The big black stallion, a horse among horses as far as I was concerned was following us back as Alana and I walked slowly towards the coral and the huge barn. He was constantly trying to stick his head between ours as if he was going to miss something. To me, it was humorous while Alana was trying to take in stride.

Alana starting to get frustrated with it said in jest, “You had to get the one that will be sagacious in how he tries to get your unrestrictive attention. I sure hope it won’t be a problem down the line.”

“He’s just a young adult like yours.” I replied, “as he matures, he will settle down.”

We were holding hands taking our time, just enjoying the warmth of the day thanks to the mid-morning sun. It was nice to see spring finally taking hold in the northwest. We were discovering, together, that the horse I had yet to name had a playful, almost kid like nature.

Being a big young adult male horse, we would learn that for him it would be, and was the most natural thing for him to do. I saw it as his natural curiosity shining bright since after all that was what inspired his picking of me.

Clearly my thoughts relating to him had been firmly implanted in his mind. His devotion and loyalty to me were now firmly established and I felt the same way towards him. Alana noted that I had done something different to him than I had with her horse. That led me having to explain why. I did that by tying her experience from when she had been injured and what I had done.

When she digested my explanation, she could understand why things had to be treated differently for both of our horses. Simply put though I had appeared to have done the same things their situations were different. As a result, her horse would reach the same level as mine but at a different time.

It was when she clued into what I had been actually able to do, Alana asked, “What thought did you implant into the eagles to get them to go along with what you wanted to do?”

“A mutual respect as equals of the same sex but of different types,” I said. “Both having no fear of the other for the next hour by using their senses to implant it.”

I guess what I had just explained had gotten to Alana because she got quiet for a few moments. I was trying to figure out if I had said something to upset her when she started to speak with a seriousness to her voice. “There’s something I need to explain to you,” Alana said with a tone that implied some concern, “I may have made a big mistake because I let it slip that you had grown up in China and Scotland.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem with our modern society there is a lot of people who have different multi-cultural backgrounds so it may not be a problem at all,” I replied, trying to diffuse her fears. “It’s not like it was years ago when seeing one of a different culture was a rarity. How did it come out?”

“We were changing after gym class and a girl of oriental descent saw the ring around my neck. She was more than just curious about it because she came across from the other side of the change room half-dressed to ask me about it. Thinking about it now, I think her conduct went beyond what I would consider as normal,” Alana revealed. “I explained that the ring was my boyfriends and that you had been raised in China and Scotland because your parents had been missionaries.”

“When I questioned her about it, she revealed that her older cousin had worn one just like it around her neck for years. I told her that you had given it to me when we agreed to become exclusive. She then asked if she could capture an image of it on and cellphone and I allowed her to,” Alana went on to explain. “I thought about it later wondering if that might have been a mistake because the girl has an oriental heritage. I have been wondering ever since if it had something to do with your history.”

“That’s okay, there is most likely nothing to it. Besides, I don’t think that my father’s ring is that unique,” I replied. “The American authorities in China, at that time were concerned about my history becoming public knowledge because of unanswered questions about what was going on at the time. That’s why I do not talk a lot about it. As far as I know they could still be investigating it.”

“Why you were just a child,” Alana said. “As it looks now a lot of it does not make sense.”

“Something or someone led the Chinese government into claiming that my parents were spies using their status as missionaries as a cover,” I stated. “It led to their execution despite the pressure being applied by countries in the world like ours.”

“It has led me to think that the clamp down on the Christian faith was done to hide the Government of China’s true agenda because if it was an attack on the church why did they keep hunting for me,” I stated. “Your right it does not add up. If it became officially know who I am those who were involved in the situation at that time might see me as an ongoing threat to their authority their fluences, and their way of life. If what I have been told is the truth, some of those involved could be living in this country, today.”

Alana stopped walking, turned, and looked directly at me. I could tell she was doing some hard thinking. “That may explain why I have not been able to find anything related to your name on the web. Am I right?”

That was when I realized that it was time to tell my girlfriend a few of the things that I had deliberately kept secret. I decided I had to totally trust her because she needed to understand my thinking about some things for our relationship to continue to grow. After remaining silent for a few minutes as I figured out the best way to explain to her, I began to explain.

“Most of the games available on the web, through a direct web address or sites like Facebook you will find that Chinese symbols or words accidently show up. With time and usage all program coding wears down because of use, if it is not regularly updated. That is why blurbs like that keep appearing,” I explained. “Look at how often Microsoft updates windows ten. It’s to keep their site secure and up to date. These blurbs could accidentally be revealing added hidden programs that the original coder had no knowledge about.”

“The internet is a tool that the Chinese government uses effectively to control its society in their own country. They use it for example to track their own citizen’s movements,” I explained. “Via it they can track where you are at any time within minutes. It’s safe to say that in a way it’s so bad that if they wanted to know with whom you slept with last night, they could determine it within a few minutes.”

“Yet it is estimated that thirty percent of the Algorithms systems used by Facebook were bought directly from the Government of China. Those with knowledge of how things work have to ask themselves what China is doing on the web to try to affect or influence what is going on in our country and why,” I said. “What most in society don’t comprehend is that the web is the greatest social engineering tool ever created and a great aid to those desiring to manipulate things.”

“My adopted father, the master said the effective way to beat the Chinese government at their own game is not to play were they have the advantage,” I said. “Because of that I don’t fully trust anything found or disclosed in the mass media, social media, or the web in general because it’s nothing, but a mine flied filled with half-truths and misdirection’s.”

“Blackstone was my mother’s maiden name,” I explained. “The consulate in China changed my last name before they would allow me to leave China. They sent me to five different countries before allowing me to reside in Scotland because they needed to try to make it impossible for any foreign government to tract me. They did that because they wanted to protect me from the Chinese communist government who knew that I had been found and the Us consulate believed that they would do what it ever it took to get my back. I’m surprised that with your insight that you didn’t catch on because I only refer to my parents in their first names and not their last.”

“My parents knew just enough of Bruce’s story not to ask any further questions concerning you,” Alana pointed out. “They may have known about your parent’s relationship with him but not their full names. We can safely assume they believed it was the same as yours. That explains why it was easy for them to find you acceptable enough for me to date. Until you came into my world boys have been a closed door sort of thing. I could date someone as long as I did not develop a long term relationship with them. That all changed when I met you.”

“So, you are telling me that I am your first steady,” I said with a smart ass grin.

“Yes, and hopefully my last,” Alana replied, “Now continue on with what you were explaining.”

“Even those I know from that time period are very tight-lipped about everything,” I disclosed. “The only thing your mother’s cousin Bruce ever said about that time was that my parent’s problems started back here in America because of my father’s own family. It’s left me with a bunch of unanswered questions that I think will begin to be answered when I find La Chey.”

“We could start doing a web search for him,” Alana said showing her willingness to help.

“La Chey is what I called him,” I said. “I have his real name written down as I remembered it but with me being so young it is more likely that what I know is wrong. I could ask Bruce to see what he knows but the US government might have changed his name when he immigrated to the states before he became a citizen. That may have been out of a need to keep my identity secret.”

“Now I understand why you don’t have a Facebook page,” Alana said. “You do not want to take the chance that you will be discovered until your search for the truth is done. Do you still have the correct spelling of your parent’s legal names?”

“Of course,” I replied, “they’re listed on the copy that I have of my birth certificate. Why?”

“Because I want to put their names into ansestory.com and research your family tree,” Alana said. “Perhaps that will give a lead when we check out what the web says about those still around.”

“I will buy a new laptop for you to do it on,” I said. “Be sure to use an artificial name and address when setting it up. Use it only where there is a lot of people around using the same free Wi-Fi. When you have gotten all the information gleamed transfer it to a stick, I can give you a program that will permanently alter the laptop IPN number. After installing it and running it through the laptop it will reset to factory condition and leave it where someone can pick it up.”

“Smart thinking,” Alana said, “I will do that during a spare while at school. With seven hundred students attending it would take them months to find out which computer was used.”

