His Island Girl

Chapter Seven

They kept walking in silence although he had no idea where they were headed to.

"So what are you going to do with them" he decided to raise a conversation to ease the awkwardness.

"Grilling. My sister and I just started a new business of grilled sardines. A lot of people come to buy because it tastes really good" she uttered.

"Really?"

"You bet. Until you get to try them" she assured.

"Surely I can't wait to try them" he replied.

She paused and turned to look at him with a smile on her face. It instantly infected him that he couldn't help but smile back. He had thought that she look more cute when annoyed but after seeing that smile, his heart melted. She looked absolutely more beautiful when she smiled. A smile that melted his heart instantly. He made up his mind to always make her smile or laugh as long as they're together.

Then there was that deafening silence between them again. None could utter a word as they both walked at a slow pace that one could think they were not willing or ready to reach their destination. They both obviously didn't want the moment to end.

"Why didn't you confront me earlier?" He said in a low tone.

"When?" She replied in the same time.

"When we collided. Seeing how annoyed you were I expected that you would reprimand or curse me. But you didn't"

She became silent for more than a minute as he patiently waited for her response in hopes that he had not annoyed her.

"Let's just say I only let it slide because its the first time" she said with her head bent low.

"But it isn't the first" he said almost in a whisper. He was searching for some sort of sign or assurance that she could be feeling the same way as he does, even if just a little bit.

The awkward silence made his heart began to beat abnormally fast, wishing for that little ray of hope that he was not the only one that felt something new since their first meeting. He kept wishing she felt whatever he has been feeling during the past weeks.

"What's your name?" She asked out of the blue, reminding him that he had not properly introduced himself yet.

"Forgive my manners please. My name is Dave"

"Dave. Nice name" she said and was silent again.

"Wouldn't it please this beautiful damsel beside me to say her name to me?" He said in that alluring and graceful nature that nearly turned her cheeks light pink.

"For now I can't tell you my name" she said and smiled, turning her face so that he wouldn't see her blushing.

"Why not?" He asked.

"Just for my own good. You will have to earn it" she replied.

He was puzzled as to why she couldn't tell him her name for her own good even though he was more than willing to earn it as she wanted

.

By that time, they had already reached a little stall made from bamboo sticks. There was another locked up compartment just within. She handed him the basket to hold as she pulled out a key from her jean's pocket and used it to unlock the door. She first brought out a long wooden bench from inside, placed it under a shade and wiped it for him. Then she brought out all that would be needed and then cleared every littered dirt around. She set up her work place a little bit distant from where he sat as a form of respect in order not to taint his personality.

He sat a little distant to where she was and watched in amazement as she rewashed and removed the insides of the fishes and expertly prepared all the ingredients. She turned on the little device and began to grill. All the while they only spoke few words to each other and kept stealing glances at each other.

The sweet aroma filled the air that he couldn't wait to have a test of what that beautiful angel was preparing, even if it was perilous. Yet she made sure that he got to have the first taste of the first set of grilled sardines. They tasted absolutely delicious like nothing he has ever tasted before.

Soon afterwards, people began to troop in in numbers to buy. He knew that if he hadn't been sitted at a secluded spot away from the public's attention, anyone would have spotted out the well known Dave Orman under a tree close to a barbecue stall and that would make a big headline in the news. All the while he never took his eyes off her as she got busy attending to other customers. He wondered if she knew who he really is or if she's just pretending not to. Apart from his first visit to the island, he always dressed casually and avoided companies that would blow out his real identity and that decision arose after his first meeting with her. He was without any shield that hid his face or true identity on that day, yet she was indifferent about who he was. It's either she didn't know he was Dave Orman or she didn't care who he was.

Two hours later, she was done grilling and customers were not as much as before. When there were no more people coming to buy, she prepared little lunch for the both of them. She went to meet him and then sat beside him as they ate together while engaging in a conversation.They both began to get more and more comfortable around each other as if they've known each other for long.

A middle aged lady came around after they finished their lunch. The lady looked much older than her and Dave found out after the introduction that the older lady was her sister but more like an aunt to her. Although the lady tried to hide it, it was so evident that she was not comfortable with Dave's presence.

"Ma'am, I know you must be tired already. Remember you didn't sleep last night" she said to the lady.

"Yes baby. But you need help here don't you? I need to be here to help you out with the-"

"Nooo. You don't need to, I'm almost done. You need to be with Adrian. He needs you more, believe me I can manage" she said, as if I'm a hurry to dismiss the lady.

