My second chapter for Encounters

My second chapter for Encounters. Sorry for the very late update. It's because I get too little reviews for this work of mine that I felt slightly discouraged. Anyway, here it is.

Chapter 2

Disagreements

Rinko sat down on her sofa and expelled an exhausted breath. She and Tara had been playing tennis, taking breaks and shopping for the whole day. She dropped head absentmindedly as she reached for a water jug and poured it on a stray glass, gulping the cool contents quickly.

She then got up and went to her room. She had been renting this apartment for almost a year and she loved the view of the place. Down the road she was staying in was a large array of well-off houses. Near the tennis courts stood a proud villa, the most expensive of the lot, with a pool and everything. It was said that it was already bought by a rich sports man from Asia.

Rinko was quite thrilled to find a fellow Asian living near here. Although migrants in America coming from the continent are a common sight, she wished that the person was Japanese. She knew a Japanese elderly couple who lived at room 10, far below her penthouse room. They were kind but really old, and wouldn't bother to go out much.

She quickly changed to a shirt with the print 'Give It to Me' and mini shorts. She brushed her hair until it was shiny and wiped the remaining sweat off her face.

She turned on the air conditioning at about half a blast. It was Sunday. Might as well lounge around the house.

She remembered work. Rinko worked as the owner of the small sports shop downtown. She also took a part time job as a facilitator and children's coach for the Spartan Tennis Club.

The Spartan Tennis Club was a spacious and top-class training society for professional and amateur players. It belonged to a pro named John Smith. He was a wealthy man but was super arrogant and a downright bully. He treats all his customers like trash, even the children he coaches. No one can fight him because of his influence.

Rinko remembered the huge, blonde man with his ape-like demeanor and shuddered convulsively. She despised her employer but had no complaints since she was paid well.

Tara pleaded her to get out of the tennis club and work with her in her small fashion boutique but Rinko refused. She didn't like the prospect at all.

She wanted work with thrills. And sitting around and selling is none of that.

Her cell phone rang. Rinko picked it up.

"Um, Rinko, this is Stanley," a male voice said, quavering slightly on the edge, as if he had been chased. "I have a really urgent favor to ask."

Stanley, Rinko's co-worker at the Spartan Tennis Club, had been the only friend she had upon entering the horrid place. The other women were gossips and the other men were so frightened of Mr. Smith to care.

"What is it Stan?" she asked. "Is everything okay?"

"Not really," he stammered. "I'm kinda in a bind."

"What sort?"

Well, I'm in California."

"What?! I thought you were supposed to organize a welcoming party to that Asian tennis man who would be joining the club!"

"I know, I know, Mr. Newman told me about this new customer," he added. "Apparently, he's big time. But my mom's sick Rinko, I can't organize the party. Since you're next in line, I think maybe you could –"

"Fine!" Rinko spat out of worry. "Sure. Just take care of your mom, okay? I'll tell the Ape's tail."

"Thanks Rinko," Stanley said, clearly relieved. "I'm so glad."

Rinko's voice softened. "Anything. You're my friend. Well, good luck."

"Thanks. Well, if you need any help, just give me a ring. I'd be glad to help."

"Yeah, okay. Bye," she said, switching the call off.

She dialed the number of Chris Newman, one of the numerous professional coaches that served in their club.

"Hello, Mr. Newman? This is Rinko Takeuchi," she said in fluent English. "I'm just going to inform you that I will be the replacement of Mr. Stanley Chapman for the arrangements of the party. I'd like to know when and where Mr. Smith wants it to be."

"Slow down girl," a raspy voice responded on the other line, amusedly agitated. "The party would be at Mr. Asian's home, I suppose you know where it is?"

"Yes sir. I think you don't know the man's name?"

"Yeah. The guy's manager wouldn't let me know the man's name but he says he's amazing. Let me see what that remote island country man's going to give."

"Remote island?" Rinko said a bit annoyed.

"Oh yeah, he's from Japan. I suppose like you."

"Yeah!" Rinko replied happily. "I think he will be great."

"Uh, sure," Newman said reluctantly. "Whatever. You can do whatever you want with the party. Just don't make it eastern theme."

Rinko frowned at the obvious discrimination. "Fine. As if the party's for you."

"What did you say?!" the man said angrily. But before he could add more, Rinko switched off her phone.

She frowned deeper. She remembered the time when she and her parents migrated to America. She was five years old then and she knew English quite well, being a fanatic of Hollywood movies. When she entered her prep school class, she was filled with hope. Then it was swindled down when her classmates teased her for her origins. She didn't like it at all and resorted to being a loner.

She had a few temporary friends like Shelly Reedman in elementary. But Shelly grew to be a very beautiful girl and a very graceful dancer. When they were in junior high, she became head cheerleader and she started to hang out with the popular kids. Then, she became one of the many people who insulted her.

Then came high school. She started to hang out with Anna Edwards and Clarisse Parker. Both were great, however, Clarisse came from a wealthy family. She transferred at the end of their freshman year at an exclusive girls' school. Anna became so depressed after that. Clarisse was her long-time best friend. Anna chose to be a loner in time. Rinko tried to console her, but she wouldn't budge.

Things were brighter in college. She met Tara in her Business Management course. They were girls with the same likes and dreams. Even if Tara was the school hottie, she never left Rinko's side. Rinko was also recognized for her easy wit and intelligence, which earned her a cum laude at the end of college. She also was the tennis girl that everyone in school who loved the sport too, admired.

Please don't make the newcomer discriminated like me, she pleaded to God. I want him to be liked by many so that he could prove to the world that Asians can make names even in this country – that we are no different from them.

Rinko stirred her coffee absently. Like me, like him, like them… all human.


This chapter is a really short one because the next chapter is quite long. I already wrote the whole story down in a notebook and simply cutting it down to fit in chapters.

Hope you liked it! R&R!