C9 Chapter 9

Ivy smiled and grabbed his hand, saying, "Come with me." He narrowed his eyes, but Ivy disregarded his irritated expression and led him to his room.

"Aaron, come," Ivy said as she gently drew his hand.

[Present]

That's right, we're in the same room, and that was our first meeting. My old memories flooded back to me.

Uncle, you were always so grumpy, and you still have the same attitude. Do you remember our first encounter? No, I think you've forgotten. My feelings for you have become stronger. I used to wait for him all the time. I spent most of my time with you. I shared all of my joys and sorrows with him. I used to read with him all the time. I slept on his bed occasionally as well.

I chuckled as I remembered everything.

I didn't even realize I was in love with him until it was too late. I was crazy about romantic movies because I was so stupid. I know I think too much, and that's my problem.

[A flashback]

One day, late at night, Ivy and Aaron were sitting in front of the television, watching a show.

Her parents were not at home. Ivy was resting on Aaron's lap, watching television. A passionate moment appeared out of nowhere. That TV guy was kissing his girlfriend. Ivy relished the chance. She then turned to face Aaron. Aaron was engrossed in his reading.

"Aaron," she called him.

"Ivy, call me uncle," he urged while turning the pages.

"OK, uncle, now listen to me," Ivy said with a frown and a pout.

"Yes," he said, his gaze fixed on the book.

Ivy said, "You missed a scene."

"What scene?" Aaron asked as he stared at her.

"That boy was kissing his girlfriend," Ivy stated, pointing to the TV.

Aaron grimaced and stated, "Ivy stopped seeing those scenes. Give me the TV remote."

Ivy seized the remote and said, "Nooo."

"I'm not a kid, uncle," she stated emphatically.

Aaron laughed and remarked, "Yes, you are a kid, but the mischievous one. Turn off the TV."

"I'll do it," Ivy said, "but first tell me why the boy kissed that girl."

Aaron said, "Because he loves her." He continued reading after saying this. "Love?" muttered Ivy.

"Doesn't dad also love my mom?" Ivy asked.

Aaron said, "Yes, your dad loves your mother."

"But my father does not love me," Ivy said.

Aaron asked, "Why?" with a smile.

"Because he did not kiss my lips. He merely gave me a kiss on the cheek," Ivy retorted.

Aaron couldn't help but chuckle.

"You are his daughter, after all. He loves you in a different way," Aaron explained.

"How about you?" Ivy asked.

Aaron's eyes narrowed as he asked, "What?"

"Aaron, don't you love me?" Ivy asked.

Aaron said, "Yes, I love you."

"Why didn't you kiss me like the boy did?" Ivy asked. Hearing her made Aaron feel uneasy.

"Ivy, it's not like that," he stated emphatically. Ivy rose and sat on his lap, saying, "I am not your child. So, uncle, why can't you kiss me?"

Ivy wrapped his neck with her hands and added, "I really like you. I'd want to kiss you the way that girl did."

"Ivy, this type of kiss is just for the people you really want to be with, the people you really love," Aaron explained.

. Ivy's eyes welled up with tears suddenly.

"So you don't like me, Aaron?" she asked.

"OK, I like you," Aaron responded with a sigh. Ivy pouted and replied, "Then kiss me."

Aaron called her name and nodded. "Ivy." Aaron sighed, thinking he just couldn't win against Ivy.

Aaron cupped her small face in his palm and kissed her on the cheek.

"Are you happy now?" he asked.

"Nooo. That boy gave her a kiss on the lips. You have to kiss my lips. I don't want to be your daughter. I am my father's daughter," she said.

"Oh, my goodness! It makes no difference, Ivy. You are free to kiss wherever you choose," Aaron said.

"Is that so?" Ivy said, pouting and rolling her eyes.

Aaron said, "Yes." Aaron carried her up and walked upstairs. Ivy grabbed him with both hands.

"So you just love me?" Ivy asked.

"Yes," Aaron answered with a sigh.

"Promise me you'll love me for the rest of your life," she urged.

"All right, all right," Aron replied. Aaron opened the door to her room. From his lap, he slid her onto the bed.

"Now it's time to sleep. It's too late now," Aaron said.

Ivy stated, "No, I don't want to sleep right now."

He said, "Ivy, you have school tomorrow."

"No," she said, tears in her eyes.

"I'm not tired," she added. Aaron was about to say something when Ivy began nagging. "No, no. Come and sleep with me. I don't want to sleep alone."

Aaron stated, "Ivy, I have studied."

"No, you spent almost the whole day reading. You didn't play with me today," Ivy said.

She stated, "I want to sleep with you." As she spoke, she hugged him.

"All right," Aaron responded.

He had no choice but to listen to her. Ivy held him as they both laid down on the bed.

"Aaron," Ivy said.

He said, "Yes."

"Are we like mom and dad?" Ivy asked.

"What?" Aaron said, his eyes narrowing.

"Yes, I saw mom and dad sleep like this," Ivy said.

Aaron couldn't help but chuckle. "What are you laughing about?" Ivy asked.

"They have been married for a long time. They are free to do anything they want," Aaron said.

"So, Aaron, when are you going to marry me?" Ivy asked.

"Please, Ivy, put an end to your blabbering. I'm tired," Aaron said. Ivy raised her head after hearing him and saw Aaron's eyes closed.

"Aaron," Ivy said. "Hey, uncle," Ivy said repeatedly, but he didn't answer. Ivy moved up close to him and propped herself up with her elbow.