by J A Scooter
"Now Jennifer, we need shoes and accessories to match the dresses."
Back in her skirt and blouse, Jennifer was ready for the next adventure.
With swatches of fabric in their hands, the girls marched off, determined to make the day a success.
The day was ending when they returned to Raffles. On entering the suite, Jennifer was amazed to see three Cheongsams, one gold and two red, spread across the bed.
"How did these get here?” Jennifer asked Lee-Lee and Lu-Lu in surprise.
"Part of the friendly, smiling service of the East,” was the reply. The three girls unpacked their parcels, making sure that everything matched and was ready for the evening's event.
Sitting back with their shoes off, the girls ordered afternoon tea from room service. They chatted about the day and explained to Jennifer the plan for the evening. However their explanation was less than explicit, leaving out some details so as not to spoil the surprise.
Meanwhile Peter had been collected and taken to meet his Chinese Father. He spent the morning telling his father of his life in Australia and of his plans for the future with Jennifer.
His Chinese Father arranged for a tailor to meet with them and make a suit for Peter so he would be a well-dressed businessman at the evening's event.
Knowing his Chinese father's attitude towards money, Peter believed that sometime during the day his father would demand that he account for all the money heaped on him as a reward for saving the four girls in the jungle all those years previously.
A series of Board meetings followed and question followed question on how Peter had spent the money, as he was required to account for every cent. Hisses of approval met his explanation of how he had increased the amount by 75%. The meetings and questioning were thorough without considering all the financial statements he had supplied on a regular basis.
The day of meetings was finally finished. It was time for Peter and his Father to get ready for the evening.
Peter was most anxious to meet Jennifer again. In a parlor off the Ballroom of the Raffles Hotel, he waited patiently until Jennifer stood in the doorway. He felt his heart leap.
Dressed in a golden Cheongsam with its Dragon and Phoenix pattern, she was so beautiful. The Mandarin collar, the half back of the dress clinging to her body with the slit up to her thighs, emphasized her figure. Her red hair hung down to her shoulders and she radiated her love for him.
He took her by the shoulders rotating her so he could view her beauty.
"I knew my frog made a good Prince Charming. I must get the name of your tailor,” Jennifer commented as she turned him around.
"Did the girls tell you what's happening tonight?” Peter inquired.
"They told me the basics saying it was an important evening with your Father."
The sound of the door opening and a voice from behind, asking them to follow interrupted any further conversation. Peter slipped her arm through his and patiently followed the concierge to the entrance of the ballroom.
Pausing, Jennifer was astounded to see hundreds of Chinese standing to welcome them. Her eyes opened wide as she saw a semi-circle that included her mother, her father, her brother, the twins and a tall imposing Chinese man with a tiny attractive woman beside him - obviously his wife.
The Master of Ceremonies began speaking and Peter bent closer to whisper, "He's welcoming us in Mandarin. Next, he'll use Cantonese and then he'll repeat the welcome in English. This is your Chinese wedding reception, so enjoy."
To the left of the doorway was a table on which stood a huge wedding photograph of them. Around the borders of the photograph were hundreds of Chinese signatures. Behind the table stood a red heart-shaped box with a slit at the top.
"This is where the Ang Pows from the guests are placed,” Peter explained. "We'll donate the money to charity."
"... Mr. and Mrs. Peter O'Brien.” The M.C. seemed to have finished.
Holding Jennifer's hand tightly, Peter moved onto the stage with her while cheers and shouts rang out around them.
The M.C. handed Peter the microphone and he responded with the Cantonese sibilants rolling so easily off his tongue. In each of the languages he repeated the words, "My wife and I thank you all for accepting us as part of your family. To be in this circle of love with family and so many friends makes this a truly memorable occasion. Again I say thank you."
Peter tried to hand the microphone back to the M.C. but a small hand reached out and took possession of it. Jennifer, with a beaming smile and tears of joy at seeing her family in this unusual situation, quietly added, "My husband spoke for us but I feel so overwhelmed with your love for us that I, also, must thank you. To Lee-Lee and Lu-Lu, I express my gratitude for helping me spend Peter's money on dresses, and of course for the fresh lime sodas."
