It had been well after midnight before Alana’s parents had allowed me to go home to my place. Each of them had asked a lot of questions for us as a couple. Alana and I politely danced around them by not revealing too much.
Not because we did not want them to know everything, but because for now, the timing was not right because we ourselves had not come to terms with it all. Both Alana and I had concerns, but we felt it was our burden to carry. We did not want to overwhelm them with too much information.
We told them a bit about our meeting Fen and Suling at the spring prom but did not disclose their history or their relationship with me. I did explain that they and I had grown up in the same village, so part of that evening had been a walk down memory lane for me, and a learning experience for Alana.
Alana said, “the experience has given me a better understanding of Dirk’s growing up years. That has allowed me a deeper understanding of what made him the man he is today and some insight about things to come. Fen and Suling are cousins who are becoming my friends have given me a lot of insight into what Dirk’s life was like.”
I explained that their daughter and I had gone to help them because of our growing friendship, out of a touchy family situation brought on because of their culture. The result of the situation would take time, to see if our efforts today had paid off. With human behavior being the way it was, I said, we could not be sure how people would handle it once they got over the initial shock.
Ian because of his excitement from learning that his daughter and I had realized that we were indeed a couple had to tell Bonnie about what I had said to him. He went into great detail explaining the heated emotional state he caught us in.
When he had walked out of the barn to give me the gears as he explained it. It had been a complete surprise to him. Bonnie responded by giving him the I told you so look that all women have seemed to master so well. Ian got the message because suddenly he became noticeably quiet.
“I was worried for years that when Alana became of age that our daughter was going to have great difficulty in finding a male that she could relate to because of how old-world she is,” Bonnie said. “That first day she met Dirk I saw that fear in me changing, but I could not understand why. The more I learned about her boyfriend the more I understood that he walked with the beat of that same drummer that our daughter did. He’s more, old-world in a lot of ways than, our daughter is.”
“I noticed it too,” Ian said. “It had been a long time since I’d seen her that excited about anything. I was really upset that she wanted to talk to a man we did not know in private when we were at the hospital because that was not like the daughter I knew. Up until then, she stood back quieter and more reserved because she watched the world instead of being involved in it. It was a shock to see her being so open and bold especially with someone she had just met.”
“It’s been a blessing for all three of us for sure,” Alana replied. “I’ve learned not to be so blind about the things around me. Dirk has allowed me to see the world through his eyes, and I now see how things we normally take for granted are interconnected.”
“My first impression of your daughter,” I said, “when I saw the blur being thrown by the horse was what was the person doing here and were they here following me? Thankfully, all things worked out the way they did.”
“Dad, I knew by the end of that day, where my relationship with my future husband was going,” Alana explained. “Remember I had spent the day with Dirk and saw a gentleness in him that is kept well-hidden but is reflected in everything he does. I had questions, that I needed answering because of his behavior towards me.”
“The way he explained his conduct towards me, and his outright honesty towards me about the way he grew up gave me invaluable insights that have been proven right. I concluded once I learned his history that my feeling that he was a kindred old soul was justified.” Alana went on saying, “From then, it’s just allowing time to set in place what I already knew would be.”
“It seems meeting Dirk gave Alana confidence that she didn’t have before. She started to open up to him in ways I never thought possible. It seemed that a lightbulb had been turned on inside of her because it was at that point, she decided not to take life so seriously,” Bonnie added. “The releasing of the eagles by them taught Alana that all things were possible if she had the confidence to reach for it. Thanks to Dirk she has started to develop a belief in herself that is amazing. But it was not until the night of the prom that I saw how far our only daughter had grown. To me, she was a flower in full bloom. When she came home that night, I knew she had found her one and was in love.”
“Dad when Dirk and I admitted our feelings to each other before arriving at the prom we had a long talk about what kind of life we wanted to build. We found our morals, values, and views coordinated with each other,” Alana explained. “The rest was easy, the hardest part for both of us so far has been to keep our vows to remain virgins until we get married.”
That was when I notice the look of pride that Ian had towards both of us. It told me that his acceptance of us would never be in question.
“Alana told me that Dirk was going to have three women wanting him involved in their lives but there would only be one that he was in love with,” Ian said. “That struck me as a strange statement and still does. I asked how she knew. She replied I have owned his heart since he gave me his ring to wear. My insight about my future husband and our walk-in life has already been written.”
That statement had been a complete surprise to me because from the day I had seen her sitting beside her father on the horse I had known that there was something about her that had perked my interest. Expressing my personal feelings was difficult and would always be because of my upbringing. I could see how she was slowly working her magic on me.
“Chuir sé i gcrích mé,” said Alana in Gaelic. Which means he made me feel complete. “Until he came into my life I walked as if there was part of me missing. Meeting Dirk that first day gave me an inner feeling of being complete. It did not make sense, but it does now. What Dirk does not know is that Fen is going to start to teach me Cantonese during the school year because that way I will at least be able to catch a bit of what he says in that language.”
“Do you think that is necessary,” I asked. “Cantonese can be a hard language to master because a lot of the pronunciation deals with the way you say it. Screw it up and you’re saying something different.”
“If I can master Gaelic,” Alana replied. “I’m sure that in time I will be able to master it. Besides, it's clear that it's always going to be part of our lives. It took the handling of a situation where Cantonese was needed for you to finally admit your love for me.”
That was when we disclosed to Alana’s mother what I had said to her husband. She was not surprised because she was expecting it.
********
We had gone to Richmond and had spent most of the day shopping the finer furniture stores. Some were known for the quality of their restored antics. Alana’s taste was quite pacific. Each piece we ended up with was of top quality and built to last. It was not hard for me to see where she was going in the design of our living space. A touch of the old English Victorian period could be seen in everything she picked.
We ended up buying bedroom furniture sets for two of the four bedrooms because she wanted to wait to do the other two until we started having kids. The master would have a king-size bed the spare bedroom a queen. Besides having a huge sitting chest at the ends of the beds for storing winter quilts in, both rooms had a sitting area that looked out over what we were creating.
