• Xinyi’s Log

[Kyleigh]

Xinyi's Log




Ideas

- Mother's pregnancy
- Levi and Julie's sixth birthday
- First book published
- Conversation with David
- Letter to parents after seeing David
- Joining the Blacklights
- Becoming a teacher's assistant
- A day at Cogworks with Levi and Julie
- Poems and excerpts from her stories (pseudonym: Jennifer Zhang)

[Kyleigh]

Mother’s Pregnancy
Liu House
Age 10

Xinyi happily skipped downstairs to the kitchen, eagerly awaiting breakfast. She saw her parents and smiled at them. “Good morning Mom and Dad.” Her tone cheerful, she sat down at the table, her father sitting across from her and her mother cooking breakfast. They smiled back at their daughter. “Good morning Xinyi” they said in unison.

Her mother seemed in a better mood than the previous days. Which was good. Xinyi had noticed that something was… off about her. For a few weeks, she complained of not feeling well and throwing up. Based on her symptoms, Xinyi had suspected that her mother was pregnant. But she couldn’t confirm it until she said or not. She knew that wasn’t drinking, as she hadn’t for almost a month. It was no secret that Jiali drank occasionally. The fights between her and her father were a clear indication of that. She was glad that her mother was seemingly starting to feel better.

Jiali glanced over at Xinyi, giving her a warm smile. “I’m preparing your father’s breakfast, but I can make yours after. What would you like?” Xinyi tapped her chin, making a decision. “Just some scrambled eggs, please. I’m not super hungry right now.” Her mother nodded in approval. “Of course, dear. Coming right up.” As finished cooking, she neatly plated Xinyi and her father’s meals, gently placing them on the table. “Here you go.” Xinyi’s smile widened. “Thank you Mama.” Jiali gave a warm and gentle smile. “You’re welcome, Xinyi.”

Honestly, things were going pretty well than they usually did. Her parents fought frequently, which led her mother to drink sometimes. Although she didn’t support that, she supposed that was her way of coping. Xinyi wished that things were more normal at home. But there was nothing she could do about it, which made her frustrated. She still had hope that things would change for the better soon, though.

As Xinyi and her parents ate, she noticed that her mother glanced over at her father and frowned slightly. Odd. Sure, they had their fights. But she never noticed Jiali frown at him like that before. It seemed different. Seemed… out of genuine concern, she supposed was the best way to describe it. What was going on with her mother? Between that and feeling sick for a few weeks, something was definitely wrong. She could feel it. But she wasn’t quite sure what it was yet.

After several minutes of silence, her mother finally spoke up. She was nervous, Xinyi could tell, fidgeting with her hands. “Haoyu, Xinyi. There’s something I need to tell you.” Her father looked at her with a curious expression, but he smiled. “Of course. What is it?”

Jiali sighed, taking a deep breath before speaking again. “I’m pregnant” she said simply. For a split second, Xinyi was overjoyed. “Really? That’s wonderful Mama, I’m so happy-” then her voice trailed off. She looked over at her father, who was clearly angry and upset about the situation. Xinyi had never seen her father so angry before. Not even when her parents fought. He was such a kind man, it was hard for him to be angry despite that. This was different. Something was clearly wrong for him to have a reaction like that. The tension in the air was thick, and Xinyi could feel it..

Haoyu remained calmed though, and after a few moments of silence, he spoke. “Great Lantas Jiali, what have you done?” His tone was full of anger. And Xinyi didn’t like it one bit. “Please Haoyu, just let me explain.” Her father made direct eye contact with her mother now. “Please do.” Xinyi was beginning to figure out what was going on. Haoyu wasn’t her unborn siblings’ father. Another man was.

Jiali’s entire body trembled, barely managing to get the words out. “I was at the Neon Cogs Saloon a month ago and met this man named David. We were chatting when he offered me a drink. I declined and told him I wasn’t interested, but he insisted on it. We accidentally got drunk and-” she stopped herself, placing her hands on her face, tears streaming down her face. “I’m so sorry Haoyu and Xinyi. I swear I had no intention of that happening” she said in a shaky voice.