“How can they find something that will no longer exist,” I pointed out. “The new IPN number greatly decreases it will ever be found. I sure they will not steal every one of them to find the right one and if they did it would take years to reverse what we will have done.”

“Those monitoring things can thanks to the enclosed data that is embedded in everything created for the web or on personal computers can gleam a geographical location,” I said. “So, they know where but will have no clue as to what their looking for.”

Alana’s face showed her surprise, so I added, “that’s how easy it is to manipulate and use the web for your own advantage. Anyone with a little bit of knowledge can create a lot of the things that create a lot of problems for their enemies with the knowledge it can’t be traced back to them.”

“Seriously I would never have known any of this if we hadn’t talked,” Alana said. “Internet security is talked about but only for our personal protection. It’s never disclosed just how corrupt or dangerous the internet might be. Why isn’t what you have explained to me discussed publicly?”

“It is deliberately kept the publics eyes in general because of the money the internet has generated,” I said. “If the truth became known and accepted think of how many jobs and business would be ended because of the concerns of honest people.”

“My adopted father, the master always said it takes patience for the truth to come out, especially when society in general doing its damndest to destroy itself,” I said. “Understand the master saw the world wide web as the greatest snake that has ever existed. I see it as a tool created by man that can be used for good or evil. The Truth, when it arrives, is like a tidal wave that takes everyone and everything down in its way because most are shocked into a different reality. While working together we may be able to find a way to push it a bit, but that’s all.”

“It still leaves the lingering question of why my classmate was so interested in your ring,” Alana noted. “I’m going to develop a deeper friendship with her. Perhaps as we grow closer that will help me discover the reason why?”

“What’s your instinct telling you,” I asked?

“That something I think I know does not add up,” She said., “and I have got to find out why?”

“Then keep your senses up, watch and learn while you discern everything,” I said. “Learn everything you can about the background concerning the lady who is doing the inquiring because knowing ones history explains a lot.”

********

Bonnie and Ian Conner were watching their daughter and her boyfriend having a serious discussion. Bonnie had noticed the two of them because they were no longer moving. They were starting to be concerned until they noticed them go back to doing a little kissing. Both Ian and Bonnie had to laugh because of the antics of Dirk’s horse as it seemed to interfere with the attention he was paying to their daughter. For some reason the horse did not like them kissing.

“Whatever the problem was that got their attention it looks like they got it sorted out,” Ian said. “Alana has lost that serious look and is back to smiling.”

“Darling if you remember back when we were their age, we too had our moments,” Ian said. “We like them had to work out our feelings. First because of awkwardness then because of a lack of being able to understand what the other was communicating because of the way we were seeing things. I’m sure our faces at that time showed as much as their does. But it’s good to know that they care enough about each other to work it out.”

*********

Alana and I spent the day working with our horses. As a reward before we left the for the night, we brushed them down before feeding them a special treat. Toby was already wearing the saddle she would use to ride him.

Even her father had to comment that he was impressed with the progress she was making. Although he used more traditional ways to break a horse, he saw the advantages in the way we were doing it. Even then his way took a lot less time the way we were doing allowed the horse to grow into it. The subtle difference he was that our horses would keep their natural spirit which was in his eyes a lifelong asset.

Toby and Alana would be inseparable. There was not one thing that horse would not do to protect her. Even the hired staff had caught on to the simple fact. Alana and one of the horse trainers had gotten into a heated argument over her approach to how she was training her horse.

The staff member had felt intimidated when her horse brought his head over Alana’s shoulder to protect her. The horse had looked like he was about to charge him but later admitted that it had been staring him down. Toby had naturally sensed that something was bothering Alana and had moved in to protect her. That was when they both learned what the difference the style in training was achieving. One was creating the perfect work horse that would follow instructions with no hesitation. The other a partner for life who would die to protect her.

Just before saying good night, Alana again reminded me that the spring Junior prom this year had a multicultural theme. Some of the dresses worn that night would show an oriental theme. Hers would reflect the Chinese New Year or spring festival in color and length. She had even decided to do her hair up in a bun for the night and had bought an oriental looking hairpiece to help her achieve the image she was going for.

I promised her that I would wear something that would properly complement her manner of dress. What she did not realize was that the clothing I would wear that night would take me back to my roots.

It was just before Alana went to bed that her mother asked her if we had a verbal disagreement.

“Mom, I raised a question that brought out a serious conversation about a lot of things that I needed to know,” Alana said. “I learned from that discussion not to just accept things the way they are publicly presented.”

“Then it was a good thing that Dirk and you had that talk,” Bonnie said.

“It was a learning experience for sure in many ways,” Alana said. “As a result, from that serious chat, I know for sure that Dirk has complete trust in me, as I do him.”

To Bonnie what her daughter revealed to her spoke volumes. It showed that their relationship was deeper and stronger than most boy-girl relationships were at their age. Something was bringing these two together because the two of them were already working on a firm foundation that would perhaps become a permanent fixture in their walk in life.

If what she sensed about these two proved true, it was not if but when they would get married. The way she was feeling about it was puzzling to her because she had not been sure about something like this since she was a child.

********

Every one of my female staff checked with me to make sure that everything I had planned for the spring prom date would be in line with what was expected for something so traditional. So that I had an accurate knowledge about was occurring I got schooled on its long history and what it meant.

Based on what they had told me it was the night the seniors passed the torch of being a senior to the future graduating class. For most females in junior high, it would be their first major social event outside of family events of importance. In the adult world, it was their way of saying, “I am a woman and I have arrived.” It was the American symbol that signified the passing from being a teenage girl to an adult in womanhood.

I checked in with the office before I went to get prepared to go, only to receive a bunch of reminders of the do’s and do not’s from the female staff. After doing all the usual stuff, I got dressed in a suit I had bought in New York with a bunch of other clothing. The owner had been shocked because to him it had to different for someone of my background to pick out what I did.

He had been in awe as he measured the pieces so they could be fitted to fit me. When I tried the clothing on after the alterations were done, I was extremely pleased with how I looked.

While looking at the finished clothing in the mirror I said to him in Chinese “gōng zuò zuò dé hěn hǎo,” which means a job well done.

In shock, he responded, “nǐ zěn me zhī dào zěn me shuō zhōng wén” which means how do you know how to speak Chinese?

I responded with “wǒ shì yóu wǒ de zhǔ rén jiào de,” which says I learned from my master. To this day I have not forgotten the look on his face. I realized much later that my words had reflected back in time to the old Chinese culture.

When I went back to the office to wait for the limo to arrive, everybody was in awe because of the way I looked. One of the mothers, whose daughter would be attending the prom took one look at me and said, “Dirk, well done.”

I was wearing a midnight black Mandarin style Italian made suit with a soft pale purple shirt of the same style with polished leather shoes. I preferred this style of suit compared to those of the western culture because I could leave the top two buttons of my shirt undone.

Since my growing up days I had hated having anything against my throat. It had been my adopted father’s, the masters favorite way to get me to listen and pay attention. He would stand behind me holding a small stick against my throat because it was one of the few things that got me to stand still. I learned over time that he only did that when the lesson or knowledge he was giving me was important.

“Dirk, few men can wear that style of suit and do it justice,” Cathy whose daughter was attending said. “Its suits you well, and it’s clear it’s something you’re comfortable in. It makes you appear that you are man who has a great style and a lot of class. I hope your girlfriend is pleased because you’re definitely making a statement about how you feel about your date and the importance of the evening.”

“Alana warned me that the spring prom had a multi-cultural theme this year and that part of the decorations contained Chinese styled lanterns,” I said. “After getting schooled I thought I should step up. That’s why I’m dressed like this.

When I saw the limo drive up, I went into the staff’s kitchen taking out the corsage box I had stored in the fridge. As I left the building, I heard one of the female staff say, “There’s going to be a lot of envious females when they see Dirk with his girlfriend.”

********

Ian was standing at the front door as I got out of the limo carrying the box of flowers. I could tell by the way he was checking me out that he was impressed.

