Will’s Week (Part Two)

forget me not series – The Romance of Ayin & Will

CHAPTER TEN

Thursday, After the Fourth Session

Over pizza and beer, Will had an informal meeting with the boys at the garage, after they all finished with their driving classes.

“We have two new enrollees today coming from another driving school. Take extra care in handling them. They complained of being harassed by their previous instructor at the other school, so they transferred to us.”

He looked into each of their eyes. “Remember our policy against sexual harassment.”

“Boss,” one instructor called out. “What exactly is sexual harassment?

When we assist a student and accidentally touches her hand or shoulder — is that considered harassment? You know that sometimes it just feels too close in the car.”

Another one chimed in, “Or what if she’s wearing shorts and when we shift the gear, we accidentally touch her leg or knee even though we did not mean to?”

He nodded, “Yes, if the student feels uncomfortable, she may file a complaint.”

He reminded them, “We are the instructors so the responsibility is on us. No matter what a student wears or what the situation is, we need to be mindful of our every action so as not to make them feel uncomfortable.”

Everyone fell silent as they sipped their beers and considered the scenario.

He added, “If ever that happens, and there’s really no malice on your part, whether you’re right or wrong, just apologize sincerely on the spot to resolve the situation right away.”

Then someone said in a loud whisper, “Let’s just wear gloves to be safe.”

Everyone chuckled.

“Boss!” another instructor called out. “You know we’re always careful about the ‘touch’ thing. We don’t want to get fired.”

Everyone nodded.

The instructor continued, “But what if it’s the student who harasses us? What if they touch us first especially when they’re in panic mode? Some even slap or beat us on the arm. It hurts, too. Can we also file a complaint?”

Suddenly, everybody hooted and slapped each other. Everyone seemed to have his own story about being touched by a student.

Will couldn’t answer for a moment. He suddenly remembered the little incident earlier when she pinched his ear out of the blue.

Luckily, someone answered for him. “Just take it like a man, bro.”

Another chimed in, “Yeah, women are like that. They tend to slap or get touchy when they’re happy or nervous. It doesn’t mean anything.”

So the pinch didn’t mean anything? Will wondered silently. It was reflex because she was just too excited she was able to park?

Then someone complained, “My wife doesn’t like other women touching me.”

Another agreed, “Yes, women shouldn’t do that. You know we’re not made of stone. Sometimes, we also get affected when we’re touched.”

He found himself nodding silently. The guy has a point.

Everybody talked at once, giving out opinions.

“Boss, what if the instructor doesn’t mind and the student doesn’t mind, that’s not harassment anymore, right?”

Everyone guffawed.

When the boys started talking about relationships and whether or not it’s right for a student and teacher to get together, he finally butted in.

“I don’t care what you think. But the rule here is, you’re not allowed to date a student while she’s still in session.”

If he can wait, so should they, Will thought.

“Aw, why is that, boss?” asked someone who was still single.

“I don’t like it when couples fight. I already get too many complaints from the jealous wives of the married instructors here. Too messy.

As for the students, some would even go as far as withdrawing their classes or blaming the instructor for harassment so he’ll get fired.”

He added, “I don’t care if you get together after, that’s your business, but never while she’s still enrolled.”

Someone then quipped and advised the single man, “So, if you like someone, convince her to schedule everyday so she can finish right away, then you can pursue her.”

“Right, right,” everyone agreed, laughing.

Luckily for Will, he didn’t have to do that. Tomorrow was her last session.

Friday, Before the Last Session

Grace, “Sir, you have an 8am class tomorrow.”

Will, “You know I don’t like morning classes. No other instructor to handle it?

Grace, “The mother insisted his son should be taught by you personally since you were also her teacher before.”

Will, “Did you explain…”

Grace knew the drill. “Yes, I already told her that all instructors follow the same program taught by you. That it doesn’t matter since there’s a uniform module checklist for all beginners. The mother said they will just wait for your available schedule.”

Will, “There’s no more slot in the afternoon?”

Grace, “The mother preferred to start first thing in the morning, so that her son won’t waste the day.”

Will frowned.

Grace, “Shall I cancel it?”

Will, “Of course not. That’s new business. I told you we need money for…”

Grace finished for him, “… a new training car.”

Grace continued, “Are you sure? You have an evening class tonight.”

Will, “Yes, that’s okay. Go ahead and confirm it.”

Later that evening, before the session started…

Will slightly shivered against the chilly night air.

He ought to wait inside the warm confines of the car, but he was restless and wanted the open air as he pondered on another major decision in his life.

Was he ready?

Tonight was her last session. Shall he confess or not?

Does she even like him?

What if she rejects him?

To calm his nerves, he took out a cigarette and considered deeply – to confess or not to confess?

