For disclaimers and notes please read first chapter.
PART 4
Yana lay in bed beside Jade and stroked her partner.
"You really think that Katie was serious about this girl?" She asked.
Jade gave a wry laugh, "Believe me when I say that the Katie we know today is partly because of Jessie. Jessie's her strength and her weakness. She is her inspiration and also her desperation."
Yana looked at Jade. She had heard from her friends and colleagues that Jessica Sammler was the best doctor they could get for this operation. She had felt some relief after hearing this. Even though she knew that brain tumours nowadays weren't an incurable disease as it was 20 years ago, still she was wary of it. She had already seen too much loss in her life to be able to bear anymore of it. She had personally even met Dr. Sammler and was impressed by her personality. The warmth she radiated was comforting and anyways... Yana was impressed with the way Jessica handled her over-domineering partner, Jade.
"I just find it hard to believe that Katie would be this serious about someone." Yana wondered loud.
Jade laughed, "I do too. But you should have been there when Katie nearly died in that accident. She was in the hospital and calling out Jessie's name. Ten years of not seeing her and Katie still holds that girl's name dear to her heart."
Yana sighed, "I wish they resolve whatever is between them."
"Amen." Jade whispered.
MARCH 27, 2018
"Alright Connor, stitch it up." Jessie's voice was concrete as it resonated in the operation room. Connor, the medical intern, quickly rushed to follow instructions. Jessie washed her hands.
"Good job, doctor." Dr. Mark Hamilton noted.
Jessie smiled as she removed her scrubs and mask. "Thanks, doctor."
Jessie walked out and saw Yana curled on the bench in the waiting room. She could see that her eyes were swollen. The surgery had taken long, longer than Jessie expected and she knew that the wait had been cruel on Yana. Her eyes darted towards Katie who was leaning against the wall, biting her nails. In spite of herself, Jessie smiled. This was one habit that she shared with Katie. She cleared her throat. Both Katie and Yana jumped.
"How's she?" Yana cried, breathlessly.
Jessie smiled, "She's good. The operation was a success."
"Oh my God!" Yana exclaimed. She hugged Jessie and then threw herself on a laughing Katie.
Katie brushed her hair with her hands, "Jade's fine! She's alright... Yana... she's alright."
"Yes... oh yes!" Yana spoke through tears and laughter as she kissed Katie on the cheeks.
Jessie watched this and couldn't help feeling touched by the pure friendship she saw there. Feeling as if she was intruding, she proceeded to walk away.
"Wait, Dr. Sammler." Yana called out. Jessie stopped.
"Dr. Sammler... I... I ... wanted to thank you. You've saved Jade. I don't think I can ever repay what you did."
Jessie flushed, "It's okay. I will charge you." She teased.
Yana smiled, "I could spend my entire fortune to save Jade."
Jessie patted her shoulders, "I know. Love of your kind is rare... cherish it... keep it."
She spoke the last words with an immense amount of effort.
Katie came from behind, "Can we speak to her now?"
Shaking her head, Jessie replied, "She is still in anaesthesia. She might need to recover from the toll of the surgery. I think you guys should go home and get some rest."
Katie and Yana looked at each other and then shook their heads.
"It's ok. We could stay until Jade comes around."
Jessie shrugged. "Alright. I'll be around in my office if there's anything. I have a horrid night shift." She sighed.
As Jessie walked away, Yana pulled Katie by her sweater.
"What?" Katie frowned.
"Don't stand here like a fool. Go after her!" Yana hissed.
Katie pulled a long face. "There's no point. She had made it very clear that she wants us to be only friends and nothing else. I think that she has forgotten what has happened and it is time I do too."
"You really think you can achieve what you haven't in the past fifteen years?" Yana crossed her arms.
"I'll sure try."
MAY 22, 2018
Jade's mouth dropped in shock, "You are going on a cruise?"
Katie curved her lips in frustration. "Jade... it is not a vacation. I have business to attend to."
"Yeah... but still. I mean... what kind of business do you have in Borneo?"
Katie typed furiously on her laptop as she replied to Jade.
