His Island Girl

Chapter Twenty One

As the days rolled by, Dave began to learn a lot of new things. He learnt from an old but legendary soldier and spy agent how to read and translate secret codes, how to detect danger and ways in which he can scale through dangerous situations. In just three days, he became more smart and sensitive than he had ever been and he knew he was slowly becoming like his mentor. He was improving in his intellectual ability to think and process facts faster and under short time constraints. Leo also promised to tutor him basic survival skills in fist fights and how to use firearms but that would mean staying longer than he had intended on the island.

On one of the days, Leo took him to his study which was located in one of the rooms in the compound. It had a secret aperture on the wall which can be unlocked using a pass code. The aperture led to a more complexly designed room which contained some sophisticated equipments and computers. Some of the equipments were weapons and firearms and some of the computers showed each part of the area surrounding the compound including everything on it. Each screen revealed images of nearly 10km away from the CCTV camera connected to it. With the varieties of firearms he possessed in his study, Dave knew that he had underestimated Leo on how sophisticated he actually was.

They spent many hours in the study and Leo showed him so many things including albums and articles of him and his friends Nathan and Jeff when they were in military school and after they had left military school. He had kept records and pictures of his past life which included that of his family and friend's. Some of the weapons and firearms he had stored in the study dated back to the times when he and his friends were still in service to the nation.

Dave was able to know his father's favourite weapon from way back and he took his time to run his fingers on it and study it. He was able to see what Noella's real parents looked like and also the late mother of Mirabella from the photo album he was shown. He came across a journal on the biography of Mario and Jon Kish, the history and records of the RKGC and Orman Empire which he never knew about and so he decided to go through them. They spent more than six hours in the secret room and Dave only became more thirsty for more knowledge and information about everything.

"You can't go through everything in just a day Davie. These are histories dated more than thirty years ago, some even before you were born" Leo said to him after leaving him in the study and returning to meet him an hour later still researching.

"How come you never told me about the civil war that took place in 1944 when Jon Kish was able to convince the army chief to go on a coup- against the then President-"

"Dave, these things happened a long time ago and it's not relevant at the moment but you can browse the internet to get more clarity on everything you need to know"

"Do you think that these can be found on the internet? Even so, they could've been edited, I mean these are raw facts on paper which are more true compared to those on the internet. No one will tell you this" Dave said in a tone of excitement as he flipped through the pages.

"Hmm, I see. But that's not what I want you to do here remember? Alright I'll give you some of these old journals to take them back with you so that you can go through them if you want. Just be careful with them because they are very rare to find, if not the last ones on earth" Leo said.

"Now I understand why you have enough knowledge especially on the Orman Empire and RKGC. I've come to understand that many business empires today came to be either because of the Orman Empire or RKGC and all have benefited or been loyal to their pioneer company. Take for example the Abby Bricks (AB) enterprise, it was established under the pioneering of the Orman Empire"

"Yep. That's very much correct, but where's AB enterprise now huhh?" Leo said while leaning in on Dave across the table.

"We lost them about two months ago to the RKGC. I was so devastated at that time because they'd been our loyal customers for a long time" Dave uttered as he recalled that devastating day he lost his loyal clients to the RKGC.

"You see Dave? The silent battle is still ongoing secretly. Why did RKGC do that and why did AB enterprise betray you?" Leo said lowly

Dave became silent.

"They hate your guts and want to take all your glory. They want to silently rip you off everything you own. Now how were they able to achieve that? Through their insiders. The ones they put there in your company" Leo said to him in a low tone before moving away from him.

The more Dave got to know, the more he wondered why he's been antagonized to every extent by his enemies.

"What have I ever done to them?" Dave said in a near sad tone.

"Have you forgotten? The Kish family has held an elite title in the country for what may seem like ages because they possessed every qualities required to be in that position. But now with the emergence of a new government, there seems to be a shift of responsibilities and resources because new elites are going to be assigned to represent the country. That title which they had held and continued to manipulate it to be theirs for a long time Dave, I think that title wants to go to the Orman family but they do not want that to happen and for that reason, they want to rip you off everything it takes to own that position" Leo said and Dave only smiled.

