Just Surviving part 2

CHAPTER 1 PART 2

Amelia was at some point at ease when she knew her son was safe from Monday to Friday with the help of Miss Dolores Tesfaye and again on weekdays with the protection from Mr and Mrs Lu Chen while harvesting some vegetables Mrs Mao Carrying Ramiel asks her husband if he was willing to accept Amelia as their kitchen helper. Mr Tang was putting fresh harvested Potatoes in a wooded crate and said if she is willing to get paid working here and be part of their charity work it's not that big but she can have as much produce as she can carry.

February 17. 6:30 am

the sun was already up and Amelia was the first one to wake up. right beside her was Ramiel still sleeping soundly, there she could notice the big difference between her home and the Lu Chen, their home was well maintained as if the place was in good shape all the fixtures are in perfect condition. even the bed linen that they were using was soft and smelled clean and feel extravagant, it reminded her of her life before.

when Amelia opened the Guest room door and saw Mrs Mao and told her to get ready because it was that day of the week again, Amelia was shocked to recall what it was now after all the bad things that happened yesterday she forgot that today was Mr and Mrs Lu Chen free food charity mission.

she asks Mrs Mao to give her ten minutes she saw a thumbs up from a five-foot Chinese woman a sign that she must hurry, all the things she must do like take a shower, eat breakfast, and drink coffee all done within that time frame. six loud hand claps from Mrs Mao were the sound of real accomplishment.

she knew it was not enough for them to live on but she understood what Mr and Mrs Lu Chen wanted to say so without any hesitation she did agree to help them every weekend.

she remembers a memory while peeling some potatoes a few months ago it was around 4 am before sunrise a truck stopped in front of the Lu Chen's home and six muscular Chinese men went out of the truck and transported a handful of crates inside their garage . she unknowingly saw this when she heard he was having a nightmare.

there she witness this event and was curious but too shy to ask them about it before, but gradually when she started to help out Mrs Mao shared details of that particular time so she wouldn't worry too much about, Mrs Mao skinny with short wavy hair small nose and lips and loves to cook, Ramiel went down and saw his mother preparing something in Mrs Mao kitchen, Amelia told him so sit down and eat breakfast while Mr Tang was still sitting in the table drinking his hot tea and reading a Chinese newspaper.

He grab the chair near the table and slowly sat on it, Mr. Tang was peeking if the young boy was able to do it with no fail remarkably he sat in front of him with ease. Mr Tang without looking extended his free hand and move the plate with flapjacks and after that Mr Tang decided to move the syrup near Ramiel.

Mrs Mao saw what her husband did while holding a ladle she spoke in Chinese

"why didn't you do that to me before?"

Mr . Tang answered,

"you are not a small child."

then Ramiel spoke to their shock Mrs Mao drop the ladle on the floor and Amelia just looked at his son with wide eyes.

"Mr Tang, you should be nice to Mrs Mao she is your wife and a good cook."

Mr Tang burst out a loud laugh and answered back.'

"How can you speak our language so fluently? you are just 4 years old."

"grandpa! I just turned five years old today. "

with a shocked look, Mrs Mao just pick up the ladle from the floor and place it in the kitchen sink, and gave out a noisy sigh!

"Miss Dolores was 100 per cent right about your son. he is a gift from the sky. Amelia with a proud look in her eye answered with full confidence "

Amelie with a smile on her lips and said "yes! I am so proud of him!"

Ramiel was almost done eating when Mr Tang stood up folded his newspaper and told him to follow him into his office after eating, so his wife and mother won't be disturbed by the things they are doing for their community charity. the young boy nodded and said

"yes! Mr. tang I will be there right after I finish eating these delicious flapjacks."

the two women giggle with delight to hear the young man was having an insightful conversation with Mr Tang in his native tongue. after a few minutes, he stood up and started to clean up his plates when Mrs Mao said he doesn't need to d that for Mr Tang is waiting for him in his office. with a hug on Mrs Mao's waist, she brush his head and said

"you are such a good child."

he ran toward his mother and did the same thing but instead of a light brush on the head, she bend down and kiss him on the cheek and said happy birthday. so Amelia and Mrs Mao continued what they were doing and let Mr Tang teach Ramiel more things about their culture, Amelia would peek at the two from time to time just to make sure he is behaving there, she saw his attention to every word and object that Mr Tang would boast. he would giggle and ask more intriguing questions to the old Chinese man.

February 17. 7:30 am

the smell of delicious aroma filled the Lu Chen house. Mr Tang would lift his nose to smell the fragrance as soon Ramiel saw want the old man was doing he did the same thing and inhaled deeply to satisfy his rumbling tummy.

Mr Tang asks him to accompany him to carefully sneak into the kitchen so they can grab something to eat to their dismay the moment they step outside of the room, Mrs Mao, already knew what there are planning so like kids the three were like cats and mice. Amelia watch them as she place each dish they made into a secure container the doorbell rang Mrs Mao abruptly stop from chasing her husband and Ramiel.

