Page 3 of Mysterious Teacher : Arrival
Sonya looked at the black phone on the elegant side table. The lamp offered a golden glow over the rich mahogany, amplifying the dust that was streaked with fingermarks. She picked up the phone, suddenly nervous. “Dr.Ang?”she said.
“Ah, Miss Song. I do apologize for my absence. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you... but...well, you know how these things go. Duty calls, as it were, and being delayed is part of it all.”
“Of course. It’s all quite understandable.”
“I’m told that you’re seeking a position as a private tutor.”
“That’s correct, Dr.Ang.
“Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?”
“Absolutely not. I’m eager to answer any questions you might have.”
“Good.” He cleared his throat. “What subjects do you teach?”
“Just about everything,” Sonya said. “Many languages, including English, Chinese, Japanese and Spanish. A bit of the arts, particularly photography. Of course,
math, science, philosophy and politics.”
“Very good,” Dr.Ang said. “What about music? Do you play an instrument...let’s say the piano?”
“Oh, I’m so glad you brought it up. Yes. I love music. While I have a good ear, I can also read music. In addition to playing the piano, I also play the violin.”
“Splendid. And how are you on biology? Physiology?”
Not expecting such depth in the required subject matters, Sonya frowned.
“Are you interested in how the body functions?”Dr.Ang added.
“Yes,” she said, a little off guard. “Nutrition and physical fitness are very important to me.”
“Do you train in any type of exercise or athleticism?”
Train? She thought a moment. While she wasn’t an athlete per se, she did enjoy physical activity. “I do enjoy biking, and I make a point of taking a long walk every day.”
“Excellent. Excellent,” Dr.Ang said. “Has April mentioned her training?”
Again, Sonya frowned as she thought of the brief exchange with the young woman. “No. I’m afraid we didn’t get to that.”
“Well,” the doctor said with a bit of a chuckle. “My daughter has begun to train in the martial arts.”
Impressed, Sonya cocked a brow.
“She is particularly fond of the Shoalin Temple style. Are you familiar with this style of martial arts?”
Nodding, Sonya said, “I’ve heard of Shoalin Kung Fu..”
“She is at the very early stages of training but is very interested to learn more. You see, her first tutors were monks, and they taught her a few moves. She instantly fell in love with the art but has not been able to find a Master to train her.”
“How unfortunate.”
“Indeed. Perhaps you could help her find someone to coach her.”
“It would be my pleasure,” Sonya said. “I’ve trained in the martial arts myself, though I am far from being a master. But I’m certain I could find someone to train April.”
The doctor chuckled and sighed. “Ah, that is so good to hear. You sound like a very intelligent woman, Miss Song, and I can very much imagine you getting along just fine with my daughter. Tell me, how proficient are you in Chinese? My daughter needs to learn the language of her ancestors.”
“It’s my native language,” Sonya said. “In other words, I am quite proficient.”
