Night time, the moon has just risen here in romantic Vienna, Austria where I have been exiled (at least that is what it felt like) for almost 2 months now. We are driving towards home, Xi Riaen and I. The night is perfect, it is cloudy and the moon peeks gently almost teasingly from the clouds. I keep noticing things as Xi Riaen drives around. I hated coming here to Vienna, but at this moment, for the first time ever, I see Vienna so beautiful and being here is not so bad. It gives a classic romantic vibe, similar with the movies where all the lovers would fall in love as they visit this place. The wind is chillingly cold and yet something about it mysteriously warm. I look at Xi Riaen, her hair blowing gently through the open window of her car. She loves the cold air, keeps her awake she says. She smiles at me every now and then as she talks about her day. She looks so lovely. We look like a couple, but in truth we have been fighting since we were toddlers. I am older than her and her brother is my best friend but she seemed more mature than us both.
I was so lost during my first few weeks here in Vienna, as well as depressed, but all that changed when I met her by chance. She was like an angel sent from heaven. I was so grateful to that point even though it was her, my known enemy that I met here, I was still glad that I know someone here in Vienna, as it was so lonely before. But now, everything about Vienna becomes beautiful, fun and exciting even, now that she is here. At first, I thought that the reason is that she is the only person I know here, literally, but as time goes by, I realize it is just simply her.
I remember the reason I was sent here. I was caught cheating on my long-time fiancée (Xi Riaen’s cousin) and cheating on my classes too at the university of the elite, as they say. And so, to punish me, I was cut off from all my friends and was sent here in Vienna, supposedly to help with our business, which I hated as I find everything about business matters boring. I am young and I want to be free from all the responsibilities. I became arrogant and irresponsible and thus Vienna became my endgame. That is what I thought before, however at this moment, it feels like Vienna is a new beginning of my life.
“Zuo” Xi Riaen calls me, I got so lost in my thoughts and she notices. “You’re not listening, are you okay?”
“Do you think people like us can fall in love?” I ask her so suddenly and without even thinking of my question. I look at her and this is what came out my mouth as if my mouth has a mind of their own.
“That’s new.” She comments, surprised at my question. I keep quiet and I observe her. I look at her pursed lips, confused at what I will say. I look at her eyes with the glimmers from the traffic light. She focuses on the road and yet I can feel her attention towards me. “Why that question?” she is curious.
“I just want to know what you think.” I answer her, honestly. I look at her soft fair skin that reflects the moonlight. I look at her eyes as dark as night with her long lashes, then to her nose that is straight pointed perfectly fitting her face pointing to towards her lips, and before I know it, I am looking at her lips again, I want to kiss her. Kiss her?! I am surprised at my own thoughts.
“People like us are privileged. A lot of families depend on our business. To be honest, our wealth comes with responsibilities, one of them is choosing whom to love.” Xi Riaen answers knowingly. She has wisdom beyond her age that I am amazed. “But yes, we can definitely fall in love. We can be happy.” She is right, coming from the family of the richest of the rich is not easy. We are trained to help our family business, not because we need to be more wealthy, but because of the people that depends on our business. This is how we are raised, we are taught and expected to be good leaders for our employees and their families. Our marriage, as a matter of fact and sadly, is included in the arrangement as well.
“There’s a beautiful spot here in the city nearby the mansion, let’s stop by there.” She suggests, as if sensing that I have more to say and driving around is not ideal for this kind of conversation.
I watch her drive silently and carefully this time, and I can’t think of anything else but this moment. I feel like, everything I did before leads me here, leads me to her. It is as if it’s all meant to be. I meant to be here, to be with her. My heart pounds so fast and I keep wishing she does not hear it. I can not contemplate what I am feeling and thinking at the same time. Something is happening and I can’t explain it. Something wonderful, something I have never felt before. Can this be possible? Am I really falling for Xi Riaen, who is my best friend’s younger sister and my enemy? I hated her all my life, I couldn’t stand everything about her, and now I find her charming, yes still annoying and irritating as she very bossy, however I admire it all, adore it even. What is happening?
“Here we are.” Xi Riaen stops the car. She is right, it is a beautiful spot. It is quiet and the moon is perfectly seen, as if it will be the witness of this night, I pray the moon will not judge me. “I like coming here when I have a lot to think about.” She pauses, looks at me, waiting for me. She knows that I have something on my mind. Am I ready to tell her? What will be her reaction? Will she understand? Will she laugh? Something in the way she looks at me says she’ll understand. I look at the moon, it is showing brightly now, no longer hiding behind the clouds, as if supporting me.
I take a deep breath, I will tell her everything.
Inspired by:
- Stephen Speaks – Passenger Seat (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adJKvjES8Ic)
- Meteor Garden character: Mei Zuo
Telling Tales, Irin 