"Right, Jennie. Can you grab that beef from over there? I'll show you what to do with it." Chitthip says, bending down to reach inside a cupboard. She pulls out a large slow cooker, bigger than any I have ever seen before.
I'm spending the morning with Chitthip. We're having that cooking date she promised me. I'm glad that she still wants to spend some time with me, after Lisa telling her about us. I was so nervous about Lisa's family finding out, due to the fact that I'm a holidaying customer. However, they've taken the news very well. I almost feel like part of the Manoban family, they've always been so lovely and welcoming.
"So, what are we making, Chitthip?" I ask with keen interest.
"Crock pot chuck roast dinner." she answers, in a funny singsong voice.
"Crikey, that's a mouthful." I giggle.
"It's absolutely delicious and so easy to cook. You'll be able to cook it for your family, once you get home." she happily replies. Such an innocent thing for Chitthip to say, but the thought of home, only makes me realise what I will have to leave behind. My smile is faint, as I sadly look away.
"I guess so." I reply quietly.
"Have you talked with your mother?" Chitthip asks, seeking eye contact from me.
"I've only spoken to her once, but I text every few days."
Chitthip warmly smiles, "I bet she's missing you."
"Maybe." I say without emotion. Impressive for someone who is such a mass of unpredictable emotions at the moment.
Chitthip begins to unwrap the beef. "I'm sure she does, Jennie." she says with confidence.
My eyes remain fixed on what Chitthip is doing with the meat. My emotions, teeter on the edge within me. I choose my words carefully. I really don't want to make a complete fool of myself in front of Lisa's mother. "I know she's missing me, but we don't always see eye to eye over things." I admit.
Chitthip looks at me with a raised brow. "Being a parent isn't always easy, Jennie. Take if from someone who knows." she heartily laughs, putting the beef into a bowl.
"I guess, we're just very different, that's all. Mum thinks I am too spirited and impulsive."
Chitthip's lips press together, with an impressed nod of her head. "Both useful qualities for a person."
I lean back against the kitchen worktop, crossing my arms with a grin. "Sometimes, I just feel there's so much more for me in this big wide world. That's exactly why I ended up here." I say, glancing sideways at Chitthip who is smiling at me.
"I can understand that, Jennie. You are young. You have an adventurous mind and heart, but you'll have to settle down sometime." she says, using her wise words and life experience.
I move closer. "Didn't you ever want to explore the world, Chitthip?" I ask with an interested tilt to my head.
Chitthip snorts. "Why would I ever want to do that? I have everything that I could ever want, right here." she says it with a contented smile that I know, all too well. The adventure spirit within me has now been fully satisfied, now that I'm here at Manoban Ranch.
"Finding this place. I can completely understand that, Chitthip." I dreamily answer.
I sense Chitthip's hesitation. She takes her time to think first before addressing me. "So, you didn't feel satisfied back home in Korea?" she asks with a tight, nervous smile.
"I have felt unsettled, for a very long time, back home, but here..." I paused, looking into Chitthip's kind eyes. "Here...I feel happy." I add with an embarrassed smile. My face, neck and ears suddenly begin to feel uncomfortably hot. Why did I have to get all giddy on Lisa's mother?
Chitthip steps sideways, getting closer to me. "Would that be because of my wonderful Lisa?" she asks with a slanted grin.
My whole body starts to cringe. Embarrassed...doesn't quite cover it, right now. "It is." I shyly reply. Continuing to blush profusely in front of Chitthip.
She apprehensively clears her throat. "I won't lie, Jennie. I do worry about both of you. You've become awfully close, in such a short period of time." She shuffles her feet beneath her, giving me an assuring smile. "I also know my Lisa, she tried to fight what she was feeling for you, but she decided to take a risk. As her mother, I support her decision, as painful as that risk may be." she adds with motherly affection.
I turn to her, panic all over my face. "I would never hurt Lisa, I promise you Chitthip." I blurt out. The very notion makes me nauseous.
Chitthip's eyes are veiled with doubt, worry and sympathy. A spherical concoction of maternal protectiveness. "I know that, Jennie. However, the sad truth is that come next Saturday, you will both hurt each other unintentionally." She reaches for my hand, and a huge lump is forming deep down in my throat. I can't break down in front of Lisa's mother. If I break, I may not stop. She's now looking at me with such sweet warmth and empathy, that I continue to fight the emotions that are raging war inside of me. Just when I think I am going to have to make a hasty retreat from the kitchen, just enough time to get my shit together, Chitthip distractingly rubs my hand.
"Okay, enough chatter! We should be doing more cooking, or this roast won't ever be ready for our family dinner tonight." she says cheerfully.
I sniff, wiping away an errant tear, so very grateful for the change of subject. "Our dinner?" I ask.
"You're coming to dinner tonight, Jennie, a Manoban family dinner. Do you honestly think that I would have you make it and then not invite you to eat it?" Before I even have a chance to reply to a grinning Chitthip, she carries on talking. "Besides, this is Lisa'a favourite dish." she smirks at me with a crooked brow.
I coyly smile. Inwardly pleased as punch that I am invited. "Thank you, Chitthip. Tonight sounds lovely."
She cheerfully slides the carrots and potatoes nearer to me. "Alright then, dear. I need you to start peeling these, pronto. They need to be cut into large chunks. Then, I can share the secret of this recipe...tomato juice, Worcester sauce and tapioca." She says with a playful wink.
I busily start peeling. Enjoying this bonding time with Chitthip. "How long does it take?" I ask.
"We'll start it out on high for an hour and then eight hours on low." Chitthip explains.
I'm at a loss for words, I absently rub my eyelid. "Eight hours? We really do need to get cracking on...or none of us will be eating tonight." I cock my head then laugh. Chitthip's warm laugh soon follows.
I'm so grateful to share this morning with Chitthip, who is not only hard working and tenacious but also a very loving mother. She has a strong maternal side that is both unyielding and attentive, without being controlling or domineering. She nurtures her children without trying to forcefully mould them into who they are not. I have nothing but complete admiration for this amazing matriarch of the Manoban family.
