by Pia Marie
I looked down as if scared to face him any longer.
“Tara.” he called to me. He spoke my name without any emotion. No anger, no sweetness. No whatever.
I looked up when I heard him call me.
“Yes James?” I asked bewilderedly. He’s talking to me. I can’t believe it.
“I will let this one pass, but I’m reminding you, STAY AWAY.” He said, still without a readable expression on his face.
“But I’m not foll…” I wasn’t able to finish my sentence ‘cause he already left me with an empty plate and now loss of appetite for my favorite cake.
Chapter 2
Two weeks have passed since the first day of their classes and nothing bad has happened to Tara yet. She was honestly threatened by the way their last conversation ended when they were accidentally at the same restaurant.
It’s like when he told her for the first time to stay away from him. Now he’s reminding her to do the same. It sounded to Tara that he is actually going to do something bad to her if she doesn’t stop. But honestly, she never had any intentions on bugging him again, “stalking” as he clearly emphasized.
It’s a Friday. The day did not start well for her. When she got out of the house, she saw her dad’s car blocking hers. She called for the driver to move it so she can leave, but then their driver found that the tire is flat so he had to change it first. No wonder her dad used her mom’s.
It was okay since she usually got up early for school because she didn’t want to come rushing to class. She drove cautiously to school as she always had.
Tara was uneasy when she arrived because somebody occupied her slot at the parking lot, which by the way is inside Transpacific Condominium, since they have a unit there rented by a group of professors from the nearby exclusive girls’ school. Her parents love acquiring real estate properties for investment and this is one of those.
She called for security to check whose car that was and asked him to summon the driver to get it out of her parking slot. It took fifteen minutes before the apologetic driver came down. She is a calm person so she did not get mad though she is already ten minutes late for class.
She hurriedly crossed the street after getting out of parking then ran to her classroom. Good thing the classroom for Business to Business Marketing was just on the second floor of the building.
Tiptoeing, she entered the classroom so as to not disturb her classmates, who she noticed are busy doing something. The professor is still not around or perhaps just went out for a while.
After five minutes, just as she has settled herself in her seat, the professor entered the room and called her name.
“Tara,” he went to her seat.
“I see you are late, so I will be taking note of that.” He said disappointed as she was never late for any of her classes before. “I will be having a seminar for the entire week next week and so I am giving you an assignment while I am away.”
She just looked at him intently.
“It’s a paired assignment. And since you’re late and Mr. Aguilar is not around, you are the only two people left without partners. So I am pairing the two of you up for this assignment,” he continued.
Oh No! She was half happy but half worried. She doesn’t know how she will do this assignment.
“Please get Mr. Aguilar’s number from one of his friends and contact him so you two could meet up and start brainstorming on your project.” He never gave his student a chance to speak.
She was still in awe as he continued informing her. She didn’t know what to do. He said it was just her and James without partners so there is no way she could get another partner.
“The assignment is quite simple Tara. You just have to incorporate business to business marketing in it. I asked everyone to choose two companies in different industries and have proposals on how to do business with each company. Of course, there will be research and it would be best if you have contacts in each business so the interviews and documents will be handed to you easily. I believe you have a resort business ran by your family, right?” he asked her.
“Yes, sir.” she answered.
“That’s good. Now you just have to find another business in a different industry that could cater to some of your business’ needs that the other business is offering. Also, your business should be beneficial to them too, so in return you have to think of what you can offer to the other business as well. It’s like an X-deal.” He said making it sound so plain and simple. Yes the project was not complicated at all, but the partnership was very difficult for her.
He looked at some of the papers he is holding and handed one to her.
“These are the guidelines on what I want you to achieve in this project, the outline is also there so you just have to follow it and then I want a business proposal coming from each business for the other company you have chosen.” He was looking at her intently waiting for a response.
“Okay sir”, was all she could mutter. She was still in shock that being late for the first time meant a lot.
“Good, so I will have your reports and proposals on Friday in my Pigeon Box. I will be coming back from the conference by Friday afternoon, so the deadline will be 3:00 pm Friday next week. Good luck,” he said smiling.
That good luck is something I really need most for this. Especially, now that I don’t know how to approach my partner. Partner… hmmmm, that sounded good. Shame. What am I thinking! That guy hates me with a vengeance!
“Christian…” she walked towards him who was busy discussing with Matt about their assigned project.
“Hi!” he looked up.
“Uhm, as you heard, James and I are paired by sir, so is it okay to ask for his mobile number?” she was a bit hesitant but didn’t have any choice.
“Yeah, here.” he gave her his mobile phone where James’ contact info is already flashing.
“Okay. Thank you.” She said and copied the number quickly.
“You’re welcome Tara. Good luck!” he smiled at her.
I know what that smile is for! He’s wishing me luck that this silly guy would take my calls or even answer my messages.
She went back to her seat and sent James a message.
HI JAMES…
That’s what all she could type. She didn’t know what to say next.
