Episode Two: Like Wildfire In High Wind (II)

Two's a company, three's a crowd ... the dangers of an inter-office romance


Scene 2: Frankie’s Office at Tung Ming Toy Co.

For a minute, there is an uncomfortable silence. Just a minute, and then it passes.

Anna smiles and picks up a folder and hands it to Frankie. ‘I think this one is due as well – ’ she says. She turns and gives Jeff a tiny smile.

Twinkle catches the look. She is puzzled.

Jeff is impatient. ‘So Frankie, what is your decision on the matter?’

Frankie puts up a hand, he’s perusing the final details on an important account, does not want to break his concentration and start all over again. Chairman Cheuk is out of the office and will be back later in the afternoon for an important meeting and he needs to give an answer so that the team can move forward on this major account.

Twinkle tries to catch Anna’s eye but the latter is looking at Jeff’s face.

‘Frankie, can you please try not to keep us in suspense? We really need to know!’

Frankie puts down his document. He can see it’s no use telling Jeff to wait another minute. ‘Sit down, please, everyone sit down – ’

Twinkle slides into a chair next to Anna. Jeff sits at the far end.

‘Jeff, Twinkle, I’ve given this much thought. I’m prepared to give you both a second chance if you will reassure me that you yourselves have considered matters carefully and are serious in your decision. I hope you will not waver – ’

‘Of course, of course! Twinkle is a hundred-percent committed, I guarantee that!’

‘I need to hear that from Twinkle, not you, Jeff. Well, Twinkle – ’

She gazes up at Frankie, tears of gratitude glistening in her eyes. ‘Yes, I’m committed. I won’t back down from my resolve.’

‘Have you sorted out the things you needed sorting out? Have you given yourself a chance to think things over? Or do you need some more time? I'll understand if you need more time.’

Twinkle shakes her head. ‘No, I don’t want to think anymore. This is the best thing for me. I just need to keep busy with work, that’s what I need – ’

‘I’m glad to hear that. Well, Jeff, Anna, it looks like we have Twinkle back on the team. Anna, will you inform Human Resource to do up the necessary paperwork today?’

‘Of course, Jeff. I’ll do that straightaway – ’ Anna turns and smiles broadly at Twinkle, extends a hand. ‘Welcome back.’

Twinkle takes her hand, gives it a friendly shake. ‘Thank you so much. You don’t know how much this means to me.’

‘As long as you’re committed to your profession and are happy to continue working here with everybody, you’re welcomed anytime.’ Anna pulls Twinkle over for a quick hug.

‘Wonderful! Wonderful! Thanks so much for the second chance, Frankie! I can assure you I will make sure Twinkle gives her very best to the company!’ – Jeff pumps Frankie’s hands up and down. ‘I will supervise her like a hawk, she won’t have a second to goof off while I’m around, boss!’

Frankie breaks into a small laugh. ‘This company always values good people. Creativity, talent, hardwork and loyalty are what we appreciate. Twinkle has these values and we were so sorry when she quitted our team a few months back. But, I do understand sometimes one has personal issues that need sorting out and in order to do that, one needs to take a break from work. I just hope there are no more personal issues between the two of you and we can get back to work as professionals once more – ’

‘Don’t you worry, I’m always professional in my conduct!’

Jeff reaches over and gives Twinkle’s hand a squeeze. ‘The skies are blue again!’

But she has no eyes for him at the moment. She is staring at Anna, a very strange thought is crossing her mind.

‘Anna, can we have lunch together afterwards?’

‘Sure, Twinkle, of course, I'd love to.’

‘All right, you guys – ’ Frankie switches back to general manager-mode, ‘back to work before I bring out the big stick!’

Anna leads Twinkle out of the room with a friendly hand on the shoulders while Jeff skips out behind them. 'Ooh, I have my foot-shuttle partner back again, ' he says, sing-song.