Chapter 5 SERENDIPITY

My body began to slowly regain consciousness after a while, and when I opened my eyes, I saw that my mother and father were busy preparing the utensils and that I was resting on the sofa with my youngest sister next to me.

My father talked to me as soon as I stood up.

My father's voice had turned fairly civil and calm, "Daughter, how are you feeling?" We'll have breakfast. "Come to the dining table and take your little sister with you.

I obeyed his request, and Donna and I proceeded to the dining table one by one after the other while Rafael sat down on the chair looking fresh, and I assumed he had already taken a bath, and it looked like he had somewhere important to attend to this morning.

While Mom gave us the cups filled with simply hot water, Father transferred the hot, wonderful pansit from the skillet to the large bowl.

My father questioned me, "Daughter, what happened to you earlier and why did you suddenly become dizzy? What Donna was saying and she claimed that you already had a lover, is that true that you have a boyfriend?"

I looked away from Donna and toward my parents.

I apologized for my actions last night and said, "I don't have a boyfriend." It was just a misunderstanding. By the way, I'm sorry. I didn't get to tell you that I'll be at the disco club in the morning.

The conversation was joined by my mother.

I sense the strange concern in my mother's eyes mixed with various emotions from her facial expression; "Daughter, your father and I are worried about you." You are a teenager and you are starting to grow up, so we want you to feel safe and protected because there are a lot of men who might be interested in you that can harm and cause you trouble.

Rafael abruptly entered the conversation as I was ready to respond.

"Sister, that's why we're also a little concerned about what happened to you yesterday. I heard something from my friend Ram Concepcion, who also came from the disco club that you and Jennifer went to. He told me that there was a disturbance there and two men had a fight over a woman, so I thought maybe you were doomed with Jennifer, "

Rafael's eyes caught my attention, but I hardly gave them deep consideration.

I was most concerned that they would learn that I was the woman who started the fight between the two men at the disco club because the story circulated so quickly and what happened actually reached them right away.

I betrayed them, and I feel bad that I can't give them the complete truth, but I'm still reluctant to do so.

I remained silent and just let everything go as Rafael began his narration.

Rafael continued, and I exhaled a sigh of relief. Fortunately, the incident that occurred was settled, and it appears that the middle-aged man who got into a dispute with a young lady at the disco club abruptly disappeared. There is no information about where the woman went.

I gave my father a good response.

"Father, she's not doing anything wrong; if anyone is to blame for what happened, it's me because I frequently act negligently and carelessly even though I strive to act morally and with caution,"

He took my hands and said, "It's fine then. We trust you, so I hope you don't violate the trust between us and your mother." Immediately, my heart eased as I felt my father had pardoned me for my sin.

"Thank you, and please accept my sincere apologies," I exclaimed.

My mother chuckled, "Forgiven? Oh, daughter, we haven't forgiven you yet. You still need to be punished for your transgression. "

My father looked at me, and although I could tell in their eyes that they were merely trying to keep back their laughter, they appeared to be trying to be serious.

I will inquire, "What kind of punishment?"

My mother advised me to prepare a mouthwatering Paksiw fish as a punishment for us.

Rafael and Donna joined the discussion.

"Sister, please prepare Paksiw na Bangus for us."

I shrieked.

Okay, but Rafael will wipe the table while Donna washes the utensils.

My two siblings yelled out in unison.

"ARGH!" but our parents only chuckled until we started eating breakfast.

My mother put the dishes in the sink after we finished eating, and I started to get the basket and my wallet as I prepared to say goodbye to my family and head out to the market.

I moved to the opposite corner to look for a tricycle to ride after walking towards the corner and failing to spot one while I was carrying the basket and umbrella, I was wearing a Spaghetti dress that reached my knees and my legs were visible but I was not wearing anything malicious so that some men would be rude to me passing on the highway. I hadn't been very far when a black Maserati Levante abruptly stopped in front of me on the side of the road. I peered intently to see who was in the car, but the glass was dark, making it impossible for me to make out any faces. I nearly lost my balance as the car door opened suddenly.

I looked up as soon as the person inside the car exited.

The dude appeared to be my age or even younger because of how young he was. He was tall, good-looking, and dressed smartly in a blue suit, a white t-shirt, and a black tie. His gray eyes penetrated my soul, and his black-brown hair shone brightly. He looked intensely and brightly at me.

Until the sly smile appeared on his lips and I suddenly remembered the sight of the young billionaire who kissed me outside the dance club, I was speechless for a long time.

"Finally, we meet again, Miss Corrina G. Fajardo," he said, sounding relieved and content.

A peculiar horror came over me when I learned from him that he called me by my true name.

I turned to glance around, but no one else was traveling along the highway at that moment. I reasoned that no one would be there to see if the young Mafia billionaire killed me.

"AHHH!" I screamed as I stopped and hurriedly fled away till I reached the middle of the road. I was so foolish that I failed to properly consider the possibility that what I did would result in my being hit by cars.