…MR. TORRES GAVE US A PAIRED ASSIGN. AND HE PAIRED US SINCE WE WER BOTH OUT WHEN HE ANNOUNCED IT…
She reread it three times before she decided it’s okay and formal enough.
….WE HAVE TO SUBMIT D WRITTEN REPORTS AND PROPOSALS BY 3PM NEXT FRI. I M WONDERING, WHEN R U AVAILABLE TO MEET?
She reread it like five times but she can’t decide. She wanted to ask Christian if this message is okay and if James won’t get annoyed about it, but of course she didn’t.
After five more minutes of staring at her text message, she finally sent it to him. Hoping for him to reply soon so they can start the assignment and finish it. The sooner the better.
It’s impossible for him to answer so soon so she just stashed her mobile phone inside her bag and scribbled on her notebook, pretending she is busy. But actually her thoughts started wandering off. She didn’t know what will happen with this stupid paired up assignment.
When the class ended at 9:30, her notes looked more like an abstract painting, full of circles and squares and stars and hearts and all the shapes there could possibly be in geometry, she never wrote a single word as her sane mind left her since she texted him and he still did not reply.
She saw Christian standing up and getting his things and started walking to the door. She hurriedly came after him.
“Uhm, Christian, do you know if James will come to our afternoon classes?” she asked before he completely walked out.
“Oh Tara, he won’t, he is on vacation with Rhea at the moment. They went to the beach. I think they are already there now. It’s almost an hour and a half plane ride.” He turned around and informed her.
She felt sad. Rhea. Beach. Vacati
on.
“And Tara, I think they won’t be home until Wednesday. But please don’t tell our professors, James bribed his Uncle to write him a medical slip for excuse.” He knew he had to tell her because the report is due two days after James’ expected arrival.
“Where did they go?” she wasn’t able to control herself to ask. Not that she was interested. Well actually, she is.
Christian looked doubtful to answer but he remembered the project so he decided to tell her half-heartedly.
“Samal Beach Resort in Davao.”
“What? Oh no. I’m not sure if they have already restored the cellular sites there. Last time, Wi-Fi was down and mobile network had no service. It was broken down by the storm last summer. And since it’s on the island, the service operators are having a difficult time to restore the signals. How will I contact him?” she was panicking as she blurted out.
“How do you know?!” he asked surprised.
“Oh Christian, Samal Beach Resort is our family’s business.”
***
“Oh baby, I never thought you’d book such a sweet escape like this!” Rhea’s arms are wrapped around James’ torso as they were lying in bed. They just arrived at the resort.
This place is amazing. It is so cool. It had every water sport that I wanted to do. I booked this at the start of classes when Rhea continuously bugged me of quality time before I graduate.
“Baby can we go skinny dipping?” she smiled so wickedly.
I know what she’s thinking and I like it.
“Of course baby, we can do anything you like while we’re here. But not tonight, it says on their website that there is an acoustic band playing every Friday night and I want us to watch it.” He pulled her closer to him playing with her soft tiny curls falling down her cheeks.
He adores his girlfriend, she was sexy. Her curves are at the right places and she fit him perfectly. She is not tall at all. When standing together, the top of her head just reached below his chin. He is fond of girls smaller than him.
“I’m so happy baby. This is the first time we left our classes to have a vacation, just you and me. This is like the best graduation gift ever!” she smiles and gives him tiny kisses on the cheeks then on the forehead then on the nose and finally on the lips.
The kiss is starting to be passionate and full of desire. But before they get carried away, James pulled back slowly.
“Baby, I need to call Christian to ask about my first class. Let’s save the best for tonight,” he winked then let her go from his embrace.
He stood up from the bed and grabbed his phone and went to the balcony of their room. He switched on his phone. No wonder I did not receive any calls or messages, I forgot to turn it on.
It had been five minutes before James gave up finding a signal.
“Baby . . .” James went inside and found Rhea sleeping. He decided to go to the front desk without bothering to wake up Rhea from her nap and ask for a little help with his signal.
“I’m sorry for the inconvenience sir, but the restoration of cell service on the island had been very difficult. The last storm broke down all the cell sites nearby. Even our internet service has not been restored and its almost one month and a half already.” The lady on the front desk apologized.
“How did you even get my booking?” he asked frowning.
“We go to the city everyday sir, we make all transactions in the business center there. If there is anything you would want me to transmit sir, I could do so for you.” The girl in the reception was very accommodating.
“What time do you go to the city? Do you use the same boat we used to be transported here?” he asked as if trying to estimate the travel time that will be spent to go back to the main island.
“No sir, we use the resort’s private speed boat, it shortens travel time to half. Our staff leaves at nine in the morning and another one at three in the afternoon,” the receptionist continues, “but if you need to do something in the city sir, we can transport you at this time.”
“No it’s okay. I think I will just ride with your three pm schedule. Is that okay?” he smiled at her offer.
“Yes sir that would be no problem at all. I will have the room boy call you from your villa before the staff leaves.”
“Okay. Thank you Ms. Anne.” He read the receptionist’s ID tag and walked back to their villa.
