Femme Fatale

Chapter 7: Life Issues

When I was a young boy, I used to dress up as a pirate every Halloween and my birthdays, I like to travel in a ship rather than plane but because our family is into aircraft business, I had my own private plane when I was fourteen instead of a ship. I always wanted to be a captain of my own ship, but I preferred to be a pirate because of what I watched on TV and read on books, until I got to know the marines. Because engineering is a trend in our family, I took marine engineering in college and graduated from the most prestigious national institution for maritime study in Korea on 1977.

I was having the time of my life at the sea and I only filed for a vacation leave when there’s an important event in our family like wedding and graduation. I applied this year’s vacation for my youngest sibling graduation from college but then I met Seaof again and he persuaded me to be a professor like him in our alma mater. Too much for brotherhood and my desire to find the girl I saw two years ago at the beach, I agreed to render my service towards the college I came from.

Two years ago, the people I looked up before were just my professors but now I’m working with them at the same department and job. It was the last day of preliminary exams and we decided to hang out before we get busy checking the students’ papers and computing their grades.

“I guess I’ll be busy next week comforting your students Engr. Nevaeh.” Dr. Tranter said after he drink his beer “Once a week I have a student from your class, all of them are worried they might fail but they don’t want to disappoint you because you told them that you’ve got expectations.”

“That’s true, I don’t want anyone to fail from my class but if I put pressured to them then I should think of another solution to make it more rewarding for them than taking my expectations as a burden.” I replied to him “I didn’t know they would take my words seriously for them to feel pressured.”

“You just made a student cried earlier.” Seaof said “The students look up to you because you’re the best student in school two years ago, taking a class from the previous summa c*m laude is such an honor for everyone, they want you to recognize them and remember them as good students.”

“Godeth is right, that’s how students perceive you as their professor.” Jonas said, he was my professor in naval architecture course before

“As for the girls, I think they want to impress you because you’re the legendary handsome prince of the campus.” Lee, oceanographic engineering prof.

“You were the students’ ideal man when you were a student too, but now even some professors have their eyes on you.” Lawless, offshore engineering

“The news about your comeback was the talk of the whole campus.” Whittle, mechanical engineering professor “You’re a celebrity professor, Nevaeh!”

“Even though he’s that popular among the girls, he never dated anyone even until now, but he’s bewitched by this mystery girl that is too hard to find, I’ve used my connection to find this beautiful face with a long straight hair as his description but still we got no information with her.” Seaof said

“I see, that was the reason you ordered a data information student to gather all the photographs of females in Yeongdo-gu.” Champion said

“Actually, it’s the whole Busan now, I presumed the girl’s not in Yeongdo-gu.” Berryman said “You’re utilizing the students searching skills very well.”

“The Dain club is pretty useful, they could find anyone or anything as long as you paid them, those students have a bright future ahead.” Buckland said

“I’m just wondering, when you find the one, you’re looking for, what are you going to do with her?” Martin makes everyone attention focus on me

“I marry her.” I said confidently “You all attended my birthday party last Sunday, right? Everyone in our family is expecting me to marry this year.”

“Apparently, his cousins and older siblings got married and have their own children at the age of 25, he’s the next in line.” Seaof added

“Currently, I have four nephews and nieces, my older brother became a father three months ago, so yes I have four nieces now.” counting in mind

“Aside from beautiful face and has a long straight hair, do you know anything else about her, for you to marry her once she’s found?” Dr. Tranter said

“If she’s a girl with literary interests then she’s my ideal type, I only saw her for a minute but I can’t forget her face.” thinking of the girl’s face “I remember everything, her eyes, nose, lips, and that long earrings, she was shining bright that evening.”

“Is this what you called love at first sight, doctor?” Seaof teasing me “Don here, have the girl’s portrait in his bedroom, hanging at the wall across his bed, that’s the only reference the Dain club is using to find the girl, if she really exists, because to be honest I didn’t saw anyone that evening.”