Our living room and dining room furniture we decided together. The set needed for the kitchen nook had to become a custom order because she wanted the manufacturer to make four stools for the kitchen island to match. Although they would cost a lot more, we both thought it was important.
The store owner moved mountains to get it done. After spending an hour on the phone, we got the good news. The special order would be ready and complete for delivery next Friday. I thought the sales rep had been very attentive even though I thought it was expensive. The patio furniture we bought I thought was a tad expensive, but she made sure was water-resistant and was made to last. The colors she picked would blend in with the area. In a short time, we would learn her reasoning had been right.
We went to Lowe’s to pick our stainless steel appliances. Again, Alana looked at the quality of them along with the manufacturer's reputation. I added a flat grill, a regular barbeque, and a smoker to our purchases before arranging delivery. Taking the time to make sure the patio equipment was all designed to use propane. After leaving the store we took the three tanks with us.
Afterward, we called my grandfather at the restaurant to see if we could visit with him. We were shocked to learn that he no longer worked at his brother's restaurant. His brother gave me his cell phone number. The events of the previous day had been life-changing for both. With the restoration of his family's assets, he had decided to retire and enjoy the rest of his days.
Since they would not be home until four o’clock, we made one more stop at a jewelry shop. It took us about an hour for Alana to pick out the right one. Thankfully, they had one in her size. It was not the most expensive, but I had to agree that it was the one that appeared to make her smile the most.
Alana would be returning to complete her senior year wearing her promissory ring. Once she had it placed on her finger, she returned my father’s ring to me by slipping onto my finger.
We used google maps to direct us to La Chey’s family home. We met his wife for the first time, learned all about their four children, and the fact that Suling, the youngest was fifteen years younger than her closest sibling.
La Chey’s wife was thrilled to finally meet the person who her husband had gone to great lengths to protect. She pointed out that I looked very much like my father would if he hadn’t had worn his mustache and goatee.
That was when I learned what it had been like for them in the work camp with my parents. For both Alana and me it was an eye-opening event. The things done by the Chinese authorities weighed heavy on our hearts. I realized that the work camps were designed for one purpose and that was to break them thus taking their free will. Witnessing the public execution of my parents by trained army officials had changed them. They knew from that moment that they would have to comply without submitting because not doing so would lead to the same response.
Alana got very emotional when my grandfather in seriousness walked me through my parent's court trial and sentence while making it clear that they all knew the entire system was rigged. Their defense lawyers tried their best but knew it was all for show because they all knew what the results would be.
Meiling, La Chey’s wife insisted that I called her ‘zu mu’ which means grandmother. Out of respect for the family’s history with mine, I agreed. It was over the sharing of traditional Chinese tea, which is completely different from the Chinese tea served in restaurants that they revealed what they wanted my relationship with Suling to be.
We learned that after we had left the restaurant my grandfather had it out with his brother and his nephew. As a result, a lot of truths had come out about their history with each other. They both agreed to a parting of the ways because the scars carried by both would continue creating more problems for them on an ongoing basis.
Sometimes because of having the history right in front of you, it stops you from being able to put it behind you. For them that was the case, thus each decided that they must move on with their lives separately to find peace. His brother would be buying out his interest in the restaurant.
At home that night the family had learned about the depth of Suling’s and my lifelong relationship. Suling had revealed to her parents the best and worst of things like those moments when we felt our friendship had been discovered. It gave them insights into why Suling seemed to walk with a different understanding of everything than the rest of her family did. Suling and I. Alana pointed out that we both had been forced by circumstances to grow up before our time.
My Chinese Grandparents wanted me to honor the family by making Suling my consort, but not in the historical sense, but with the values found in our current society. In other words, they wanted Alana and me to treat their daughter as a sister-wife. They made their request in English in front of Alana. Alana did not seem surprised. I was.
Alana put a huge smile on Meiling's face when she said, “I have known of Suling’s feelings towards my future husband for months grandmother. I was hoping that life would bring her what she wants, a man like the one she compares all men to. Before Dirk and I can make an honest decision, we will have to have a long discussion between the two of us before going towards a final decision.”
“La Chey, I am still going forward with my search for the truth,” I said trying to diffuse the situation. “I want you to discuss the danger that might come down upon all who are associated with me as I expose the past, with grandmother and your daughter. The next time we talk we will take this discussion further. Alana is aware of the possibility of being in danger Suling is not.”
“Dirk, take into consideration what I am about to tell you,” La Chey said. “The mental and emotional abuse my brother’s son put Suling through for years has made it impossible for her to be able to trust. When she sees an eligible man her first sense is to run.”
“Grandfather,” I replied. “I know what her older cousin put her through. Remember I was the one that had to deal with the emotional turmoil and mental anguish she faced. There were no secrets that Suling and I did not know about each other during that time. Honestly until recently, I had no clue as to how much I had influenced her.”
“As a result, as of right now she does not plan to marry. Even my wife I have disappointed and failed her to a point thanks to the government of China,” La Chey disclosed. “There is only one man she trusts without question. We both know that is you. That is why she has decided that she wants you to be the father of her children.”
“It was your support, the way you taught her to think things out, that got her through those trouble times,” La Chey said. “When she snuck into the steps of the temple from the back you were always waiting for her. You came to be the calm in the middle of her storm. Her cousin is an abuser of women. I believe he was and still may be an agent for the communist party of China. They knew things they should not have unless it had come from an inside source.”
“We know that the request we are making cannot be answered today.” La Chey said. “If we had not found out by what happened yesterday that you are the “Wuming,” I would not have considered my daughters request. Suling has always said since the start of her teenage years that no man, but one would touch her but the Wuming who she sees as her only protector. I was surprised to learn that the Wuming was you. Now looking back, it all makes sense.”
“Alana, you and I both know how special Dirk is to both you and our daughter,” Meiling said. “Please use your wisdom to guide him in his decision, but make it clear that is his to make. The last thing either of you need is to feel that you have been trapped into complying because of obligations you may feel you have.”
Obligation is especially important in the Chinese culture. One does not comprehend what influence it can have over everyday decisions. It ends up adding an extra layer to everything you do and has been known to bring unknown foes together out of their sense of duty.
