Page 4 of Mysterious Teacher : Arrival
“Good,” he said. “You see, California does not have many people who speak the language, much less teach it. And she does need to improve her English, as well.”
“I’m sure we can manage to do both.”
“I’m happy to hear you say that. We are very fortunate to have found you.”
“It is I, Dr.Ang, who is fortunate to have found this position.”
He chuckled. “Needless to say, you are hired, that is if you’ll accept the position.”
“Absolutely. I can’t wait to get started.”
“Good. Unless I am further delayed, I should be back in America in a few days. In the meantime, I do hope that you will not let my daughter’s whimsical experiments drive you away.”
Experiments? April had mentioned her many projects but had not said anything about experiments.
“For the most part, they are quite harmless,” Dr.Ang went on. “But my daughter does have a wonderfully creative imagination and at our summer home she has all the liberties she requires.”
Sonya’s brow rose as she wondered about the ‘harmlessness’ of these so-called experiments. “I’m happy to hear that she is creative and imaginative. Being curious about the world is a wonderful trait to have.”
“Ha, yes,” he said with a warm laugh that was filled with pride. “She does take after me, after all. As a scientist, I do believe I’ve influenced her somewhat.”
“As it should be,” Sonya said.
“I’ll leave you to it. I’m sure April will show you around, get you acquainted with her pets, her garden, and her projects. Don’t hesitate to ask as many questions as you like, and I shall meet with you in a few days.”
“Very well.”
“Good-bye, Miss Song.”
“Good-bye, Dr.Ang.”
Sonya carefully set the receiver back in its cradle.
“Oh,” April said as she entered the room with a tray laden with a silver teapot and fine china teacups. “Did I hear you say good-bye?” She set the tea tray down on the coffee table.
“I’m afraid so,” Sonya said as she resumed her seat on the sofa. “Did you wish to speak to him?”
April shrugged and poured tea into the two delicate teacups. “I just wanted to know when he was coming back...tell him how much I love him...say good-bye...that sort of thing.” Pinching a sugar cube with small silver tongs, she held it aloft and gazed at Sonya. “Sugar?”
“Two, please.”
April dropped two sugar cubes in the teacup and handed to Sonya who looked curiously at the content.
“Oh, my,” April said as she sat in one of the yellow floral armchairs with her own cup of tea. “I didn’t even ask about the interview with my father. How did it go?”
“Very well,” Sonya said as she sipped her tea that had an unusual and interesting flavor. “He had many questions and appeared to be satisfied with my answers.”
“I take it he hired you then, right?”
Sonya nodded.
“Oh. Perfect. I liked you the moment I opened the door and saw you there. I’m so happy to have this matter settled and squared away. Now we can move onto other things. After our tea, I’ll show you around. You’ll love it here. The grounds, while slightly neglected due to lack of help, are immense and perfect for a sunny stroll as we have so many tall trees that offer cool shade.”
No longer able to keep her curiosity to herself, Sonya looked into her cup then up to April. “Interesting flavor,” she said. “Not to mention the fascinating color. Where did you get this red tea?”
“It’s Hibiscus tea. It’s excellent for blood flow, and I do enjoy that unusual taste.”
“Fascinating.”