“Hahaha!!” everyone laughing out loud at me except for Dr. Tranter who have a serious face at the moment

“It’s fine if you also laugh at me, Dr. Tranter, even I think that she might be just my imagination.” making him feel comfortable to think the same way

“Ah …” Dr. Tranter smile a bit “I believe you, Engr. Nevaeh … your mind is working perfectly fine.”

“Well whoever that girl is, she’s Poseidon Nevaeh’s first love, lucky her.” Seaof said “The prince is going to marry her and they live happily ever after.”

“First love … I just can’t get her out of my head that’s all.” still doubting about the word love “I don’t know if it’s love, or I’m just attracted to her.”

“If it’s simple crush then you’ll forget her right away, it’s just a minute and you’ve only seen her once but you’re still thinking about her.” Martin said

“Simple attraction, it’s normal for us men whenever we see such beauty, but it’s been two years since then, mate.” Buckland said “You don’t like her.”

“Yeah, he doesn’t like her, he loves her.” Berryman said “Believe with us wise men, we’ve been married for years now.”

“You could also call us love experts, and I also vote that you love her.” Champion said “I really hope that you find the girl you want to marry.”

“I haven’t seen the mystery girl’s portrait yet but if I remember it clearly, you’ve got a beautiful girl around you before.” Whittle said

“Oh yes, that blue-eyed girl with light yellow long straight hair, I know that it’s inappropriate to say this but she’s pretty sexy.” Lawless said

“Her name is Trainor, right?” Lee said “You were in third year that time and she’s just a freshman when the students voted for you as couples.”

“That’s right!” Jonas said “Nevaeh was the campus king and they crowned Trainor as the campus queen, there’s this club who does such fun things.”

“Yes, they do American high school stuffs in college, I can’t believe until now it’s still existing.” Seaof said “That MVP club, they always do this voting for the most handsome, beautiful, or anything they want to call it and everyone’s having fun casting their votes to specific person or people.”

“So, you guys know it too, huh??” looking at my former professors who are now my colleagues “Well look how many students the school have, aside from the academic programs it offers and the whole campus location in an island, these childish clubs make it more attractive to everyone.”

“Jonas was the most handsome professor for the last three years but now you two are here, he’ll be in the third place this year.” Lee chuckles

“It’s not like I’m after that award.” Jonas sighs “It’s you guys who put me on the same spot for those years which I didn’t even signed up for.”

“But still you like that title, right?” Lawless continue teasing Jonas “And we only voted for Lee because she’s our friend, so vote for her this year too.”

“Hahaha, currently we’re 93 academic staffs in the campus, if we vote for you this year you already secured 10 or 11%, Lee.” Whittle teasing Lee

“I voted for Lee since we’ve got the same specialty.” Buckland added “She’s my American counterpart.”

“You still have my support this year too, Lee.” Champion raised his mug of beer to Lee

“So am I.” Berryman also do the same “I mean Lee is the only lady in our circle so who else am I going to choose?”

“Gentlemen, cheers for Lady Lee!” Martin proposing for a toast to Lee

“To Lady Lee!!” everyone cheers their respective mugs to one another “Hahaha!!”

“Sometimes I do regret being the only lady in this group, maybe you gentlemen are the reason why I’m still single, other men might think I’m dating one of you, that’s why no one has the courage to approach me.” Lee said

“If there’s someone out there who really likes you, it doesn’t matter if we’re around you or not, a real man always take courage if he’s interested to someone or something, it’s men’s nature to be competitive to get what he wants.” Jonas said “Am I right, Dr. Tranter??”

“It depends how badly you want a person or a thing.” Dr. Tranter replied “If I’m not wrong, you’re still on your 20s right, Prof. Lee?”

“We’re both turning 29 before the year ends, I’m only two months older than her.” Lawless revealing Lee’s age “Why? What’s wrong about telling everyone your age??!” surprised when Lee hit him at his shoulder “It’s not like anyone here doesn’t get older as time passed by.”