Her brief words caused gales of laughter.
Then the people in the circle of love moved forward to hug and congratulate the couple.
Jennifer and Peter warmly greeted her parents and Andrew, who was very pleased to tell her they had seen the two of them in the streets and had to hide so they wouldn't spoil the surprise.
Peter's Chinese Father swooped on Jennifer. Behind him, was his wife listening and smiling as he spoke.
"Ah, at last we meet you! Congratulations Jennifer, you have tamed The Little One."
He turned his attention to Peter. "Peter, if you don't mind I'll forget the Asian way and do the Australian thing.” Without waiting for an answer, he hugged Jennifer and kissed her on the cheek.
"My daughters told me you were beautiful, but, my girl, words can't describe your beauty. Thank you, my dear, for taming this man to whom we owe such a debt but perhaps you already know."
He introduced his wife. The Chinese and Australian parents sat on either side of Jennifer and Peter. There was no hint of uneasiness with the language barrier.
Jennifer noticed that Andrew sat between the twins. She knew they would keep him in control.
"Peter you never cease to amaze me. How did you keep such a secret of my family being here in Singapore?” Jennifer stared into his eyes and all he could do was laugh and lean forward for a kiss.
"Don't blame me. My fathers arranged this long before our Australian wedding. The Chinese and Tamil sides of my family did all the preparations. So pleased are they with our marriage they insisted on paying all expenses. Your family left on the flight after ours and have been the guests of my Chinese family."
Realizing Peter had let something slip, Jennifer grinned. She instantly realized that there would be a special occasion with Peter's Tamil family and she looked forward to being in KL.
In front of Peter was the usual plate of chilies, and Jennifer surprised everyone by delicately selecting a small piece and swallowing it. She smiled to herself, knowing that Peter had taught her the art of chili eating so her mouth was not on fire.
The twenty-course banquet was exquisite, and, when Jennifer proved her dexterity with chopsticks, Peter's father remarked, “Peter has taught you well."
He looked at Peter, still receiving congratulations from the guests. "You've lost none of your Cantonese, I notice, Peter,” he commented wryly after Peter had spoken with person after person who arrived at the table to congratulate them.
Whenever people arrived at the table armed with a drink in hand, Peter stood, touched their glass with his and shouted, "Yam Seng!"
Jennifer noted that Peter only sipped his drink while the other person drained their glass. She was amazed at the number of toasts proposed and drunk.
Her father danced with her and proudly bent to tell her that she looked radiant and extremely happy. Excitedly, he continued to explain the way they had arrived in Singapore. He added how impressed he was by the extent of the hospitality showed them.
Dancing with her new Chinese father-in-law was different, as he wanted to compliment her on her beauty and her acceptance of the Chinese customs and behavior.
Even Andrew was subdued, but he only danced once
with his sister. The remainder of the evening he spent dancing with the twins.
Elizabeth took time to take her daughter aside. She discussed the whirlwind that had taken over the family's lives since the wedding. She mentioned that they had learned to eat with their right hand and that her ability with chopsticks had improved.
Knowing that another piece of the jigsaw that formed Peter's plans had fallen into place, Jennifer made no comment but listened attentively while watching Peter dance with his sisters.
During the evening, Jennifer found herself in the powder room with the twins who were eager to tell their story.
"Has Peter told you of the floggings he took for stealing food for us? Did you know we were both madly in love with him because he saved our lives and we wanted him to marry both of us? Do you know...?” The stories seemed endless.
Later, on the dance floor Jennifer's jewelry flashed almost as much as her eyes, and Peter knew every man present envied him. They didn't talk as they danced. Words were unnecessary.
Their bodies spoke to each other incessantly. The brush of her thigh against his, the warmth of her hand in his and the feel of her waist cradled in his arms sent Peter's blood racing. When his lips lightly brushed Jennifer's Peter knew her body was answering.
