A Fateful Chance — Chapter 10: TIME FOR BEST OR WORSE

Deandra's POV

"What?"

She nodded and cried. I felt sad for my friend but what can I do? I am too shocked that it made me shut my mouth. To somehow comfort her this time, I went with her to her house and cooked a noodle soup for her. I looked at her as she gulped his last bite. It is better for her to feel that someone is concerned about her so much. It will make her feel that she's not all alone facing this kind of challenge in his life.

"I'm okay. Thank you so much." She glanced at me in a timid way. She couldn't even maintain eye contact with me. We're friends for a long time but it's like her system is telling her to be awkward to me all of a sudden.

"After this, what are you going to do?"

"I don't know, honestly." She said as she took a deep, difficult breath.

"Please don't stress yourself too much dear."

"I will. Before I confessed to my boyfriend, I have decided to keep the baby for myself." I hugged her tight and it made her cry a little. I massaged her back as I said reassuring words for her to feel relieved as well.

"I will visit you often. Please don't think about a lot of things that will affect you and your baby. Please stay strong. Communicate to me often from now on."

I left her sleeping soundly. She also told me beforehand to lock the door before I leave their boarding house.

As usual, I expected that my siblings had fallen asleep when I reached home. I went home at exactly 9:30 PM. I put all my bags and went to the kitchen to brush my teeth and wash my face. I also had my quick half-bath and put my pajamas on.

I kissed Dahlia on the forehead as I slept beside her. What a tiring and stressful day. I am dead tired that I didn't notice how I fell asleep that easy.

The next day, I did my usual routine. Surprisingly, my sisters woke up really early for them to eat with me during breakfast.

"We missed you, dear sister!" Dahlia smiled sweetly as I spooned her with rice and egg. She chewed it as if it's the most delicious food for her.

"I miss you too, our baby Dahlia."

Dina and Dee giggled as they also sat side by side with me while Dahlia was sitting on my lap.

"You should all get ready for school, okay?"

"Yes dear sister." The three chorused altogether. They helped me wash the plates as I got ready for school. It is only Tuesday but I feel like it is the end of weekdays already. I am still tired but what can I do? I still have to compensate Andrew for what I have done. I have his 500-peso bill with me. At least, if ever our paths will cross again, I will not be ashamed to face him anymore.

I have to apologize for what I did. Whenever I remember it, I want to vanish into the thin air. That's the most embarrassing moment for me, especially the words I told him that made him give me his money. Gosh, that day was really unforgettable!

"Here's your bag, dear sister!" Dahlia carried my heavy bag with her. I chuckled because she looked really cute even if she's having a hard time.

"Here's all your books, too." Dina handed my three thick books using her arms as a support.

"Here's your packed lunch." Dee avoided her gaze while holding a plastic tupperware stuffed with packed rice, fried meat and stewed veggies in her one hand. I smiled at her as I got the plastic from her hand. I also tapped her head.

"Dee, please take care of Dina and Dahlia."

"Dear Deandra, I should take care of Dee and Dahlia." Dina insisted that I can't help but chuckle.

"Well, I am two minutes older than you for the record. I am still older than you, remember that." Dee replied as she grinned.

"Okay, okay. Please take care of one another. I will be going now, I am late already." I glanced at my wristwatch as I rushed to the door. I can still hear Dahlia shouting 'goodbye' to me.

I arrived at the University at exactly 6:00 AM. It is my first day of duty at the library, that's why I have to really do my best. The time of my duty is exactly 6:00 PM but I have to go to the library at exactly 6:00 AM so that I can study for at least an hour, as well as to familiarize myself to the aisles. That way, I can instruct students where to go, which sections can they visit to get their desired book, etc.

I entered the door and surrendered my library card to Mrs. Seo, our librarian. She reminded me of certain rules again for my duty later on.

"Thank you, Mrs. Seo."

"Thank you for your dedication too, Deandra."

I sat down on one of the chairs and started reading my books for today's lesson. Even if I have a lot of part-time jobs, I should never neglect my study time and sacrifice my grades as well.

Afternoon came. I arrived at the library at exactly 5:30 PM. Even if Mrs. Seo told me that it is okay for me to arrive at 6:00 PM, I just told her that it is fine with me. I am thankful that I am assigned inside to be Mrs. Seo's personal assistant. I have my own small table outside the mini-office of our librarian to assist the needs or inquiries of the students.

I am writing some assigned tasks on my table. I lowered my gaze a bit as I focused on my notebook, scribbling to one of the pages using my black pen.

"Miss, here are the books that I will borrow for today."

"Uh, okay." I continued doing what I do when I realized that I am almost forgetting I should hide from someone. I am working in the library but I should not let him see me, but now...

My heart almost stopped when I heard that familiar voice. Good thing my hair is naturally falling, covering my forehead a bit. I could feel my hands shaking uncontrollably this time.

"Miss, are you from yesterday? What's wrong? I noticed you keep on covering your face every time you see me."

Now, this is what I meant. He will really be curious of the weirdness I keep on showing him. I swallowed and slid my hair sidewards as I rested it on my ears. I feel like my knees started to shake but I have to face what I did. It's all or nothing.

I gathered all the strength within me as I let him see my face. I even smiled widely to cover my being anxious. He looked at me for more than two minutes. I can see his blank facial expression transitioned into a shocked one.

"You?!"