Page 17 of Beneath Submission
I wasn’t sure what was in the decanter as Mr. Sakai began pouring the liquid in the small cups. When they were all filled to the rim, he set one in front of me and then one in front of Mr. Colin and himself. Holding the cup up, he said, “Idaina kankei ni.”
I had no idea what he said, but Mr. Colin must have because he responded back, “To great relationships.”
Holding the cup to my nose, I breathed in the scent wondering what it was I was about to drink. The scent was fruity and smelled divine. Taking a small sip, I wondered what it was that I was drinking. It was sweet and bitter at the same time. I really liked the flavor and needed to know what it was. “Excuse me, Mr. Sakai, can you tell me what this is?”
“It is an ancient drink handed down from generation to generation. It is calledsake. I am glad that you like it. Most Americans find it is an acquired taste,” he replied.
As I slowly sipped mysake, I listened to what was being said between the two men. Even though I couldn’t understand a word that was being said, I knew that they were talking business and that business was me. I was just about to protest and demand that they share what they were talking about when the young woman entered the room again.
Gazing up at her, Mr. Sakai said, “Aiko, please show Ms. Tessa to her room. Mr. Gates and I are almost finished here.”
Bowing her head, she stood beside me holding out her hand, wanting to assist me to my feet. Looking at both the men before accepting her hand, I asked confused, “Why would she be showing me to my room?”
“This is going to be your new home, Tessa. I am sure you will be very happy here,” Mr. Colin advised.
As much as I thought this house was beautiful, I was in no way going to stay here. Sliding on the cushion away from the table, I pushed from a kneeling position to my feet and looked down at Mr. Colin feeling inferior at his sitting height. “There is no way that I am staying here. Matter of fact, there is no way I am going to stay anywhere with you or him.”
Walking to the door, I slid it open only to find that there were two very large Asian men standing on the other side. I tried to push past them, but my effort was halted as they took hold of me, keeping me from advancing any further.What kind of place is this?There was no way that I was going to stick around to find out. Lifting my foot, I first dug my heel into the foot of the man to my right and then again to the man on the left. They had no other choice but to release me.
When their hands fell away to comfort their feet, I made my escape, only I underestimated their strength. It wasn’t long until I was again in their hold. Looking back at Mr. Colin, I did the one thing I thought I would never do. “Please, Mr. Colin. I will do whatever you say. Please don’t leave me here.”
