Capítulo 4: ECLIPSE CAN HAPPEN

The Tuna Supply volume of the Philippines is significant that the Japan Tuna Plant is interested in buying Tuna in the Philippines, CEO Ely Yamadachi had to travel to Tokyo to General Santos City often. She thought to bring with him Jacky to learn the Philippine language and culture of her mother and father's original country. Her mother agreed with the setup and is happy for Jacky to be in the Philippines. She is proud of the English curriculum there and she wants her daughter to be close to her relatives.

Jacky is also excited to have the chance to see her Nanny who saved her before. She may also go home to Japan on weekends if necessary. Japan and the Philippines are only an hour of travel by plane. Her father rented an apartment for her to stay. She is a transferee from Japan as a Junior High School student. She enrolled in Notre Dame and had met her classmates who were curious about her aside from being beautiful, she is good in Cebuano, Ilonggo language aside from Tagalog, English, and Japanese language. Smart, beautiful, and kind is how she is described by her new friends.

"Hey, Jacky, will you run for class officer? we will nominate you as treasurer" Geraldine said. That's how beauty was noticed right away.

The election of class officers are now being open. She won, two of them as transferees were included who won the class office.

The president, an older classmate, who open the Meeting with the first project to have a new room decoration as the agenda.

As the treasurer, she has to accompany the voted decoration materials with the business manager and the PRO.

Juan recognized the difference of having Japanese culture in how Jacky acts like the constant bowing as a sign of being respectful. Being observant, he had an interest that he can be introduced to their new treasurer, a transferee from Japan.

This is an opportunity to be introduced. "I will volunteer to accompany my new friend, Bert our business manager to buy the decorations," Juan said.

They agreed to go after class, they went to a bookstore just walking as they pass the Roundball, the plaza where many events of the city are being held. Bert asked Juan, "Do you know Jacky? Jacky, this is my friend, Juan he is also a transferee." She just looked at Juan and bow. Silence.

They finished buying the decorations, and they went home and agreed to come early to do the project before the class begins.

It is a mystery to me, Juan thought, why would a rich girl from a high standard Japan went here to study in the Philippines.

The upcoming test for the grading period needs concentration but why I always think of these silly things about other people's lives? "Juan, focus on your studies," he told himself.

All of the students are preparing for this first test. I'm hungry, I'll go to the canteen to buy some food. As he approaches the door of the canteen some students are talking about a chick in the school. They said it's the center of attraction of the guys... who is she?

He hurriedly went to buy a banana cue, banana cooked with sugar in oil. "Konichiwa" he did not mind because he does not understand the word. Juan just buy again a Boko juice to partner his banana que, when he moved, he saw Jacky nodding to him, Japanese style. He smiled back, and asked, what do you want to buy? I don't know the name of what you bought, she said. " This one? he asked. Yes and also the juice, Jacky said smiling. Juan faced the lady selling please give her banana que and a Boko juice, he hurriedly paid it. Jacky also hurriedly get her money in her wallet, but Juan insisted to pay for it. "OK, I will treat you also soon," Jacky said.

Both of them went to the nearby table with other students. Jacky is not close to the boys because they are intimidated by her. The girls also are not so close because of the language barrier. But she is wondering why she is not bothered with Juan, as if they know each other before.

They ate, Juan asked what is Konichiwa? Jacky smiled and said sorry, because of her automatic greetings in Japanese, it means "hello", I thought you ignored me. He said, I want to respond but I don't understand, and both of them laugh. Jacky asked him if he had tasted the Japanese ramen. Juan said, "What's that?" "It's noodles in soup, I will bring next time and let you taste it. He smiled and nod. Jacky then stands to go buy some paper, Juan accompanied her.

Rose and Judith approached them from outside and joined them to go back to their room. All of them sit and started reviewing their notes. Juan went with the boys to the library to get some books.

The next day, the test started and ended. They waited for the results to be announced or posted. Some went to the canteen to buy some snacks, while others just have some talk. Rose see their teacher post the result in the corkboard and signaled with her hand. A crowd gathered in the announcement board to see. Rose sees her name at number three. Nilda asked who's the first? Another girl said it's Juan. Jacky, who is still adjusting with the system went second.

Rose went to Jacky and told her of the result and they went to the canteen. She's looking for somebody, but Juan was not in the canteen. After their merienda, they went home. In her thought, why I'm looking for him? why I did not see him after the test? Did he go home straight after the test?

She was in her apartment, after changing clothes, she went to her laptop to talk to her father and mother on Skype. Her mother, asked her if she is just OK? I'm fine, I get the second spot in the first test. Her father teasing her asked, who get the first? I don't understand two questions, I will perfect it next time, Jacky said smiling. But you did not answer my question? Well, it's a guy Dad. Jacky saying it with a smile. Who? her Dad asked. "Why are you interested to know who?" Jacky teasing his Dad. "I just wonder who beat my intelligent daughter in this test?" Dad laughing. You don't know him, Jacky said. Then her Mom asked what she will cook for her supper? I will make some Pork Adobo, I will see the recipe from YouTube. I heard this is one of your favorite Mom. I want to taste it. Jacky answered.

"I'm proud of you my daughter, I'll be there by Tuesday, do you need something? Do you need a Nanny there? her Dad asked.

"Before I forget Dad, please bring some ramen, I will let my friends taste it here. About the Nanny, I think I can manage. But if it's Nanny Martha I will love it." Jacky said.

Oh yes, I'm still locating her. They were not in her old address. They have sold their farm and moved to the city their old neighbor said but they don't know their new address.

Dad, what is the surname of Nanny Martha? Jacky asked. Its... Tira, Yes, it's Tira. Her Mom said.

"What? I have a new friend here his surname is "Tera". Is it "T.I.R.A."? her father asked. I forgot if its "i" or "e", I'll check tomorrow. OK. Good night, sayonara.