Puff…
Yes, I will. She likes me.

Puff..
No, not yet. She doesn’t like me.

Puff…
Yes, I will. She likes me.

Would it seem uncool or too eager if he confessed right after the last session?

Puff..
No, not yet. She doesn’t like me…

What if she said yes just because she was grateful?

He’d seen it sometimes. Students initially falling for their instructors after helping them accomplish a great thing like driving.

But after awhile, they realize after gaining confidence and several miles on the road, that it really wasn’t such a big deal, then moved on.

He sighed. If only she would be clearer if she liked him or not…

He didn’t like being indecisive, but this kind of thing needs to be planned carefully.

What he needed was a strategy.

He suddenly remembered that in the battlefield, one of the most difficult things, even impossible, to do for soldiers on the ground is to penetrate or besiege a walled city or fortress.

So much so that Sun Tzu – the great general, military strategist and Taoist philosopher of ancient China– called it the worst strategy of all.

Without proper intel and planning, attacking outright would just be a waste of troops, time, energy and resources.

When unsure of what’s happening behind enemy lines, you can either do two things.

One, use deception like what the gift-bearing Greeks did with their Trojan horse to gain entry to the city of Troy.

Or two, lure the target out to your turf where you are the strongest and then apply the tactic of encirclement.

He wasn’t too confident about the first option. She seemed like a smart woman, it might not work for her.

Besides, he didn’t know her enough yet to figure out which gift she would fall for.

But he knew about lure, isolate and surround tactics. That’s why for him, inviting her to a long drive was the best plan so far.

A long drive was way longer than a movie. And with nowhere else to be but sit beside each other inside a moving car, he could have all those hours to charm her by doing what he does best – enhance her driving skill.

He already threw the bait to her side of the court. If she didn’t respond to that invitation, then that would mean she’s not ready to accept him. He would need a new strategy.

He frowned. Didn’t she mention she was working on a goal? About a new job?

He didn’t like to pressure her or distract her in the way of her goals.

The mission was to be with her, not become her enemy.

Perhaps, it would be best if he let her set the pace.

By letting her make the initial moves, she’d think she’s in control, then she wouldn’t think of escape or see him as a live grenade to be dropped.

The best things in life should not be rushed, he reminded himself.

Just like a perfect ambush demands patience and careful sitting. It’s all about self-discipline in waiting for the right moment to launch your attack, with precise coordination.

The ball was in her court, he figured. He was a patient man. He could wait.

Just then, he saw her. Like always, his body tingled.

He watched her in the shadows as she lifted her head to the sky and stuck her tongue out to taste the rain.

He realized it was drizzling.

He frowned. Look at that girl without an umbrella. Didn’t she know she could get sick in the rain?

Forgetting the cold, he automatically removed his jacket and placed it on her.

If only he could wrap his own arms around her, he thought.

Damn lucky jacket.

Saturday, After Sunrise

It’s more than a couple of hours yet before his 8am class.

He will just rest his eyes for an hour, he decided.

He set his phone alarm, and then, to be sure, the bedside alarm clock as well.

An image of her popped in his head, saying, “You are so gonna miss that class.”

He just grunted as he plopped on the bed. “No way. Business comes first.”

He grabbed a pillow and talked to it like it was her. “I’m not gonna miss my 8am class… I’m a professional…”

That was his last thought as he hugged the pillow and drifted off to dreamland.

Still Saturday, After the Long Night

He missed his 8am class.

When he entered the office, Grace did not even bother to hide the glare in her eyes.

Will, “I told you not to give me morning classes.”

Grace, “I asked last night and you said it was okay.”

Will, “What happened to the student? Did the mother withdraw his enrolment?”

Grace, “No, I placated his mother. Told her you had an emergency and that you’d make it up this afternoon. I promised them an extra hour as an apology.”

Grace said the last part firmly, ready to fight for that extra hour, should her boss decide to scold her for giving the freebie.

Will just grunted and said. “Good. I’ll apologize to the mother personally.”

Damn, he wasn’t in the mood to hold a 3-hour class.

He wanted to rest at the pit stop, she was racing in his head again.

Will, “Was the car picked up at IT Park? I sent you a message this morning.”

Grace, “Yes, it’s in the garage. They key’s on your desk.”

He glanced at the time. He still had about 30 minutes to free his mind and focus. He got up to make some coffee.

Then, he inwardly groaned. The 3-in-one red sachet only reminded him of her. Sighing, he sat behind his desk and closed his eyes.

Various scenes and conversations from last night played back one after the other, until he focused on them walking around the park.

He should have held her hand while walking last night, he thought miserably. If she protested, he could have always blamed the alcohol.

