Dee Jai (ดีใจ – good heart) To be glad or pleased.

Chapter - Two

Malsa Olander

I did not want it to end with hurt affections. Ben informed me that at the age of seven, his mother visited him at the orphanage where he had been since birth. He discovered that his father had disappeared, and expressed that there had been no money to support them.

Her visits were sporadic. Each time her smell reeked with liquor and puke. Her words possessed a distinctive slur, and the walk displayed a severe stagger. There was a great sadness about him. He was a two thirds empty vessel.

The kids in school made fun of him because he was an orphan. The older boys hit and kicked him on a regular basis. Having reached the age of eighteen, the children's home ejected him from the only residence he knew. There was no job waiting for him, no place to live, and his mother had vanished. The Air Force became his dwelling place. His only apparel was issued upon entering Basic Training. What he previously had worn was full of holes and discarded. When I first met him, he was an austere recluse. His friends were his books. There was no close friends.

I knew what it was like to have no one. My mom, Dawkmymy, asked me to bring him to our house for supper. Ben became part of our family. He played with my brothers and sister like they happened to be his own. Dad, Brigadier General Robert Olander, recognized something special in him, and began to give him private lessons of MDCC in his little exercise room. He said, "Ben has not bloomed yet When he does, he will surpass others.

Those without the ability to see would not be aware that Ben loved me. The sad issue is that I was one of those that failed to realize that he cared about me. It took me by surprise, but I equally cared for him. Tears swelled up in his eyes when he staggered away from me. His inability to utter a single word was evident. He withdrew from me while almost running, as a frozen glance emitted from his face.

I was impatient and annoyed with Ben. I told him that Michael Thompson had asked me to marry him, leaving out that I had turned Mike down. Thus, I hurt Sergeant Crossman as bad as his parents and the kids in school had. The phone to his apartment rang and rang. I wanted to apologize and tell him that I loved him desperately, but evidently, he and his roommate were out. Hoping that the problem could be resolved before it is too late kept me attempting to locate him.

The next morning his office reported that he left for the States at 0430 hours, and was not returning. It was the same type of mistake that my Mom had made, when she ran my Dad away from Thailand. I hated myself for being inconsiderate. Food lost its taste. My breathing was stifled. There is no excuse for acting like an irrational person. A cruel act of stupidity was inflicted by me. Rivers flowed from my eyes.

One dumb moment can create a lifetime of aches. There is no approach to take back the words that should not have been said by me. My voice faded as I attempted to explain what happened to my parents. My heart was shredded by recounting the story of everything that occurred between Ben and me. I had not managed the situation in a wise manner. A do-over is not a possibility.

They hugged me, but there was no relief. Mamma said, "Some things are not meant to be. It is not your fault. Ben will be okay."

"I deal with a hundred people a week in stressful situations, and have no problem. Something personal shocks my mind. I should have handled it differently."

"I know honey. One thing can startle us' It does not mean we are bad people."

"But I should have known how to handle the situation."

"We are not God. We will misread problems and make a wrong decision,"

"It hurts."

"I know."

My body tremored, my knees buckled and sweat flowed from my forehead. By Thai standards, I was shame-faced and deserved the worst in life. Death would be the only relief, but I was a coward to think that. Wisdom slapped me on the cheek. My brokenness was triggered by my own hands.

A few days later, a letter appeared at my home. It was from Ben, but there was no return address. He expressed that he was sorry for bothering me and wished me and Mike a wonderful life together. He said he would be alright, and not to worry about him, promising that he would never trouble me again. It caused me to cry., "Your friend, Ben." It is to past time for me to make amends. He had closed me out of his life.

I turned to Mike for comfort. I was not trying to form a relationship. Appreciation grew into amazement which headed to anticipation and ultimately landed on adoration. My abdomen was turning summer-saws. The slightest remark from him brought a smile to my face. A single touch was pure pleasure. When with him, time has no meaning. The weightless feeling has me floating on clouds

I have my business. I am in the forefront of the bridal gown industry, My designs and dresses are sold in the United States (US), Canada, Europe and South America. Tira Savage left me a brilliant legacy. Her husband was transferred to Mc Guire AFB, New Jersey. In the Northeastern coast region of the US, she has become the regional sales manager for Northeastern U.S. The response to her area represents the largest percentage of sales in the world. The development of her region has more profitable boutiques than anywhere else.

Tira choose me to replace her as President and Chair of the Board at Regal Garments. We are an employee co-op. Thus, a majority vote of the workers affirmed me to that position. Warmth emits throughout my body. I consider it an honor to be selected. However, Mike makes me feel like a queen, and encourages me to be a better woman.

Tears of joy streamed down my face. Gratitude envelopes the hard work, effort and sacrifice made by me to assist those working with me. I was filled with excitement. My aspiration is to demonstrate the significance of worthiness. Mike completes me.

We make beautiful gowns for brides, proms and special occasions. They are top of the line, but not expensive. We have some of most reliable producers of silk thread and fabric in Thailand. It is the highest quality anywhere. Our employees receive the best training in fashion design and creation. They are compensated very well.

I have benefitted from the best education available. Other than family and fellow workers, my relationships with men is lacking. Mike is still pursuing me. He is relentless, yet patient My resolve is weakening. The feeling for Mike is growing. I believe I can fly. The words come out of my mouth before my mind realizes what is just spoken. As time passes, Ben is in my heart in a brotherly way.

