Chapter 42: Earning forgiveness.
Mei Mei knew that she could not hide behind Jingzhe’s back forever. It was not a mountain fortress, it was a human body that could be pulled away with some strength and ease.
"Mei Mei, I will protect you." Jingzhe assured her.
She sighed and ducked out from under his hands that were touching the wall. Then she faced him, taking in his confused gaze and said, "A Zhe, I brought this on myself so I must accept the punishment. I have to start rebuilding the bridges I burnt because of foolishness."
She turned and faced her sister, sighing again. Mei Mei’s shoulders fell as she said, "I am ready."
On her face was a defeated look, she looked like the proverbial lamb about to be slaughtered. Rose patted the fur of the slipper with a devious smile on her face. "Lian, take you cousin to class." She ordered her daughter.
Lian and Mingzhu were both first graders, there was no one better to show her around and introduce her to others than Jang Lian who happened to be the class representative.
"Jingzhe, go with them." Mei Mei said slowly.
Mo Jingzhe was not sure he wanted to leave Mei Mei alone with her slipper hurling sister, but he could not refuse to see to it that Mingzhu got to class.
"Mommy..." Mingzhu started in an uncertain voice. Like Jingzhe she was also worried about her mother. If she had not met grandma Manchu and aunt Rose on the day Mei Mei was rushed to the hospital, she would be reluctant to leave her mother.