"Lotianne Gloss is planning to buy an island there. It will be a perfect setting for many of the shootings we have to do. I am planning to enter seriously into the entertainment business."
"But in Borneo?" Jade spread her hands in incredulity.
"It's cheaper." Katie replied simply.
Jade rolled her eyes. They were back in Geneva. Katie was planning to shift her base to Toronto. She felt it was more central for her business and it would also help her strengthen her roots in North America. She had already spoken to some developers for an office building and a luxury condo.
"So... when are you leaving?"
"Tomorrow." Katie replied.
"But... why on a cruise. I mean... you could take your private jet with you."
"I don't have the permit for air space out there. Plus I would like to meet my new business partner and talk to him in details regarding this."
Jade shook her head in defeat. "Fine... fine... whatever."
Katie revolved round in her chair. "Why are you so against me going to Borneo?"
"Because you are not concentrating on what you are supposed to." Jade spit out.
Katie twisted her lips, "And what is that?"
Jade shot her a furious look before marching out of the room. She brushed past the PA Lorraine without so much as a greeting.
"Bad day?" Lorraine noticed.
Katie smiled at the woman. "Never mind Jade. She has a reputation to be as predictable as the weather in a rainforest."
"Speaking of rainforests... these are the various repellents, windbreakers, raincoats and tools that you will need." She handed Katie a list.
Katie grimaced. "Lorraine... I am not going on a South-east Asian camping trip. It is going to be a luxury cruise with all the modern amenities."
Lorraine shrugged, "Yeah... I know. I just wanted to make sure you are prepared in case."
Katie couldn't help laugh. Lorraine was a super-smart woman when it came to handling all her appointments and schedules. But she had a naiveté about her that was amazing.
"Alright... I'll take all that if only to please you." Katie clucked.
"Good." Lorraine said matter-of-factly.
She closed the door on a still chuckling Katie.
MAY 23, 2018
Katie stared at the wide expanse of water and felt a sudden surge of panic. She wasn't very much a water girl and being the first cruise that she had stepped foot on, she was sure of having the age-old seasickness. In fact, she had already felt the first wave of nausea hit her as soon as a smiling white attendant helped her on board. All she wanted was to go to her cabin and sleep. Her luggage was dropped in a luxury A-class cabin. The ship was large decorated with ancient Chinese lanterns; mythical dragons and lions stuck on the wall and the carpet was soft Turkish. In the distance, she saw the tall skyscrapers of Bangkok and it's silver towers gleaming in the setting sun. To her annoyance, she didn't meet her business client, Mr. Albert Wong in Bangkok. She was told that he would see her on the ship. She was hoping to avoid the ordeal of travelling on the ship by conducting her business in Bangkok itself.
Katie sighed. Atleast, the cruise seemed quite interesting. On her brief tour, she had seen three high-class restaurants with their own fitness center and game parlours. Swimming pools, tennis courts and casinos dotted the entire liner. She had even seen a huge library and a couple of multiplexes. Clubs and discos were also roped into the vessel to allow for sea-hating passengers like Katie draw out some fun.
In addition, the ship's wireless network allowed for Katie to use her GSM and her laptop. This was the biggest advantage as she was hoping to conduct many of her conferences and work form the ship. She had no intention to take an unwarranted vacation.
"Ms. Singer?" Katie turned around to face a slightly surprised handsome man.
"Mr. Bane?" Katie did not know whether to be irritated or relieved.
Carl Bane gave his most dashing smile. "I must say it is a wonderful pleasure to make your acquaintance again... that too on this beautiful ocean."
Katie took in Carl Bane with one look. Dressed in a polo T-shirt and Levis jeans, he was looking every bit the American boy. He was too good looking and if Katie would have been into guys, she probably would have flirted with him.
"Trust me when I tell you that the ocean is right now anything but beautiful for me. I have had recurring dreams of Titanic and Jaws in the past few days."
Bane laughed. "Indeed... so Kathryn Singer is afraid of the oceans. I must remember that in our next board meeting."