They were both tired when they returned to their room.
Chapter 13 At Last
Peter enjoyed Thursday's early morning swim, taking this time alone to plan the day. The air hadn't warmed yet and the water, though tepid, was refreshing as he floated idly awaiting Jennifer's arrival.
"Got cha!” Peter heard the shriek as two soft hands sent him to the bottom. Spluttering and coughing he surfaced to see Jennifer's face close to his.
"Jennifer, I love you so damn much it hurts, but that won't save you!” and he dived to catch her. Lifting her high against his chest he growled, "I do love you and I've been so bloody foolish."
"No, not foolish,” she exclaimed, "just very, very patient and considerate."
She bent her head until their lips touched and she allowed her passionate longing to flow into him. Then, breathless, she struggled free. Shrieking, she fled for the poolside and breakfast. Her message was unspoken but clear.
Peter pretended not to have understood as they trooped off exploring yet again. He led the way with an urgency that surprised Jennifer.
In Arab Street, he seemed to be searching for something as he studied the windows. Surprised by the wealth of materials and the rich variety of carvings on offer, Jennifer straggled behind until Peter led her into a shop heavy with incense.
"Benares Silk,” he demanded. His Tamil sisters had taught him well.
"These are the best, young Sahib... Now Sahib, this Sari…,” taking one from the pile, he lightly draped it around Jennifer's hips. "It suits the young memsahib. Just right for her coloring - and feel the texture - the finest quality."
He paused, and clapping his hands, summoned his wife from the rear of the shop.
"What would you like to drink, Memsahib?” She asked.
They sat and accepted the fresh lime sodas offered by the Indian's wife who was totally surprised when Peter thanked her in Tamil. Politely, Peter listened to the sales pitch before laughingly interrupting, "And I'm a stupid Australian. This isn't Benares Silk!"
Fingering the sari, he continued, "And this isn't gold thread. A Hong Kong factory produced this sari. Sorry!" Peter began to make his way towards the entrance.
"If the Young Sahib would like to see...” The shopkeeper and Peter repeated the pantomime until Peter demanded a shirt and removed his.
The shopkeeper's wife, seeing Peter's back, shrieked and the shopkeeper went seven shades of white. "Sahib, forgive this poor, ignorant man. We do not sell shirts but if you wait a moment a shirt shall be here for you."
"Yes and I want a jeweler. Not some salesman from the Pasar Malam (night market) either."
The shopkeeper reluctantly produced the sari from the window and the haggling really began.
The purchase of the sari included the buying of a choli and a pavada. When Peter demanded that the shopkeeper's wife teach Jennifer how to wear the blouse, the petticoat and the sari she took Jennifer to a room at the back of the shop.
Ashi, as he called himself, commented, "The memsahib will look beautiful. You've chosen well. However, you'll need something special to match her beauty."
Peter allowed Ashi to lead him next door to a tailor where he selected an off-cream material for a featherweight suit. His purchases included a dark brown shirt, pale cream tie and new tan shoes. With the measurements taken, Peter warned the tailor that he would be back the same afternoon to collect his purchases.
Feeling very pleased with his devious surprise, Peter returned with Ashi to see Jennifer rejoining them from the back of the shop. Her red hair down to her shoulders, and her right arm hanging free of its folds gave the sari life. She walked with such grace that the sari swished in a sexual benediction. Peter's heart stood still while Jennifer's face betrayed no emotion as she silently studied Peter's eyes.
"My God, Jennifer! If only you could see how beautiful you look! I'd whistle except that my mouth's gone funny. Quick, change out of that before I run amok."
She skipped into his arms. "Peter, you spoil me."
When Peter asked that Ashi's wife deliver Jennifer's clothing to Raffles, he was adamant that she be there to dress Jennifer by 7.
They returned to the hotel early in the afternoon when the steamy heat had sapped Jennifer's strength. She knew that the evening would be special and was grateful that Peter was content to hold her.
