Selina awoke at dawn, got dressed in a hurry, and walked out of her house fast after making sure her door was locked. As she hurried down the street she couldn’t help but feel that someone was already following her. Starting off at a run she ran around the corner.

***

“Aaron…oh…Aaron,” Calvin whispered to Aaron while blowing on his face softly.

Aaron wrinkled his brows and slowly opened his eyes seeing a girl in front of him. He squinted his eyes and noticed Calvin smiling back at him. Aaron moaned and pushed Calvin away.

“What the heck!” Aaron exclaimed.

Calvin laughed as he stepped back and did an imitation of Aaron holding his arms out and making a face to match his act.

“Oh Selina let me hold you in my arms. We’re together forever now…” Calvin went on.

“You’re sickening!” Aaron shouted tossing his pillow at Calvin.

Calvin laughed as he caught the pillow and hugged it, “You even held your pillow like this.”

Aaron made a face and got off of his bed pushing Calvin away, “I did not!”

“How would you know? You were asleep,” Calvin exclaimed.

“I know you’re a liar,” Aaron added as he shut the bathroom door. “Don’t you dare come in!”

***

Somewhere to feel safe. To feel a sense of security. There was no such place but Selina found herself sitting by the bakery restaurant, arms around her knees. Had she fallen asleep? By the time she had awoken the sun was up and she could hear Sam’s jolly voice.

“You’re very dedicated to this place aren’t you?” Sam said jokingly.

Selina looked up at him and looked around as if she was lost. Then suddenly remembering she quickly got up and smoothed out her clothes.

“I’m so sorry!” Selina apologized.

“I hope I don’t end up influencing you to come too early,” Sam chuckled as he held the door open for her.

The day carried on as usual, but this time Calvin was taking orders while Selina served food. Aaron collected dirty dishes every now and then to wash, but he soon stopped when he couldn’t help but overhear a conversation.

“Thank you so much,” a middle aged lady said as she lightly patted Selina’s arm. “You know after having my third child last year this food really made me feel so much better.”

Selina smiled awkwardly and was about to turn to go, but the woman held her back.

“Are you married yet?” the woman questioned.

Selina stared at her then replied, “No.”

The middle aged woman smiled, “I thought I saw you in the pregnancy ward a few years back at the hospital, but I guess it could have been someone else right?”

Aaron noticed Selina become tense.

“I’m pretty sure it was someone else,” Selina said quickly and pulled herself away.

Aaron turned to watch as Selina went into the kitchen. He stared back at the nosy woman then went into the kitchen and set the dishes into the sink. As he turned the faucet on he stared at Selina who wasn’t standing too far away. Aaron wanted to comfort her but he wasn’t sure of what to say. He opened his mouth a few times and finally gave up. As silence followed, Aaron couldn’t help but turn to glance at Selina once more. She seemed frozen standing, she was so still. Her eyes were just gazing at the ground.

Aaron pressed his lips together, “Hey, customers are usually strange, don’t take what they say seriously.”

Selina turned to look at him. Aaron felt himself burn up and looked away in embarrassment. He hoped he didn’t offend her in any way.

Selina didn’t say anything for a while.

“Thanks, Aaron,” Selina quietly said and walked away.

Aaron turned surprised. That was the first time she had ever called his name. He couldn’t help but smile. His heart was already fluttering.

The restaurant got a little empty after noon and there wasn’t much to do, but stand around. Calvin sighed while rolling his eyes and glanced around the kitchen.

“Hey, Sam lets go buy something to eat,” Calvin suggested. “I kind of don’t want to eat your food today.”

“My cooking isn’t bad,” Sam commented.

“I eat your food all the time. Please just go get a sandwich from the store for me,” Calvin begged in a pleading voice.

“I can go get it,” Selina offered from behind the counter.

Calvin turned around as if he had forgotten about her.

“Look at that you, just started working and you’re running errands already,” Sam shook his head, “I’m glad you’re not lazy. Why don’t you get me some chips too then?”

“I think it’s you who’s getting lazy,” Calvin remarked. “Besides, I never asked Selina.”

“What about you, Aaron?” Sam asked.

Aaron looked at Selina blankly then replied, “Uh…what are you getting Selina?”

Selina looked like she was thinking then replied, “Maybe a sandwich.”

Aaron smiled, “Then get me a sandwich too.”

Calvin frowned over at Aaron, “Since when do you start copying?”

Aaron made a face and returned to washing his dishes. He turned slightly as he heard the door open and close.