“Wow, you look like a million dollars, I’m impressed,” Ian said with a mile. “Is my daughter expecting this type of reception from you?”

“No, I told her I would be borrowing a friend’s car,” I said, “Because I didn’t want anything to possibly damage her dress. If it wasn’t for some of the female staff up at the site, I would not have known what this event is supposed to represent. I think Alan expects me to show up in blue jeans and a sport jacket.”

“Smart move, I would have not thought that you didn’t know what this signifies, “ Ian replied. “Glad you are smart enough to listen to your elders. Come on in. We will let her know that you’re here.”

I walked through their front door only to see Bonnie catching a few shots of me with her smart phone. She said in her Gaelic tongue, “ta tu prionsa I measc na bhfear.” Which means you are a prince among men.

Until then I had felt like I was flying blind. Hearing those from Alana’s mother spoke volumes. I think it was then that I started to relax.

Bonnie could see the difference by my body’s response immediately because she said in a joyful manner, “Dirk it gets easier from here because you passed in getting the deadly parental approval.”

Ian went to his stash and got out the large bottle of scotch that I had given him. To him it was of such quality that he was keeping it for special occasions. After pouring a double shot on ice he went to hand it to me. “You have time to drink this before our daughter comes down.”

“No, I better not,” I said, “but thank you for offering. Since I will be attending a dance that is filled with minors it would just be my luck to have some chaperones refuse me entry because of the smell of alcohol on my breathe. Alana would never let me live that down.”

“You brought back memories about my first prom,” Ian said. “Things were a lot cheaper back then and the parents were a lot more restrictive. I felt for the first part of the night that I was tip toeing through a mine flied of morals, traditions, and expectations.”

“Were you a nervous wreck back then,” I asked?

“Most likely more than I can remember,” Ian said as his wife Bonnie started to climb the stairs to go check on their daughter. “Once I got into it after we had left her parents’ house, I found myself enjoying it, but I still feel the cost was not worth the hype.”

“We could say that about anything we spend our hard-earned money on,” I replied, “but who am I to complain after all I make a good living off of what other people throw away.”

“Is it a lot of garbage,” Ian asked? “I know it arrives twice a day in very long trains, so the mass has to be quite large.”

“We are burying and leveling off half the remnants of ninety thousand tons a day which have been compressed like a car that’s been crushed. We soak each section down with contaminated water we transfer from the holding ponds. Even with the amount of rain we receive here in the northwest we have managed to take the amount down to safe levels. Once that is done its all covered in topsoil. We are lucky because by the time we get it all the recyclables have been removed.”

“That’s why the shrinkage in size by the time the cycle is complete is so great,” Ian said. “Now your operation is beginning to make a lot of sense to me. What you have left is completely compostable. What you end up is with clean topsoil that could be sold as a top line product back where the trash was created in the first place. Hell, you could market it as an organic made soil and sell it for a premium in two or five pound bags.”

“The problem is that mass and the concentration of the compressed garbage is that it requires an additional period of time before it starts setting and shrinking even though we are using the most advance scientific ways to accelerate it,” I explained. “The amount of gas produce due to the rotting was greater than we thought. Since it started burning off it has not gone out once. As we add another layer on the additional weight helps to compress it more.”

“How many employees do you have currently wrought underneath your corporation,” Ian asked?

“It fluctuates between four hundred to four hundred and fifty,” I said. “Most hate the distance they have to drive even though it’s a good fair wage. Most who leave do it because the drive back and forth to work tires them out.”

That was when Ian and I saw his only child descending from the upper floor. The red full length dress she was wearing wrapped her body as if it was a tight sleeve. It was so long that it hid the heels she had to be wearing. With her hair done up in a bun with a butterfly pinned it if she had the traditional makeup, she could have passed as a Gisha girl getting ready for a performance. Just seeing her in all her glory had the juices in my mouth running. If this was her coming out moment, I would be fighting wanna be suiters off her all night.

It was clear that she had complimented the traditional Chinese formal dress code as close as possible when she designed and created the outfit she was wearing. After tonight there would be no doubt that she was a very sensual female being quite capable of handling any situation that may confront her.

I heard Ian quietly say, “My little girl has grown up. She truly a beautiful woman in every way. I have dreaded seeing her like this since the day she was born. Time stops for no one no matter what we wish.”

I couldn’t have agreed with him more because of the way his daughter looked. If she had done this to show me that she was fully an adult she had erased all doubt. She showed a maturity and elegance that I had not seen before. I was counting the number of ways I felt blessed because she had chosen me to be at her side this night.

Alana was just surprised by what I was wearing as I had been with her and made that fact known. All of us could see the pride in her eyes when she first saw me. She made me turn completely around so she could view me from all sides. I had to chuckle quietly because I knew how she was feeling right at that moment and that was before I realized that she had never seen me in a suit.

“Dirk, every female we run into night is going to be jealous of me because how handsome and dashing you look,” Alana said. “I had been hoping that you would dress up, but you definitely went the extra mile. Promise me my future husband that when we get dressed up you will always wear that style of suit.”

I laughed and replied, “It’s a good thing I did because just being beside you will make me stand out. You’re going to be the center of attention. If I had not dressed up many would be asking you why you were with that fool. I would have been totally outclassed. You look beautiful.”

Alana was pleased that I had brought her two corsages, one for her shoulder and one for her right wrist. While I was pinning it on her, her mother was capturing it all for her video album. The white rose flowers stood out against her red dress complimenting her.

Both my date and I could see the excitement that both of her parents had for us a couple.

After saying our goodbye’s to her parents, I escorted her to the limo which was another surprise for her. We were going to the best restaurant in the area for a romantic dinner for two. It was an hour drive from where her parents place resided. While on the way I realized just how long of a bus ride it was for her just to attend school. After climbing in the limo driver headed out with both of her parents still watching us from the front door.

“Did you notice that Mom had tears in her eyes,” Alana asked? “I guess seeing us as a couple dressed for a formal night shook her.”

“It got to you dad too,” I said. “He was a bit emotional as we both watched you come down the stairs from your bedroom.”

“I was ready when you pulled up,” Alana said. “Mom made me promise to wait until she came up for me as if it was a big deal.”

“You are seeing it from your point of view,” I explained. “To them, it was because I heard your dad say aloud my little girl has grown up. She a beautiful woman ready to challenge the world in every way.”

“You do that all the time,” Alana said.

“Do what,” I asked?

“See things from all sides,” She replied.

“Remember the illustration about the leaf,” I asked while knowing that she did? “A true follower of the teaching of Zen will strive all their lives to be the leaf in comparison to all others.”

Alana looked at me in total surprise then said, “I just realized that in a different world you would have been a great teacher.”

********

The restaurant was having a busy night. It seemed a lot of those going to the prom had the same idea. Surprisingly, Alana and I were the only ones who arrived in a limo. We had to wait about fifteen minutes for our table which was unusual for the establishment. The hostess apologized for not scheduling for the volume better.

Neither Alana nor I realized how good we looked as a couple until we were being escorted to our seats by the hostess. As we followed the hostess to our table, we caught the drift of others in the restaurant watching us. When we arrived at our seat there was a small bottle of a nonalcoholic champagne with an envelope addressed to both of us.

Once we were sited across from each other Alana opened the envelope up. The note inside said, “Enjoy the night by making it you own. Share each moment in the knowledge that for the two of you there will never be another like this.” It was signed by Alana’s parents.

After looking at the menu we started with a sample dish of the restaurant’s appetizers because it gave us the chance to try a few of most of them. Alana found she like the stuffed crab on mushroom caps the best. I found the sweet and sour frog legs more to my liking.

Our first side dish was a quick decision as we both ordered our favorite. I ordered their French Onion soup. Alana decided to stick with the house salad with a wine vinaigrette. For the main course, I had a medium rare prime steak with drunken mushrooms and blue cheese roasted red potatoes.