“Lawless even if we’re close with Lee at least keep her personal information private.” Whittle scolded Lawless “She’s a lady, in case you forgot.”

“You’re both single, right?” Berryman looking at the two “Have you ever think to go beyond friendship??”

“Never!!!” Lee and Lawless exclaimed “Bloody hell, no! I never see Lee as a woman.” Lawless said “There’s nothing beyond friendship for us!” Lee said

“That’s a bad matchmaking of yours mate.” Buckland chuckles “Maybe, her and him.” pointing at Lee and Jonas

“Nah!!” Lee and Jonas shaking their heads “Jonas is like a younger brother to me.” Lee said “I do feel the same way with Lee.” Jonas said

“All of us here are married men, aside from those two and these two.” Champion pointing at me and Seaof “Dr. Tranter still into his late wife, so no.”

“Lee is only a colleague for me.” Seaof said “I don’t think it’s going to change, no offense.” looking at Lee

“Everyone knows that I’m searching for my girl, right?” trying to avoid Lee’s gaze at me

“These two are too good looking for me, I want a peaceful love life so I prefer someone with average looks.” Lee said “And please enough about me!!”

“She’s right, we’re here to relax and have fun, it’s not like every night we can do this so we should enjoy the moment until we can.” Martin said

“Just drink moderately everyone, I don’t want to carry all of you when you get drunk.” Dr. Tranter reprimanding us to get drunk

It’s almost midnight when we finally called it a night, the British men went home to their families through cab, while Lee was carried by Jonas and Lawless to Whittle’s car who didn’t drink that much and the most sober among them, and Dr. Tranter drove me and Seaof back to the campus.

On the last day of April, we’re done with finalizing the students’ grades for the prelims, but we already started the midterms with everyone. As much as I wanted someone to perfect my given exam, the highest score that a student got was 79 and the lowest was 59, and it had me thinking if my set of questions were that difficult or the students didn’t study because it’s only prelims.

Monday, 7th of May 1979, Maritime Sciences Department

“I should’ve left last night than proceed teaching after a long travel from Gangnam this morning.” whining as I take my seat beside Seaof who’s having a wide smile on his face “What’s wrong with you today? Why do you look so happy?? You had a fun time with a woman again???”

“What??! No! I’ve got no woman for over two months now.” Seaof frowning “I’m no Buddhists but I think he heard my prayer last week on his day, I prayed to be a reliable professor for my students, you know I want to do great things, right?”

“I thought you only wanted to overcome your shyness at the crowd, but now your goal has changed to being a great teacher.” leaned my back on my chair and cross my legs as I listened to his side of the story “What miracle have you got?”

“Nene approached me today and she told me that she needs my academic assistance.” Seaof said excitedly “I thought she hated me because she never smiled at me before but she walked to me after class and asked me questions about our lesson.”

“That’s typical, she sometimes asks me too if she didn’t quite catch my explanation, some students are doing the same too but why are you so happy?” looking at him in disbelief “Don’t tell me you have something that you shouldn’t have for Nene?! Seaof, she’s a student and you’re a professor!”

“I won’t deny that she’s my ideal type but I’m not crazy enough to cross that line.” Seaof cross his arms on his chest “I’m just happy because she also relies on me like everyone else, I’m being look upon to, Don.”

“Ah congratulations?” I don’t know what to say to him at the moment “Aren’t you going for lunch?”

“Oh yeah right, lunch, what about you??” Seaof look at the clock “You’re not coming with me?”

“I want to sleep; I need to rest before my next class.” stand up and walk towards the sofa “Go ahead, I’ll just lay here for a while.” telling him to go

“Then I’ll just buy you a sandwich and ice-cold coffee.” Seaof left the room

“He’ll wake me up anyway.” lay down on the sofa to have a siesta

If not for the flash of the camera, I won’t wake up from my sleep. It was like I passed out in the middle of the street and when I gained consciousness I’m being surrounded by people.