"Sleep well my love. We'll paint the town red tonight. While you sleep, I'll have a swim. Remember, this heat means I'm home."
She was already drowsing when he left.
It was easy in Arab Street to have a shave and a massage before going to the tailor's for a fitting. Dressed in the new clothes, Peter looked in the mirror to see a well-dressed almost handsome, tall, muscular Australian male. From there he returned to Ashi's to check the sari had left and to see if his order from the jeweler had arrived.
It seemed to take forever to get back to Raffles in the traffic and to commence knocking on the door of their suite.
Ashi's wife slowly opened the door. She stepped back to reveal Jennifer whose cool green eyes were pools for Peter to drown in and he could only suck in his breath in admiration of his wife's loveliness.
Finally Peter could speak.
"Mrs. O'Brien, may I have the pleasure of your company this evening?"
The emerald earrings hung from her ears. The emerald pendant lay low in the dip of her choli, which modestly revealed the tops of her breasts and the shadowy suggestion of her cleavage. The pale green sari with its gold brocade border enhanced the color of the emeralds and highlighted her beauty. Gold sandals peeking from beneath the hem of the sari told Peter she had done some shopping of her own.
"I don't know what my husband will say when he finds such a handsome, well-dressed stranger in our room.” She turned Peter around. "Who was your tailor, Peter? You look terrific."
"By the way, I found this in the corridor and I thought you may as well have it, but I don't know how you'll explain it to your husband.” Grinning, Peter carefully took her right arm and fastened the emerald and diamond encrusted bracelet to her wrist.
"The card in my pocket reads 'To the most beautiful woman in Singapore', but I can't give it to you in case your husband reads it."
"It's magnificent Peter. How can I ever thank you? What can I say?” In reply, Peter's eyes flashed a very strong message and Jennifer blushed furiously.
Jennifer's coloring and the ease with which she wore the sari brought stares and murmurs of approval as they made their way down the broad staircase and across the crowded foyer to the nightclub.
The crowd watched their entrance and Jennifer felt most self-conscious as she glided across the floor, clinging tightly to Peter's arm, to a table close to the stage and the dance floor
.
Their evening, however, was brief as the excitement of the past few days caught up with them and they felt too exhausted to remain. Together, they returned to their suite.
After sliding the drapes back, Peter opened the shutters wide so the full moon of the tropics lit the room. Deliberately and purposefully, he removed Jennifer's jewelry and placed the pieces on the writing table.
Jennifer's mind relished the fact that tonight they would become one. Her body melded to his and the sweet passion as they began to kiss was electrifying.
As his kisses rained down on her, intensifying their passion, Peter gently put his hand to her shoulder and began removing the sari until it lay as a silken pool at their feet.
"Ohhhh...” was the moan that replied to his action.
He unbuttoned her choli and bent low over her, caressing her breasts and stomach with his lips. Still he kissed her as his fingers gently slid her blouse and pavada from her body and they slipped also to become part of the silken pool.
Her heart was pounding and she was apprehensive, but she truly wanted Peter.
Standing upright and looking into her eyes, hungrily he slid his hands over her flat stomach and her full, round breasts still confined by her lacy bra.
Jennifer reached up and began slowly unbuttoning his shirt, then removed his trousers. She threw them to the side, and they became part of the discarded clothing.
Without realizing, they moved closer to the bedroom.
His skin felt exquisite against her. She ran her fingertips lightly over his back, tickling slightly as though she were playing a piano, raising goose bumps all over his body.
Sighing with pleasure, he buried his face between her milky white breasts, nuzzling the warm valley between them.
Her hands slid up his back and into his hair. She held his head between her breasts while he licked and kissed her tingling flesh. His body was hard, ever so muscular... he was just, well, just Peter and he was what Jennifer desired.
He slid his hands slowly down her back and was aware of the heat of her skin, as if she were running a fever. Peter wondered if that was due to how much she wanted him, but didn't wish to interrupt their loving to think about it. His hands ran down her sides, caressing her while kissing every inch of skin, discovering ways to give her pleasure.