Siren Song - 201 Gratitude I + II

‘Senior? How tactless.’ Clicking his tongue against his teeth in irritation, Jean-Jacques Dumont almost reconsidered saying what he had wanted to say. ‘Such a petty man, I wonder what my grand-fille sees in him.”

“I thought that Mr. Che would need a hand with his items, Mr Poitier and myself are indeed advancing quickly in our years, as you so rightly pointed out.”

“Is that all, I think he should be perfectly fine to handle this matter on his own.” Raising an eyebrow Liang JianAmal, stopped and looked at Justin before returning his gaze to Jean-Jacques Dumont.

Seeing the looks directed at him, Justin looked between the two in confusion, wondering what was going on.

“As I am not needed, I will be returning to my wife now.” Liang JianAmal immediately turned on his heel and started to walk away.

“Hey, where are you going Jian, what’s going on?”

“Wait a moment Mr Liang… Please.” After a few moments, Jean-Jacques Dumont, entreated him with a lower voice.

‘Please?’ Stopping Liang JianAmal turned and looked at him with puzzlement knitting his eyebrows together. ‘What would bring such a proud man to say that, especially me?’

“What is it?”

“I did not call you merely to help Mr. Che. I actually wanted to convey my gratitude to the two of you

“In particular I do believe that I may also owe you these words.”

“Mr. Liang.” coughing into a fist Jean-Jacques Dumont momentarily closed his piercing deep-blue eyes as if rearranging his thoughts before opening them. As he closed them the creases in his face deepened as he frowned, sighing deeply.

“Hěn bào qiàn.”1 Giving him a small bow, displaying his receding head of white hair, the old man apologized sincerely to him in Chinese.

“I did some research, as I wanted to give you a more meaningful apology.”

Stunned Liang Jian Amal found himself rarely out of words. Never in a million years could he have begun to guess that this was what Jean-Jacques Dumont had called him down to say.

“Hey what are you two talking about, I uh, I can’t understand what you both are saying at all.” Nudging Jian with his elbow Justin tried to get someone to make some sense for him. Turning Jian gave him a sort of weird look, as if in utter disbelief of what was going on around him.

“Justin, am I sane?” Holding a hand to his forehead, Liang JianAmal turned to Justin by him.

Seeing the shock on his face quickly being replaced with irritation Justin held up a hand in warning and warding

‘Damn this guy and his attitude! You shouldn’t have asked if you didn’t want an honest answer!’

“Well but-but if you’re meaning about right now and whatever he told you, I guess. But I don’t understand what he said to you but Shar’s grandpa bowed to you for some reason.”

“Pardonnez-moi. I have been negligent of the fact that you are unable to speak anything other than English. I am able to speak it, but please excuse me as it is not the best anymore. I am a bit out of practice as I do not find a need to use it usually.” With a penitent expression Jean-Jacques Dumont cleared his throat and spoke in a heavily accented English.

“I wanted to take a moment of both of your time to thank the two of you. You both have done more than I was ever able to. If ever you find that you are in need of assistance do feel free to call on me. I owe the both of you a debt of gratitude beyond measure. ”

“Wait what, hold on. Now why do you think you owe us? You sought me out, bought me a ticket, and made it so I could see one of my best friends again. You have only given to me, I don’t know about Mr. moody next to me, but I feel lile you definitely don’t owe me.”

“When I contacted you Mr Che, I will admit that I had ulterior motive. I was not just being kind to you. I did what I did in the hopes that it would bring Charmaine happiness. She has been unwell for too long. I was unable to bring her joy with what I would do. The best I was able was to do was help her find this place so that she would at least have some peace. No matter what I wished, or did, I was unable to give her a peaceful home.

“I have been worried for her for so long, my only son’s only child. She means more to me than I could begin to say. And not for just being of my blood, I care for Charmaine for who she is; she is strong, smart, and a good child. As her grand-père I want to give her the best of this world, only the best.”

“She is more than that.” Reflecting inwardly Liang JianAmal spoke up, gaging the man before him.

“Yes, she is. Which is why I am so grateful to the two of you. To see her smile so bright, to see her face glow, it sets my old heart at ease, at long last.”

“If you had not made yourself an impediment, it would not have been such a long period of pain for Chang. If you had not done as you have, you would not have carried such a burden either.” Hearing Jean-Jacques Dumont feeling eased, Liang JianAmal could not help but sneer, spitting the words out coldly. Shocked the older man’s eyes lowered from shame.

“It is as you say. I have not been as good as I should have been, this is part of my own doing. I had become stuck in ways that I thought I had long broke from. I see only now, that although time has aged me, it did not bring me the wisdom I thought I had already gained. I had failed Charmaine.”

“I have too, in many ways.” After Jean-Jacques Dumont spoke silence reigned heavily for a few minutes before Liang JianAmal spoke again.

“Then would you say that we would be allied now, for my Charmaine?” Holding out a hand for Liang JianAmal to shake in agreement Jean-Jacques Dumont looked at him expectantly.

“I would not say allied as it would imply a friendliness between us two. I would say affiliated, as we both wish her happiness.”

“Then?” Raising his head Jean-Jacques Dumont looked at him expectantly.

“Yes, if you are true to what you say.” Holding out his own hand, he clasped the older man’s, shaking it firmly. “Just do not expect me to forgive you.”

“I understand, I do not expect this from you, only understanding, and perhaps aid.”