Chapter 6. Walking on the beachfront and Military Ball

Early morning before the sunrise, Savannah was walking on the beachfront, enjoying the breeze and the walk. It was refreshing. Unbeknownst to her, a tall guy wearing a ray ban was watching her. 

After an hour, she received a text message that her friend Allan was running late. Then, she was approached by an unknown guy.

Good Morning Mam, We would like to invite you for a cup of coffee in our tent.

Thank you but no thanks! I am waiting for my friend to pick me up to have breakfast.

Maybe, while waiting, my boss can share coffee with you. He is the commander in chief of this province and a 5-star general. 

Savannah was irritated..... Tell your boss, even if he is a 10-star general, I will not have coffee with him.

We are being hospitable to you Mam. Please don't shut us up!

The tall guy wearing a Ray Ban was approaching them.

What is going on here?

I am inviting her for a coffee, Sir!

I overheard that Ben, Mam, in the military we only have 5 stars, not 10 stars!

Savannah laughs and shakes her head, so did the guy in Ray Ban.

See, you look beautiful when you relax and laugh...I am Ari, at your service!

Well, I am Savannah.

I am Ben, Mam

Your ride might be late. Join us for a coffee. We are good people.

Okay then, if you both insist and nice meeting you both.

I desperately need that steaming coffee anyway, Savannah thought.

Savannah was so relieved to sip steamy hot coffee. Thank you for the invite though.

Are you vacationing?

Yes, I am

Until when?

For 2 weeks.

May I invite you to attend our upcoming military ball?

That was fast....I am not sure. I don't have the appropriate clothes for that kind of event. I only brought jeans and shorts with me.

That's not a problem...I can provide you with one.

Sorry, I can't accept a gift from a stranger!

I am no longer a stranger. You accepted my coffee! Ari jokes

Oh geez...you're really something! I will think about that invite.

This guy is so full of himself...Allan where are you? I am dying here! Savannah thought.

Ohhh, My ride's here... thanks for the coffee and the morning laugh.

You're so late Allan...

Good Morning..sorry, some things came up!

Everything okay?

Yes, it's okay now.

Good Morning General?

Good Morning Allan?

Do you know each other?

Yes, we do. Our business is in cooperation with General Ari's building plans for community programs. He gave us projects. We owed him a lot.

I see... thank you Ari for the opportunity for Allan's business to prosper!

He is an honest person. I helped him build his nest egg.

That was so nice of you Ari....

We have to keep going.  Join us for breakfast general? Allan said.

Some other time, Allan, maybe dinner tonight in Savannah?

I may have to check my schedule. I will let you know later in the day.

How? You did not give me your contact number!

Ohh, you can contact me thru Allan.

You don't trust me your number? Ari said.

No, I trust you but I don't check my phone very often because of roaming issue. Savannah responded.

I see! Ari said

See you around... Savannah said.

General Ari waved and said... definitely!

Late in the afternoon, Gen Ari received a message from Savannah that she couldn't get away from her friends to have dinner with him. Some other time, I promise! By the way, Allan and Mary will attend your military ball too. Maybe I should tag along.

I will be happy to see you tomorrow night at the military ball. Since you owed me dinner, you will be my official date. Ari texted Sav.

Sav responded... okay, I will be your date then. See yah!

Looking forward to seeing you again! Ari responded.

At the Military Ball

Since Savannah was not prepared for this extravagant military ball, Mary bought her a sky blue elegant knee-length dress paired with nude pumps. The stylist put her hair in an up-do style with hair glass accessories, making her look regal like a princess. She wore a diamond stud earring, a single bangle, and no necklace to compliment her flawless and smooth neck. Her make-up is very light and she wore light pink lipstick, just the color of her plump lips. Some women wore cocktail floor-length dresses. Officers and servicemen in the military wore their class A uniforms. Male guests compliment them with formal attire, complete with bow tie or tuxedo.

The moment the couple entered the party with Savannah, a lot of men in uniform eyes on her, admiring her looks, her slim body complementing the dress and sophisticated aura on her. General Ari is one of them. He did not waste time, he walked to greet Allan and Mary.

Well...well, well. I am so glad you both made it and brought my date with you! I am so glad you're here!

Thank you for having me....It's an honor to be your date in this very important yearly military event.

You don't have any idea, Sav...you made me the happiest man. I hope you enjoy the party. Guys, join me at my table. 

Allan and Mary were taken aback. That table was for high-ranking military officers.

Mary responded, we have an assigned table General, we will sit there while we enjoy the party.

No, I insist Mary, Sav is my date for tonight! I will add 3 chairs to accommodate you guys.

Allan looked at Mary then at Savannah helplessly. He doesn’t have any choice at all but to obey.

Ben, give me the phone! Ari motioned to Ben.

Here Sav, I am going to give you a phone so we can call each other.  You will not be worrying about your roaming charges.  Ari said.

No, Ari..I am fine with mine. Savannah said.

I insist Sav! please.  This phone did not cost me a fortune.  I want us to communicate while you're here. Is that too much to ask?  Ari said.

Savannah was taken a back.  Ahhh Okay, I will use this for the meantime I am here, I will return to you when I leave.  Savannah retorted.

Then all of a sudden, a voice came from behind Allan..... Hey! Savannah right! Vacation time? Do you still remember me? I'm one year older than you guys. I’m Chu.

Looking behind the woman in red, of course, Chu, I remembered you. Yes, it's vacation time for me. It's been a while... Savannah responded.

I am glad you remembered me. Sav, I am a very good friend of General Ari, nodding to Ari. Why don’t you add another chair for me Ari... I would like to talk to Sav to reminisce about the past, Chu said.

Ari’s eyes darkened but obeyed Chu.

Ari pulled Savannah to sit beside him, then Chu beside the couple. Then he asks Sav to dance...

May I have the honor to dance with you Sav?

Sure, Ari, Sav responded.

The party is in progress and western music is playing....

****Take me to your heart

Show me where to start

Let me play the part of your first love. All the stars are right.

Every wish is ours tonight, my love.

Pity those who waitTrust in love to faith.

Findin 'out too late that they've lost it

Never let go

They will never know the ways of love.

Got to believe in magic

Tell me how two people find each other.

In a world that's full of strangers

You've got to believe in magic.

Somethin'stronger than the moon above

Because it's magic when two people fall in love.

Lalalalalala***

Liked the lyrics of that song, Ari whispered to Sav

Really! That was always played on prom night....for teenagers Ari.

Pretend we are in our teens Sav, close your eyes and imagine that you was my first love.

Savannah's face turned red and she was speechless for a while.

Sav, Are you listening to me?

Yes, I am Ari. I don't know how to respond to what you just said.

Sav, I would like to be your friend and your first love effective tonight. Then, he pulled her close to his heart.

Savannah can't move. She smells his cologne and his mint breath close to her face. She felt that Ari was resting his jaw on the top of her head while embracing her so tight. Ari was sending a message to everyone watching them that....she is mine.