Outcast, betrayed, bruised and battered women are ever with us. The women come in various sizes, stages, shapes, and shades. They need healing physically, emotionally and spiritually. Through us, they learn to sew, and run a business. Some cannot read and write their own language. Many receive a high school and college education. Others assume new identities.

We are women helping other women learn to survive. Officially our category is a non-government organization (NGO.) My breath is labored. My eyes gleam. A smile breaks forth. Regal Garment is a Coop, but it is more than a place to learn. It is accommodations that have empathy because our women feel the pain of their sisters in need of love and caring. Strangers come together and bond as family. Their hearts relax. Tension disappears, and the eyes of these precious individuals sparkle.

Mike and my relationship is more than friends. We care about the hassles with which each of us are struggling. In Thailand it is okay and expected for two male friends to hold hands when out walking in the community, or it is normal for two female friends to stroll hand to hand, but it is taboo for a man and woman to hold hands in public. We do hold hands in the privacy of my parents' house or his apartment. His kisses are discretely and delightfully delicious.

We are concerned about Ben, because he is our friend. Mamma is a seer. She has had a vision that he has found an United States Air Force woman that will change his life. The connection goes back to his high school years. She has a daughter that he loves like his own. Mom verified the revelation with Nang Chom who also has the gift.

I felt relieved. I hope the relationship will be fruitful for Ben. It sounds as if he has found the right woman. Momma's prediction also indicated that Ben would be elevated to second place in the MDCC and Mike would move to the number three spot. Then she said, "When your Daddy retires from the MDCC, Ben will replace him as the Grand Champion of the world." A deep sigh flared up from me.

My mother claimed that Ben and Mike would create a new generation of fighters. Women as well as men would be part of the movement. Ben would become the most respected person in Thailand behind the Royal family. His fame would be world-wide. Even China and Russia would revere and love him. His generosity and fighting skills make him the most influential person on earth. He is simple and complex, He is a man of peace and yet he is a fighter. That makes him a combination of the best example of human kindness and strength.

Women will name their babies after him. His picture will be found in many homes. Her prophecy went on. He will become wealthy, but much of his acquired wealth will fund organizations that help people have a better life. Comic books will use his likeness and the name Colonel Mad Man. Hour long cartoon movies depict will emerge from the books as the Colonel Mad Man character in every known language. He will have to hire a business manager to coordinate his non-Air Force activities. An accountant and secretary will be added later. A vibration fluttered on my backbone.

Eventually Mad Man enterprises take over the business aspects. The Mad Man Foundation will center on the philanthropy projects. He is an institution, yet he remains a simple man. Ben is human, hero, and humble. Destiny makes him larger than life and your next-door neighbor. He is Colonel Mad Man. His wife becomes Colonel Mad Woman, and his daughter takes on the role of Lieutenant Mad Girl. His neighbor's dog is depicted as Sergeant Mad Dog the MDCC Canine. Each of these have their own comic book and cartoon movie series. Respectively the four characters have their own set of fans. The man is beyond belief, but we know he is real.

Mad Man family Conferences are set up where people dress up like their favorite character. Many come as dressed up as Sergeant Mad Dog Canine. Ben chuckles at the seriousness with which people will go to emulate him and his family.

Dawkmymy finally stated, "Ben treats the world better than anyone ever treated him. He does not know it yet, but he is benefactor to millions of people." I stood tall as Mom extracted his future. To me he was a legend and a man. He could conquer the hearts of men and women. Everyone will be full of joy in his presence. He is Alexander the Great, Abraham Lincoln, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi rolled into one.

Mike is a distinguished number two. He has captured my heart. His wisdom is unsurpassed. I am comfortable in his presence. Humankind has need for the noble number twos. They keep things organized for their friends. Support of the number ones gives him joy, and he will defend, back and assist them. He is his own man in integrity, honesty, trust and loyalty.

I see Mike as a friend and a lover. In the beginning he was a helpful and kind friend. He is built like Superman and Atlas with the wisdom of Solomon. Women drool over him. It is difficult to tell anyone why or when my heart elevated him to lover. One afternoon, I looked into his eyes, and melted in his gaze. There is no doubt that look told me he is the one with whom I want to spend the rest of my years.

Later that evening, Mike dropped to his knees in front of my parents and me. Like magic, a small container appeared in his right hand. A flip of the top exposed a diamond set in a gold ring. As the token of love was being removed from the box, I shouted, "Yes!" Before he asked the question.

A startled stare emitted from his face, as he said, "Will you give me the great honor of being my wife?" With tears in my eyes, and a glow invaded my smile. I repeatedly responded, "Yes, Yes, Yes, Oh yes! Momma was crying with joy. Daddy shook his hand and said, "Welcome to the family."

According to Momma, "Mike is a key instrument in Ben's rise and success. He will be there to help his friend through the tough times and obstacles. Some of the problems will have a personal relationship twists. An example is when you turned Ben downed, he fled. If he totally loved you, he would have fought for you. Maybe providence led him to the woman that is going to influence his life, or perhaps there is someone else for whom he will go into battle. Like Mike has struggled, sacrificed, sustained and supported you. Life is too short to waste time and effort on anything short of true love. Problems seem small when you have a helpful mate."