Alana decided on duck breast with a pomegranate citrus glaze served over a bed of fresh spinach with a few wedges of a fresh cut lemon on the side. She claimed it was delicious. I was a bit worried that she would find it too rich for her tastes, but she said surprisingly that it wasn’t.

Of course, like all couples we had to try the other’s preferred main dish as we enjoy our meals together. What we did not know was that we were being watched quite closely by a lot of the other couples having dinner. It seems our adventure of setting the two pairs of eagles free had made us the couple to watch.

After declining desert, the waitress brought the ticket for back for my signature she commented that she had recorded the one hour special and had replayed it numerous times.

“It was a very emotional experience,” Alana said in honesty. “It was very hard having the first female eagle looking into my eyes. I knew that it was completely safe thanks to my boyfriend Dirk’s masterful hands and how he is able to relate to all wildlife. All in all, it was an adventure that I will carry with me all my life.”

“Was the female reporter telling the truth when she said it was your first official date,” The waitress asked?

“It was the third time we had been together but yes it was our first actual date. My mother was tickled pink because Dirk took the time to get her approval. This is our second, but we do spend a lot of time together.”

“Does he perhaps have a brother,” Our server asked?

“Nope, when they created me, they broke the mold,” I chipped in with a smile.

The waitress blushed then excused herself before going back to serving others.

Alana looked at me with a smile before speaking, “If you were any other man, I would be worried about the possibility of being dumped all night. It seems our little adventure may have got a lot of ladies looking at you.”

After signing the ticket and leaving a tip we headed to the limo so we could head to the prom.

********

I was impressed with the high school’s layout for the evening. It turned out that the school’s cafeteria was part of a multi-functional room which also contained a stage. The tables and chairs had been packed up and stored under the stage for the most part. Only what was needed to line the walls remained to give attendees a place to sit. Alana explained that the one wall aligned with three classrooms where the prefabricated metal wall could be rolled up to allow further sitting when need because of what was going on, on the stage.

We were not the first to arrive, but we became the center of attention as soon as we entered the area where we would spend the night dancing. I was impressed because they had hired a live band. It seemed that those we met wanted to talk about our adventures and find out what we thought about it.

Alana’s face beamed with pride every time someone complimented us on how well we were dressed because not only were we dressed in style, but we had embraced the theme with our attire. When we were asked if we had discussed our outfit beforehand, Alan quickly said, “Of course my boyfriend and I discuss everything.”

It was about halfway through the evening that we both were fully enjoying that things took an unexpected twist. Little did we know at that time that it would turn out to be a life changing event. By accident, we both learned that we loved to dance. The old traditional style dances we master quite well as quite a few would stop to watch us dance.

The new stuff, however, I felt awkward and out of place. It did not help that I was not familiar with any of it. Not even the music if that’s what one called it. Alana got a real blast out of trying to teach me these so-called modern moves.

Jokingly she said, “you’re so old-souled that in some ways, you’re older than dirt.”

It was just before the start of the bands second session when the Master of Ceremonies a female teacher took a mike and started to speak.

The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

“In China my native home the Peacock Dance is preformed quite often. Then dance when preformed or witnessed is a considered a sign of good luck for the coming year to all in attendance. For the actual dancers according to Chinese culture they are in fact receiving good wishes from all witnessing it for a lifetime of happiness and unknown blessings,” she explained with knowledge. “I was going to perform for those becoming seniors next year, but my husband got called away because of an emergency.”

Seeing the disappointment of some of those in attendance and without thinking much about it I got out of my seat with the intention of walking up to the stage. The way I was dressed immediately caught the teachers attention. As I reached the edge of the stage, she knelt down to speak to me. I spoke in what I thought might be her native tongue.

“Seungmihn tuhng ngoh tiujek mouh ma,” I whispered to her in Cantonese basically asking her if she would like to dance it with me.

“Shi de wo hui,” she replied with a huge smile. I knew that she had said yes, I would.

Standing back up she said in the mike “Colin please prepare to put the music on and start playing it once we had donned the costumes.”

The teacher came down off the stage offering me her hand, as two students approached us with our outfits. We walked to the center of the dance floor. Together we helped each other put on and do up the traditional costumes then added the masks before starting.

Most of the Chinese ritual dances tell a story. Each dancer has a pacific role to play. Movements between the partners are meant to be timed and coordinated. Those trained in this particular dance have been trained for years with their partner. Thus, it was going to be a gamble if we were going to be able to do it successfully.

Once the music started everyone watched as we started the opening moves of the dance. Our movements seemed to gel with the other quite well making it obvious to the other that we had been well schooled. Each step was telling a story and by those watching it I thought that they might be getting in part what it was meant to convey. When we were finished, we got a heartful ovation.

“It is apparent that you have been dancing this dance for years,” the Master of Ceremonies whispered to me while we took our bows. “Your perfectly timed movements in time with mine proves that you have knowledge of the old ways and implies that you have been taught these things since you were very young. Perhaps in time you will feel free enough to explain to me how you came to learn it.”

“I was raised in China,” I said. “It as we both know is one of the festival dances that the monks performed numerous times.”

“Until this time, I thought the Wuming was just a legend created by the government of China to cover their hidden agenda,” she replied. “Your clothing, the way you walk, your command of my mother tongue, and your knowledge implies that not all propaganda may be a lie.”

After sharing a few more words around her last comment we went our own way. Walking back to my girlfriend I could see she was talking to a couple of the local girls who were neighbors of hers. Alana as I approached looked up me with a face that showed her pride and joy. It was if she had just seen me in a new light.

As soon as I sat down, she spoke.

“It was truly amazing, the beauty in the dance, the timed movements, the costumes that were designed to keep one focused on motion, and the grace shown in the dance said so much without saying a word. It was as if it was showing us all a new way to express ourselves. On top of all that I was seeing a new side to my future husband.”

“Those who understand the significance of the history that created this dance appreciate it even more,” I explained. “Because of what it was inspired by it is seen as a blessing to those who are present to witness it for the years yet to come.”

“There are still many layers I need to learn about you, my dear future husband. The more I see the more I understand that you are a complex man and that its going to take time to able to comprehend it all. I think if you are willing that I would love to learn how to do those traditional so we can dance them together.”

With that said we shared a few more tender kisses stopping before we drew one of the chaperon’s attentions. Afterward, we went back to spending as much of our time as possible out on the dance floor. Just before the end of the band’s second set, we returned to our seats to share a few personal words that were romantic in nature.

We broke it up when we saw the master of ceremonies heading towards our table. Walking with her were two other females both being of oriental decent.

“Dirk, the youngest of the three ladies coming towards us was the one that captured the image of your ring,” Alana said with conviction. “Her name is Fen I wonder if that is why they are coming to us.

“It’s the middle one that I have my focus on because I see a familiarity to her,” I whispered as they were getting closer. “She looks very much like my childhood friend’s adopted mother who I saw a few times when I was dressed up in costume during a festival. It was the only time I could be out in the daytime without having my face seen. My adopted father, the master had known about my secret friendship and had checked the whole family out.”

“Her first name was Suling. She was forced to leave China because her father was thrown out of the country after completing three-fourths of his sentence,” I explained. “Because of his ongoing noncompliance the Chinese government had deemed him as un-retainable because of his refusal to give up his Christian believes. They gave his family three days warning before they kicked him out of the country. I won’t know for sure if it is Suling until I hear her voice.”

I took my right hand and joined it with Alana’s to reaffirm to all that we were together as I relived in my mind the last few words Suling and I had said to each other. Alana could sense my feeling and emotional excitement because she whispered back, “Slow down your breathing, it will help dispel the emotional feelings you’re experiencing.”

I had to smile because she was telling me something that my master had stressed repeatedly when he was doing my martial arts training with me. I could hear his voice in the recesses of my mind saying the longer you remain calm and keep your inner peace the faster you will wear your opponent out. Half the battle against the enemy confronting you is getting them to expend their energy as fast as possible. Controlling your feelings, breathing, and thoughts as you combat them will force them to work twice as hard against you. Thus, in the long run they end up helping you take them out.”

