My Ruthless General

As Boeing 747 joins the friendly skies of San Francisco, California en route to Manila, Savannah is seated beside the window admiring the view inside the aircraft. With a book on her lap, she intends to enjoy the 14 hours non-stop trip. She is going to see her friends from high school, finalized the transfer of her parent's landholdings to her nephews and nieces, and tie some loose ends from her first relationship.

Earlier this year, she learned that her ex-boyfriend that she turned her back from many years ago is still hurting and blaming her for why he is always on the lookout for a relationship, he never stops, considering he is married for years. Savannah thought that she had this huge responsibility to fix it, she doesn't know know-how decided to have a long talk with Eli, maybe, just maybe he will listen to her. She was in deep thoughts not noticing a guy sits on the aisle seat.

Hi....I am Adam, your seatmate on this 14 hours trip, extending his hand to Savannah.

Savannah acknowledges the handshake but kind of cold, not a friendly gesture. Still in deep thoughts, thinking of ways how to approach the issue. It's been more than 10 long years. She is determined to fix it for her peace of mind. Did he forgive me already? What if he refused to see me? I haven't seen him for many many years. Savannah is having this mixed feelings.

Adam knew that Savannah is into deep thoughts by glancing at her from time to time. He assumed that she wanted to be left alone.

Adam's heart is pounding rapidly, he doesn't know why. He is excited, he would like to know Savannah. We have 14 hours, I will make sure that I got her attention.

A year ago, Adam went home from work earlier than the usual time when he discovers that his wife of 15 years is in the bed with a friend. He was devastated. At the same time, their daughter also came in and witnessed all of her mother's infidelity.

Adam left the house and got himself an apartment near his work. He filed for divorce and granted after a year. His daughter is in her early twenties move in with her boyfriend of 5 years.

It was a rough 2 years for Adam.

His sister Susan lives in Tarlac, Philippines. She manages the farm that the family-owned for the last 40 years.

Susan: Since you're retired already help me manages the farm. You can relocate here and look for a wife.

Adam: I am not interested in looking for a wife Susan though I am willing to relocate there for a change. I will contact my old buddies. I will let you know when to expect me and Thank you for thinking of me. I do appreciate that.

Susan: We are family, I am so concerned about you. It's not a good idea to grow old without someone beside you. I will not force you. I will respect your decision and boundaries.

Savannah opened her laptop and start typing when the light went off.

Adam: let me help you with that. He turned on the light on Savannah's head and direct the light to her laptop.

Savannah: Thank you seatmate [she forgot his name]

Adam: You're welcome. It's Adam, my name is Adam.

Savannah: Sorry, I am into a lot of things, apologize for not remembering your name.

Adam: It's okay, yes I can see that you're pretty occupied. If you want to talk, I am your seatmate in the next 14 hours.

Savannah: Sure....I don't mean to ignore you and Thank you for understanding.

Adam is observing Savannah, she is tall, pretty face, no ring, just simple stud diamond earrings but a lot of bracelets on both wrists. She doesn't even wear make-up. Maybe she is in her early 40's. She is avoiding eye contact, distant, sweet smile, slim delicate fingers, unpainted nails, and her hair in shoulder length. She looks sophisticated, reserve, and professional. Adam is attracted to Savannah, at first glance. It's like the first time I've ever seen your face...

"The first time ever I saw your face

I thought the sun rose in your eyes

And the moon and the stars were the gifts you gave

To the dark and the endless skies".

Adam is humming the song repeatedly calling Savannah's attention.

Savannah: I know that song.

Adam: Really, it's an old song, the lyric is very romantic.

Savannah: Yes, it was. I remembered when I was in high school, someone gave me a tape that can be played on an old tape recorder, that was mid 70's. Tape A ...that song playing for 90 minutes and the backside is You are so beautiful by Joe Crocker. 2 songs in 180 minutes tape....that was so romantic then and now maybe for someone who is hopelessly romantic. Sad because until now I did not find out who gave that tape to me.

Adam thought, now we can talk.

Adam: That was so romantic indeed. He did not come forward?

Hannah: No, so until now I am still guessing.

Adam: So sad for him, so what brings you to Manila?