Katie smiled in spite of herself.
"So... Mr. Bane, you are here on a vacation?"
"Please call me Carl." He flashed his perfect teeth. "Yes and no. I was supposed to come for some business in Bangkok but I decided to join a friend on her cruise later."
Katie squinted as she leant against the railings of the deck. "You come on cruises often, Carl?"
He shrugged, "Quite often. I love the waters. I have a beach house in Australia. California and Florida have beaches but they are too damn commercialized. What I need is to be amidst the raw beauty of nature."
"As for me... I like to be within a mile's distance to modern civilization." Katie smirked. "I have no desire to challenge Mother Nature. Especially, when I know I'll fail."
Bane laughed, "I have a feeling this trip could turn interesting. The ship is throwing a welcome party tonight. I hope you are coming."
Katie shrugged, "I might... that is if I am not in my room puking on the toilet basin."
Bane gave her a good-natured pat. "Take some pills that they provide you. It works miracles. It's formal dress party tonight. See you around then?"
Katie nodded as Bane moved away to talk to a straw-hatted tanned gentleman.
Katie woke up with a start. She looked around and did not quite place the unfamiliar looking room. As she lay on her bed, her heart fluttering, she finally recognized the room as her cabin on the Oceania Cruise Liner. She crossed her arms behind her head and stared at the ceiling. She had taken a violent queasiness immediately after her conversation with Bane on the deck. She rushed back into her cabin and ate some of the pills. Magically, it induced her to fall asleep. She was glad she was feeling better. She looked at her Hello Kitty bedside clock. It was almost seven in the evening. She knew the cocktail party started at seven. She did not really feel like going. But somehow, Katie could also never stay away from social events like these. She got up and waited for the wave of sickness and headache. None came. Smiling to herself, she went to the bathroom. Taking a quick shower, she wore a soft, cotton robe and looked into her wardrobe. Earlier, a female attendant had carefully organized her luggage into the cabin's closet. She was glad. She did not feel up to doing any arranging at the moment. She chose a silky, lavender gown. It had a black beads embroidered on it and was delicately finished. She had fell in love with the gown when she went to see some of Italian Armani collections in London. She spent the next half an hour or so dressing herself and applying light make-up. She wasn't a heavy cosmetic fan. People always told her that she had a natural beauty that shone. She was wise enough to believe that they were right.
Dressing in her white Prada sandals and carrying a matching white bag, she felt and looked good.
"Not too bad." She commented on looking at herself in the mirror and then smiled.
The ship's banquet hall was decorated in accordance to the interiors of the rest of the ship. It was a fusion of Ancient Chinese art and modern Shanghai-styled decors. The dance of red was obvious as one stepped down through the wooden-looking, stairs with it's soft, fur carpets. As soon as Katie appeared, the hall seemed to stop with a hushed silence. All or atleast most eyes turned to her. She spotted a cosmopolitan population there. With Asians and Caucasians dominating the mass, there were some dark-skinned Africans and South Asians.
Immediately, someone came by her side.
"Madam?" A Thai waiter offered what looked like appetizers. Katie politely declined.
She made her way to the bar. She was planning to have some non-alcoholic drink if possible. Even before she could sit down, someone arrived on her side.
"Kathryn, you look amazing." Bane complimented.
Katie cocked her head and took in the compliment. "Thank you, Carl. You look good yourself."
"I am glad you felt good enough to join us." She turned to see another man standing by Bane. He was younger than Bane and was more boyishly good looking. His accent suggested American.
Katie nodded thanks. He introduced himself as Trey Carter, Bane's friend.
"So... you are the friend that dragged Carl to this ship?" Katie teased.
Trey laughed, "No... that wasn't me. It was the other way round. Carl dragged me. He was led by a rather charming young woman I must say."
Katie angled her head, "I see Carl." She smiled jokingly.
Carl dismissed it with a wave of his hand.
"Speaking of which... there comes the puppeteer." Trey smiled.
Katie and Carl's head rotated simultaneously towards the stairs.
Katie's mouth shot open and she almost dropped her glass.
