Love Abroad

 by Sarah Anderson (ages 14-17)

Torn from the comforting arms of her mother, five year old Lin Mei found herself dragged through the winding alleyways of China. She had lost all sense of direction six turns back. The darkness, and the smell of garbage, frightened her. She wanted to go back to her mother, but her father’s unrelenting grip on her wrist held her painfully at
his side, as he threaded his way through the ally, with a familiarity that meant he came this way often. After what seemed like ages, they finally came to a muddy porch with a beggar on the stoop.

“Out of my way,” he growled, raising his fist to bang on the door.

The door opened a crack, “Who is it?” a woman’s voice asked, her voice cracking with age.

“It’s me, with the package bound for the land of sunshine.” He said.

The door creaked opened, emitting the smell of rotten eggs, causing Lin Mei to stumble back with a low exclamation of horror. “Leave her with me.” The woman cracked, holding out a grubby pouch.

Coins jingled inside as Lin Mei’s father snatched it out of her hand. “Good doing business with you.”, he said, already turning away. Lin Mei whimpered as he faded into the darkness of the ally.

Before she could make a run for it, the woman’s gnarly hand wrapped around Lin Mei’s wrist and dragged her into the house, and down to the cold cellar. The damp, musty darkness wrapped around Lin Mei as the woman slowly tramped up the stairs, slamming the door behind her.

Lin Mei collapsed at the bottom of the steps, curling into herself as
she cried herself to sleep.

“Good day today!” The old woman cackled, startling Lin Mei awake. “You
are going to San Francisco to marry a rich man, and will have a fine life!”

Lin Mei agreed, not really sure what she was talking about, but happy to escape the devils that were surely lurking in the dark corners of the woman’s home.

Late that night, she boarded a ship full of sickness and white devils. After several months of seasickness, she arrived at The San Francisco port. Beginning to disembark, she was grabbed by a pinch faced Chinese man waving papers at the officials as he claimed to be her uncle.

In that moment, she realized she had been tricked by the old woman and was a mui tsai...slave.

Present Day 1881

 Andi walked down the wide staircase, heading to the breakfast room, wishing she could slide down the slick banister. Containing the urge, she headed into the breakfast room, waving a greeting to her aunt, who was seated at the head of the mahogany table, and shrieked with surprise to see the rest of her family sitting there also.

“Good morning dear,” Aunt Rebecca said. “This has been a much longed for occasion for me, all three of Elizabeth's girls graduating from Edith’s fine academy.” She daintily dabbed a tear away.

Elizabeth pulled Andi into a quick embrace, “We wouldn't miss this day for the world, but Mitch said it would be fun to surprise you, and we agreed.”

A grinning Mitch led a quick round of applause.

Andi was momentarily speechless, then grinning, said “Thank you all so
much! I cannot wait to graduate, and go home to Taffy, and the ranch.”

Chad interjected with a smile, “And to chores as well!”

Aunt Rebecca’s head housekeeper entered with waffles and fresh syrup, ending the banter. After breakfast ended and the dishes were cleared away, Kate and Melinda took Andi to get ready for the graduation ceremony.

After much giggling, talking, and flipping through books for last minute hair style ideas, Andi walked down the steps to her waiting family. This was the day she had been working toward for the last two terms. Linking arms with Justin, they went outside into the surprisingly warm and sunny day, where the carriage waited to take
them to Mrs. Whitaker's Academy.

As soon as Andi stepped out of the carriage, Jenny cannonballed into her, smiling from ear to ear. “It’s Graduation day!” she hollered.

“Indeed it is, Miss Grant,” Mrs. Whitaker glided up behind her. “And I
certainly had hoped that in your time with us you would have learned
that hollering is not the way a young lady conducts herself.”

 “My apologies, Mrs. Whitaker.” Jenny said, winking at Andi.

Dismissing the matter, Mrs. Whitaker turned to greet Aunt Rebecca and
the Carter’s with a smile.

“Come along now, we shan't be late, for I am always punctual.” Aunt
Rebecca swept away toward the graduation hall.

After the crowd of well wishers streamed past the line of graduating students, they all rushed to the huge white tents set up for the huge party that was to follow. Andi beamed at her family, amazed at how fast the time had galloped by, and excited for the days ahead.