Savannah: I am visiting my mother's province and tie up all the loose ends regarding my parent's properties. I am the eldest, appointed as executor of the will, that is my responsibility to finish the transfers. And another issue about my past mistakes that I have to close the book.

Adam: So this trip is very important.

Savannah: Yes, it is. I have to finish all of it because I have no intention of coming back to my birth country.

Adam: You sounded so bitter....

Savannah: No I am not....that's me. I was told I am a cold person, that's my response sometimes are bitter or even so negative or sarcastic to some people.

Adam: Cold person???

Savannah smiles: Yes, I see myself that way but sometimes I am hopelessly romantic. I guess it depends on my mood....

She had a sweet smile, she's more beautiful when she smiles. I have to get to know her now.

Adam: It is okay to talk, it's a 14-hour trip. May I sit beside you, I don't want to be shouting here.

The aircraft has this 3 4 3 seating and they are seated in 3 so Adam is sitting on 34A, 34B vacant, and 34C is Hannah.

Savannah: It's okay to move on the vacant seat so we can just whisper and not to disturb others hahaha

Adam move to 34B seat. Adam is rejoicing, he felt that his heart would like to get out of his chest. Savannah sounded so relax now. I hope we can be friends before the end of this trip.

Savannah: Why not? So what brings you to Manila?

Adam: I am relocating to Tarlac to help my sister run the sugar plantation. I just retired you know, so early retirement hahaha.......nothing else to do. I might as well be productive and enjoy the remaining days of my life. And maybe, I can find my soul mate.

Savannah: Permanently? So, you're looking for a wife? That's great! Filipina wife is much better than online dating.

Adam: Not exactly looking right away, I will take my time....maybe dating first then select the best....

Savannah: Of course you have to date first before engagement then marriage, right!

Adam: That's the process right! Hahaha....How about you? Are you married if may I ask but you don't have to answer if you're not comfortable?

Savannah: It's okay, I am divorce since the late '90s. Did not marry anymore. Sometimes, I ask myself why I did not marry in my younger days....I had a lot of changes in the past, but I was so stubborn and proud at that time. I wanted to prove to my ex-husband that I can manage to bring up my 2 kids without any help from him. I was successful though. I won the war but lose the battle.......he is now with a young partner, maybe he is happy growing old with someone on your side. I may grow old and die alone hahaha......My children are both professional and have their own families. I am happy and fulfilled but sometimes I am lonely and sad. My children and grandchildren are my happiness and joy. My world revolves around them. But I have to accept that they have plans and sometimes I am not included. That is why I have to keep myself busy.

Adam: I understand you...that is why my sister Susan would like me to get married while I can.

Savannah: Yes, she is so right! That is actually a great idea. Men like your age can still get a younger wife but a woman like my age is different. [sadness tone].

Adam: You're not that old though, you're still young and marriageable. Are you open to exploring that avenue? It's not too late.

Savannah: You just want me to feel good Adam, thank you. I don't have any plans of marrying. I've been alone for decades. I don't even know how to live with someone anymore. Been married once...that's enough for me. So many lessons I learned in life already. Don't feel bad for me....I'm okay, I'll manage.

Adam: Not all matured man like me is looking for younger wife....

Savannah: Men your age likes to have excitement and only younger wife can deliver that.

Adam: Well....not me. If you're thinking of S E X....excitement in that department, I pass through that. I am looking for respect, commitment, and love.

Savannah: Don't give me that rhetoric...men are all the same, sorry but that is what I believed and seen in my life. I don't want to argue with you about that.

Adam: Okey then...I still disagree with your opinion on men.

Savannah: In a forest full of trees, would you choose one tree while there are more trees waving at you?

Adam: It depends...if that tree is worth it, I will choose that tree and forget all the trees in that vast forest waving at me ....hahaha

Savannah: You're good hahaha

Adam: Can I ask you something?

Savannah: Sure

Adam: What are these past mistakes that you mentioned earlier?

Savannah: Oh....okey, you're getting nosy huh.....we have time to discuss it. I will also consult you about that issue because you're a man hahaha.

