Forever Bright ~ Part Four

“Held in custody” was Chang Ming’s official status as the sole occupant of cell number 719.  Solitary confinement seemed a harsh punishment.  Perhaps Chang Ming was separated due to the authorities fearing his potential influence on the other prisoners.  This was at once an absurd thought to the usually reserved Chang Ming; that he could influence others or incite a riot was a possibility created by circumstance; not his natural being. 

As yet, Chang Ming had not been granted contact with his family or access to an attorney.  He had heard rumors of prisoners being “held in custody” for over one year before receiving a trial.  He worried endlessly about his family, but he knew better than to approach the guards; fearing another beating may cost him his life.  He bided his time awaiting a pronouncement that would allow him contact with his family; to call or write an attorney.

Days passed without such a pronouncement.  Chang Ming thought back to his time as a prelaw student at the University of Notre Dame in the United States.  After high school, he reluctantly departed China to fulfill his mother’s vision; a vision he did not share.  Chang Ming wanted to be normal.  He wanted to attend university in China with his friends particularly Mei Ling; a beautiful classmate who just realized Chang Ming existed as they graduated high school together.

Like many economically disadvantaged students in China, education was the great equalizer for Mei Ling.  Her path and Chang Ming’s would never have crossed if not for attending the same high school.  Mei Ling’s delicate presence filled Chang Ming’s being from the moment he glimpsed her profile during Freshman year.  She was assigned seating in the next row, one desk in front of him.  Daily, Chang Ming would hurry to be the first to arrive in class.  Sitting at his desk, waiting for her to walk down the aisle toward him, he would then stare at the blackboard, pretending to copy meaningless words, secretly hoping to catch Mei Ling’s eye. 

Mei Ling never spoke to Cheng Ming that year or in the following years until just before New Year’s break during Senior year.  Chang Ming and his friend, Zemin, were walking out of the school, when Mei Ling came up from behind, now walking between them.  “What are you doing for Chinese New Year?” she asked.  Typical discussion of family activities and traditions followed until Mei Ling interjected with another question: “Would you both like to attend the firework festivities with me?”  Chang Ming’s mind froze, before he could stutter a response, Zemin accepted Mei Ling’s invitation and they started discussing plans without his input. 

The summer after high school, Mei Ling, Chang Ming and Zemin were inseparable.  They welcomed the luxury of this break after years of nine hour school days as well as weekend music and language lessons.  Chang Ming sensed that Mei Ling was more interested in Zemin.  He knew that her parents would not allow her to be alone with just Zemin.  So he accepted this threesome arrangement; satisfied to be in her presence for the time being.  

To Be Continued...      

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