Page 1

The telephone rang loudly. Jessica’s heart beat louder. It had to be him. She checked her watch. 5 p.m. He always rang at this time. She smoothed her hair out of habit and composed herself. The telephone rang…. and rang. Doubt struck. What if it wasn’t him? Jess’s face fell despondently. The telephone kept ringing. Jess shook herself, --‘ Answer the phone for Gods sake! Whoever it is!’ She picked up the receiver.

--‘ I was about to give up on you,’ a soft voice spoke. An old ‘70s refrain unexpectedly entered into Jess’s head ready to sing back the reply, --‘ “Never give up on a good thing…….” ‘ Instead she replied eloquently, --‘ Er…um…er…um…sorry…’ its lameness made her launch into a full-fledged non-existent explanation, --‘ I was in the other room. Speaking to my supervisor. Yes. Ah. Not my normal supervisor…. although in my opinion he’s not that normal…. anyway I mean the Head supervisor you know. The overall supervisor you know…the big supervisor…’ she grimaced. She knew she was talking gibberish. Everybody in the room knew she was talking gibberish. Worse, silence on the end of the line indicated he knew she was talking gibberish...…. Jess took a deep breath,

--‘ I think I’ll just stop now….’

--‘ Oo-kay’ the voice replied slightly amused.

She re-tidied her hair and asked nonchalantly ‘ Will it be the same order as before?’ The smirking faces subsided in the offices of Spriggets Ltd, manufacturers of industrial components, as business reasserted itself. Jess wrote down the details mechanically. She heard but not listened. The sound of his voice seemed to massage her entire senses: strong but gentle, serious but sexy, with a laugh that was musical in its sensuality. Every time she heard it, she could almost picture the white picket fence domesticity with the dozen baby prams in tow… It was frightening. But she was beyond help. She loved that laugh, loved that voice, loved the man behind that voice. She thought she was in love with him. Maybe she was only in lust with him? She was definitely in something with him. Love, lust…what did it matter? Both were interchangeable. All that did matter, was The Feeling: An euphoric explosion that hijacked logic and managed to dissociate the brain from the mouth, rendering conversation into series of acquiescent noises punctuated by giddy laughter.

Jess laughed giddily. He had mentioned some kind of vacation and made some kind of joke involving pets and parents. He had called as a new client several months ago. Jess had liked him instantly. His easy and light manner missing the arrogant or abrupt tones she was usually used to dealing with. Over the subsequent weeks he would ask specifically for her, and each time he did call, the calls would last longer and longer. Jessica did most of the talking or babbling, as she would reflect afterwards. He never mentioned a wife or girlfriend but then he never mentioned much about himself, period. She knew he worked for an engineering firm, had a flat in the capital and had two dogs Hokey and Kokey, collectively labelled “Destruction on eight legs. Jess considered the lack of personal details an oversight. He was obviously a very private person. He was obviously unattached and he was obviously very shy. Why else hadn’t he asked her out? She judged. Other explanations such as being gay, a serial bigamist or just not interested, were obviously ludicrous and as such to be kept resolutely at the back of her mind. This optimistic denial, as analysed by Sober Reality, was itself optimistically denied. Jessica’s Romanticism managing to successfully smother any Sober Reality that dared air its necessary head. Her Romanticism demanded optimistic action. Consequently today was the day she planned to ask him out. All the phrases and nuances had been neatly rehearsed in her head; unfortunately, the irrational bout of nerves at the beginning had slightly misdirected her execution.

However as her confidence rallied, she thought to casually reintroduce her plans. But her musings had been so intent that it took her a moment to notice the pause in conversation…

--‘…. Jessica… I’ve really enjoyed our…. talks….’ he began.

--‘At last!’ Jess thought, an opening. She took the initiative.

--‘ Um…I was wondering,’ she laughed nervously, --‘…. the thing is, I’m due a short break soon, and I was thinking of…er…coming to the capital…. Maybe… um… we could meet?….’

--‘ Oh. Yes. That’d be great…..’

Jess’s pulse jumped from the merely erratic to light-speed at that affirmative, only to have the breaks applied when he continued,--‘ but I’ll be leaving the country in a couple of days….’