When I was 18 years old, I had my first boyfriend. He is older than me, around 5 years gap. We have been boyfriend/girlfriend for 5 years until I called it off. I was immature at that time. I was jealous and insecure, still a student. He is a bank manager. He travels and brought her secretary cum teller. Words reached me that they are having a relationship though he did not confirm that. I was mad as hell. I turned around and marry the first man who offered marriage to me and that was my ex-husband. After 18 years of marriage, my husband left us for another younger woman.

Take note..younger woman. I left with my children and immigrated to California. Got a working visa and the rest is history. The story of my life......You bored?

Adam: No, I am listening...go-ahead

Savannah: I had relationships, actually 2. Because I was busy working, paying credit cards, student loans, mortgage, and other miscellaneous expenses, they got tired of waiting.

Boyfriend #1, impregnated his secretary. I found out, he blamed me because I don't spend time with him. He would like to travel with me but my time did not permit due to work, I have 2 jobs...work 7 days a week. We only had dinner every other weekend. Got tired of the arrangement, he looked for attention and care, he found those including intimacy to his current secretary who is 10 years younger than me. Though they did not get married because he told me that he still cares and loved me dearly....well, I can't be in a third wheel. We called it quits after 5 years of dating.

Boyfriend #2, same case scenario, impregnated our colleague though she is married their love story is so scandalous. The woman filed for divorce while pregnant. They lived together with the child but did not marry each other. We talked and we compromise not to even see each other.

That was the story of my failed relationships after my divorce.

Savannah: On another note......When my sister attended a family reunion in Vancouver BC, one of our relatives there work with my first ex-boyfriend in the bank, told her that, my ex-boyfriend was then so in love with me that he almost ruined his life after I got married. He continues to have a girlfriend even though he is married for many many years. He keeps on searching. Question for you....is that true?

Adam: For some yes...especially if the guy is so in love with the woman and they got separated for some reason. This guy cannot be content with his wife or girlfriend because in his mind, why did she left me? Something is wrong with me. That's why he is restless or maybe he is calling your attention to get back to him.....joke

Savannah: I know you're joking, you're playing with my emotions....

Adam: So what's your plan? Saving their marriage? You felt guilty why is he acting that way? I am sure he did not get it over with yet....love is very complicated or just an excuse to get a girlfriend while married hahaha

Savannah: I just wanted to talk to him and hopefully help to straighten his life and I will ask for forgiveness for what I had done to him. Maybe, I will tell him that I am not worthy of his love. To make him feel better. And at the same time close the book. I was told also by my cousin that every time they bumped at each other, he will always tell her that I am still the love of his life. Creepy huh!

Adam: He really loves you...sad but as a guy, he fell for you so bad that he neglected his wife to search for someone like you. I feel him.

Savannah: Sad huh...I am really responsible for his behavior? Tell me honestly please...I don't want to die having this whole in my heart that I hurt someone and was not able to recover, I felt so bad, very bad. I felt that I am a monster, a bad person.

Adam: Hey, be kind to yourself. You're not totally responsible, he is part of it that he can't move on, he is so weak. Falling in love with you is worth it.

Savannah: You're playing with my emotions again....let us change the topic. Anything you want to share? Happy stories!

Adam: I don't have many life stories to tell except I am moving on from the nightmare of my life.

Savannah: I can feel your sadness, it shows in your eyes. Well, I hope you'll be able to meet someone soon to make your life interesting and worth starting over again. Do you believe in destiny?

Adam: Yes, I do now.

Hannah: What do you mean, you do now?

Adam: It's secret hahaha....can I offer you a drink? I think we can order wine, red or white? This is going to be a long trip and I am glad I seated beside you, we can talk over a glass of wine.

Savannah: I only drink Moscato de Asti but if they don't have that, red is fine.

Adam ordered wine and they continue to talk about life's experiences good and bad until Adam notices that Savannah is dozing off.

He put Savannah's head to his chest so she will be comfortable. He looked at her admiring her lovely face, I will make you mine, kissing her forehead and caressing her hair. Goodnight Savannah, then he started to doze off himself.

Savannah woke up in the smell of food shoving on her nostril by Adam.

Adam: Lunch is ready, chicken or beef?

Savannah: Chicken for me, can I order coffee?

Adam: I will call the steward...can she have coffee with creamer? 3 and 3, please.

Steward: Sure, anything else, water, tea?

Adam: Extra water for me, please.