It wasn’t like him to hesitate but he didn’t want her to think he was an irresponsible drinker.

In the end, because he didn’t completely trust himself, he put both hands in his pockets to keep them from reaching for her…

“Sir? Sir!” His thoughts slowly came back to the present as he vaguely heard Grace calling.

Him, “Huh?”

Grace, “Your 3pm?”

“Okay, okay,” he said as he stood up and grabbed the car key and his folder.

Grace, “Remember you’re going to extend for 1 hour to make up for this morning.”

Will, “I know, I know. Stop nagging.”

Sunday, Two Days Since the Last Session

He drummed his fingers absently and repeatedly on the table, bored out of his mind.

Except for two inquiry calls, the office landline and cell phones have been relatively quiet since that morning. This was expected as they tend to get fewer calls on a Sunday.

But his personal cellphone did not ping or ring, either. He scowled at it. She should have called by now.

Didn’t he make it clear to her that he was available to take her on a long drive? Why hasn’t she called to make an arrangement?

What is she doing right now?

He grabbed his phone again and checked out Facebook.

No update.

Didn’t she say she posts on it regularly, like every day?

Liar.

He looked over to the other table where Grace and JP sat.

Usually on Sundays, he was the one manning the office since it’s the secretary’s day off.

But after lunch, these two suddenly showed up to play computer games at the office.

“Hey, what does it mean when a girl makes you coffee and massages your hand? She’s into you, right?” he asked them.

Grace and JP looked at each other and shared secret smiles.

Grace deadpanned, “Not if she’s a massage therapist.”

Both Grace and JP laughed.

He scowled at them.

Annoyed, he asked them. “Don’t you two have a life? Why are you here in the office? It’s Sunday. Go out or something.”

JP finally said, “Just call and ask her directly, kuya. How would we know?”

“She’s supposed to call first,” he muttered under his breath.

Loudly, he told them, “Since you’re here, guard the phones. I’m taking a cigarette break outside.”

Once outside, absently tapping his new cigarette on his lighter, he called out the different versions of him for an overdue conference.

Then, he lit up the cigarette and took a long puff as they settled at the round table.

Seasoned Will:
This won’t do, the woman is too dense. Does she even know that, in our language, a free long drive invitation is a call for a date? You should know better by now to make yourself clear.

Smitten Will:
You’d better make your move now. What if she forgets us soon? Hurry.

Strategist Will:
Grandpa Sun Tzu once said that there is no instance a nation benefits from prolonged warfare. So let’s strike quickly and efficiently.

Devil Will:
That’s no use. The reason she’s not calling is simple. She -Doesn’t-Like-You. Do you get it now? Our past is too complicated to suit her. Did you really believe her when she said you’re a beautiful person? More like a dark horse (mocking, evil laugh)

Fighter Will:
So what? Never mind if she doesn’t like you. What’s the worst she could do? Reject you?

We’re not afraid of that. We’ve been rejected a lot in this life, remember? We’ve been through the worst of it all – being poor, being sick, being heartbroken.

All I’m saying is — the sooner we know, the sooner we celebrate or get over it, the better.

Remember — no guts, no glory.

Seasoned Will:
He’s right. Growing up, we barely had anything. It has always been just sheer guts and determination that brought us to a better place today.

Singer Will:
I’ve paid my dues
Time after time
I’ve done my sentence
But committed no crime
And bad mistakes
I’ve made a few
I’ve had my share of sand
Kicked in my face
But I’ve come through
And we mean to go on and on and on and on…

(Looking around the table, he then invited everyone to stand and sing along… with Fighter Will singing the loudest)

We are the champions, my friends
And we’ll keep on fighting till the end
We are the champions
We are the champions
No time for losers
‘Cause we are the champions of the World

Angel Will:
Have faith. What if the universe is actually kind to us this time and that she actually likes us, too?

Smitten Will:
(Speechless, with heart thudding fast at the possibility)

Strategist Will:
So, guerrilla warfare or one-time surprise attack? Let’s strike while the iron’s hot!

Nodding his head, Dominant Will put out his cigarette and finally decided — Yes, it’s time. She’s worth the shot.

Woman, ignore me all you want, but you’re not slipping through my fingers that easily, he sent the message to the universe hoping she would get it.

Suddenly, the phone in his pocket rang.

It wasn’t her, but still, he smiled widely as he noted it was his longtime high school best friend Gary.

His side of the conversation went like this:

“What’s up, ‘bai? It’s been awhile…

…What, you’re in Cebu now?!

…Three days to do what?

…Visit a girl? Who?

…Of course, no problem, I’ll drive you there.

…You came at a perfect time. I also need your advice…

…Let’s go grab a beer…”

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