The Wen's Story-1

Sophia wanted to tell Ann the whole story, so she would have an idea of what had happened in the past. She was hoping that once Ann heard the story, she would find it in her heart to forgive what she had done.

"Let me begin the story with your Grandmother Wen first, alright?" Sophia asked for Ann's approval before continuing.

Ann could care less, but since Sophia was adamant that she listened, she would for their relationship.

"Go ahead! Begin anytime you are ready. However, I don't have all the time in the world. Therefore, I would appreciate it if you would start now." Said Ann nonchalant.

Sophia began narrating her story to the uninterested daughter. Ann was just sitting there quietly, in deep thought. She couldn't understand the reason behind her mother telling her all of this now. 

She was never there when she was growing up, and at the worst time of her life when her grandmother died, she wasn't there either. So what's with this going down memory lane going to change? Nevertheless, she sat there and listened to Sophia's accounts about what had happened in the past.

Like Forrest Gump said in his movie: My momma always said, [life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get.] She would let her finish the story, but she would soon find out that it didn't make any difference at all. She cannot forgive a mother who abandoned her child at birth.

"The Wen family originated from Ancient China. They moved to the Philippines during World War II when the Japanese invaded their hometown. Your grandma came from old money and a harsh upbringing, and she had to abide by the ancient Chinese tradition, just like all the women in her family.

"Back in the old days, Chinese customs valued sons over daughters. A daughter in the family was like a commodity that they could use to bargain for a higher social position, for money [dowry] or power. The Wen-family was no different. They had picked a husband for her at a young age, who she was supposed to marry once she was old enough.

"However, your grandma was not one of those Traditional Chinese. She was more of a Filipino-Chinese, and she met and eloped with an American Soldier she met during one of her volunteering days at the military base." Sophia stopped to take a breather before continuing once more.

"Your grandmother was only Eighteen-years old when she met your grandpa in 1968. They fell in love and eloped the same year. They got married and lived quietly, waiting until the tour of duty of your grandpa finished. However, your great-grandparents found out and disowned her.

"She broke two taboos; she already had a fiancé for one. The other is that there was no such thing as mixed marriage during that time. Chinese married Chinese. Money married money. No, if's and no buts, you understand?" Sophia looked at Ann's reaction, nothing.

"Nevertheless, the Wen-family owned a Textile Factory in Rizal province, a Car Dealership in Manila, and Restaurants in Ongpin. [Chinatown in Manila] Needless to say, We, the Wen-family, came from money and power.

"Peter Wen is your grandmother's brother, and he's the Chairman of the Wen Corporation. He has two children named James Wen, the oldest, and Edward Wen.

"Peter Wen is mighty; he has all kinds of connections in the Government. Therefore, he had the power to do something to your grandfather to get sent back home without your grandma. And the sad thing about it was, your grandma had just found out that she was pregnant with me, but was unable to share the news with your grandfather.

"With no money and education, she had a hard time surviving on her own. Because of me, my mother did not have a choice but to kneel back to the Wen-family for help. Afraid that she would miscarry and lose me in the process." Sophia stopped for a while; she couldn't stop the tears from falling.

Ann couldn't handle what she was hearing. She didn't want to look like she cared, so she got up, pretended to get some water in the kitchen.

"Hold that thought, and I need to get something cold to drink."

She quickly left and ran to the safety of the kitchen, away from Sophia's prying eyes. In reality, she was getting emotional by the minute, and she needed to take a break before she lost it.

After feeling calm, she went back to the living room with a glass of water. She offered it over to Sophia and sat back down again, ready to continue listening.

Sophia also had a chance to calm herself down and straighten her posture before continuing. She won't stop now that she has begun. She will finish her story, whether Ann listens or not.

"Nevertheless, your grandma's life back in the Wen-family became worse, in outsiders' eyes, she was an unwed mother. Only the Wen-family knew the truth that she was married to an American." Suddenly Sophia stopped like she was picturing what she was about to say.

"While pregnant with me, she had to work very hard in their restaurant. She did everything from cooking to cleaning, to whatever else they asked her to do. During this time, your grandfather tried to communicate with your grandma but with no luck." Sophia let out an audible sigh, "Each time he tried to reach her it was always intercepted by Peter Wen. Mom even tried to sneak out a couple of times to go to the US Embassy, but she was still caught and brought back.

"After I was born, your grandma gave up on the idea of ever reconciling with your grandfather. Until one day, a red cross representative came to the restaurant looking for your grandma. Your grandfather was killed in Vietnam and upon bringing all his belongings back to the US a family member found the Marriage license, a picture of your grandma, and a will stating that everything your grandfather owned belonged to his wife, that is how we came to America.

"My dad left enough money for mom to open a Chinese restaurant. Unfortunately, it was not enough to hire many employees, just enough to keep the restaurant running. Mom did all the cooking and managing." Sophia's eyes began shedding tears without her knowing what was happening.

"I spent many days in the restaurant with her because she could not afford a babysitter. As I was growing up, I mostly relied on my ability because mom was too busy trying to run the restaurant." Sophia stopped for a little, chuckled, and continued with her story.

"You know, at a young age, I was already popular in school, I had many boys that were truly enchanted by my beauty," She said half smiling, reminiscing the good old times.

She continued, "I had the talent for singing, dancing, and acting. I was always the lead in our drama club in high school. Our life in America was smooth until I graduated from high school." She stopped speaking for a moment and sighed, trying to get her thoughts back together.