Mr Tang with a soft tone asked Amelia and gently grab Ramiel by the shoulder and send him toward his mother he pointed to go inside his office and stay there. but even before they could all move a woman's voice suddenly spoke. it was Misss Dolores Tesfaye as soon as they heard her Mr Tang came to the door and still looked at the door pick hole and made sure it was her.

after confirming, that it was Miss Dolores Tesfaye whom they knew, he unlock the door and took out the lock chains and opened the door gently a lovely African woman greeted him with a smile. like Mr and Mrs Liu Chen she was secretly protective of the current situation and location of Amelia and Ramiel.

the two sides were already in cohort concerning the mother and child's safety for months, Miss Dolores walked in and saw Mrs Mao and looked at her eyes with a small signal hint from their eyes as soon as could react he ran toward his teacher and hugged her.

this was the very first time she came to join them, Mrs. Mao told Amelia that after she agreed to help out in their charity Mrs Mao contacted Miss Dolores if she was interested to join them. due to a certain obligation to another group, she wasn't able to come until now.

Mrs Mao was walking toward Miss Dolores while wiping her hand dry with a cloth soon after she place it on her left shoulder and utter an Amharic question to her.

"to whom the sun rises, even the devil can not stop?"

she responded in Chinese

"only the son of a great woman can face the great darkness."

then they both shook hands and hugged, Amelia and Ramiel were baffled by what they saw, Mr. Tang saw their perplexed reaction and started to gather all of their attention and asked them a simple question

"who is hungry?"

Ramiel raised his hand and wave it from left to right and started to jump to verify he was really hungry, as Amelia took out a small birthday cake, he was happy thinking this was his very first birthday party with all of his loved ones, everybody became emotional hearing the boys' words after he blew the candle, Mr Tang told everybody to proceed into the dining hall so their get-together will finally start.

while they were fixing the dining table for the charity including Ramiels small party, Mr Tang pull out his phone and called his acquaintance and he spoke in Chinese.

"the food is ready, you can send the boys here to our place to gather the container of food."

"and be mindful and respectful to our guests here."

Mr Tang's attitude was different, and his demeanour changed drastically from a jolly grandfather to somewhat of a fearless tiger ready to pounce at its prey. a light tug made him look down, it was Ramiel with a sparkling stare he said,

"Grandfather, I am hungry can we please eat?"

Mr Tang places his hand on the phone speakers and whispers to Ramiel that he will be joining them very soon, just give him a few seconds to finish his call. He understood what the old man said and casually walked into the dining room.

Mr Tang continued his conversation in Chinese and the other person on the line was listening carefully to all the instructions he was given.

the man on the other side talking to Mr Tang responded by updating his report.

"sir as per your instruction we followed the man and manage to gather intel on his current activity."

"it has been confirmed that he has been arrested and now serving two years in jail for assault while working in one of our affiliate companies as a cargo driver."

with that report alone Mr Tang was satisfied and told his associate to monitor his activity after two months and call him again for any concerns. at that moment he hang up and place his phone back in his pocket and finally went to the dining room to bring good news to his wife and Ms Tesfaye.

after dinner, Ramiel became sleepy and ask his mother if he can be excused and could get a needed nap across the hall on the living room sofa. Amelia was about to stand up when Mrs Mao who was sitting on Ramiels left side told her it was ok she can manage the dishes and just carry Ramiel to the sofa because he was already leaning and his eyes are already closing from exhaustion.

Amelia left up her son and started to walk across the hall, the three remaining people were left to clean the dining table and started to look at each other giving out hints of signals to one another. Miss Dolores was still holding some plates and moved backwards to see if Amelia was Far enough so she won't hear what they are about to discuss, Mr Tang shared the new information he got from his outside source and the two were delighted to hear the good news. Amelia came back and overheard small details of the conversation but not enough to fully grasp the details. so she decided just to walk right in and ask them about it.

Mrs Mao never did hide anything from her she was treated like family, especially by her son, then Amelia's face became bright and full of hope, she knew this was a great opportunity to finally gain some control over their life as mother and son, sat beside her and held her hand and said that everything will be ok now, Mr Tang was standing next to the women listening to their conversation the doorbell rang at the same time he received a call. this was a signal from his associates that are at his front door ready to pick up the food that they prepared earlier.

six Chinese men were standing then simultaneously they all bowed down to Mr Tang and walked in a straight line without even looking at him they were wearing all formal attire but without any neckties. these people walked with precision without uttering any word they knew where they need to go and each one took the container of food and went back out.

Mr Tang was standing outside his porch and overseeing the six men as they walked out of his home a black delivery truck was parked outside his house and another man was standing by this truck but he was different from the other six.

his aura was more intense and defined to the point you feel he was like a commander watching his team move in a distinguished way. he was around six feet tall, lean with a hint of military background, and has a scar on his left cheek, he was silently standing in front of the truck that coincidentally was facing the porch where Mr Tang was at.

as soon as all of the food containers were loaded in the truck the six men stood next to the men, three on the right and the rest on the left. the man wearing grey formal wear walked toward Mr Tang's staircase and walk up toward the porch and stop a few meters away and greeted Mr Tang with a bow.

the men in grey didn't move from the bowing position until Mr Tang spoke.