“Dirk, remember I knew your father better than anyone,” La Chey said. “He would be proud of the man you have become. Tread carefully because the truth’s when you find them may not turn out the way you like.”
Just as we were saying our goodbye’s my grandfather noticed that I was wearing my father’s ring. He leaned in close and whispered so grandmother did not hear, “Your father's ring holds the key to finding the password that you are looking for. To find the answer this might help. Your dad told me that when he had it designed it was made to be a puzzle within a puzzle.”
As we drove out of my grandfather’s place I said, “You could have warned me. I was walking on eggshells in there. I have no clue as to what to do or what to say.”
“Dear I was blindside just as much as you,” Alana replied. “I had no way of knowing what Suling had told to her parents. What she told me in confidence was done over time through many phone conversations after we had said goodnight.”
“Now it makes sense,” I said, “why you were not surprised.”
“It’s even more complicated than that my future husband,” Alana said while sitting right beside me. “With me leaving the family home by the end of next summer mother has decided that she is still young enough to raise another child.”
“If your dad is agreeable to that, then I feel they should go for it. They’re both healthy enough.” I said with conviction and full support. “Your mother is still young enough and has been through it before. Perhaps we could volunteer to babysit for them.”
“Dad had a mild case of cancer in the scrotum years after I was born. As a result, because of the radiation treatments, he shoots blanks,” Alana said. “Mom wants to conceive naturally as she did with me. After weeks of heated discussions, they have decided that there is only one man that is acceptable to them to give my mother the child she wants.”
I had to pull off the side of the road and parked my truck. With what I had been hit with I needed to deal with it before I could focus on driving again.
I looked at Alana and said, “Why did you feel that you needed to tell me that right now.”
“Because my future husband,” Alana said. “The man they want to impregnate my mother is you.”
“Why would they want me?” I had to ask because I was thinking aloud.
“Well, my future husband,” Alana said. “Both you and my mother are in your sexual prime. Sexually the two of you are compatible. With your sense of responsibility and discipline towards life in general they know it will never be mentioned again once it is accomplished.”
“Alana, do you realize the emotional involvement we would have going forward,” I said. “If I followed through with what both sides of our family requested. It is not just having sex with your mother, but the emotional involvement I would have with the child because I am the baby’s father, and you are it’s half-sister.”
“I have a question for you my future husband,” Alana said. “How would the monks at the temple handled a request like this?”
“Honestly, in the request of your parents they would have decided what they figured was best for all concerned,” I said. “In your mother's situation, they would have found a way to accomplish it without no harm by making sure that the biological father would never be known.”
“It also must be noted that Zen monks are not allowed to marry,” I said. “It is common for them to have a lifelong consort on the side, out of the public eye. Two rules were set long ago that they all must agree to. All must find their way to support them without using the funds of the temple and their consort shall have all the same rights as a wife.”
“How do they accomplish that,” Alana asked.
“As soon as a new monk is chosen at the age of twelve, he must live as a monk would full time inside of the temple,” I explained. “Like all monks, he is paid an allowance out of the temple funds that come in which is pooled with all others. That money is invested once a month while he is in training for his future use. By the time he reaches the age of twenty, it could be a fair amount. ”
“Because of the circumstances you went to them in,” Alana asked, “were you provided for in the same manner?”
“That’s a good question,” I replied, “One in which I do not know the answer. With the way I left China that question may never be answered.”
“So, in part, they have to prepare for the possibility of finding a consort by living frugal, “ Alana said. “This allows them to build a future out in the world on the side. In a way, the monks are living with two distinct cultures all their adult lives.”
“The communist party of China banned the practice when they came to power,” I said. “Even with doing that they could not stop it. It is and always been a part of China’s history and will always be part of its subculture.”
“Views on how concubines and consorts were to be treated has been changed like all things are by time,” I said. “Until this century they had in part their own caste system based first on education, beauty, trainability, family history, and general knowledge. The children they bore did not have equal standing as their father’s wife's children but were looked after according to their mother's stature. It must be noted that both Christianity and the Buddhist faith now accept the practice that a man should only have one wife.”
“It was Jesus’s apostles who ended the practice in Christianity when he walked the earth,” Alana added. “Yet there are Christian faiths that still allow it. Why did they change the standing practice?”
“According to scholars it's being long believed that God allowed multiple wives to populate the earth,” I explained. “The problem was that man abused the privilege and God saw the harm being done in general by those who failed to follow the principles of his teaching. Jesus’ followers ended it because there was enough population by that time to support the continued growth of the overall population.”
“That’s interesting because even in the animal kingdom in some species it requires more than one mate of the opposite sex to conceive,” Alana said. “So, for some living things today it’s still practiced.”
“What does that imply about our creator,” I asked?
“That everything he does is done for a reason,” Alana answered. “Even if it takes years for us to understand why.”
“Thankfully, we don’t have to decide on what to do quite yet,” I said. “But we will have to come to some sort of conclusion before we go to visit my grandparents again.”
“Dad will have to go to the mayo clinic sometime in the next two years for his four-year checkup,” Alana said. “He will be gone for a week as they do a complete body checkup and all the related tests. They will want you to impregnate her then.”
“What will you be doing if I decide to accept their request because I feel obligated because of my love for you?” I asked. “The other thing we have to discuss is our vows to remain virgins until we married.”
Alana got incredibly quiet. I knew that my last comment had brought the whole situation home to her in a personal way.
“Now you’re starting to see what the personal costs are in what your parents and my grandparents are requesting,” I said. “In Zen, we are taught to see things from all sides and weigh the cost upon each equally before coming to a decision that all will have to live with.”
“Let me put it another way,” I said. “The environmentalists preach and demand that we all reduce our carbon footprint without understanding each breath we take affects the earth because of the carbon dioxide we release.”
Alana’s eyes got bright and wide-eyed. It was as if she was seeing our world in a different light.
“To put things another way, we have to bring in the big picture,” I said. “When a bird is alive it eats the small bugs and other living things. When the bird dies those small bugs eat it. Time and circumstances can change at any time. What we decide today may be worth nothing in six months because our situation has changed.”