As the band announced their next break, we stood up just as the three ladies reached our table.

“Alana I was wondering if you would mind showing my cousin the ring you wear around your neck,” Alana’s school chum named Fen asked.

Alana looked at me as if she was asking for my approval, so I nodded my head. She then released my hand so she could bring out her silver Celtic cross and my ring from beneath her dress.

Alana and I could see the tears starting to form in the eyes of the middle one who was closer to my age. With a voice that echoed her emotions she spoke in English, “How did you come into possession of the ‘Wuming’s ring?’ It had been his father’s. I know this because I wore it around my neck as I grew up. I gave it back to him the night before my family was forced to leave China for good.”

Alana grasped my hand tightly as I spoke in Cantonese, “Little sister you have certainly evolved from an ugly caterpillar to a most beautiful adult butterfly, just as I said you would.”

Fen’s face went completely white. It was clear to me that until this moment that she had no clue as to why the ring was so important to her cousin.

“Fen, what did my boyfriend say,” Alana asked?

Fen told her as Suling ran around the table to hug me tight as the tears really started to flow. Nobody could not help but notice what was going on. Through sobs, she said in English, “you promised me, my brother, on the day we parted that you would find a way out. I knew you would because you have always kept your word.”

I just held her until her tears, caused by many reasons, had run out. We asked them to join our table. The two cousins sat down, and the Master of ceremonies excused herself saying she had duties to perform.

Alana and I could see that Suling, and Fen were still having difficulty accepting the fact that I was back in Suling's life. Suling’s face glowed with joy and excitement like she was a four-year-old opening a Christmas present.

“When I showed Suling the picture of the ring, she said she had to find out for sure. That was when I decided she would be my companion for the night,” Fen said. “I asked her if she would know if it was you? ‘From his voice,’ she replied, ‘since I had never seen his face.’ When we saw you do the peacock dance, we both got very excited. Suling said we used to dance that with no music.”

It was then that Alana learned from Fen that Suling and I had carried each other through the darkest periods of our lives as we were both growing up with difficult times. Fen did not even know who I was until tonight. Learning that explained a lot of things to her, and she agreed that she would later explain to Alana at school when she could.

“Alana the way these two met and carried on a relationship,” Fen said. “Was so secret that we all thought that your boyfriend was just an imaginary friend Suling had made up.”

“Alana, I hope that we can become friends,” Suling said. “I will always love your boyfriend as the brother he is to me because of the way we were forced to grow up. It was his friendship and support that got me through those years. It was his ability to listen to what I said that allowed him to help me work things out. To this day I still do not understand how he was able to get me to figure things out without putting his opinion in.”

“Suling, has Dirk always been able to see a situation from all sides?” Alana asked?

It was interesting to watch Suling as she tried to find her answer to my girlfriend's question.

“Your question threw me,” Suling replied. “Now looking back, that’s what he was showing me. What could, what might, and what may be the outcome of a given situation. He was teaching his little sister, in his own way, how to be prepared for anything. I see now how he was able to make me a stronger person. He taught me how to think critically which has allowed me to be prepared for anything. ”

Alana took my hand and replied, “I know that Dirk and you have a lifelong relationship forged by events that helped shape both of you. I trust him completely. Just so you know I see him as my future husband so if you can accept that fact, we will have no problems.”

With that said, the three girls exchanged contact information, including adding their image of the others to their phone numbers in their cell phones. For the rest of the evening, I had three ladies I had to dance with as none would leave my side. All three for different reasons would remember this prom for what a life-changing moment it was. For Alana, the rest of the night became a night of discovery has she learned what it was like for Suling and I growing up.

None of us realized, that night, just how important the new-formed friendships would become. Even so, before we parted for the night, we all agreed that for now, it was best to keep our relationships secret.

While cuddling on our way back to her parent's place, Alana brought out that, perhaps, we were beginning the steps of undoing the layers of mistruths and misdirection’s concerning my parents.

It caused me to open up to her and explain in a bit more detail about how I had lived for all those years. Alana came to the conclusion that it was like being in the military but a lot more restrictive.

Her parents were still waiting up for us when we returned. I guess we spent a little too long at the front door because the door light started flickering off and on. We got the message and called it a night. After she had closed the door, I went back to the limo to be taken home.

Bonnie was waiting for her daughter to come through the front door and had run out of patience. That was why she had started flickering the light switch. As soon as her daughter came through the door, she knew that her daughter was more than just floating on air and that they would be up for hours talking about it.

Bonnie also knew that she was going to have to keep a closer eye on Dirks and Alana’s relationship because even if neither had realized it, their relationship with each other had moved to the next level.

For Ian and her, when they first experienced such closeness, they had been unable to keep their hands off of each other. It was a period of time that was filled with a lot of frustrating nights and cold showers because physically they were ready for more intimacy, but emotionally and maturity-wise neither was ready to accept the full consequences of a truly full adult relationship.

One night they had lost control and it resulted with both of them going too far. It had been the fear of being pregnant that had forced them to move their plans up and get married. Thankfully, she hadn’t been, but she did not want her daughter to have to face that possibility as she had.

That was when she decided she would make an appointment with the family Doctor to have her daughter issued a prescription for the pill just in case they too got carried away by their emotions and went too far.

********

It had been a couple of months since the prom, and it was still the most talked about thing in our little community. The local rag that came out once a week had taken pictures of the event. One of the main ones featured was the Master of Ceremonies and I doing the ritual Peacock dance.

A reporter authored a whole two-page article on small-town America and how the political turmoil in the big cities, who had yet to learn the difference between right and wrong, made what we showed by our conduct so much more important.

It was the thought of the newspaper that those who attended the Prom had tried for the night to pay respect and compassion to the cultural upbringings of others. The writer had added the thought that seeing two different cultures doing a traditional Chinese ritual dance perfectly showed what was possible for our society when there was the true equal acceptance of the other.

The reporter concluded that we as a society had to learn to let go of our prejudices learned from others to be able to walk with the understanding and insight that he had seen that night when he helped to chaperone the Junior Prom.

********

I now owned the mineral rights to the land I had leased. A geological team working for a company interested in it had come in to evaluate the quality of the iron ore in the one mountain that was filled with it. It had the highest density they had ever seen.

It had taken about a month to put an agreement package together. They would remove the core out of the center of the mountain by tunneling through it from one end to the other, removing an area seventy feet high and eight hundred and eighty feet wide, with offshoots when the concentration of the minerals warranted it.

They would crush the rock here for transportation back to where it was needed using the same containers to ship the product that the garbage came in. The railroad company was thrilled to have a payload going both ways.

They bought the rock for an agreed price based on tonnage, and they would pay for the cost of the concrete to cover the floors, the sides, and the roof of the tunnel once they were completed. I saw it for what it was, an easy way for me to get the tunnel I wanted. They planned to mine it twenty-four-seven, so we had to plan accordingly.

They would pay us standard fees for the handling of the remnants. What we could not make use of would be added to the recycling area. As they blasted into the mountain, we moved the huge chunks of rock and used them to layout the new stream we were creating, as well for making the new ponds the waterfalls would fall into. Until we got into it, we did not realize how much time and work they would be saving us.

With some of the large pieces of rock, we had to use cranes and flat decks to move them from one location to another. It took a bit of work. David said it was like trying to do a jigsaw puzzle with no image to go from. I could see his sense of pride growing as we worked towards completing this short term goal.

The stream itself was only going to be about six feet in width and about eighteen to twenty-four inches deep, but we wanted it to be as natural as possible. It was decided to put different sizes of crushed rock as a fill-in, spread a layer of finely crushed sandstone over it that could be moved by the flow of water, and lay fresh topsoil sloping slightly down towards the creek.

We knew that by laying it out like that would allow Mother Nature in time to take over and slowly start evolving it into a completely natural creek. Within a couple of years, it would have muddy spots in it caused by natural erosion and leaves falling.

We had no clue as to how much raw material we would need to complete the creek, but thankfully the route decided for the creek to flow because of geography was towards the same upper area where the concrete road was being built.

