(Love Tales No. 2) A Place to Run to

Exclaimer: I had found another writer who has an interesting story to tell. His story touches my soul and at the same time made inspired a few of my issues. I am proud to introduce the kind and simple Desmond. Thanks for allowing me to re-post this article in my blog.

Part 3 of 5Written and Publish on Sep 9 2005, 04:09 AM

Mom was offering joss-sticks to Dad's tablet when I reached home at nine. Mom has been a widow since Dad lost his battle with cancer when I was fifteen. She raised my brother and me up to the best that she could, juggling two jobs at the same time. Fortunately, my brother and I are working now to support the family so that she can retire. Mom may be nearing sixty but she spends a lot of time in the People's Association, helping out with the grassroots and old folks. I always admired Mom for her courage and exuberance and I was determined to age gracefully like her.

"Mom!" I called out excitedly and hugged her from behind.

She gave a yelp in surprise and laughed when she saw me. "Aiyoh, Alvin. You frighten me out of my wits. I thought it was a thief or something."

Mom paused for a while to scrutinize my features and noted, "You have grown thinner. Did Wayne ill-treat you?"

I burst out laughing at her question. "No lah. He treats me very well. And for the record, we didn't have a quarrel."

She paused and studied my expression. "I can see you are telling the truth. Go and have a bath, first. I will lay out dinner for you."

I sighed in delight, "I miss your food. I can smell curry chicken from here."

Mom gave an affectionate pat on my shoulder. "Hurry up, wash up. We'll talk later."

*

"Hmm, the sesame paste tastes like heaven."

Mom was beaming as my compliments flew. "So how are things between Wayne and you?"

"Fine. It's just that his parents flew down from Indonesia this week to bunk up with us. Wayne told his parents about us, so it's quite understandable that they are particularly hostile towards me. They need time to absorb the news and accept us."

Mom sat beside me and said, "So how is Wayne treating this?"

"He has been very supportive towards me but I don't want him to fall out with his parents. They raised him up and gave their best for him, after all. Your son wouldn't fall for a heartless cad. Wayne loves his parents too, but he also wants them to accept us. Wayne's parents are protective, though."

Mom understood. "You must see from their point of view. It isn't easy for them to accept such a relationship."

I nodded and placed my palms over Mom's wrinkled hands to show my unspoken gratitude for her understanding.

"When your father died, I know how it feels like to lose your loved one. I wanted to leave this world as well but the two of you gave me a reason to fight hard. It came to me that nothing was more important than seeing my two sons happy. I will try hard to make you two happy but you are ultimately responsible for your choices and happiness. Seeing the two of you with your loved ones, I will be able to answer to your father when I meet him in Heaven."

My eyes were brimming with unshed tears. Mom really fought hard for us. I knew how devastating it must be for her to bear the pain of seeing her eldest son unable to give her a grandson.

"Mom, I wished I could make it less painful for you but I love Wayne this much."

She nodded. "I know that. If you think Wayne can give you the happiness, you have all my support. I only want you to be happy."

I hugged her and wept in cutting regret. "Thank you. I don't deserve you."

"You have always been good to me. You took care of the family when your father died."

"I didn't do my job well."

"Nonsense. Look at your brother, he is happy with his work and his girlfriend. You took part-time jobs for him to send him to University. He owes you that."

Mom and I hastily wiped our tears and steered to more cheerful conversation. My phone rang when I was asking how Mom was doing as a volunteer at the People's Association. It was Wayne.

"Alvin, I am picking you up from your house. You are coming back with me today. My parents will apologize for changing the house locks and keys."

I stood up frozen. "You confronted them?"

"No. When I came back and found the keys and locks changed, I called the house phone and asked them to stop this nonsense. We had a good talk and I promise you they won't threaten you in any way."

My heart was palpitating. "I am very doubtful about the 'good talk' part. I am afraid they would misunderstand me even more. Wayne, you and I need to talk to them. I mean it."

"I am taking the lift to your house now. We'll talk later?"

I hung up with the ominous knowledge that the situation were getting bleaker. For the first time, I felt lost and scared that love wasn't enough to conquer the obstacles. I looked at Mom helplessly and heaved a gusty sigh. I didn't really know what to do.

I was too tired to think. Everything I did seem to have backfired.

Exclaimer: I had found another writer who has an interesting story to tell. His story touches my soul and at the same time made inspired a few of my issues. I am proud to introduce the kind and simple Desmond. Thanks for allowing me to re-post this article in my blog.