“I never saw it,” Alana said. “We are just as much part of the circle of Mother nature in life as the animals and all living things are. We are all interconnected, and we need each other.”
“Yet there are some who will say because they can’t see is that this world was created by accident,” Alana said, “Like I was, they can’t see how everything is connected.”
“To care for something, you need to understand how it works,” I said. “It took years for Adam to name all the plants and animals. To do that required that he had an understanding of its relationship to all things. Scholars believe that the job was almost done when God paused his work and created Eve. Adam understood what God had created better than any who came after.”
“That is why the restoration project is going so well,” I explained. “Even with my knowledge I am not the one accomplishing anything, but I am aiding mother nature to complete what it does normally faster.”
“When you look at things through that spectrum,” Alana added. “You realize just how unimportant you are in the scheme of things. Makes all the important decisions we make in life seem small and petty.”
“We can’t afford to devalue the importance of anything,” I said. “Time is more powerful than either of us because of the change it brings. One pine tree can be used to make a million match sticks, but it only requires one matchstick used the right way to burn a million trees.”
Alana laid her head on my shoulder as we started the journey back to our homes. I had given her many things to think about and to consider. Most in society do not understand that everything we do indirectly affects something else.
It was not long until she was fast asleep with her head resting on my shoulder. I knew that no matter what we would decide that our needs would always have to come first. By the time we were within ten minutes of her home, I had decided that until we were married and established the requests of others would have to wait because the possible cost of not doing so might be too great.
Alana awoke when were about six miles from her home. After giving her time to get herself fully awake I said. “I told your father it would be hands off of you in a physical way until you had graduated grade twelve. That was before we vowed to each other to remain virgins until we married.”
“I know dad told me,” Alana said. “He’s based his acceptance on us being us on the fact that he believes you will try your damndest to live up to the high standard you set for us. He is immensely proud of how our relationship has come together. In talking with him he has told me if I had of been with another man I would have already been knocked up and pregnant.”
“I have a question for you to consider,” I said, “If we can’t keep our word to each other now what does imply to our future?”
It took a while for Alana to respond, and I was starting to get worried but then she said, “I think we just learned that we are going to be constantly tested by the changing views in society and by the needs of others. There an old saying that says “to thy self be true.” If we were being tested, I think we both passed it.”
“So, what does that mean to you,” I asked?
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
“That nothing now or ever is going to come between us my future husband,” Alana said. “Our logic will lead us as it did today to put our priorities straight.”
“So, if either of our families ask about their requests again,” I asked. “What is our answer going to be?”
“That we are not open to even discussing it until after we are married,” Alana said with determination. “I will not allow the wants and needs of others to come between us now or ever. Our relationship and honesty towards each other come first.”
I had learned a valuable lesson. Alana could be influenced by things that tugged at her heart but had the logic to work through it if she was allowed to walk through it if in a safe neutral spot.
When I pointed out what I had learned Alana surprised me by saying, “Mom has always encouraged us to take our time and not rush into things. Just having worked through what I thought was going to be a life-changing situation for both of us shows me the wisdom in her words.”
“We also learned that from now on we will not instantly agree to something just to get along because we need to figure out what the unintended consequences are before moving forward,” I said. “As for your mother’s request, because it’s only going to be a one-time event, I would be open to the idea after we are married if you give me your consent.”
“What about your grandparent’s request,” Alana asked?
“Because Suling is my sister in every way but blood,” I said. “There is no way I could grant their request unless it was done by artificial insemination because I feel it could damage our relationship in a way that could not be repaired.”
“You are doing your best to remain the leaf,” Alana said proudly. “While ensuring that you do not damage our relationship. I only hope that in our walk-in life that I can act in the same manner.”
I smiled and said, “Life is like a stream it is always flowing, always being affected by what's around it. Always moving in a direction unless outside forces interfere. It’s up to each one of us to decide what direction and for what purpose.”
“My future husband again you surprise me with the insights of your wisdom,” Alana said. “You clearly show that everything has a reason for its existence. Too often we act in ignorance because we truly do know nothing.”
As we turned into Alana's parents’ house Alana said, “Each night as I prepare for bed, I thank God for bringing you to me. Your insights into life and living have given me a deep appreciation of things I always took for granted.”
“The feeling is mutual, “I said. “I no longer when I consider things look at them from the view of one but two as I try to see things from your point of view.”
“You’re a strange man my future husband,” Alana said. “You are constantly driven by the desire to become a better person. I have only seen you at the point of deep anger twice. Once was with the so-called horse trainer and the second was Suling’s cousin. Yet you were able to keep in control when others would not have.”
“Believe me,” I said, “It took all the Zen teachings for me not to. Thankfully at the restaurant, I took my anger out on the Stone Buddha by using it as a teaching moment. I got a release of my anger by throwing the man into the coral the first time. Both men by their conduct had pushed me almost to my limit.”
“Intolerance of bad conduct has always been a pet peeve of mine,” I said. “Most people are taught right from wrong starting at an early age. That makes what they are doing appear to be deliberate. Yet in a lot of American society, it appears that unruly behavior is an acceptable norm, and those doing it are not held accountable for their actions.”
“In China, there are consequences for everything you do,” I went on to explain. “Breaking the law because it’s the ‘in thing to do,’ brings a sentence down on you that may be extreme. Here it's believed that eventually, they will grow out of it.”
Alana said to me, “I’ve finally figured out what your long term goal is for the valley. You want it to become a place of tranquility for all life.”
“Your right,” I said. “The problem is that perfection like that has never existed since God threw Adam and Eve out of the garden of Eden.”
That was when I got hit with something from way out of the left-field as I turned into the driveway. Alana said, “I will turn eighteen during spring break next year and can legally get married without my parents’ consent. What do you think about moving our wedding date up for about six months?”
I shut the truck off and turned and looked at her. That was when I knew she was deadly serious.
********
After a busy week, David and I were taking a break catching up on the progress of everything. We were sitting at one of the picnic tables we had built when we landscaped around the old mine’s office.
We were out by one of the collection ponds near the gold mine checking to see if we could drain one of them completely by moving the fluids into the others. With the way the total fluid levels depth was at, it was clear that we could.