The holiday! Of course. Jess decided she could wait a bit longer ‘ No problem. Maybe we could meet after your vacation…’ Her pulse began to gather speed.

--‘ I thought I’d mentioned it earlier… I’m relocating…’

This did not sound good. ‘ Relocating?…’

--‘ Yes. China.’

Sober Reality emerged, dancing triumphantly. Jess had been sitting on the edge of her seat as if somehow the physical distance could be reduced by her closer proximity to the telephone. Suddenly and unceremoniously, she and the telephone clattered to the floor.

--‘ Are you alright?’ he voiced concern when she retrieved the receiver.

--‘ Ah. Yes…. China…. Great…. How…. how long for?…’

--‘ 5 years. It’s a massive project I’m overseeing. It’s very exciting…really….’ Genuine regret replaced any enthusiasm. But Jess missed the emotional distinction. Instead, Jessica was annoyed. Very, very annoyed. In fact, she was furious…. China! Who goes to live in China for Gods sake?! How dare he go to China! Didn’t he realise she had already mapped her future with him?!

--‘…Jess? … You okay?…’

--‘ Yeah…. Fine… Excellent… So… Goodbye and good luck.’ With that, she slammed down the phone. This was definitely a setback to her plans… After a moment’s reflection, Jessica had decided upon her course of action: She would go to China. Ridiculous!! Sober Reality screamed at her but too late, the pillow was already descending………

TO BE CONTINUED………..

Page 2 by Maggie Hills

It was an unusually hot day. Normally Jessica would have been ecstatic about this, but laden with two heavy suitcases, a shoulder bag and precarious heels, only made the glaring sunshine an added nuisance. It had all made such wonderful sense late last night when she had gone out for a farewell drink with her friends. Jessica had basked in the preening glory as her friends had squealed in excitement at her eccentric departure.

' You’re crazy!' they giggled. Infact they had called her various other things as well, but Jess had sensed a measure of awe, respect and envy from them too. Jess’s three friends engaged in rapid banter fueled by alcohol.
' People just don’t quit and go live in....in...'
– '...In obscurity?'
' ...live in...a remote place!'
’ Missionaries do’
' Are you gonna be a missionary?'
’ Missionary Position, being the operative phrase.... '. They all cackled like witches. Jessica sniffed. She wasn’t so sure now that it was awe, respect and envy that she had sensed. ' Okay...okay.... very funny. You lot just don’t get it......'
' We’re certainly not going halfway across the world to get it....' Another burst of cackling. They subdued their innuendoes however, when they noticed Jess’s face, which at the moment wasn’t looking very happy. Her oldest friend, Kristen tried to make her see sense.
' Look Jess, sweetheart .... it’s not too late... you haven’t quit your job yet...' That was true. She was all prepared to but at the last minute her nerve faltered; besides she figured her Boss would know soon enough she wasn’t coming back when he received her postcard from China.... Suzie and Karen chirped in ' But he could be a psycho!'
' Worse, he could be married.... '
' Or gay.... '
' Ooh... ooh... worse than worse.... a psychotic married closet gay?! ' The possibilities were endless. Jess sighed ' He’s not gay or married!'
' And you know this .... because ....' her friends waited.
Jessica was emphatic ' I just know!' Her friends looked at each other.
' Ri-gh-t. Cause we all know your great hidden talents as a ... psychic!' Jess didn’t say anything. This sarcasm was getting tiresome. She wanted to go home. Kristen gave the other two girls a warning glance.
' We’re only worried about you, Jess.... You don’t know anything about this guy...'
' I know I love him.' No amount of reasoning was going to change that. There was an awkward silence. Finally Suzie broke into a wide grin.
' Then you go for it Girl!'
Karen echoed ' Yeah. Go for it.' She added ' We’re only jealous...' Jessica’s happy visage slowly resurfaced ' You... you think it’ll be alright?'
' God no!! It’ll be Hell...' Kristen laughed ' ... but interesting....'
' You gotta e-mail us regularly! Let us know you’re okay and everything....'
Karen prompted ' Yeah. Give us all the info. And not just the travelogue stuff!' She winked. Suzie’s face creased in a frown.
' They have computers in China, don’t they?'
' Only wooden ones....'
' Can you e-mail on those?'
' Carrier pigeons are better.... '
' I thought they ate those?'
' Only if it brings bad news.... '

