A full dance card.

She is the one?

Is there anything in her record that would say she shouldn't be the one?

No.

Then she's your girl. How are you going to do it?

Recommend that she be appointed as a resident representative to the board for better understanding of resident needs and facility improvements. That's what Ma'am Delia thinks you are doing today! The idea is to empower the residents so they feel like they have a little control of their lives.

It actually sounds like a wonderful idea.

Yes! I know this from my studies at University. It is an approved program that the DSWD accepts and has been implemented at other places. It was not done here.

So you will use this to put the two of them in close and regular contact?

Yes. I already have the approval of the board. I requested that S/Insp. Mahinay be the board representative. I get to choose the resident representative. So I say to Ma'am, this is a good way to use Sir Ron!

I see. ... They don't elect their own?

No. We think that it does not work well to do that.

OK. You will appoint Tamal?

I guess I just did. Their first meeting is in one hour. I will go and talk to her and tell her about her new appointment and the first meeting.

OK, I think I will walk around.

The thing about the Philippines is that even if the place is filled with rude structures, trees and flowers are everywhere making what might be in a colder clime quite austere into something human and welcoming. The paths are lined with plants, and carabao grass grows over the grounds. Warm ocean breezes sway the tall mahogany trees which provide shade through the mid-day sun and heat.

Girls move from place to place with a sense of intent. They do not linger along the paths, except when a meeting of two occurs ad hoc in the course of their travels.

There is a canteen. That is what it is called as per the sign over the serving window. Some girls are hanging out there drinking a soft drink, and maybe a bag of junk food. Fish crackers¹ seem to be the favorite today.

I go up to the window and order a Coke and a bag of the ubiquitous fish crackers. There is a table with three girls sitting. I walk over and ask permission to join them. I get the highly predictable yes and then they start to scatter. Wait! I want to join you, not make you move!

We are too shy, Sir, one of them offers.

I am shy too! Truly. But how do you meet someone if you are so shy? Let us find out if our shyness will have denied us a friend. OK?

They sit back down, albeit with some trepidation.

My name is Ron. Will you tell me your names?

It goes on from there. These are good kids stuck in a shitty situation. None are foundlings. I gather those tend to get adopted. These kids all ended up here later in life. Interestingly, though they are younger, they all know Tamal and think well of her.

It is getting close to lunch time and Judith invites me to have lunch here with the residents. The meal is rice with a vegetable topping. Visually it is less than spectacular but, the taste is good and it is both nourishing and healthy. I see the Senior Inspector and Tamal sitting at another table. He is fixed on her and, she on him. They eat hurriedly and she moves him on to some item she wants to show the man.

Judith, it is my impression that Tamal is taking this assignment as seriously as she is taking her need to worm her way into his heart. I suspect that may be a very good thing for a number of reasons.

S/Insp. Mahinay is walking toward us. It is close to two. He says he must leave for other obligations. But before he leaves, he comments that Judith made a remarkably wise selection regarding the resident representative. He finds her amazing in so many ways. She is an asset to the orphanage but she has so much to offer, it is a shame that she must be here.

Judith tells him that it would do the girl good to have someone like the Senior Inspector interested in her. She encourages the Senior Inspector to come back and visit Tamal. To even take her on outings. He visibly brightens at the thought.

And then he turns to me. Sir Ron, I must inform you that I was right and you were wrong!

How?

I found a number of girls here who know of you or have met you. All are positive toward you and the ones who know you say you are respectful of them and talk honestly to them as valued people. They thank Miss Judith and me for bringing you to them.

Well, I can't say that it makes me happy. I was secretly hoping they would say, 'get him out of here!'

He looks at me in terror and then, Oh you make a joke! Yes very good!

And he is gone.

You weren't joking.

Of course not.

I am about to leave when Tamal approaches.

She turns to Judith. I hope my comments and suggestions meet with your approval. He is a very important man.

Then she turns to me. When will I meet the man I may find love for?

You just did.

Oh! Oh my God! It cannot be! He is too important! I am not worthy of such a great man, Sir.

On that last comment, we will have to disagree. I think you are totally worthy.

But I make mistake. I not know he is the one!

You made no mistake. You behaved as I hoped you would. He found you fascinating. You find him a great man. This is a very good start.

Sir, why you do this for me?

Tamal, the honest answer is not always the one that is the most satisfying. I am not doing this 'for' you. I looked for a girl who I thought would be a good companion for your Senior Inspector. And I did that because I was asked to by Miss Judith. Miss Judith and I have family in common. We know each other well and she asked my assistance.

Thank you for that. So the interview, that was what I think? You looking for the right girl?

Yes. And I think you are the right girl.

You like me?

Yes, Tamal I like you.