David had discovered, by accident, that we would be able to attach “our creek” to an existing small stream which meant that we were adding to the natural ecology of the area, not creating a new environment. That meant that we had an additional way to prove that we were restoring what previous people had destroyed.

Alana got the idea that we should plant trees and plants and create a natural nature walking path down both sides of the creek we were building. That way visitors to the sight would have a visual aid that would show what our long term goals. Little did we realize that Alana and I would spend many an evening scouring the area for the plants we would put into it. Both David and I had to admit that her suggestion was brilliant.

David, our site engineer, loved that idea so much that he suggested that we add another small pond in it. Alana added it should be deep enough that a few people could swim in it. So that was what we were in the middle of doing.

On many Sundays, Alana and I quite often found ourselves riding our horses around the site. Rides like this was an all-day trip. One of the sweetest memories for us was discovering the cycle of life going on with the eagles. I do not know which of us was more excited when we learned we had a bunch of young eaglets beginning to learn how to fly.

When we first saw them, we both got emotional because we both felt that the day, we released them was the day that our relationship really got its start. Like the eagles, we were getting closer in our relationship.

By this time, the fill was in and leveled off giving me a small plateau that overlooked the valley. The concrete driveway and the floor of the cavern had been laid, with the steel beams needed to be cemented and bolted in. by the end of summer, I hoped that I would be able to move into it.

We were currently on the new plateau overlooking the full valley below. It was nice to see patches of green that was not there before. Progress on the new road around the site was slow but steady which added a touch of cleanness that was not there before.

From this point of view, we discovered a new thing that would cause a short term change in our plans. We discovered that we had to concentrate on all the small area that we were creating between the stream and the concrete road.

“It’s about a fifteen-minute drive into here from the highway,” Alana said. “Perhaps we should turn that small area into a community park. It would be a good spot for those wanting to catch a look at the eagles once word gets out about them.”

“It would need a washroom, parking area, and a few picnic tables,” I added. “Plus, it would allow visitors the perfect spot to safely see what we are actually doing here until the trees and shrubs grew.”

“If we decide to do it,” Alana noted. “You would have to have a way to safely shut it down at night because it would provide an opportunity for some to do something they shouldn’t.”

“To put that into play we would have to have signage disclosing that fact,” I said. “We will have to give a name and set hours. Security will be given the responsibilities of giving day passes for the area.”

“It should be designed in such a way that it should be a compliment to what you’re doing,” Alana said. “The terra and fauna should be natural to the area.”

With our little chat done we headed back to her parent's place because they were expecting us for Sunday dinner.

********

It was the Friday of the Labor Day weekend. Everyone was looking forward to taking the long weekend off. The governor was flying out to officially start the hydroelectric generating plant even though it had been operating for two weeks. The transporting lines had been connected and were already transferring the electricity made. It was turning out to be a profitable adventure for the state.

With the amount of water coming down from the top, it had taken a week for it to complete its journey to the point that it joined the natural creek that David had found. David and I found it humorous that staff could be seen filling water jugs to take home with them.

The state, the county, and my limited liability company had come to an agreement about the distribution of the costs for the water, sewage, and electrical. The state and the county had split the cost. As a result, it had saved us major money on my house, which was now completed, because it was hooked up to county services.

The same news crew that had come with him the last time was returning to do a follow-up. Alana and I, after spending so much time out in the valley riding our horses, had decided I needed a barn and a coral.

With her father, Ian’s, help we had designed it to have two floors, eight stalls, and a common area to be developed for further use. It was set back from the backside of the house while facing it. The coral was on the side. He had sold me the straw and hay I needed at market value. The horse feed we used was shipped in once a month. Alana was with me so much of her spare time that Ian had brought both our horses up at the same time.

From the edge of the small plateau, you could clearly see the small park that was now completed. With the water flow coming down and flowing through the area the natural wildlife was becoming more profound. Alana and I took great pride in that fact because it gave us both a sense of satisfaction in believing it was Mother Nature’s way of showing her blessing.

We had built a washroom building, parking for ten cars, and had six picnic tables placed throughout the area. First thing every morning when needed a pumper tank would pump out the sewage from the washrooms holding tanks, take it, and spread it out in the recycling area.

Ian and Bonnie, when they had been up to tour my house, saw the finished product, and fell in love with it. Both had been amazed because most of the house was not visible even as they drove up. They also thought the small park we had created looked like a Scottish moor.

After viewing the pond and falls from the patio, they made me promise to let them use it because they saw it as a very romantic spot. We had used the native flora and fauna to landscape the area. Thus, when going for a swim you could see a lot of ferns and small shrubs which, in turn, gave you complete privacy.

From the road below you would not believe there was a pond because it looked so natural. It was not hard to see the pride Alana had for what we had put together. She told the reporters that we had worked together on the weekends to put the landscaping all together.

We saw the helicopter fly the electrical plant and waited for them to fly down to us after the ribbon cutting. About half an hour later they did.

The governor and I ended standing back as Alana while being interviewed by the lady reporter who had interview us the first time. Alana explained everything in detail that had been done since their last visit. The female reporter caught it all as Alana expanded into some of our short term goals going forward.

“I think your girlfriend loves what you’re doing here more than you do,” The Governor said. “I guess there’s going to be another Tv special on this. This time I will make sure my staff is prepared for it.”

“It was her idea to establish the park and the pathway along both sides of the creek,” I said. “That way, it would be an ideal spot for visitors to come to view the growing eagle population that now call this area their home.”

“How long did it take to put it all together,” the governor asked?

“Once we found the existing small water creek, it took less than six weeks to design the layout so that the new creek section flows into the old creek. We had trucks moving rock and soil seven days a week.” I explained. “Our problem was we had to move enough soil to be able to plant the trees, shrubs, and wildflowers which we selective dug up from other areas on the site to transplant here.”

“We saw what we were doing as adding to what Mother Nature had already created,” I said. “Thus, we can say that we were just restoring what may have been taken away.”

“This small plateau that I have built on did not exist a year ago,” I said. “Even the topsoil, which is covered in clover, comes from the recycling we have done. Thanks to the conditions in this valley, we have been able to accelerate the decomposing of the garbage to a period of six months. I have to give full credit to the City of New York for that because most of what we receive is completely recyclable.”

With that, we walked out to the edge of the plateau so he could see for himself the changes we had made. He apparently must of being impressed because when he talked about the achievements, he had seen, he made the point to mention to her that I had to be very driven to have accomplished so much in such a little time.

Alana and I smiled when the governor added, “If only as a society we could see the beauty in restoring what we have taken away from Mother Nature as this young couple does. Imagine what a world we could have. Of all the programs I have approved since becoming governor, this is the one, I’m most proud of.”

When the camera was off, we took our guests on a tour of the house which was yet to be decorated or furnished. They were impressed by the fact that the small appearing tiny house was so huge.

The female reporter asked Alana, “What's your long term plans for this?”

“We knew when we met that we would be building our forever home right here in the valley because we were both drawn to it,” Alana replied. “Dirk, when he discovered this cavern knew he wanted to use the space to build his home into. It is designed for low maintenance and to pay respect to what had been already created.”

“Everything we do is done to restore the balance others have taken from Mother Nature,” Alana said. “When we are done, this will be ours to enjoy as we grow old together. This house which will be our home was designed to blend in with its environment and not compete with it. Inside it’s an up to date, modern home. Outside, it’s as if it’s part of the mountain and it always has been.”

“You’re both so different in your approach to life,” The reporter said. “I find it hard to personally comprehend.”

“My mother says that Dirk and I are ‘old souled,” Alana explained. “It has allowed us to have respect for all living things created by God. In our eyes, they are as important as we are.”

“How long have you known he was your one,” the reporter asked?

“After being thrown by the horse,” Alana said. “I awoke to find him patching me up. During that time, he kept me calm, painless, and worry-free. When the Doctor’s told me that Dirk had saved my life, I knew he would always be there for me. The more I got to know him the more I understood that he was ‘old souled’ like me. From that day I have believed that God had brought him to me to be my one.”