***

Selina wandered down the streets silently, her mind somewhere else. She was thinking back to when she was at the hospital waking up to find her grandma by her side. She felt heartbroken to think about the decision she had made back then. Selina gulped telling herself that she had no choice and that was the only option available. She didn't want to kill the baby either...

Selina seemed to wake up when she felt something wrap around her legs. Alarmed she quickly looked down to find a little boy of around 5 clutching to her leg.

“Johnny get back here!” a voice shouted. It belonged to a woman.

Selina glanced up to see a woman rush over.

“I’m so sorry about that,” the woman apologized.

Selina looked at the woman then around carefully finally realizing that she had stepped into a playground for children. Selina wanted to step back but felt heavy weight on her leg and realized that the little boy hadn’t let go of her yet. Selina stared down at him. It took her a minute to finally manage a kind smile.

“Hi there,” Selina greeted in a cooing voice.

“Hi,” the little boy smiled. “Can auntie carry me?”

“Johnny, why don’t we go play with your friends?” the woman questioned.

Johnny shook his head no stubbornly, “I want auntie to carry me!”

Selina gulped and thought hard for a long time. Giving in she bent down and pried the boy’s fingers off of her leg and took him into her arms. Selina turned back to look at the woman who led her into the child care building. Inside, Selina found about more than a dozen toys spilled out on the ground and plenty of other children playing around.

“Would you like something to drink?” questioned the woman.

“Some tea maybe,” Selina replied.

Without any response the woman went and returned with a warm steaming cup. Selina let the boy down and he quickly ran off. As Selina took a seat the boy returned with a Lego toy and sat down on the ground by her chair.

“My name’s Hebe Tian,” the woman introduced herself.

“Selina Ren,” Selina introduced herself.

Hebe smiled back. Selina found herself liking Hebe's smile.

Selina glanced around once more at all the children, “Do you work here?”

Hebe nodded, “It’s just mostly me on days like this. It’s difficult with all these little kids.” They were silent then Hebe let out a shout. “I just had an idea!”

Selina looked at her waiting for her to go on.

“Why don’t you come and help out sometime? That way it won’t be so difficult, besides Johnny here really seems to like you,” Hebe went on.

Selina pressed her lips together. It had been easy for her to get along with children but that was before she had gotten into the hospital and after that she felt uncomfortable around them.

“I…” Selina began.

“Please! It would be so much more fun with another adult!” Hebe suggested.

“I…I can try…” Selina said nervously.

Hebe clapped her hands together and bent over to Johnny, “Did you hear that? Auntie says she’ll come in everyday!”

Johnny gave a shouted and jumped up and down. Selina couldn’t help but smile. After about an hour Selina finally left remembering she had come out to buy lunch. Hurrying to the store she rushed back to the restaurant to find the others inside waiting impatiently.

We thought something happened to you!” Calvin muttered as he bit into his sandwich eagerly.

“It was only him ranting on about a car hitting you,” Sam whispered into her ear. “But thanks for the food.”

Selina smiled and apologized explaining she had run into something on the way to the store and had lost track of time.

“Did you meet up with a friend?” Calvin asked with a mouth full of food.

“Well…” Selina began to speak but Sam interrupted.

“Shut your mouth Cal. Selina needs to eat too,” Sam snapped as he invited Selina to sit down.

As Selina took her seat she noticed Aaron standing by the wall silently. She reached into the bag and grabbed out a sandwich. Turning around she held out the sandwich for him.

“For you,” Selina said before turning back to Sam. “Would you mind giving me a lift back home?”

After cleaning up and locking the door Selina got into the backseat of Sam’s convertible with Aaron. Feeling nervous and worried about whether he looked nice or not Aaron found himself fidgeting in his seat a lot. Selina didn’t seem bothered by it but she once looked at him curiously. He gulped feeling embarrassed and turned so that Selina wouldn’t be able to look at his face.

“Is it right here?” questioned Sam slowing the car down.

Selina looked out of the window feeling safer knowing that the lights in the house weren’t on and that she had other people with her.

“Yes, thank you,” Selina thanked.

“Anytime,” Sam replied. “Have a good night.”

Selina nodded and got out of the car. She stopped in front of her door to wave to them and watched as the car drove off into the distance. Fumbling with her keys she opened the door to find silence greeting her...only something seemed strange. As she turned the light on she found that the mail she had placed on the table this morning was now placed by the telephone laid out in a mess. The furniture had been rearranged differently from how they were when she had left the house. They were arranged exactly like the furniture her mother had when she was still living with her family.

