Teach a Teacher a Lesson
Chapter 14

Sam exhaled noisily. He had been doing that a lot since he woke today. Not that he had managed to sleep any last night. Every time he drifted, he was startled awake by the images behind his eyelids. Rita crying... Rita asking him why... And the same awful feeling gnawed his insides now. He had seen her confusion last night before he left her standing alone. He knew he had hurt her. His plan was working fine. What he couldn't understand, though, was why it bothered him that much!

"Are you all right, Sam?"

Sam felt Jack's hand on his shoulder and turned his head to look at him. "Yes, captain," he said quickly.

"You don't seem that well to me."

"Just a little tired. That's all," Sam replied and forced himself to smile.

Jack glanced at his watch. "We still have two hours till we reach Valetta. Let's have a quick coffee together." "I've already had mine, Jack."

"Humor me! Something is bothering you and it's not a sleepless night. I know you too well, Samuel Roberts!"

Sam followed his captain to the dining room without another objection. Jack was right. He did know Sam too well. Ever since Sam came to work on the Midnight Dancer, Jack had become his best friend, his confidante. He had other friends on the ship, of course, but Jack was the only one who knew everything about him, including the whole story about Rita.

The dining room was empty, excluding the members of the staff preparing the tables for the passengers' breakfast. The room would open in an hour for the passengers, giving them plenty of time to eat before disembarking for a tour of Valetta.

A waiter brought them two cups, and Sam absentmindedly played with the little spoon, spinning it round and round even though the sugar cube he put in his coffee had already dissolved.

"Are you going to do that for long or are you going to talk?" Jack asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

"She is here!" Sam replied.

"Who is?" Jack asked, confused.

"Rita." Sam took the spoon out of his cup and placed it on a napkin. He sipped some, staring at his friend. He saw Jack's expression changing when the name seeped in. "The Rita?"

Sam nodded.

"Fuck!" Jack said and slumped back in his chair.

Sam smiled. It was very rare that Jack swore. He was always so proper around his crew.

"I knew something was up. You've been acting weird ever since we left Marseille, but I would never have guessed."

"Yeah. That makes two of us! I never thought I'd see her again," Sam said.

"And now that you've seen her? What are you going to do?"

"Stick to the plan, of course," Sam replied, with a wicked smile.

"And what's the plan, Sam?" Jack asked, concerned. "I really don't like that look on your face."

"My plan is very simple, and it is already working."

Jack kept staring at him, clearly waiting for a better explanation. Sam knew that it wouldn't do any good to lie to Jack. He could always tell if anyone tried that with him, and then it only ended in more trouble. Sam sighed. "Okay, okay. My plan is to make her suffer, just like she did to me, Jack. I will make her fall for me and then I'll break her heart, the same way she did to me."

Jack didn't say anything but continued to look at him.

"What?" Sam said. "You know what I've suffered because of her. It's only fair I get my revenge, Jack."

"Is that really what you want? Revenge?"

"Yes!" Sam said firmly. "Revenge is a dish best served cold."

"If you're out for revenge, you had best dig two graves," retorted Jack, putting his elbows on the table and leaning forward. "And then I suppose you will feel complete and put the past behind you once and for all?" "Of course!"

Jack snorted. "Sam, does that lie work for you? Have you convinced yourself yet?"

"What lie? What are you talking about?"

"I am older than you, and old enough to know the ways of the heart. I've been listening to you talking about Rita for years, and you want to know what my conclusion has always been?"

Sam waited for him to continue.

"You love her. You never stopped."

"Love her!?" Sam scoffed. "You don't know what you are talking about. I hate her!"

"Oh, do you now?"

"Yes. I hate her!"

"Then, my boy, you are in for a big surprise, because you love her so much you are constantly trying to convince yourself otherwise. And when you realize that, it will be a shock for you, but you probably need that shock." "Jack, I am telling you I don't love her. I don't! I want to hurt her. I am already doing that since this trip started." Sam tried to remain calm.

"Then why has whatever you've been doing to her bothered you that much? Because that's all I can see."

Sam shifted in his chair. Jack was right. It had bothered him, and he didn't know why. It shouldn't have bothered him. He should have been happy he was causing her pain. It was what he wanted.

"Sam, we have been good friends for years and I only want what's best for you. If you have to go through this, I can't stop you... but beware, because I am afraid you are going to hurt yourself even more this time. Remember the second grave. You will lose a lot more than your pride this time, Sam. You know that officers are not allowed this kind of interaction with passengers they are not related to. If something happens and she makes a complaint with the company, you'll be fired."

Jack got up, patted Sam on the back and said, "Finish your coffee, think about it for a while and then come back to the navigation. We can discuss this again later, if you want to."

"What about your coffee?" Sam asked, pointing to Jack's untouched cup.

Jack smiled. "I had already had mine earlier, as well." He gave Sam another pat on the back and walked out of the room, leaving Sam alone with his thoughts.

