Sitting on the couch, Dylan suddenly shot up. He rushed to the door and opened it, exclaiming with delight, "Sherry!", he hugged her. Feeling her warmth and running his fingers through her silky hair, Dylan could feel the jittery sensation leave his body, replacing it with tranquility.
Sherry hugged him back, not at all surprised that he sensed her before she had even set foot on the door mat. He had always had a keen sense, and when he was focussed and paying attention, he was able to hear the breaths of everyone within a 50 metre radius of him. "How was it? Did Janine treat you well?" She asked as if she were his mother picking him up from a sleepover.
Dylan nodded. "She was absolutely useless in all forms of housework but otherwise, she was a good host." He said in English, not afraid of her hearing.
Sherry laughed. She walked into the living room, seeing the kids all lined up on the couches watching TV and doing their own things. Dawn was talking to Charlotte, an expression of interest and awe apparent on her face. In Charlotte's hands was a sketch of her new design.
"Did you guys behave yourselves?" Sherry asked the children.
"Yes~!" They chimed.
"Good. Pack up your things, we're going back to my house now."
"What~!" Fiona whined. "Wait until I finish this episode. It just got to the good part." Even while she was talking, her eyes never left the TV screen.
Sherry saw that Frank and George were also immersed in the show, while Dawn was still talking to Charlotte. "Alright. But after its over, we'll leave."
They nodded, not bothering to answer. Sherry just sighed and went to see Janine, Dylan trailing after her.
"How was it?" Janine asked as soon as Sherry sat down. She lifted her eyes from her phone and glanced at Sherry.
"I got a little emotional, but otherwise, it was fine."
"Hmm, I was sure that you would have cried."
"Hey, I'm not that emotional." Sherry retorted but deep down she knew that once upon a time, she would have cried. If it was her from two years ago, having not seen her parents for two years, surely she would have bursted into tears. But Sherry was mature now, she'd gone through many difficult and tragic experiences, she could handle it.
"You cried watching Romeo and Juliet." Janine calmly said. It was shocking to see her childhood friend sobbing over the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, and it was during a school play. It wasn't even performed by professionals and she still cried as if her friend died.
"That reminds me, she used to cry over tripping." Dylan added. "But after training, she didn't cry anymore."
"Anyone who survives your training knows what hell is. Why would I cry over a mere sprain." Sherry begrudgingly said.
"You're exaggerating." Dylan laughed.
Sherry pouted and changed the subject, "My parents want you to come over for dinner."
"Is it alright if I bring Charlotte?" Janine asked.
"Hmm? Sure, the more the merrier." Sherry nonchalantly replied.
"Great." Janine turned around and leaned against her chair. "Lotte! We're going to Sherry's place to eat later so get ready!" She shouted from across the house.
"Okay!" Charlotte screamed back.
"Does that mean I have to stay home alone?" Dylan asked, feeling a little lonely.
Sherry and Janine directed confused gazes at him. "What makes you think that? You don't want to come with me?" Sherry asked, sounding hurt but not really.
"But you don't want me to meet your parents." Dylan replied.
Janine looked at him as if he was stupid and Sherry was genuinely bewildered.
"Are you dumb?" Janine asked. "You were kicked out because they would've misunderstood if they saw you in the house. If you're just visiting then there's no problem."
It was as if a light bulb lit up in Dylan mind. "Oh, I understand." He chuckled and bashfully rubbed his head.
When the kids were finally finished with their show, they left and went to Sherry's house.
"Aunty, Uncle, long time no see!" The kids greeted with a smile. An enthusiastically hugged them one by one and greeted them back. Ping also greeted with a word or two.
"(Aunty, Uncle, it's been awhile.)" Janine shook their hands and said.
"(Have your parents been well?)" An asked.
Janine nodded. "(Yes, almost too well. Mum keeps complaining that Dad goes drinking too much.)" She laughed.
Ping smirked. "(I should go find him to catch up sometime.)"
An elbowed him with accusing eyes. "(Don't drink too much.)" She sighed. Ping chuckled and nodded.
"Hmm? Charlotte! It's been awhile. Since the company started I think?" An hugged Charlotte and exclaimed. Charlotte struggled free from An's chest, lamenting her short height and nodded.
"Have you been well, Aunty? Uncle?" She asked politely.
"Fit as a fiddle!" An answered on both of their behalves. It was then that Dylan walked in. His radiant looks, charming countenance, and fit body stood out, attracting looks and admiration. He was tall, kind and gentlemanly.
Dylan smiled at the Chen couple and stuck out his hand for a handshake. He tuned down his chivalrous behaviour after reprimandation from both Sherry and Janine and so didn't directly kneel down. "Hello, it's a pleasure to have finally met you. My name is Dylan von Kaiser and I am a friend of Sherry and Janine."
Ping smiled, showing the face of an experienced businessman. He was calm despite not having expected Dylan's arrival. "It's nice to meet you too." The two shook hands with Ping silently and disecretedly appraising Dylan. He noticed that they were of the same height and also had similar figures.
"When did you meet Sherry?" An curiously asked after shaking hands with Dylan.
Before Dylan could answer, Sherry's voice interrupted. "Ma, it's rude to keep guests standing at the entrance like that."
"Oh, dear me. You're right, where are my manners. Come in, have a seat." An smiled and led Dylan to the living room.
"So, how did you meet?" An asked persistently.
Beside her, Sherry sighed. She knew that once her mother was interested in something, she would never let it go until she got what she want. Sherry secretly signalled Dylan to make something up.
"I met Janine a while back and was given the opportunity to work with her. It was then that I was able to meet others and make some friends, Sherry included." Dylan very cleverly spun out a tale. He didn't tell a lie, only twisting the truth to make it seem like he met Sherry at Katjesty.
"Oh, you worked with Janine?" An asked.
"Yes, the photos were released just recently, though they were taken earlier." He added so despite the shoot being just recently, it would seem like they were taken long ago, allowing the couple to think that the two had known each other for awhile.
"We've been busy and haven't got the time to check it out. Sorry Janine." An smiled and apologised.
"No, it's alright Aunty." Janine shook her head and said.
"Ma, shouldn't you start cooking now?" Sherry said to chase her parents away. It worked. Both An and Ping went into the kitchen to start cooking. When they did, everyone is the living room let out sighs of relief. They were afraid that one of them was going to spill the beans. Some of them were even admiring Dylan for his ability to lie, they themselves were almost fooled. Had they not known the truth, they would have believed him.