Part X

'She's amazing baby. She's like a word wizard. I'm gonna have dinner with her tonight and get some tips on writing from her.' he said.

'Oh.' she said dully.

'Her name's Jennifer. She looks a lot like you but she's older of course.'

'Oh.'

'What wrong hun? You don't sound quite right.' he asked.

'Nothing. I'm just tired. I'll talk to you tommorow. Bye.' she hanged up.

'Jennifer. Looks just like me. She's all he's been talking about this past week. I haven't seen him for nearly two months now. Maybe he's getting tired of me.'

'Two months. All we have are phone calls and text messages or online chats. No wonder he's sick of me.' She sighed. There was nothing she could do about it. Her father suspected she was going out with Vince and had been very strict about where and when she went out.

'I should just talk to daddy about Vince. But how? He gets so upset when ever I bring it up. I don't want him to lose his temper again.' She shuddered at the thought. He father was a kind and gentle person normally and she'd never seen him so angry or violent before. It scared the senses out of her.

'Two months! If I don't do something I'll end up losing him. He's been patient so far but how long can we go without seeing each other?' She steeled herself and decided that she would talk to her father about it that night itself.

'Daddy, can I talk to you?' she asked seriously.

'Sure Yuki. What is it about?' he asked.

'You have to promise not to lose your temper tho, otherwise I don't want to talk about it.' she insisted never taking her eyes off him.

'Its about him isn't it? I won't lose my temper. I almost lost you once when I did,' he sighed.

'Yes daddy. I'm quite serious about Vince. We've been going out for a year and a bit now. He's been good to me. I think we're in love. No. I know we're in love.' she started. 'And I don't understand why you're so against him You've never even met him.'

'Your mother told me all I needed to hear about that boy. He's a mongrel and he's not a Christian.' he said firmly.

'He's MIXED... not a mongrel. How can you say that? And he's going to church!' she exclaimed.

'For you? Thats not piousness. That's a boy who doesn't understand what the Lord stands for or His sacrifice. Or His love. If you want to talk about love, think of Jesus who died for us at the cross. THAT is love. What you and this boy feel. It pales to it.' he snapped.

'Everything pales to that daddy. You're not being fair.' she implored.

'Why can't you find a nice Chinese Christian boy. Like Leo? He's nice and good looking too.' he commented.

'Its not about the looks daddy. I love Vince and he makes me happy. It doesn't matter to me that he's half Chinese and half Indian. These are just small things. And as for religion, he's had a hard and cruel life. I think he's starting to believe again. ' she said desparately.

'A small thing?' he spluttered. 'A SMALL thing? I will NOT have an Indian in my family. Wife beaters. They drink away all their money. He doesn't even have a Chinese surname. Starting to believe again? Do you know how many people I've seen in church who 'start to believe' at their own convinience. Thats not true faith.' he growled.

'He doesn't need a Chinese surname for me to love him.' she said plainly.

'Are you bent on sending me to an early grave? I told you before. This boy is no good for you. Find someone else.' he tried to end the conversation.

'I want him daddy. Only him.' she said adamantly.

'I didn't want to say this but we were strict with you when you were younger. Sending you to home schooling was the best choice. We hoped to keep you away from negative influences. But if you insist on this, I will pull you out of college and you can come work in the church with me and your mother. Forget about a social life let alone a mongrel boyfriend. Forget about studying. And definitely forget about that idiot boy. Thats all I have to say.' he stormed away.

She sat down. Stunned at what her father was threatening. College had been a great freedom to her. She had been home tutored ever since she was young. She had friends now. And a promise for a future career as a lawyer. If her father took that away from her, she would have nothing left. And she still wouldn't be able to be with Vince.

She hugged her feet in the fetal position, sobbing away; not knowing what to do.

'I'll just end up hurting him in the end. The more I delay this the worse it will be for him.' she choked. Then her phone rang.

'Hey baby, are you sure you're alright? I'm worried. You sounded troubled. If its anything bugging you let me know and we'll talk it through.

'I'll do it now,' she thought. 'Can I... see you tommorow?' she stammered.

'So thats what was bothering you. Sure. I'll take the day off. You should have just said. Its no big deal. Don't worry about. Its been ages since I've seen you too. I miss you, you silly girl,' he scolded.

'I'll see you tommorow then. Pick me up at 12 will ya. Don't be late kay?', she said.

'Alright. Tommorow it is. I love you baby,' he whispered.

'See ya.' she hung up