"What if I don't want that title, I mean I'm as elite as many who have such tittles"

"Who doesn't want a good thing? We all do, I mean even if you don't, at least do it for your children and grandchildren" Leo said to him.

"So that someone will fight them when I'm gone? Just the way I'm being fought silently" he said raising his eyebrows.

Leo was awed by his witful imagination.

"So will you rebuke the title when you're finally given?" Leo asked him.

"I will accept it only when the Kishs are no more"

"So you're afraid of them?" Leo asked.

"I only want to live a peaceful life and if taking up that title means stepping on their toes then I won't. I already have enough on my plate at the moment"

"So why not let them have the island also since seeing it in your possession also makes you step on their feet. Not just the island, everything you own that they want to have"

"I will fight for what's mine only" Dave told him.

"And you think that position is not yours too? You will let them continue to have what they don't deserve so that they can use the powers and privileges it comes with to torment the poor and vulnerable? You will let them continue to hurt and trample you to the dust? Well if you let them, they will never stop and their evil schemes will only go on from generation to generation and your own generation will not be spared either. They did it to your father and now the son is about to do the same to you" Leo said to him.

Dave heaved a deep sigh.

"But you just told me that everything happened a long time ago and the battle had been between the fathers. Do you now wish for the sons to continue from where the fathers left off-"

"Yes I know what I said Dave but I don't want you to continue the fight. I only want you to put a stop to it for peace to reign"

"But will peace ever reign with Mario still alive? Do you think Lesley will give up that easily too? Everything will only end up in a more hotter battle and more lives may be lost. Unless of course you are going to fight by my side to make sure that victory is assured. Unless on the other hand you want to use me to get justice for... for.." Dave trailed off. He realized the level of his last sentences and so felt regrets.

"Go on. Say it" Leo shouted.

"I'm sorry" Dave breathed.

For many minutes, the two men became silent and said nothing to each other. Each of them especially Leo regretted his words and realized that he had only wanted to use Dave to gain his revenge on his enemies but then he felt so sorry for harbouring such thoughts. They were all in this together and there's no way he would use or make Dave fight for him. He apologised and asked for pardon. Dave also apologised to him and they became friends once again.

Leo later revealed to Dave some of the two-faced people in the Orman Empire who were working for Lesley and his father in the company. Dave was overwhelmed and wondered if knowing about that was really necessary since he could not possibly fire them. He doesn't even have the right to fire anyone on his own without presenting any candid reasons to the board of directors.

"You don't need to fire anybody, in fact it would arise suspicions. Just let them stay but keep a close watch and monitor everything they do. You already have an upper arm compared to them. If you notice any suspicious movements don't hesitate to alert me" Leo had told him.

* * * * *

Being with Leo always made Dave happy and eager to learn. He began to see him as a father who was after his welfare and wellbeing even though he not his biological son. Being with him also made him see the loving and jovial part of him however, in the midst of strangers, he usually hid behind the mask of a vile person.

Every morning, they took a walk to different parts of the island and Dave was taught how to hunt and practice some stunts. Sometimes they went fishing at the rear end of the island which was devoid of any seashore activity like the front side. Other times, they visited his farm or the farms of other dwellers and Dave always enjoyed helping out in the farm work.

Dave felt so wonderful having to live like a commoner rather than living a luxurious life. He had also addressed the people and gave them his word of assurance that their land will not be taken away from them. Once, he and Leo had visited the old abandoned mine which was starting to get covered by the earth and vegetation. At that moment, he felt like he was in the era when Leo and his friends (with his father inclusive) had explored the place. He thought it must've been a memorable and adventurous experience for them all.

The seven days he had asked for came to an end so quickly that he requested for more time from his company through a mail he had sent to his PA. There'd been so much chaos and chasms from the company because of the request he made for a week more off work. After much reprovals, they finally approved a five days grace which was accompanied by warnings and threats of him getting penalized should incase he failed to return after the five days grace. That however was very okay by him and he knew that Andrew must be the one to issue out those threats because it was unusual for anyone else to do that.

Each day also only brought him closer to Noella. She was in fact the main reason he had requested for more leave days from the company. Their relationship only got stronger by the day. It was the summer holidays and so she and Adrian do not go to school. She had stopped going to the seashore to help Mirabella ever since Dave came to visit, rather she always stayed back and wait for him and her father to return from their morning walks. There was a small garden situated close to the stream and they usually fetched water from the stream to water the garden.

