“The smaller gift is an Omamori, basically a good luck amulet Omamori means to protect. This one is an Anzan. It’s ...”
“A
wish for good health of a pregnant woman and a newborn baby,” her
mother finished. The expression on her face as she stared at the amulet
in her hand told all sorts of things to the people at the table.
Happiness was not one of them.
The
younger of Paisley’s two brothers held the small amulet by the string,
swinging it back and forth. “Ewww, are you telling us you’re pregnant,
Paisley?”
“Yes.”
She squealed ecstatically standing and bouncing in place. Twirling
until the layers of her skirt flowed, engulfing and wrapping around the
legs of her sister who joined her in dance. Khushi Dae and Malachi’s
grandmother pushed back their chairs, each happily taking turns
embracing Paisley in their joy. Everyone remaining at the table had
their attention focused on Malachi.
Not
knowing what else to do, Malachi decided to brazen it out. Arms folded
behind his head, legs crossed, with a complacent smile on his face,
Malachi leaned the chair back until it rested on the back legs. “Well,
go ahead and blame me. I’ll stand up to my responsibilities.”
“You
better, akudou.” His father, walking behind him to join the women,
swept the legs of the chair as he passed. The immediate laughter from
all as Malachi caught himself before hitting the floor, lightened the
atmosphere.
“Ha,
ha. You all go ahead and laugh.” Malachi stood, brushed down his
clothing and straightened his chair while trying to gather his dignity.
Instead of sitting, he moved to where Paisley stood. Separating her from
the well-wishers, he helped her into her chair but remained standing
behind his.Smiling slightly, he accepted the bottle of wine from the
hands of the waiter. “Now that Paisley has excited everyone with our
little announcement, I wanted to openly apologize for causing everyone
stress and ask for the forgiveness of both families.”
“Wine
won’t clear it that easily, little brother.” Yogi sipped from his glass
of water, his index finger pointing towards Mr. MuRong. “Words mean
nothing, you have to do something bigger.”
“You know me. After lunch I have plans.”
“Malachi, what are you talking about?” Paisley scooted closer and whispered in his ear.
Patting
the top of her hand without answering, he directed his next words to
her father. “Mr. MuRong, sir, I know I showed you and Paisley’s
beautiful mother an enormous amount of disrespect and I want to make up
for that.”
“No
disrespect to your father, but it will take more than a dinner, where
you spring the announcement of my grandchild as easily as you announce
the weather. Why is it you always want to have important discussions in a
restaurant? Your decorum is wanting.”
“Stick
with me through lunch, sir and I promise you will love me.” He laughed
at the collective dismissal sound from every person at the table.
“Family, don’t give up on me, yet. I’m full of surprises.”
When
dessert was served, conversation began to lag until eventually silence
reigned and all eyes turned to Malachi. He raised his hand and
immediately a waitress appeared by his side and presented a card to
Paisley. In confusion, Paisley looked towards Malachi.
“Go
with her Paisley, Yoshiko will you go with them? Mr. And Mrs. MuRong,
Amma, Appa- everyone,will you follow me?” Malachi reached out, clasping
the elbow of his grandmother and helping her from her chair.
“We’ll
go with the girls.” Malachi’s mom laughed, excitedly clasping Paisley’s
mom’s hand. Looking as if she knew something no one else knew.
The
path to the restaurant’s rear garden and pagoda was lined on either
side by hedges of roses and covered with arches of red wagasas and lit
Japanese lanterns. At the entrance to the pagoda, Malachi stood with
his brothers and an officiant, nervously waiting for his bride.
When
Paisley stepped through the double glass doors to the garden, the first
notes of Malachi’s favorite song began to play and Paisley had to laugh
at the sight of Yogi punching his brother on the shoulder and the short
comical argument which ensued. It was obvious to her, Yogi as eldest
brother, was chastising Malachi for being bold and teasing her father.
What better song to use than Rude by Magic!? Listening to the chorus
declaring the singer’s intention to marry his girl touched Paisley
through her very being and she was overwhelmed with love. She wanted to
run into his arms, but instead, looked up and smiled into the
compassionate gaze of her father as he stepped to her side.
“That fellow is determined to love you, my angel.”
“Yes, for eternity, Ota-san.”
“And I will accept that and treat him as a son, the little gaki.”
If you are interested or want to know about the challenges of Albinism, visit NOAH The National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation.
If you have any questions or comments, you can e-mail at webmaster@albinism.org
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