Standing by the banisters was a woman dressed in a midnight black gown that was secured with shiny spaghetti straps. Her blonde hair was flowing on her shoulders. Her lips were full and gleaming with color. Her fair skin radiated in the dark lights of the hall. Her sky-blue eyes were deep and shining.
"Jessica." Carl leapt to her side.
Jessie looked down towards him and took his outstretched hand. He led her towards the bar.
Jessie stopped in her tracks when she saw Katie sitting with a smiling Trey.
NO! Jessie's head screamed. NOT KATIE!
Her hands went clammy and cold.
"Jessica may I introduce you to my business partner, Kathryn Singer. Kathryn, this is my friend, Dr. Jessica Sammler." Carl was clearly enjoying being the host to two gorgeous girls.
Only Trey noticed the tension in the air and he frowned.
Katie gave a slight smile. "Hi..." She greeted.
"Hello." Her own voice sounded extremely distant to Jessie.
"Would you like a dance, Jessica?" Carl offered. The music was a slow Chinese song sung by what was a very popular Hong Kong singer.
Jessie avoided Katie's direct gaze as she nodded. She took Carl's hand as they went to the dance floor.
Trey was sitting beside Katie. He bent down and whispered, "You think they make a good couple?"
Katie was startled by the question. A wave of bile rose in her throat, which she quickly swallowed.
"I don't know them enough to comment." She said noncommittally.
Trey looked at the killer looks she was giving Carl and Jessica.
"Ms. Singer? Would you care for a dance?" Trey offered.
Katie was about to refuse but when she saw Jessie place her arms around Carl, jealousy's dagger sliced through her heart.
"Sure... Mr. Carter. And please... call me Kathryn."
Trey smiled. "If you would call me Trey."
Trey and Katie walked to the dance floor and joined several couples engaged in a romantic dance.
Jessie noticed Katie walking with Trey and then moving her body in rhythm of his. That she had been surprised by Katie's presence is an understatement. She was hoping that she would never see Katie again. Not that she never wanted to see Katie. In fact, quite the contrary. But just that it would make her life tons easier.
"Jessica?" Carl queried, noticing that she was not listening to what he was saying.
"Huh?" Jessie broke through her thoughts.
"I was asking you whether you are going for the tour of the islands?"
"Yeah... sure." Jessie replied absently.
Carl frowned at Jessie's sudden coldness.
"So... do you know Jessica?" Trey was almost afraid to ask. He couldn't help notice that while Katie was dancing with him, her attention was focused on Jessie and Carl.
"A little..." Katie lied.
"Oh?" Trey obviously did not believe her but he let the matter drop.
Trey decided to change course. After all, he would be lying if he said that he was not interested in this ravishing woman in his arms.
"Kathryn... you are from the US originally?"
Katie nodded. "I am from Illinois."
"Chicago?"
Katie shook her head, "Not exactly. Evanston."
"Really?" Trey grinned. "My mom's from there. Heard of the Roys?"
"Roy Bakers?" Katie turned to him. Trey nodded.
"Tricia Roy. The daughter of Adam Roy."
Katie smiled, "Yeah... I know Tricia. She came home once with her actor husband."
"My dad." Trey beamed.
Katie laughed. Trey looked into her emerald green eyes, "Small world huh?"
Katie stole a glance towards Jessie. "Yes... very."
"Do you like this Jessica girl?" Trey asked his friend the next morning. They were having breakfast by the pool.
Carl shrugged as he sipped his juice.
"Maybe... she's beautiful."
Trey followed Carl's eyes that were fixed upon a tanned red-haired as she emerged from her swim.
"She doesn't seem like the play-and-leave kind, Carl."
Carl looked in disgust at his friend. "It's a cruise alright? We are all just having fun. Nothing serious. Nothing committed. And by the way, you seem pretty engrossed with Kathryn."
Trey smiled confidently. "I think she likes me too. She is smart, sexy and funny."
Carl sneered, "Yeah... and she can be quite a ruthless bitch."
Trey's eyes did not waver, "And she's from Evanston, my mom's hometown."
