Stella, Hi
This is Harry Yi, the one you met in the Airplane bound to Seattle, how was your trip, did you and your father patch things up?, anyway it was very nice meeting you. I never expected another call so if you like to have dinner sometime, call me back, again this is Harry. (Recording stop).
No reply, Answering machine answered, each time I call. "This is Stella, busy travelling, leave me a message after the beep".
It's the 3rd time I tried to call Stella this week, after I met her on the plane.
I was in LA for a Layover.
Since moving from Washington, to Shanghai, I was working hard moving back and forth to win a contract for a tower being built by our company.
When my father died I worked and studied at the sametime. Finished my college in a business school. I won a scholarship to study Civil Engineering, and still I worked some more, until I finally graduated with honors and got my masters degree. I didn't have anytime to party, I was a total dork. It was dark times to be a man, when your friends are partying and you are stuck on two or three jobs at a time.
There was one girl, I met her in Seattle, she was always with her Dad, on a boating trip. Once every summer I see her on one of my part time jobs, I was a steward on a yatch. Each time they board the "Anna Marie", the name of my boss's boat, she orders, Gin and tonic, with a squeeze of lemon. I always put a pink umbrella on her glass, she laughs when I do that.
What's your name uhm, where are you from?, she got curious of me.
Harry, not from around here. I replied.
So I see, nice meeting you Harry, the girl answered. Next time put more gin into this teeny tiny glass, and keep the umbrella coming, It feels tropical in here, even though it always rains. I love it.
Her smile is the reason, I haven't changed jobs in 3 years.
On her last year on the boat, I saw her crying, on her father's shoulder, they talked quite long. I was waiting for them to finish their drinks, or if they will still need me.
By 9pm, his father went to his room, and she was there I can see that she was drunk, And I was almost sleepy, while standing, I had a long day. She suddenly went to the edge and threw something. I taught she was going to jump, so I held her hand.
Harry, is it?, you're so very nice to me, and so handsome, why can't I keep a guy, I don't understand. I'm pretty don't you think?, she was staring straight at me, I let go of her hand. She didn't notice my eyes was focused on the darkness of the sea, she just looked at me like she needs desperately for some approval, and comfort.
My father once said, never chase something that is not for you, I never had a heartache because of his words. I can only see what I want to see, and I can say, that you are lovely, coming from someone who never experienced how to love. So I don't get to say why that foolish guy can't keep a woman such as you are.
You are such a long talker Mr. Harry Yi.
She fell asleep on my arms, she was muttering something. A name, Stel., A girl, or a boy's name?, I dared not wake her up. She looks cute when she sleeps. I led her to her room, and kept the lights on, as I closed the door behind me. I went home after that thinking, Man why I didn't ask for her number or email, why?, because she was intoxicated or because she has someone else in mind?.
Dad, how did this happen?, when did you get into an accident?.
Ah on the the way to clean up at the shop, your mother forgot something, and I tried to get it for her, and I didn't notice the sign, construction on-going and My car was parked behind the store, and My foot slipped and I fell, or I was driving and I fell into the hole. It's all a bit hazy in my head. I really don't remember.
Since retiring, your Dad became busy at the shop. Your grandmother's antique shop.
Oh, Daddy, why didn't you call me?, I asked.
My sweet Angel, I didn't want to make you worry.
But I do worry, I worry about you a lot. You are becoming old. I laughed while my tears are flowing.
I'll fix you some tea, I have treats for you and Mom. We're together now, I'll take care of you. I hugged my father once again.