James told Rhea about the connection problems in the resort and surprisingly, Rhea did not freak out. She was even happy at the thought that they are somewhat on a deserted island and no one could disturb them.
They had lunch at their villa. They had a good view from the balcony and their feet were playing in the sand as they ate. They were laughing and talking naughty. Rhea could not stop giggling in delight as James responded to all her flirty moves.
The door bell rang and made James jump up a bit. He went to the door and looked at his watch before frowning. It’s not three o’clock yet.
“Hello sir James,” a staff from the resort greeted him.
“The trip to the city has been moved earlier as we are expecting a VIP to arrive. We are expected to leave in ten minutes. Are you still going with us?” the staff continued to speak when he saw James just nodded at him.
“Yes, yes. I will just get my phone and tell my girl friend. I will be at the lobby in five minutes.” He looked at his watch while answering.
“Okay sir, we will wait for you.” He bent his head a bit as a sign of respect and acknowledgment before he turned and walked back to the lounge.
James didn’t even bother to lock the door as he knew he would be out of it again in a matter of a couple minutes.
“Baby, I must go to the city now, the trip had been scheduled earlier as they are expecting a VIP to arrive. Would you like to come?” He kissed Rhea while grabbing his mobile phone and wallet.
“No baby, I think I’ll just stay. I want to take a nap so I will be recharged for tonight.” She smiled wickedly and stood up to hug him before he headed for the door. She touched his chest and caressed it a little.
James groaned as he felt his hot girlfriend skimming through his body. He smiled at the thought of what she said then kissed her again before he left.
They arrived at the dock in less than 20 minutes. He checked his signal once they disembarked the boat and he finally had one. He immediately called his mom to tell her that they are okay and not send a search rescue as his mom is very panicky when he doesn’t keep in touch. He is no momma’s boy, but he doesn’t like it when his mom worries too much because she has some heart ailments.
“Sir, would you like to ride with us? We could drop you at the city proper. The business center is there.” The hotel staff asked him as he ended the conversation with his mother.
“No, I think I could stay here. I’ve got signal already.” He said when he checked his phone again.
“Okay sir, we will be back in thirty minutes. The airport is just a fifteen minute drive from here. You could stay at one of our lounges here and order some snacks.” He pointed him to the direction.
“Oh thank you but I think I will just rest in one of those cozy huts.” He looked at the huts lined near the pool.
He loves nature. He loves outdoor life. He wanted to take a nap as well for tonight. He slipped his phone back to his short pants and didn’t bother checking for any of his messages. For him, what’s important is that his mom knows he’s alright. In less than five minutes that he is lying in the hut, he fell asleep.
James woke up half an hour later. The staff from the resort is still not back. He walked to the dock to check for the boat and it’s still there. Clearly, the staff’s trip to the airport took longer. Davao is almost like Manila already. The traffic is not as heavy, but definitely not as light as in other provinces.
He got his phone from his pocket and started skimming through his messages. He had a couple unread messages from Christian. He did not bother to read them as he reminded himself that he is on a vacation with Rhea and he want
s to give her his full attention.
Then he saw a message from an unknown number. He opened it and started reading.
HI JAMES. MR. TORRES GAVE US A PAIRED ASSIGN AND HE PAIRED US SINCE WE WER BOTH OUT WHEN HE ANNOUNCED IT. WE HAVE TO SUBMIT D WRITTEN REPORTS AND PROPOSALS BY 3PM NEXT FRI. I M WONDERING, WHEN R U AVAILABLE TO MEET?
Who is this? Stupidly texting me and not saying who he is.
He replied WHO IS THIS?
Then he thought how he is going to do that assignment when he is here at the island with no signal and no modes of communication. Now that startled him. After three minutes of no reply, he decided to call the sender of the message.
No answer.
He called again but still no answer.
Idiot! Pick up the phone!
He called again, finally he heard a voice.
“James,” the girl from the other line said.
“Who’s this?” he asked clueless.
“Let’s just talk later.” then the girl disconnected the call.
“Wait!” to no avail, the girl was gone.
He called her again intending to let her know that he is in an island with no communication and that they must talk now before the VIP arrives and they set off for the Island.
“I told you we will just talk later!” the girl exclaimed.
He moved the phone away from his ear and looked at it. The other line is still ringing but he heard the voice of the girl.
“James!” the girl said again, now catching his attention.
He looked up and saw the afternoon sun beaming at his eyes and could not figure the girl’s face. He stood up so the sun won’t hurt his eyes then looked from where the voice came from.
“TARA!” he said in shock when he recognized it was her.
“I’ve been trying to get a hold of you since Mr. Torres told me that we are paired for the assignment. But Christian told me you are here and I know there are no signals in the island, so I came instead.” She tried to explain before he starts assuming things.
“I TOLD YOU TO STOP STALKING ME!” he exclaimed, clearly her explanation ending useless.
“I am not stalking you. Did you not hear a single word I said? We were paired up by Mr . . .” she was cut mid-sentence by his second accusation.