“Is it okay if I have some professionals come in and check the gold mine out,” asked David? “It would be nice to know if it is worth opening up using today’s mining standards.”
“Yes, clever idea. Perhaps with that in mind, we should close the pond that is closest to the mine,” I said. “Remove all the contaminated rock and soil to the former strip mine for recycling. That way if we have to, we can rebuild a larger deeper containment concrete pond which can be pulverized into the sand when no longer needed.”
“That would make it easier for it to be restored naturally to blend in with the topsoil we end up,” David acknowledged. “It would help break up the density of the soil we are making which might be a good thing.”
“The you better check in to it with accounting,” I said. “Can we afford it?”
“According to accounting,” David said. “The startup loans are coming down quite quickly. We are well on the way to making up the huge loss because of the set up over the first year. The added revenue from the iron ore company could be used to finance the start of the gold mine if it is deemed doable.”
“We are farther along in the process than I thought,’ I added. “Start looking at the possibility of starting the concrete road on this section of the property. If we open the gold mine, we best be prepared to have the room for a small subdivision of houses. To do that we should start leveling off and filling in the land.”
“With the ore being taken out by the miners there are a few who work there would buy here if there was a store to supply them the basics in groceries and gas,” David said. “We could start the subdivision off the main road in that we have already finished. That way we could level off the land as we laid out the subdivisions itself working back towards the mine offices.”
“You’re the engineer,” I said. “Pass it through legal to see what they think. Start before the professionals are done checking out the mine. Make sure they’re from a reputable company because I don’t want what we’re accomplishing ever being questioned.”
“Fair enough I’m going to be hiring a couple more crews for the construction department because with the push on for the rest of the road we can be constructing on both sides of the land, instead of being one-directional.” David added, “The road going toward the gold mine side will be quicker because we don’t need to do any blasting.”
“Just so you know. Alana and I bought a lot of the furniture for the house,” I said. “Most of the stuff will be arriving in two hours. So, I am going to be listing the trailer for sale. The new owner will have to remove it.”
“That space once freed would be the perfect spot to build a four-level apartment building,” David said. “The only concern is that I don’t want to have the residential buildings being deserted after the mining is done.”
“That will not happen because as soon as the iron ore is removed and the hollowed-out mountain is concreted in the way we agreed,” I said. “The first thing is to put in will the metal framing to hold oak barrows we will fill to be aged over prolonged periods. Then an electrical system that will automatically turn the barrows at the same time each day.”
“Oak barrows what are they going to hold,” David asked? “That explains the need for darkness and coolness because it helps to retard natural evaporation.”
“Three different types of single malt scotch,” I explained. “That can be made into three double malts or a blend of all three at bottling. Whiskeys, bourbons, and rye’s don’t age in bottles like most wines do.”
“You sound like you have a lot of knowledge about making scotch,” David added. “Are you sure you can set this all up?”
“I have the basic knowledge, but I would bring in a man named Angus McGregor, my godfather's grandfather if he is still alive at that time to oversee the setup and organization of it. If I am weak in any area, it’s the cooking of the grains and the barley to get the right consistency needed to make a premium product.”
“Dirk, I’m not surprised to learn that you had your next step all planned out.” David disclosed before asking “What happens to the grain and barely when you are done with it?”
“In the old country the widespread practice is to turn what's left of the mash into cattle feed,” I said. “Some of the farmers back there, believe it is a great supplement to their cattle’s steady diet. Here we could spread it out to provide feed for the deer and other like animals to feed on.”
“Does Alana know about your plans,” David said with a laugh?
“Not about bringing out her great grandfather but the rest yes,” I replied, “but she’s come up with a new suggestion that I’m trying to figure out.”
What's that?” he asked.
“She turns eighteen just before spring break and wants us to get married then,” I said.
“What brought that on?” David said.
“Alana got her promissory ring last Saturday, before the start of her final year,” I explained. “With the promise that she would get her engagement ring around her eighteenth birthday.”
“Congrats but I’m not really surprised,” David said. “Alana has always been headstrong almost as much as you. What surprises me is that I have never seen the two of you ever argue. You both seem quite mature for your age so don’t be surprised if no one suggests you give it a little time.”
I guess I must have gotten a funny look on my face because he was right. That told me that there was a depth to our relationship that needed to be figured out.
My adopted father, the master had always said that when you saw a male and female animal working together to accomplish something without making a sound to communicate leave them alone. Their relationship was deeper than most. Where possible we should let them fulfill the assignment that has been embedded in them by the creator of all life.
It was his belief, that all living things regardless of what they were if they consumed either oxygen or carbon dioxide, they each had a role to play in the overall balance of the earth. The problem with mankind, was its greed because we did things to get things done the cheapest and the fastest. Quite often disturbing and without understand mother nature’s reason for what it was in the first place.
When we upset the balance of mother nature it would find a way to give back what it had received. Few who understand the religious side of our world could see that regardless of the interpretation of the understanding the goal was the same. All would end up with what the creator had started on the planet earth, the tranquility found in the garden of Eden.
The journey and the path of life in time was designed to take us back to where it all began. The creator just may not have all the races start over in the new unnamed garden on the same planet. At the stage of life, all would be given the chance without interference to learning God’s truth from him.
That would when the real test of man’s humanity would begin because all would be put through a final test. Each who past had eternal life, each who failed eternal death. During our current life according to the Zen teachings we as humans were still at the stage where we were still using training wheels.
Proof of that could be found in medical textbooks because scientists and doctors believe that the human mind was capable of doing so much more but thought something beyond their understanding was restricting it.
********
I was busy assembling the various pieces of equipment and furniture that Alana and I had purchased together as the Lowes team installed the appliances. The stainless steel stove, fridge, dishwasher, and microwave once hooked up made the kitchen look complete.
The washer and dryer with the large freezer they brought in the back way through the huge barn door which I had opened. What amazed them was how much open space there was for storage. The delivery drivers thought it was everyman’s dream because it was perfect for an open workshop and storage of adult men’s toys like motorcycles or boats.
