A Fateful Chance — Chapter 13: TWICE IN A ROW

Deandra's POV

Yesterday felt really awesome. I am happy that everything is doing really good. I did my usual routine and I am thankful that my three siblings are really supportive of me.

"I hope you will come home early tonight dear Deandra." Dahlia tugged my skirt as she looked down.

"Of course. How could I ever miss my beautiful sister's birthday? I will bring home fried chicken, burgers and cakes tonight I promise."

My three sisters shrieked and yelled with happiness. Yes, they're kids. They love surprises and splashes of colors.

I left home wanting to pull time fast. As much as I want to be absent for my sister's birthday, it's only Wednesday. We all have classes. Dina, Dee and Dahlia will still go to West Ville Primary School while I will still go to our University. I have decided that I will be absent on my duty in the restaurant for today. Good thing our manager allowed me to take a leave for tonight.

I sat on the mini-table inside the library. When I noticed that there were no students requesting my service, I slid my hand on my pocket. I got my new one-thousand peso bill. I grinned because I am so happy that I can feel that I can do any form of work tasked for me.

"Miss, here's my library card."

"Oh, sorry. Let me have it." I smiled as the student handed me his library card. I listed the necessary information and nodded my head. He glanced at my table for a while and then left.

"Miss, here's mine, too." Another student appeared in front of me. I noticed that there were three students who lined up to wait for their turn as well.

I tried to list down all the necessary information for them. After they were all gone, I glanced at my wristwatch. It is almost 7:00 PM. I am too busy that I haven't noticed the time passing by really fast.

I looked around and I noticed Andrew is not yet visiting the library today. That's kind of weird. I sighed as I slid my left hand to my skirt again. I stood up all of a sudden as I bit my lip.

My one-thousand peso bill is missing!

I let my hand feel the pocket of my skirt but it was not there. I am sweating uncontrollably as I look around.

"Hey...Deandra. Here's my library card."

"Oh, Andrew, hi." I avoided my gaze as I got his library card.

"Are you alright? Are you crying?"

I tried meeting his gaze and I can see his worried look. After seeing his eyes, I couldn't stop my tears from falling.

"Yes, I am fine." I said between sobs.

"What? You don't look fine to me." He gently pulled me closer to him. I felt his chest touching my shoulders as he gave me a side hug.

"You shouldn't bother."

"Why?"

"I've troubled you too much, I'm so sorry." Gosh, I can't help but to cry in front of him. It's really embarrassing already.

"No, I insist. If there's anything that I can do, I am willing to help."

I look at him and I can see what he's offering is sincere.

"M-My one-thousand peso bill is missing." I said between suppressed cries. I could hear him chuckle a bit but he stopped it right away.

"Why? Is it funny?" I said as I looked down. What he did made me feel bad even more.

"I'm so sorry...sorry." He pulled me closer to him. He hugged me as he wrapped his arms on my shoulders because he's taller than me.

"I thought your problem is something really serious."

"How does "serious" looked like to you?" I said as I wiped my tears with my hands.

"I worked hard for that money. It's almost my three days worth of salary and now, it's gone in an instant." I added. He gently let me go as she held both of my shoulders. His smile could melt me any time I hate it.

"It's my sister's birthday today. If I can't buy anything for her then I guess I am facing the worst." I started crying again that he got his handkerchief from his pocket and wiped both of my cheeks.

"Okay, so this is what I will do. Since it's your sister's birthday, take this as my gift to her," He got my hand and placed a one-thousand peso bill and another hundred peso bill. "That one-hundred is your fare if you'll buy something for her. Make sure she'll be the happiest for her birthday tonight." He smiled. Many students started to walk towards me that he also nodded and walked away from where my mini-table is located.

"T-Thank you..." I shouted as gently as possible not to disturb other students. He never turned his back, maybe he didn't hear me.

"Miss, I'll get my library card..." A student appeared in front of me, and then another one. I held the money in my other hand while holding a ballpen on the other. That's my last streak of work. I know he's also gone to one of the aisles. He's too busy to even look at me right now.

I slowly slid the hand that held the money bills on my skirt. It would be too dreadful if I will lose it again the second time around.

I really owe him so much, not only what happened today but what happened the first time he gave me that 500-peso bill. As I walk away from the library, I can't help but to smile with misty eyes. He's a real gentleman. I can definitely tell. He's considerate and I can see that he could easily understand the situation of those people that surrounds him.

I bought everything that I planned to buy for my sister's birthday. Twelve pieces of fried chicken, five burgers and one, round cake that has her name on it. When I took a glance at my wristwatch, it's already 7:00 PM. I can imagine her reaction already as I walk on the sidewalk on my way to our house. This day is supposedly epic again but thanks to my lifesaver. I realized he's been saving me twice already.