Chapter 15: Love and Hate Relationship
The Tengu Company opened for a new business day. Jamal arrived first, followed by Sketch, and then Donna and Iris. They entered inside to find that the robotic assembly line Sketch created had finished its programmed quota. Several jetpacks were in stock.
"Whoa…" Iris and Donna were astounded.
"Gosh, you really set up that solution rather well, Sketch!" Iris said in amazement. "The robotic workforce is a lot better than the both of us!"
"I think it'll do us good," said Sketch.
"But does that mean you'll fire us?" asked Donna.
Sketch frowned. "After what happened earlier, it's a strong possibility."
"What happened?" asked Jamal.
Sketch took Jamal aside and told him the whole story.
"You're kidding! They actually did?"
"No lie," said Sketch.
"That's not right!" Jamal turned to the girls. "This is inexcusable! It's not right to enter a person's house unwelcome!"
"We're sorry," said Donna.
"Sorry isn't gonna cut it," said Sketch. "But I feel you two are a valuable part of our company, so I'm going to give you a job."
Donna and Iris looked at each other.
"Do you see all those jetpacks?" Sketch pointed to the stock.
The girls nodded.
"There are a hundred thousand of them. I want to see them disappear."
Donna scratched he head. "But why do you want to throw them out after you just made them?"
Sketch rubbed his forehead and gritted his teeth. "No, you clod! What I want you to do is find methods of selling those jetpacks. Call people up, advertise, whatever. But the price can be no lower than two thousand bucks. Understand?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good. Now get moving! GO!"
Donna and Iris quickly ran out of the factory to begin planning. Jamal approached Sketch and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Relax," said Jamal. "You're a bit tense, I know. I understand. But don't blow up here."
"And why not?" said Sketch. "They invaded my privacy at home, so why can't I do it here?"
"Calm down!" Jamal brought a chair. "Sit."
Sketch sat down.
"Listen," Jamal began, "Kazano had taught me a lot of things. One of the things he explained was love. He had no first-person accounts himself, but he has looked over the world and studied how people act. Apparently when one loves another greatly, they gain a great admiration for the other. They want to be close to them, and they express great affection. True, sometimes it does lead to rather odd and sometimes dangerous consequences, but it's a natural thing. Some people can't control themselves when they love another. I feel this is the case of Donna and Iris. They act this way because they can't hold back their passion to be with you."
"But why does it have to be so strong as to enter my house without me knowing? I was scared to death when I began to hear noises, and I can't forgive them for giving me a nervous breakdown!"
"Well, that I can understand. But they only met you just a few days ago. They don't know how you will react when they do something to you. Keep in mind that they do extreme sports as a hobby. They're risk-takers."
"Well, I certainly don't like their thinking," Sketch whimpered. "I have a feeling that they'll never leave me alone!"
"They want to be assured that you love them both also."
"But I don't love them!" Sketch sighed. "Sure, they may be good to have as friends, but I wouldn't go so far as to love them with a passion!"
"Time can change a person," said Jamal. "You may begin to fall for them just like they did for you."
"Oh, no I won't!" Sketch stood up.
"What makes you say that?"
"Well, from all I've heard, first comes love, then marriage, then we have children."
Jamal was confused. "So what's wrong with that? Wouldn't you like to have children?"
"Well, sorta…" Sketch blushed. "But I don't ever want to get involved in…"
He whispered the rest to Jamal. Jamal also started to blush.
"Good heavens!" Jamal shouted in shock. "For children?!"
Sketch nodded.
Jamal took off his cap and fanned himself with it. "I…I see what you mean. I guess you have to love the person that much…"
"I don't want to discuss it," said Sketch. "Please change the subject."
"All right…" Jamal put his hat on. "You know that marketing a product is more than just a two-person job. We need to pitch in, too."
"You think so?"
"It'll at least get things done a lot quicker."
Sketch nodded. "Okay. I'm gonna go design an advertisement. You start making calls to different retailers and find out if they're willing to sell the jetpacks."
Jamal saluted with a smile. "You're the boss!"
Sketch smiled. "Oh, and thanks, Jamal."
He nodded. "No problem, Sketch."
"You make it sound like you've been in love before or something."
"Me?" Jamal shook his head. "No, I'm not really a person who likes to be around people often. I just try to step aside and watch things as a spectator."
Sketch shrugged. "Well, as you said, 'time can change a person.'"
Jamal shrugged with Sketch, and they began doing their part in beginning a marketing campaign.