One Month Later
Jay loved her college in New York. She made two best friends right away – Mia and Ben. They did everything together. Jay was happy, but Mia and Ben sometimes noticed that sad look in her eyes. They knew she had secrets, but they never pushed her to talk.
One day, their professor, Mr. Siongco, made an announcement.
"Class, we have a special project. We will be collaborating with a college in the Philippines for a big business presentation. You will be paired with a student there. You will work together online for the next few months."
Jay's eyes lit up. The Philippines! She had never been there.
In the Philippines
At the same time, in Keifer's class in Manila, their professor, Mr. Alvin, made the same announcement.
"You will be paired with a student from New York for a major project. This is a great opportunity."
Keifer just nodded. He didn't care. He would do the work and get an A. That was it.
Later, the partners were announced.
Keifer checked his email. His partner's name was Jasper Jean Mariano from New York.
Jasper? he thought. Sounds like a boy.
He sent a short, cold email:
"Hello. I am Mark Keifer Watson. We are partners. I will send you my ideas by Friday. Goodbye."
Back in New York
Jay checked her email and saw the message from her partner. She read it and laughed.
"Wow," she said to Mia. "This guy is so cold! He sounds like a robot."
Mia read it over her shoulder. "He's from the Philippines? And his name is Mark Keifer? Look him up!"
Jay typed his name into the school directory. His profile picture popped up.
Jay's jaw dropped. Mia gasped.
"Whoa," Jay whispered. "He's... really handsome."
Mia grinned. "Your partner is a total hottie! But he seems like a grumpy one."
Jay laughed again. "A grumpy, handsome robot. This project just got more interesting."
She typed a reply, much warmer than his:
"Hi Mark Keifer! You can call me Jay. Nice to meet you, partner! I'm excited to work together. I have some ideas too! Let's share. Talk soon! - Jay"
She hit send, a small smile on her face. She had no idea that this grumpy boy from the Philippines was about to change her life forever.