The railway station was packed; everybody wanted to travel to the Capital today. Jessica spotted an empty space on a bench and tottered towards it. Unfortunately someone else had also spotted the vacancy. They both reached the seat at the same time. For Jessica, it was life or death: her shoes were killing her. She hurled her shoulder bag down, nearly knocking out the stranger in the process. She mumbled an apology and sat down. The stranger dressed in a blue cotton shirt and chinos, looked annoyed but noticing Jess’s discomfiture, withheld his protests and muttered a mild ' Be my guest...' Jess took her shoes off and began massaging her foot. She eyed the shoes with venom. A Jimmy Choo type glamorous affair, all straps and pencil heels. She cursed her decision to wear them: it wasn’t as if he was going to meet her at Central Station. Depression struck.
' Nice shoes' Jessica looked up. She’d been so wrapped in thought that she hadn’t noticed the fat woman sitting next to her leave to be replaced by the same youngman she had earlier jostled for the empty seat.
' Nice shoes' he repeated.
' Oh' Jessica smiled, abit embarrassed ' Thanks' She looked away and began to feel extremely self-conscious as she put her shoes back on.
' Where are you headed?'
' China. ' Jessica replied simply. This threw the man slightly.
' Wow' he paused ' they’ve really expanded this railway!'
' Hi. My name’s John.' She returned the greeting. ' What are you doing in China?' he asked. Jess’s mind froze. What was she going to do in China? So far all her energies had concentrated on convincing herself that following a strange man to China was a good idea. She blurted out an option ' I’m ... I’m ... a missionary...' This seemed to throw the man again. Another pause ' You don’t look like a missionary...' Jessica got irritated. What business was it of his anyway what she did in China.
' What do I look like?' she snapped.
' A model' he replied, staring unabashedly at her. Jess blushed and got even more irritated. Typical. Just because he was good-looking, he thought he could pick up any girl he wanted by spinning some cliché line. It only served to reaffirm Jess’s belief in her Mr Right; In all their conversations together, he never once fed her a line. She may have found this frustrating but at least she was in no doubt as to his integrity. She had wasted enough time. She got up. He got up too.
' Hey. I’m sorry.' He smiled that disarming smile ' Didn’t mean to be ... ah... pushy...' The display board announced Jess’s train. ' Can I help you with your bags?'
Jess decided to end their association there. ' No thanks' she was icily polite ' I can manage.' She picked up her luggage and walked away slowly and deliberately, more to keep her balance than to make any statement.

Jessica relaxed into her seat on the train. The long journey began. She closed her eyes. It was time for her subconscious to conjure up those images of loving togetherness: she in the arms of her Mr Right. However, much to Jess’s annoyance, she found Mr Right kept emerging with the face of Mr Blue-Shirt-and-Chinos.....

Page 3 by Ceris Jones

John Ashcombe smiled as he watched the girl hurriedly close the door to her train compartment.
-'Cute but kooky' he thought. He walked to an empty compartment and sat down. Soon the girl was dismissed from his mind; he had more important things to think about. The job had proved more frustrating than he at first expected. He opened his briefcase and was about to go through the documents again when his mobile rang. He spoke resignedly - ' As I said .... it'd be a waste of time .... ' There followed a lengthy reply. Ashcombe waited patiently, then answered - ' Okay .... leave it to me ... ' He switched the mobile off and stared at a photo attached to one of the documents.....

Jessica startled awake. She checked her watch. She had been asleep for at least two hours and dreaming, but as usual the exact images were elusive to recall. She was sure that a man had figured somewhere in the dream and after a while she managed to convince herself that it had been her man and not some stranger met on a station concourse. The train pulled into Central Station. As Jessica stepped off she was relieved not to see the stranger in the blue shirt and chinos anywhere nearby. He had made her feel uncomfortable and she felt annoyed with herself for even thinking about him. Jessica clucked resolutely. It was time to forget such minor nuisances and concentrate on the pulse that was The Capital.