"Yeah?" Carl asked. "I'm sure that your Mama will approve of her new daughter-in-law then."
Trey flushed, "Gee Carl! We are not even in a relationship yet."
"You know what I heard?" Carl winked, "She's gay."
Trey jerked at that. "What?"
Carl laughed cruelly, "Yeah... Kathryn Singer is even more notorious than me when it comes to gals."
Trey looked thoughtful. He knew that in today's times, being gay was not so much of a taboo as it was previously. He had dated many women who had girlfriends before. Hell! He himself had dated a guy before he found it unpleasant. However, he really had started to like Kathryn and he did not want to find out her interest lay exclusively with girls.
"Well... maybe she's bi..." Trey wished aloud.
"Maybe..." Carl breezed nonchalantly.
Katie hurried across the deck. She was supposed to meet Albert Wong for breakfast and she was already late by fifteen minutes. She wasn't exactly a punctual person, but she still believed in the old saying of making a good impression. As she scurried hastily, she bumped into someone.
Silently cursing herself she muttered a brief apology and she looked into her innocent victim.
Katie's lungs stopped functioning.
"Jessie?"
"Uhh... good morning Katie." Jessie forced a smile as she quickly tried to recover her senses.
"Good morning." Katie greeted cheerfully. "I'm sorry. I was in a hurry."
Jessie shook her head, "No problem."
"Uh.. ok... umm... I've...er... got to go." Katie stuttered.
"Yeah! I mean... yeah... of course you've got to go... you are in a hurry."
Great! Jessie thought. She was rambling like an idiot.
"Yeah... ok... er... see you around then." Katie stood there. Jessie gave her questioning glance.
"Right... er... I've got to go." Katie blushed. She tripped on her way out.
Moron! Katie swore to herself.
Jessie sat by herself on the deck's café. She was having muffins and coffee and she was engrossed in a paperback she brought.
"May I join you?" Jessie looked into her visitor. It was Trey.
"Ohh... Trey. Yeah... sure."
Trey sat down.
"Carl is doing some business. And I was left alone." Trey sighed.
Jessie chuckled.
"Hmm... I know this paperback is going to be far more interesting than me, but could you suffer my company for some minutes?" Trey had a puppy-dog look.
Jessie playfully punched him on his arm.
"No... actually I was going to ask you to leave."
Trey feigned a hurt look and laughed.
"So Jessie... where are you originally from?" Trey asked.
"Evanston, Illinois. I was born there."
Trey stopped playing with the tissue and looked up, shocked.
"What?" Jessie gave him a confused look.
"No... just that..." Trey shrugged then smiled. "My mom's from there. Tricia Roy."
"Ohh... Roy Bakers?" Jessie asked and Trey nodded in confirmation.
Jessie smiled in nostalgia.
"Our family always bought bread from there. Adam was one of the best bakers I have ever tasted. His freshly baked buns were a treat. I used to buy them almost every morning. One day Kat..."
Jessie's voice trailed off.
"One day?" Trey gently probed.
"Nothing... just that... we... I stole a bun from his shop." Jessie bit her lip.
Trey guffawed, "I can imagine Grandpa's face at that time."
Jessie smiled coyly, "Yeah... I never was in his good books after that."
Trey liked the girl and the more he talked to her the more he was convinced that she shouldn't be with his friend. However, he wasn't really sure how to tell her that. He didn't want to appear as interfering.
"Umm... Jessica... can I ask you something?"
Jessie laughed, "You just did."
"Funny..." Trey grimaced and then chuckled.
"Alright... here goes the question. Do you... umm... like Carl?"
Jessie shook her shoulders in an offhand manner, "Yeah... sure. Why?"
"No... I mean... like you know... like I don't know how to say it."
"You want to warn me that Carl is a womanizer?" Jessie asked gently.
Trey moved his gaze in embarrassment. "I know it is none of my business. I mean... like..."
Jessie gave him a reassuring pat on his hands. "Don't worry. I have no intention to develop any feelings for your friend. Carl is nice and all... but I'm just not ready to fall in love again."