Selina felt a cold shiver travel up the back of her spine. Her heart thumped and she swallowed her saliva as she slowly crept toward the kitchen where all was dark. Stopping just before the doorway Selina poked her head in. Her eyes moved slowly from the cup of warm tea on the table to see a figure moving around. She felt her hands shake as questions and thoughts ran through her mind.

Why was he acting like he didn’t hear her come in? How did he get in?

“Welcome home, Selina sweet,” he greeted without turning around, “I made your favorite tea for you.”

Selina’s eyes widened in shock and terror and as quick as she could she ran out of the house with fear gripping her heart. Her heart beat hard against her chest as if threatening to come out. Everything around her seemed to be a blur and soon Selina had lost all track of time. She didn’t know how far she had ran because she hadn’t dared to look back. Without realizing it, she had run into the street just to be welcomed by a pair of beaming headlights. Choking on her silent scream Selina dropped to the ground watching the car brake just inches away from her. Her breathing quickened and she thought that she might be hyperventilating. Selina couldn't help but wonder if she would have a nervous breakdown.

“I’m so sorry! Are you alright?” a male voice asked.

A screamed belted its way out of her when he touched her shoulder and she pushed him away in desperation. Her mind was running its own horror. Fighting to pull herself away, she discovered that his grip on her tightened so as not to get injured from her flying fists.

“Selina?” the surprised voice questioned.

Selina looked up shocked. That voice... Though the night was dark, the full moon shone over them creating a hue of light for her. Selina glanced into his face and felt a flush of relief.

“Someone’s in my house, Jiro! Someone broke in!” Selina screamed panicked.

“What?” Jiro asked feeling a little confused.

Selina paused for a breath and explained to him about leaving to work and leaving her mail on the table returning home to find everything changed and about the man in her kitchen leaving out the part that she knew him. Jiro nodded and made a short call to the nearest police station. After hanging up he turned to her with the soft smile she remembered by heart.

“The police will meet us by your house,” Jiro said.

15 minutes later, Selina found herself standing in the living room of the small house feeling uncomfortable. She gripped her fingers hard as she listened to the police. He told her the statement they had made: the stranger could have picked her lock and entered the house and so on.

“Do you feel safe staying here for the night?” the officer questioned.

Selina shook her head without answering.

“Then do you have someone you could stay with? Maybe we can get them to come pick you up,” the officer suggested.

Selina glanced at Jiro and he immediately spoke.

“She’ll be staying with me tonight. Selina's an old acquiantance of mine,” Jiro explained and a few minutes later Selina was sitting in the front seat of Jiro’s car.

When he entered a few minutes later Selina spoke, “You finally reached your dream.”

“Huh?” Jiro asked feeling a little lost then scratched his head laughing. “I’m just a small detective.”

Selina smiled to herself feeling glad to just be able to be by his side once more. Before entering her senior year she and Jiro had been dating for a long time only until he had made the decision about studying abroad. It had been hard on them both but Selina never realized how bad things would get when she received no more of Jiro’s protection. Her stepfather…Selina bit her lip deciding not to think farther.

“So what about you? What are you doing?” Jiro questioned.

Selina glanced at Jiro noticing how dark the bags were under his eyes. They had been separated for years, yet he still seemed the same.

Lucky him.

“I just work at a small restaurant,” Selina replied. “Where do you live?”

Jiro came to an abrupt stop at a red light, “I just came back so I’ll be staying with my mom until I can find a place of my own. You can have my sister’s room, she’s on a trip to New York.”

“Sounds fun,” Selina commented and turned to look out of the window.

There were so many things she wanted to say. She wanted to let him know so many things. She wanted to pour out the pain she’d suffered all those years to him but at the same time figured he didn’t need to know. Even if she told him, what difference would it make?

Selina jumped out of her thoughts when Jiro stopped in a small driveway. She got out and followed Jiro inside. Mrs. Wang was sitting by the television with a quilt drawn over her. She had gotten quite old. More wrinkles on her face and her hair was now all white. Selina remembered she had been so fun back then, always serving her and Jiro when they needed something. She smiled and welcomed Jiro with a tight hug and smiled at Selina greeting her with a light hug. Jiro gave her a small description about why Selina was staying and could see Mrs. Wang’s apologetic feelings for Selina sketch itself onto her face.

Mrs. Wang showed Selina to the room she would use and left the room to let Selina do whatever she needed to do. Selina had only packed her pajamas and an outfit for tomorrow. She had never intended to stay long. Feeling tired Selina laid down on the bed staring at the ceiling.

It would be so good to go back to the past. How welcoming and warm she would feel when Jiro placed his arms around her. Where was that love now? Lost somewhere between 4 years ago possibly. She had missed him so much that even now she could feel her heart ache for him.