The pulse beat loudly. Standing at the station exit, Jessica felt bewildered. In her hometown "rush hour" constituted five cars seen simultaneously on a road. Here the true horror of the term was revealed to her. Motor vehicles of every size and colour were lined four lanes deep to the left and right of her. The horns blared and traffic lights changed without any seemingly practical purpose. Horns blared again. People shouted and walked quickly past her in a human traffic flow four lanes deep. All the while there was a constant humming in the background of engines puffing, choking and tempers slowly stewing. Jessica's senses felt drained. The heat did not help. She gasped for breath and her temples begun to throb with a needling pain. A taxi pulled up to her and waited expectedly. Her hesitation elicited an angry scowl from a suited businessman standing behind her, who then tutted her aside and leapt into the taxi with the smugness of a champion claiming his prize. Jessica rubbed her arm. The exciting promise of The Capital that she seen advertised on television and magazines was replaced with the promise of an underlying threat; unknown and unseen eyes stared at her body and her belongings. Jessica put her jacket on despite the heat and clutched her shoulder bag more tightly. Standing still in this area did not seem like a good idea. She noticed a row of hotel signs and headed towards them. The first three had no vacancies whilst the next three were far too expensive for Jessica's meagre expenses. As Jessica trudged further up the street, she wished fervently that she had pre-booked a hotel room and then wished even more fervently that someone would steal her luggage. Eventually the very end hotel offered Jessica respite at last.

"The White Palace" was neither white nor palatial but at least its grey grimed exterior held clean rooms at affordable prices. Infact the assemblage of large and bulky rucksacks piled on the foyer floor indicated that it was an establishment much frequented by the independent traveller on a budget. This somehow comforted Jessica and she relaxed a bit, the dark interior cooling her sweat stained brow. She signed in and once in her room, immediately drenched herself in a soothing shower. Afterwards she collapsed onto her bed. She sighed, it was late afternoon and she still had much to do. Jessica retrieved an old invoice from her wallet. James Markenson. Even the sight of his name printed on office stationary sent her hormones racing. Jessica had ended their last conversation rather abruptly by slamming down the phone on him. She had regretted the decision instantly especially since she had neglected to ask for an address. However she had swallowed her pride and rang back but James had been otherwise engaged and all her messages for him to contact her had gone unheeded. Jessica suspected that the adenoidal female receptionist at the other end had taken a dislike to her and not forwarded any of Jessica's messages. Why else would James not had returned her calls? The date for James's departure to China passed and Jessica had already set in motion her visa applications to follow him. But her plans received a setback when the adenoidal female refused had refused to disclose James's forwarding address in China, even though Jessica had prepared for intransigence by posing as James's sister. "Employee details cannot be given out under any circumstances without prior approval". Jessica had felt like screaming; indeed she had screamed. But much to her consternation, the adenoidal female had remained gleefully steadfast in her refusal to impart information. Being a resourceful young woman, Jessica had devised an alternative plan: She would go to James's actual workplace and physically throttle the information out of the obstinate receptionist. Whatever happened, Jessica determined on getting James's address one way or another, even if it meant begging borrowing or stealing. Thus feeling refreshed and prepared for confrontation, Jessica called a taxi to take her Rhodes Engineering Inc. 505 Riverside Road, The Capital.

The city roads were heavily congested but the taxi driver was an experienced space grabber and expertly switched lanes, crisscrossed side streets and back alleys; the taxi progressing like a laboratory rat in a maze scurrying to find the exit. Jessica was oblivious to her journey, she did not notice as the tall encompassing steel, glass and concrete structures of the city gave way to open ground and low-level buildings. She was jolted out of her preoccupation with her upcoming ordeal, when she realised that the taxi had finally stopped. Rhodes Engineering Inc. rose up before her. Suddenly she was suffocating in a blind panic: The entrance to Rhodes Engineering Inc. was securely padlocked and a sign proclaimed "Property For Lease" .......