She immediately regretted saying this. She did not intend to tell Trey her feelings. But there was something genuine and friendly about him. And she was always a pretty good judge of character. Well... most of the times at least.
The phrase 'fall in love again' did not escape Trey. But he knew better than to poke hidden wounds.
"Well... good for him. Someone needs to play with HIM for a change." Trey smiled.
Jessie shook her head, "He's a friend. That's all." She then teasingly looked at Trey.
"Well... are you the philandering type?"
Trey was astonished at the question and when he saw that Jessie was only joking, he laughed.
"Lord! I wish! If only I had half the charm Carl had..." Trey sighed.
"Hmm... depends on the person. Some girls like charmers like Carl and some girls like dependables like you." Jessie sagely explained.
"I hope that was a compliment." Trey said in amusement. "What do you think of Kathryn?" He asked.
Jessie almost choked on her coffee. "Who!"
"Kathryn. Kathryn Singer, Carl's business partner. The lady we met yesterday." Trey couldn't help himself from observing Jessie's dumbfounded reaction.
"Do you like her?" Jessie asked slowly.
"Yes." Trey said simply. "I know I've met her only like yesterday. But there was something in her that I couldn't resist."
"Yes... she has that effect." Jessie exhaled deeply.
"So... what do you think are my chances with her?" Trey asked.
Jessie could not bear to look into his eyes.
"I guess... be with her. She isn't... I mean... I don't think she is someone who would want you to beat around the bush. She will value honesty and forthrightness in the end because she can see into you."
Trey narrowed his eyes.
"Yeah... thanks. I will try and take your advice."
"Good luck." Jessie muttered.
Trey could not tear his eyes away from Jessie's lowered lashes.
"OK, mom. I need to know everything there is to know about Kathryn Singer." Trey's voice boomed into his phone. On the other end, Tricia Baker Carter let out a sigh.
"I told you... I never knew the girl well. She was just a teenager when I went with your father to Evanston. I knew her parents. They were rich and of the blue blood kind. But there's nothing I can tell you about her."
"Mom...is there anything... anything at all you can tell me about her?" Trey pleaded.
Tricia frowned into the phone, "Why are you so interested in her biography, son?"
Trey played with his pen, "Nothing... it's just very very important."
"Did you meet her or something? Is she your girlfriend?" Tricia's concern floated through the wireless.
Trey sighed, "No mom. Not yet atleast. I want to know everything about her before I take any step."
"Why don't you ask her?"
"Well... because what I want to know is not what she would ever tell me."
Tricia rubbed her temples. Her son wasn't making any sense. She didn't know Kathryn or Katie as everyone in Evanston called her very well. She had just seen the girl once and that was fifteen years ago.
"Look Trey. All I remember is that Katie... Kathryn was in high school at that time. I can't even remember her face that well. She was kinda the chipper kind. Wait..."
"What?" Trey's interest perked up.
"I remember Dad telling me something about her. He said something about how her friend and she had stolen some bread from his store."
"What?" Trey's mind began to race.
"Yeah... something about how she and her best friend... mm... can't remember that girl's name but those two were pretty well known in the whole town as being like attached by the hip. But anyways, Dad caught them stealing. The thing was they weren't exactly stealing. He said something about how they had put the money on his counter because they were too hungry and he didn't have..."
"Was her name Jessica?" Trey interrupted.
"What?"
"Jessica... was the best friend's name Jessica?" Trey asked again.
Tricia frowned and then suddenly smiled, "I believe her name was Jessie. Yes, now I remember, Jessie and Katie. I guess Jessie could be short for Jessica."
Trey tapped his fingers on the table. His thoughts were rumbling all over the place. He had determined the first night itself that Jessica and Kathryn knew each other. Now why were they behaving like total strangers were a riddle in itself.
"Trey?" His mother's voice cut through his contemplations.
"Umm... mom. Do you mind if I call you later? I have some work to do right now?"