 *****

Andi woke up the following morning filled to the brim with excitement to start this new season of life. Dressing quickly, she put her hair into a messy braid, as she had longed to do for the past year. Hurrying down the stairs, Andi slid into her seat for breakfast. After the dishes were cleared away, she headed to meet Juan Carlos at the
Lands End Stables.

Arriving a few minutes early, Andi giddily mounted the horse. The livery owner raised an eyebrow as she mounted astride. “Well I’ll be,” the livery owner muttered, shaking his head as Juan Carlos arrived for his horse.

“How was your graduation?” Juan Carlos asked as their horses ambled down to the beach from Lands End.

“It was lovely! I am so relived to be done, and able to ride astride along the beach.” She said, stroking her horse.

 Juan Carlos smiled, “Aye, Señorita this has been a long  awaited day for me. I am glad we could squeeze this ride in before you must return to your home.” Reaching the beach they urged their horses into a lope, enjoying the nice stiff breeze that smelled slightly of salt.

As they passed in front of the Cliff house they heard a shout, and turning saw a wagon careening towards them. Men jerked aside, out of the way of the speeding wagon. Andi’s mouth dropped open as she saw nine year old Lin Mei fumbling for the reins. Spurred into action, Andi urged her horse along side the wagon making a wild grab for the reins, slowly bringing the wagon to a halt. Lin Mei collapsed into Andi’s arms, sagging with relief,

“Missie! Hurry! There is much trouble. I was walking to the shop for the holy woman when I saw Wu Wang walking with my father. I ducked into an alley and peeked out, straining to hear what they were saying. I heard bad, bad news. My father owed so much money to the gambling den that he,” Here Lin Mei started to cry, sobs wracking her body as tears streamed down her face.

Andi checked her skirt pocket for a handkerchief, but Juan Carlos held out his own. Lin Mei gathered herself before continuing. “He sold my mother to Wu Wang to work in his house. She should be here in two days.” She clung to Andi “We must rescue my Mother. We must!”

Andi was at a loss for words, casting a helpless look at Juan Carlos, a silent message flashed between them, “Of course we will help you!” Andi said with more assurance then she felt.

Back at Aunt Rebecca’s house they sat in the parlor nursing cups of cocoa. Aunt Rebbeca fanned herself with her ever present folding fan, thinking over the events of the last forty minutes. She knew the police would not help Lin Mei's mother, Chuntao, because some of them had ties among the smugglers. She felt helpless, something that
displeased her immensely.

Andi looked around the room, seeing her own feelings reflected in the faces of all who were present. Jenny gasped and jumped up, “I have just got the most amazing idea ever! Lets go down to the docks when Lin Mei’s Mothers ship docks. We can go aboard and rescue her.”

They all looked at her incredulously, trying to discern if she was joking or not, “Good heavens! That would be unseemly, not to mention there will be more then fifty crew members aboard, and if it is a cargo ship there will be limited places to hide once they start unpacking.” Aunt Rebecca said.

Heads nodded all around. Jenny sat back down, deflating a bit, and they all sank back into silence. Aunt Rebecca’s reasoning was sound.

After a while, Juan Carlos said quietly, “I know where Wu Wang’s house is down on the river bank. He bought it from a man who was a smuggler in the days my grandfather was influential. Wu Wang probably doesn't know about the shaft leading to the river bank. I’m sure he will keep Lin Mei’s mother in his cellar for a couple days to see how she acts. If we can get a boat, we can rescue Lin Mei’s mother, under the cover of darkness, and be long gone by the time Wu Wang wakes up.” He looked
around, gauging their responses.

Andi jumped up, “That is an amazing idea!”

Everybody nodded. Aunt Rebecca smiled, “Indeed! That is the best idea yet. Let’s do it!”

Levi grinned, happy to contribute something worthwhile, “I can supply the row boat!”

Lin Mei smiled, grateful that this was coming together so well. Jenny started to dance with Betsy and Hannah.

Aunt Rebecca clapped her hands, when they all turned to look at her she said, “We must fine tune the plan.”

Two days later, after much revision, and secret trips to China Town, they were ready for the busy night ahead.

