The Difference Between Us

Ch. 2 Face to face

  [Eli]

         I was anxious to get off of work. I've been preparing for this moment for the last ten years. I couldn't help but keep my eyes on my watch and phone. My eagerness prevented me from sitting still, so I went out. On my way out the door, my secretary stopped me.

        "Mr. Maverick, I have a few things for you to sign off on," she said.

         "Thank you, Miss Lo. If anyone calls, please let them know I will be out of the office for the day." I said as I signed the papers on the desk.

          "Yes, sir, I will. Also, don't forget Your meeting with Mr. Mong is today. He should be arriving at your home at 6 pm."

           I looked down at my watch.

          "Okay, looks like I have enough time. Thank you, Miss Lo."

          I didn't want to meet with Mr. Mong today. It was a special day; I only wanted to celebrate with my family and friends. However, I was concerned about my old friend after I received an unexpected call from him. He said it was an emergency, so I met him out of goodwill. From what I knew, Mr. Mong had been doing quite well for himself over the last few years. So why the sudden call after so long?

        I didn't want to worry about it since I would know the reason soon, so I pushed the matter back into my mind. I didn't want any thoughts to distract me today.

        Especially not today.

        I made a few stops and then headed home. I pulled into the driveway and then walked inside. At the entrance stood my wife, Mee, who greeted me with a kiss. Looking into her eyes always brought my world to a standstill. She was petite with soft pale skin, dark brown eyes, and long jet-black hair. I met her a year after I moved back to Seoul. I fell madly in love with her; I married her six months later. Some say it was too fast, as for me, I couldn't tie her down fast enough.

        "Welcome home, my love. Everything is almost prepared, and I've laid your clothes on the bed." Mee said happily.

         "Perfect, I picked up a few things," I said as I handed her the bags. "Place them in her room."

          We began to walk up the stairs.

          "Do you think she will like me? I mean, I haven't spoken to her," Mee said nervously.

          "Don't worry; once she gets to know you, she will love you just as much as I do."

          "She barely tolerates you; I doubt she would want to be bothered with me."

              Her words made me stop. We stood at the entrance of our bedroom door. I turned and looked at her with reassuring eyes.

            "Love is strong enough to change any heart. All you have to do is love her unconditionally. She's going to need it."

            Mee let out a sigh as she held her head down. She knew this situation would be difficult but still wanted to try. That made me want to love her more. I bent down to kiss her lips softly. She threw her arms around my neck and kissed me back. We were lost in the moment someone shouted "Ewww" from down the hall. We turned around to see our son Jae. We couldn't help but laugh as he came running towards us. Suddenly Liz, our housekeeper, appeared.

          "Sir, Madam, Mr. Mong, and his family have arrived. I've sat them in the living area."

          "Okay, Liz, I will greet them shortly," Mee said.

           Liz nodded her head and walked back downstairs.

          Mee kissed me again and smiled before signaling Jae to follow her. I watched her as she walked away. I admired her strength and courage to face what was ahead of us.