MAY 27, 2018
"Ladies and gentlemen. The ship will dock on Talam Sameh for two hours. Talam Sameh is a small island town part of Malaysia. It has just developed a small-time coir industry. It was not our original plan to dock here but some unexpected change in plans have occurred. There is not much to see around here. We have had permission from the locals in Talam Sameh for some people to tour around. However, because we are not here for long, I think it would be better if all of you stay on board. Ofcourse, if anyone wants to see around, just make sure that you are back on time. Also, please do not worry the locals here too much. All of them are in the middle of their work and might not welcome intrusion. This is not a tourist spot."
"Great." Carl muttered. "Talk of landing on nowhere."
"I am going on a small tour of the island. Wanna come?" Jessie asked.
Carl looked her as if she has lost her mind. "No thanks. I don't want to run into some headhunting tribal."
Trey rolled his eyes as he came from behind.
"I don't think they have headhunting tribal out here."
"How would you know?" Carl snapped.
Jessie sighed, "Fine... I'll go alone."
Carl hesitated and he received a glare from Trey.
Jessie went to her room. To be honest, she kind of wanted to tour the place alone. She was getting tired with the company of Carl. He could be witty at times but more often he was quite shallow. She enjoyed Trey's occasional presence but she guessed that his absence meant that he was spending time with Katie.
Jessie smiled sadly. She hadn't seen Katie at all. She never got around admitting it to herself that she woke up every morning hoping to catch a glimpse of Katie. Even when she saw Trey, she would get excited because it could mean that Katie would be near. Sadly, Katie never joined Trey when he was with them. Jessie did not have a chance to ask him how were things going on between him and Katie. In truth, she didn't even want to know.
Jessie dressed herself in her faded jeans and a Gap tee. Tying her hair in a ponytail, she took a hat and her sunglasses. She took her bag. Her bag was something she hardly ever left behind. It contained essentials like her cell, face powder, comb, her wallet, face tissues in addition to her medical first-aid kit. Being a doctor, she was so used to carry her medical kit along that it almost became a habit.
Jessie glanced at her watch. It was almost time for her to be back on the ship. She had quite enjoyed the trip. As the captain had suggested, there was nothing worth looking around on the island. But Jessie enjoyed the peacefulness and the natural beauty. And anyways, she wanted to walk on land after staying cooped up on a rocking boat for a couple of days. She had went to the center of the island where there was a huge building where stacks of coir were being made. The men working there were all tanned and sweaty as they laboured. She saw some of the passengers from the ship and they were busy taking pictures. Some were even harassing the locals, in spite of the Captain's warning.
Jessie was about to walk back towards the shore when she heard a commotion. She turned and saw that there was a huge crowd outside one of the thatched huts. A local woman came running out and she shouted instructions to some of the kids. Jessie did not know whether to interfere or not. She knew she should be on her way back and really the local's life was none of her business. But when she saw blood on the woman's hands, the doctor in her awoke and she rushed to the woman. When the woman saw her, she flinched and glared in suspicion at the white stranger.
Jessie took in the hostility and pointed to the blood in the woman's hand and gestured with her hand asking what the matter was. The woman was still dubious and unwilling to tell her anything.
Jessie tried saying, "I am a doctor... DOCTOR... the blood... what happened? Tell me... I can help..." She spoke and gestured the words simultaneously.
The woman gave a dry smile, "I understand English." She said with a slight accent. Jessie nearly collapsed in relief.
"What is happening in there?" Jessie asked.
"You... doctor?" The woman asked.
Jessie nodded.
The woman said, "Mashi... child coming out..." The woman mimed stomach pain and a child.
Jessie understood. The woman in there was in labour. She rushed in.
The small room was crowded with anxious and crying women. Jessie turned to the woman she met outside.
"Please... I need water... cloth... scissors." The woman nodded and ordered a young girl.
Jessie grimaced when she saw the pregnant mother lying on a cot, writhing in pain. Jessie realized that there was a complication and if she had faced such a situation in Boston, in the middle of a modern hospital, she would have ordered a caesarean. She doubted the island had facilities as such. She had to do what she could to save the mother and the child.
