MING LAN

Chapter Eight Dilemma

In the evening Ming Lan comes down looking normal. Addressing my Dad, not saying anything to me. She just looked at me. Our eyes meet but I cannot read her this time.

I have not told my father what actually happened between Ming Lan and I and how I found her. I don’t want to worry him too much.

“Tan Ming Lan. Listen to me. I have talked to the District Officer about transferring you here. There is a primary school nearby. I’ll get you transferred to that school.” My father told her. She has no comment, sitting there quietly. She has actually already transferred school without telling us. I would still be in the dark if I did not meet her that day. Ming Lan!... I sigh, looking at her.

So, Ming Lan stays with us in the city. Teaching in a nearby school. She talks when asked and would keep quiet the whole day. I really cannot read her. Either she is not feeling at home or stressed I am not sure.

I leave her alone for the time being. Not wanting to repeat anything with her. Not to have high hopes for her anymore. It hurt me enough inside. My heart hurts every time I see her. Feeling weirdness rushing, around my neck down to my shoulders and finger tips, sometimes from the chest my blood rushes up. I do not understand this feeling. I just watch her. Still hurting inside me, almost everyday. Looks like I have to live with this feeling.

I see her beginning to get adjusted to living with us. I let her be. I live my life like she does not exist in the house. I feel more peaceful inside that way. That is the only thing I can do with her, the girl I love.

The third month she is happier, answering her pupils telephone calls, advising them, talking like Ming Lan I knew earlier. But not to me anymore, neither do I to her. I feel fear and sour inside and heart pain, as I reminisce over her deeds, seeing her in the house everyday. Nothing matches.

Three of us lead our lives as usual but not talking much to each other, tolerating each other.

“Do you have a boyfriend now?” My Dad asks her while having our lunch, unexpectedly.

She looks up from her plate, taken by surprise. I watch her looking at my Dad then at me. Our eyes meet. She opens her eyes wide at me. I raise my brow not understanding what it is. She suddenly kicks me from under the table and scoops food into her mouth, eating like nothing happened. How could she! I cough, choking on my food. Making my Dad turn to me.

“You have to get married one day.” My father continues, ignoring what is happening. “You’re twenty five this year, right?” He is looking at her.

She just nods her head, still glancing at me.

“I have someone I know. A good guy. Just nice for you. Compatible I think.” continues my Dad calmly.

“Excuse me, I’m full now. I’ll come and tidy up later. Enjoy your meal.” She gets up and leaves just like that, not even washing her plate. ‘What now, Appa, embarrassing me again!’ Ming Lan thought.

“She …Where is she going? I haven’t finished talking to her.” My Dad turns left and right then to me, questioningly. “Tell her I’m talking to her again tonight.”

I stop him, “Dad. Leave her for today. Make it tomorrow afternoon. Show her the three pieces of paper. That will solve everything.” … ‘I’m with a broken heart here, Dad. Don’t you see?’. I am already feeling so down.

My Dad nods his head. “Ok. You let her know… This girl….” He shakes his head, finishing his bowl of rice. Is he going to let her know the truth? I hope so. The sooner the better.