[Kyleigh]

Xinyi was devastated after listening to her mother’s explanation. Her heart felt like it shattered into a million pieces and her world crumbled apart. “Mama, how could you?” Now Xinyi had tears on her face. She couldn’t believe what her mother had done. How could she have done that to her father? To her? In her mind, it was the ultimate betrayal. Why Mama, just why?

“I’m so sorry” Jiali repeated. Xinyi made eye contact with her mother, wiping her tears. Looking into her eyes, she could tell her mother felt guilty about the situation. She wanted to cry again, but she refrained herself. Xinyi stood up from her chair, giving her mother a hug. “It’s okay Mama. Please don’t cry.”

She glanced over at her father, who remained silent for a few moments after her mother spoke. Haoyu extended his arm across the table, grabbing Jiali’s hand. “Jiali, I want you to look at me.” Her mother was surprised, managing to lock eyes with her father. “Haoyu?”

He wiped a tear from Jiali’s face and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I forgive you.” Her mother couldn’t believe the words that just came from her father’s mouth. And Xinyi was surprised as well. “You do? You’re not mad at me?” Her father gave a small smile. “Well, of course I’m upset about it. But I believe you when you say it wasn’t intentional. We all make mistakes, Jiali. We’ll get through this. Together” Xinyi chimed in. “Right. We’re family. And we have to stick together.” She gave a reassuring smile, trying to comfort her mother and let her know that it was all right.

Jiali smiled back, a wave of relief flooding over her. “Thank you, Haoyu. And you too, Xinyi. I promise it won’t ever happen again.” She paused before continuing. “There’s something else you should know. David is a member of Club Serpentine. But I promise I didn’t know that until he told me after.” Xinyi’s father raised an eyebrow.”He’s a Snake?” He ran his hands through his hair. “Jiali, do you realize how dangerous that is? Club Serpentine are a bunch of criminals who murder people.”

Xinyi’s eyes widened in horror. “Club Serpentine? Didn't you tell me to avoid them at all costs?” She grew up hearing stories about Club Serpentine and the other gangs from her parents. She learned from them that while the Arachniads were petty thieves, most of them were harmless and had no murderous intent. The Night Riders were the least dangerous gang. Rebellious kids and adults who just wanted to have some harmless fun with pranks.Club Serpentine, however, were the most dangerous of them all. Their mission; kill anyone who got in their way. Dangerous indeed.

Her mother rubbed the temples of her forehead, remaining calm and relaxed. “I know, I know. I’m sorry, I just don’t know what to do, I-” Haoyu interrupted her. “It’s okay. You didn’t know. We’ll figure it out.” How did Mama and I get blessed with such a kind husband and father? Her father truly was one of the kindest and most forgiving people that she knew. Xinyi had always admired him and strived to be like him someday.

Jiali gave a slight smile. “Thank you, Haoyu. No matter what happens, I’ll be there for you. I love you, Haoyu.” Her father kissed her mother’s forehead. “I love you, too, Jiali.”

It’s because I love her. Xinyi remembered those words that her father had told her when they talked about her mother. She smiled slightly to herself. Love was a fickle thing sometimes, Xinyi had learned. But this wasn’t the case here. Her parents’ love for each other seemed stronger than ever. In her mind, this was the first step towards healing their family. Together.

[Kyleigh]

Levi and Julie’s Sixth Birthday
Liu House
Age 17

Six years. Six years since the twins came into their lives. And despite everything that her family went through, Xinyi couldn’t be happier. She could smell the sweet scent of the cake that her mother was baking. Delicious. The excitement was palpable, and she could feel it within herself. Today was a special day for her siblings, and Xinyi, her mother, and father wanted to make it the best day that they could for them.

