[J] - Shu Lai (cupcakette) and Jiang

[cupcakette]

03-11-08 - Stumbling Upon Jiang

Spring. Spring had finally arrived. The birds were rejoicing in various trees, the leaves were exploding into shades of victorious greens and the sky was embracing everyone in a vibrant blue. Ah, the wonders of the spring. The air, despite how soft or sweet it was, always brought up unwanted memories. Shu sat by an open window reminiscing about her childhood. The spring had once been a joyous time, but now Shu had nothing to celebrate. Spring was time of birth and rebirth. However, spring now brought up the pains that constantly reminded Shu that there were no birthdays around the corner. There was no vibrant laughter echoing down the halls. Shu was unable to have a child. It was a cruel joke considering that Shu had once been a mistress. The doctors unable to diagnose the condition, had only said “I’m sorry m’am, but…” Shu got the hint. She now sat with her hands clenched upon her empty stomach, wishing for something that may as well never happen. There was always adoption? Yes, but it wasn’t the same. Shu wanted the feeling that there was someone else inside of her. With a forlorn sigh, Shu craned her neck out of the window. She closed her eyes and let the breeze caress her fair skin. Shu sat like that for a few minutes; from a far some may of thought that she was about to jump…

The sun was deliciously warm today and Shu made a note to go for a walk. With her spirits somewhat brightened, Shu retracted her neck from the open window and settled back down amongst her propped up cushions. Languidly, Shu’s eyes focused down upon her koi pond. Underneath the glistening waters Shu could see the slick bodies of various koi darting back and forth. Black, white, orange, red. The koi gracefully glided underneath lily pads and around their roots as if they were competing in a marathon. Shu could observe the koi for hours. They were beautiful creatures. Most likely the only fish that Shu could ever love. But wait…

Shu supported herself out of the window once more. Something wasn’t right, for a brief second the pond had looked disrupted. The water formed little waves that hit the surrounding stones. Maybe an animal fell in? Shu quickly hopped off of her window seat and bolted for the door. She briskly set outside and towards the curious spectacle. It most likely wasn’t a big deal, but if someone’s pet had fallen in Shu wasn’t the one that wanted to be held responsible. Shu hesitantly approached the pond with small delicate steps. She clenched her hands at her sides and expected to find some horrible site (being in 'trapped' in your house for one week certainly does things to your mind).

“Hmm.” Shu bit her lip as she circled the pond looking for suspicious things. Then there is was again. The familiar splash, as if someone had just jumped into the pond. She did a double take, but could find nothing out of the ordinary. Certainly the weather was playing tricks on her mind…

“Oh my…” Or maybe not?

In the corner of her eye Shu could see something quite large (in comparison to her koi) skimming along the top of the pond. She turned around once more and right in front of her was a child, no a baby, floating along with the koi. Now Shu wasn’t so hesitant, she dunked into the pond and advanced towards the baby. With her hands gently wrapping around the baby’s waist, Shu pulled the baby out of the water only to find it wasn’t your average child…. Her eyes examined the child with great curiosity. It’s features were much like those of a koi and this child was most likely quite happy among it’s koi brethren. Certainly this was a dream? The baby remained suspended in the air for a few minutes. She blinked a few times and than realized that she was much happier in the safety of the water. This revelation brought tears to the baby’s eyes and in desperation; she let out a big cry.

“Oh no! ShhShhh!” Shu shook her head and eventually came out of her trance. She brought the child close to her chest and rocked her gently in her arms.

Was this real? Could this be a dream? Shu stood in the middle of the pond gaping with disbelief. Did she really need any further explanations?

“It’s ok…” Shu thought for a moment. “Jiang, please don’t cry.”

 

[cupcakette]

03-12-08 - Meeting Uziri

Shu & Jiang happen to discover Uziri fishing for sharks in the park

*click*

 

[cupcakette]

03-18-08 - Goodnight, Sleep tight.

Jiang was tucked tightly between two pillows upon Shu's bed. Soft snores could be heard from the sleeping child as she quickly rolled into a deep slumber. Her dreams were vivid and exciting, or at least Shu could only assume so. Shu hovered over Jiang and observed the girl with a lingering smile upon her lips. She couldn't help but stare at her daughter. Daughter, it all sounded so strange.

Jiang languidly turned over onto her belly. The child imagined she was swimming, Jiang could feel the safety of the water surrounding her. She felt the familiar roots of the lily pad brush gently against her arms. This was home.

Shu wanted to laugh at the sight that was beginning to unveil. Jiang, once silently solid, was now kicking her legs and waving her arms as if she were swimming. Her active body threw off the comforting blanket that had once embraced her, and her arms tossed the sheets a bit. Shu pressed her hand against her mouth. Biting her lip, she attempted to prevent herself from laughing. One moment Jiang was 'swimming rapidly', but now she appeared to have stopped. Shu continued to admire Jiang once more. She held her breath, hoping that the hum of her breathing wouldn’t wake up the child.

Quote:

Dear Jiang,
How will I ever tell you the story of how we met? You will most likely never believe such a tale, and sometimes I don’t either. Jiang means river. River a body of water, it fits, right? You don’t know this. But before finding you, I had been waiting for you… for a very long time.

Later that night, after the usual oberservation of Jiang, Shu found some time to open up a fresh page in her new journal. It only seemed right to document the events that were to come. Maybe on a rainy day when Jiang was old enough to know right from wrong, they could sit down and admire the life they had shared thus so far…

Quote:

I hope that one day when you’re old enough to read you will enjoy this journal and look back with a smile. Hopefully you’re not cracking up with laughter at this point, cheesy… I know. I have so many things to tell you that have led up to 'us'. You will find them here so I don’t have to risk confrontation, because god knows I’m not good at that.

You are a baby now and I have just experienced an amazing event. I can’t help but stare at you while you sleep. It’s only natural for a mother, right? We don’t have a crib yet, but you have been sleeping soundly upon my bed with me. (and sometimes in a basket.) You swim in your sleep. Some people sleep walk, but you sleep swim.

It is late.

Goodnight.

Shu couldn't help but feel a sense of relief while scribbling away in her journal. Yet, she felt awkward, as if she were writing all the wrong things. Hopefully, Jiang wouldn't judge her. Maybe she shouldn't even let Jiang read the journal? Or better yet, why not just rewrite the whole entry. Shu scrapped all these ideas, it was a fresh start. It was unlikely Jiang was going to judge her based off a stupid journal entry right? Plus Jiang was her daughter, so one could only hope she would be biased.