The Mafia Girl

Meeting Grandpa

Chapter 2

But the words of the driver pop up in my head, I can’t tell anyone who I am. The bell rings, and I’m still busy getting my things, when this boy comes to my table, I can see those girls staring at me. “can I walk with you to the locker, just in case you get lost”, he said with a smile.

We reached the lockers, and before we knew it those girls were standing behind us. “Hey babes”, the one said and immediately kissed him on the cheek. He looked uncomfortable, and quickly replied to her words, “So many times I told you not to call me that”. He looked annoyed and left.

As he walked away, those girls came closer, whispering, “Ha-Jun is mine”, the one said. Finally, I know his name, I wasn’t much bothered with these girls. I walked away immediately and left them behind. It was time to go home, excitement overwhelmed me, knowing that I could finally meet Grandpa.

Outside the school gate, the driver is already waiting for me. “Good day Miss Wang, please get in the car”, he said. I heard Ha-Jun’s voice and immediately turned around but I couldn’t see him, he disappeared so fast. I got in the car and we drove off. We reached the mansion, and I noticed Ha-Jun standing there, the car stopped and Ha- Jun opened the door.

He politely in a formal way greeting me, “Good afternoon Miss Wang”. I stared at him and smiled. He smiled back, looked around if someone saw him, and then said “Please go inside the Chairman is waiting for you”. As I entered the house, I saw all the servants standing in a line, nervously I turned towards Ha-Jun, and he showed me how to move forward. At the end of the line of servants, I saw Grandpa.

I walked faster, Grandpa looked at me with angriness in his eyes. “no need to run”, he said. I suddenly swam my spit hard, I could feel sweat dripping off my forehead. So nervous to approach Grandpa, I walk slowly and greet him politely, “Afternoon Grandpa”. He just looked at me and turned his back on me, he stopped just before he entered his office. I’m standing there confused, not sure what to do. Someone comes from behind and whispers, “Please go to the Chairman, his waiting”. I nervously look over my shoulder and notice Ha-Jun.

From afar I heard Grandpa calling me, “Are you coming or must I come back and fetch you”. I replied quickly, “I’m coming Grandpa”. Inside Grandpa’s office, he started fighting me, telling me to listen when he talked. I was very confused about what was going on, I never replied, Grandpa beat me that day. That day my world changed and shifted into darkness.

A few days passed, and I didn’t leave my room or went school. I mostly sat in my room, the housekeeper was the only one coming to check on me. When I do go out, servants keep quiet every time they see me. Making me uncomfortable and feel out of place. My face and arm are still bruised, things weren’t the same after that. The housekeeper always enters my room, holding a tray with milk and cookies.

For a few minutes, she would stand there and encourage me to go out and make friends. She made me miss my mother more than ever, my mother would always encourage me to be strong and to stand up for myself. I don’t know Grandpa that well, but I’m sure he had his reason for beating me that day. What happened was something I still can’t explain, but I pledge to myself to be the person Grandpa wants me to be.

At least for the time staying here at his house. Things make sense now and I can understand now why people around her never smile or make any eye contact. They must be scared of Grandpa’s strict rules in the house. The next morning, I got ready for school, went downstairs and found Grandpa at the table. I quickly froze and turned away from the dining room. The housekeeper saw me and called me to the kitchen. “please take this lunch box, my child”, she said. “thanks, I’m not ready to face Grandpa”, I replied. She smiled at me and squeezed my arm.