Xinyi walked into the kitchen, her mother placing the cake on the table. Oh, her mother. She had her moments in the past, admittedly. But she had to give credit. Ever since the twins were born, she truly tried to be the best mother that she could be. And she became a better person and was now someone Xinyi could come to without feeling uncomfortable. A part of her still felt hurt after what her mother did, but she learned to forgive her like her father. And that was important to her. Xinyi gave her a warm smile. “Hi, Mom.”

Her mother smiled back, her expression soft and gentle. “Hi, sweetie.” She tucked a strand of Xinyi’s hair behind her ear. “How’s my baby girl?”

“I’m fine, Mom. Where’s Dad?”

“He’s still at work. He should be home soon, though.”

“He’s still working?” That made sense, Xinyi supposed. The jewelry store had been pretty busy lately, so her father was probably staying late to help out more. He was an amazing jeweler, she thought. He would sometimes bring home the most beautiful jewelry that he made and gave them to Xinyi and her mother as gifts. She was still amazed by how unbelievably kind and caring he was, even after all of these years.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. You know how busy work has been for him.” Jiali opened the cupboard and grabbed some candles, frosting, and sprinkles for the cake. “Xinyi, do you want to help me decorate the cake?”

“I know.” She wanted them all to be together now. She wished that her father didn’t have to work on the twins’ birthday. But obviously, there wasn’t anything that she could do about it. “Sure.” She gathered her hair and tied it up in a loose bun and rolled up her sleeves, sitting down in one of the chairs around the table. Her mother did the same.

Xinyi and her mother grabbed tubes of icing and began decorating, writing Happy birthday, Levi and Julie! in neat letters. They then decorated around the edges of the cake with icing, adding sprinkles as a finishing touch. Xinyi smiled. “It looks great Mom.” Jiali smiled back. “Thank you. And thank you for helping me, Xinyi.”

“Of course. No problem. Should we call the twins over?”

Her mother nodded. “Yes.” She stood up from her chair, clearing her throat before she spoke. “Levi! Julie! Come downstairs, please!” Her voice echoed through the house as footsteps could be heard.

Levi and Julie entered the kitchen, smiling at Xinyi and their mother. “Hi Mom and Xinyi!” they said in unison. Julie looked over at the cake. “Is that our cake? It looks delicious.” Jiali smiled at the twins. “Hi Julie and Levi.” She nodded her head. “Yes it is. I’m glad you think so. Your sister helped me decorate it.”

Levi and Julie looked over at Xinyi, walking up to her and hugging her. “Thank you, Xinyi” he said. Julie nodded, repeating his words. “Yeah, thank you Xinyi. And you too, Mama.”

Xinyi hugged back. “No problem.” Their mother hugged Julie and Levi as well. “You’re welcome, my darlings.”

The creaking of the door could be heard, and it opened as Xinyi’s father entered. He walked into the kitchen, seeing that the rest of his family was there. “Hi everyone!” he said in a cheerful tone.

“Papa!” the twins said, running up to him and hugging him. Haoyu laughed, hugging them back. “Hey, Julie and Levi! Happy birthday!” Julie and Levi grinned as he spoke. “Thank you, Papa!”

Xinyi grinned at her father, happy that he was finally him. “Hey Dad. Welcome back.”

Her father acknowledged her grin, smiling back. “Hi Xinyi. And thank you.”

Xinyi’s mother gave him a quick kiss. “Perfect timing, honey. We were just about to light the cake.”

Haoyu kissed back and sat down in one of the chairs, draping his coat over it. “Great. Should we get started?”

“Yes.” Her mother placed a few candles on the cake, grabbing the lighter that was nearby. As she was about to light the candles, there was a knock on the door. “Hold on. Someone’s at the door. I’ll be back.” She put the lighter down, walking towards the door and opened it.

Xinyi raised an eyebrow, a puzzled look on her face. “I wonder who that could be.” She sat back down in the chair next to her father, placing her elbows on the table and her hands underneath her chin.

