Paying The Price

On their way back to the Grand corporation, Ronin tried his best to strike a conversation with Pearl but to no prevail. Their communication barrier was as strong as a wall, she was good at ignoring him even pretending he wasn't there, at the restaurant, people would turn to look at a man talking solely to himself.

Now, he tried different tactics, asking simple questions but Pearl would remain mute, burying her head on her tablet.

Ronin asked "Did you enjoy the food?"

"...."

"Their delicacies does taste nice it's similar to what your mother makes."

"....."

"Am also much of a cook myself."

"..."

"Maybe someday I can teach you some of my skills."

"....."

"Yeah, about that gift, I think we should go to the park together, sounds good right?"

"..."

"Or do you prefer something else."

"....."

"Anything you want I can get it for you."

Pearl lifted her, taking a good look at him.

Seeing he got her attention, Ronin continued "Just say what you want and it's yours."

"Anything?" Pearl lifted her brow as she asked.

"Anything." Ronin said firmly, finally she replied him, no matter what she wants he would go to the ends of the world to get it. As long as she's happy, he would get anything for her.

Pearl shook her head and returned to playing with her tab.

"You think I can't get you what you want. I promise anything you want I'll get it for you." Ronin panickingly said after seeing her actions.

"You know, am doing you a great deal of good by not answering you." Pearl answered with her little voice and her head faced down, not sparing him a glance.

Ronin couldn't take it anymore he had to say what's on his mind. Her attitude must have a reason and he could only think of one.

"Nikki must have said something bad about me, I just know it, cause I didn't do anything to you. Nothing!"

Putting her tab on her l.a.p.s, Pearl signed deeply and gave him a tired look before replying. "You're right about both. Nikki did say I shouldn't treat you nicely."

"Aha!" Ronin exclaimed.

"And you didn't do anything to me. Not good or bad, so why expect something in return." Pearl continued.

"Besides, you should be happy I call you 'Uncle', I don't call Mr 'Father'". Pearl stated a fact.

Those words made Ronin speechless, she was right, he actually didn't do anything for her, so he shouldn't expect anything in return. But how was she doing him good by ignoring him.

"Pearl, I know I didn't do anything for you and I don't deserve to be called an uncle, but you're my niece and I really like you, so please give me a chance and I'll make it up to you." Ronin said with great emotion.

"Alright, since my teacher didn't say uncles have any roles, I'll give you a chance to create one." Pearl replied sweetly. Ronin was grateful for her kind consideration, smiling at her was a way of saying 'Thank you'.

"Oh, and next time, don't say you'll get me anything. I could ask for what would kill you." Pearl warned him childishly.

Ronin laughed at his little niece's joke, she was really cute as she tried to put on a serious face.

Ring

Ring

"I have to take this." Ronin said as he picked up his phone.

"OK, but you can't drive while making a call, so please stop the car." Pearl reminded him, probably cause she was still too young to die.