Judy Liu was the happiest newlywed in the world! She and her husband had just purchased this beautiful home in the heart of suburbia. No more city commute, or large shopping malls. Most of all, she would not have to put up with being pinched, mauled, and leered at by the black gangs on the crowded subways and sidewalks.
Her husband had sent his resume to this small Midwestern college, and by some miracle had been accepted! Best of all, he had received a sizable increase in salary. With his savings and her small inheritance from her parents, they had been able to give a large down payment on this two bedroom home. There was a backyard and plenty of space for her flowers. Their neighbors on one side, were an elderly couple and seemed very nice and friendly. The woman had offered her cuttings from her garden to get her started on her own. She was told the couple on the other side were on an extended vacation to the man's home in Jamaica and were due back next week. That's when the conversation got strange. The woman said, "Be careful of those people. There's something frightening about him. I believe they are why the last couple moved out. That young girl was pregnant, and she had told me her husband wasn't able to get her with child."
"Come on Martha. It's none of our business and you may have misunderstood what she said."
"I know what I heard and I know what I saw. I saw him going in their back door many times when the young husband was at work. You've seen him with his overbearing attitude and lording it over everybody that will talk to him. People are scared of him and avoid him whenever possible. That young husband was scared of him, too." Saying this, she let herself be led back into their home.
Judy was puzzled at her statement and a little uncomfortable at the old lady's attitude. Oh, Well! Nothing was going to ruin her day. Most certainly, no man was coming in her back door. She had too much to do, to worry about what might have been. She almost had everything put away, and should start dinner. Dave would be home in another hour and he was always starved.
Over dinner, Dave made a statement that began her wondering if maybe the lady was right. He said the head of his department was on vacation and would return next week. Judy asked, "Did anyone say where he was from?"
"He's from Jamaica and behind his back, they call him Jamal, the jaguar. When I asked why that name, I was told it was because he would go for the throat of anyone disagreeing with him. He destroyed anyone perceived as an enemy."
"Our neighbor is from Jamaica and will return next week. Did we purchase our home next to your boss?"
"I have no idea, but, God, I hope not!"
Judy had forgotten all about the neighbors being gone, and had finished getting her home in order. She had finally found time to relax, and was sprawled on the sofa watching television. There was a knock on the door, and before she could get up to answer, it opened to admit a tall, dark bronze woman. The woman was smiling as she came into the room. She acted as if they had known each for years and were the best of friends.
"Hi neighbor, my names Patricia, but everyone calls me Pat. Don't get up. I'll just set down here at your feet. Lets get acquainted while Jamal is getting the utilities turned back on. Our house is too hot, until we get the electricity. I knew you were going to be young, but, I didn't know how beautiful you would be. Jamal is going to be happy about that! He just loves beautiful, young women. You're Asian! What an extra added bonus that is! You must tell me all about yourself."
"Why would Jamal care whether I was young and beautiful, or not? I'm married. So, it doesn't make any difference."
"Oh, but, it does. Wait and see. When he received your husband's resume and saw the age of his wife, he threw the rest of the applications in the trash. So you see, your age got your husband hired at the college. We didn't know you were Asian, though. So small, too! You can't weigh a hundred pounds. How old are you?"
"I'm twenty-four and I'm Chinese. You're right. I only weigh 97 pounds. Is Jamal my husband's boss at school?
"Oh yes. I thought you knew that already. He pretty much does the hiring and firing in his department. He's very strict at work and the same in his personal life, too. He doesn't like anyone to disagree with him. I do whatever he says and no questions asked. That's why we have been together for six years. That, and the size of his equipment, if you know what I mean." Pat said, with a dreamy smile on her face.
Judy was so shocked at these revelations, she didn't know what to say. What kind of people were these two? She was at a loss of what to say, until Pat told her to begin at the beginning, and tell her about herself.
"Well, I was born and raised in China. I came to the United States four years ago on a student Visa. Dave was teaching at the college when we met. He's ten years older than me, but that is no problem. We're very much in love. We got married when he found out he got this job. I had finished school and was going to have to return to China. Everything worked out perfect. I'm very happy in our marriage."
"Is Dave Chinese, too?"
"He's Chinese, but, he was born in the USA."
"You speak perfect English for someone that has only been here for four years.Have you ever had an American boyfriend"
"I have studied English since I was in the first grade. No, I have never had an American boyfriend and frankly, I never wanted one."
