Mi and You

Chapter 1

Introducing Mi

My name is Mi, like that famous note. Please note that I'm not trying to be noteworthy. Ha, I crack myself up. I'm called Mi because my mom loves The Sound of Music and she thought it would be simply darling to name her daughter after a musical note. Of course, my twin brother is called Ray, but at least that name can pass for normal.

If you're wondering why my Mom loves The Sound of Music, it's not because of the acting, it's not because of the songs and it's definitely not because of Captain von Trapp. Ok, maybe it's partly because of Captain von Trapp. After all, he is an ang moh (a.k.a. Caucasian). But the main reason why my mom loves The Sound of Music is because she's what we call a 'banana'.

A 'banana' is a Chinese (yellow outside) who has an Ang moh fetish and is therefore white inside. So basically, my mom. She's the perfect example of a 'banana'. If the Coxford Singlish Dictionary ever decided to use pictures to illustrate the definitions, they would have to use a picture for her under that entry. In fact, mommy dearest's biggest regret is not being born Caucasian, and, on the days when she's upset with my dad, not marrying one. Unfortunately for her, both her children have chosen to run in the opposite direction and embrace the East.

In my mom's world, no sane person will choose to study in Asia if they can study in a Western country. Which is why she thinks that Ray and I are insane because I chose to study in Japan over Cambridge, and Ray chose Hong Kong University over London School of Economics. At least, that's the school he accepted before he went off to do National Service in the Singapore Army.

The day we made our choices, I heard my mother's dreams die. It sounded like something from modern music -- a discordant chord of disappointment, anger and a minor note stuck in there.

"Why are the two of you being ridiculous?" She threw her hands up in the air, trying to act like an American mom.

"Because China is a rising economy. But since I don't want to live in China, Hong Kong is a good alternative. Plus, Hong Kong U is one of the best in Asia," Ray pointed out reasonably. Ray is the reasonable one. I'm only reasonable when I'm angry. When I'm angry, I'm so reasonable that I get my way all the time. Ray says it's a good thing it takes a lot to make me angry. Like that one time a classmate threw a kitten into the water. By the time I was done with him he not only apologised to the kitten and its mom, he also became a vegan, and I'm not even a vegetarian (omnivore and proud of it).

"Really, Ray. You're supposed to be the reasonable one. And you —" My mom turned to me in exasperation.

"I'm Mi mommy. Yuu's at his house." I can never resist a pun. Still, my mother bravely soldiered on in her attempt to persuade at least one of her children to study in the UK.

"Don't talk back, Mi. Don't you love music? All your baroque and whatnot? What about living in the land where all your music comes from? Think of all the money we spent. I mean, think of all the time you spent on piano lessons."

"You make a point. And don't forget the ability to get to different countries in the EU so easily."

"See, that's my girl" My mom looked appeased.

"I can always go and learn the koto instead of the piano." Ray sniggered very audibly at my reply. Only my mom would believe that I would consider giving up my scholarship.

"That's it," she snapped, "don't you come crying to us if you have any problems." And then she stomped off.

Ray and I looked at each other for a while before sighing.

"I thought she took that well," Ray said, shrugging his shoulders. He's a really easy going guy, so not even a scolding can get him down.

"Yeah, at least she hasn't tried to disown us yet," I respond glumly.

"Like grandma will ever let her." Ray tried to be encouraging. I sighed again, as though I was practicing deep breathing exercises. I didn't expect mommy to be enthusiastic, but I didn't expect her to be so negative either. I silently resolved never to tell my family anything negative that may happen in Japan.

That was over a year ago. What wouldn't I give to be able to quarrel with my mommy now. Ok, maybe not quarrel, just talk to her and give her a big hug.

Why?

Because I'm stuck in this stupid fiction world where instead of being a princess, I'm a servant girl.

Do you want to to know what the worst part is?

This is all my fault. 

Thank you for reading! I'd love to hear what you think about the story (both good and bad), so please, comment away! And if you liked it, votes would be very appreciated too (: