by J A Scooter
Terrified, Jennifer clung to Peter who held her tightly in his arms.
Saturated, terrified and almost blinded by the light, she watched jagged bolts of lightning hurtle past them on the way to the ground, accompanied by enormous claps of ear-shattering thunder.
In her terror, Jennifer wondered if this was the beginning of what the old man of the jungle had predicted.
As suddenly as they had flown into the storm, they passed through it, and below, sparkling in the sunshine, were the Straits of Malacca with Penang Island on their left.
The chopper swooped down to land on a grassy patch at the edge of Bayan Lepas Airport.
Jennifer giggled as she saw a limousine rushing across the tarmac towards them. Relieved to be back to normal, she had relaxed once more.
"All mod cons, nothing is too much for my love,” Peter grinned. Gently brushing a lock from her face, he bent to kiss her forehead. "Thank you my love. Without you today wouldn't have been possible."
Smiling with relief and marveling at how quickly her clothes had dried, Jennifer hugged him. They were both back from the memories of his past.
"I think we deserve some luxury, and I knew we'd both be too tired to drive,” Peter explained. "Let's do a little sightseeing on the way. It won't take long.” He called out to the driver. "The Snake Temple please, driver."
"No, Peter,” Jennifer interrupted, "I've had more than enough excitement for today. Straight to the hotel please, driver."
Jennifer decided it was time to assert herself as she moved closer to Peter to cuddle against him and enjoy the warmth of his love in the air-conditioned leather comfort of the BMW.
"Certainly memsahib,” was the chuckling answer of the turban headed driver.
"Besides I'm starving. I'm not like you, existing on a bowl of chilies, I need food. It's 3 o'clock and I've had no breakfast, no lunch and no water. I really need reviving. I'm no robot you know."
"If I may be so bold Mem, I'll take you directly to the hotel and order something exceptional for you both. You go straight to your room and relax. I'll take care of everything.” The driver had definitely overheard her complaints.
The doorman opened the car door for Jennifer and signaled a room boy to lead the way.
Their suite opened and Jennifer was delighted to see the French doors opening out to the gardens and the sea wall with the mainland in the distance. The overhead fans creaked their welcome.
Sinking into the cushions of the cane lounge, Jennifer sighed her satisfaction at resting in the cool. She leant back, eyes closed, sandals kicked off and content to rest.
"Peter, how much of the words the old man of the jungle told us should we believe? His words burn into my consciousness but I find I am ordering myself to ignore the rubbish. My education tells me that there is no positive proof that soothsaying and fortune telling are anything but myths."
Before Peter could reply a polite knock sounded, and Peter's "Masuk! Come in!” didn't disturb Jennifer but the smell of food forced her eyes open. The room boy placed a steak sandwich with a salad on the coffee table before her, and beside it stood the compulsory ice-cold glass of fresh lime and soda. Neither the meal nor the drink lasted long and Jennifer didn't care if Peter thought she was no lady as she wolfed the food down.
Another knock and another "Masuk” from Peter, and another steak sandwich was placed before her, and this time the fresh lime and soda was even larger and the room boy winked, whispering, "With sugar” as he knew the tartness of the first glass was more than enough.
At last, with hunger and thirst satisfied but too tired to move, she allowed herself to drift into sleep to the sounds of the slow-moving fans as they creaked overhead. Jennifer stirred as Peter lifted her, but she was too tired to open her eyes as he stripped her and put her to bed.
She merely murmured, "What are you doing?"
"I'm just fluffing your pillows!” He wheeled the TV to the bottom of their bed before joining her and, drawing her head to his chest, he remembered her concerned questions. "I can't say whether our friend can tell the future but I've been in the East long enough to understand that at times the arts of the East far outshine the arts of the West. What I can tell you is that, no matter what our destiny, my heart is yours and I will protect you."
Jennifer didn't answer and lulled by the incessant chatter of the CNN News, Peter found his eyes closing as he joined Jennifer in sleep.
"That couldn't possibly be the time!” The 11 am news bulletin had woken Jennifer. She nudged Peter until he groaned and turned over to grab her once more.
"No you don't!” Laughing, she evaded his clutches and raced to the bathroom, quickly locking the door behind her. "A girl has to have some privacy,” she shouted as the shower splashed down on her.
Peter stared at the ceiling, still concerned over the Old Man of the jungle's message. The Chief had said this was his destiny. He had no viable option but to graciously accept the Chief's words. Knowing that with Jennifer by his side he could meet the challenges ahead, he was still terrified for her safety.
Jennifer was his future.
She appeared from the bathroom and threw a wet towel at him. Peter made a quick leap from the bed towards her and grabbed her around the waist before tossing her onto the bed. Laughing, she screamed that this was her day and she had more plans than spending it studying the bedroom ceiling.
"You shower and dress, and after a quick brunch we'll become tourists.” Jennifer was in control.
Peter organized three trishaws. "One for Mem, one for Tuan and one for Mem's purchases,” was his explanation to the trishaw drivers.
They rode up Penang Road, meandering from store to store to arrive at a dimly lit shop run by, as his clothing proclaimed, a Pakistani.
Lovingly stroking a Temple Lion and rolling the marble ball in its mouth for luck, Jennifer noted in an off-hand way. "I like this stone lion, I'll take it."
"No Jennifer, it's far too big and too heavy.” Peter tried to be the practical one in the partnership.
"Oh, I'm so glad you Australians discipline your women,” the shopkeeper remarked with a glitter in his eye and a lascivious lick of his lips.
"Is that so?” Jennifer quickly retorted as she glared at the Pakistani.
"Well,” she added disdainfully, throwing Peter's credit card on the counter, "I'll take a matched pair. Don't even think of doing a switch, The Little One, would be most unhappy. Now I'll do some serious shopping."
Before she asked Peter to start haggling, she had added a large, smiling Buddha, an exquisitely carved Ganesha and a delicate carving of Lakshmi to her purchases.
Peter thought his bargaining had ended when Jennifer stepped up to the counter once more.
"Oh, no, that is the price for my husband. I don't have his money. I'm a very poor wife, so...,” and she dropped the price to 50% of what had been decided.
The shopkeeper seemed to sway a little. He grasped the counter as if to stop himself from fainting. Jennifer, ignoring his stance, sat down in front of him on the shop chair, staring him into submission. It didn't take long.
Eventually they left, Jennifer gleefully leading Peter by the hand.
"See I'm a quick learner,” she smiled back at him.
Jennifer thought she had learned a lot until the night when they walked in the cool of the early evening up Penang Road to the Pasar Malam - the night market. While she was picking her footsteps down a narrow alley between the puddles of rancid water and woven baskets of goods, she was surprised when a stall keeper accosted her.
His chant, "Air conditioned bra, Mem, air conditioned bra!” brought her to a stop amid roars of laughter from Peter.
"She doesn't wear one,” was Peter's quick reply bringing a blush to Jennifer's cheeks.
As if that wasn't enough, the sickening stench of rotting durians drove them back into the street. Peter's laughter was not appreciated nor was his comment, "They say when the durians come down the sarongs go up.”
There was a c
rowd to meet them as they stepped into the arrivals' lounge at Melbourne airport. Tearfully, Jennifer's Mum raced to hug her and welcome her home. The three months they had been away had seemed such a long time.
Eric and Andrew were just as happy to see them. Eric hugged his daughter, while Andrew was his normal teasing self.
"Why didn't you bring Jennifer home with you Peter? Who's this new woman? Look, she's laughing and she's so happy. That isn't my sister, Jennifer. Did you exchange her for this new model?"
Peter knew he was home with his family.
"Now, let's put this luggage in the car. We guessed there'd be lots. You must have left many sad shopkeepers in Asia because trucks have been arriving on the hour every hour, day and night, delivering Jennifer's latest purchases."
Grinning wildly, Andrew swung his sister into his arms and squashed her as he kissed her cheek.
"You look wonderful sis. Married life has done wonders for you. I'm thinking of taking the plunge myself."
In teasing disbelief, Jennifer punched Andrew in the arm. "You married? I'll believe it when I see it. I can only feel sympathy for the poor girl. Who is it? She'd have to be out of her mind to marry you."
During the trip home, the teasing and hilarity continued, with many questions about their travels, where they had been and what they had seen.
That night over a traditional dinner of baked lamb with mint sauce, gravy and baked vegetables, Jennifer's statement, "I still call Australia home,” made her parents smile, since that simple quotation told them she'd missed her mother's cooking and her family hearth.
At the end of a long evening of food, talk and laughter Andrew stood. "Come on you two, enough talk, I'll drive you home."
The headlights swept in a wide arc up the driveway of the Rocky Springs mansion and Jennifer was surprised when Peter swung her into his arms to carry her up the steps and across the threshold of their home.
"Oh dear, I left your luggage behind. You'll have to make do and sleep naked,” was Andrew's cheeky comment as he drove off.
Peter grinned. "Welcome to our home, Mrs. O'Brien, a haven of happiness, a twin for the home where you grew up."
The place actually looked inhabited and there was already human warmth about the rooms, but Jennifer needed to sleep. She allowed Peter to lead her to the master bedroom where, oblivious of Peter's presence she undressed and slowly went to soak in the gigantic bath. She made no comment, lazily opening one eye as the slopping of water over the edge told her that Peter had joined her.
He looked at her in silence, a mischievous smile on his face as he took her feet in his hands and began massaging. Jennifer lay back, enjoying every touch. Just as his attentions were becoming sensual, she felt him sliding behind her to rub her neck and shoulders.
She enjoyed his fingers pummeling and pushing at her aching muscles. Eventually, as the water cooled, he stood and helping her out of the bath dried them both with fresh, fluffy towels.
Bending to kiss her Peter lifted her arms around his neck. He slid his hands behind her knees and effortlessly carried her to their bed where he lay beside her, his hands worshipping her nudity.
The realization that this was the first night in their own home heightened their passion, which overcame their tiredness. Before sinking into the softness and darkness of sleep, they made love with renewed energy.
The following morning, Jennifer, her body still on Singapore time, woke late to find Peter carefully studying her. He bent to kiss her then, playfully slapping her rump, commented, "I thought you'd never wake. Come on, up your get, you haven't time to play with my body."
She giggled as he corrected himself. "On second thoughts, I have plenty of time to play with you,” and his mouth fastened on a nipple.
Jennifer pushed against his chest trying to dampen his passion but to no avail.
Ignoring her efforts, Peter eventually straightened and pulled her onto her feet. "Come on Mrs. O'Brien time to shower and then have breakfast. We must get busy because we've a property to run."
Smiling mischievously, he led her to their shower recess and turned on the water. As soon as the water had heated, he pushed Jennifer under the steaming spray. He was still adjusting the heat of the water when Jennifer dragged him under the shower with her.
Once Jennifer was thoroughly wet, she turned and snuggled her wet body against Peter's back. She reached around his waist and began soaping him from his shoulders to his knees lingering on his groin.
Peter could only grit his teeth and moan as he tried to turn around to face her but she wouldn't allow him to move.
"What's the matter am I getting to you?” Jennifer asked, her eyes flashing with a naughty gleam.
The only answer was a groan as her soapy hands aroused him even more.
"I'll be a good girl. Stand still and I'll do your back properly this time,” she said, reaching for the soap. Giggling, Jennifer began to work her soapy hands across Peter's back, actually doing some washing for a few minutes before she got playful again as she started washing his thighs. What began as washing was suddenly becoming erotic massaging and Peter jumped and turned. Jennifer burst out laughing.
"All right, enough's enough,” Peter said. "It's my turn to wash you."
"Aaaw, what's the matter, baby? I'm just trying to make sure you're clean, that's all.” Laughing Jennifer wrapped her arms around his neck and began kissing him, rubbing her full wet body against him.
Peter continued kissing her as he lathered his hands with the soap. Then he began fondling her breasts.
Reaching down, she grasped Peter's rampant penis and bent it down between her legs so that it was rubbing against her sex. She broke her kiss, buried her face against his neck and began to whimper.
Remembering how Jennifer liked having her breasts loved, Peter pinched her swollen nipples, digging his thumbnails into the ends. Her moans grew louder and, as she began to shudder, he swirled his tongue tantalizingly over each rigid nipple. Then he suckled her. Suddenly she surrendered to her orgasm. Her arms tightened around his neck as she hung on, almost unable to stand. Finally, her shuddering eased and her moans became gasps.
Holding her for several minutes slowly Peter rocked her as the water poured down on them. Eventually she looked up and Peter noticed that most of the glazed stare had left her eyes so he whispered, "Think we're clean enough for now?"
Jennifer smiled and nodded.
Shutting off the water, he opened the sliding shower screen and stepped out into the steamy room. He reached for one of the extra-large towels, helped her from the shower, then enveloped her body in the soft white cotton.
Pulling a second smaller towel from the rack, he threw it over her head and began vigorously drying her hair as she stood in silence. Her head bowed towards him as he rubbed. When he had dried most of the water from her hair, Peter wrapped a smaller towel around Jennifer's head as a turban then turned to get a towel to dry himself.
"Right, feeling refreshed? I'll meet you in the dining room. Breakfast will be ready.” As if worried her naked body would arouse him yet again, Peter was quick to dress and leave.
Jennifer believed he'd been busy in the kitchen as he placed two bowls of steaming Pho Ga on the table along with Asian mint, bean sprouts and chilies.
The only objects that suggested she had returned home were the pots of jam, the huge pile of hot buttered toast and the compulsory jar of Vegemite. The steaming mugs of tea reminded Jennifer of that first morning in Malaysia at the Makan Stall.
While they were eating, the phone rang.
"I sent one of my cooks and an amah over to help you settle in.” Elizabeth seemed anxious to tell Jennifer the news.
Hearing Jennifer's reaction she explained, "The amah is a house girl to clean and do the washing - general household duties. The cook this week is Vietnamese. Blake Pastoral supplies all cooks and amahs and they are on the company payroll. The servants have stocked the pantry and all your clothes are in place. Enjoy your breakfast. It's wonderful t
o have you back."
Jennifer could only stare at the silent phone. Turning to Peter and shaking her head in bewilderment, she expressed her surprise. "You really are a pest. I thought you'd cooked this breakfast and I was about to allocate all kitchen duties to you. Now I find the company has supplied cooks and amahs."
When breakfast was finished, Peter, with his arm around her waist, strolled down the long corridor.
"Let's look at our offices.” He opened a door and followed her into the room. "Hey, wait a minute. This is a terrific office, I think I'll swap." The leather chairs and lounge, the bookshelves with their law books and the plush comfort shrieked of being a successful law practice.
One wall was wooden paneling which he slid back commenting, "I wonder if the computers have been installed? When we returned to Singapore just before returning home and you were out shopping with Lu-Lu and Lee-Lee, trying to purchase all of Singapore, I called Eric who proudly told me of the advances and changes made here by the company. When he had finished both your Mum and Andrew took over. That's why I was not surprised at our Vietnamese breakfast."
Jennifer was staring at a bank of computers. She gasped as Peter flicked one screen to life and she was looking into Peter's office. She giggled as Peter danced off like a schoolboy to his office only to appear in her monitor.
"Hello sweetheart - see I'm not far away.” He spoke to the screen before reappearing in her office. "Andrew used a communications expert from among the Gurkhas. The expert has networked the two properties, including the workshops, and he is now officially in charge of our computers and our company network."
Taking her hand, he led her back into the corridor. "Come to my office and let's explore that."
A similar bank of computers occupied one wall of Peter's office. Drafting tables, stools and shelves of computer aided drafting programs filled the room. This was an engineer's dream office.
Jennifer looked up at him and gasped, seeing another facet of this man, a side she hadn't suspected existed.
Proudly he opened the door in the far wall.