Love her? HA! What a notion! Sam ran his hand over his hair. I don't love her. I don't. He sighed. He knew that the way she responded to him last night had made him feel somehow different. Maybe I am not as heartless as I thought I was, but it's not love. It's not! It's not rage either anymore, however.

"Damn it!" he said and hid his face in his hands. What is she doing to me?

He didn't want to feel sympathy for her. He didn't want to care about her feelings. She hadn't cared about his when he offered her his love. Why should I care if she was hurt last night?

"I want you." Her words had stayed with him all night after their dance. Why couldn't she have said that to me ten years ago? Nothing bad would have happened then, and we could both have had a different life. And I... I wouldn't have to do this to her now.

He exhaled noisily. The angel voice on his right told him that he didn't have to hurt her. He could love her all over again and fulfil the dream he had as a teenager because this time she could return his love, as well. The devil on the other side laughed mockingly and reminded him of the ridicule and the pain he went through for long after his final year at high school.

Sam ran his hand over his hair again. He didn't know what he wanted to do... or how he felt about her now. Everything was in a mess in his mind. I was doing fine without her. Why did she have to show up?

Now it was the angel's turn to laugh. Were you really fine? his conscience asked.

Sam pressed his temples firmly trying to hush the voices in his head. They were making things worse for him... or he was...

He pushed his chair back and stormed out of the room. He was furious, but only with himself this time.

***

Rita rubbed her eyes and glanced at her watch. 10.30 a.m. That meant she had missed her group disembarking. She was supposed to meet them at 9. Their tour guide had told them that today they would start early as soon as they reached Valetta. Since there were so many things to see there, they would need as much time on land as possible.

She grabbed her cell phone from the bedtable and scrolled to replace Paul's number. "Hi, Paul," she said once she was connected.

"Rita, what happened to you? You missed us this morning!"

"Yeah, I am so sorry. I overslept, but I am not feeling very well anyway. I think I'll go back to sleep. I just wanted to let you know."

"Thanks for informing me. I called you earlier, but you weren't picking up. Well, now I know why," Paul said. "I hope you feel better soon. I'll check up on you when we get back and tell you what our plans for tomorrow are." "Okay, see you later then," Rita said and hung up.

She stretched her arms and yawned loudly. She was fully awake now. Though she wasn't up to touring, she certainly didn't want to spend the whole day in bed either. She decided to put on her bikini and head to the pool to work on her tan.

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She got to the top deck so that she would have a better view of the port of Valetta. The Valetta Waterfront, where they were now docked, was about halfway up the harbor. The port seemed to be separated into two parts, divided by a gigantic wall. Rita pictured a majestic castle behind these walls in ancient times. Right now, above the wall, she could see modern buildings, trees, and highways in the distance. What had caught her eye, however, was what she could see in front of that wall and closer to the seafront. There were retail outlets, bars, and restaurants with lots of tables by the sea. The row of buildings in Baroque design shared a unique feature. They all had three windows on the top floor, one in the middle floor, and three doors on the ground floor. What was impressive, though, was that the balcony railings in all the buildings were painted green, while their doors were all different colors. Vivid blue, green, yellow, and red made the waterfront seem a vibrant place full of life.

Rita wondered if there was a symbolism behind that feature. She made a mental note to ask Paul about it. For a moment, she pondered over calling him and ask if she could perhaps meet them somewhere on the way. Valetta seemed an interesting city to explore. She turned her gaze on the left and saw a line of horse-drawn carriages waiting for the tourists. That would have been fun, she thought.

The bright sun was warming her face, and she looked upwards. The sky was cloudless, and she was sure it was going to be a scorching day. Maybe she had made the right decision staying on board after all. Walking around in this heat wouldn't be pleasant.

She grabbed the bag at her feet and moved to the left side of the deck toward the pool area. She spread her towel on a lounger, took off her t-shirt and fumbled in her bag for the tube of sunblock. She sat on the chair and applied the cream to her skin before lying down to enjoy the sun and the peace an almost empty ship provided. She took the latest addition in her book collection out of her bag and turned to the first page.

Not long afterwards, she heard footsteps approaching. She lifted her gaze off her book and involuntarily, she smiled. Sam was walking toward her with a smile of his own. She immediately caught herself, remembering she was still angry with him for his behavior the previous night and returned to the page she was reading.

"Oh, there you are," Sam called. "I was looking all over for you."

Rita remained silent.

Sam stood next to her chair and said, "Good morning, Rita."

She ignored him this time, as well.

"Oh, come on! Don't be like that! You can at least say hi."

"Leave me alone, Sam. After all, that's what you seem to be doing best," she said without looking at him.

He pulled the lounger next to hers closer and sat down, barely leaving any space between them. "Rita, please look at me. I have to talk to you."

"No, you don't. You have to go. And I have this to read," she said, waving the book in her hands to illustrate her point.

He reached out and touched her arm. "Please," he said.