So why you not want me?

Because I have a house full of women and girls I want. Do you not think that there should be a limit to the number of girls one man has?

I see but, they are very lucky, I think.

They think they are lucky and I am lucky that they think that!

Hehe. Yes, Sir. I think that is very true. Will we be friends?

We are friends but, your best friend may be Miss Judith.

Very good, Sir, Miss. I go now with your permission.

We both give it and she is gone.

Good luck Judith. Don't call unless you have to!

Yes, I understand.

It is mid-afternoon when I arrive back home. This day has been a day of unwelcome surprises. Judith has sussed out that I am fucking Pearl, and I am now complicit in the entrapment of a PNP Senior Inspector. And on top of that, I was investigated. Just because I came up clean is not much solace. I am now on their radar.

If the world turned on a different axis, what I did to help Tamal and S/Insp. Mahinay might be seen as honorable. But it is not in this one. Plus, I helped Judith pursue her lesbian relationship with the good Senior Inspector's niece. Once again if in a different world, it might be a good thing. It will not be so seen here if it comes to light. I wanted to have a quiet life out of public view. This is anything but that.

My cell phone is ringing. Hello?

Yes, Sir, I wish to speak with Ronald Lyle Gibson.

You have him. What can I do for you?

Sir Ronald! This is the Iloilo office of the Bureau of Immigration. We would like you to come for an interview on Tuesday at nine AM.

Well, that is so early I would have to catch the ferry tomorrow morning. I am not sure that it is possible. It would have to be late afternoon if it is Tuesday. May I ask what this pertains to? I have my Tourist visa which is not expired and I am traveling to Manila to apply for the SRRV.

Yes, Sir but you have applied for employment here.

No I didn't and I told the individuals that I didn't want the job AND I didn't believe that it was legal with my Visa status.

I see. May I know who you have spoken with?

Yes, Ma'am Cortez from DSWD and PNP S/Insp. Mahinay. Would you like their cell numbers?

Yes, Sir, and you say that you told them you didn't want the position?

Yes, I told each of that many times.

So, you are not seeking employment in the Philippines?

I am absolutely not seeking employment in the Philippines?

Then, Sir, why does my office receive a report that you have?

I have no idea. I suggest before you accuse me, that you find any proof of your accusation. You will find none.

But, Sir, we have a report.

Yes, and I am telling you I didn't make any request. Who is saying I did?

I don't know Sir.

I respectfully suggest you find out.

Sir, are you coming for the Interview?

Please explain to me why I need to go. I have already told you I have not made any application. What is the purpose of the Interview?

To ask you about your application, Sir.

I have already told you. I didn't make any. What purpose is the Interview when you already have the answer?

But, Sir, we know you did!

Where do you think I applied?

To an orphanage.

Would the orphanage have my application for employment if I applied?

Of course!

So, call them. Please call them and ask for a copy of my application. Please call. And then call me back.

OK, Sir, we will do that.

Oh Jesus! What a fucking mess. My heart is pounding. My head is pounding. What an ever mother-fucking mess. ... I need a stiff drink.

I have a brandy over ice swirling in my glass when my cell phone comes alive again.

Hello?

Hello. Is this Sir Ronald?

Yes. Is this Immigration?

Yes, Sir. Sir, we contact the orphanage. They admit you are offered a position but you did not apply for it and said you did not want it. But they say they still want you.

Yes, I know they do and I do not want it and will never want employment.

Sir, you must come in, so we can warn you against accepting this.

I have not accepted it and I will not. What purpose is it to warn me about something I have no interest in doing?

Sir, Manila say you are applying. You must come.

Please, respectfully inform Manila that you have investigated and I did not apply for any position.

That is not possible, Sir.

Then, I will have my interview in Manila. Please inform them I am coming and that they better have some proof of my application or they can pay for my air fare.

You are going to Manila?

Yes. Who do I ask for when I get there?

I will contact Manila and ask. Wait, Sir.

I hang out on the phone for a good ten minutes before a voice returns.

Sorry to keep you waiting, Sir.

I am here. Who do I ask to see?

Sir, Manila says it is no longer necessary for you to come there, you should come here.

Please express the fact that I am coming there. Who do I ask to see?

Wait, Sir.

I wait another five minutes.

Sir, Manila says you must come here.

Well, I tell you what. We will continue this conversation tomorrow. In the meantime I have some calls to make to the PNP and DSWD.

Sir, you must not do that!

Why? Why can't I?

You must not threaten an Immigration officer.

I am not threatening. I am trying to fix something. I truly wish you no harm, now or ever.

OK, Sir. We will set the appointment tomorrow morning.