Katie saw Trey on the deck. She had overslept. She had spent her night watching movies in the multiplex. She could be quite an insomniac when she wanted to. She had avoided Trey for the past few days in the hope that she did not have to face Jessie with Carl. It was bad enough that she had to cope with losing Jessie. She did not want to see her with someone else.
"Hi Trey!" Katie yawned.
Trey turned, surprised.
"Good morning, gorgeous." He teased.
Katie suddenly looked around. Her eyes widened.
"We have stopped... what are we doing here?" She asked Trey.
"Ohh... you just missed the most exciting event of the day..." Trey laughed.
Katie looked at him in horror. "Don't tell me that this was an island tour?"
Trey shook his head, "No... don't worry about that. This is not part of the tour. The ship had to make a sudden stop here. However, some passengers have gone down to take a walk. Like, for instance, Jessie."
Katie groaned inwardly. One reason she was avoiding Trey was because his mention of Jessie was becoming more and more frequent.
"Ohh... good." Katie muttered. She looked at the island in front of her and imagined Jessie in there. It wasn't hard. She could see Jessie adapt to virtually anywhere on the planet.
Katie saw the passengers arrive back to the ship and in the distance she heard shouts of the crewmen to get the engines going. Katie frowned. She did not see Jessie among them.
"Trey... is Jessie back yet?"
"No..." He shook his absently as he was engrossed in his PDA.
Katie began to get worried. She rushed down and met one of the passengers who were coming back.
"Sir.. excuse me... could you tell me if you saw a blonde-haired woman on the island too?" Katie asked.
The elderly man rubbed his jaw thoughtfully, "Hmm... I did see a pretty, blonde girl on the island. She was alone. The last time I saw her was near the coir building. But not afterwards. Why?"
Katie looked around anxiously, "No... I was just wondering whether she's back yet."
The man shrugged, "Everyone knew that the ship will leave in two hours. I guess she should be back."
Katie thanked the man. She did not see any sign of Jessie. She met one of the crewmen and stopped him.
"Excuse me, sir. I think my friend who went to the island hasn't been back yet. Do you think you can stop the ship for some time?"
The man muttered something like an 'okay'. Katie did not care to stay and she ran out on the island.
Katie was breathing hard when she emerged from the dense forest to a clearing where she saw what the elderly man described as the COIR BUILDING. It seemed like a miniature cottage factory with men hauling piles of coir on their backs and loading it on what looked like old-fashioned carts. Katie's eyes darted furiously across the vista until it rested on a particular cottage. She saw crowds of women standing outside. They looked worried and shaky. She approached them. When they saw her, they moved away with apprehension. Katie was about to ask them about Jessie when she heard a baby's cry from somewhere within the cottage. Immediately, there was mass pandemonium and the women huddled at the doorway of the cottage. They were all whispering and shouting at the same time. A local woman appeared at the door and she was carrying a tiny child. All the other women began to laugh and exchange excited murmurs as they stared at the tiny miracle. Even Katie stood there and couldn't help attaching herself to the joy all the women felt. She was about to step away when her eyes fell on a figure that appeared from behind the cottage.
"Jessie!"
Jessie stared in surprise, "Katie? What are you doing here?"
Katie shook herself out of her speechlessness and came forward. "What am I doing here? What are YOU doing here? The ship is about to leave."
Jessie gestured towards the crowd of women, "A woman went into labour. She was almost going to die. I had to perform a caesarean on her..."
"A caesarean! HERE!" Katie looked in shock at the primitive cottage.
"Well... not really... but I did what I could with what little was here." Jessie smiled.
She then stared at Katie. Katie's hair hung wildly on her shoulders and she looked as if she just woke up. Plus, twigs and leaves stuck out from her clothes and hair.
"What are you doing here, Katie?"
"Me? I came out in search of you. When I saw that you were not among the passengers that came back, I got worried." Katie almost yelled.
"Oh my God! You've got to come with me... it's almost late. We will miss the ship." Katie grabbed Jessie's hand and before Jessie could say anything, Katie was pulling her.