THE PREPARATION

"Aunty Su, thank you for the sumptuous dinner and birthday cake." "Boss told me to prepare it. You should have told me that today is your birthday, then I can arrange a party for you." "Thanks, but no thanks. I'm used to family celebration only. With you and boss here to celebrate with me is enough." Jo says. They eat, joke and disturb each other. "So, are you boss girlfriend now?" Aunty Su ask. Peter and Aunty Su look at her. Jo look down her plate and nod her head. Her face is red. "Don't be shy, boss is a good man. You are very fortunate. I've stayed in this island for 5 years never once seen boss hold a girl's hand and so attentive to her. He loves you." Jo's face redder. Both Aunty Su and Peter laugh.

Everyone in the island already knows that Jo is Peter's girlfriend. All like her not only because of Peter, but also she has been polite to everyone. Never once she acted that she's boss girlfriend. Infact, she participate in their work and toll with them when possible. And also greet every person she met.

"Jo, come to my room." Peter talk through the intercom. No answer. "Jo are you there?" "Yes boss. I just came out of the bathroom." "Come to my room." There is a different between room and office. Although his room is part office, he put it as room because office is underground.

"The 10 will arrive in 3 days time. Have the cottages prepare and the necessities ready for them. Allocate them the Eastern side cottages. The people know that they will not be disturb when they are here. They will be staying for 10 days this time. Longer than usual. And you have to sit in during all our meetings because we're going to discuss our corporate project. Be ready before their arrival." "Yes boss." It has been 2 days that Peter has not seen her because she has been assigned to take not of the enemy's movement these 2 days. And at the same time learn all about the island's activities. She has been so busy that by the time her head hit the pillow, she already asleep.

Jo gather two teams of ladies. One to clean, the other to prepare the necessities. Immediately go into action of arranging meeting place, materials, 10 days meals, as well as, a welcome party for them. She personally check the outcome of the cottages preparation also.

While in the last cottage of checking, Peter came in. "Is it ready? They will arrive at 5pm tomorrow." Jo looks up from her final check and answers "All ready." Peter walk about the cottage and satisfy with the outcome. "You are indeed competent in the task given to you." Jo smile "Of coarse. Though my parents are well to do, my sister and I were train to be independent. Everything we have to do it ourselves. Though we have maid, we must tidy up our own room. The maid just cook for us and clean the house. We even wash our own clothes."

She's so proud of the way her parents brought up her sister and her. Peter finally stop in front of her and look. "I miss you." Peter says and bend his head and kiss her. They stay that way for a few minutes. Peter straighten up, took her hand and walk out of the door. She locked the door and Peter hold her hand and walk in the direction of the cave house. Jo look at Peter when they reached. "I want you to myself before the 10 arrive." Peter open the door, enter with Jo and close the door.

Peter walk in front and Jo just follow. They came to the dinning table and Jo saw food. She was famished. Peter smile. "Let's eat. I know you are hungry." They sat down and enjoy the meal. They drink wine together at the sofa seat and she lean against him. "You must be exhausted with the preparation. Are you ok?" Peter's concern for her makes her look up at him and her hand touch his face and reply, "I'm ok." Peter look at her, touch her face and bend down to give her a kiss. The kiss is light and sweet. Both of them smile.

Jo let out a yawn. Peter took her wine glass, and guide her towards the bed. "Tonight, we will sleep here." Peter carry her and lay her on the bed before she protest. And he quickly lay next to her and hug her. "Don't worry, I won't do anything to you. I just want to hug you while we sleep. As for the THING," Peter says softly to her ear, "have to wait till we are married." Jo eye him in surprise and she relaxes and stay in the hug and sleep.

The preparation has exhausted both of them. Even Peter lay asleep with her in his arms.

An alarm rang. Jo open her eyes and gaze into a fit body before her. She remembers of yesterday and look up at Peter. Feeling great waking up with Peter next to her. She smile. Her hand outline the features of his face. Eyebrows, eyes, the bridge of his nose, mouth and chin. "Enjoy the tour?" Peter spoke without opening his eyes. Jo was shock and wanted to get out of the bed. Peter prevent her from doing so by hugging her tightly, open his eyes and give her a morning kiss.

Jo was breathless by the time Peter end his kiss. "I will miss you for the next 10 days. I want a promise from you. Give me morning kiss from today onwards. If not, I give you a breathless kiss everyday." "Is that a threat if I refuse?" Jo ask. "You want to try?" Jo got scared because she knows what his kiss can do to her. "Ok, I promise." With that, Jo gave him a morning kiss.

Peter smile and let go of and and get up from the bed. "Let's freshen up and get out of here. It's lunch time." "What? Isn't it morning? The alarm..." "I have it ring at 12pm. You and I need the rest." Jo was speechless.

They reached the house and Aunty Su already left the house. The food was ready and they ate it without talking. They have so much things to do today. So are the people in the island.