***

“My mom made some food…” Jiro began as he opened the door only to quiet when he noticed she was asleep.

He walked over and pulled the cover over her while studying her face. He smiled as he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and turned the lights off leaving the room.

***

Aaron stared up at the blue ceiling at the same time while playing around with his hair. When would he ever have the courage to speak to Selina? He was always a fool around her making her wait on him. He knew he should have gone with her to get the food. He wondered what her impression of him must be.

“A big loser you dork,” Calvin said turning the lights off as he climbed into his bed on the other side of the room.

Aaron made a face at Calvin and turned to face the wall setting his mind on getting to know Selina better. He promised himself he would talk to her tomorrow.

The sun was up and bright the following day. Sam, Calvin, and Aaron arrived earlier than usual at the restaurant but found no Selina. Aaron felt his heart sink with disappointment.

***

Selina awoke to the aroma of cooking food. She opened her eyes and stared around the room unable to recognize her surroundings. It finally came to her a few moments later to why she was there. Throwing the covers off, Selina opened the door to find Mrs. Wang in the kitchen cooking. She smiled at Selina when she entered the kitchen.

“You’re up at last,” Mrs. Wang greeted then looked around to make sure no one was around before continuing, “hurry up or Jiro will beat you to breakfast.”

Selina’s eyes brightened and she quickly went to change and wash her face. Selina had spent enough days with Jiro’s family to know how they were like. Mrs. Wang always made delicious food and always gave her the better quality food. When Selina sat at the table Jiro entered with his hair neatly combed.

“I didn’t bother waking up early,” Jiro stared at them, “I know what you two would be up to.”

“Morning dear,” Mrs. Wang smiled as she set their plates in front of them. “You have a long day ahead of you. Right my daughter in law?”

A loud cough escaped Selina while choking on the food in . It had been something unexpected to hear her being called 'daughter in law'.

Jiro quickly reached over to pat her back and handed her some napkins.

“Mom,” Jiro scolded gently.

“What did I do? You two used to talk about it all the time,” Mrs. Wang said coolly wiping her hands on her apron.

“That was back then. We were just kids,” Jiro stated as Selina gulped down a cup of water.

Mrs. Wang scowled and left the kitchen.

“Are you ok?” Jiro questioned.

Selina nodded, “That was unexpected.”

Selina felt Jiro’s eyes land on her.

Half annoyed Selina glared at him, “What?”

“Don’t you have work?” Jiro questioned.

Selina shouted in surprise and ran out of the kitchen leaving Jiro to laugh at her while stealing her food at the same time.

***

“Yes, where in the world could she be. Don’t you want to know, Aaron?” Calvin turned to glance back at Aaron.

Aaron frowned back at Calvin and crossed his arms while staring at the wall. Since Selina had not arrived it had left them feeling restless. Aaron, on the other hand, felt a loss at words.

The door opened half an hour later and Selina rushed in.

“Oh my God! I’m so sorry!” she apologized as she ran into the kitchen.

“What happened? Where were you?” questioned Sam sounding half panicked.

“I told you she was ok,” Calvin smirked.

Aaron made a move to approach Selina stopping only when a figured appeared by the doorway. Aaron recognized him right away. He’d witnessed Jiro and Selina walking through the hallways happily together during those schooldays. There wasn't a chance he'd forget the lucky man.

Sam peered passed Selina, “Yes? How may I help you?”

Selina turned around to look at Jiro, “He’s my friend, Jiro. Jiro, this is my boss Sam, his nephew, Calvin, and Aaron.”

Jiro smiled at them, “Good morning.”

“Good morning to you!” Sam sounded very enthusiastic.

“Hurry and get me some food,” Jiro whispered to Selina.

Selina frowned, “NO! You stole my breakfast so you’ll have to treat me later.”

“I did not steal your breakfast. You choked on the food…all of it!” Jiro said to spite her back while looking down at her.

Selina stared at him with no expression and said, “You’re so stupid.”

Jiro smiled and leaned on her, “Anyway, I’ll be out there until you’re done.”

Selina turned to watch Jiro leave the counter and went to wash her hands.

“Get back to work,” Sam ushered Calvin and Aaron to stop standing around.

Calvin went to stand by Selina with a mischievous smile on his face, “So who’s that Jiro? Your boyfriend?”

Selina glanced at him.

“I’m just wondering. I’m not trying to be nosey, if you think I am…” Calvin's voice droned on.

Selina let out a small laugh as she began to rinse her soapy hands, “He’s my ex.” Selina came to a stop then continued, “He’s a detective so you better be working extra hard instead of flirting today.”