“You kids go and I’ll handle it from here.” Seaof almost telling to the students to run “They’re already here when I came, here’s your coffee and sandwich, just eat it while you’re in class like some of our professors before.” handed me my meal

“And you didn’t stop them from taking my photo while I’m sleeping.” giving him a cold gaze as I take a sip of the coffee

“Hahaha, just let them be, it’s their happiness to get a picture of you.” Seaof didn’t mind me at all “I’m going to my next class now, you might want to comb the back of your head, mate.” leaving me in a hurry

“Their happiness … but what about my privacy??” stand up and walk towards the mirror to comb my hair “I guess I’ll eat during class like my other professors.” took the paper bag and the cold coffee with me as I go to the classroom of my third class for the day

I told the class to answer some of the exercises at their book as I eat my sandwich, just like my professors’ style before when they want to eat or sleep during class. But because of that I also allowed them to eat during my class if they’re hungry, with the condition not to litter, just to be fair.

At the end of my last class, Nene approached me to ask about the topic we just had. It was typical of her to ask as she always do this to me because I’m the professor who gave her the lowest grade among all of her other courses, but what can I do if she only got 79 on her exam??

“I heard you asked Prof. Godeth for assistance, he’s happy if he’s being rely on by his students, if you could also take the others with you and have a group study then it’ll be better.” worried to let the two alone together

“That’s a great idea, Prof. Nevaeh, I’ll do that, I’ll asks others who wants to join the group study.” Nene said enthusiastically “Thank you.”

“Your welcome, you may ask him unrelated to his course too, he can answer everything since he’s the magna c*m laude of this college in 1975.” I said

“Of course, he’s an all-rounder, thanks for the tip Prof. Nevaeh, I’ll see you on Wednesday.” Nene turned her back and walk away from me

“I’m only being considerate for the both of them, it’ll be fine Don.” walk at the opposite way and greeting back the students who greeted me first

I know Seaof, he’s weak towards cute girls with short hair, and that’s exactly what Nene is. He may not make the first move to a girl but if that girl takes the initiative to flirt with him, he’s definitely going to flirt back. I just don’t want my friend to commit a mistake, so I should prevent it from happening than solving the problem at the end. I may not have any experience with girls. but anything can happen between two people when their alone together, even if their current situation reprimands them to have such connection. I’m knowledgeable enough about forbidden relationships.

1st day of June, and it’s the last day of midterms for everyone, Seaof had a busy schedule since last week for the review class he conducted for the study group led by Nene. Unlike my previous classes who spent two hours again to solve the given problems, almost everyone in my last class completed the exam at the exact time and didn’t render overtime to submit their answered papers to me.

“Your remedial class seems pretty effective to almost everyone in class.” praising Seaof for his job well done “If their class performance improves this midterm, I think you’ll have more students on weekends and not just one study group, can you handle the consequences of your past actions?”

“You’ll help me when it happens, right?” Seaof giving me his sweetest smile

“No, my weekends are my rest days, if those students have questions and clarifications regarding my lessons, they should’ve raised it during my class.”

“To be honest we mostly solve problems after I discussed them the theories, most of them are concern on their grades to your subject.” Seaof said

“What can I do?? … that’s the only grades they came up with, I’m only computing the numbers given.” shrugging my shoulders “I also hope that no one failed the subject, I want them to enjoy their summer vacation somewhere else and not studying here in campus during the heat.”