Page 4 by BJ Vimes

Jessica stared in shock. She rattled the padlock. It was secure. She slumped against the gates. They clanged ominously. What was she going to do now?
– ' Excuse me ma'am, are you okay? ' It was the taxi driver. She was surprised the taxi had waited. He continued, – ' Were you expecting somebody? '
– ' Ahh ... yes .... no .... I mean ... ' Jess stammered, – ' I mean ... I was expecting this place to be open ... '
The taxi driver shrugged philosophically, – ' Companies around here come and go pretty fast ... ' He looked over at Rhodes Engineering Inc. and added, – ' Though, it looks like this firm's been gone for years ... '
Jess noted the rusted chains and gathering cobwebs. What could have happened? Something didn't make sense.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the taxi driver, – ' I guess you'll be wanting to get back to your hotel? ' The lack of clear alternatives meant she had to agree. Jess got in the cab and contemplated her predicament; A driver in a darkened saloon, discretely parked, watched. Plan B was a washout, and she didn't have a Plan C. Ideas of returning to her hometown beckoned. She resolutely shut them out. Jess wasn't going to beg for her old boring job; she wasn't going to give her friends the satisfaction of saying "I told you so" and she couldn't afford to stay in the Capital indefinitely .... One option remained: Go to China. Suddenly Plan C hit her. Jess instructed the taxi, – ' Take me to the Chinese Embassy. '

The impressive Georgian facade had two imposing Corinthian columns planking the portico. The national flag swished overhead. The entrance was guarded by two soldiers dressed in full battle regalia with accompanying machine guns. Jess felt intimidated and got more so when the guns blocked her path. The soldiers pointed to a sign at the side of the building. It was in Chinese but underneath printed in small letters was a concessionary "enquiries" in English. The sign didn't seem to highlight anything other than some steps leading to the basement. Downstairs was grubby and cramped. At one end five chairs indicated a waiting area whilst the other end was closed off by a glass and wooden partition behind which a larger office could be seen. Jess took a ticket. It read 33. The ticket counter read 63. Jess sighed, either the ticket counter was broken or else she had a really, really long wait.
She waited and she waited. No-one else entered. No-one behind the partition acknowledged her. Jess gave silent thanks her visa had been processed via mail. Jess paced up and down. Still no-one noticed. She coughed loudly. No-one stirred. Jessica seething with frustration, thumped the bell on the partition counter. Immediately a man appeared and exclaimed Chinese at her. He pointed at the ticket counter and screamed, – ' You wait! You wait! '
– ' But ... I've been here over an hour and the number's... '
The man ignored Jessica's protests and reiterated, – ' Wait! Wait! ' Jessica wanted to storm out, instead she sat down again and fumed as calmly as possible. Another half hour passed, the bell finally rang. Jessica rushed up.
– ' Documents prease, ' demanded the official who'd earlier screamed at her.
– ' I'd like some information, ' Jessica countered.
– ' Solly we no give infolmation. See Curtule Department. '
– ' No you misunderstand... ' Jess inhaled deeply, – ' I'm looking for my brother, he's in China and I've lost contact with him. I need the address he put on his visa application ... '
– ' Solly no can herp. '
– ' Please, ' Jessica begged, – ' It's very important ... '
The official hesitated. He left to be replaced by another official, – ' Documents prease. '
Jessica started again, – ' I don't have any documents. I'm looking for my brother, James Markenson ... '
– ' Wait prease. ' The second official abruptly left. After a time, a side door opened and the official said, – ' Forrow prease. '