While watching them take off to journey back to the capital, Alana’s cellphone began ringing. It was Fen; Suling, her cousin was in trouble and needed our help. It was serious. Fen’s older brother who thought he owned Suing, was on his way to bring his cousin Suling back to where he thought she belonged. He had decided he was going to force his first cousin to become his wife in the “biblical way.”

********

We literally sped down to my trailer by the old mines office where I quickly changed clothes. When I came out dressed in the same outfit I had worn for the prom, Alana knew that I meant business. As we drove to her parent's place, I got her to call for a helicopter to pick us up there.

The helicopter was just landing when the two of us came out of her parents’ house after she too, had changed her clothes. Her choice in clothing compliment mine and within half an hour by air we were in Richmond.

According to Fen’s text message, we were about half an hour ahead of Fen’s older bro. We knew that Fen was still trying to convince him that he did not own Suling, but he was not having any of that. Suling was working at her uncle’s restaurant to help for the long weekend before resuming her position as a teacher in the elementary school to start the new school year.

After calling for a taxi we arrived at the restaurant’s front door just as Fen and her brother arrived at its back door of their father's business.

We walked in and headed to the kitchen area. A Chinese girl said in Chinese, “nǐ bù néng jìn qù,” which means you can’t go in there.

I responded with, “nǐ shuō wǒ huì qù wǒ xiǎng qù de dì fāng ma,” which means I will go where I want.

That said, I went through the door separating the kitchen from the serving area to witness Fen’s brother forcibly trying to lead Suling out the door. He had literally picked her feet off the floor and was semi carrying her.

“Let Suling go now,” I said in English with a strong harsh voice. “Your domination over my little sister ends today.”

Everyone stopped what they were doing in the busy kitchen. My loud English voice got noticed. Then they saw my appearance. It must have shocked them because nobody said a word. Fen’s brother and I were now the centers of attention.

“Who are you, and why should I listen to you,” he replied in an arrogance that implied his superiority as he stopped to address me.

I guess he had second thoughts because when he saw the look on my face, he decided to put Suling down. Alana said later that I had the look of a man about to kill. As soon as he released her, she came running towards me.

With everyone’s eyes upon me, I walked over to the stone gold-painted three-foot Buddha sitting against the wall out of the way. Without a word, I bowed my head, closed my eyes, and focused as if I was holding my hands as if in prayer.

“He’s my brother, he was the one that gave me strength when I needed to endure your conduct in China,” Suling said to her cousin in Chinese with determination. “He is the one you will have to answer to, for your conduct towards me from now on.”

I opened my eyes as Suling finished speaking. Talking my right hand, I placed the palm of it on the idol's head. Someone started laughing as if it was a big joke. The laughter went silent when, the stone-carved Buddha moments later, crumbled to the floor right where it had stood. Everyone’s eyes showed their amazement.

“Imagine, for a minute,” I said in English with a very firm voice. “If I can do what I did to that stone carving thanks to the teachings of the Zen Buddhist monks. Just think what I will do to anyone who touches or disrespects Suling again.”

The silence in the room was deadly. There now was no doubt that I meant business and that I felt that I could easily back my words up.

“This is my brother Dirk Blackstone,” Suling said proudly. “We spent many of our nights as children sitting together on the steps of the temple. He was and is the Wuming.”

Fen’s brother, after hearing Suling’s words, showed real fear. I said to him directly, “Disrespect my little sister or me in any way and you and I will meet privately. Suling is my zui zhi de xin lai de yi ge.” ( Most trusted one). “Harm her and you will answer to me. I will not show mercy because I will see what happened as being delibrate.”

Everybody’s facial expressions showed that they had gotten the message. From the older generation there was an instant sign of respect. To this day most in the room did not believe I had ever existed. To most like Fen they had believed that I was nothing more than Suling’s invisible friend.

Suling proudly walked over to stand beside me, her face showing great relief, pride, and joy. Suling knew how powerful all her extended family views had been affected by my presence because instantly their perception had been forced to change. Just then an older man worn and beaten down by life experiences came in carrying a huge tray that he had collected off of some of the tables he had cleaned after the customers had left.

Alana saw instantly the change on my face and knew that I had recognized the man no one was paying any attention to. Although he had aged in ways, I would not have ever seen I had no doubt that the man I was searching for had been found. Alana mothed is he La Chey.

Without saying a word, the older gentleman placed the tray of dishes on the rinsing sink’s counter and began organizing them for washing as if he was nothing but a low life doing a low- end job. In the Chinese culture it was quite common to have family that had brought dishonor and disrespect to the family name. These ones because of their conduct would be treated as if they were less than servants being paid for the services.

I noticed that the non-family staff must have been ordered never to speak to him because he was unworthy of such contact. Fen whispered in my ear after watching me watch the yet to be identified man, “that is my father’s older brother. He has hard life because most of the family know he was responsible for getting us all kicked out of our native home. Since being released he has been shunned by our family.”

Alana could see me tearing up and mouthed “What’s wrong.

Without saying a word, I walked up behind the man I used to look up to and got down on one knee. Everyone had to be wondering why I would humble myself for this pathetic useless man. In a soft almost childlike voice I said, “La Chey can I please have a treat.”

Everyone could see the tears forming in his eyes, but he said nothing and kept on working. It might of being because no one was supposed to talk to him. So, I quietly said it again. I could see by his reaction that he was trying not to react to what I was saying. It was clear he recognized not only the words but the sound of my voice. In determination I said, “Grandfather I am tired of this game can I please have a treat.”

La Chey spoke in broken English just as he always had trying not to allow what he was feeling get the best of him, “Why should I believe what I am hearing? It could be my own mind playing games with me. If the voice is true, can you prove its you?”

I smiled because I knew that only he and I would have a clue to what he was asking for. I remember getting the mark together before he left me at the monastery. For him to believe that this was real he had to see it for himself.

“I can show you the secret mark,” I said, “can you show me yours?

As he turned towards while drying his hands, I stood up and removed my suit jacket. He saw me dressed in the mandarin suit before I handed it to Alana. Slowly I removed my shirt before turning. La Chey and I turned our right shoulder to each other as he pulled the short sleeve of his T shirt up. Each of us were showing the other the single dark blue rose flower. For both of us the tears let go.

Grandfather,” I said.

“Dirk, your alive,” My Chinese grandfather said as he hugged me tightly. I responded accordingly. When we had settled down, he said, “I couldn’t risk going back to the temple to find out about you once I was realized because I knew everything I was doing was being monitored. They were hoping that I would go to you to bring you out with us. Sadly. I had no choice but to leave you behind if you were to have any kind of life.”

“Father was keeping Dirk’s location secret the reason you were sent to the work camps for so long,” Suling asked?

“If it was not for the support and courage of your father, whom I was taught by my parents to call grandfather,” I answered. “There is a good change that I would not be here today. After the authorities captured my mother who was walking behind us at the time, he took me to the temple because he realized that they were closing in on him and his wife. He actions kept me out of the Chinese Governments hands.”

“Suling, will you please find a knife sharp enough to cut the leather that hold the cross that I wear,” I asked.

I got down on my knee’s because there were no chairs available. It took her a few minutes because the leather was dry, hardened and quite firm. Once free I handed the cross back to the man who had given it to me to protect all those years ago.

“Grandfather, you told me years ago that this cross contained a secret,” I said to remind him. “I return it to you with its secret intact.”

His eye’s began to tear up as he said, “I figured that the monks would have taken it because of what it represented. Those scars on your back make me believe that God was with you at that time.”

With that request filled I stood back up and proceeded to put my shirt back on. Alana and Suling came to my side. Both talking one of my hands in theirs to show their unconditional support. La Chey, the only man I had ever called grandfather faced showed a new strength and pride inside of him. What had just transpired had restored his faith and believe in his walk in life.

