Offer To The CEO

95 Returning to Anna's Childhood Home

Sunday ...

Sunday morning, neither Anna Jones or Hou Yi remembered much after returning from the Australian Rules Football game they had seen.They were awoken by a wake-up call from reception at 7:30am.

"Yi why such an early wake-up call?"

"Anna, we have to be back at Tullamarine before 9am as the only departure slot we could was 9:15am.The authorities did confirm we could land and take off in Warrnambool, despite the strip's length as the plane is a private not a commercial plane.We will arrive before 10:30am, but have to depart by 6pm to make our slot back here.That will give us about 7 hours with your family.Come on you need to get going, as we will have to leave in 40 minutes."

Anna quickly got out of bed, and went and showered.She put on a hotel robe, so that Hou Yi could go into the bathroom and she dressed in a set of casual clothes from her case.15 minutes later, Hou Yi came out of the bathroom, dressed.He looked at his watch "Come on, we need to get going as we may otherwise push our luck."Both picked up their cameras and Anna also picked up her hand bag and within 3 minutes they were in the car being driven to the airport.They made it back in time for their flight slot, and were in the air, flying to Warrnambool.

Once they were free to move around, both were served breakfast.Anna decided on an egg and bacon roll, hash browns and a coffee, and rather than making it more difficult for the staff Hou Yi agreed to the same but with tea rather than coffee.

As they were eating, Hou Yi spoke "Anna, some bodyguards will accompany us in the second vehicle that will be available, but the rest will remain with the plane.I know you do not want them around us, so I have told them to give us space today."

"Fine, but keep them out of my parents sight, OK.They are finding this hard enough to adjust to, bodyguards surrounding us will make it impossible."

Due to the wind, and emergency flights from the Warrnambool Airport they landed just after 10:30am.After deplaning Anna told the bodyguards, as she knew where she was going she would drive one car, those in the other simply had to follow her.She headed out of the airport driving to her parents house.

Anna had her fingers cross that today her parents would talk to her, particularly in light of Tuesday night's conversation.All she could do was try.Less than 15 minutes later, Anna pulled up outside her childhood home and turned off the engine.As she got out Hou Yi realised that he needed to get out.

Anna looked back and realised that the bodyguards had parked right behind them, but stayed in the car.Before going anywhere she walked over to the car and said "Move it.Do not be too close.We will be safe here."

The echoing call from all five in the vehicle was "Yes Madam Hou."Once she was satisfied as to where they were parked, she went and took Hou Yi's hand as they went up to the front door and rang the doorbell, rather than Anna using her key to let them in.Around a minute later the door was answered.

"Anna, what are you doing here.I though you were away with Lu Jinhu.Who in the f**k is this?"

"James settle down.Are Mum and Dad home?"

"Yes.They are in the lounge but for some reason since Tuesday night Mum in particular has been p**sed off about something."

"James, I need you to do me a couple of favours.Book us somewhere for lunch and tell everyone to get there ASAP.I do not care where, but we all have to talk, and I do not want to have to repeat everything time after time.OK."

"Fine sis, but who is this with you?"

"This is Hou Yi, but that is all I am saying at the moment OK."

"OK, but you own me a me a full explanation."With that James lent in and kissed Anna on the cheek.He pulled his mobile and started making calls.

"Yi, that was my pain in the a**e baby brother. Thank goodness he is doing what I asked.Now all we need to do is speak to my parents."

With that Anna, walked inside, and headed to the lounge room.When she and Hou Yi entered, her parents had their back to the entry, so Anna called out "Mum, Dad, could you please turn around."

They stood up and turned.Meredith Jones spat out "What are you doing here.You have some nerve given what you told us Tuesday night.You threw away a perfectly good man who treated you as a woman is meant to be treated for this person.Why are you here?"

Anna could feel Hou Yi tensing up right beside her."Mum settle down.I have a lot I need to tell everyone, but James is arranging a lunch with everyone for me, so I can tell everyone together.Can you be civil to my husband and I until then?"

"Why should I.You totally disrespected your father and I" snapped Meredith.

"Mrs Jones, please do not get angry at my wife.All we are asking is for you to listen to what we have to say.If you then want nothing to do with us, while it will hurt my wife we will accept it.You, at least own her the respect to hear what she has to say.And I will give you this warning once, I will defend and protect my wife form anyone, it that means you I will do that.Presently I am giving you some latitude as we shocked you on Tuesday and today, but that will not be forever."

Meredith, turned white after hearing her son-in-law speak.To break the ice, Anna's father walked over to Hou Yi, and held out his hand "Hi I am Stan.We will do that."

Hou Yi took the outstretched hand and shook it, saying "Hi I am Hou Yi, please call me Yi."

"Mum and Dad, are you OK with the family lunch, and before you say anything we will pay."

"Fine," snapped Meredith.

The room suddenly went quiet, but within a minute."Sis, Lunch is booked at Pippies for 12pm.Susan and I both have to be at the hospital by 3pm, so an early lunch is needed.Ben and Adam are annoyed at you, but given none of us expected you back for a couple of weeks, they are coming.The only thing I did not do was tell them that you were not with Lu Jinhu as there must be some story."

"Thanks baby brother.Mum and Dad are a little angry with me at the moment, so I figure that it might not be the best for us to wait here and travel with you.See you there, OK."

"Not a problem.Love you sis."

"Love you to baby brother."Anna leaned over and gave James a kiss on his cheek and with that they walked out of the house.