Episode 36: Uncompromising

The wound on Bill's head was healing nicely and with the stitches now removed it hurt a whole lot less.  He was excited at the thought of seeing Mai, but also a little apprehensive especially given Phuong's information on who had attacked him in his apartment.  Was this a set up he thought, although try as he might to expunge the thought from his mind...it kept scratching away in the back of his mind.

Mai stood barefoot on the marble patio with a brightly colored sarong tied neatly above her breasts, she was transfixed by the brilliant tropical sunset over the lake and was so absorbed that she didn't hear Anh approach. Anh wrapped her arms around Mai's waist and nuzzled her ear before kissing her neck lightly.

This was the perfect time of day and Mai's favorite, she truly felt at peace bathed in the late afternoon sunlight as it slowly changed colors from the reds and yellows to the deep purples of the early evening.  It was rare that Anh and Mai's paths crossed at this time of day, as generally Mai's day was just getting under way.   

Anh was easily bored with the tedium of small talk, and especially with the embassy set that Mai tended to float so beautifully within.  However, more than anything she despised the revolutionary council and dismissed them as a traitorous group that should be lined up against the nearest wall and shot.  She felt deeply betrayed given that they had fought for so long for independence, only to now open up the country to all the western powers once again.  

At least she controlled the ChợĐồg Xuân as she saw fit, without interference from anyone and ruled it with a iron fist.  This was her turf and the revolutionary council knew better than to interfere especially since she paid so handsomely each month, which undoubtedly kept the local coffers flush and thus ensured everyone gave her a free hand.

It as Mai who spoke first as they stood in the diminishing light, "I finally heard from my Australian friend" she said brightly.  Anh didn't have to enquire as to who she meant as it was immediately obvious.  "So the Australian has finally resurfaced" she said with a slight edge to her voice. "Yes, I'm seeing him next Tuesday" Mai said defiantly as she turned to look Anh in the eye.  

No one spoke to Anh like this.  She had always loved Mai's fierce and uncompromising courage when faced with situations like this - she was like a cornered tiger Anh thought.  Anh was silent momentarily as she contemplated her response.  Then finally said, "he is unreliable and disappears for long periods, clearly he is using you" she spat with a venom so rarely seen by Mai.  Mai laughed softly, "you've always instructed me to use my male suitors to my advantage, whose not to say I'm not doing that now to him" she mused. 

Anh knew Mai, better than Mai herself and could see that she felt something deep for this man...