They became more free with each other and shared their greatest fears and secrets with each other in just a short period of time. Sometimes, Dave helped her with some of the house chores such as cooking, cleaning and doing the dishes and it was always a moment of fun and laughter since Dave was not used to doing such things, nevertheless, he learned quickly. In the afternoons, they were mostly alone because Adrian and his mother would be at the shore while Leo would be in his study or doing some other things. With the way they got closer to each other and with the looks he always saw in their eyes whenever they were close to each other, Leo had finally come to realize that he could do nothing to stop them from being together and perhaps they were made for each other. For that reason, he had dissolved the deal he had with Dave.

Once when Dave got injured by a sharp twig in the garden, Noella felt more distressed than him. It was at that point that he knew how much she truly cared for him. Each day, she nursed and treated his wound and never allowed him do anything that would hinder its healing process. She always had a round of banter with her Dad whenever he insisted that Dave had to do something. She became so overly protective of him, sometimes their closeness only made him want to kiss her lips but he always restrained himself because he thought it was not the right time.

One day, they took a walk to the rear part of the island where Dave and Leo used to go fishing. It was so quiet and serene and they went along with few items because they planned to have a little picnic. Dave had to work so hard just to get that pass from Leo.

He had personally caught the fishes they would need and he felt so proud to show off his new fishing skills just to prove to her that he was not the same Dave who had nearly poured out all her sardines in the water on the first day. Nevertheless, she still laughed and made fun of him after reminiscing the first time.

They had roasted fish and potatoes together with vegetables and coconut drinks. The wonderful feeling of having an outdoor meal in a quiet and serene place with someone special was so worthwhile to the both of them. Dave wanted to have a reminder of such a memorable experience even when he went back to the city so he made sure they took enough selfies and videos. It was their first time of taking pictures together so he made sure they had enough pictures together even though he took secret shots of her when she was unaware.

"Thank you" she said when they relaxed on the mat to watch the sunset.

"For what?"

"For today, for spending time with me in a special way. I knew what you had to go through from him just so he would grant us this moment. I honestly feel so special" she spoke softly. It melted his heart.

"Really? You are special to me and I can go through any troubles with your Daddy just to have a special time with you because you deserve more"

"Am I that special to you? I'm nothing but a poor girl from a well...insignificant island yet you do so much for me. I've never been this close to anyone except my Dad, sister and Adrian"

"Same here. I've never felt so drawn to anyone except my loved ones, especially never felt drawn to a simple girl who possesses so much qualities" he said while looking directly into her eyes.

"It's still surprising to know that something about me brought you this close to me. What is that thing? Why do you feel so drawn to us, to me?" She asked.

"I honestly do not know Ella. It's like asking me how the universe was created or why I breathe. Each time you're close to me, I feel immeasurable joy and each time you're not close, your thoughts fill me up. Do you know how much I yearn to be by your side all the time?" He whispered with so much emotions clouding his senses coupled with the fact that he had only little more time to be with her.

"Why do I give you joy? Why do you long to be with me Davie?" She whispered back. Her gaze roamed his eyes in a questioning way. She wanted him to say anything or give her a sign that she was not the only one dying to be loved by him.

"Because with you, I feel things no one has made me feel before. I've developed strong feelings for you, feelings too strong to be compared with anything else. I think I'm in love with you Noella, I've fallen deeply in love with you. But I'm afraid it's not yet time to voice out my feelings to you because I'm afraid you may not feel the same way I do or that circumstances may not let me have you..." He thought deeply in his heart.

"Because you're an Angel" he ended up saying aloud.

Her countenance changed for a brief moment because she felt disappointed at his reply but she immediately returned to her normal conposure.

"Why? Is anything wrong?" He asked.

"Oh no, I was just surprised you see me as an angel when I'm only human" she chuckled weakly. He only stared at her as he tried to read her mind through her countenances.

"So do you now have any special skills apart from the ones I know?" She said trying to change the topic because that was not the reply she had wanted from him. She thought he could be in a relationship with someone else and not possibly feel anything for her.

