Knowing You

Chapter Three - MOVING ON

As he grunts in protest to the sound of the digital alarm, Louis stretches his right arm towards his side table and heavily taps the alarm stop button. Then he slowly reaches for his phone and scans for any important messages only to find twenty five missed calls from one contact. He is both relieved and bothered. Relieved to know that he put the phone on silent mode that night and bothered to know that all twenty-five missed calls came from Robert. He pauses for a second, lifts himself up and searches through the menu and finally selects delete, completely erasing Roberts’s number. After a refreshing bath, he checks his phone once more and is not surprised to find another set of missed calls. He removes his thoughts of the bothersome caller and prepares for his class. As he chooses through his wardrobe, he keeps his thoughts fixed on the lesson he is going to deliver to his talented and attentive students. For a moment he is fine and he went through all his preparations for that morning. Once done and ready, he goes for the door but his attention is caught by the blinking light from his receiver. He takes a second to press the review button and hears Robert’s voice from every voicemail.

“This man just won’t stop does he?!” he exclaimed.

He calls the telecommunications company and requests for a number change and block assistance. He also pulls the plug of his handset just to make sure that even the notification light won’t bother him for that moment. He calls his very accommodating secretary, Maggie.

“Morning Mags, please have Robert Grey blocked from every contact numbers I have in the office…”

“Is he doing it again?”

“Absolutely. I’m just tired of listening to his ranting. He never grows up.”

“Lou, I’m glad to hear you’re finally putting that guy out of your phonebook and out of your life.”

“You were right Mags, he was just distraction. This is the only way I could get rid of him.”

“For now at least…you know he will stop at nothing. Quite persistent that one. Anyways, I’d be more than happy to help you.”

“Thank you very much Mags. I don’t know what I’ll do without you.”

“You are always welcome Louis. Are you on your way here now?”

“Yup…see you in the next fifteen minutes.” He replies as he looks at his watch.

“Alright, drive safely.”

A few moments later, he slows down and parks his SUV and then enters a ten story building. He goes to the elevator and presses number three. The doors open and he walks his way to his office. Maggie, a woman at her late 40’s greets Louis and informs him that she just called the telecommunications company and his request was granted. He gratefully smiles and gives Maggie a warm kiss on the cheek before he proceeds to his private office. His students were waiting on the lecture room inside. He enters his office, leaves his things and goes to the other larger room. He occupies the third floor for the acting, singing and dancing classes. This private performing arts class business has been Louis’ other passion next to stage performance. His students who are mostly teens came from various parts of the town. As he takes the center stand, they sat with excitement for their first lesson of the day.

Meanwhile, Carlyn peacefully sleeps with her arms around a soft pillow. Tom prepares the table with two cups of instant coffee and two plates of hot pan cakes. The only thing missing is his breakfast partner. He opens the blinds to let the sunlight wake the sleeping beauty but she just turns her back and covers her head with the pillow. He plays a music on the player and turns up the volume to its full. This time, Carlyn annoyingly tosses the pillow aside and forces herself to sit up while adjusting her vision to the bright light.

“Good morning sleepy head!” greets Tom as he takes a wooden chair, turns it around, and sits with his arms resting on the chair’s back support. “How was the chit-chat with Lou?”

Carlyn responds by throwing the pillow on his face. She stands and drags her feet to the bathroom.

“Nice talking! In case you don’t remember, you were the one who told me to wake you up at eight in any way possible. I’m just doing what you told me. Totally not my fault…”

The sleepy one washes her face and raises a finger as reply to Tom.

“You’re welcome!” says Tom sarcastically.

Tom starts with his breakfast as Carlyn, now awake, takes a seat and drinks a cup of coffee Tom made.

“This coffee is really good…”she says with a smile.

“Alas! She speaks! Why in the world did you ask me to wake you up at eight? It’s not like you have work. The last time I checked, you quit your last job.”

“Please don’t bring that up. It’s a very fine morning. Don’t go ruining it with my own trashy stories. I’ve a very positive outlook today. I can sense something great will happen today and none of those bitches can ruin it.”

“My lips are sealed. Anyway, I didn’t know you believed in your hunches.”

