409 Balance (2/2)

”Did mama told you that as well?”

Xiu shook her head, ”Nope. I suddenly was reminded last night how you insisted that you don't want a dog while I was drunk and acting like a spoiled brat.” Cringing at the memory of how she acted around him when she was drunk, she went on, ”Any particular reason for this dislike with dogs? Allergy? Or trauma?”

”Trauma,” he voiced out simply.

Xiu's brows raised up, ”Trauma? Really?” Seeing how he nodded, she added, ”What happened? Now, that I recall Dylan also doesn't like dogs.”

”Yes, we both hate dogs,” said Darren and couldn't look away from her inquiring gaze as he went on, ”Long story short, a couple of dogs attacked us when we were young and since then we just keep our distance from dogs.”

”You got bitten?” she widened her eyes.

”Something like that,” was his answer.

”Interesting,” said Xiu out loud.

”Really?”

Xiu grinned at him. ”I didn't mean it like that. Forget it. You don't have to worry, I don't want a dog.”

”If you want I -”

”It's not because of you,” Xiu chimed in. ”Pets take a lot of attention and I can't even look after my own self. That night I was momentarily lost because of that cute dog I saw and also because of how drunk I was. I really don't want it now.”

Darren tried to stare her down to see whether she was telling the truth or not. And it turned out, she was very serious since she didn't back off at all. Her eyes only lowered when her phone rang.

”Hey, little brother! How come you're missing me so early in the morning?”

Xiu's brows drew closer and closer as she listened to the other person on the call. Her expressions changed from 'smiley' Xiu to 'deep in a thought' Xiu. Darren was curious to know what happened that managed to change her mood so quickly. Not that it was a surprise. But still, he wanted to know what was bothering her now.

”Umm... I'll be there in a while,” said Xiu and hung up the call.

”Everything alright?” questioned Darren.

”I'm not sure,” replied Xiu staring at her phone screen. ”I guess the only way to find out is to actually check myself.”