I had to admit that David’s decision to use a door handle-less system for door opening on the doors and drawers of the kitchen cabinets was right on the money. We had used cut stone to layout the floor. After spreading a thin layer of stained concrete, we had applied the stone. Using a putty knife, we filled the spaces in before we sanded it down then sealed it three times before polishing it. I got a lot of compliments about it from the delivery drivers because of how stunning the design looked.
The contrast of the stainless steel to the rock floor, white drywall walls, the oak cabinets with a white edge at the bottom that blended with oak stained butcherblock countertops was impressive.
It caused the kitchen to have an open European theme as you could see how open and seamless everything was. I was pleased to hear the compliments about the house and how it was designed. None of them could get over the privacy, the view, and how deceptive the outward appearance of the house was. Most believed if they had not seen the place, they would never have known it existed.
Four different trucks had come and left leaving me with the joy of assembling and cleaning up of the protective wrappings. I was hauling out the first batch of cardboard and wood holding pieces from the dining room to start a burn pile when the Conner’s showed up. All three of them.
“Mom and Dad were just dying of curiosity,” Alana said in laughter after giving me a kiss and a hug. “So, we have come with a packed supper with all the accessories and hands to help.”
After unloading the back of the truck, I learned that as a surprise Alana and Bonnie had spent last Sunday in Richmond shopping for the dishes, kitchen accessories, bath towels, and linen. As Bonnie said the items that transferred a house into a home.
When Bonnie and Ian saw the dining, room set we had picked up they were amazed. They thought it was beautiful. What surprised them was that the china cabinet and hutch were two different large pieces that complimented the space perfectly. It was noted that we had blended the old with a the new tactfully which gave the home a warming style.
I had completely set the whole thing up. The huge eight place setting table, matching chairs with two captains like the other accessories had all been made from oak. Bonnie had to say, “I know how much something like this had to cost. Dirk if you’re going to be going into debt to pay for this just to please my daughter you will have to find a way to get them to take it back.”
“Bonnie, I haven’t, I paid cash,” I said. “Which will be replaced when I sell the trailer. The house itself cost less than forty thousand to build and I paid for it with cash also.”
“Alana is this true,” Bonnie asked because she felt she needed verification.
“Mom, I was with Dirk when we got the two hundred year lease on the land,” Alana explained. “It’s payable once a year like county taxes. Dirk used a cashiers bank draft to pay for the construction of the home and got a registered receipt and title.”
“We as a couple, decided later that day that if we could not afford to pay cash for something that it would have to wait,” I added. “Alana and I both wanted quality over quantity.”
“Dear we have to keep reminding ourselves that our daughter and her future husband walk to a beat of a different drummer,” Ian said. “Their logic and approach to life, in general, is so different. Like their home, I heard, I understood, but I could not see until it all came together. Now seeing what they have designed for so little makes me jealous.”
Bonnie teared up and said, “Alana told me last Sunday that she wanted us to consider giving them our blessing to get married during spring break next year. Ian I now have to admit that they are more mature and ready for that step than we were when we got married.”
“We will have to talk about that privately before coming to a decision,” Ian said. “For now, let’s open the bottle of champagne and celebrate the setting up of their future home.”
Once the bottle was uncorked and the liquid poured into the new quickly rinsed glasses, I led them through the French doors out to the patio after turning the outside lights on. Lowes had pre-assembled the outdoor cooking equipment. It only took a few seconds to set the patio furniture out.
It was the first time the four of us could see the pond and the small waterfalls coming down with the reflection of the outdoor lights. It added to the atmosphere of the space we had created immensely.
We had modified the layout by making the extended patio L shaped placing a four feet high rod iron black railing to stop someone from falling accidentally into the pond. Expect for the steps going into the pond. That was closed off with matching gates that could be locked to restrict access.
“Seeing it like this is amazing,” Bonnie said. “You could sell this place instantly for a huge profit because of this stunning setting you have created.”
The sun was settling down behind the west side of our mountain which allowed the dance of the gas-burning to begin. For Ian and Bonnie, it was the first time they had seen it. Alana and I had to smile because they seemed to be captured by it just as my as we had been the first time, we saw it.
It truly was a memorizing moment for them.
To be honest, besides eating the wonderful spread Bonnie had brought not much more was accomplished because of the magic created at that moment.
“Alana had spent quite a few hours talking about the first time she saw it,” Bonnie disclosed. “I thought she had been exaggerating. But it is unique. Even from this distance.”
“Once the word gets out for a lot of couples starting in a relationship, it's going to be one hell of a make-out spot,” Ian said. “Even for an old couple like us. You could watch the dance of the flames for hours for there is no pattern to it because every little breeze makes it new again.”
Before we all left for the night Alana got me to agree to pick her up at nine Saturday morning so we could begin making the house our home. I followed them out until I had to turn to head to my trailer.
********
I did not realize that Alana and her mother had another surprise lined up for me that Saturday morning when I pulled in to pick her up. I knew something was up because of the strange car sitting in the driveway at the side of the house. As I climbed out of my truck, I could not help noticing when I placed my hand on the hood of the nice looking newer model car that it was still warm. Whoever owned the vehicle had just recently arrived.
Ian had the front door open before I got to it. “You are just in time to join us for breakfast,” he said. “Were using the kitchen table today because of Alana’s guests.”
“Before I forget can I use one of your horse trailers tomorrow?” I asked. “Alana suggested a while back that it was time to move our horses up to the property permanently.”
“Yes, that daughter of mine is sure determined that one way or another, she is going to get her spring wedding,” Ian said with a smile. “Once you are completely moved in and set up, we will have to sit down and discuss the pros and cons.”
“Then it’s safe to say Alana’s guest is not the minister she had planned to ask to officiate the service,” I replied with a sense of humor.
“True enough,” Ian said with humor, “but I would not be surprised if she pulled a stunt like that just to push us into doing it.”
We walked into the kitchen still talking. Fen and Suling were there to greet me. Alana was standing right beside them wearing a big smile.
“Zao shang hao, wo de ai,” the three ladies standing before us in union said. Which means good morning my love.
“Good morning, ladies,” I responded with, not knowing just how to reply to what they had said. “Alana congrats your pronunciation of it was almost perfect. How long have you been practicing it?”