“I always believe in my hunches. It has helped me a lot of times. And every time I get this feeling, I know I’ll be lucky. And I’d be more than willing to share it with you.”

“What do you mean? Wait…your taking me with you?!...ugh…I knew it! No! The answer is a big NO!”

“C’mon! It will be worth the walk. Besides, both of us don’t have any job to do. We have to make good use of our time.”

“No…the answer is still no…and don’t go threatening me of calling my dad.”

Carlyn comes to his side and holds his hand. “Please…I’m sure you’ll like this.” She takes a deep breath, “We are going to recreate The Harper.”

Tom’s attention lingered on her last words.

“Did you say recreate The Harper? How are we supposed to do that? We don’t have Tony anymore…wait…last night…tell me, what has he been feeding you?!”

“He gave me and Louis a brilliant idea and a great business venture.”

“That’s it? What about…” he gestures with his hands rubbing his thumb with the other four fingers.

“The old man’s broke Tom. He was asking for me and Louis’ help to save whatever will be left of the two companies.”

“Carl, I know you love what Tony does and you love the stage. As a matter of fact, we share the same obsession of acting and singing but let’s face it, Tony is broke and were no better than Tony. You used to have a job but still…”

“The theatre is not just built with money, Tom. It’s built by talent, passion, and persistence.”

“Unfortunately, talent, passion, and persistence didn’t save the Harper and the Waldens…” sighed Tom.

“Tom, just a leap of faith is what I need. And I can’t do it alone. I need you…I need Louis. I’ve been longing for this opportunity Tom. Every time I watch our past shows and seeing everyone grow, I always hoped the company will last and I would have the chance to raise it as my own like caring for a baby. This is what I have been waiting for. I can save both companies and even create a new one. I know it goes a long way, that’s why I know I can’t do it alone.”

Tom can see so much sincerity in her eyes as she speaks and he also feels concerned about his friend. Somehow he could also find himself wishing the company did not have the last performance the past night.

“Fine…what do we have to do?”

Carlyn takes her phone out and dials Louis’ number. After a few rings, he answers it. Carlyn sets a meeting rendezvous and Louis replies with excitement to see them both that morning. When the three have comfortably taken their seats, Carlyn starts telling Louis of her plans to make Tony’s request come true. That is, to recreate the Harper and Walden Theatre groups.

“We have the talent and the experience. Those are very important ingredients in a theatre group. All other things will follow afterwards. We just need to gather everyone and its good as done!” She relates.

Both of the gentlemen were silent. Louis looked more puzzled and a bit amused. Tom looked like he expected Louis’ reaction.

“Seriously…is that your plan?” Louis asks with a doubtful tone.

“Basically that is my plan.” answered Carlyn.

Louis and Tom burst in a laughter of disbelief. Carlyn is pissed and asks for an explanation from them.

“Carlyn, I admire your motivation and enthusiasm but seriously that plan is too simple and quite abstract. It just doesn’t work like that.”

“Then help me make it work…”

Tom interrupt, “Louis, I’ve been telling her the same thing all morning and she just won’t listen to me.”

“Guys, why can’t you see my point? What you are thinking about is the technical aspect and not the core of the plan. I am not saying it’s going to be easy and achievable in just a short period of time. All I want to hear from you is a big fat YES.” She asserts.

Louis has his eyes fixed on Carlyn as she grabs her glass of smoothie and bites on the straw. He smiles and says, “I give up. You have my support. I was in doubt and honestly, I still am, but since we both want this to happen then let’s do it.”

He offers his hand to her and she swiftly accepts it. Tom puts his hand on top of their linked hands. This seals the deal and Carlyn has won them over with a very wide smile.

Before anything else could even be done, they have to gather as many people as they can. They phoned every person from the Harper’s and the Walden’s in hopes of hearing their positive response. They thought it was the easiest part but it turned out to be disheartening. When they opened up to them about the plan, most of their past colleagues resort to excuses saying they are better to be doing something else. Tom innocently asked Louis about Robert and he immediately responded with a strict tone saying Robert won’t be part of the new company and that the last thing they need is a bratty immature guy like Robert. Tom no longer argued.