Jessica sat demurely infront of the third official. His demeanor indicated he had complete authority. He wasted no time, – ' Who is James Markenson and why do you seek him? ' His English was perfect.
– ' He's my brother... '
– ' Really? You are Miss Markenson? '
– ' ... Yes ... '
– ' That's strange because your face is familiar. ' He retrieved a folder. He held up her visa application with her photo attached. – ' It's not often the Peoples' Republic receives applications from single young western women, especially one as beautiful as yourself.... ' he smiled gallantly, – ' .... one tends to remember such applications.' He stopped smiling, – ' So, Miss ... ' he checked the document, – ' ... Miss Kravan... Who is James Markenson and why do you seek him? '
Jessica hesitated, – ' I'm ... I'm his fiancé... '
The official was sharply mocked, – ' Is that why he did not give you his address? '
Jessica got angry, – ' I don't see why it's any of your business! '
The official snapped, – ' Visitors to China are always our business ... Besides when someone tries to enter China under false pretenses, it naturally arouses our suspicions.... ' The official obviously wasn't in the mood for anymore lies.
Jessica blushed, – ' Well ... it's ... it's ... embarrassing ... stupid really ... ' she gushed,
– ' I fell in love with James. He doesn't know. He went to China before I could tell him ... ' Jessica paused and ended lamely, – ' So I want to find him to tell him ... I love him ... '
The intervening silence was more eloquent than the official's impassive features. Finally, he closed the folder. – ' The Peoples' Republic of China does not interfere in the private lives of foreign nationals. ' He stood up to conclude the interview, – ' I'm sorry Miss Kravan we cannot help you ... ' He motioned his assistant to show Jessica out. However as she exited the main entrance, the assistant unexpectedly whispered, – ' Wait in Cafe Express. I bring information. ' Dumbstruck, Jessica nodded.

Jessica waited with increasing anticipation and a cold latte in the Cafe Express. Twenty minutes later the assistant entered. He sat down opposite Jessica.
– ' Apologies Miss Kravan, I overhear interview... ' He handed Jessica a piece of paper, – ' This is the address ... '
Jessica was overjoyed, – ' Thank you! Mr ....? '
– ' Mr Chung. '
She was curious, – ' Why are you helping me Mr Chung? '
He smiled awkwardly, – ' Not all Chinese people are ... ' he paused delicately,
– ' ... difficult, like our Consul Mr Zian. ' He added slightly embarrassed, – ' I too have a fiancé in China I have not seen ... '
Jessica blushed, – ' Oh ... ' She held out her hand, – ' I really am very grateful ... '
He smiled, – ' I hope you find your friend.... '

Later in the Consul's office, Mr Zian was on the telephone, – ' We may have a problem .... '

Page 5

John Ashcombe replaced the receiver. This was unexpected. He stared at the faxed photograph. Puzzlement quickly replaced recognition. It was the girl from the train station. What was her connection to James Markenson? All his latest information showed Markenson had no girlfriend. He remembered the girl's preoccupation. He hadn't for a moment believed she was or ever likely to be any part of a religious order; the flash in her eyes had indicated anything but quiet contemplation and servitude. Ashcombe was thoughtful. She may well become a problem; They tended to panic easily and no doubt that's why They had called to warn him. Efficient as usual. He gazed at the grainy image. A petite face, a pretty face, a determined face but a face shadowed with apprehension nonetheless. But Ashcombe liked to play hunches; he was very good at it. She maybe a problem, but she could be a valuable asset too. And he planned on using all his assets. He picked up the phone again, – ' I'd like to check a ticket reservation ... by a Miss Jessica Kravan ... '

