I keep this all to myself…especially the last part. Even before COVID, Mom never failed to complain about how much time I spent at home. Of course, she was also the one who wouldn’t let me leave without knowing who I was with, where I was going, and when I’d be back.
“What kind of challenges?” Mom asks, voice shaking. “Are you talking about the virus? Could she get sick?”
Auntie Xin consults her book once more, muttering under her breath as she flips between pages before heaving a long sigh.
“It’s difficult to say exactly, but I’ve warned you about Michelle’s weak immune system. That’s why she’s so small. She’s prone to getting sick, so be extra careful.”
I resist the urge to roll my eyes. It’s bad enough that at five foot one, I’m the shortest one of my friends…maybe even the entire junior class of Memorial High. But it’s genetics, not my chronic allergies, that forces me to shop for clothes in the kids’ section. Besides Dad, no one on either side of my family can reach the top shelf at the grocery store.
“Should Michelle stop working at the restaurant, then?” Mom asks. “We had to let go of all our staff when this whole thing started, so she’s been helping out.”
Helping out is her way of saying I’m working for free six days a week…or as she puts it, for the privilege of having a roof over my head and clothes on my back. I hold my breath, hoping fortune will be on my side, but Auntie Xin shakes her head.
“As long as she is taking the herbs I recommended and following precautions, I don’t see any reason she can’t continue.”
Great.
“Of course, Xin nǎinai. I always follow your advice to the letter,” Mom assures. “I make sure she never misses a day.”
This time, I can’t keep the grimace off my face. I can still taste the nasty ocean seaweed powder I had to down in a glass of water this morning. No matter how much I stirred, it never dissolved like the container promised.
“Good, good. The herbs are proven to help boost health and vitality. In fact, you might want to pick some more up before you leave. I’m running low on supplies, and with everything on lockdown I don’t know when I’ll get more in.”
I swallow a groan at how quickly Mom agrees to take all but one pack of the cursed regimen. Judging by the sparkle in her eyes, Auntie Xin is one excellent short of becoming a movie villain.
“There is some good news, though,” she continues. “As long as Michelle stays focused, she will do very well in school.”
I wince as Mom smacks me on the arm. “You hear that? Don’t spend so much time on your phone. That’s why your grades aren’t good.”
“Mom, I have straight As in all my classes,” I whine. “How is that not good?”
“They are not high As. That’s what you need to get the best scholarships,” she immediately replies. “Unless you’ve changed your mind about going away for college.”
I pretend not to hear the hopeful tone in her voice. Mom’s been trying to convince me to pick a college close to home, but Pri has her heart set on UT Austin, and I’m not spending those four years without my best friend of ten years.
I shake my head. “No, I still want to go to UT.”
“Michelle, there are plenty of great colleges near here. And Daddy and I can save money if you live at home…”
They could save money by not wasting it on those herbs she just bought, but I keep that to myself. Thankfully, Auntie Xin’s egg timer goes off, preventing Mom from launching into a full-on campaign.
“Time’s up for today,” Auntie Xin says, closing her notebook. “Same time next week?”
Mom sighs. “Actually, I’m going to have to cancel next week’s session. Business has finally picked up, but that means we’re working more hours at the restaurant.”
“I understand. It has been tough for us all these past few weeks. I will go ahead and cancel your session.”
Auntie Xin flips to the appointments section of her notebook and scratches out Mom’s name. As she goes to close it, she suddenly glances at me.
“Actually, since it’s your birthday, I will let you ask one additional question before we finish today.”
Mom opens her mouth, but Auntie Xin cuts her off by putting a hand up.
“I want Michelle to ask the question.”
Both women turn to me, and I feel Mom’s eyes boring holes in the side of my head. The seconds tick by, but nothing comes to mind.
“Um…”
“Hurry up, Michelle. Don’t waste Xin nǎinai’s time. She has other clients waiting,” Mom chides.
Not helpful.
I rack my brain. What do people usually ask about? I’ve already heard about my health and school, and I’m sure as hell not expecting any money. Perhaps sensing my distress, or maybe in an attempt to get us out the door, Auntie Xin pipes up.
“What about love?”
I stare at her. “Love?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know if you’ll meet a nice boy this year?”
A very specific boy comes to mind almost immediately. One I’ve already met. Too bad he doesn’t know I exist. Auntie Xin quirks one eyebrow at me, and I suddenly feel naked beneath her sharp gaze.
“Michelle doesn’t have time to meet any boys,” Mom interrupts, oblivious. “She’s focusing on school.”
Auntie Xin is too busy consulting her notes to hear her. Instead, she mutters to herself as she jots down some calculations. After a few minutes, she raises her head.
“Well, unfortunately, the path to love will be quite bumpy…”
Mom makes a satisfied sound beside me. Auntie Xin clears her throat.
“But if your companion is a rabbit, horse, or pig, you will reach your destination together.”
“Oh no, that won’t work. A rabbit would be too old, and
