To my readers: This first chapter of a multi-chapter story has essentially no sex in it. It introduces the characters (some of whom you've met before) who will later bring that element of the story to life. You may wish to skip this part if you're one of those who, like myself, enjoy sex more than the tale of a couple who find -
A New Way of Life Chapter 1
Azman was elated! After three years at his workplace with the large corporation, for which he worked, he had just been chosen to spend the next three years with their American branch in Houston, Texas. His boss and co-workers showered him with congratulations. "It's an indication that you're doing well in our company," his boss told him. "You're only the second employee that has ever been given this opportunity, and we know you'll do well," he had been told.
It was with mixed emotions that Azman told his wife that evening that he would be leaving at the end of the week for three years in the US. What concerned him most was his wife, Azizah. She was pregnant and expecting a child next month. He felt very sorry that he wouldn't be there to welcome it into the world, he told her that night, but it was the chance of a lifetime for he and his family. "I asked if going couldn't be delayed until after our child is born, but they said I must go now or they would have to choose someone else. It means a big promotion for me," he told her "if I can impress the senior executives in the American branch, then come home and show them how much I learned while there. They also said that you could join me when the baby is old enough to travel. Perhaps we will even be able to afford a better home for our parents when we come back."
Reluctantly Azizah agreed. It was indeed the opportunity of a lifetime. She wanted very much to be with Azman, but her doctor had told her she could not travel this late in her pregnancy. He had also told her that she would have twins, although she hadn't told Azman that bit of news yet. She held it back, biting her lip. This was not the time to cause more commotion in their lives.
So, on Friday of that same week, Azizah fought back tears as she saw Azman wave to her from the security checkpoint at the airport. They had not been separated since their wedding, and she knew she would miss him greatly. Despite his misgivings about leaving Azizah behind at least temporarily, he looked forward to this great adventure. He said a silent prayer for her health as he felt the enormous Singapore Airlines 747 jet lurch forward, engines roaring.
Fourteen hours later, he had only time enough to get from the international terminal in Los Angeles, through customs, to the terminal where domestic flights departed for points all over the USA. He was hot, tired, and very sleepy despite the short naps on board the airliner, longing for a hot shower. He was also thankful that his parents had insisted that he study English in school. Without that knowledge, and his own determination to improve his language skills, he thought it would be almost impossible to make his way around the enormous airport. He smiled when he thought of how he had seen western tourists wander aimlessly through the terminal at Kuala Lumpur. Although there were signs in English, Chines, Japanese and other languages, it was still a mystifying maze for many people who did not travel internationally.
Six hours later he stepped into the lounge of the airport in Houston. Fatigue and the loss of an entire day had robbed him of any interest in anything other than a bed and a hot shower. From the lounge he walked what seemed like a great distance to the baggage area. He was still waiting for his baggage to arrive on the carousel when he saw his name on a signboard held aloft by a tall man dressed in a suit. He approached the man who, on seeing him asked if he was Azman. An affirmative reply was met with a handshake and an introduction to the stranger.
"I'm Earl," he was told. "My boss said I should meet you here and take you home. I'm your sponsor for the next three years. You'll be living with me and my wife, Ting. We're very happy to have you as our guest. I haven't been told much about you and your family, so we have a lot of talking to do after you've had a chance to rest and relax after such a long flight."
Earl helped him retrieve his baggage then led him outside to a limousine with the corporation's name embossed on the door. "Nothing like traveling in comfort for a while," Earl said as he pushed Azman's baggage into the trunk. "Just don't get too used to it, the rest of the time you'll be riding around in my old beat up Toyota unless the company gives you a car while you're here."