By the time Jessica had returned to her hotel, it was early evening. Jessica's stomach grumbled. Her seesawing emotions had drained her energies including appetite. She still couldn't quite believe it; her optimism had soared with that random act of kindness. Her stomach growled. Very loudly. Fortunately respite was near at hand. The hotel had a small restaurant... barely four tables. Luckily the place was empty. The food was basic: Burger and fries or quiche and wilted salad. Jessica went for the burger, thinking that its high cholesterol level might replenish whatever calories she'd lost during the past twelve hours. A young couple entered and came to the same conclusion, as they took their burger meals and sat at a table opposite Jessica. The confined setting meant Jessica found it difficult not to eavesdrop. They seemed to be discussing some pottery exhibition. Jessica briefly glanced at the man: an angular face peppered with freckles, an untidy mass of ginger hair and a pair of owlish spectacles completed the visage. She couldn't see the woman but Jessica had the feeling that she would echo her partner's features. The brown bob with split ends promised as much. Jessica dismissed: nerdy mature student travellers. Her quick judgment tweaked her guilt.
But her guilt turned to astonishment when the woman said, – ' When does the flight get to Beijing again? '
Beijing. She was going to Beijing.
– ' It was a bind waiting that long.... ' she continued.
– ' It's not the waiting getting in that worries me... it's the waiting getting out... ' her partner answered.
She nodded slowly, – ' Yeah ... It's amazing. We must have seen twenty people traipsing around with deteriorating earthenware but package it and they think you're trying to steal antiquities... '
– ' What do you expect from decadent western imperialists... ' the man grinned, – ' Robbing countries of their historical treasure is our favourite pastime... '
– ' But we had all the paperwork! '
– ' Which they checked .... Just took three hours to process, ' his grin broadened, – ' We were lucky... '
The woman scowled, – ' Yeah, lucky we came a day early... ' They laughed.
– ' Excuse me... ' Jessica interrupted. The woman turned around. Her face was oval rather than angular with dark smiling eyes which needed no glasses. – ' You're going to China?... Tomorrow? a World Cities flight? '
– ' Ye-es... '
Jessica became embarrassed, – ' I'm on that flight too... ' she blushed, – ' I... I didn't mean to intrude but... it's my first trip to China, and ... well... you seem to have been there... I... aah... wondered if could tell me something about the place... ' The woman seemed surprised. But Jessica couldn't tell whether it was at her announcement or the fact that she'd barged in on their conversation. The awkwardness was brief however, as both of them welcomed Jessica to their table.
– ' Hi, I'm Margaret Dukes and this is Edward Freed. ' Jessica introduced herself.
– ' This is our third trip to China... ' They seemed talkative, eager to explain. Edward continued, – ' We're post grad environmental archeologists, on our way to help Professor Claybourne of the Institute of Antiquities, research China's ancestral temples in Lioungzhi... ' he paused, – ' You've heard of Professor Claybourne? '
Jessica had to shake her head; She felt less guilty about her previous assumptions. But they were enthusiastic and friendly and their relaxed attitude helped ease the gnawing trepidation that had been building in Jessica since the task of getting James' address had been solved.
Edward was still going on about the temples, – ' Of course it's not as ancient as some of the sites Professor Claybourne's worked on... twelfth maybe eleventh century... but we're hoping our research will refocus the Chinese Government's attention on restoration and documentation before encroaching urban development completely takes over... '
Jessica's eyes glazed. Margaret gave her partner a warning glance to curb the shop talk; they weren't in the lecture hall yet.
Margaret asked politely, – ' Which part of China are you visiting? '
Jessica stared blankly. She had no idea; she had even less idea how to pronounce it. She showed Margaret the piece of paper with the address.
– ' Zhengzhuang.... Shengxi province... '
Edward beamed, – ' Wonderful! You're with us! '
Jessica was stunned, – ' Really?! '
Margaret clarified, – ' Zhengzhuang's a fairly big town in Shengxi and we're about a .... seven hour bus ride away. ' Jessica's face fell. Margaret smiled knowingly, – 'Believe me, in China, that's just across the road territory! '
– ' Yes... you must visit us... please? ' Edward pouted, – ' We scientists get so few visitors... '
Jessica laughed. She was glad she had interrupted. She felt comforted to know that if things went horribly wrong, she could turn to her new friends, so relatively close by...
Jessica shivered slightly in her summer dress as the night breeze wafted through the open windows. Margaret noted cheerfully, – ' Hope you packed warm clothes... it gets cold at night... almost freezing. '
– ' Don't forget raincoats, good boots and loose trousers, ' Edward piped.
Jessica stammered, – ' Well... um.. I've only got stuff like this... '
Edward clucked, – ' days are hot, humid and at this time of year, often torrential... and the public transport's very... '
– ' Public... ' Margaret completed.
Edward reassured, – ' But pushbikes cost practically nothing... '
Jessica looked worried. Margaret took over, – ' I got an idea... Let's all go to Chinatown. '
– ' Brilliant idea Mags! '
– ' But our flight... '
– ' Isn't 'til late afternoon... ' Margaret explained, – ' Chinatown's got some good clothes shops. Cheap. We'll soon get you kitted out. '
– ' Besides, ' Edward surmised, – ' It'll give you a taster of things to come...'

TO BE CONTINUED .....................

Page 5 Winner: Perry Valles, London UK

Deadline for Page 6: 12th July 2005