Andi pulled on her dark blue blouse and matching split skirt, Fastening her dark hair into a tight braid, she headed downstairs to meet Levi, Jenny, Lin Mei, Kate, and Aunt Rebecca. Betsy and Hannah were sound asleep. Andi worried a little about the plan since Juan Carlos couldn't be with them. His sister had fallen ill that morning.

“Is everything ready?” Andi asked.

“Yes it is. The row boat is ready at the small inlet you girls found, and it is equipped with water, rope and some blankets for Chuntao. I think you girls thought of everything!” Kate said.

Aunt Rebecca hugged Andi. “Travel safely Dear, and may God be with you.”

Kate hugged Andi. “Be safe little sister. God’s watching out for you, just follow where He leads you.”

Levi broke in, “Mom! Can I go? I’m almost as tall as Andi and I can row real good!”

“No son, we need to leave room for Chuntao,”

Levi sighed with disappointment.

Aunt Rebecca glared at her nephew, “No moping! This is their promise, and it is much to dangerous.”

“Okay, lets go! The nights wasting away!” Jenny broke in. The trio got into the carriage and sat back, trying to find a few more minutes rest before they truly embarked on their adventure.

Arriving at the orphanage, Thomas pulled up to the hitching post, as he was tying the reins Miss Culbertson stepped out onto the veranda, “Right on time! Is everything ready? Anything else I can do?”

“No, thank you though Miss Culbertson.” Andi said.

“Alright then, lets gather for a quick prayer, and then you kids can head out,”

When they had finished a word of prayer, Andi had some doubt in her mind, but quickly cast it aside, trusting God to lead her. As they ghosted through the quiet streets of China town, they kept to the sides of the street, trying to be inconspicuous. They turned on to the muddy path, jumping down the short slope as they reached the river
bank. Seeing, with no small amount of relief that the rowboat they had left earlier, was moored safely. Quietly they climbed into the boat while Andi and Jenny fitted the oars into the oarlocks. Jenny softly called time until they got into a smooth rhythm as the boat slid through the dark night. Since it was a clear night with no wind, they
quickly reached the house.

They looked for the handle hidden among the dirty sides of the riverbank where Juan Carlos said it would be.

“Drat!”, Jenny yelped.

 “What happened?” Andi turned around, a little to quickly, resulting in the boat rocking dangerously. They crouched low, desperate to not fall into the cold water.

Jenny laughed quietly, and held up a long piece of rope, “I saw the handle and I pulled, but the rope was frayed with age and it snapped!”

“Ah Jenny! I thought you got hurt!”

 “Sorry,” Jenny said, trying to hold back a smile.

Andi moved carefully over to Jenny. She scraped around the trap door, exposing the rusty metal shaft beneath the covering of wet mud.

“Well, now what?” Jenny asked, giving the door a shove. “I don’t know...lets try to pull it off.”

Andi and Jenny pulled with all their might, the boat tilting dangerously beneath them. The girls fell back, their fingers aching from the cold metal. The door hadn't budged. The girls looked at each other, then looked at Lin Mei, who was sound asleep.

“Should we wake her up?” Jenny asked.

She had fallen asleep shortly after they had shoved off, the long days of uncertainty, and fear for her mother, had left her physically and mentally exhausted.

“Yes, let's wake her. We need to think of a plan.”

After a half hour of intense planning they were once again, confident in their plan. Jenny stayed on guard in the boat, while Lin Mei and Andi slowly crept ashore. They got to the rough siding of the house, moving with the utmost care they snuck to the back, only to find it locked. Andi sighed in frustration.

“Look Missie a window! Its open. I think it’s wide enough for me! I can let you in.”

Andi picked up Lin Mei, guiding her to the window. Lin Mei grasped the window frame, pulling herself up and over, onto the scratchy carpet. Landing with a soft thud she froze, but nobody seemed to have heard the sound. Moving quickly, she unlocked the back door where Andi was waiting, whitefaced. “I heard the thud! Is anybody awake?”

“No, but I was scared for a moment.”

Clasping hands the girls cautiously walked down the hall, reaching the trap door leading to the cellar they cringed as it slowly creaked open. Going down the narrow slats that were used as steps, a voice called out of the darkness. “Who's there?"

