dinner was a quiet affair for Xiu only, mostly because Xiu was lost in her own world. But just because Xiu was silent, Francesca wasn't. She had been telling Xiu stories of all kinds to which Xiu only responded in mono-syllables.

”Something's bothering you?” asked Francesca when she noticed Xiu was only playing with her food rather than eating it. Xiu looked up and saw her concerned eyes, she was a bit startled. ”You can say anything you want.”

”If I really said what's on my mind, you'll start calling me crazy,” said Xiu.

”But I already know that you're crazy.” Xiu gaped slightly at her response. ”Everyone told me what kind of a person you are. Even Brother Zi said that you say the most random stuff at the most random time with the most random feel to it. Wow! That's a lot of random there.”

Xiu couldn't hold back her chuckle. Her words helped her in easing up a little.