"But his grandpa is with him-"

"But he needs his mother more. I insist please" she added, interrupting the lady.

"Alright then If you insist. I'll be on my way now. Just take care okay? And be safe" she interjected before giving one last suspicious look at him.

There was that deafening silence one more time after the other lady left.

"Why did you ask her to leave?" He asked after dropping the cup of water on the table. She took some seconds to respond.

"Well I uhm...I don't know either" she said silently.

He didn't take his eyes off her which made her uneasy as she continued.

"My nephew, her son is sick. Last night we were unable to sleep as we looked after him though he seemed to be better this morning. So I think she still needs to be with him and also have some rest since she was unable to sleep last night because of him" she explained.

"I'm really sorry about that. I hope he gets well soon" he said.

She nodded before inserting another sliced fruit into her mouth and began munching on it. He became totally lost as his gaze focused on her lips. When her own gaze met his at an instant, there was a sudden spark of affection and their hearts began to beat in unison. But then she looked away and he realized just how uncomfortable he must've made her feel.

"So you live here?" He said at last after some minutes of calm has been restored between them.

"Yes. At least I grew up here on this island"

"I never knew people lived on this island I thought only tourists and casual workers came" he asked, trying to get a little information about the situation on ground.

"There are inhabitants. Few though. I in particular was raised on this island since I was a baby"

"Really? Do you mind telling me about how you came to live here?" he asked curiously.

"Well it is a long story that only my Dad can tell. The only thing I know is that my Dad holds this island so dear and he is considered as the head of the inhabitants here cos he was the first to start living here. He is very strict about strangers especially me meeting or socializing with them. He trusts no one. So for him to be like thy only means that life has taught him a great lesson that he decided to shut himself out of the world in this place" she revealed. The revelation really shocked him and he couldn't help but think there's more to know than what he already suspects.

"Wow that sounds really strange. I wonder what must have happened to him" he thought out loud.

"Forgive me please I didn't mean to pry" he added just after realizing the extent of his questions.

"That's okay" she whispered softly.

"So do you also think I'm a stranger that cannot be trusted? Do you think I'm a bad person?" He asked raising one eyebrow at her which made him look more attractive.

.

"So far my spirit did not detect any bad thing about you and....because this is not our first meeting, and the fact that I'm seated here with you and telling you all of these means that I trust you and no longer see you as a stranger" she said in a calm tone that really suited his mind.

"Thank you" he whispered.

"So, are you a tourist here or you come here for leisure? Where's your family?"

"I...actually came here for leisure and I needed to get some fresh air. This place offers the best sensation and serenity needed to cool off. My family is in town by the way. Thank goodness I have found a new friend so I'll be coming here more frequently now" he said.

"Who?" She asked.

"You"

He caught her blushing a little before turning a straight face.

"Or don't you want to be my friend?" He asked. He was seeking for something little, perhaps a little relationship that would lead to something more than just friends not strangers.

"Well, too bad if things do not go well, we won't meet again probably" she said and turned her face away. He sensed sadness in her voice.

"Why? What are you talking about?" He asked in bewilderment.

"Haven't you heard? Oh you, you are a visitor"

"Heard what?"

"This place will soon be demolished and we'll be forced to move out of here"

"What? Why?" He was getting upset. It was exactly what he feared most. He wsn't going to let it happen. But then she got on her feet and looked more pissed off.

"We've lived our whole lives in this place. We're just poor people trying to make ends meet. The world out there is not safe for us and this island is our only solace and source of livelihood but some people think that they can rule the world especially the poor people simply because they are rich and have the means" she said in a raised tone that made him feel uneasy.

The conversation was starting to get sour and has reached a point of preliminary prejudice. He literally didn't like the tone of her voice or where she was headed to.

"That's absurd, I mean why would anyone think of something as terrible as this?" He said, trying not to give himself away while keeping the conversation going. He was beginning to get worked up.

"Its simple. Just as I've said. The rich are trying by all means to take what does not belong to them from us. Construction has already begun on some parts of this island by the so called Orman Empire. They plan to take up the entire island. I just don't understand why the rich are always greedy and never satisfied. I honestly wish I can meet with that heartless CEO of theirs so I can tell him to his face how greedy and heartless he is. How uncompassionate he is for taking this decision" she mouthed in anger.

She sounded so agitated and her chest rose and fell as she breathed out her annoyances. With her eye lashes fanning her cheeks as she blinked continuously, she looked more alluring but because he was not pleased with the situation of things, he tried not to focus on her beautiful face.