She turned her head slightly and looked down at his hand touching hers.

"I am sorry. I know I am an ass," he added.

She lifted her gaze to his level. "Yes, you are," she replied. "Now, go."

Sam smiled at her. "What do I have to do for you to forgive me?" He gently brushed his fingers over her skin, causing goose bumps in the wake.

"I don't know. Throw yourself off that railing and let the sharks eat you?" she said in an angry tone.

"All right then," Sam replied and walked to the safety rail. He put his foot on the bottom horizontal bar and lifted his body upwards. He turned to face her. "Farewell, my lady," he said in a dramatic tone and then turned his head back toward the sea, climbing on the next bar. He leaned forward and let his torso dangle over the railing. He lifted his right leg and as he was about to throw it over the rail and jump in, Rita shouted, "No, no." Sam paused and lowered his leg on the bar again.

She ran and pulled him back until he was once more standing on the deck.

"Are you insane?" she asked. "You could have been killed."

"Isn't that what you want? Me, dead? Sharks feasting off my flesh until there's nothing left of me, but a faint memory at the back of your mind to remind you that I once was a fleeting part of your life?"

"You're so melodramatic, Sam. I never said I wanted you dead-just gone."

"Gone? All right, then. I'll go. I'll leave you alone once and for all," he said, and before Rita could reply, he turned to walk toward the rail again.

She grabbed him by the arm and halted him. "Will you stop with that?"

"What will be the point of us being on the same ship when I can't even say a word to you?"

"Sam..."

He cupped her face and looked deep into her eyes. "Why don't you want me, Rita?"

She tried to escape his hold and look away, but he wouldn't let her.

"Why?" he repeated.

"It's you who doesn't want me. You're the one always leaving," she shouted at his face. She pushed him away and walked back to her chair, boiling with anger. "Rita, stop."

If you're loving the book, nel5s.com is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! She ignored him and kept walking.

Sam followed after a moment and watched her in silence picking up her towel and tossing it into her bag without bothering to fold it.

"Rita," he said in a mellowing tone.

She turned abruptly and wagging her finger in front of his face, she said, "No, Sam, no! I'll be the one leaving this time."

"I won't let you," he replied.

"Why are you playing games with me? I told you I want you, and you fled. And it wasn't the first time. If you can't stay, Sam, then leave me the hell alone to enjoy the rest of my voyage."

Sam put his arms around her waist and pulled her as close to his body as possible. "I do want you, Rita. I do want to stay."

"I don't believe you," she said and tried to squirm out of his embrace.

Sam tightened his grip. "Rita, stop fighting me. I won't let you go, no matter how much you fuss about it."

"Then I'll scream."

"Go ahead," Sam dared with a smile.

Rita took a breath, but her scream was silenced by Sam's lips taking control of her mouth and any coherent thought in her mind.

His grip loosened as he deepened his kiss and he let his hands drop to her butt, fondling the soft skin her bikini exposed.

Rita moaned and rubbed herself against Sam's body sending a delightful sensation through her. She laced her hands behind his back and held him tight.

"I want you so badly," Sam breathed against her neck where he was now raining kisses.

"I want you too," Rita replied, throwing her head back to allow his lips more skin to explore.

"Will you let me into your room if I come?" Sam asked.

"When?" she replied breathlessly.

"It's my day off tomorrow. I'd like to spend it with you on and off the ship, if you want to."

"It's my birthday tomorrow."

Sam raised his head from her neck and looked at her. "Really? Then we definitely have to spend the day together. I'll make sure it's the best birthday of your life." Rita grinned. "I wonder what you have in mind."

"I will keep that to myself until it's time, but trust me, it will be a great surprise for you. I promise you a day you'll never forget."

"It'll be the last bloody chance you ever have if you do forget," she spat.

He took her lips in a passionate kiss again that left no doubt in her mind of what was to come once they were in a more private environment.

Sam broke the kiss first and said, "I hate to do this again, but I must go."

"Again? What's up with you?" Rita pouted.

"I'm sorry, babe, but I have to return to my post. I promise you I'll be outside your door the minute we dock in Corfu tomorrow, and I'll give you the best day ever." "Promise you won't stand me up again?"

Sam crossed his heart and then pointed to the railing. "I'll let you push me off that if I don't show up."

Rita laughed. "I'll hold you to that. After all, you will deserve it if you do that to me one more time."

"I'll be there. Don't worry." He took his cell phone out of his pocket. "Give me your number. I'll call you in the morning before I come to pick you up." He saved it and then leaned in and kissed her lips tenderly. "I'll see you tomorrow." She stood watching him leave again. It felt like a habit to her, one she hoped wasn't going to continue.

She sighed noisily, picked up the rest of her things and headed back to her room. She desperately needed a cooling shower and though the water in the pool looked appealing, she decided her lustful thoughts compelled her to privacy, and there was no guarantee the deck wouldn't fill up any minute now with other passengers who had also not ventured a tour around Valetta.