I get on the phone with S/Insp. Mahinay and explain what has transpired. He promises me, he will take care of it and hangs up.

The ice in my drink has melted and the brandy is watered down. I dump it out and make a new one. Susan comes over and massages my shoulders. Jenny massages my feet. Like they say, 'It's more fun in the Philippines!'

The kids are all around but, all know just to give me room. I skip dinner. My stomach is doing flips. I don't need a record of being warned by Immigration. Maybe I am wrong but being accused of something with no proof seems like a Star Chamber interrogation and not an Interview. I just don't like where this is going.

At eight at night I get a call.

Hello?

Hello, Sir. Is this Sir Ronald?

Yes, who is this?

This is the Iloilo Immigration Office, Sir. Sir, we would like to apologize for our accusing you of applying for employment. It is clear that it did not occur and there is no need for any interview.

Good, are we done?

Sir, we need to warn you about applying...

Stop! I never applied and you are doing it again! Do I need to make another call? You and I know you are calling because of the last calls I made. Do you want me to call and say you are continuing to harass me over something I never did?

Sir, No, Sir. Sorry Sir. Good Evening Sir.

Good Evening.

Shit. I am not in the mood for any sex. I just want to be left alone. But it seems to me that I need the SRRV right now. It is time for a trip to Manila with Susan. Maybe my mood will brighten in the next half an hour.

Five minutes later I get a call from S/Insp. Mahinay. He is deeply sorry for the trouble he has brought to my doorstep. He is fully aware that such scrutiny even when you are cleared at the end is a stain that does not go away. He has done all he can to remove the evidence of a stain. If there is anything else he can do, I should not hesitate to call him. And that is I guess all well and good. I really have no animus towards the guy. I guess I understand him a little better than some.

But now the conversation gets a little strange.

Sir Ronald, I owe you a great deal. You have made my niece very happy and that has relieved me of great stress, (I bet it has!) and now today, I understand that it was you who chose Tamal to be the representative. It was an inspired choice. It is as if you have me in mind.

Senior Inspector, I did.

Say that again? You have me in mind when you chose Tamal?

Yes, Senior Inspector. Sir, she is a remarkable young woman. But to many who serve on boards such as yours, a strong, clear headed, assertive female who possesses real beauty would be seen as a young woman they would consider rude, unpleasant and not knowing her place. But Sir, for you, she is perfect in many ways. At least, that was my thought.

Sir Ronald, you have an eye for young beauty, yourself.

I do, Sir. I have freely admitted that.

Many would find that wrong, maybe?

Yes, and that is why Susan is here. She is the Ate and the protector. For me, a man who is not a citizen, my privilege to stay here can be easily lost. This is something I never forget. If I were a native Filipino, I could have taken her in possibly without public rebuke.

Yes, I see your point. Would you have concerns that I have feelings for this Tamal? Does that bother you?

Sir. Miss Tamal is a young woman who is mature far beyond her years. She is a remarkable woman. She told me after you left she found you an exceptional and great man. She thought it an honor to meet you. I told her that you, Sir, were pleased with her. She said to me, I am not worthy of such a man.' Sir, I told her,'You are worthy of any man's attentions.' Senior Inspector, who am I to judge these things? I have always found hearts defy logic.

Yes, Sir Ron, you are correct. Possibly you and I have much in common.

OK so maybe this is a good thing? But maybe it is just too close to the edge for comfort. Still... My mood has improved. I grab a small bite to eat. Tonight we will bring Pearl into the circle.

Pearl's entry will be both fun and of no real significance. She has proved herself to be perfectly happy in our world many times. She has also opened her soul up to me. She has carried water for me with Judith. She is a rock solid assistant to Jenny. Her needs are real and the fact that she and I can talk about them in comfort is a special thing. In my heart she had already joined us.

Her connection with her body and its sexual nature, is so well understood by this fourteen-year-old, as to make many an adult look totally foolish.

In a moment of, 'huh, I wonder,' I find Pearl before the evenings activities begin.

Do you know a girl named Tamal? She will be a grade behind you.

Yes. We all know her.

Why, doesn't she stay with her batch?

No, they are not easy with her. She is easier with us.

What do you mean?

She is more mature. Ronald, you know we do not hang out with our batch either, right?

No, I didn't.

Yes, we hang out with the sixteen-year-old girls, the seniors. Tamal hangs out with us. You meet her?

Yes, at the orphanage.

She will join us?

No. She has an admirer.

Who?

A friend.

A foreigner?

No, a Filipino.

He poor?

No, Pearl, he is not poor.

Gud. She deserves man gud.² She was sad when I tell her she could not join us.

Does she know what we do?

No, we not tell anyone! You know that.

Are there other special ones?

Wala pa.

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Chapter 34