Calvin’s eyes grew big wondering if Selina was warning him.

Calvin stalked over to Aaron who seemed frozen, “Hey, seems like you got a competitor.”

Aaron shot him a hard glare, “I’m not competing against him. I never said I was.”

Aaron walked away from him confused about his anger. He’d watched the way Jiro and Selina stood together, a real couple they were. Aaron bit his lip. He had prepared himself so much and so hard for that day only to find out that Jiro had returned. Now Selina would only give Jiro her loving eyes when once more Aaron would have to stand back and watch longingly. He ignored Jiro when he walked pass causing Jiro to look at him and wonder why Aaron was acting in such a strange manner.

Aaron spent the rest of his day glaring at Selina and Jiro feeling a loss of hope for himself. He even made Sam mad by getting into an argument with a customer. So by the end of the day Aaron was mopping and polishing the walls along with a bunch of other chores Sam had assigned him to. Aaron returned to the kitchen to put his rag into the sink only to hear that Selina was staying over at Jiro’s.

“Someone broke into Selina’s house yesterday night,” Jiro explained.

Aaron turned around worried and curious.

“Did the police catch him?” the words suddenly burst out from Aaron’s mouth.

The others looked at him surprised. Those were the first words he had spoken throughout the whole day to anyone.

“He got away before the police got there,” Jiro replied.

Aaron felt a small anger for the person who had broken in.

“Good thing you ran into Jiro,” Sam nodded.

“Yea, who knows maybe the stalker is still following you,” Calvin suggested and in return received a small punch on the arm from Sam.

“No one said he was a stalker,” Sam pointed out.

Selina felt herself tense at the word stalker. Did Calvin know? Selina doubted that question by noticing the look on Calvin’s face. As usual Calvin was just saying a bunch of worthless stuff, but what if he was still following her? Selina glanced towards the door slowly wondering if he would come running in. Selina shook that thought away. That wouldn’t happen, it couldn’t happen. He wouldn’t do anything to her if Jiro was around. While all those thoughts preoccupied Selina, she wasn't aware of the observant gaze of Aaron's. Feeling as if she was being watched Selina turned and caught Aaron’s eyes. She felt the hand that had turned into a tight fist loosen up. Aaron quickly averted his eyes elsewhere and Selina did the same.

***

“They all seem like nice people,” Jiro commented turning the car around a corner.

“Yea,” Selina agreed.

“What’s wrong?” Jiro questioned taking a quick glance at her.

Selina shook her head.

“Something’s up,” Jiro frowning at her suspiciously. “The air in here is tensing up.”

Selina gave a weak smile and slapped Jiro playfully across the arm.

“Just shut up and pay attention to the road,” Selina said.

When they got back to Jiro’s house and after a quick meal Selina realized she had no more clothes to change into. Jiro had offered to take her back to her house, but Selina had denied the offer in fear of returning to find him waiting for her. Mrs. Wang had kindly offered her some of Jiro’s sister’s clothes and since she wasn’t going to be home for a while Selina thought she would take the offer and borrow the clothes.

That night Selina found herself in a hallway full of mazes. Wherever she went she always ended up at a dead end. Making a left turn she heard a familiar taunting voice.

“You won’t find a way out. Even if you try, you’ll never get away.” The voice laughed and continued. “Your mom hates you. Your sisters don’t believe in you anymore. You have no one left but me. You belong to me now!”

Selina felt sickening hands wrap themselves around her. The looming darkness ahead of her made her want to hurl and soon she felt something pulling her into it. She tried to scream but remembered no matter how hard she tried no one would come to her aid. Jiro had gone, her family hated her, and she could no longer reach out to her friends. There was no one to rely on but herself. Then suddenly a voice entered her mind. The flashback came so suddenly Selina became confused. She remembered that back at the restaurant a woman had asked about seeing her in the pregnancy ward and a moment later she heard Aaron’s voice was in her head. He was telling her not to take their words so seriously and thinking back to it, Selina found his voice a little soothing.

Selina’s eyes opened and thanks to the little night light in the corner of the room she could see someone looking down at her. Almost sending out a scream she quieted when she recognized Jiro.

“Were you having a nightmare?” questioned Jiro.

“I’m ok now,” Selina blinked her eyes rapidly.

“Go to sleep,” Jiro urged tucking the blanket around her.

Selina closed her eyes and felt Jiro place his hand on hers. Feeling warmth emanating from him she drifted off into a peaceful sleep unaware that he’d heard her mumble the name Aaron.