The room still echoed the sounds of silence as all who had witnessed this were coming to terms with their new reality. What they believe had been an old fools lifelong lies had just been shown to be the truth.

Suling’s father turned to his younger brother and said with a voice that had not been heard in years. “You blamed me for losing the family wealth, it’s social status in the communist government, and called me a fool then shammed me for it. For what reason? It was because I had kept my word to those I walked with. Inside this cross are the industrial diamonds I bought known it was only going to be a matter of time before my wife and I were arrested. Today they are worth at least five million dollars in the open market.”

With that said he slammed the wooden cross on the stainless steel table shattering it to pieces. Emerging from inside was a shiny silver cross.

“Someone please fetch me one of those little pillboxes from the cashier counter,” my grandfather asked with an authoritative voice that no one had heard for years.

When he was handed the pillbox, my grandfather touched six spots on the edges and sides of the silver cross which caused an internal mechanism to open it up. Sitting on top on a thin layer of translucent paper was a microchip. He carefully lifted the paper without touching the microchip into the box before pausing.

“Your father and mother knew the authorities were coming for us. For weeks they had been sending a lot back to their native homes, but they understood that it was too late for them to get out,” my grandfather explained. “Why and who was behind it can be found within the data that the chip contains. Our problems, they told us all started back here in the states. When you find a way to get into it, the questions I know you are walking with may be answered.”

“We knew the Chinese authorities would seize any assets we had so we started converting everything we could,” my grandfather explained. “The blue tinged diamonds are what they converted their Chinese assets into.”

He then added them to the pill box before closing its lid and handed it to me before adding. “Remember always that your parents would be proud of the kind of man you have become. Just as much as I am.”

Having set thing straight for now La Chey turned to his younger brother and said, “Get busy, cook my daughter, my niece, my grandson, his girlfriend, and I the best meal you have ever served anyone in your life. When my family has left my dearest brother in name only, we will sit down and have a long overdue talk.”

“Remember always, anyone who disrespects my grandfather disrespects me,” I said with firmness while focusing my attention at Fen’s older brother.

Looking at the three ladies standing with me I decided to say something more. “From this day forward, Suling is my concierge, and she will be the one all must go through when approaching me. Fen will be my future wife’s concierge. I expect all to treat them accordingly from this day forward.”

I could not help noticing the tears forming in Alana’s eyes. Although I had not said to her that I loved her my conduct and words being expressed did. She had just received the public confirmation of what she had always believed. Just like she knew we would become man and wife.

“I was the Wuming’s parents concierge while they were alive,” La Chey sad. “One of the legal guardians of their son. I am honored and blessed by who he has picked to be their most trusted advisors. Maybe more so than when his parent’s chose me. May my youngest daughter and my niece be the calm and strength that they will need as they serve out their new roles well.”

Alana got tears in her love filled eyes as she squeezed my right hand tight in an attempt to main control. I knew that she was on the basis of letting them go I whispered to her, “breathe.” Big mistake. She said, “Oh god,” and buried her head to try to smother the sound.

Once Alana had regained control the five of us left the kitchen and proceeded to a table that would give us complete privacy. Once we were seated and our beverages ordered the celebration began.

Thanks to the changing of circumstances thanks to new knowledge my grandfather’s brother prepared a feast that was beyond compare. For me it was a pleasure to see him humble himself and show his brother my grandfather the respect and honor he deserved.

Over dinner we all talked about what had brought the five together. For Suling and I we were surprised to learn just how long our lives had been intertwined with each other. My grandfather La Chey took the time to explain to us all how it was like having the government of China slowly attacking the Christians because at that time they believed they were a threat to their political agenda.

I learned of the achievements had in their ministry work and how it was growing in leaps and bounds in spite of the government’s efforts. I was grateful for the day’s events because I was left with new understandings about a lot of things in my early life.

As we were saying our goodbye’s Suling took me aside to say a few words. “Dad’s pride in himself as a man has returned by finding you alive and doing so well in your walk in life. It’s proved to him that he had made the right choices all along. The family all thought the man we had known before he was sentenced to the work camps was gone. It will be a joyous time as the family rejoices in having our old father back.”

“If your cousin bothers you again in a way that you can’t handle,” I said to her. “Call me and I will deal with in a way that will leave a reminder in him for the rest of his natural life. The best thing he can do is accept his new reality by walking away from his compulsion to own and possess you.”

********

The helicopter had just dropped us off at Alana’s parents place. For both Alana and me, it had been an emotional and stress filled day. Together we stood there holding hands as we watched our transportation ascending back into the air.

“We need to go and unwind my dear future husband before we dare go into the house,” Alana said. “Or be prepared to produce a bunch of whoppers for my parents since they can apparently read us like a book. We need time to adjust and discuss what happened before we know how to answer their questions.”

“Shall we head to the restaurant where went to on prom night,” I asked? “Then afterwards we could watch the nighttime dance up on the mountain.”

“Why not? We are definitely dress for a formal dinner date,” Alana said. “Let’s escape before were noticed.”

As we were walking towards my truck Alana’s mother stuck her head out of the kitchen door saying, “Where do you two think you’re going? Dinner is just about ready and I’m expecting you to stay.”

Alana looked at me with a half-smile that reflected her disappointment of being caught and whispered bare facts before saying to her mother, “We will be right in after we chat privately for a few.”

Before her had closed the door, Alana had put her lips against mine while pressing her warm flesh against me as tight as she could. The intensity of her kiss caused me to get an instant hard-on. I started responding accordingly before thinking about what Ian had told me. I realized that in my own way I was experiencing for real what he had warned me about.

I broke the long deep tongue exchanging kiss and said before Alana could attack me again, “can we go looking for furniture tomorrow since I would like to be in the new home as soon as possible.”

“We can,” Alana responded, “the question is when do you plan to give me my engagement ring?”

“Around the time that we celebrate your eighteenth birthday,” I replied.

If I thought, her kisses were passionate before I said that I was proven wrong they could not compare to the ones she started giving me. These were extremely different and demanding as they were extremely hot! I felt grateful that we were out in public because the way she had thrown herself at me I knew that if we had of being alone there was no way we would have been able to stop.

I had started undoing the buttons of her blouse when we heard movement from over near the barn.

Ian was coming out of the barn heading towards us when he caught us locked in a deep long embrace. He chuckled before using his dry humor yelling, “cool it you two. She’s not your brooding mare yet.”

That killed the mood, and we broke it off. Both of us were feeling a wee bit embarrassed. Without saying a word, she headed into the house leaving me standing there to deal with her father. Ian walked over and stood beside me as I collected myself.

“Back in the day, my grandfather would say that girl’s more than ready to be kept barefoot and pregnant,” he said. “What I want to know is what did you say that set my daughter’s hormones off in such as passionate, fiery way? Man, if you guys had of been anywhere else, she would have tried to rape you just like her mother tried to do to me.”

“Two things,” I replied. “I asked her if she wanted to start to help me pick out the furniture for the house tomorrow and that I was planning to give her an engagement ring on her eighteenth birthday.”

“My mother was sixteen years old when she married my dad,” “together they raised eight children. I hope you preparing yourself for a large family. My mother always had a sparkle in her eyes when she looked at my father and still does today. I see that same reaction when my daughter looks at you.”

“You are going to have to stop going on helicopter rides with my daughter, “ Ian noted in his dry humor. “Every time you go on one your relationship seems to get ranched up a couple of notches. After all we don’t want the two of you doing something that will cause your future mother in law to have a heart attack.”

“Well to be honest, it’s been an exciting day in a lot of ways,” I said. “Thanks to what transpired today I think a door has been opened that might lead me towards the truth’s behind what happened to my parents.”

Ian paused, as if he was trying to gather his thoughts, then said wisely, “before drawing any conclusions weigh out what’s coming out, from where, and by whom. Know the character of the persons behind what is being claimed or explained before deciding what you can or cannot accept because in my walk of life, I have learned that outside of family the only thing that does not lie is our long term conduct.”

With that said the two us began to walk towards the house to join the ladies.