He felt his palms sweat as his body stiffened. He became short of breath as he felt the world closing in on him, he is going to die of guilt. This isn't a good start for him. Was she aware of who is really sitting beside her? Was she pretending not to recognize him and is indirectly bashing him?

"Really?" was all he could utter. He was suddenly dispirited and distressed.

"I mean who does not know about the Orman Empire? The most famous and wealthy business empire. I used to admire everything about them. I even have dreams of working there someday but ever since they decided to do this outrageous thing, I began to dislike them. If I happen to even accidentally meet with anyone who works there especially their CEO, I will surely give them a slap. Nothing will stop me. I'd rather go to jail" she stated. He never knew she could be that loquacious, yet she interests him the more. He felt his heart beating rapidly.

"You must really despise their CEO in particular" he said hoping to make more interesting inquiries.

"I don't really but ever since they made this decision-"

"Do you know him? I mean, have you met him before?" He cut in.

"I've only heard of him but I have never seen him before" she said.

At that instant, he felt relaxed. He resolved in his heart to leave behind a good impression of who Dave Orman is. She doesn't know she is actually having a conversation with him in particular and that's a good start for him.

"So why do you hate him so? You know its not good to judge a book by its cover"

"I know. But in this situation its so hard not to. I mean what more does he want? He has literally everything at the tip of his finger. I've read stories and articles about all his achievements and works accomplished under his intelligence. He is a great man. Wealth, fame, power and all....he has them at his disposal and I truly admire him" she said softy, staring into empty space.

"He lacks nothing but what else could he be looking for here? Can't he just leave us in peace?" She added in a low and worried tone that made his heart ache. Indeed she truly admires him but is saddened by everything that's happening.

He smiled sadly at the thought that he was close to her yet seem so far away from her. What baffled him the most was the fact that she could not recognise that he is the person she kept talking about even though all indication showed she is a big fan of his. He felt his heart squeeze.

"If we do admire someone it only means that we like their personality and hope to be like them someday isn't it?" He asked softly.

She went silent for few seconds as she cracked her knuckles.

"Dave Orman" she said in a low whisper and then raised her head immediately to look at him.

"You both.... share the same name..." she added after staring intently at him. But then she shook her head and turned away, perhaps not wanting to believe in the possibility that it could be him. He wanted to tell her he is indeed Dave Orman but he was suddenly afraid of the outcome. He was afraid he would loose her if she found out who he is and for that reason, he restrained from doing so.

If she couldn't believe in the possibility that he could be Dave Orman, it's because no one would believe that Dave Orman can be seen on an isolated island having a conversation with a regular girl. He is a popular and wealthy figure that is hardly seen carelessly without first going through due protocols and for that reason, one cannot just meet with a total stranger and think that person is Dave Orman simply because his name is Dave.

"Since you've never seen him then I don't think its right for you to him. He may be the same personality you once admired. You know in businesses like this, the CEO himself rarely takes part some decisions made by the caretakers of the business. What if the decision makers are only after the huge profit that would be obtained and have probably decided on how to share the profit that would be realised? The CEO himselfe may not even be aware of this" he explained.

"But he is the CEO of his company so why won't he be in charge of decision making?"

"Like I said he is probably not aware. He may be handling some important stuff. The construction may also be a contract from other companies to be carried out by the Orman Empire and not totally done by them. So just relax okay? Nothing will happen to you guys" he said assuredly. He loved how he was indirectly taking charge of the situation.

"Why do you think-" she started in surprise but he cut her midway. She was totally amazed by his optimism.

"You say you are a fan of Dave Orman right, well I'm a freak when it comes to him. I know he is a great personality. Do you know he is an antagonist when it comes to injustice and anything that will have negative effects on the poor and less privileged? He respects people especially the poor and honorable. I'm sure he is not aware of this yet. When he comes to know about this, he will either abort or reduce the level of the project" he said in finality, just as if he was playing a game of bet.

He sure does not wish to loose this angel. If it meant giving up his livelihood just to be with her and to make her happy, he would do it. He was willing to do something epic just to prove himself. He was somehow joyful that she didn't know about his real identity yet and he is going to use that to his own advantage as he buys more time in winning her heart and her trust. She didn't know he is Dave Orman so he plans to use that opportunity to give an impression of who Dave Orman truly is so that when she gets to find out, it would at least be to his advantage even though she might end up hating him. Even if it meant always predicting the actions of Dave Orman so that she would trust them both. Even if it meant bringing the real Dave Orman to her doorstep.