“I’m just wondering, should we give our students something to look forward to??” Seaof finished tidying up his desk and ready to leave the office

“What do you have in mind?” carry my bag at my back as I leave the faculty with him

“How about a summer vacation trip for everyone who got a general weighted average of 88 and above this semester?” Seaof smiling brightly

“All expenses paid and pocket money depending on their grades, not a bad idea, we can make everyone do their best these finals.” nodding at him

“Two weeks cruise travel from America to Europe through Atlantic Ocean, cruise ship is on me while you’re in-charge with the plane since your ride have a capacity for 100, so even if everyone got our desired grade it’s not a problem for us to get them all on board.” Seaof said as we walk off

“It’s alright with me, as for the pocket money for the students which obviously from our own pockets, we’re talking only 100s right? like US$880 to US$980 since it’s impossible for anyone to get 99 and 100.” clarifying things with him

“Yes, I’ll handle the US dollars you’re in charge with the other currencies, like €440 to €490, just half the amount of mine.” Seaof explained

“Then I have to spend half a million for that vacation, just thinking that my parents don’t give me money anymore and I’m spending my own earned money for something that there’s no return of investment, I feel like backing out from your expensive idea.” hesitating if should do it with him or not

“So, your parents stop giving you money until you get married??!” Seaof looking at me in disbelief

“Yes, since 1st of May, they won’t spend another dime on me until I introduce a woman to be part of our family.” sighs heavily

“I see, but still we’re sticking to the plan, for all I know you still have millions in your bank account.” Seaof pats my back

“Yeah, millions of Korean Won not US dollars, I did have a million Won every day when I was in college but when I graduated, they only put 10 million Korean won in my account every week, the last time I checked my bank account I barely have 2 million US dollars in it if I converted those Won.”

“Aww … that also includes your money from your previous and current job, right?” Seaof thinking hard “Nah, it’s alright you can still handle it.”

“That’s very convincing, thank you.” being sarcastic “Good for you, you’re an only child so you always get everything you wanted and your parents are still young, my mama said she’ll retired at the end of this year as an architect and focus on getting me married if I haven’t done it on my own.” I said

“So we must find that girl sooner or else you’ll be in an arranged marriage with some stranger, it’s better that you chose the one you got to marry than let your parents chose it for you, after all you’re the one who’s sleeping in the same bed with your wife and not them.” Seaof said

“Arranged marriage is troublesome, I want to marry in my own accord and not because I’m forced to do it.” standing on my ground

“Easy for you to say now but you’ll never know when you actually get there.” Seaof being pessimistic “Fixed marriage is common for the likes of us.”

“Yeah, I know exactly what you mean, but our family don’t do it for business purposes, the Nevaeh is strong enough to stand on its own without support from any other families, we do arranged marriage for something else.” almost near at our dormitory when we spotted Nene going inside the building

“That’s Nene, right?” Seaof walking fast to get inside

“I hope that’s just a simple crush of a professor to his student.” walk in my usual pace “He really rushed in to chase after her.” muttering to myself

“Good evening Prof. Nevaeh.” Nene slightly bowed her head to me when I stand beside Seaof “I’m going to cook dinner for tonight.”

“Ah I see, that’s why there’s ingredients in our refrigerator which is usually empty.” climbing up the stairs with them

“I dropped it off early morning because I want to prepare dinner for tonight, I hope you don’t mind me intruding.” Nene politely said

“No, not at all, it’s good that our kitchen will be used, none of us know how to cook so we never use the kitchen for its purpose.” Seaof smiling charmingly

“Uh-huh!” clearing my throat “Is Dr. Tranter already in?” ruining what Seaof is trying to do

“Ah yes, he’s probably preparing the ingredients I need.” Nene answered

“You should also join us after you cook.” Seaof appealing to Nene again “You only cooked for us and leave after.”

“Sorry, Prof. Godeth, I have plans with the girls tonight, I told them that I’ll be back after an hour.” Nene politely declined Seaof’s invitation

“Don’t ask too much from her, why would she join her professors for dinner when she’ll have more fun with her friends at the same age?” I said

“Maybe next time, but not tonight.” Nene smiles at Seaof

“Then I’ll take what you’ve said seriously but if you still refuse next time then what Prof. Nevaeh said is true.” Seaof said

“What I’ve said is true you don’t have to keep tab on her.” opened the door and get in first

“Oh, you’re here.” Dr. Tranter pointed at the guest sitting at the couch across him “You’ve got a visitor Engr. Nevaeh.”