Andi and Lin Mei jumped, not expecting to hear a male voice. A light switch flipped, and a dusty lightbulb hanging from a rusty chain flickered on, casting a murky glow about the room. They could now see the body guard at full height. He was much bigger then any man they had seen before. They knew they would have to be crafty if they were to rescue Chuntao.

“Well, well. Ain’t this a surprise. Did the boss send you down for some more tea leaves?”

Andi and Lin Mei exchanged a surprised look, “Ummm yes, yes of course. You know Master loves his tea when he wakes up from his nightly nightmare.” Lin Mei stammered in Chinese.

Andi stood there trying not to show her face. “Alright then, go along, and be sure to stay away from the new servant that was brought in yesterday.” The big man rumbled.

Turning away Andi and Lin Mei walked quickly past the guard, heading to the back.

Andi nudged Lin Mei “Look! There is the shaft.”

Seeing a small shape huddled in the corner, Lin Mei walked faster. Falling to her knees she touched her mother's shoulder. Chuntao saw her daughter, her eyes widening in disbelief. They talked rapidly in Chinese for several moments, hugging and crying. Andi’s heart threatened to beat right out of her chest, she was so happy to see
them together.

Tapping Lin Mei's shoulder, she whispered apologetically, “We have to go now!”

Wiping away a few happy tears, Lin Mei spoke a few words to her mother. Nodding Chuntao began to rise, only to stop at the sound of metal clanking against metal. A chain was wrapped around a water pipe above, connecting her to it by her right wrist.

Andi and Lin Mei exchanged a worried glance. They began to look around, for anything to break the chain. Spying a length of smaller, thinner pipe, Andi grabbed it and rushed to Chuntao. Inserting the length of pipe into the chain links, she twisted, managing to break the chain. As soon as the chain broke, Chuntao led the way to the
shaft.

Quickly unrolling the rope she had brought, Andi tied it securely to a nearby support beam. As Lin Mei explained the plan to her mother, Andi quickly slid down to the bottom, banging as hard as she could on the shaft door, she yelled Jenny’s name.\

“Andi, you ready? Everything in place?”

“Yes, YES! Now pull!”

Andi tried to find some purchase and shoved as hard as she could. Jenny pulled till she thought her fingers would fall off. With a prolonged screech the door popped open. Andi grabbed desperately at the rope, and clung to it. Jenny was not so lucky. With a yelp she fell over the side of the rowboat.

Popping up, gasping from the cold water, Jenny sputtered, “Go! I’m fine. Send them down!”

Andi began her climb back up, which was significantly harder then going down. Reaching the top, Lin Mei and her mother grabbed Andi and pulled her onto the cellar floor.

“Quick! Chuntao, you first.” Andi said as she wrapped the rope around Chuntao’s waist. She started to pay out the rope as Chuntao dropped down to Jenny. As soon as Andi felt a tug on the rope she started reeling it in.

As she was tying it around Lin Mei she felt her heart drop clear to her toes as heavy footsteps came up behind her.

“What on earth are you ladies doing?” Wu Wang’s voice sent shivers down Andi’s spine. Behind him he had two bodyguards, large burly men who looked very imposing.

Andi yelled to Jenny, “Get ready to move!”

Quickly widening the rope she looped it over herself and Lin Mei.

“Stop them!”

Andi paused, and looked at Wu Wang, “Slavery has been abolished, and it is a horrible thing. It is not right for one person to own another. We fought a whole war on this subject.”

Seeing his face tighten, Andi hurriedly jumped with Lin Mei. Landing in the middle of the rowboat she stumbled a bit, trying to regain her balance. Jenny helped
Andi loosen the rope leaving it dangling. Grabbing an oar Andi and Jenny rowed with all their strength towards the distant shore and safety.

Epilogue

 And so, Lin Mei and Chuntao were reunited and lived together in a house along the river front. Chuntao became a Christian, who taught missionaries Chinese, so they could go to China and preach the gospel. She was always there to send missionaries to China, asking them to please give a man named Weici Tung the gospel, and to tell him that even though he is a wicked man, Jesus can wash all sins away.

Jenny was resigned to a fate of being teased by her brothers for spending their parents money, and she still walked like a logger.

And Andi? She went back to the ranch, back to the hills, chores, family, and Taffy. But not before she and Juan Carlos raced their horses along the beach.