That Muse.. and Destiny

The Rising Tide

Mr Băolín Li sat with his family in the front rows of the auditorium at the Yeuyang International University. A man of immense stature and influence, today he wore only one title: the proud father of Mei Li, the best graduating student and valedictorian at the University's graduation ceremony. His daughter had upheld the Li standards with such grace, and the results undeniably spoke for themselves.

He watched her lovingly as she climbed onto the podium to receive her certificate and give her speech. Her poise was impeccable; her confidence, sure and modest. He saw himself in her; she'd inherited his tall frame and sculpted jawline, though a touch of femininity softened her features and made her a lovely sight. He squeezed his wife's hand warmly. Each of their children were masterpieces of beauty with brains and he loved them all so dearly. That was why he was very particular about their path; he would always ensure that they all make the right choices.

As Mei began her speech, Mr Li listened with careful attention. But as she progressed, he began to sense a subtle meaning in between the lines that made him uncomfortable. His wife, too, became uneasy. Sitting beside his dad, Lian sensed the tightening air. He knew precisely what Mei was doing: charging the audience to follow their hearts as a cue to her parents that she was about to do the same.

Lian thought of what was ahead of him; the cover ups, and the moment the truth would finally surface He felt his palms grow slightly sweaty and his feet shuffled momentarily. He didn't like what was about to happen but he believed in his sister. Whatever was pulling her toward Africa had to be worth it. It must be worth it, he prayed silently.

Mei was reading off a sheet of paper so maybe it was scripted, Mr Li thought. Maybe she'd been given the speech by one of the faculty or board members. But the look in her eyes when she paused briefly and gazed at them, was all too deliberate to ignore. He tried to shake off his thoughts and simply be in a celebratory mood for his daughter. There she was making him the proudest man in the world and yet he was allowing suspicious thoughts fill his mind. That wouldn't do at all.

The applause was resounding after she finished her speech and Mr Li, his family and others rose to give her a standing ovation. She deserved it. This feat would earn her much recognition and would broaden the pathway of her career, he thought as he applauded her.

Later as the crowds left the hall and mingled outdoors where several tables were lined with light food and chairs dotted the garden for people to sit, Mr Li and his wife were soon greeted by a continuous stream of well-wishers congratulating them on their daughter's success. A few of his close associates lingered to talk about her promising career path and opportunities to engage the young talent. Mr Li spoke of his daughter in high terms and assured that they could look forward to the very best.

After socialising for sometime, the Li family went to their limousine where their chauffeur waited. As they filed into the car, Mr Li wondered why Mei was missing, asking Lian if he knew where she was.

“Not exactly sure, dad.” He said, feeling uneasy. “But I saw her with some friends.”

“Let's give her some minutes to say her goodbyes.” Mrs Li said, putting a hand on her husband's knee. But as the minutes ticked by, Mr. Li’s patience evaporated.

“Go get your sister, Lian.” He commanded.

Lian stepped out of the car, his mind racing. He had thought this through; he would return to tell his dad that Mei had decided to hang back with some friends and said she would return home in time for the dinner party. He gulped back the saliva clogging his thro. It seemed his voice knew that was a lie and was not going to team up with him to tell it. He stopped at a distance and waited for his heart to settle. ‘He had no reason to be afraid of his father’, he thought. If he played his part well, he'll never find out he was covering up for Mei. Unless, of course, when the truth finally got out.

When Lian approached alone, Mr. Li’s gaze was sharp. What was going on?

“Mei said she'd stay back with some friends for a while but that she'll be back in time for the dinner party.” Lian said when he returned to the car.

The car was still for some moments. Lian knew his dad was calculating how to handle this.

“And she didn't come to tell me herself because...?” He looked squarely at Lian.

Lian immediately broke into a sweat. He was just about to blurb out another lie when his mom came to his rescue.

“It's her graduation day, lǎogōng. Allow her.” Mrs Li said. “She knows we have dinner planned, she'll be home in time.”

Lian's heart sank. No she won't, he thought.

…

She walked onto the airport terminal, her heart beating to the rhythm of freedom. She had traveled across borders before, but this was different. It felt like she was about to be wrapped up in an experience of a lifetime. When she got to the counter, the attendant smiled at her in a way that seemed to say, ‘Goodluck on your journey’.

Ticket in hand, she walked to the tall glass windows to gaze at the amber horizon one more time. She sighed, letting the reality sink in. Closing her eyes, she revisited the vivid pictures from her dream; the strong, gentle dark hand clutching hers, the cave filled with people of a different tribe, the man who told her to drink from a calabash of crystal-clear water, and the reflection of herself that she saw.

Opening her eyes, she turned to go and board her flight. Once in, she settled into her seat and suddenly realised how exhausted she was. All the worrying, planning and calculating had worn her out. Not being around her concerned family, especially her father with his looming expectations, was a feeling so soothing that she didn't know when she fell asleep.

…

The limousine eased into the Li residence, a lush and upstanding arena, befitting a family of their calibre. Within the mansion, the atmosphere was busy with the men and maidservants buzzing about, putting things together for the dinner party. Once inside, Mrs Li instantly assumed her role of supervising the preparatory affairs while Mr. Li retreated to his study.

By 7:30 PM, all was ready and set in place but Mei had not yet returned. By now Mr Li and his wife had become terribly worried, but did their best to mask their growing concern as they welcomed their guests.

‘Where could she be?’ ‘This is unlike her.’ ‘Was she planning a grand entrance?’

These were the thoughts flashing through their minds as the ceremony went on and there was still no Mei.