As they waited for her mother to come back, Xinyi could hear her voice and another one. She deduced that the other person’s voice was a man’s, though she didn’t recognize it. It sounded like they were arguing with each other, which confused her.

Then, she heard her mother say what she assumed was the man’s name. David. A name that she was familiar with. She glanced over at her father, a concerned look on her face. “Did Mom say David? Isn’t that who I think it is?”
Her father shared Xiniyi’s same concerned look. “I think it is. We should go.”

The twins had a confused expression on their faces. “David? Who’s David?” Julie asked with curiosity.

Haoyu looked over at Julie and Levi, a slight frown on his face. “We’ll explain later. I think you should come too.”

[Kyleigh]

They stood up from their chairs, exiting the kitchen and entered the living room, seeing her mother with whom Xinyi assumed was David. He was tall, the first thing about him that she had noted. He had tanned skin, brown eyes, and jet black hair. He was wearing a plain white t-shirt, dark blue jeans, black boots, and a leather jacket.

“It’s their decision, not yours.” Xinyi heard David say, the anger in his voice clear as day. “How dare you! You think that you can just waltz on over here, into my home. and demand that they be with you? There’s no way that’s happening” her mother snapped, clearly angry as well.

“They’re my children too, Jiali. I have just as every right to be in their lives as you do.” David interrupted himself when he saw Xinyi, her father, and the twins standing behind Jiali. “What a lovely family you have there, Jiali.”

Xinyi’s mother turned around, looking over at her family. “What are you doing? I thought that you were in the kitchen.”

Xinyi spoke up. “We heard the commotion, so we came over to see what was going on.”

“That’s very kind of you to be concerned for me. But don’t worry, I can handle this myself.”

“No, it’s okay. I’m actually very interested in talking to them.” David glanced over at Xinyi. “And who might you be?”

Xinyi glared at David, crossing her arms. “Xinyi. Jiali’s my mother.”

“Ah, her eldest child, then?” David looked at Xinyi intently, studying her features. “It’s wonderful to meet you, Xinyi.”

Xinyi rolled her eyes. “It’s nice to meet you too, I guess” she said, her voice filled with sarcasm.

“No need to get snappy with me. Can I not engage in a conversation with you?” David looked at Haoyu, making eye contact with him. “And you must be the hubby, I presume?”

Haoyu nodded his head. “Yes I am. My name’s Haoyu.”

David laughed with amusement before speaking again. “I’m surprised. That you’re still with Jiali, I mean. Considering everything that happened. Couldn’t get a divorce? Or do you love her that much?” He smirked at his last statement, as if he was taunting Haoyu.

Her father looked angry, offended by David’s comment. “Don’t talk about my wife like that.”

Her mother pulled back her father for a moment. “Calm down, Haoyu. I admit, I deserve that,”

David laughed again. “You should listen to your wife, Haoyu. I’m just joking.” He eyed the twins, smiling at them. “Well, well, well. Who do we have here?” He pointed his finger at Julie and Levi, motioning for them to come closer. “You two. Come here for a minute.”

Levi and Julie were nervous, their bodies tensing up. Xinyi put a hand on one shoulder each, giving them a reassuring smile. “It’s okay. Go on” she whispered in their ears.

They slowly walked towards David, staring directly at him. “Hi” they said together.

David grinned. “Hello. Don’t be nervous. You’re Levi and Julie, correct?”

Julie raised an eyebrow. “Yeah. But how do you know us? We don’t know you.”

“Oh. Your mother never told you?”

Levi chimed in. “Never told us what? What’s going, Mama?”

David smirked again. “Yeah, Jiali. Why don’t you tell your lovely children the truth?”

Jiali sighed, knowing that it was pointless to keep hiding the truth. “Okay. Levi, Julie. I think it’s time to tell you. This man right here is David.” She took a deep breath before continuing. “And the truth is, he is a member of Club Serpentine. And he is your father.” Guilt ran through her as she said those words.