“As long as Suling and I have been talking with each other on the phone,” Alana replied with a glowing smile.
Throughout the breakfast, Alana’s mother concluded that the three ladies who wanted me in their lives were all in the same room. During that time, the Conners learned the whole story about our walks in life and why the three of us were so intertwined.
Suling revealed how her father had found out that I was the Wuming then said. “It was a real shock for me to learn that it was my father who had brought Dirk to the temple. I had no idea that La Chey was my dad. I can honestly say it changed my impressions about my father and the kind of man he is.”
“For some reason, God has wanted the circle to remain unbroken,” Bonnie said. “Makes me wonder what his plans are for the four of you,”
“Suling you must realize,” I added, “Your father’s main concern was keeping me safe. Your mother no doubt influenced the decisions he made because their own lives were in danger just because of the fact I was with them.”
“Even for me,” Fen said. “My dad saying that you and I would be sharing a bedroom until state released your parents was puzzling because it was never explained to me what was going on. My brother knew the whole story, they told him because he was older and more mature. It was not until they were released that I learned the facts.”
“Fen, your parents were probably given the choice to leave China or stay,” I said. “Your parents most likely realized that they would be under closer scrutiny because of your uncle's relationship with them. The cost was that they were allowed to leave with enough to start over nothing more.”
“Why do you think that?” Fen asked.
“Because China releases no one from their society unless it provides an advantage to them,” I explained. “My grandfather said he believes that your brother was and still is an agent for the communist party of China. If that is true, then the Chinese government will know shortly or may already knows where I am. It may also explain why it was so easy for them to go.”
“Now days those who are allowed to leave remain a member of the Communist Party of China,” I added. “That way when there’s something the party wants, they get drawn back in with the threat that if they don’t there will be consequences for family left behind.”
We were all surprised by the look that came over Fen's face. There appeared to be a lot of things running through her mind. After a few minutes of deep thought, she said, “One of the things my brother brought with him was a computer from China. None of us have been allowed access to it. Every few months he has updates and new parts that are to be installed into it that come via registered mail to a post office box he has rented.”
“Dirk, what do you think about that?” Alana asked.
“Since nothing is known for sure, it sure looks suspicious,” I said. “It would be best for all concerned to act as if he is following the instructions of someone. Agents here will a handler that they meet with time to time. What Fen must figure out for us all, is if his lifestyle can be supported by what he makes from working in the restaurant. If not where is that extra income coming from?”
From that point on we got into a discussion about Alana’s and my forever home as she called it. Suling said, “The Temple, Dirk grew up was made of old stone. It's been there so long that it blends in with the natural landscape. I can’t wait to see it.”
Suling and Fen followed us up to our new home. Mom and Dad Conners said they would be up later. Once I found out that the girls were planning to go for a dip in our pond, I told them to bring their swimming wear.
We stopped at the small park to give them the first view of our home up on the plateau. From that point of view, it appeared that the barn was the biggest thing up there. Both Suling and Fen were impressed with the whole operation. Alana proudly explained how we had used the first few blasts into the mountain to lay in the foundation of the creek.
That is when I got into a discussion of what I was going to use the tunnel for when they were done mining. Suling pointed out that I would need an office building for the office staff and pointed out a possible location spot for it.
Alana and she got into a discussion of how the backside could be built into the side of the mountain and the created fill put behind so that the top-level could be a huge home with a bit of a yard. During their chat, the two had moved away from us giving Fen and I some privacy.
“Does Suling know that you have been made aware of what she wants?” Fen asked. “Your grandmother, my aunt informed me earlier this week.”
“Not sure but just so you know, Alana and I will not be making any decision about things like that until we are stabilized in our marriage,” I stated clearly.
“Understood completely,” Fen replied. “Suling has loved you since forever and is torn because it is not her, you’re in love with. She considers Alana her friend, and confidant. I just pray that a shinning prince comes into her life and sweeps her off her feet.”
“Maybe time will grant your prayer,” I said. “It would be the best answer for all.”
With that done we got back into our transportation to finish the drive up to what was to become Alana’s and mine permanent home.
“Ni dai lai le yi dian jia, ni chuang zao le shen me,” which means; you brought a piece of home in what you have created,” Suling said when she saw the outside of our home.
Before getting to work Alana took them for a tour of the house. It was when Suling said that the pond looked like the one that had been hidden behind the temple that I understood just how true her words were.
Around four pm I had gone to get a pair of cut-off blue jeans to use as swimming trunks when Alana’s parents arrived with our two horses in a horse trailer. Suling could not believe what they were seeing as Alana led Toby and my horse to their new stable.
“Mrs. Conner, did your husband train that horse to respond to Alana like that?” Suling asked.
“No that was Dirk’s and Alana’s doing. Alana says that her future husband has a special connection to all living things,” Bonnie explained. “The more I see him dealing with wildlife and reg animals the more I believe it.
“Not only with animals, “ Suling added. “He leaves his touch on all humans that meet him. Few are true pacifists. Dirk has always been one. I have seen him settle disputes when most thought it would never be resolved. Afterward, both involved said that Dirk without bringing it out had made them see their own foolishness. Any child of his is bound to have a blessed life.”
“Was it really that bad for Dirk in China, He hasn’t said much. Alana says what she has learned about it has come from others,” Bonnie stated.
“The walk-in life for Monks itself is very restrictive, disciplined, and filled with silence. His days were spent on learning. There was no childhood for him. He had to learn to be a man from day one,” Suling explained. “He had to practice his martial arts daily as his master demanded perfection in everything that was done. Dirk had to learn the hard way that what his master wanted, did not exist.”
“The more knowledgeable Dirk became the more his fighting skills were used to provide the temple extra money,” Suling said. “Until we left for the USA as far as I know he had never lost one fight or had his costume torn. He is just that good. Dirk knows how to fight, and to defend himself, but hates having to do that. Have you seen part one and part two of the movie called kill Bill?”
“Yes, my husband and I both feel because of the style of how it was put together that it’s one of our favorite movies,” Bonnie answered.