"you have greeted me with honour and respect you may be at ease in front of me."

When Mr Tang approached the man in grey, he patted his shoulders and hugged him. with gratitude the man in grey hugged his uncle back.

"How are you doing nephew?"

he replied with

"I am very much fine uncle Tang. I came here to verify some rumours that you and auntie Mao are very active in the community again. "

Mr Tang look straight in the eyes of Guan Yu and said with pride he was correct, Guan Yu gave out the Sigh and just bowed his head, once again he asked his Uncle to bear in mind they are the ones who wanted to live here and fulfil their long-time dream to have time for their own.

so like a nagging wife Guan Yu once again iterated the thing they should do and just beg them to always contact him if something or someone barged into their quiet life, with a hardy laugh, Mr Tang assured Guan Yu everything was superb and they don't need to worry.

another loud laugh suddenly Amelia went out looking for Mr Tang she accidentally saw the two talking and was startled by another man there on the porch, Mr Tang Saw Amelia and asked her to come to meet his nephew Guan Yu, he felt something weird in his chest as soon as Guan Yu could speak Mr Tang raise his hand and said to Guan Yu

"I want you to meet a very close person in our care, consider her your cousin, Amelia,"

"Amelia, dear this is my lazy nephew Guan Yu."

"Ha! what! you must be kidding uncle? she is my cousin?"

not by blood nephew, but Amelia here is under my care, you may ask your Auntie and she will say the same thing. I know it is hard to explain just openly accept this old man's dying wish.

"dying my ass! you have been saying that for the last ten years."

another voice entered the conversation, it was Mrs Mao carrying a tray of tea. Guan Yu bowed his head and greeted his Auntie.

"just accept what your uncle told you, Amelia is your adapted cousin."

Guan Yu extended his hand and shook Amelia's hand and said

"hello, cousin Amelia "

Amelia was now really bewildered to the point she just stood there and agreed with what was happening. she thinks it was a social or a family tradition to just welcome a person into their family if the head of the Chinese clan said so.

"ok ok! there are a lot of things we need to discuss might as well stay here for dinner"

said Mrs Mao, Guan Yu agreed to her order and wave his hand to his men ordering them to go on with their task without him. they all nodded and left. as soon as they all enter the house another situation made Amelia face another question. for good reason, Ms Tesfaye. greeted Guan Yu like they already knew each other.

Guan Yu just smile and said that Miss Dolores was his classmate in college.

She said the same thing and this was not the first time that they have met.

Mr Tang pointed out to his nephew to keep quiet because Amelia's son was sleeping in the living room. he walks slowly to see the boy's face. after a few more seconds Mr Tang lift the young boy and held him in his arm and told Amelia to follow them into the guest room so they could get some needed rest.

as soon as the old man was near the staircase going up to the second floor, Miss Dolores gracefully excused herself and said her goodbyes to her friend and kissed young Ramiel on the forehead. gave Guan Yu a nod as he bowed down to his African colleague after that she went on her way.

he stayed with his Auntie as the three went up to the guest room.

once again Mr Tang place the young boy into bed and made sure he was secure in bed ,then with a soft tone he said goodnight and told Amelia if she was a bit confused about the current situation, he explained that her fate is intertwined with his family and the reason what they didn't help her before was that certain situations must occur in her life so destiny and fate will eventually lead he and his son to them with a stronger sense of connection,

Amelia was a bit confused but in actuality, these questions never crossed her mind at all, she was just grateful that somebody opened their home to them and help them when they were in need. Mr Tang felt her honest feelings and just said

"you have a lot of new things to look forward to tomorrow Amelia."

Amelia said her thanks, went inside the room and walk toward and sat near his son as she gently brush her hair, Mr Tang closed the door and went downstairs and directly went to his office study where his wife and nephew were waiting for him, then after going to his chair they started their discussion concerning Guan Yu's plans to partner with Robert Sinclair one of the biggest manufacturing conglomerates in the country.

Mr Tang was aware of his nephew's ambition to gain more power but he was delighted to hear that even if he was already the president of the mother company and appointed the new Liu Chen main family clan leader he is still following the old ways. after a few hours, Guan yu receive his uncle's permission to move ahead and make this partnership with Sinclair a successful one, Guan yu was happy to hear that they both agree to it he stood up and bowed down to his uncle Chāo Tang Liu Chen the Chuàngshǐ rén, the grandmaster and his Auntie Mao qiáng Liu Chen, second grandmaster

"with your guidance and blessing, I Guan Yu will bring you honour and more power in the coming days."

and with an ambitious smile, he said his goodbye and went on his way. when he walked out of their home there another batch of Chinese men wearing formal attire was waiting and standing in front of three luxury black cars and greeted Guan Yu.

"greetings young master Guan Yu."

one of the Chinese attendants opened the passenger car door of the second car as Guan Yu was entering the car he looked back and saw his Uncle watching him from his window. he smiled and thought even at his age he can still feel his overwhelming Aura even if he has been suppressing it all this time.

Chapter end