“What are you doing here, Meghan?” I recognized immediately the back of her head because of her long straight light-yellow hair

“I purposely didn’t turn around because I want you to call my name first.” Meghan stand up and give me an embrace as her greeting “Oh, Nene?!!”

“Meghan-unnie!” Nene also embraced Meghan “Long time no see!!” jumping excitedly with her “I miss you unnie!!!”

“Oh my gosh, I miss you too!!!” Meghan stopped jumping “I’m wearing heels, so let’s stop that kind of greeting, what are you doing here??!”

“I’m here to cook dinner for these three men, I used to cook for Justin-samchon before but now also for his roommates, none of them know how to cook, so I cook here at least once a month to use their kitchen.” Nene still holding onto Meghan’s hands “How about you, what are you doing here?”

“For Don, of course!” Meghan said proudly “It’s really a small world, I was surprised when Justin-samchon opened the door, I can’t believe that he’s Don’s roommate, so you happened to cook for Don too, huh?” giving Nene a meaningful look

“Well he’s one of Justin-samchon’s roommate.” Nene walk off to the kitchen “Justin-samchon, have you washed the ingredients already?”

“Not yet, I just brought it out from the fridge, Meghan suddenly knocked on the door so I had to accompany her first.” Dr. Tranter joins Nene

“Ah, right, Meghan.” I get what Seaof means when he slightly tapped my back “This is Seaof Godeth, a good friend of mine.”

“You’re Seaof Godeth?! The heir of the wealthiest family in Massachusetts, the successor of Godeth Watercrafts Company, oh my … it’s a pleasure to meet you personally, I’m Meghan Elizabeth Trainor, from Nantucket, my father’s a judge and my mother’s onto showbiz, and I’m just talented.”

“Just talented, huh?” Seaof shaking hands with Meghan “If you don’t mind, may I know what your talents are?”

“I can sing, also write songs, and I can play the bass, ukulele, guitar, keyboards, percussion, piano, and trumpet.” Meghan counting on her fingers

“That’s a lot of musical instruments, I can only play the piano.” Seaof getting along with Meghan immediately

“Seaof also have a great voice, he can sing like you.” trying to turn Meghan’s attention to Seaof

“I see, by the way, I’m here because of your mother, Aunt Rhea told me to get you.” Meghan clings onto me “She told me to come with you this Sunday on your family event.” pulled away after holding my arm for awhile

“Oh crap!” I have a gut feeling what’s going on “When and where did you met my mother??” confirming my hunch

“Yesterday in L.A. … she actually brought me back here, I’m not even prepared, I don’t even have anything with me aside from this bag.” Meghan said

“What have you told her about us?” having a bad feeling that she might triggered my mother to get the wrong idea

“Well I told her that I like you but you never feel the same about me.” Meghan avoiding my gaze “But she told me it doesn’t matter as long as I like you, and because I’m the only girl she knows that’s close to you.”

“I don’t have an intention to go this Sunday but I have the reason to go now.” scratching the back of my head

“There’s also another thing, Aunt Rhea asked me if I want to marry you … and I said yes.” Meghan staring at me

“Figures, that’s the reason you’re coming this Sunday with me, we have to clear the misunderstanding between us to my family.” removing my necktie

“I knew this will be your reaction, you’re not going to marry me even if your family tell you to do it, right?” Meghan have a bitter smile on her face

“Still you took the chance, that’s very brave of you Meghan, sorry if I don’t feel the same way like you do.” staring at her

“Yeah, you’ve dumped me too many times before, it’s just me who never give up on you, even if you hurt me repeatedly, I still like you.” Meghan said