“The old Chinese martial arts teacher could have been modeled after Dirk’s master,” Suling explained. “Even all the other Monks were afraid of him. Dirk often said that his adopted father had a stone-cold poker face and could hide his feelings from all. The only time he ever saw emotion from the master was the night they said goodbye with the consulate walls. ”
“That explains why Dirk has a tough time expressing his emotions,” Bonnie said. “Alana says he never said directly to her that he loves her. Yet he has said because of my love for you I could.”
“Alana almost lost it, when Dirk revealed in front of us all that it was his intention to marry her,” Suling explained. “The tears could be clearly seen in her eyes. For Dirk to say that publicly proved to us who knew him just how he felt about her and that their relationship was serious.”
“Dirk is so protective of her,” Bonnie said. “From the moment he saved her life they have been inseparable. At times I think they are communicating without speaking.”
“One of the sacred teachings of Zen is that one should strive all their lives to have balance in all things,” Suling said. “They believe that those always striving for it will have a favorable or blessed life.”
“I would never have thought about that,” Bonnie said. “But if you look at what he’s created here that is the goal he’s set for it. He wants to create a space where all can co-exist.”
Just then Ian and Alana came out of the stable after having set up the stalls for the horses. Both Bonnie and Suling could see the pure joy on Alana’s face. Having their horses home was bringing her one step closer to her goal.
“Mom, Dad told me it was your idea to bring the horses up with you,” Alana said. “Dirk and I want to thank you. Did you bring your bathing suits as I asked you to?
“Yes, and a cooler full of steaks that we can cook up on the barbecue. They are buried under the huge salad I made to go with it. Where’s that boyfriend of yours.”
“He’s down at the trailer getting a pair of cut-offs that he will use for swimming,” Alana explained. “He should be bringing a couple of bottles of champagne he was saving for a special occasion. Since the house is now all set up, we thought we’d throw an informal housewarming party.”
“Ian, grab the cooler and the clothing, and let's all get changed,” Bonnie stated. “I know we all have been dying to try the pool out.”
By the time I got back, they had all changed and were waiting for me. Alana and her mother came out to meet me, each wearing a two-piece bathing suit in bare feet in case I needed help. With the champagne and shorts, I had brought a dozen cobs of corn.
The first words out of my mother-in-law's mouth were, “the house is beautiful. Everything seems to flow together. You and Alana should be immensely proud because it’s a job well done. Not many homes make you feel warm and welcome, yet this one does.”
Seeing Fen, Suling, and Alana together all wearing similarly styled bathing suits was a treat to my eyes because I had never seen such scantily dressed females in the flesh in my life. I was not sure how to conduct myself.
The four ladies were the first to head into the pond while Ian and I poured us all a glass of bubbly. We could hear the squeals of its cold as they stepped down into it. I thought to myself what you expected, the water comes off the top of the mountain.
Ian and I brought out the drinks sitting them on the patio tile. Seeing that in the excitement no one had brought out towels to dry off with I got some. Upon my return, Ian had joined them. After climbing in it was clear that the pond was beyond our expectation. Being in the pond made the area bigger than it seemed.
Every one of the four ladies made sure that once they got adjusted to the temperature of the water that they went under the falls more than once. By accident, they discovered that there was a standing ledge built into the area so that you did not have to keep constantly moving. Quite a few complimented that the ponds water was so pristine.
Fen and Suling sat on one of the steps going down into the pond in such a way that they were half in and half out. Everyone got into how warm, inviting, and private the area was. Suling disclosed that it reminded of the pond that was behind the temple. It gave me the time to reflect on the three ladies in my life.
There was only a year apart between Suling and me. The change in her diet since coming to the states had created curves in her body that would not be found in most girls her age in China. Although she was not as big as Alana the curves of her body were well defined. I could see a lot of men being interested in her. She still was on the skinny side, but she was stunning. The question I was trying to figure out was how I could get Suling to begin to start developing a relationship with one of them.
Fen had accepted and adapted to the western culture far better than her cousin, it was apparent that she believed that she was an out and out lesbian. It made me wonder if her older brother had influenced her sexual direction in life because of the way he had treated females in general.
Alana was every bit a mini version of her mother. I was thankful the chilly water kept my normal male response in check because my imagination was running wild in my mind. The only physical difference was that Bonnie had a bit more meat on her bones. Yet in their own ways were quite desirable.
My mind flowed back to a summer day when my adopted father, the master, and I had discovered two mountain goats mating. Out of sight in an undeveloped area, the animals were doing what was the most normal thing in the world.
“When it comes to mating to create life, we as humans are just as primitive as those two goats,” The master explained.
Being a young child at the time with an inquisitive mind I asked him, “Why?”
“For humans, it involves our emotions and desires,” he explained. “Both can be dangerous if they are not controlled. Making love with your mate is the most natural thing in the world when you have a relationship that binds the two together.”
“The key is keeping them both in balance,” he said. “Too often crimes of a sexual nature are caused because both are running wild in one's mind. The sexual drive is a normal biological function. It is in every living thing that has flesh. When we allow our emotions and desires to control us, we are no better than the animals.”
I hadn’t seen what he was implying that day, but now I could. Looking at the four ladies with Ian and me, I had to admit it would be easy for me to mate with them all. Each had a relationship with me in unusual ways and I could honestly say that I loved them all.
If I was an animal, I would not have had a problem doing all four. For me, there was only one I had a truly intimate relationship with emotionally and she would soon be my wife. Seeing it from the master's logic seemed to bring an understanding to me that had taken years to come.
Each of the four women were very desirable females each for several reasons, a normal male just meeting them dressed like this would have his hormones working overtime. If left unchecked long enough all things would be possible because his emotions, desires, and wants would be focused on one of them. Once they were in control of his thoughts anything would be possible.
“Dirk,” Ian said. “You seemed lost for a moment is everything alright.”
“In a way, I was,” I replied. “A teaching of the master had come across my memory. I saw it in a new way and fully understood what he was trying to say. I see it in a context that does not have balance and as a result I understand what he was referring to better.”
“Shall we get out of the pond and let the ladies enjoy the space as we start to cook the steaks?” I suggested.
So that is what we did.