Julie’s eyes widened, shocked by the news. “David is our dad? And a Snake?” She glanced over at Haoyu, looking for confirmation. “Is this true, Papa? That you’re not our father?”

Haoyu frowned, knowing that the twins felt hurt by the fact. “Yes, it’s true.” He bent down, placing his hands on the twins’ shoulders. “But that doesn’t change how I feel about you. I hope you know that.”

Xinyi’s mother hugged the twins. “I’m so sorry, Julie and Levi. I know I should’ve told you sooner. I hope that you can forgive me.”

Julie smiled at her mother. “It’s okay, Mama.”

Levi nodded his head in agreement. “Yeah. We forgive you, Mama.”

Jiali gave a slight smile. “Thank you. I love you, Julie and Levi.”

“We love you too, Mama.”

The twins looked over at Haoyu. “And Papa, even if you’re not our dad, we love you. Thank you for taking care of us all of these years” Julie said.

Haoyu chuckled. “I appreciate that, Julie. I love you, too.”

Xinyi smiled to herself. We may not be a perfect family, but we’re still a family. And that’s what matters. She spoke up. “I’m sorry too, Julie and Levi. I should’ve told you as well.”

The twins glanced at Xinyi, hugging her. “It’s okay, Xinyi. We understand” Julie said.

“You’re the best big sister ever” Levi added.

Xinyi hugged them back. “Thank you. That means a lot to me.”

David cleared his throat, as if he was being interrupted. “If I may, Julie and Levi, I’d like to speak to you for a moment.”

Julie turned her attention back to David, her eyes filled with curiosity. “Okay. But Levi and I would like to know why you’re here in the first place.”

David nodded his head. “Of course. That’s precisely what I’m about to tell you.” He paused for a moment before continuing. “As your mother said, I’m a member of Club Serpentine. And I’m interested in having you join.”

Levi raised an eyebrow. “Us? Join the Snakes? But why?”

“Because I want to be in your life.” David paused for a moment before continuing. “I admit, I haven't been a great father. But I want to change that. And I think that it would be a good experience for you.”

Xinyi couldn’t help but roll her eyes again. Yeah, because teaching children to be murderers and drug dealers is a really good learning experience for them. What a twisted mindset the Snakes have.

Julie had a look of skepticism on her face. “A good experience? Mama told us that we should never be involved with the Snakes.”

David grinned. “You’re cautious. I respect that. But trust me, I will always make sure to protect you. The Snakes will have your back. So, what do you say, Julie and Levi?”

Levi paused for a moment, considering the offer. “Sorry, but no thank you. I’d rather stay here with Mama, Xinyi, and Papa.” He and Julie knew the truth. But Haoyu will always be their father to him no matter what. And he was proud of that fact.

Julie nodded her head, agreeing with Levi. “Sorry, but I’m with Levi. If he stays, I stay.” She hugged her brother. “We’re twins, after all. We stick together.”

Xinyi studied David’s face. She could clearly tell that he was not happy that the twins rejected his offer. She smiled. She knew that they made the right choice.

Though angry, David remained calm, giving the twins a crooked smile. “Alright, if that’s what you wish. But remember that the offer is still there if you change your minds.” He glanced over at Jiali. “Well. I’ll be leaving now. Goodbye, Jiali.” He glanced over at the twins one last time. “And goodbye, Levi and Julie.” And with that, he turned around and walked away.

Her mother closed the door, letting out an exasperated sigh and rubbed her temples with her hands. “The nerve of that man. Come on, Julie and Levi. I promise that I’ll explain everything else later. But for now, let’s have some cake.”

Xinyi and her family walked back into the kitchen as her mother lit the candles on the cake. This certainly wasn’t a day that any of them expected. But Xinyi was just glad the whole incident was over and that they could go back to celebrating the twins.