"Just one more addition to the ones you knew" he said.

"Which is?"

"I'm now a pro in fishing"

"Wow" a smile played around her lips.

"And you?" He quickly asked before she would find it amusing.

"Nothing else. You know all my skills by the way" she countered.

"No. There's one more"

"There is?" She asked surprisedly.

His thoughts immediately went to that one thing she could do so well that he was aware of but she isn't?

"So many times I've heard you sang or hummed while you worked. You have such a sweet melodious voice. I've secretly heard you sing before and if you don't mind, I have just one request" he said while rising to kneel on his knees. He had wanted to make that request for a while and he guessed that was the perfect time for it.

"Dave you-"

"Sing for me Ella" he said.

"Dave-"

"Please. Sing for me" he pleaded as if it was his dying wish. She looked so intently at him.

"You're not serious are you?"

"I truly am. See it as if my life depends on it" he said.

They both stood up and he led her to stand on a flat rock that was a little bit elevated from the ground which would serve as a small stage.

She began to sing that song he had always heard her sing. Her voice sounded so lovely in the cool evening. The passion with which she sang, her body gesture, her voice and everything she did during that litter performance stole his breath away. He became lost staring at her and wanted to listen to her sing over and over again.

He asked her about the song she just sang and she told him how she wrote it herself. It was her dream to become a singer.

"I just hope that someday, my father will let me achieve that goal. I can't achieve that dream while still confined to this island, that's why I keep hoping that someday, I will experience what it feels like to live in the bigger towns" she said.

"That's the spirit girl. Be brave always" he said as he took both of her hands.

"I am brave" she replied with a smile.

"Can I ask you a question?" He whispered and she nodded.

"If I am able to convince your Daddy, will you follow me to town and stay at my place so that attending school and achieving your dreams will become easier?" he asked. He didn't know where that guts was summoned from but he reasoned that perhaps it was because he wanted her close to him everyday.

"Really? You can do that?" Her eyes widened in surprised.

"Yes. At least with me around, he would be assured that you're in safe hands"

"Wow Dave! I will really love that. I will so much appreciate it" she said as excitement was written all over her.

Just that hopeful look she had on her face was enough to make him want to do more for her just so she would realise her dreams. Since it would make the both of them happy, he would do whatever it will take to convince Leo to let her go with him.

"Dave I will really appreciate it. But my Father can be difficult sometimes especially since we are...you know-" she paused.

"I will assure him of your safety with me. I will not take advantage of you in any situation and I will make sure that your happiness is assured at my house. There's my loving mother and sisters, there's Nanny Pauline and TJ whom I'll entrust with your safety. I will make sure that your stay will be memorably fun" he said looking up to her as she still stood on the elevated stone.

She looked down at him and smiled then he smiled back.

"Come here" he uttered silently after what seemed like a minute of silence.

She missed a step while stepping down from the rock and fell on him before he could catch her. Dave lost his balance and fell backwards after he tripped on something behind him. Noella fell on him and just like their first meeting, she fell on top of him as he laid on his back. Her hair fell down her face and her beautiful eyes bore into his. Their breathing rate increased as a result of their hearts beating in unison. Too many waves of emotions enveloped them in just few seconds and with their faces so close to each other, Dave couldn't help but bring up his hand to caress her lips using his fingers, those lips which he had been dying to have a taste of recently. His hand moved to push back the hair from her face and when he caressed her cheek down to her ears, she twitched and closed her eyes as her lips parted. He observed that anytime he did that, she always reacted to his touch and she looked more beautiful each time she does that. His emotions got the best of him and his caresses moved from her cheek down to her neck in a gentle manner.

"Dave" she whispered. Her eyes were still closed as she felt his fingers moving on her skin.

"You're so beautiful" he said to her in a low tone. He didn't mind if they would remain in that position forever.

She finally opened her eyes and immediately got off him.

"Let's go home. It is already getting dark. Father will be so mad at us" she said in a hurry as she began to pack the things they had came with.

Dave was disappointed that such a sweet moment had to end just like that. They had to pack in silence and returned to the house. They arrived late and Sir Leo went berserk. Dave only hoped all plans would not be ruined.